9 Wedding-Worthy Alpine Lodges
Lodge at the Stanley Hotel
333 Wonderview Ave., Estes Park; (970) 577-4000; Stanley Hotel
Movie buffs may know that the Stanley Hotel inspired The Shining. Its lodge, just steps away, is a scene of rustic mountainside elegance. The 40-room hotel's stone fireplaces, crown molding and rose garden gazebo conjure early 1900s western grandeur. Groups of up to 40 will appreciate the intimacy of the wood-paneled library, while larger affairs (up to 200) will enjoy the airy space and panoramic views of the concert hall. Plus, the Preferred Pooch Program will treat your ring-bearing pup to deluxe accommodation along with your guests.
St. Regis Aspen Resort
315 East Dean St., Aspen; (970) 920-3300; St. Regis Aspen Resort
Set at the base of Aspen Mountain, this luxury lodge boasts top-notch service for anything nuptial, from a high-tech spa for prewedding treatments to innovative bites from the Chefs Club by Food & Wine. The fountain courtyard offers alpine views from a transparent tent, but we're partial to the elegant, 600-guest ballroom, complete with glam chandeliers. Bonus: Looking for a way to keep the mother of the bride calm during the festivities? Book the St. Regis Aspen and she'll have a personal butler tasked with pampering her all day!
Cheyenne Lodge at Broadmoor
One Lake Ave., Colorado Springs; (855) 634-7711; The Broadmoor
The postcard-worthy backdrop of the almost-century-old Broadmoor is just one compelling reason to host your wedding at its Cheyenne Lodge. Exchange vows on the terrace next to the stone chimney, then move inside with up to 250 guests for dancing in a hall with a timber-beamed ceiling and views of the mountain-framed golf course through two-story windows. A s'mores roast at the fire pit keeps kids happy, while an outdoor cocktail bar on the deck entertains adults. Pro tip: The resort allows you to set off fireworks for a one-of-a-kind grand exit (or entrance).
Keyah Grande
13211 West Hwy. 160; Pagosa Springs; (844) 813-6206; Keyah Grande.com
Outdoorsy couples and their guests will adore the adventurous activities at this southwestern Colorado getaway. From an on-site skeet and trap facility to local fly-fishing and cross-country skiing, guests have plenty of ways to enjoy their downtime. House guests for an intimate celebration in the eight available rooms, all decorated with eclectic art sourced from the owner's world travels, and create a tented wonderland ceremony and reception site anywhere on the woodland grounds—there are more than 5,000 private acres. The venue also offers in-house, French-style catering, perfect for alfresco cocktail hour. Have a larger guest list? Keyah Grande is just 13 miles from downtown Pagosa Springs, where you'll find additional accommodations.
Four Seasons Vail
One Vail Road, Vail; (970) 477-8600; Four Seasons Resort and Residences Vail
The Tyrolean-style village of this luxury resort features everything you need for a destination mountaintop wedding, from in-house hair and makeup at a five-star salon to venues made for both intimate (two) and sizable (250) guest lists. Host the ceremony on one of the resort's four stunning terraces (including one with an aisle over the pool), then move to the Bighorn Ballroom for a quintessential Colorado meal and celebratory dancing under wrought-iron chandeliers. The team at Four Seasons will help you book everything from florists to musicians, and it offers a collection of linens, flatware, glassware and china to mix and match for your tablescape, so no rentals needed. The hotel's skilled executive pastry chef can even create your cake—just bring him a photo of the design.
Mountain Lodge Telluride
457 Mountain Village Blvd., Telluride; (970) 369-5000; Telluride Ski Resort
Overlooking the San Sophia mountain range, this alpine venue has some of the best views in Colorado. Surrounded by 14,000-foot peaks, the Mountain Lodge Telluride hosts weddings year-round, with winter affairs held amid two top ski runs and summer celebrations featuring wildflower-covered landscapes. Fit for up to 80 guests, the lodge accommodates friends and family in suites or cabins with jetted hot tubs. Plus, couples with warm-weather dates can reserve the pool deck for an intimate rehearsal dinner.
Cheyenne Mountain Resort and Club
3225 Broadmoor Valley Road, Colorado Springs; (719) 528-4000; Cheyenne Mountain Resort & Club
What other alpine lodge offers a white sandy beach for summer weddings? Set lakeside in the shadow of Cheyenne Mountain, this modern resort offers beachside, ballroom and balcony venues for celebrations with 50 to 450 guests. Marry by the lake and host a postdancing bonfire under the stars, complete with sliders and local microbrews. Winter wedding? Go for a floral-covered mantel on the Remington Room's stone fireplace and bluff views.
Boettcher Mansion
900 Colorow Road, Golden; (720) 497-7630; Boettcher Mansion
This historic Tudor-style mansion has a great hall straight out of a storybook, with moss-rock walls, beamed ceilings and an inglenook fireplace ready for a whimsical wedding. The hall can fit a six-piece band and 200 guests, and it easily transforms into an indoor-wedding space for summertime receptions thanks to its stone-walled patio. Pro tip: Boettcher Mansion allows you to bring in your own alcohol, meaning you can save a bundle by avoiding liquor markup costs.
Observatory at Alta Lakes
4665 Alta Lakes Road, Ophir; (970) 239-0027; AltaLakes.com
A windy, five-mile road leads to this scenic backcountry lodge 11,000 feet high in the San Juan Mountains. The views are straight out of an Ansel Adams coffee table book, with some of the most dramatic backdrops you'll find in the Rockies for an intimate, rustic wedding with 45 guests. A wood-burning fireplace, modern amenities and a hands-on events team only add to the idyllic charm. Plus, the lodge will host your rehearsal dinner and postwedding brunch, should you want a multiday celebration.