By Beth Buehler
The destination wedding day is approaching and decisions need to be made. One thing that is totally agreed upon is that both bride and groom are looking for beyond-the-norm nuptials. The bride wants to walk through a field of wildflowers, no problem. The groom wants local craft beer at the reception, check. You both enjoy visiting vineyards but don’t want the price tag of Napa Valley, so Palisade and Grand Junction provide options. Fun ideas and unique opportunities abound in Colorado for destination weddings and receptions.
Beautiful Vistas – There is no shortage of fantastic wedding locations with scenery, from rolling greens and fairways at a golf course clubhouse and split-rail fencing and barns on a ranch to towering mountains engulfed in snow and sparkling city skylines. Consider photo options and the season when the wedding will be held to help narrow it down.
River Valley Ranch Golf Club’s clubhouse in Carbondale has a beautiful golf course backdrop. Courtesy River Valley Ranch Golf Club.
Incorporate Favorite Activities – As weddings become more and more personalized, it’s the perfect chance to tap into activities a couple enjoys. Those who love to fish, raft or kayak may want to say “I do” by a meandering river. If skiing was part of growing up years or dates along the way, a ski area wedding might be the ticket with a reception mid-mountain or at the base area.
Wedding guests boarding the gondola in Snowmass. Courtesy Aspen Skiing Company.
Distinct Venues – Colorado is blessed with venues that truly have wow factor for weddings. Many resorts and hotels have wedding lawns with function space nearby for a reception. Ranches offer a distinct twist and Western flavor to nuptials, with plenty of options for fun décor and even a dramatic arrival on horseback or sleigh. It is possible to tie the knot at a sports venue or at least have a reception there, plus what a great option for bachelor and bachelorette parties to see the couple’s favorite team in action.
A casual bar setup complete with barrels and wheelbarrows. Courtesy Church Ranch Event Center.
Elevated Weddings & Receptions – The abundance of rooftop pools and bars, mountaintop venues, and rooms with skyscraper views is one of Colorado’s best wedding assets. Rooftop and upper-story views abound especially in Denver and mountaintop venues are sprinkled throughout the state but especially in ski towns like Aspen, Crested Butte, Vail and Winter Park.
Mountaintop wedding at Winter Park. Courtesy Winter Park Resort.
Casual to Glamorous – From cowboy boots and flip flops to black ties and gowns, Colorado can go from casual to formal and anywhere in between in a snap. Match a venue, décor and lodging to the approach being taken. Are the bride and groom graduates of University of Colorado, Colorado State University or another college? Book space at your alma mater and encourage guests to wear an item from that school. Love to garden and be outdoors? Book a casual or dressy wedding in a public or private garden and follow up with a farmer’s market-style reception.
Denver’s EXDO Event Center can be glamorous or have a warehouse, urban feel. Courtesy EXDO Event Center
The opportunities are nearly endless to have your destination wedding and reception in Colorado that are truly one-of-a-kind and made for the memory books.
Beth Buehler is editor of Colorado Meetings + Events and Mountain Meetings magazines, has planned numerous meetings and events and enjoys exploring Colorado in all seasons.
