Colorado Destination Wedding Guide ~ Fall Wedding Edition
Rocky Mountain fall weddings are a true luxury experience! The stunning beauty of changing colors and crisp mountain air leave all in attendance awestruck. Our ultimate fall wedding guide will help you begin planning your dream destination wedding in the mountains of Colorado.
Photo Credit: Lyndsey Leach Photography at Heather and Ryans Fall Wedding
Rocky Mountain Fall wedding colors are breathtaking and add a backdrop that just cannot be replicated anywhere else. With golden aspen leaves, crisp mountain air, and unbelievable backdrops, autumn weddings in Colorado create an unforgettable experience. However, hosting an outdoor wedding in this stunning setting requires careful planning to ensure an enjoyable and seamless event. If you're a couple searching for the perfect venue that details out your wedding vision, La Joya Dulce is the place for you. Having hosted over 125 weddings we have perfected the wedding experience for you and your guests.
Why Choose a Fall Wedding in the Colorado Rockies?
Unparalleled Scenery: The vibrant golds, reds, and oranges of the aspen trees provide an enchanting backdrop for wedding photos. La Joya Dulce has 73 acres with varying patches of color due to the variety of trees and plants on the property that change at different times, so no matter what the fall season has in store our couples get to enjoy the color.
Perfect Weather: Crisp, cool temperatures with plenty of sunshine make for a comfortable outdoor ceremony and reception. We love hosting outdoor receptions alfresco so the true fall beauty can be experienced to its fullest.
Off-Peak Benefits: Fall weddings can sometimes be more affordable than peak summer dates, with more vendor availability in some areas.
Unique Seasonal Touches: Incorporate fall-inspired elements like cozy blankets, spiced cider, and rustic decor to enhance the experience. Adding experiences like fire pits, smores carts, and hot cocoa bars really helps create that cozy mountain feel perfect for your wedding day.
Photo Credit: Callie Reisling at Stephanie and Toms Fall Wedding
Considerations for Hosting a Fall Wedding in the Rockies
Choosing the Right Venue
Clearly if you are here you know which venue is our favorite😉. The venue you choose sets the stage for your entire wedding experience. Think about the pieces of your wedding that you are most excited about and choose a venue that not only suits those desires but has options to customize as well! If a fall mountain wedding is what you want make sure your venue showcases all the reasons you love it so much.
Customization: It is YOUR day! Make sure you are not settling for a cookie cutter wedding that someone else had two days before. Choose a venue that can be tailored to fit the vision you have for one of the most important days of your life. Our extensive inventory, flexible three-day event experiences, and options of customizable spaces are all in place to ensure that your Colorado mountain wedding is representative of who you are as a couple. Your guests will see YOU in every detail.
La Joya Dulce has several options both indoor and outdoor to use no matter what the weather throws our way. We pride ourselves on the customization we get to offer our couples, ensuring that their day perfectly represents who they are as a couple.
Photo Credit: Bultedaob Photography at Kyra and Trevor’s Fall Wedding
2. Weather Preparedness
Fall in the Rockies can be unpredictable, with temperature swings and the possibility of early snowfall. Consider these weather-related tips:
Have an indoor or covered backup plan for ceremonies and receptions. Make sure you have heating sources figured out. La Joya Dulce has several heating options for cooler weather.
Provide space heaters or fire pits for guest comfort. La Joya Dulce’s barn is conditioned and we have patio heaters, two outdoor fire pits, and an additional industrial sized heater for our pavilion.
Offer blankets or shawls as thoughtful (and Instagram-worthy) wedding favors. Fall wedding details are so cozy and wonderful. We love the blankets to cuddle, the s’mores over a fire, specialty cocoa bars and warm flickering candles.
Photo Credit: Seedhouse Photography and Jess and Sam’s Fall Wedding
3. Timing and Lighting
With the days getting shorter in the fall, plan the ceremony timing accordingly to take advantage of natural daylight for photos. Golden hour (the hour before sunset) provides the most romantic lighting for stunning portraits. We also have a gorgeous alpenglow that highlights the mountain setting. Adored photographers like Drake and Co Photography and Kari Geha Photography are experts at capturing the fall light for your wedding photos.
4. Seasonal Decor and Themes
Incorporate the beauty of the season into the wedding theme with:
Natural decor (wood, pumpkins, dried flowers, and candles)
Seasonal menu options (butternut squash soup, apple cider cocktails, pumpkin spice desserts)
Warm color palettes (deep reds, burnt oranges, rustic browns) Some of our favorites are:
Rustic Elegance
Colors: Burnt orange, deep burgundy, mustard yellow, and forest green.
Vibe: Warm, cozy, and nature-inspired, perfect for barn or lodge weddings.
Best Pairings: Wooden accents, dried florals, and candlelit receptions.
Moody & Romantic
Colors: Dark plum, deep navy, emerald green, and soft mauve.
Vibe: Elegant and dramatic, ideal for mountain venues with moody autumn skies.
Best Pairings: Velvet table runners, gold accents, and dramatic floral installations.
Sunset Tones
Colors: Terracotta, dusty rose, caramel, and golden yellow.
Vibe: Warm and ethereal, mirroring the golden aspen trees of the Rockies.
Best Pairings: Pampas grass, vintage glassware, and bohemian-style decor.
Earthy Neutrals
Colors: Sage green, taupe, ivory, and copper.
Vibe: Understated and timeless, blending seamlessly with mountain scenery.
Best Pairings: Minimalist florals, linen tablecloths, and rustic wooden signage.
Jewel Tones
Colors: Ruby red, sapphire blue, emerald green, and gold.
Vibe: Luxurious and bold, standing out against the crisp fall landscape.
Best Pairings: Gold flatware, lush greenery, and velvet fabrics.
Classic Autumn
Colors: Pumpkin orange, cranberry red, chocolate brown, and wheat.
Vibe: Cozy and festive, embodying the essence of fall.
Best Pairings: Seasonal centerpieces with pumpkins, lanterns, and warm lighting.
Fall floral combinations are endless some of our favorites are
Primary Blooms
Dahlias – With their intricate petal structure and bold hues, dahlias are a fall favorite, available in deep reds, oranges, and burgundy.
Chrysanthemums (Mums) – Classic fall flowers that add texture and come in warm, rich colors.
Roses – A timeless choice, especially in deep shades like burnt orange, burgundy, or golden yellow.
Sunflowers – Perfect for a rustic, mountain-inspired wedding, sunflowers bring warmth and vibrancy.
Marigolds – Their bright yellow and orange hues add a rich, festive touch to fall arrangements.
Accent Flowers & Foliage
Amaranthus – Adds a dramatic, cascading effect, available in deep reds and greens.
Eucalyptus – Provides an elegant, aromatic touch and blends beautifully with fall florals.
Maple or Aspen Leaves – A natural way to tie in the surrounding Rocky Mountain scenery.
Hypericum Berries – Small berries in red, orange, or burgundy that add texture and a pop of color.
Scabiosa Pods – A rustic, dried element that pairs beautifully with fresh florals
*Wildflower-Inspired Choices For a more natural, mountain-inspired bouquet, consider incorporating:
Goldenrod – A wildflower with a soft, golden hue.
Asters – Delicate purple flowers that contrast beautifully with warm autumn tones.
Yarrow – Adds a wild, organic feel with its soft yellow clusters.
Photo Credit: Drake & Co Photography at Dani and Augdon’s Fall Wedding
5. Guest Comfort and Accommodations
Because fall temperatures can drop significantly in the evenings, ensure guests are comfortable by:
Providing transportation to and from the venue (especially if in a remote location) We often partner with Steamboat Limo or Ski Town Express to ensure a seamless and enjoyable travel experience to La Joya Dulce.
Recommending lodging options nearby. From mountain resorts and lodges such as the Steamboat Grand to the more diverse options like The Porches Townhomes we have recommendations that will suit your guests needs.
Suggesting layers or warm attire on the invitations, and your wedding website.
Photo Credit: Lara Photography at Kristin and Kyle’s Fall Wedding
6. Vendor Considerations
Selecting the right vendors is crucial for a smooth and stress-free wedding day. The team of professionals entrusted with your wedding day should be carefully and deliberately curated to ensure your vision comes to life! Essential vendors include:
Local Wedding Planners: Choose experts who understand the region’s unique challenges and can help with logistics. We pride ourselves on our ability to provide planning expertise at every level. We will help you find the best planning fit for you even if it isn’t our inhouse planners.
Photographers & Videographers: Professionals skilled at capturing the natural beauty of mountain weddings. We love working with amazing professionals like Crystal Leffel Photography, and Oak and Pine Videography to name a few of our favorites.
Caterers Specializing in Seasonal Menus: Local, farm-to-table cuisine featuring fresh ingredients. You can’t go wrong with Catering by Design and their presentation and menu, or Steamboat Meat and Seafood’s local dishes!
Live Music & Entertainment: Consider acoustic musicians or a local band to match the mountain ambiance. Bands are in love with the acoustics they get while playing in our pavilion. You have got to check out Constant Change or Honeycomb if you want an amazing band to keep your guests up and dancing! We have an amazing list of DJ’s that are perfect for your day as well! Entertainment isn’t just about the music though…. think about experience points for you and your guests. We are always happy to see custom hat bars, antique cars and tractors, and don’t get us started on our furry friends that just add a little something extra to your wedding day memories.
Photo Credit: Devon K Photography at Naomi and Zane’s Fall Wedding
7. Making the most of your wedding weekend
A destination wedding is more than just the big day—it’s an entire experience. Your guests are more than likely not just coming for the day, most people end up making it a whole vacation with your wedding as the highlighted main event. Enhance your wedding weekend with:
Welcome Dinners & Farewell Brunches: Host gatherings to bring guests together before and after the wedding. Did you know that La Joya Dulce has packages offering three whole days to use the property? We’re thinking rehearsal or welcome dinners or maybe a brunch the day after because lets face it… once you experience this place you won’t want it to end! Our couples tend to come back again and again for anniversaries and even just to pop in and say Hi. We really are more than just your wedding venue!
Outdoor Activities: Plan group excursions like horseback riding, hiking, our local attraction like outdoor festivals and art galleries ensure there is some extra fun for all of your guests.
Relaxation & Wellness: Arrange spa days or yoga sessions to help everyone unwind and enjoy the surroundings.
Photo Credit: Kristin Hennke Photography at Lizzie and Tanner’s Fall Wedding
8. How La Joya Dulce does it best
Fall destination weddings at La Joya Dulce boast a colorful backdrop featuring changing leaves and mountain-scapes that in and of themselves don’t require much dressing up. Our outdoor ceremonies speak for themselves and can be as dressed up as you like but truly shine with the simplest of decor as well.
What makes us different (to name a few):
Multiple ceremony space options both indoor and outdoor.
Acres of Colorado nature to serve as the backdrop for your perfect photos. Our photographers and videographers love all the space they get to work with!
Multiple spaces for your reception both indoor and outdoor! We love our alfresco options!
Pages and pages of items free to use from our Share the Love inventory.
Top shelf service through your entire planning process! We have inhouse professional wedding planners, customized Wedding packages and a white glove experience. We are not just a wedding venue!
Customized planning software to keep you on track and in the loop with every detail of your destination wedding.
Onsite prep suites to choose from and ensure all the people you love can be present.
Plenty of additions to really create the day of your dreams
MUCH MUCH MORE…..
Some of our favorite Fall wedding additions include:
S’mores Cart
Fire pits.
First look moments in our aspen glen.
Outdoor wedding reception options like Dining Alfresco.
Horse drawn wagon.
Our revamped horse trailer: Something Blue Bar
about la joya dulce
At la joya dulce, we are proud in being an independently owned and operated, local wedding venue. When you choose la joya dulce in Steamboat Springs, you're not just booking a venue—you're working directly with the owners, who are dedicated to making your day perfect. You are not just a transaction to us - you become a member of our ranch family. We’re committed to creating memories and intentional moments for you and your family. We believe in supporting our community, which is why we collaborate with other independently-owned venues and businesses.
We also believe in being the “real deal.” Our photos that are shared by our wonderful photographers are the real deal - there is no AI involved in their creation. Come take a look for yourself - the reality is often better than the photos!
We hope to use our platform to create awareness for the value of supporting locally owned wedding venues. You can help support amazing locally owned wedding venues across the country by writing a Google review, following their social media accounts and referring locally owned wedding venues whenever you have the opportunity. We sincerely appreciate your support and want to share a shout out to some of our wedding venue owner colleagues around the country. Please consider a locally owned venue, you can find locally owned wedding venues featured on this wedding venue map.
All 4 One Farms, Chateau Joli, Catawba Falls Events, Love Grove Estate, and Carolina Country Weddings.