Classic Destination Wedding Venues

Historic Haunts: Historic Venues for a Timeless Wedding
Words by Carolyn Steere

Imagine a wedding where you and your guests can step back in time to the excitement of the Roaring Twenties, the charm of the historic southwest or the grandeur of the Victorian era. Envision yourself walking down the aisle in a setting rich with tradition and charming ambiance. Consider beginning your own love story in a setting steeped in history.

Sophisticated Grandeur in NYC
Our journey through time begins in New York City at the “Grand Dame of Madison Avenue,” the Roosevelt Hotel, which opened its doors in 1924, at the height of the Roaring Twenties era. Home to Guy Lombardo and his orchestra, the Roosevelt Grill became part of New Years Eve tradition, where for 30 years “Auld Lang Syne” was broadcast.  Over the last 86 years, the Roosevelt Hotel has welcomed guests from all around the world and continues to be the backdrop in many motion pictures and television shows.

As you step through the revolving doors of the Roosevelt Hotel, it is as if you are stepping back in time. If you envision walking down the aisle under soaring ceilings, crystal chandeliers and surrounded by elegant arched windows, the Roosevelt Hotel may be the perfect choice for your destination wedding. Three distinctly different classically-styled ballrooms have been the setting where thousands of couples have exchanged vows and started their lives together.

An Enchanting Santa Fe Alternative
The natural beauty of New Mexico and abundant heritage of celebrated Santa Fe envelopes the intimate setting of La Posada de Santa Fe Resort and Spa. La Posada began as a Victorian style mansion built in 1882 by Santa Fe merchant, Abraham Staab. Located on the prestigious Palace Avenue, it became one of the “places to be and be seen” for the local society at that time. 

As you enter the present La Posada de Santa Fe, you can’t escape the feeling that you are entering a simpler time as the serene and peaceful atmosphere welcomes you. David Stone, La Posada’s wedding expert makes planning your event a breeze and you can trust him with the details, knowing everything is under control. The adobe style architecture, vibrant artwork and picturesque courtyards invite you and your guests to relax and renew in anticipation of your special day. There are a multitude of settings for your ceremony and reception within the resort walls and you can also be assured of excellent cuisine prepared by Executive Chef Mary Nearn.

Victorian Elegance in Aspen
Nestled in a pristine alpine valley known for being the playground for the rich and famous, Main Street is the heart of Aspen, Colorado and the location of the historic Hotel Jerome. Built in 1889, this crown jewel of hospitality combines timeless elegance with rustic charm. The hotel was designed to rival the Ritz Hotel in Paris with hot and cold running water and steam heat—a rare luxury for those times. The grand opening gala on Thanksgiving Eve, 1889 was quite the event, attended by elite guests from across the globe.  Uniformed bellmen escorted dapper gentlemen wearing top hats and lavishly attired and corseted ladies into the elegant ballroom.

Fast forward to 2011. The Hotel Jerome has been through many seasons, but was lovingly restored in 1985 with great effort to protect the integrity of its original elegance. Vintage furniture, rich wood details, original light fixtures and custom-matched wallpapers transport you back to the later 1800’s.

The Hotel Jerome can accommodate a small, intimate wedding or a lavish affair that rivals its grand opening gala. Thanks to a new partnership with the Wheeler/Stallard Museum & Estate, couples can elect to hold their ceremony in the lush gardens outside the original Queen Anne-style Victorian home built by Jerome Wheeler.

Hawaiian Allure in the Pacific
Over 1200 guests attended one of the most elegant social events Honolulu has ever seen…a black-tie gala in celebration of the opening of The Royal Hawaiian in 1927. The six-story Spanish-Moorish style hotel is situated on legendary Waikiki beach, where King Kamehameha celebrated after conquering the Island of O’ahu and the site of Queen Kaahumanu’s summer palace. Prior to World War II, the Royal Hawaiian Hotel was the preferred choice for well known celebrities and heads of state, but in January 1942 was leased to the US Navy as a recreation center for those serving in the Pacific Fleet. It was renovated and reopened as a resort in 1947 and has since gone through additional restorations, most recently in 2008, carefully highlighting its historic features.

The “Pink Palace of the Pacific,” set against the backdrop of the azure Pacific and lush grounds where Hawaiian Royalty played, is one of the most romantic wedding venues that you can imagine.

Romance is timeless and inviting your guests to share your day in a setting rich in history only adds to the charm and unique character of your wedding—making it truly memorable.