Planning a winter wedding in Colorado is a magical experience. My husband and I actually had a winter wedding in 2021 at Romantic Riversong Inn, so I totally get it. The snow-capped Rocky Mountains, cozy venues, and the unique charm of the winter season provide a stunning backdrop for your special day. However, the winter season also brings some challenges that you’ll need to plan ahead for! This guide will help you navigate the essentials, from travel and attire to venues and weather contingencies, ensuring your winter wedding in Colorado is as enchanting as you envision.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
What to Wear to a Winter Wedding in Colorado
Venue Selection with Backup Weather Plans
Accessibility of Winter Wedding Venues
Building Extra Time Into Your Winter Wedding Timeline
Travel Considerations
Weather and Transportation
Winter weather in Colorado can be unpredictable, with heavy snowfall and icy conditions. Ensure your guests have clear instructions on the best routes to take and consider providing updates on weather conditions as your wedding day approaches. Here are some tips:
- Advise Guests on 4-Wheel Drive Vehicles: Encourage your guests to rent 4-wheel drive vehicles if they are flying in. These vehicles handle snowy conditions better and offer a safer travel option.
- Airport Shuttles: Arrange for airport shuttles if your venue is a significant distance from the nearest airport. This is especially helpful for guests unfamiliar with driving in winter conditions.
- Weather Apps and Updates: Use weather apps and send out updates to your guests to keep them informed about any potential weather changes.
Accommodation
Choose accommodations close to your venue to minimize travel time. Provide a list of recommended hotels and lodges that offer cozy amenities, such as fireplaces and hot tubs, to enhance your guests’ experience.
What to Wear to a Winter Wedding in Colorado
Attire for the Bride and Groom
Winter weddings call for attire that is both stylish and practical. Here are some suggestions:
- Bridal Gowns: Consider gowns with long sleeves or heavier fabrics like velvet. Adding a faux fur stole or a stylish cape can keep you warm while adding a touch of elegance. You may also opt to add gloves or ear muffs as accessories.
- Groom’s Attire: Wool suits are a great option for grooms. Layering with a vest and an overcoat can keep the groom comfortable throughout the day.
- Footwear: Opt for warm, insulated, waterproof shoes or boots for any outdoor photos and possibly your ceremony if you’ll be standing in snow or cold temperatures. You’ll want to be sure your shoes have good traction for exploring. You can change into a stylish pair of heels or dress shoes for an indoor ceremonies and reception. I recommend putting toe warmers in your shoes to help keep you warm for photos in the snow or your outdoor winter wedding ceremony.
Guest Attire
Inform your guests about the expected weather conditions and suggest attire that will keep them comfortable. Encourage layering and provide options such as:
- Warm Wraps and Shawls: Suggest guests bring wraps or shawls that can easily be taken off indoors or worn as a stylish winter accessory.
- Winter Footwear: Advise on waterproof and warm footwear with good traction, especially if the ceremony includes an outdoor component.
- Layered Clothing: Encourage guests to dress in layers that can be adjusted as they move between outdoor and indoor spaces. If it will be actively snowing or very cold, suggest puffers and coats that are practical to keep them warm and can be worn over their dress clothes.
- Warm Accessories: Recommend accessories like scarves, gloves, and hats to keep warm during any outdoor activities or moments.
Heating Solutions
To ensure everyone stays warm, consider these options:
- Outdoor Heaters: Rent outdoor heaters for any outdoor spaces where guests will gather.
- Fire Pits: If your venue has outdoor spaces, setting up fire pits can provide both warmth and a cozy ambiance.
- Indoor Warmth: Ensure your indoor venue is well-heated. Check with the venue about their heating systems and any additional heating solutions they may offer.
- Hand and Toe Warmers: Make sure you both have these on you to keep in your shoes, pockets, and/or gloves throughout the day. These are especially helpful during portraits or the ceremony, or any time you’re in the elements for an extended period of time. You can pass these warmers out to your guests, too.
Top Colorado Winter Wedding Venues
Choose a Venue With Indoor and Outdoor Options
Selecting the right venue is crucial for a winter wedding. Look for venues that offer both indoor and outdoor spaces to accommodate varying weather conditions. Here are some top picks:
- Black Canyon Inn: Situated in Estes Park, this venue offers an elegant, yet rustic charm with panoramic mountain views and indoor ceremony options, perfect for a winter wedding. To see a wedding I captured and learn more about the venue, click here.
- The Stanley Hotel: Nestled in Estes Park, this historic hotel offers breathtaking mountain views and elegant indoor spaces.
- Sonnenalp Hotel: Located in Vail, this hotel combines luxury with a cozy, wintery feel.
- Dunton Hot Springs: A unique and luxurious option, this restored ghost town offers private hot springs and stunning scenery.
For a full list of my favorite wedding venues in Northern Colorado, click here!
Backup Weather Plans
Having a contingency plan for inclement weather is essential:
- Indoor Ceremony Options: Choose a venue with a beautiful indoor space as a backup for your ceremony. Make sure you love both the indoor and outdoor options, so you are satisfied with whichever occurs.
- Tent Rentals: Consider renting a heated tent if your venue has significant outdoor space.
- Flexible Timing: If possible, plan for a flexible timeline that allows for weather delays and/or travel delays due to weather.
Accessibility of Winter Wedding Venues
Ensuring Accessibility For You And Your Guests
Choosing an accessible venue is vital, especially in winter conditions:
- Clear Pathways: Ensure the venue clears snow and ice from pathways and entrances.
- Handicap Accessibility: Verify that the venue has accessible entrances and facilities for guests with mobility issues.
- Parking Solutions: Make sure there is ample, easily accessible parking close to the venue entrance.
Building Extra Time into Your Winter Wedding Timeline
Allow for Travel Delays
Winter weather in Colorado can be unpredictable, making travel delays more likely. To ensure your wedding day runs smoothly, it’s essential to build extra time into your timeline. Here are some tips on how to plan for these potential delays:
- Early Arrivals: Encourage your guests to arrive a day or two before the wedding to avoid any last-minute travel issues.
- Extra Time for Vendors: Coordinate with your vendors and ask them to arrive earlier than usual. This ensures they have ample time to set up, even if they encounter travel delays. I strongly recommend having your vendors arrive at least 1 day prior to your winter wedding to ensure ample travel time, even if this means paying their travel fee.
- Shuttle Services: If you’re providing shuttle services for your guests, schedule these with plenty of buffer time. Consider additional trips to accommodate varying arrival times.
Flexibility for Weather Delays
Winter weddings require flexibility to adapt to weather changes. By building extra time into your schedule, you can handle unexpected delays with ease:
- Pre-Ceremony Buffer: Add at least an hour of cushion time before the ceremony starts. This can accommodate late arrivals or allow you to wait out a snowstorm.
- Extended Photo Sessions: Plan for extended photo sessions to take advantage of breaks in the weather. Having a flexible timeline means you can capture stunning outdoor photos when the weather permits.
- Reception Start Time: Consider starting your reception later in the day to provide additional time for any necessary adjustments. This also allows for a more relaxed transition from the ceremony to the reception.
Timeline Example
Here’s a sample timeline with built-in buffer times for a winter wedding in Colorado:
- 9:00 AM – Getting Ready: Start early to ensure everyone has plenty of time to prepare.
- 12:00 PM – Vendor Arrivals: Schedule vendors to arrive with extra time for setup.
- 2:00 PM – First Look/Photos: Allow for an extended photo session with buffer time for weather adjustments.
- 4:00 PM – Ceremony: Plan the ceremony with at least an hour of buffer time beforehand.
- 5:00 PM – Cocktail Hour: Give guests time to transition while you take additional photos if needed.
- 6:30 PM – Reception Start: Start the reception later to accommodate any earlier delays.
- 10:00 PM – End of Reception: Conclude the evening, leaving enough time for guests to travel back safely to their accommodations.
Communication with Guests
Keeping your guests informed about the timeline and any changes due to weather is crucial:
- Update Channels: Use a wedding website, email, or a dedicated social media group to share real-time updates with your guests.
- Emergency Contacts: Provide guests with contact information for a designated point person who can address any last-minute questions or concerns.
Colorado Wedding Photographer
Once you’ve booked your winter wedding in Colorado, I’d love to hear all about it (and document it)! Hi, I’m Logan, a Colorado Wedding Photographer who puts your experience above all else. While creating beautiful imagery is the end goal here, you’re getting so much more along the way. As your photographer, my approach is rooted in serving you, honoring your vision, and celebrating alongside you. It’s my mission to serve you well and together, we’ll create wedding photos that are joyous, bold, and soulful.
If you are interested in having me capture your Colorado winter wedding, you can read more about my wedding photography packages here and then reach out to me to officially get started!
