Your Ultimate Colorado Destination Wedding Guide ~Winter Wedding Edition
Luxury winter weddings in the Colorado Rocky Mountains are coveted for the snow covered peaks, cozy details and magical feelings that come with the season. We are sharing all the details you need to consider if you are dreaming of a destination winter wedding.
Photo Credit: Caitlin Steuben at Jess and Sams Winter 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 Winter 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. Our winter weddings are highly coveted and their popularity is largely due to our breathtaking views and expert customization! Our winter loving 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 of Colorado.
Photo Credit: Gillespie Photography at Rebecca and Zach’s Winter Wedding
Venue Selection
If you are here, you already know which venue is our favorite😉! Winter weddings can be tricky in the Rockies so here are our considerations to help you choose the venue that will ensure the success and comfort of your winter wedding. 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 winter weddings, 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, pine trees, or rolling winter pastures shadowed by snow covered peaks.
Weather Considerations: Winter weather in the Rockies can be unpredictable. Choose a venue with indoor and outdoor options to accommodate sudden changes. Make sure that there are to keep your ample options to keep guests comfortable in the higher altitude and colder weather… we are talking about heating options galore! (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.
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, tailored 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: Callie Riesling Photography at Katie and Shannon’s Winter Wedding
2. Weather Considerations and Seasonal Challenges
Winter in the Rockies can be unpredictable, with snowfall, icy roads, and fluctuating temperatures. In Colorado, no matter the season, always be prepared for the wildlife. Keep these weather-related factors in mind:
Travel Logistics: Encourage guests to plan for potential delays and provide guidance on winter travel safety. We require shuttles to and from our wedding venue to alleviate any travel concerns so your guests can sit back and enjoy the drive and the views!
Closest Airports: Research the nearest airports (such as Denver International, or Yampa Valley Airport) and transportation options to your venue. Many don’t realize that with all the winter options? Steamboat is a mere 30 minutes from our regional airport and offers as many as 20 flights per day from all over the US.
Backup Plans: Work with your venue to have contingency plans in case of severe weather. We have plans A-Z in place before your wedding weekend so we are ready to host your perfect winter wedding regardless of mother natures curve balls!
Dressing for the Cold: Consider a winter-ready wedding dress, warm accessories, and stylish outerwear for both you and your guests. You are in the mountains of Colorado! Get those fur shawls and fancy snow boots - you will not regret it. 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. And, for those? Ask us about our discount with Minted 😉
Details your guests will remember: Winter days call for items of comfort! La Joya Dulce provides your guests with a hot apple cider when they exit their shuttle as well as hand warmers for the ceremony. We love when our winter brides provide hand warmers, shawls, blankets and other warm details to keep their guest warm and cozy so they can enjoy the celebration you have designed. Let’s not forget the horse drawn sleigh entrance!
Photo Credit: Caitlin Steuben at Christian and Blan’s Winter Wedding
3. Seasonal Decor & Theme Ideas
A winter wedding opens the door to stunning seasonal decor that complements the snowy surroundings. Some ideas include:
Candlelit Ambiance: Create a warm and cozy atmosphere with candlelight, lanterns, and twinkle lights. We are all about the lighting here from romantic tealight accents to show stopping chandeliers. Our decor items that are free to our couples will help set the mood for your wedding reception.
Rustic Elegance: Incorporate natural elements like pinecones, evergreen branches, and wood textures. Our extensive inventory holds tons of seasonal items to add to the feel of your winter wedding theme.
Classic Winter Colors: Deep reds, emerald greens, icy blues, and metallic accents add elegance and warmth to your decor. La Joya Dulce has the luxury of being a setting all to itself so while you can dress it up as much as you’d like our views and settings can speak for themselves alone.
Photo Credit: Kate Ivy Photography at Brianna and Alex’s Winter Wedding
4. Floral Suggestions for a Winter Wedding
Winter weddings allow for unique and stunning floral arrangements that enhance the seasonal beauty. We love recommending Mountain Ash Florals and Wild Hare to our couples. Some of our favorite flowers for your luxury wedding in the winter months of Colorado are:
Winter Blooms: Amaryllis, hellebores, anemones, and orchids thrive in colder months and add elegance to your bouquet.
Evergreens & Berries: Sprigs of pine, cedar, or juniper mixed with red berries create a festive and rustic charm.
Soft & Romantic Accents: Dusty miller, silver brunia, and white roses offer a delicate, wintry touch to your floral arrangements.
Dried Flowers & Foliage: Pampas grass, dried eucalyptus, and preserved roses can add texture and warmth to centerpieces and bouquets.
Photo Credit: Kole Purdy Photography at Alexandra and Destry’s Winter Wedding
5. Winter-Inspired Cuisine & Beverages
Food is always one of the top priorities for our winter wedding couples. Embrace the season with a delicious winter-themed menu:
Comforting Dishes: Consider hearty, warming meals such as roasted meats, creamy soups, and seasonal vegetables.
Signature Drinks: Warm beverages like mulled wine, spiked hot chocolate, and hot toddies keep guests cozy.
Dessert Delights: Think along the lines of s’mores stations, winter-themed wedding cakes, and rich chocolate desserts.
Photo Credit: our very own Wayne Jacobsen at Ashley and Gary’s Winter Wedding
6. Must Have Vendors for Your Winter Wedding:
The team of experts that work together to make your wedding dreams come true should be comprised of top tier, service driven professionals. We make sure to get to know your vision so that we can research, vet and present you with options that we know will flow seamlessly into your wedding plan.
Catering
We have amazing recommendations for local catering. We love to steer you to our locals every season of the year but especially for winter weddings to cut back on the possibility of travel delays. A few of our favorites are Local Flavor whose menu and presentation can truly not be beat, and Ski Town Gourmet that will knock your socks off with their service and flavor!
Music and Entertainment
If you are hosting your wedding reception in our pavilion, rest assured that bands like Diamond Empire LOVE our acoustics! Having live music is a sure fire way to keep your guests out on the dance floor. However if your music taste is a little more broad than one band can accommodate our curated list of DJ experts will know how to keep your party hoppin! Be sure to check out Music on T.A.P or Hovey Entertainment!
Flowers
Florals can be simple statement pieces or full on displays and instalments. Whichever avenue you choose we have floral design experts at every level and for every theme!
Shuttles
Winter roads can be intimidating for your guests. Make sure to have a reputable and knowledgeable shuttle company in place to take care of your travel needs.
Pro tip: Do NOT forget that if you or your guests are renting vehicles you NEED 4 wheel drive!
Photography and Vidiography:
Winter lighting provides a soft and ethereal glow that’s perfect for romantic wedding photography. However, there are some key points to consider:
Golden Hour Timing: Winter days are shorter, so plan your ceremony and photos to make the most of natural light.
Snowy Backdrops: Take advantage of the stunning snowy landscape for breathtaking pictures.
Fire & Ice Effects: Consider incorporating fire pits or twinkle lights for extra ambiance in your evening photos.
Photo Credit: Callie Riesling Photography at Katie and Shannon’s Winter Wedding
7. Guest Comfort & Entertainment
Ensuring your guests are comfortable and entertained throughout the event will make your wedding even more enjoyable:
Winter Welcome Kits: Provide blankets, hand warmers, and hot drinks upon arrival.
Cozy Seating Areas: Arrange lounge spaces with plush seating and warm decor.
Winter Activities: Offer optional activities like sleigh rides, ice skating, or a hot cocoa bar for a memorable touch. Group activities with your guests can turn your wedding day into a wedding weekend stretching out that coveted time with your loved ones. Steamboat Springs is renown for its winter activities! Ski the mountain in the morning and dine elaborately at night.
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!
Photo Credit: Caitlin Steuben at Jessie and Sam’s Winter Wedding
8. Budgeting for a Winter Wedding
While winter weddings can sometimes be more affordable due to off-peak pricing, certain costs may be higher due to seasonal demand for accommodations and transportation. Budget accordingly for:
Heating & Rentals: Additional heating elements, cozy seating, and winter-specific rentals may add to the cost.
Travel Expenses: Be mindful of increased travel costs during the holiday season. Steamboat is a ski town so your destination wedding announcements and travel/accommodations should be addressed sooner rather than later.
Winter Florals: Some flowers may be more expensive or harder to source in colder months, so plan ahead and work with a florist experienced in winter arrangements.
Vendors: Your vendors may require extra travel time and overnight accommodations due to winter travel.
Snow removal: Your wedding venue has to begin preparing for your winter wedding as soon as the snow falls from plowing to snow storage, ice and snow are mitigated from that first gorgeous snowflake up until the morning and throughout the day of your 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.
Harris Glen, Butlers Courtyard, The Hidden Abby, The 1860 Schulhaus, and The Ironwood Barn and Von Erich Ranch