It’s Engagement Season in the Rockies!

Make sure you are equipped with great questions as you tour your favorite ranch venues in the Rocky Mountains you love so much. Here are some important questions to ask so you make the best possible choice for you…. well, second best as you did already make the most important one when you said “YES!”

Tis the season for gratitude, hope and our favorite Love stories to begin! There is just a new crisp feeling when the snow blankets the majestic Rocky Mountains; its our cue that engagement season is upon us! If you’ve recently said “yes,” we want to be among the first to say CONGRATULATIONS! Now, it’s time to find the perfect venue in the mountains you love to begin your forever. Nestled in the heart of Colorado's Rockies, a private ranch wedding venue offers breathtaking scenery, rustic charm, and a touch of elegance that will engrave itself in your heart forever.

To help you make the most of your venue tour, we’ve put together a list of the top questions every newly engaged couple should ask when visiting a ranch wedding venue. Armed with this guide, you’ll feel confident and ready to take the next steps in planning your special day.

Make Sure You Ask:

1. What makes this ranch unique?

Ranches in the Rockies have their own charm, but each one offers something distinctive. Whether it’s panoramic mountain views, historic barns, or private access to hiking trails or hot springs, ask what sets this ranch apart. Knowing the venue’s unique features can help you envision how your wedding will stand out.

Photo Credits: Caitlin Steuben, Danielle Zimmerer, Kate Ivy Photography, Kara Moore, Casey Van Horn, Mark Creery Photography,

At La Joya Dulce the list of things that sets us apart is extensive. So we’ll highlight a few of our favorites

1. We believe in cutting back on as many stress points for our couples that we can. The first being time restrictions. You wont just get your wedding day but a whole three days for your set up, day of and break down…. lets face it nobody wants to stay after your amazing reception to clean and pack up!

2. Spending a little extra time in this heavenly spot for your rehearsal dinner, or maybe a brunch with family as newlyweds the day after is just another service that brings us joy to offer.

3. We offer an EXTENSIVE inventory (kind of our special sauce) we call it Share the Love! Here you will find SO many items to supplement your decoration and set up, items that nobody really wants to bust their budget buying… ahem…. chargers and table numbers.

4. Our favorite part of what we offer though, is well… us! We have a phenomenal team that strives to serve you in the best way possible every step of the way. Need a planner? We got you! Need some recommendations on…. anything? We Got You! We pride ourselves on curating a wedding that will be an authentic representation of you as a couple!

2. What are the ceremony and reception options?

Does the ranch offer multiple ceremony sites, like a meadow with mountain views or a rustic barn with natural wood accents? Are there indoor options for unpredictable weather? Understanding the layout and flexibility of the space ensures it aligns with your wedding vision.

If you ask us, then the answer is yes, Yes and YES! We have several options for your ceremony depending on your numbers and style as well as plans A-E for inclement weather…. Hello it is the Rocky Mountains, and as much as we would love to write the perfect weather into your contract, its just not a reality. But what we can do is have back up plans that you are just as excited about in place to make sure you have the wedding of your dreams no matter what. We have options for reception sites, including dining al fresco, and cocktail hour locations as well! We love working with our couples to make sure that they enjoy all that our Ranch Wedding Venue has to offer!

3. How many guests can the venue accommodate?

Whether you're planning an intimate gathering or a grand celebration, it’s crucial to know the venue’s capacity. Ranch venues often provide plenty of outdoor space, but indoor accommodations might have more defined limits.

 La Joya Dulce is the Largest Ranch Wedding Venue in Steamboat Springs, Colorado as well as one of the largest venues in the entire state when talking about guest capacity. We can host small intimate elopements as well as elaborate celebrations - up to 400 guests. So Grand or Intimate we have you covered!

4. What’s included in the rental fee?

Some ranch venues offer all-inclusive packages, while others might be more à la carte. Ask about what’s included—tables, chairs, linens, decor, setup, cleanup, and even day-of coordination services. Understanding what’s provided can help you plan your budget.

La Joya Dulce has experiences to fit different budget and style needs and we would love to walk you through the details of them! Whether you are a DIYer, have had your wedding detailed out since you were 5 or are needing someone to hold your hand through every step? We cant wait to see how we can help! Our Share the Love inventory is a huge asset to our couples in addition to all the items that come in every package.

 5. What are the lodging and transportation options?

Destination weddings in the Rockies are magical, but logistics are key. Inquire about on-site lodging, nearby accommodations, and shuttle services. If the ranch has cabins or guest rooms, your guests will appreciate the convenience.

La Joya Dulce prides itself on the privacy and exclusivity we offer you and your guests! Having your wedding with us is an experience of a lifetime and we want to make sure that, while yes its all about you, we want your gests taken care of too! No worrying about driving at night after your favorite cocktails, dodging the local wildlife or taking the wrong county road. Here we have a list of trusted shuttle companies to bear that weight for us all. We do not offer lodgings on site but always provide tailored recommendations just 20-30 minutes down the gorgeous elk river valley.

 6. Are there preferred vendors, or can we bring our own?

Some venues have a curated list of vendors they recommend (or require). And, you may just want to ask those venues if vendors pay to be on the list (many do). Others might allow you to bring in your dream team. Understanding these policies can streamline your planning process.

OOOOhhh we at La Joya Dulce LOVE this question! Of course we have a list of vendors we love working with that have been tried and tested by our couples here on the ranch. However, we do not believe in limiting your choices (nor in vendors paying us for referrals) … it is your wedding after all! We definitely help vet and guide you through your options and are always happy to help find someone who fits what you are looking for, even if they are not on our extensive list of over 300 vendors who have been successful on property. We are the only Colorado ranch wedding venue that creates a customized client portal for each of our couples where we curate a vendor list just for you. Personally we love recommending local vendors like Local Flavor, and Caitlin Steuben Photography!

 7. What’s the backup plan for bad weather?

Colorado weather can be unpredictable, even in the summer. Be sure to ask about contingency plans for rain, wind, or snow. Whether it’s a tent rental or an indoor ceremony space, having a Plan B is essential for peace of mind.

Which one? We have plans A-E ready to go no matter what the weather in these mountains bring! Having a huge indoor space and multiple locations really does offer us the flexibility and insurance for your piece of mind and experience. Let’s make it clear, however - our wizards here? Have not to date (knock on wood) had to move a regular wedding indoors. However, we are always prepared with contingency plans. Our “go to” since your guests are already on property is to either move the ceremony forward or backwards depending on the weather.

 8. What time does the event need to end?

Ranches often have noise restrictions or specific end times due to their location. If you’re dreaming of dancing under the stars, make sure the timeline works for your celebration.

 So for us? It’s midnight at La Joya Dulce - where we all turn to pumpkins, just kidding, but that is when the music must end. And don’t worry - your Cinderella carriage (aka shuttle) will be awaiting you and your guests!

9. Can we schedule additional events on-site?

Many couples love to turn their wedding into a weekend experience with a welcome party, rehearsal dinner, or post-wedding brunch. Ask if the ranch can host these events to give your guests a full Rocky Mountain experience.

 The more the merrier… see what we did there;) we love having the option to share the ranch with you and your favorite people as much as possible. Giving the option to add additional events to stretch out and soak in all the time you can really create a connection and memories for a lifetime. Whether you want to use more of the spaces offered on the ranch, or maybe you need to bribe a few people with food and brunch the day after to gather your things, nobody ever really minds a few more hours in paradise!

10. Are there any unique photo opportunities?

A ranch wedding provides stunning backdrops for your wedding album. Ask about the best spots for sunset photos, mountain views, or shots with horses or other wildlife. Your photographer will thank you!

Having a live in photographer on the property has its perks! We know all the ins and outs, the lighting and the angles to make sure there is nothing cookie cutter about your photos! The venue has a plethora of photo opportunities from high desert sage, to cozy pines, an intimate pond, vast mountain views and our beloved aspen grove…. just to name a few. Seriously the options seem endless!

AND? While that live in photographer doesn’t do wedding photography for a living, he does lead our content creation team in capturing candid content for you at no additional charge.

Some Final Thoughts as You Plan Your Visit

Engagement season is the perfect time to explore venues and imagine your wedding day unfolding in the beauty of the Rockies. At La Joya Dulce, we pride ourselves on creating unforgettable experiences for couples and their guests. There will be no doubt when your guests show up on site they will see details of your love story all around! Our ranch offers stunning landscapes, customizable packages, and a team dedicated to making your dream wedding a reality.

Schedule a tour with us today to see why a private ranch wedding in the Rocky Mountains is the perfect way to start your forever. Let’s make your vision come to life!

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.

Chateau Joli, Legacy Lakes Venue, Barn at Bradstreet, The Greenhouse at Arrows Farm, Laurel haven Estate, and New Park Event Venue