Destination Wedding Hot Spots in Colorado

Romance in the Rockies
Words by Carolyn Steere
Breckenridge Image courtesy of IN Photography

High in the Rocky Mountains sits an alpine village so close to perfection that it almost seems to step out of a fairy tale. Town center has a picturesque skating rink surrounded by intriguing shops and restaurants. It’s all steps away from the gondola that takes you to the summit where mountain meets sky and the views take your breath away.   

Do you envision a small wedding with just a few family and friends? Trapper’s Cabin has amazing views and is just the place to get away from it all – literally! Situated at 9,500 feet on top of Beaver Creek Mountain, this rustic four bedroom cabin allows seclusion without sacrificing luxury. Every need is met by your personal chef and cabin keeper. Or, consider Beano’s Cabin a rustic eatery nestled in a meadow at the foot of Grouse Mountain. Its open lawn and wraparound deck provide incredible views during the warmer months, and inside the vaulted ceilings, antler chandeliers and huge stone fireplace make for a cozy and intimate setting for weddings even in the chilliest seasons.

 SaddleRidge is a unique venue where your guests can take a step back in time and explore artifacts from the past as well as a frontier atmosphere complete with railroad chandeliers. Another option is the Spruce Saddle Lodge where you can accommodate 200-600 guests for a mountain-top wedding they will remember for a lifetime. The Ritz Carlton Bachelors Gulch (left) takes pride in making wedding day dreams come true whether under the blue skies, evening stars of summer or a soft dusting of snow. For the couple who prefer to exchange vows in a church setting, any of the venues can be combined with a ceremony at the idyllic creek-side Beaver Creek Chapel located steps from the heart of town. 

Great accommodations for your guests abound in Beaver Creek, including The Pines Lodge where you can enjoy quiet seclusion and unmatched views from the spacious rooms without sacrificing all the creature comforts you could ask for. 

The Osprey at Beaver Creek is a newly renovated lodge located in the heart of town. Alpine-chic décor, personalized services and every amenity you can imagine make this a great choice for an alpine vacation or destination wedding.

A destination wedding to a mountaintop village in Switzerland may not be feasible, but a domestic location like Vail may be just as fitting and much more accessible.

Every season awakens a new beauty in this quaint destination and provides an exquisite backdrop for an alpine wedding. The elegant new hotel, The Arrabelle at Vail Square (below) combines old world charm, modern convenience and a central location. The resort offers a wide variety of options for your ceremony, reception and the spontaneous gatherings throughout your event. The Lodge at Vail, conveniently located in the heart of the main village, has been a longtime favorite gathering place for events of all kinds. Elegant ballrooms, intimate courtyards and colorful gardens are all settings to choose from. It’s highly acclaimed Wildflower Restaurant offers views of snowcapped mountains in the winter or a patio dining experience in the summer in addition to an award winning eclectic menu.

This historic mining town has morphed into a world-class ski resort with charm, energy, awe-inspiring vistas and a host of affordable wedding venues and accommodations to choose from. Your guests will also appreciate the variety of activities in every season (including summer dog sledding). 

If you want to say your “I Do’s” at the top of the world surrounded by treasured loved ones and fields of colorful wildflowers, Ten Mile Station (left) may be your perfect choice. Available from late May through September, this unique wedding venue can accommodate up to 200 guests for a unique mountaintop experience both indoors and out. 

A very family-friendly option to consider is the new One Ski Hill Place complete with a on-site bowling alley, movie room and aquatic center. The kids (and their parents) will love that it is close to the Peak 8 Fun Park and a short gondola ride down into town.

The Colorado frontier meets rustic elegance in Keystone. Located only 50 minutes from Denver, the resort community offers convenient accessibility without sacrificing mountain ambiance.

The cozy and quaint Ski Tip Lodge opened in 1947 as Colorado’s first ski lodge and continues to be the site of intimate dinners, romantic retreats and charming weddings. Log walls, authentic antiques, handmade quilts and warm ambience with an absence of modern day distractions combine to create its serene atmosphere. Awaiting you at Keystone Ranch are extraordinary cuisine, the rustic feel of a 1930’s Ranch homestead, spectacular views of Swan Mountain and the Ten Mile range combined with the expertise of seasoned wedding professionals. 

The breathtaking beauty of the Rockies, wide range of seasonal activities, diversity of wedding settings and exceptional cuisine make Colorado a perfect choice for a destination wedding. Close your eyes, envision your day and let the magic happen.  

Denver
Words by Jennifer Stein

In the heart of downtown Denver is one of my favorites of the Ritz-Carlton collection. New to the brand, the Ritz-Carlton, Denver offers guests upscale accommodations, fine dining at Elway’s, spectacular décor, decadent spa amenities and that extra little “something.” 

It comes in the form of a chocolate-dipped brownie lollipop at Elway’s (aka, death by chocolate), a dog bed delivered to your room (if you’re traveling with your furry friends) along with a personal note letting you know they are happy to walk your pet any time. It’s also the fully-equipped gym attached to the hotel – complete with basketball court, fitness classes and more, not to mention their Club Level. For a very reasonable charge, the Club Level gives guests access to a personalized experience with a dedicated concierge (giving you access to things like hard to get reservations, flight changes etc.), five food presentations per day including my personal favorite: cordials and chocolates served after 9pm. If you’re in the mood for champagne at two in the afternoon, just head over to the Club Lounge and pour yourself a flute.

The hotel itself is in one of the most ideal locations and is within walking distance to many of the main attractions in the area. A destination wedding here would keep your guests busy for a solid week. The property also has several views of the Rockies, so although it is a “city hotel” it feels like a true destination hotel by the signature service, the location and the views outside the windows.

The Ritz-Carlton Denver offers up a true luxury experience with that extra little “something.” After all, isn’t it the little things that count?