What is Piney River Ranch?
Set on the edge of Piney Lake and nestled at the foot of the majestic Gore Range, Piney River Ranch is a private, forty-acre Rocky Mountain retreat. It is located 12 miles north of Vail Village, surrounded by thousands of acres of back country wilderness within the White River National Forest.
What is the dress code?
The dress code is colorful cocktail. Embrace the colors, prints and patterns!
What weather should I expect?
The typical weather in July is warm, mild days with temperatures around 75°F and cool evenings that can drop to 50°F or below. Occasional afternoon showers are common. The high altitude means weather conditions can vary greatly throughout the season and change quickly. We recommend packing layers.
What's for dinner?
Dinner will be a buffet service featuring steak and salmon. Vegetarian options will also be provided. Please let us know in advance of any life-threatening dietary restrictions.
Will there be an open bar?
Yes, absolutely! The bar will serve a variety of beer, wine, liquor, and non-alcoholic beverages throughout the evening.
Where should I park to take the shuttle to the venue?
Parking for the shuttle service is available at the Vail Village Parking Lot. During summer, daytime parking is FREE in the Vail Village and Lionshead garages, while overnight parking is $35. The Shuttles will run once, so be on time!
Where should I park if I am driving to the venue?
Piney River Ranch has a main parking lot located inside the ranch. We encourage carpooling if possible. Detailed directions can be found on Piney River Ranch's website.
What time should I arrive to the ceremony?
For those not taking the shuttle, we recommend arriving by 3:30 PM at the latest to ensure you are seated before the ceremony starts at 4:00 PM
Will the ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception take place indoors or outdoors?
The ceremony will take place outdoors while the cocktail hour and reception will take place under the pavilions. There are contingency plans in place in the event of inclement weather.
What will your wedding-day timeline look like?
3:30 PM: Guests Arrive -
4:00 PM: Ceremony -
4:45 PM: Cocktail Hour -
6:00 PM: Dinner -
7:30 PM: Reception and Dancing
Can I bring my kids?
We politely request that you leave your children at home. Enjoy the night off!
Is there wi-fi or cell service on the ranch?
No, this is a rare chance to unplug! There is a phone located inside of the main lodge in case of emergency.
What should I expect if I have never been to Vail before?
Nestled in the Rocky Mountains west of Denver, Vail is one of the highest altitude towns in the United States at an elevation of over 8,000 feet. The village is a European-style ski town with serene views of the surrounding mountains. Hiking, mountain biking, fly fishing, horseback riding, golfing, and rafting are popular summer activities.
How do I get to Vail?
From the Denver airport, it is a straight shot on I-70 West to head into the Rocky mountains. Vail is located at exit 176. The drive from the airport takes approximately 2 hours. There are a number of rental car companies located at the airport. We DO NOT recommend renting an all-electric vehicle for this trip. Other potential budget-friendly travel options include booking a shuttle service directly from the airport, or riding the train to Union Station in Denver and taking a bus from there.
How should I best prepare for the change in altitude?
Drink plenty of water (~2X as much as normal), limit alcohol consumption, replenish your carbs, and consider arriving a day early to acclimate to the altitude. Cans of oxygen are widely available for purchase in the region. For those with underlying medical conditions, we encourage you to consult with your doctor before making the trip.
What are the roads like if I decide to drive to the venue?
Piney River Ranch is located 9,350 feet above sea level at the end of Red Sandstone Road, maintained by the U.S. Forest Service. It is not paved, therefore it is a rough and bumpy ride—however, four-wheel drive is not necessary. Go slow. Please allow at least 45 minutes to an hour from the start of the dirt road to arrive at Piney River Ranch. Navigation will not work as you leave the town of Vail to head up to the ranch.
If I am staying on the property, what do I need to know?
Check-in for on-site accommodation opens at 4:00 PM and check-out is by 11 am the next morning. Guests staying on site will be able to check in during cocktail hour after the ceremony. Details about specific cabin assignments will be provided upon arrival. There are no kitchen, bathroom or shower amenities in any of the accommodations. All accommodations share a men’s and women’s guest bathhouse complete with flush toilets. Please also be aware there is no WiFi or cell service anywhere on the ranch.
When do I check in to our cabin on the wedding day?
Guests staying onsite can leave their belongings in their vehicles during the ceremony and will have the opportunity to check in after the ceremony ends.
I'm visiting from out of town. What can I do while I'm in Denver?
Denver offers a variety of activities and attractions for visitors. Some top recommendations include:
1) Visit Red Rocks Amphitheater, one of the world’s most renowned outdoor concert venues, and walk the Trading Post Loop or the Red Rocks Trail
2) Explore the lively Union Station area with its restaurants, shops, and historic architecture
3) Visit the many breweries around the city, as Denver is known for its thriving craft beer scene
4) We highly recommend driving to Boulder, CO to see the Flatirons and explore Pearl Street
5) Check out the Denver Botanic Gardens, a 24-acre oasis with diverse plant collections
6) Take a bus tour or drive to see the nearby Rocky Mountains and wildlife
7) For those looking for a challenge, hike the Manitou Incline, a difficult but rewarding hike with great views (reservations required)
What's the best way to contact you if I have additional questions?
Text us.