Wedding planners looking to offer clients a unique alternative to celebrating their wedding might want to explore the hidden gems located in Colorado and Utah for that special day.

What could be cozier than saying “I do” surrounded by cool mountain breezes and the unique mystique of Mother Nature? The brilliant mountain flowers and lush foliage of spring, summer and autumn or the magic of winter with the stunning backdrop of snow-capped mountains and glistening trees beckon. Added to that, a host of outdoor activities over the wedding weekend provide an exciting touch to the festivities.

While beach weddings have long been popular, wedding planner Aimee Griffin, Owner of A. Griffin Events, said that may be changing as couples are looking for a “different experience.”

“Beach weddings aren’t always popular because a lot of people don’t love the sand,” she said. “They see it as a drawback. COVID really put a push on outdoor weddings and drove up their popularity and couples are looking for something different. Many are looking for something cooler like the breeze of mountain weddings.

“The cost isn’t necessarily better. Weddings in those settings are comparable and if the cost is higher, people tend to do a smaller guest count so that they can get their dream wedding in the mountains.”

Several ALHI properties in Colorado and Utah offer that opportunity with wedding planners and couples more and more looking at those venues for an alternative for that special event.

Colorado

The Sebastian Vail

The Sebastian Vail offers enchanting weddings for every season. Located in the heart of Vail Village, its location surrounded by the majestic Rocky Mountains adds to the enchanted ambiance.

In warm weather, couples can select a picturesque terrace or courtyard with a backdrop of a lush green paradise with vibrant wildflowers and scenic mountain views.

Winters offer a setting of snowy mountains and snow-kissed trees, enjoyed from the vantage point of a warm, cozy indoor ballroom with an oversized fireplace. Outdoor weddings are also available with powerful heaters and plush blankets to keep everyone warm.

Garden of the Gods Resort and Club

Tucked along the edge of the stunning red rock formations of Garden of the Gods punctuated by awe-inspiring Rocky Mountain vistas, this property in Colorado Springs was voted the No. 2 Resort for a Destination Wedding by the 2023 USA Today 10 Best Reader’s Choice Awards. Indoor and outdoor venues set the stage for a memorable wedding any time of year while a host of activities assure much for guests to do in between events—hike, ride mountain bikes or saddle up and horseback ride through the scenic terrain of Pike’s Peak.

For a soothing change of pace, a full-service spa and Himalayan salt room are sure to rejuvenate everyone.

Omni Interlocken Hotel

This property in Broomfield offers year-round options for weddings, both indoors and out.  Beautifully landscaped gardens, golf course fairways and a pool area with cascading waterfalls are ideal for an outdoor ceremony or reception. When the chill is in the air, three charming ballrooms can accommodate up to 600 guests.

Cheyenne Mountain Resort A Dolce Hotel by Wyndham

Romance abounds at this Colorado Springs resort, promising the ideal wedding venue. Tucked between lush valleys and breath-taking mountain views, couples have several indoor and outdoor options for that special moment. Resort activities include swimming, golf, tennis, basketball, volleyball, and a full-service workout center and spa.

The Broadmoor

This iconic Forbes Five-Star and AAA Five-Diamond resort in Colorado Springs blends tradition with stellar hospitality and a variety of adventures to accompany that special wedding weekend. Venues range from the stunning Lake Terrace dining room and rustic Cheyenne Lodge to a variety of inspiring indoor and outdoor choices.

Sonesta Denver Downtown

Recently renovated rooms and suites provide a comfortable landing pad for special wedding weekends in downtown Denver, surrounded by breathtaking views of the Rocky Mountains. Weddings can be held in the elegant ballroom or in specially created intimate spaces for smaller celebrations.

Gateway Canyons Resort & Spa

Nestled in the heart of red rock country, stunning views and endless outdoor adventures provide an exciting stage on which to host the perfect wedding weekend. Elegant or rustic indoor and outdoor venues beckon in which to say, “I do.” In between events, guests can scale the peaks, go horseback riding, unearth dinosaur bones, or pamper themselves in the welcoming spa.

Utah

Stein Eriksen Lodge

Tucked into Utah’s serene Deer Valley, this resort blends nature with comfort for weddings year-round. Mountain views offer a magnificent stage for outdoor weddings on open-air patios throughout the year while the rustic lodge offers a cozy ambiance with wood-burning fireplaces for winter celebrations. Luxurious guest and bridal suites, one-on-one meetings with wedding organizers and culinary teams, and plenty of recreational activities for guests, including a Forbes 5-Star spa, assure the perfect wedding experience.

The Chateaux Deer Valley

This Forbes 4-Star resort offers the cozy ambiance of a European chalet and is walking distance to one of the top ski resorts in the country. Amenities include a heated pool and two hot tubs and onsite Le Spa Chateaux. Cena Ristorante serves tasty Italian cuisine and Cena Lounge has live music, bar service and a small bites menu.

The Grand America Hotel

This luxurious European-style hotel located in the heart of Salt Lake City offers an elegant choice for that special day. Their expert wedding team can provide everything with opulent venues, tasty catering, bridal party pampering, and honeymoon suites. The Forbes 5-Star spa offers a full roster of soothing treatments and couples’ massages as well as salon facilities and an indoor and outdoor pool.

Little America Hotel

This tastefully furnished 17-story high-rise, located in downtown Salt Lake City, offers sweeping views of the Wasatch Mountains along with elegant ballrooms and cozy settings in which to host weddings. Their expert staff is available to arrange everything from curated menus to customized spaces.

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