Planning a Dream Destination Wedding in Colorado
Planning a wedding is already an adventure, so why not take it to the next level with a destination wedding in Colorado? You’ll find towering mountains, vibrant wildflowers, and venues ranging from rustic lodges to luxury resorts. Colorado delivers on every level, whether you dream of exchanging vows under a canopy of aspens or partying with your crew in a cozy mountain town. And let’s not forget the built-in excuse for a mini-vacation—your guests will thank you for the chance to explore the great outdoors or sip craft beer. The backdrop turns your wedding or elopement into something unforgettable and highly photogenic.
Why Have a Destination Wedding in Colorado?
Why choose Colorado for your wedding? I don’t know—maybe because it’s drop-dead gorgeous year-round? Wildflower meadows in the summer, golden aspen trees in the fall, snow-dusted mountains in winter, or vibrant spring blooms. Colorado’s scenery shows up no matter the season. There’s no shortage of adventure either—think skiing, hiking, or even soaking in a hot spring if you want to sneak in some zen before the big day. And for your guests, it’s the perfect excuse for a mountain getaway. Trust me, there’s nothing like being surrounded by views that make everyone’s jaws drop during your wedding celebration.
Some Top Wedding Venues & Destinations in CO
Let me play matchmaker if you’re hunting for the perfect wedding spot in Colorado. If you love luxury, then you’ll love Aspen. For a cozy, storybook vibe, Telluride’s charming mountain town has spots with killer views. Vail brings a mix of posh and natural beauty. Then there’s Breckenridge, a charming mountain town that perfectly balances adventure and sophistication, where you can tie the knot at luxury venues surrounded by breathtaking alpine views. Each place is stunning, so the only challenge is picking one. No pressure, but let’s break it down:
Vail
- Sonnenalp Hotel: A European-style hotel known for its luxurious accommodations and event spaces.
- Piney River Ranch: A private, rustic venue with upscale services and breathtaking scenery. Here is a guide on how to plan your wedding in Vail at Piney River Ranch!
- The Arrabelle at Vail Square: A lavish hotel offering elegant ballrooms and rooftop event spaces.
Aspen
- The Little Nell: A five-star hotel offering sophisticated event spaces with stunning mountain views.
- Hotel Jerome: A historic yet modern venue providing elegant settings for weddings.
- T-Lazy-7 Ranch: A picturesque ranch offering a blend of rustic charm and luxury amenities.
Telluride
- Gold Mountain Ranch: A private ranch house with a ceremony lawn giving an exclusive view of Telluride’s village.
See this real wedding at Gold Mountain Ranch!
- San Sophia Overlook: An outdoor venue with panoramic views of the San Juan Mountains.
- The Peaks Resort and Spa: A luxury resort offering comprehensive wedding services and stunning vistas.
Breckenridge
- TenMile Station: A luxury mountain lodge with rustic elegance and panoramic views of the Rockies.
- The Lodge at Breckenridge: A boutique hotel offering upscale amenities and breathtaking vistas, perfect for intimate weddings.
- Sapphire Point Overlook: A scenic, high-end outdoor venue offering stunning views of Dillon Reservoir and the surrounding mountains.
Colorado Wedding Planning Tips
Planning a Colorado wedding comes with unique quirks, but don’t worry—I’ve got you covered. First, venue selection is a biggie. These spots book up faster than you think, so lock yours down early, and don’t forget to consider how easy (or not) it is for your guests to get there. Regarding logistics, dealing with Colorado’s altitude is no joke—remind everyone to hydrate like it’s their job. On the bright side, getting legally hitched here is refreshingly simple. Bonus: Colorado lets you self-solemnize, so you can skip the officiant and keep things extra personal. To learn more about self-solemnization, click here! And when it comes to your guests, make their lives easier with clear recommendations for lodging and transportation—because no one wants to play “find the Airbnb” at 10,000 feet.
Making Your Colorado Wedding Day Unique
The cool thing about a destination wedding in Colorado wedding is the scenery does half the work. You can’t go wrong with backdrops like Maroon Bells, mountain villages, and Rocky Mountain National Park. Schedule those golden hour shots (sunrise or sunset) to make the most of it. Pro tip: hire a local photographer who knows the area like the back of their hand—because no one wants to search for the perfect spot on your big day. For a personal touch, lean into Colorado’s vibe by serving local craft beers or wines, and why not throw in an adventure? Group hikes, spa days, or even a pre-wedding snowshoe trek or ski run can make your wedding weekend unforgettable.
Colorado Wedding Photographer | Whitney Rae Photography
Colorado is the ultimate trifecta for your destination wedding: unreal beauty, endless adventure, and just the right amount of romance. Wherever you choose, this place knows how to set the mood. Ready to bring your vision to life? Click here to chat about locations, timelines, and all things making your Colorado wedding as unforgettable as it deserves to be. I’m here to help every step of the way—plus, I promise we’ll have a little fun, too!
TL;DR: As a Colorado wedding photographer, my approach to documenting your day will result in timeless wedding images that accurately resemble you. From the big celebrations to the not so small in-between moments you aren't even aware are happening, the images I deliver will help you relive the day for years to come. When it comes to your wedding day, the moments you want to remember aren't always perfect, staged or scripted, they are uncut, raw and true to you.
AN HONEST WEDDING EXPERIENCE
I believe in
“Photography takes an instant out of time, altering life by holding it still”
Words I Live by
Let's Connect
I'm WHITNEY.
*Virtual Wave*
Hello! I feel beyond honored that you've made your way here! In order to give you the best representation of who you'll be spending your wedding day (one of the best days you'll live) with, here's a brief run down!
First and foremost, I'm a mountain gal through and through. I was born and raised in Vail, Colorado and unless it's another mountain town, my husband and I will always call this home. It's the tightly knit community, the fresh air (but really, it hits different here), the scenery and most importantly for us, the recreation + lifestyle. This is something that will always come through in my work, and what I believe sets me just a little bit apart - I am, and will forever be, inspired by the poetry of love in landscapes.
I have a deep desire to be on the move, to see everything before I don't have the opportunity to, and are therefore happiest when traveling and exploring new places (which I feel so lucky is a part of my work!)
Spending quality time hiking/biking/skiing/camping with my husband and our two border collies, clocking in some R&R at home or catching up with a friend over a glass of wine/craft beer are things that always sit at the top of the priority list.
If you're in to it- I'm a Libra, A Manifesting Generator (6-2) and an Enneagram 7 Wing 6/8. In short, I'm a people person, an optimist, and for lack of better terms- like to get shit done and make things happen. I'm a feeler, with a strong sense of empathy and sense of what people are experiencing, both when it comes to myself and others. I'm a bit of a goof, a tiny little thing packed with some sass, and ultimately just want to live a fun and adventurous life that's packed with new experiences and people.
..I guess that's why I do what I do. I feel so grateful to be on this journey of having my own business where I have freedom to curate the life I want to live, where I get to connect with truly so many amazing humans, travel to some really beautiful places, and document that as a whole, as creatively and beautifully as I can for you.
"she made the day feel so easy and seamless"
