3 Indoor Venues for Colorado Winter Weddings
Winter weddings in Colorado – couples are either all about them, or adamant about booking their wedding in September. And, it’s totally understandable. September weather is sublime and the foliage is beautiful. Unlike December or January where everything is almost all covered in snow.
Being a native Coloradoan, I know that winter can cause problems. But I also think it’s worth considering. Especially when there are so many beautiful indoor venues to keep you and your guests cozy and warm.
So, whether you’re one of those couples who couldn’t secure a wedding date in the fall or you’ve always envisioned a winter wedding, here are some venues to consider:
The Grant-Humphrey’s Mansion
Just minutes from downtown Denver, the Grant-Humphrey’s Mansion is one of the only venues where you’ll have access to everything you need. With 10,000 square feet of space, this historic residence offers various indoor and outdoor ceremony and receptions options - from intimate gatherings to 200-person celebrations.
The mansion offers separate holding rooms for getting ready, spacious living rooms for cocktail hour, grand staircases for entrances and portraits, a formal dining room for dinner, and an antique piano, a crystal chandelier, and a fireplace for ambiance.
I like photographing here year-round, but particularly in the winter. Why? Because it’s gorgeous when the bright, winter light streams through the large living room windows.
This spot is an excellent venue for local couples and guests who don’t want to drive to the mountains when the roads are icy. And, being so close to downtown, it means you’ll have plenty of nearby hotels and restaurants should you need lodging or after-party options.
Vail Chapel & Sonnenalp Hotel
The Sonnenalp Hotel is another ideal location for a winter wedding as it gives you everything you need, all in one place.
With a variety of 112 luxury suites and 15 hotel rooms, you and your guests can all stay in this charming boutique hotel and celebrate your wedding in one of the elegant restaurants or the ballroom.
Depending on your vision, and if that vision needs a weather backup, there are multiple options for plans A and B. Starting with The Terrace in Ludwig’s Restaurant, this spot is picturesque for ceremonies with its enclosed glass room and views of the creek. Which means you get the beauty of the outdoors without enduring the elements. After your ceremony, the hotel staff can flip The Terrace during cocktail hour to hold your reception, which is spectacular at night with the view of the night sky.
Cocktail hour is usually held in the King’s Club and Library. This cozy space is outfitted with lounge furniture, a stone fireplace, and a piano, and easily accommodates a portable bar for guests to enjoy.
Should you want to have your ceremony elsewhere, walk the short 300 ft across the street to Vail Chapel. This quantity chapel seats up to 300 and provides a beautiful religious and architectural backdrop for your ceremony.
It's the Ritz-Carlton. Enough said.
But in all fairness, it’s also a beautiful venue.
The ceremony bridge is most popular for ceremonies (go figure). And, the lawn is frequently used for tented receptions. The resort also offers great indoor options.
Anderson's cabin is a nice option for an intimate rehearsal dinner that offers a change of scenery from the hotel but is still on-site and easily accessible. The ballroom can hold approximately 350 guests or can be split into smaller sections to accommodate smaller guest counts.
If your guests are into skiing, the hotel has ski-in, ski-out access with a lift - making it the perfect winter wedding destination weekend.
Beaver Creek Chapel is particularly beautiful in the Fall. The sun sets really early (around 4:00 pm) in the mountains in the winter. So, if you plan on using the chapel, you’ll need to hold your ceremony around 2:00 pm if you want to get married when it’s still light outside. From a photography perspective, I recommend doing a first look for any winter wedding so you can get good photos with plenty of light.
Beaver Creek Chapel does require transportation to and from Bachelor Gulch, but it's only about 10 minutes away. Easy.
Wherever you choose to tie the knot, I’d love to capture your big day moments. Let’s talk and see how I can help you with your wedding photography needs.