Cheyenne is Wyoming's capital, a high-plains city with wide skies, western heritage and weather that can change within hours. Couples marrying here have to plan around wind, altitude and a short outdoor season. This guide covers what to expect and how to make sure the day is photographed well enough to fill an album.
Wind, altitude and the weather you should expect
Cheyenne sits at roughly 6,000 feet and is known for wind. Even on a bright day, veils, florals and light decor can be tested by gusts, so choose anchored arches, heavier centerpieces and hairstyles that hold.
Summer days are warm but nights cool quickly, so guests will want layers for evening ceremonies. Spring and fall can bring sudden swings, including late snow in spring and early cold in autumn.
Ask venues about their indoor option, and make a decision on the day, not weeks ahead.
Dress codes help here too. Guests who know it may be windy and cool are more comfortable, and photographs show happier faces.
Choosing a venue
Cheyenne weddings take place in historic downtown buildings, hotels, ranch settings, barns and western-themed venues. The city's heritage gives many couples a natural theme, from boots to wide-brimmed hats.
Visit at the time of day you will marry, and ask about shelter and heating. Outdoor spaces on the plains offer big skies, but not much shade or protection.
Many Cheyenne venues have strong western character, so you may not need much decoration. A well-chosen backdrop, such as a historic building or open prairie, does most of the work.
Ask about sound and power for outdoor ceremonies as well. Wind carries voices away, so a microphone for the officiant helps guests hear your vows.
The best months
June through early September is the main season, with long evenings and warm days. Late July is busy because of the city's famous annual frontier celebration, so check dates against your guests' travel plans.
September and early October can be especially pleasant, with crisp air and golden light. Winter weddings are possible indoors, but travel conditions deserve attention.
If you have relatives coming from out of state, tell them early about elevation. Cheyenne is high enough that some visitors feel it, and drinking water and sunscreen are both worth recommending.
The same date may be busier than you think. Ask venues and vendors about local events that weekend, and book accommodations for your guests early.
Planning the photography
Big skies make dramatic portraits. Ask your photographer about golden-hour sessions on the plains, and be flexible if wind makes one location difficult.
Provide a shot list for family groups and important details. A well-photographed day gives you the range an album needs: wide landscapes, medium frames, and close-ups.
Plan time for a few portraits in the open, even if the wind is strong. Hair and fabric in motion often create the most dynamic frames, and your photographer will know how to work with it.
Printing your Cheyenne album
Folio Forever is a Florida-based online studio that ships to every state, including Wyoming. Upload your photos to the album designer, let Smart Auto-Layout design each spread, then reorder spreads and swap or recrop any image. You approve every page before printing.
Albums come in 12x24, 16x24, 15x30 and 20x30 inches. Prices include 15 spreads and a photo cover, with 12x24 classic from $240 and lay-flat from $275. Wide plains scenes work well on lay-flat pages.
A first look and an unhurried portrait session also give you more variety to choose from. That makes the album design easier, because you have more than one kind of image for each chapter.
Questions
Is wind really a problem in Cheyenne?
It is a common factor on the high plains, so plan for secure decor and a sheltered option for the ceremony.
How much does a 12x24 album cost?
A 12x24 classic starts at $240 with 15 spreads and a photo cover. Lay-flat starts at $275.
Do you ship to Wyoming?
Yes. We ship anywhere in the US with tracking.
Planning an album from your Cheyenne photos? Design it online; you approve every page before it prints. See wedding album sizes and prices or the 20-page wedding magazine.