Since Mr. Cookie and I are getting married at an elevation of 10,234 feet, I feel it’s necessary to warn our guest about the possibility of altitude sickness. To be honest, I don’t think anybody will get sick, however it affects people differently (I am really more concerned about the affects of altitude on our older guests rather then the younger ones). And with all the debauchery, shenanigans, and inebriation that I know will ensue at the wedding, I thought we would give our guests a heads-up.
What is altitude sickness? The above photo is a sign from Mount Evans, one of Colorado’s Fourteeners, warning about the dangers of high altitude. According to WebMD:
Altitude sickness occurs when you cannot get enough oxygen from the air at high altitudes. This causes symptoms such as a headache and not feeling like eating. It happens most often when people who are not used to high altitudes go quickly from lower altitudes to 8000 ft or higher. For example, you may get a headache when you drive over a high mountain pass, hike to a high altitude, or arrive at a mountain resort.
Mild altitude sickness is common. In the United States, more than 20% of people visiting the western mountains have it.1 Experts do not know who will get it and who will not. Your age, being male or female, and how physically fit you are play no role in whether you get altitude sickness.
Really the best way to avoid altitude sickness is to acclimate, which is the process of adjusting to the decreasing oxygen levels at lower altitudes before accending to high ones. Unbeknownst to our guests, we have devised a plan to acclimate them to the altitude. Since many of our guest are coming from sea level or slightly higher, we asked that they stay a night in Denver before heading up into the high country, not only to acclimate, but to enjoy our rehearsal dinner. At 5,900 feet (the elevation that Mr. Cookie and I live) they will begin the acclimation process while dining on roasted pig without even knowing it.
Also, on our web site I have a devoted a special page to all topics related to mountain health: altitude sickness, the affects of alcohol and caffeine at altitude, weather, and sun exposure. Although none of our guests are climbing Mount Everest to get to our wedding, I want all them to have a good time. The last thing I want for them is to be stuck in their hotel room sick and miss all the fun!
Is your venue posing any special challenges for your guests?
That is a really good idea. My stepfather went to a wedding in the mountains in colorado and they had to bring him back down due to lightheadedness and dizziness. He had heart problems and apparently this is a common happening. You might make a special mention about people with heart problems. Some of them might not even think twice about it.
I think it’s very thoughtful of you to that. I have a lot of family in Utah, and when I visit them I feel very sick for the first day, so your guests will definitley appreciate it!
You are so cleaver, with your mid-altitude RD! 
I get stoned and stupid at anything over 10,000 feet. But I tend to feel normal unless there’s heavy exertion involved, then my heart beats very fast and I feel “slow.” And I’m physically fit! So yeah, it affects everyone differently. Be careful! 
Did you use a wedding website program for your website? i like the design!
I’m getting married in Colorado and definitely appreciate your altitude advice, Miss Cookie! I have a hunch that the altitude is going to get to my FMIL.
@Miss Gingerbread: Ditto! You totally used the same clever thing I was going to
that is a great idea. i doubt your guests would even think of it because that possibility didn’t even occur to me when i first read about your location.
I know you are posting the alcohol info on your web site, but you may want to remind people again if you are serving alcohol at your reception. I used to live in CO & moved there from Austin. I had to force myself to drink more water. I also heard dramamine can help. Good luck!
ohhh yeah. i moved from chicago to wyoming, and it took me weeks to realize that 1 drink with any liquor in it got me drunk right off the bat. it took a good month before i aclimitized.
Also; some people may experience a more embarassing form of altitude sickness: crazy farts and the need to poop a whole lot. not fun, but slightly funny.
That’s a great and really thoughtful idea - and so smart about the rehearsal dinner! Also, I’ve noticed that a lot of places at similar heights have emergency oxygen tanks around… might be worth looking into at your venue.
Our venue is pretty remote, so we’re providing shuttle buses from a few of the places people are staying. This will hopefully be used by anyone who drinks, but also by people who don’t like driving at night on country roads.
I never believed in altitude sickness until I went skiing. I couldn’t sleep at all, my head pounded harder than it ever had before, and I got sick to my stomach. This was after spending a week at 5,000 feet before heading higher! The next time I went I drank a TON of water, and took Tylenol PM to help sleep, and I did much better. I recommend proving your guests many large bottles of water.
i was woozy at 8000 ft and im fit also! it definately affected me, but thats maybe because we drove straight up and didnt take the time to acclimate. i usually live on the ocean.
Mrs. Cookie, Denver
Age and Occupation: 25, Nonprofit Fundraiser/Theatre Designer
Fiance's Age and Occupation: 27, Financial Analyst
Engagement Date: September 2007
Wedding Date: September 2008
Blogging Since: May 8, 2008
Venue: Ten Mile Station
About Me: With a degree in Theatre I never realized that planning a wedding was a lot like Theatre Management, until I started planning my own. I am a coffee addict, especially Starbucks' Grande Mochas, yummy! I love to cook (especially chocolate chip cookies for my honey), travel to exotic places, and be creative. As a couple, Mr. Cookie and I are extremely practical, down to earth, and children at heart. We live in a cozy abode with our adorable Pomeranian, and love to play board games and watch movies into the evening.
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It’s so thoughtful of you to think of that! I’m sure your guests will appreciate it (whether they realize it or not)! Even something as simple as a headache can be a sign of early altitude sickness, and I’ve heard from some professional mountain climber friends that taking some Ibuprofen before the ascent can prevent a lot of the symptoms. Maybe you can include some in your welcome bags for the out of town guests!