Vail may be known for its glittering, powdery ski slopes and just the thought of this winter wonderland brings about enough nostalgia and romance as it is. Needless to say, this makes Vail, Colorado an ideal location for a wedding.

Even in the summer, the mountains are filled with whimsy and have us swooning at the majesty that is Mother Nature. Let’s take a further look at what this magic city has to offer.

 

 

Top Wedding Venues in Vail, Colorado 

Donovan Pavilion

The Donovan Pavilion is one of the most beloved wedding venues in Vail, with elegance, charm, and all-encompassing rustic mountain vibes. It is the lodge wedding of your dreams – come winter or summer. 

Made of timber and stone, complete with iron chandeliers and riverside fire pits, it stands warmly in the center of 50 acres of mountain space. Whether you are looking for an intimate ceremony or a large gathering – they have accommodations for all. You can choose between their large pavilion (up to 200 guests), on their terrace, or one of their valley chapels. 

They offer full-service event coordination, with the flexibility of allowing you to choose all the details from your preferred caterer, to flowers, to color scheme. They work with you on your budget so that your day fits you as a couple perfectly.

Piney River Ranch 

I wrote a whole separate article on Piney River Ranch – it deserved one of its very own. If you’re planning a summer wedding, this venue needs to be on your watch list. Available between mid-June through the end of September, spots are coveted and taking one look at this breathing location, you can see why. 

The amenities offered in and of themselves make Piney River Ranch a win for all members of the wedding party and of all ages. Just be sure to note there is no cell service – a perfect feature if you ask me for getting intimate and creating memories presently with the loved ones who are right in front of you.

Vail Wedding Deck (Holy Cross Event Deck)

Calling all outdoor enthusiasts. If you picture your vows being set to a mountainscape that can only be described as something out of a storybook, then look closely at The Vail Wedding Deck. Situated on the top of Vail Mountain at Eagle’s Nest and cradled among the Gore Range, making memories here comes with full ease. 

With these truly spectacular 360 degree views, you’re feeling on top of the world – and in a way, you actually are! Choose up to 180 of your closest friends and family to spend these moments with.

The stone amphitheater feels intimate and otherworldly, in a rustic sort of way. There is also no shortage of nearby restaurants to choose from for a reception or rehearsal dinner. Get ready in Vail Village and then ride the gondola up the mountain to marry your person. How cool is it that your mode of transportation is a gondola? 

This location is available for summer wedding parties from mid-June through mid-September. Get ready for sweeping views and a marvelous evening. 

Manor Vail Lodge

The Manor Vail Lodge is unpretentious – yet sophisticated. As in, you feel right at home in its charming quarters sprawling with views that truly embody the whole rustic vibe of the Rockies. 

This location is legendary. It’s an iconic full-service condominium hotel sitting on 5 acres in Vail. They offer a 6,000 square ballroom as part of your wedding package plus several garden ceremony options for saying your vows. The outdoor deck at Fitz Restaurant on the grounds is perfect for a rehearsal dinner or cocktail hour. 

They have in-house specialists to assist with the creation of your dream wedding. Whether you envision your wedding taking place indoors or outdoors, Manor Vail Lodge has all the bases covered for you. Not to mention you and your wedding party will have the option to stay on property so outside overnight accommodations can be taken care of with one fell swoop.

The wedding photographs here will not, and can not, disappoint, and the memories that will be formed here are sure to last a lifetime and beyond.

Larkspur Events & Dining 

There’s something very home-y and reassuring about the vibe at Larkspur. They are truly masters of their craft, specializing in events of all kinds – but especially weddings. They take care of all the planning, from the rehearsal to the ceremony, bridal shower and even a farewell brunch. They promise to create “the extraordinary wedding celebration you’ve imagined” and “provide every bride and groom-to-be that comes to [them] with a truly customized experience”. 

The venue is modern and elegant, while still staying true to the roots of the mountains that raised them. They feature seasonally inspired cuisine and generous hospitality. They’ve won countless awards for the weddings hosted at their venue. 

Come warm sunshine or blankets of glittering snow, Larkspur makes magic happen for your special day. Their dedicated team of professionals has done this many times (since 1999) – and I’ve yet to hear one case of it not working out beautifully. See for yourself. 

The Sonnenalp Hotel 

Vail Village was originally designed after the town of Zermatt, Switzerland, and when I think of the embodiment of this, I think of the Sonnenalp. This beautiful, enchanting space features three restaurants, one of which (The Ludwig) has a retractable roof that can only be described as pure magic. Looking over the well-groomed lawn, the stage is set for a night to remember. 

Why Vail Colorado is Your Ideal Wedding Location

All it takes is one look at Vail to imagine yourself saying “I Do” here. Besides breathtaking views that transport you through time and space, there are ample things to do in and around this charming little city.

Let’s start with the summer months. The flowers are flourishing, the birds are singing, the mountains are sprawling with green grass and breezes begging you to take a hike, make a picnic with loved ones, and fall in love with your surroundings.

While most folks know Vail as a real-life Winter Wonderland, don’t sleep on Vail in the summer. Some of the highest peaks with venue locations are only accessible during these warmer times – and with it, this time of year brings about plenty to do.

• Meditation/Hike/Flower Gap in the World’s Highest Botanical Gardens

The Betty Ford Alpine Gardens are at the highest elevation of any in the world. There is plenty to explore here between all the different gardens, meditation benches, waterfalls, ponds, and animal life.

• Music Lovers: Head to Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater

Think hot summer nights, cold drinks, music, games….what better way to entertain your guests – not to mention this all taking place at one of the coolest Amphitheaters in the States. 

• Hike Vail Mountain
• Amazing Public Art for the Artsy Guest 

As you can imagine, winter activities in Vail include skiing and snowboarding, snowmobiling, ice-skating, hot chocolate, huddles around the fireplace with games and storytelling and snowball fights for the more adventurous bunch.

Now – let’s get to the dining in Vail. While I’m at it, I’m going to kill two birds with one stone and speak on a couple of the best restaurants in Vail that also happen to make exceptional rehearsal dinner spots. 

La Tour

La Tour is a French restaurant serving up proper Vail Village vibes. Cocktails, dinner, and dessert are all well thought out, with the ambiance being just as bright its shining star. It’s romantic, elegant, and one of the locals favorite hotspots in town.

The Fitz

Being situated inside the Manor Vail Lodge makes this spot the ideal rehearsal dinner or farewell brunch spot for you if you choose The Manor for your wedding venue. 

It’s upscale and modern combined with a vintage-chic feel and features a patio serving seasonal American cuisine. The menu is just as inviting as the ambiance. Sit back and relax as the pines and fairy lights overhead set the scene for an enchanting evening. Oh, the photos that will be made here.

Best Hotels for Wedding Parties + Guests in Vail 

Lionsquare Lodge

The perfect choice for close proximity to some of vail’s most prominent and beautiful wedding ceremony sites including The Donovan Pavilion, Vail Capel, The Game Greek Club, Eagle’s Nest and Vail Mountain-top Wedding deck. 

The Four Seasons Vail

If you’re looking for upscale and luxury right in the middle of the village, this one’s for you. They feature a Ballroom plus Flame restaurant (another splendid option for a rehearsal dinner, albeit for smaller parties – less than 24). 

The Sonnenalp

Also right in the middle of town. Upon seeing the Sonnenalp at night, you feel like you’ve stepped right into the little town from The Grinch – the lights are dazzling, warm, and endearing. They have beautiful gardens perfect for wedding photos and several other intimate spaces on the property as well.

The Ritz-Carlton Vail

The Ritz is a bit further out of town (about 8 miles) but the scenic drive is worth it. Like the Four Seasons, it’s a classic, luxurious stay with all the works, but this one feels a bit more secluded and is perfect for the couple and their guests who value this serene quality.

Betty Ford Alpine GardensThe Sebastian

You’ll find the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens within a short walking distance from here, in addition to the Vail Crossworth Chapel. It’s a bit less “frou-frou” than the others I’ve mentioned, but everything has its place and it is as sophisticated as they come.

The Arrabelle

The Arrabelle looks and feels a bit like a castle – and is, therefore, one of my favorite spots to recommend wedding parties for their guests. It is close to the center of Vail Village and they even have wedding planners on-site (this whole list does) to assist in planning your special day. 

Capture Your Memories on Photos and Film for Your Special Day

At Dgass Photography, it is the pleasure and duty of my team and I to put the bride and groom-to-be plus their wedding party at ease so that this once-in-a-lifetime experience is all yours – to be enjoyed, to be present with, and for you to come out of it with memories in the form of photos and videos that will last forever and then some.

I’ve told countless couple’s stories through my lens – picking up on what makes them truly unique and using that to express their connection through my art. I hope we find we are an amazing fit – reach out to me here so we can chat further. I look forward to capturing your story as another in the name of Love. 

With Love,

David