The Ultimate Colorado Destination Wedding Guide ~ Summer Wedding Edition
Rocky Mountain summer weddings are a luxury unto themselves! You can’t go wrong with longer days of sunshine, adventure and romance. Our ultimate summer wedding guide will help you begin planning your epic destination wedding in the mountains of Colorado.
Photo Credit: Caitlin Steuben from Grayson and Mack’s Summer Wedding
La Joya Dulce Wedding Venue has proudly hosted over 100 weddings in the Colorado Rockies. Our couples come from all over our beautiful state and from across the country. While we enjoy every season at our Colorado ranch wedding venue, we want to highlight our favorite parts of summer weddings here at La Joya Dulce. No matter if you are local to Colorado enjoying the beautiful trip from Denver or Fort Collins, or you are planning your dream destination wedding from Texas, Florida, or beyond, we are honored to host your outdoor wedding ceremony and reception. Summer weddings are innately popular due to the longer days that our outdoor enthusiasts can take full advantage of! Our summer couples and their guests often turn their wedding day into a long wedding weekend or family vacation filled with activities they love with the people they love. Let us walk you through everything you need to know as you create your dream destination wedding in the Rocky Mountains.
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. 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 mountain wedding is what you want make sure your venue showcases all the reasons you love them so much. For summer, consider locations showcasing 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, aspen glades, or wildflower-filled meadows.
Weather Considerations: Summer weather in the Rockies can be unpredictable. Choose a venue with indoor and outdoor options to accommodate sudden changes. Make sure that there are options for shade to keep your guests comfortable in the higher altitude sunshine.
Guest Accommodations: Select a venue that offers on-site lodging or is near cozy mountain resorts and lodges for guest convenience. We love our selection of lodges, resorts and private lodgings to suit our couples, and their guests needs.
Accessibility: Consider how easy it will be for guests to reach the venue. Make sure there are shuttle companies available in your chosen area. Some of our local favorites are Steamboat Limo and Storm Mountain Express.
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 packages, 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.
Photo Credit: Caitlin Steuben from Katie and Cody’s Summer Wedding
2. Planning for Summer Weather
Summer in the Rockies means fluctuating temperatures, occasional afternoon rain, and you could even be surprised by a summer snowstorm 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) La Joya Dulce always has plans A-Z planned out ahead of time to ensure any changes that must be made are on purpose and seamless.
Dress Accordingly: Summer weather is our favorite because it is less limiting for you to really show your style. We do ask that you keep in mind, as well as remind your guests that La Joya Dulce is also a real life ranch…. so while a good pair of stilletos makes our inner girl squeel too… they dont do so well on the mountain ground around the ranch. Opt for thicker and shorter (sigh) heals, or check out these nifty heal savers if your ladies are set on their dream shoes. Our best suggestion… Embrace the mountain vibe and find yourself some boots! We have several local stores to help you find your new favorites: F.M. Light & Sons, and Cowboys And Indians. 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 beverage stations, umbrellas, fans and sunscreen to keep guests cool and comfortable during the ceremony. These are some nice touches that your guests appreciate and remember. Higher altitude is a factor everyone should consider for their destination wedding in the Rocky Mountains. Be sure that your venue is on their game when it comes to hydration stations, shaded sitting areas and ask about their emergency kit just in case.
Photo Credit: Jenny Quickstall at Karli and Travis’s Summer Wedding
3. Designing Your Outdoor Summer Wedding Aesthetic
Embrace the natural beauty of mountain summer 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 Mountain Ash Florals and Wild Hare to our couples. Some of our favorite flowers for your luxury wedding in the summer months of Colorado are: Incorporating locally grown flowers into your wedding décor can enhance the natural beauty of your Colorado wedding. Here are some flowers in season during summer:
Columbine: Colorado’s state flower, featuring delicate blue and white petals.
Lupine: Vibrant purple and blue flowers that grow in clusters.
Indian Paintbrush: Striking red and orange blooms that add a bold pop of color.
Wild Roses: Soft pink roses that thrive in the mountain climate.
Sunflowers: Bright and cheerful, perfect for a rustic wedding.
Yarrow: Small clustered yellow or white flowers that add texture to bouquets.
Delphinium: Tall spikes of blue and purple flowers, ideal for centerpieces.
Luxury Color Palettes: The top summer wedding color palettes blend natural beauty with modern elegance. Consider these trending options:
Earthy Elegance: Terracotta, sage green, warm neutrals, and dusty rose for a natural and timeless look.
Sunset Hues: Burnt orange, coral, mustard yellow, and deep red, inspired by Colorado’s breathtaking summer sunsets.
Soft Romance: Blush pink, lavender, champagne, and dusty blue for an airy, romantic aesthetic.
Bold & Vibrant: Fuchsia, teal, goldenrod, and emerald green for couples who love a bright and lively celebration.
Classic Minimalism: Ivory, soft gray, muted gold, and olive green for a chic and understated elegance.
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 mountain setting.
Photo Credit: Tippy Jordan at Kate and Michael’s Summer Wedding
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. We have an amazing IV bar in town that can help with this adjustment, or for recovery post wedding!
Local Attractions: Share recommendations for local hikes, hot springs, and restaurants to enhance your guests’ experience. Our favorite summer recommendations for our destination couples are our local Rodeo and farmer’s market.
Photo Credit: Rachel Case Photography at Sarah Jane and Ross’s Summer Wedding
5. Must-Have Vendors for a Rocky Mountain Wedding in the Summer
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 Callie ReislingPhotography, and Caitlin Steuben Photography to name a few of our favorites.
Caterers Specializing in Seasonal Menus: Local, farm-to-table cuisine featuring fresh ingredients. You cant go wrong with Local Flavors presentation and well flavor, or Biscuits and Berries design elements and stationary options that are soooo good! One of the things we love seeing at our outdoor summer weddings that are looking for a bit more of a laid back and casual feel are the food trucks! We love seeing a good bbq or pizza option from our vendors like Mountain Tap, or QliveCrew.
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 Diamond Empire if you want an amazing band to keep your guests up and dancing! 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: Epic Photos + Films at Danica and John’s Summer Wedding
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. Did you know that La Joya Dulce has packages offering three whole days to use the property? Im thinking rehersal or welcome dinners or maybe a brunch the day after because lets face it… once you experience this place you wont 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 the rodeo, farmers markets, outdoor festivals and art shows 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: Michael Freas Photography at Molly and Garrett’s Summer Wedding
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. Your destination wedding at La Joya Dulce will be a direct reflection of who you are as a couple.
Photo Credit: Kari Geha at Courtney and James’ Summer Wedding
8. How La Joya Dulce Does it Better
Summer 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 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 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 summer wedding additions include:
S’mores Cart
Fire pits.
First look moments in our aspen glen.
Outdoor wedding reception options like dining al fresco.
Horse drawn wagon.
Our revamped horse trailer: Something Blue Bar
Photo Credit: Mark Creery Photography at Courtney and Bill’s Summer Wedding
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.
Ballenger Bridge, The Creek Haus, Butler’s Courtyard, Mayberry Meadows, and Willowcreek Farm Georgia.