Welcome to the enchanting world of Colorado winter weddings and intimate winter wedding elopements. Colorado’s breathtaking winter landscape, with its snow-capped mountains, serene forests, and cozy lodges, provides an unparalleled backdrop for couples looking to celebrate their love in a truly magical setting. In this blog, we’ll delve into the unique beauty and charm of Colorado during the winter season, explore the numerous benefits of having a Colorado winter wedding or Colorado winter elopement, and offer valuable tips and insights to help you plan the perfect Colorado winter wedding experience. So, grab a warm cup of cocoa and join us as we embark on this snowy adventure!
First, who am I?
I’m Kelly, your Colorado Winter Wedding Photographer!
Beneath the pristine, snow-covered peaks of Colorado, I have found not only my passion but also my canvas. As a photographer who thrives on the magic of capturing moments in the most enchanting of settings, I’ve fallen head over heels for the wondrous embrace of a Colorado winter. Each frosty breath of air feels like an invitation to create memories that will last a lifetime, and it’s with boundless excitement that I embark on this journey to help couples plan their very own Colorado Winter Wedding. With my camera in hand and a heart brimming with love for both winter and the art of photography, I can’t wait to share the secrets to crafting a wedding day that’s as breathtaking as the snow-kissed landscape itself. So, join me as we navigate the snowy path toward crafting the perfect Colorado winter wedding celebration, where love and artistry intertwine in the most captivating way possible.
Why Choose a Colorado Winter Wedding
Ready to turn your wedding into a winter wonderland that even Elsa would be proud of? A Colorado winter wedding offers a spellbinding experience that’s nothing short of magical! With the captivating winter landscape, budget-friendly options, and exhilarating activities up for grabs, you’ll be convinced to say “I do” to a Colorado winter wedding. Let’s dive into the reasons why you should definitely consider walking down a snowy aisle.
A Winter Wonderland Like No Other
Colorado’s got it all – majestic mountains, enchanting forests, and charming towns that are simply irresistible when draped in a snowy blanket. The snow-capped peaks and frost-kissed trees create a dreamy backdrop for your love story to unfold, making your wedding photos look like they’ve been plucked straight from a fairy tale. And let’s not forget the cozy fireplaces and twinkling lights that add a touch of warmth and sparkle to your already magical day.
Budget-Friendly Options
Winter is considered the off-peak season for weddings in Colorado, which means that you can often find better deals and more flexible options for venues, accommodations, and vendors. Many venues and service providers offer discounted rates during the winter months, allowing you to potentially save thousands of dollars on your wedding expenses. This can be especially beneficial for couples on a tight budget or those looking to splurge on other aspects of their wedding, such as the honeymoon, decor, or photography.
Let the Snowy Adventures Begin
One of the coolest (pun intended) parts of a Colorado winter wedding is the array of unique activities waiting to be enjoyed by you and your guests. Skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and ice-skating – it’s like your wedding is doubling as an action-packed winter sports vacation! These activities make for great ice-breakers (yes, another pun) and bonding experiences for your guests. And for the folks who’d rather stay warm and cozy, there’s always a steaming cup of hot cocoa and hearty meals to be shared in good company.
A Colorado winter wedding is like a snow globe come to life – enchanting, whimsical, and oh-so-memorable. With its breathtaking landscape, budget-friendly options, and thrilling winter activities, there’s no doubt that saying “I do” in a Colorado winter wonderland will give your love story the unforgettable, fun, and frosty twist it deserves!
Finding the Perfect Colorado Winter Wedding Venue
When it comes to Colorado winter wedding venues, the options are as diverse as the snowflakes falling from the sky. Whether you’re dreaming of a ski resort extravaganza, a mountain lodge soiree, a cozy intimate elopement in a cabin in the forest, or a quaint inn affair, Colorado has got you covered. Here are some tips to help you find the perfect snowy paradise for your Colorado winter wedding, as well as some suggestions on venues for your Colorado winter wedding:
Consider availability, capacity, location, and amenities
Consider availability, capacity, location, and amenities: While you might be smitten with a venue’s breathtaking views, don’t forget to check if it ticks all the other essential boxes. Can it accommodate all your guests? Is it easily accessible? Are there enough creature comforts to keep everyone warm and toasty? It’s all about striking the perfect balance between a winter wonderland and practicality.
Have a backup plan for inclement weather: Remember, Mother Nature loves surprises, especially during the winter months. Be prepared with a Plan B in case the weather decides to play hardball. Indoor options and heated tents are great alternatives to keep the party going and your guests comfortable.
Colorado Winter Wedding Venues
These venue options should give you a diverse selection to consider for your Colorado winter wedding, catering to various guest capacities and offering unique features that make each one special.
Colorado Winter Wedding Venues for 200+ Guests
The Little Nell
Max guest count: 250 | Location: Aspen | Tidbits: This luxurious ski-in/ski-out resort at the base of Aspen Mountain offers breathtaking views, five-star amenities, and exceptional service. Choose between an elegant indoor ballroom or an outdoor terrace with a heated tent, ensuring a memorable experience no matter the weather.
Devil’s Thumb Ranch
Max guest count: 350 | Location: Tabernash | Tidbits: Surrounded by the picturesque Continental Divide, this rustic yet chic ranch offers an authentic Colorado experience. The venue features several indoor and outdoor event spaces, including a cozy barn, a stunning outdoor pavilion, and an intimate wine cellar.
The Lodge at Breckenridge
Max guest count: 220 | Location: Breckenridge | Tidbits: Perched on a cliff overlooking the historic town of Breckenridge, this charming mountain lodge offers a perfect blend of rustic elegance and modern amenities. With indoor and outdoor ceremony options, your guests will be captivated by the panoramic views of the Tenmile Range.
Vail Mountain Resort
Max guest count: 350 | Location: Vail | Tidbits: Nestled in the heart of the Colorado Rockies, Vail Mountain Resort offers a variety of event spaces, including the stunning mountaintop Wedding Deck and the elegant 10th Mountain Division Hut. Treat your guests to a scenic gondola ride and world-class skiing and snowboarding opportunities.
Timber Ridge Lodge
Max guest count: 200 | Location: Keystone | Tidbits: Accessible only by gondola, this mountaintop lodge offers spectacular views of the surrounding mountain ranges. With vaulted ceilings, a massive stone fireplace, and an outdoor ceremony site, Timber Ridge Lodge creates a warm and inviting atmosphere for your winter wedding.
Della Terra Mountain Chateau
Max guest count: 200 | Location: Estes Park | Tidbits: Located at the entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park, this romantic mountain chateau features luxury suites, a dedicated event space, and an intimate outdoor ceremony site.
San Sophia Overlook
Max guest count: 250 | Location: Telluride | Tidbits: You can take a snow cat up to your ceremony site during your Colorado winter wedding, and then ski down the slopes!
Colorado Winter Wedding Venues for Up To 50 Guests
Alpino Vino
Max guest count: 24 | Location: Telluride | Tidbits: Associated with Tellski Events, this cozy Colorado winter wedding venue is perfect for a small gathering.
Dunton Hot Springs
Max guest count: 44 | Location: Dolores | Tidbits: Where actress Lily Collins got married, Dunton Hot Springs is a majestic Colorado winter wedding venue with tons of activities to participate in during your stay.
Sapphire Point Overlook
Max guest count: 35 | Location: Dillon | Tidbits: This is an outdoor Colorado winter wedding venue that must be reserved. With views of the surrounding mountains, and Dillon reservoir below, it’s a great location for couples wanting a location that is easily accessible, with great views.
Bear Lake
Max guest count: 20 | Location: Rocky Mountain National Park | Tidbits: If you’re looking for a true winter wonderland, including mountain views, and dense snow covered evergreens, consider an outdoor Bear Lake wedding.
Sprague Lake
Max guest count: 30 | Location: Rocky Mountain National Park | Tidbits: Note that the max guest count is 30 in the winter, and that number reduces to 15 in the summer.
Planning a Colorado Winter Wedding – Adventure Elopement Style
When we first spoke with Nicole and Cameron, the plan was to just take some photos to expand our portfolio to show what a Colorado winter wedding could look like. We didn’t have anything to showcase what a snow covered wedding in Colorado could look like, and Nicole and Cameron were down to strap on some snowshoes and have an adventure. The AirBnb was booked, the vendors were hired, and everything was in place. Until Nicole and Cameron woke up to a broken furnace during a cold front that brought in temperatures to negative ten degrees! When they showed up to the AirBnb and told us that they woke up to a broken furnace, I was truly impressed that they didn’t bail on the photoshoot. Needless to say, what started out as a stressful day for them ended up being a day they’ll never forget.
Nicole and Cameron were planning a wedding in Mexico, until COVID became a thing. It kind of threw a wrench in their plans. Travel restrictions, concerns about not being able to get vaccines in time, and conversations with their family members were making it look like a destination wedding in Mexico might not be happening this year. So the newly engaged couple started thinking of alternatives, like so many other couples getting married in 2020 and 2021. They started to wonder, what if during the photoshoot, we just elope? They let this thought sit with them for a few weeks, and decided that they would see how they’re feeling day of, and see if it feels right. If their intuition told them it was their day to get married, then they were going to elope on the snow covered mountains in Colorado. They were going to have a Colorado winter wedding.
Adventure Elopement Theme
The theme for the styled adventure elopement, Colorado winter wedding was easy. We knew we wanted the shoot to be an elopement (because we specialize in elopements), and we knew of a few specific shots we wanted for our portfolio. The shots we knew we wanted to capture to showcase this Colorado winter wedding were 1.) a champagne pop (seltzer water to LNT, learn more about Leave No Trace here.) 2.) “Just Married” hand made signs to hang off the backpacks of the couple 3.) a faux ceremony to showcase vow booklets (which ended up being a REAL ceremony!!) 4.) getting ready photos to show our couples what a full day adventure elopement could look like and 5.) a “first look”. The color scheme for the styled shoot came easy to me. I kept seeing terracotta color palettes mixed with sage green. We added a deep purple for a more winter vibe. For this shoot, the theme and color palette were the easy decisions.
After we had the theme and color palettes picked out, we had to decide on a location for taking the photos. We knew this Colorado winter wedding styled shoot had to take place outdoors and in the snow, which came with it’s own challenges. Guaranteed snow meant high elevation, which meant a chance for high winds and cold temperatures. We knew there was a chance that going out into the elements would not be an option if the temperatures were low enough. We are all about adventure here at In Love and Adventure, but keeping safe is our number one priority. A little snow (or a lot of snow) won’t turn us away, but if anything about the plan at all is unsafe, we are headed down the mountain and getting to a safe spot. It’s just one of those things that comes with choosing to have an adventure elopement. You’re at the mercy of mom nature. We ended up choosing a mountain pass close to Breckenridge, Colorado. Just a short 15 minutes drive south of Breckenridge, and you’ll find this beautiful scenery great for snowshoeing in the winter. If you’re someone who is looking to have a Colorado winter wedding, definitely consider incorporating snowshoeing on your big day! It’s an exciting activity that can lead you to some of the most remote, jaw dropping scenery that Colorado has to offer! Before you head out into the forest for your Colorado winter elopement, check out our blog post on What to Pack for an Adventure Hiking Elopement. This blog post will get you geared up and ready for it all!
Cameron + Nicole’s Colorado Winter Wedding Story
When the big day arrived, Cameron and Nicole showed up and told us the story of their furnace breaking that morning! They quickly reassured us that everything was taken care of, they called who they needed to call, and it was in the works of being fixed. Nothing to worry about! Nicole sat down to begin the professional hair and make up by Rollers & Rouge, and they got to talking about the couples plans to have a destination wedding in Mexico that they’re not sure will pan out. I heard Nicole say, “who knows, maybe we’ll just get married today!” And I thought to myself, how freaking awesome would it be if this styled adventure elopement turned into a real Colorado winter wedding day! As the day goes on, I was busy capturing the getting ready process, the details of the day like the stationery provided by Tasha Rae Designs, the stunning bouquet provided by Compass Rose Floral, the couples backpacks they were going to bring on the hike made by Gregory and Osprey, smaller details that made the day unique like their Vasque hiking boots, the bridal dress from Lulu’s, the groom’s tie and pocket square from Dazi’s, the rings that were bought from Champagne and Grit, and the hand made wooden signs that read, “Just Married”, that were created by the talented Katie Grace Lettering. While capturing all of the details, Alex came up to me and said, “Cameron asked me to officiate a ceremony.”, to which I replied, “like, a real wedding?!” !!! We both were just so excited that this truly awesome couple was planning on getting married in the best way possible. Alex got busy and started writing up a ceremony, while I then went ahead and continued on with the day!
The weather was a concern. In the middle of writing the ceremony speech, Alex kept an eye on the weather at the mountain pass we were planning on going to. We kept hearing him shout out, “it’s up to 27 degrees!”, and we would all cheer and say, “that’s not that bad!” We talked about Plan B’s, alternative locations, but the end decision was to power on with the original mountain pass we had picked out for them. We decided we would try to keep in the trees to get out of the wind, cover Nicole in body warmers, and indulge in a little liquid courage before strapping on our snowshoes and beginning the adventure. If you’re planning a Colorado winter wedding adventure elopement, check out our blog post that will tell you exactly what gear and items you will want to bring here!
Their snow covered first look
We planned the first look by blindfolding Cameron, putting them both in our car, and then driving 5 minutes up the road to the mountain pass. We took Nicole into the woods first, and then followed Alex and Cameron.
We planned the first look in the trees, so we were out of the wind. Cameron had a fun time turning around in his snowshoes. A lot different than a regular first look! Is this the first snowshoeing first look you’ve seen? It was for us!
After the first look, we hiked up the mountain and found their ceremony location. Alex & Cameron made a little circle in the snow for the two of them to stand easily during the ceremony. You can kind of see the mountains trying to peek through the storm clouds, but unfortunately we didn’t get the views we were hoping for their Colorado winter elopement. This is just one of many locations we know of in Colorado. Check out our blog posts on the Best Places to Elope in Colorado.
Celebration
After the ceremony, the happy couple celebrated with wedding cake push pops made by The Dessert Stand (I had one myself and they were delicious!!!), a champagne pop, a few portraits in the snow, and then we turned around and started the snowshoe hike back in the falling snow. It was COLD, but Nicole and Cameron were true adventurers and ended up having the Colorado winter elopement of their dreams.
The vendor team that participated in this styled shoot is nothing short of amazing. They each took the mood board that was created, and brought it to life! They each suggested their own ideas on how to make the styled Colorado winter wedding shoot special and unique, and they each did an amazing job. Just let the pictures speak for themselves.
Beautiful Florals by: Compass Rose Floral
Wedding cake push pops: The Dessert Stand
Stunning Hair and Make up by: Rollers and Rouge
Elopement Announcements and Vow Cards by the talented: Tasha Rae Designs
Handmade “Just Married” Wooden Signs by the talented: Katie Grace Lettering
Photography, Hosting, and Planning by: In Love and Adventure – Elopement Photography
