Best Seasons to get Married in the Rocky Mountains
Spoiler Alert!!! ANY time of year is the perfect time to celebrate the beginning of your forever in the Rocky Mountains. But which time of the year is best for YOU?
Mountain weddings offer breathtaking views, the feeling of adventure and wanderlust. However, the beauty of getting married in the mountains comes with its own set of seasonal advantages along with a counterpart of challenges. Whether you’re envisioning a snow-covered ceremony in winter or a sunny al fresco reception in summer, it is so important to understand how each season can impact your mountain wedding experience. Let’s break down the advantages and considerations of each season to help you decide the best time to say "I do" in the mountains.
Spectacular Colorado sunsets often bless winter weddings.
Let it Snow! Colorado Winter Wedding
Advantages:
1.Wedding Winter Wonderland
Snow covered views, frosted pine boughs, and cozy mountain lodges inspire fairytale dreamscapes perfect for your winter wedding vision.
Unique photographs with your favorite colors popping against the crisp winter layout.
A horse drawn sleigh entrance is sure to amaze not only you, but your guests who will remember it forever.
2.Cozy Up!
Winter weddings tend to be more intimate due to the colder weather and the seasonal quiet in many mountain regions. This can create a cozy, close-knit vibe for your day of “I DO’s.”
Cozy touches that bring comfort and joy to both your, and your guests experience. Think warm blankets to snuggle under, a hot cocoa bar to warm your hands and flickering candlelight to set the mood.
3. Less Competition
Winter is an off-season for many mountain destinations, meaning venues and vendors are often more available compared to peak wedding season.
Keep in mind being a lower volume season for your vendors can impact cost and communication.
4. Winter Sports Adventure
Many mountain resorts offer skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, snowmobile and dog sled tours and other winter activities for guests, which can turn your wedding into an unforgettable adventure weekend.
So many fun adventures can turn your wedding celebration into a vacation experience for your guests, leaving a lifetime imprint.
Considerations:
Cold Weather:
We know you’re not surprised that the biggest downside to a winter wedding in the mountains is the cold. You’ll need to plan for potentially freezing temperatures, especially if you’re having an outdoor ceremony or reception. Please tell cousin Susie to wear closed toed shoes!
Consider items like hand warmers, a hot cocoa bar, soft blankets to cuddle under or the addition of a fire pit to keep your guests cozy.
Weather Uncertainty:
Snowstorms, icy roads, and unpredictable weather can pose a logistical challenge for travel, safety, and event planning. It may also lead to last-minute changes to your plans.
Consider booking local vendors that are close to your venue to avoid the potential set back of winter storms causing delays in vendor arrival times.
Make sure you have a plan B or C or D for inclement weather. Choose a venue with options to accommodate the unexpected.
Limited Guest Travel:
Some guests might have difficulty traveling due to winter conditions, especially if they are unfamiliar with mountain driving in snowy conditions. Keep this in mind when compiling your guest list.
Make sure to have early conversations that ensure guests and vendors are set up for success with 4 wheel drive vehicles as they travel to your venue.
Consider padding the travel itinerary to give extra travel time in case of unexpected weather related delays.
4. Tis the Season
Remember that the early winter months house some big holidays which can be frustrating in your planning communications. Be preemptive in your planning tasks so that you too can enjoy your holidays (the last ones as an engaged couple!)
Vendor costs can increase due to the availability of goods and labor in mountain towns.
Accommodations can be tricky, especially in mountain ski towns, as this is a peak season for tourists in these areas.
Ready to chat about your winter wedding? Let us know!
Gorgeous mismatched color schemes for your wedding party are highlighted by the soft springtime mountain views.
Rocky Mountain Spring Wedding for Your New Beginning
Advantages:
Fresh Spring Atmosphere:
Spring brings fresh blossoms, green meadows, and the return of wildlife visitors, creating a vibrant and colorful setting for your wedding. Think wildflowers, lush grass, and blue bird skies!
Moderate Weather:
While temperatures in the Rocky Mountains may still be cool, spring is often milder than winter, making it a comfortable time for outdoor ceremonies without the heat of summer.
Off-Peak Season:
Spring is usually a quieter time for weddings in the mountains, which means venues and vendors may offer more affordable rates and better availability than during peak summer and fall months.
Your New Beginning:
Spring symbolizes renewal, growth, and new beginnings, which makes it a perfect metaphor for your marriage and a romantic choice for many couples.
Considerations:
Unpredictable Weather:
Spring in the mountains can be quite unpredictable. You may experience a mix of sunny days, chilly nights, rain showers, and even late-season snow, making it hard to plan outdoor events.
Months you normally consider as spring, such as April and May are often referred to as Mud Season…. Aptly. The mountains are transitioning from a mantle of snow to green, which makes for mud. Planning a Spring wedding? Think late May to mid June as truly Springtime in the Rockies.
Consider the addition of cute umbrellas for guests and special footwear for your wedding party.
Limited Vendor Availability:
Since spring is considered an off-season for many mountain resorts, certain vendors (like florists or caterers) may have limited stock or availability due to the slower season….. we know this one is a double edged sword!
Accessibility Issues:
In certain mountainous areas, the thawing snow can make roads and trails muddy or difficult to navigate, potentially affecting transportation or outdoor set-ups.
Remember the footing in the mountains far differs from a ball room setting. Don’t forget appropriate footwear!
Ready to chat about your spring wedding? Let us know!
Nothing beats a classic car to elevate the luxurious tone of your timeless love.
Summer Rocky Mountain Wedding: Warmth and Adventure
Advantages:
Ideal Weather:
Summer offers the best weather for a mountain wedding accommodating your individual style and the comfort of your guests with ease: Sleeveless, no problem…. Heals, yes please!... Ice cold cocktails and seasonal passed appetizers….. can you say “Heaven?”
If your wedding vision includes al fresco dining, or dancing under the stary summer night, Summer may be your season!
Transportation for your guests and your vendors are less hindered due to good weather and road conditions
Longer Days:
The extended daylight hours in summer allow for more flexibility when it comes to your wedding day timeline, and you can enjoy the beautiful sunset lighting for photos.
That golden hour is amazing but don’t sleep on those alpenglow photo shots!
Outdoor Activities:
Summer in the mountains is perfect for outdoor adventures such as hiking, biking, horse back riding, taking a 4wheeling tour, or even white-water rafting. Your guests can enjoy a variety of activities before or after the wedding.
Check into the local favorites, you could catch a rodeo, an outdoor movie or concert.
Vibrant Scenery:
Lush greenery, vibrant wildflowers, and gorgeous meadows make the landscape come alive in summer, offering a picture-perfect backdrop for your wedding photos.
The varying terrain in the mountains offers such variety, every couple can find their favorite backdrop, whether you are looking for high desert bo-ho chic in the sage, Classic elegance in rolling pastures, or the favored vast mountain view with touches of aspen and pine, the mountains are calling your name.
Considerations:
A little friendly Competition:
Summer is peak tourist season in many mountain destinations, meaning that popular wedding venues and nearby accommodations may be crowded and more expensive. Availability can be an issue if you don’t book early.
Make sure you are booking your reservations, appointments and vendors early to lock in your favorites!
Higher Costs:
Because summer is in high demand for weddings, prices for venues, vendors, and accommodations are often at their peak, which could strain your wedding budget.
What Bugs you:
While beautiful, the summer season also brings an increase in wildlife sightings and insects. Mosquitoes, flies, and bees may be more abundant, especially near water.
Consider adding things like bug deterrents to your bathroom baskets and inquire as to any mitigation your venue may already have in place. At La Joya Dulce? We spray regularly for bugs and mosquitoes - ensuring your guests return home with memories and not bites!
Liquid Benadryl is a great tool for your emergency bag for any surprise reactions.
Its Getting Hot in Here:
While the higher altitudes can offer cooler temperatures, the mountains can still get quite hot, which might affect the comfort of your guests, especially if you're having a daytime outdoor event.
Consider having several hydration options such as bottled water and water station (go ahead… add the fancy cucumber and fruity options) to keep your guests in dancing form on those hot summer days.
Adding items such as hydration packets to your favors is a fun way to encourage hydration .
Ready to chat about your summer wedding? Let us know!
Fall Colorado Wedding: A Gorgeous Autumn Escape
Advantages:
Stunning Fall Foliage:
Autumn in the mountains is nothing short of magical. The changing leaves adorn the landscape in mesmerizing hues of red, orange, and yellow, providing a breathtaking scene you and your guests will remember forever.
It bears repeating….. FALL COLORS!
Perfect Temperature:
Fall offers crisp, cool air without the chill of winter or the heat of summer, making it an ideal time for outdoor events and comfortable guest experiences.
So many fun details accent fall weddings, light blankets for cuddling under the stars near a crackling fire, fun custom cocktails that are all about the pumpkins and apples.
Availability and Lower Costs:
Like spring, fall is sometimes considered a shoulder season for many mountain destinations, meaning there’s more availability and potentially lower prices with some vendors compared to the peak summer months.
Harvest and Seasonal Foods:
Fall is harvest season, and you can incorporate seasonal fruits, vegetables, and even local wines into your wedding menu. Think apple cider, pumpkin pie, and hearty farm-to-table meals.
Considerations:
Unpredictable Weather:
While generally mild, fall mountain weather can still be unpredictable. You may experience sudden rain or early snowstorms, especially as temperatures begin to drop in higher elevations.
Limited Light:
The days get shorter in fall, so you may need to start your ceremony earlier to make the most of natural daylight, or consider additional lighting for an evening reception.
Crowded Leaf-Peeping Season:
Fall foliage is a major draw for tourists, meaning that mountain resorts and popular locations can become crowded with visitors, making it harder to find accommodation or secure your desired venue.
Ready to chat about your fall wedding? Let us know!
Final Thoughts
What do You Think? Which Season is Right for Your Rocky Mountain Wedding?
Each season offers a unique set of advantages and challenges for mountain weddings. Winter is perfect for couples seeking a cozy, intimate celebration in a snowy wonderland, while Spring provides fresh, vibrant beauty but with a bit more unpredictability. Summer offers the best weather and outdoor adventure but comes with crowds and higher costs. Finally, Fall is a stunning choice for those seeking colorful landscapes and mild temperatures, though it too comes with its own weather uncertainties.
Ultimately, the best time for your mountain wedding depends on your wedding vision, budget, and the type of experiences and memories you want to share with the love of your life and the ones who love you most. Whatever season you choose, the stunning natural beauty of the mountains will make your wedding day unforgettable! So what do you think? Winter, Spring, Summer, or Fall?
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.
Bella Rosa Venue, Dream Bay Resort, Lavender on the Lake, The Venue at Springfield Estates, Main Street Wedding & Event Center, Degas House, The Admiral Room at the Marin, Willow Sky Ranch, Celebrations Event Center, Agua Linda Farm