The Ultimate Guide to Your Springtime Destination Wedding in the Rocky Mountains
Colorado Spring Weddings are nothing short of extraordinary. Saying ‘I Do’ in the crisp spring air with snowy peaks in the distance will have you wishing you could pause every moment. Let us walk you through everything you need to know about hosting your Spring Destination Wedding the Rocky Mountains.
Photo Credit: McKenzie Coyle
La Joya Dulce Wedding Venue has proudly hosted over 100 weddings in the Colorado Rockies. Our couples come from all over the state and the country. While we enjoy every season at our Colorado ranch wedding venue, we want to highlight our favorite parts of spring weddings here at La Joya Dulce. So whether you are local to Colorado enjoying the beautiful trip from Denver or Fort Collins, or you are planning your dream destination wedding from Dallas, Texas, or beyond, we are honored to host your outdoor wedding ceremony and reception. Spring weddings are the most refreshing and renewing celebrations and La Joya Dulce does it right! Let us walk you through everything you need to know about spring weddings in the Rocky Mountains.
Photo Credit: Pixil Studios
1. Choosing the Perfect Rocky Mountain 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. In the spring, consider locations that showcase the natural beauty of the mountains without sacrificing you or your guests comfort and accessibility. Some must-have venue elements include:
Scenic Backdrops: Look for venues with panoramic mountain views, alpine lakes, or wildflower-filled meadows.
Weather Considerations: Spring weather in the Rockies can be unpredictable. Choose a venue with indoor and outdoor options to accommodate sudden changes.
Guest Accommodations: Select a venue that offers on-site lodging or is near cozy mountain resorts and lodges for guest convenience.
Accessibility: Consider how easy it will be for guests to reach the venue, especially in early spring when some mountain roads may still be affected by snow. Make sure there are shuttle companies available in your chosen area. Some of our local favorites are Steamboat Limo and Storm Mountain Express.
Photo Credit: Caitlin Steuben
2. Planning for Springtime Weather
Spring in the Rockies means fluctuating temperatures, occasional rain, and lingering snow at higher elevations. Preparing for these things will ensure your day runs smoothly no matter what! Consider:
Have a Backup Plan: If you’re planning an outdoor ceremony, ensure there’s an indoor or tented backup in case of unexpected weather. Be sure and ask about heating sources should the need arise. (If you’re wondering, we have several)
Dress Accordingly: Brides, grooms, and wedding parties should consider layering. Opt for long sleeves, shawls, or stylish wraps to stay warm. Make sure to include these suggestions in your save the dates, wedding invitations and on your wedding website. Ask us about our discount with Minted.
Provide Comfort for Guests: Offer blankets, umbrellas, and warm beverages to keep guests comfortable during the ceremony. These are some of the sweetest touches that your guests appreciate and remember forever… and don’t get us started on the Pinterest worthy photos these details make!
Plan for a little Mud & Snow: Choose sturdy footwear and consider adding a shoe station with wipes and brushes to keep everyone looking their best. You know what they say about dancing in the rain.
Photo Credit: Lillie Elliott
3. Designing Your Springtime Wedding Aesthetic
Embrace the natural beauty of spring with fresh and vibrant wedding designs. Key elements include:
Seasonal Florals: Incorporate fresh blooms such as peonies, tulips, daffodils, and wildflowers for a romantic touch. We love recommending Unbound Floral Design and Wild Hare to our couples.
Soft & Natural Color Palettes: Pastels, earth tones, and greenery complement the mountain setting beautifully.
Rustic & Elegant Decor: Wooden elements, string lights, and delicate fabrics blend perfectly with the rustic charm of the Rockies.
Eco-Friendly Touches: Use locally sourced flowers, biodegradable confetti (make sure it’s made of the instant dissolving starch…. tissue paper is technically biodegradable, but it won’t happen overnight or be easily picked up), and nature-inspired decor to align with the outdoor setting.
Photo Credit: Living Roots Photography
4. Traveling to Your Rocky Mountain Wedding
Getting to your destination wedding should be a seamless experience for you and your guests. Consider the following travel tips:
Closest Airports: Research the nearest airports (such as Denver International, or Yampa Valley Airport) and transportation options to your venue.
Shuttle Services: Arrange group transportation to make travel easier for guests unfamiliar with mountain driving. Some of our shuttle services will not only provide discount codes for your guests traveling from the airport, they will also give you a discount on your wedding day transportation if your guests use them!
Altitude Considerations: Provide tips for guests on adjusting to higher elevations, such as staying hydrated and taking it easy upon arrival.
Local Attractions: Share recommendations for local hikes, hot springs, and scenic drives to enhance your guests’ experience.
Photo Credit: Pixil Studios
5. Must-Have Vendors for a Rocky Mountain Wedding
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: 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 Epic Photo and Video, and Drake and Co to name a few among many.
Caterers Specializing in Seasonal Menus: Local, farm-to-table cuisine featuring fresh ingredients. We love our friends at Somos Family Weddings and Events who agree saying, “Take Advantage of the Local Food Scene Incorporate seasonal favorites like asparagus, fresh berries, and light citrus-forward desserts. And for drinks? Include a refreshing signature cocktail like lavender lemonade or strawberry mojito.” Local Flavor is a caterer we can always recommend to hit our farm-to-table expectation.
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.
Photo Credit: McKenzie Coyle Photography
6. 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.
Outdoor Activities: Plan group excursions like horseback riding, hiking, or scenic gondola rides.
Relaxation & Wellness: Arrange spa days or yoga sessions to help everyone unwind and enjoy the surroundings.
Photo Credit: Pixel Studios
7. Personal Touches for an Intimate Feel
Destination weddings often have a lower attendance than if you were to stay closer to home. The benefit in this is the intimate feel and larger probability of quality moments with the people able to be there to celebrate with you! Some sweet ideas to make them feel special:
Welcome bags: Greeting your immediate family or VIP guests with a special welcome treat starts your celebration off with love and gratitude. Finding items sourced locally such as honey, local snacks, or fun little necessities will give them a taste of why you chose your destination in the first place. Its your wedding there should be hints and bits of you and your story sprinkled throughout your celebration!
Help them Fall in love: Include a map of the area with recommendations for hikes, restaurants, and scenic spots. Include a little note on your favorite spots in the area. Add a little trivia about your experience or the general information about your destination.
Custom Ceremony Details: Write personal vows that reflect your journey together and the significance of the destination. Have a close friend or family member officiate to make the ceremony more personal. We agree with Butlers Courtyard, “No two weddings are the same. The venue’s flexibility allows for personalized decor and unique setups that reflect your individual style and preferences.” Your destination wedding at La Joya Dulce will be a direct reflection of who you are as a couple.
8. How La Joya Dulce Does it Better
Spring destination weddings at La Joya Dulce boast a green backdrop featuring pastures 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 sets us apart (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 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.
MUCH MUCH MORE…..
Some of our favorite spring wedding additions include:
Fire pits.
First look moments in our aspen glen.
Outdoor wedding reception options like Dining Alfresco.
Horse drawn sleigh or wagon.
Spring weddings just have the feel of new beginnings, of something fresh and exciting. The Ballroom at Windsor says it perfectly: “Nature wakes up in the spring and the sun seems to shine a bit brighter. The grass, flowers, and trees come alive with vibrant green growth creating a lush and captivating backdrop for your wedding photos.”
Photo Credit: Skyewater Photo and Film
Kaleigh and Joe tied the knot in the spring sunshine with their loved ones close. This couple is one, like many of our couples, who fell in love with the mountains, they enjoy camping and spending time outdoors, which is what led them to La Joya Dulce. Their colors and decor were simple, elegant and perfectly complimented the natural aesthetic of our mountain wedding venue. From their sweet intimate moments alone, to the celebrations with all of their guests, each moment was customized to them.
Final Thoughts
A springtime wedding in the Rocky Mountains is a one-of-a-kind experience, offering breathtaking scenery, fresh mountain air, and a romantic atmosphere. By carefully selecting your venue, planning for the weather, and incorporating thoughtful details, you can create an unforgettable celebration that you and your guests will cherish forever.
Ready to start planning your dream mountain wedding? Contact us today to explore our stunning venue options and begin crafting your perfect spring wedding experience!
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.
Notting Hill Farm, Cornerstone Ranch Events, Riverbend Estate Venue,