There’s a special place nested high up on Vail Mountain that owns some of the most coveted views in Colorado and is home to countless memories. The intimacy of this beloved venue is unparalleled and it’s just as beautiful as it is sacred. It’s known as the Vail Mountain Wedding Deck, or as some like to call it, the Holy Cross Event Deck. Let’s dive right in.
Breakdown of the Venue
Couples looking for ceremonies holding around 200 people will find this venue a fine suitor. It’s intimate, cozy, freeing, whimsical, romantic, beautiful, and full of memories – all of the ripe ingredients for a fine love affair.
One of the coolest and most unique aspects to the Vail Mountain Wedding Deck is that you need to take a gondola (ADA accessible) to the top of Eagle’s Nest, and from there it’s a short paved walk to the wedding deck.
I mentioned it holds up to 200 seated guests (closer to 180 very comfortably), but there is no limit on standing room so it’s very flexible for the number of family and friends you want attending your special day.
This venue is available for ceremonies only and starting costs are $1500 + tax rental and $15 per person for lift access. Totally affordable for the marvelous views and such a unique gathering with all your loved ones. What’s not to love?
Perks
It’s always fun photographing weddings that have separate settings for the ceremony and reception so there is a change in scenery and environment, making for a fun-filled day and stellar photos.
Since the Wedding Deck only hosts ceremonies, this gives you an opportunity to change up the vibe for your rehearsal dinner, reception, and the like.
The Deck itself is centrally located, so you are in close proximity to some of the best dining and nightlife in the area, so your guests will not have to travel far and wide to carry on with the day – everything is right at your fingertips!
Some of my favorite spots for a rehearsal dinner or reception are Matsuhisa (one of five in the world, offering splendid views of Vail Mountain) and Bol, which is a bit more casual but offers a full service dining room, huge bar with an impressive wine list, and ten bowling lanes. Perfect for the couple who wants to spice things up with a bit of fun!
In comparison to other venues with rivaling views, this is by far one of my top choices for the price. This is for the couple who values experiences over monetary gifts and a deep love and revere for Mother Nature.
Things To Do Nearby
There is no shortage of fun and memorable things to do in and around Vail. No matter if it’s summer or winter, there are plenty of activities to go around.
There’s the obvious choice for the snowy months like snowboarding, skiing, tubing, and snowmobiling but if you fancy sitting around a cozy fire, exploring delicious cuisine, or relaxing at world class spas, there’s an abundance of options there as well.
Vail has quite the culinary scene and there’s certainly something for everyone. Hotspots include:
- Vintage: For French/European food on a quaint corner
- Sweet Basil: For American cuisine with an extensive wine list and a buzzy bar
- Ludwig’s: For a cozy breakfast inside the Sonnenalp
- Flame: For a fine steak dinner at The Four Seasons
Horseback riding and golfing are some popular options for the summer months, and for family-friendly activities, Vail Mountain offers tubing and Epic Discovery is a stone’s skip away!
Hotels + Guest Accommodations
Colorado is one of the most beautiful and scenic places in the world if I do say so myself (slightly biased) – and with this comes just about every hotel boasting magnificent mountain views. That being said, I’m partial to a few.
I’ve hand-picked some of my favorites in the area for you and your wedding party below.
For the couple that wants unparalleled luxury, comfort, and convenience, as it’s located right in the center of everything. This is the full package, which includes a top-tier spa and fabulous dining, making it my number one choice.
They serve up European elegance here at the Sonnenalp and it shows. The first (and only other one) is in Germany, but the family who owns this lovely hotel fell in love with Vail and felt right at home opening the second location here in the Rockies.
For the couple who wants to be a bit farther away from the hustle and bustle of the town, but still wants that full service luxury experience. The Ritz in Vail is downright lovely and is a sight to see within itself. It’s romantic, rustic, cozy and everything you want out of luxury lodging in Colorado.
The Arrabelle has everything you want out of a Vail wedding experience – romance, warmth, and convenience. In the winter months, Vail Square transforms into an outdoor ice skating rink in the square and for summer it is a place to mingle with loved ones.
All of these hotels have on-site spa’s, restaurants and amenities to cater to you and your wedding party and are centrally located to the Vail Mountain Wedding Deck.
Capture Your Love Story with Film + Photography
My goal at Dgass Photography is a seamless experience for my couples in addition to their family and friends – this encompasses everything from making sure you are comfortable in front of the camera to creative direction.
I always aim to put you at ease so you are candidly and presently experiencing one of the most important days of your life and are worry-free knowing that my team and I are capturing these moments for you to hold onto forever.
Check out my photography and film work if you like what you see, get in touch with me today so we start writing your story together. I look forward to hearing from you.
With love,
David
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