About Denver
Denver, the Mile High City, has become a hugely popular destination for those seeking the perfect winter wedding. This picturesque city boasts an array of breathtaking mountain peaks as far as the eye can see, along with vibrant cultural attractions, bustling nightlife, and delectable cuisine.
Did you know that Denver was originally founded as a mining town? Today, it’s one of the most dynamic and exciting cities in the United States! The locals fondly refer to their beloved city as 'The Venice of America', due to its impressive network of canals—in fact, in 1906, Denver became home to the longest continuous water route in America.
Denver has something to offer everyone and is becoming increasingly famous for its winter weddings: imagine exchanging vows surrounded by awe-inspiring snow-laden alpine vistas and not having to worry about icy roads or losing power!
With so much beauty and charm to explore here, a winter wedding in Denver truly is something special. From heated event spaces to modern farmhouses and cottages, there are numerous venues where an eager couple can tie the knot!
Winter Wedding Options in Denver
- Event Planer
A wedding planner can take care of all the details of your winter wedding, from invitations to the food to the music. They can help you find the perfect vendors and make sure everything runs smoothly on the day of the wedding.
- Makeup and Hairstyle
A winter wedding is a perfect opportunity to try out new makeup or hairstyle. There are lots of festive winter looks to choose from, or you could go for a classic look with a twist.
- Photography
Winter weddings offer some beautiful scenery and lighting options for photographers. You could go for a snowy backdrop, or have your photos taken in front of a Christmas tree or in a festive garden.
- Music
A winter wedding is a perfect time to have a Christmas-themed wedding band or DJ. They can play festive songs throughout the ceremony and reception, and even get everyone up dancing later on in the evening!
Winter Wedding Vendors in Denver
- Hourglass Productions
Since 2012, the team at Hourglass Productions has been creating stunning weddings and events. Their number one goal is to ensure that clients have a positive experience, which is why they are recognized for being both pleasant to work with as well as professional. Whether you want assistance planning your dream party or simply want them to create a special occasion event that fits your needs, trust them to keep it real and help you along the way.
- April Griffin Photography
April is a fine art portrait photographer with an interest in artistic, candid, photojournalist portraiture, wedding elopement, and event photography. She completed photography courses at the Los Angeles Center of Photography and currently concentrates on fine art portraiture, event, and landscape photography. As a photographer, she is persistently in search of that sudden insight into the phenomenal, including but not limited to the introspective tranquility of daybreak, atmospheric light interactions with clouds and landscapes, oceanic ferocity, or penetrating human expressions.
- WedLocks Bridal Hair & Makeup
WedLocks Bridal Hair & Makeup is a group of experienced and enthusiastic experts that specializes in on-site weddings, hair types, and airbrush makeup. The team understands that being a bride comes with challenges and their goal is to provide girls with beauty services as well as peace of mind. WedLocks has been featured in Brides and Martha Stewart Weddings, among others.
Pros and Cons of Winter Weddings in Denver
Some brides may opt for a winter wedding to take advantage of lower prices and fewer crowds. Here are some pros and cons to consider:
Advantages
- Venues, catering, and vendors are often more affordable in the winter months.
- You'll have a smaller guest list, so you can spend more time with each person.
- A roaring fire, Christmas decorations, and snow on the ground create a charming setting for a winter wedding.
- With the right light, a winter wedding can be incredibly photogenic.
- You'll have access to seasonal flavors on your wedding—think hot cocoa, gingerbread cookies, and eggnog for your wedding menu!
Disadvantages
- Many venues are not available during the colder months, so your search may be more challenging this time.
- While the cold can be cozy for some guests, others may not enjoy standing outside in the cold for hours.
- Icy conditions can make it difficult for guests to get to your wedding location.
- The sun sets early in the winter, which means your reception may end before most guests are ready to go home!
- If most of your guests are from out of town, they may have to pay higher airfares and hotel rates during the winter season
Tips on How to Organize Winter Weddings in Denver
Winter weddings in Denver offer a unique opportunity to create stunning memories that will last a lifetime. With the right preparation and planning, your winter wedding in Denver can be both beautiful and memorable. Here are a few tips to help you make the most of your winter wedding in Denver:
- Book early: As with any wedding, it is important to book venues and vendors early to ensure availability. Make sure to book venues as far in advance as possible so you're able to secure the dates that work best for you and your guests. Additionally, it's important to factor in weather when selecting dates, as unexpected snowstorms can affect travel plans for out-of-towners.
- Consider seasonal details: Incorporate elements that evoke the feeling of winter into your decor. This can include things like pinecones, white roses, evergreen garlands, fur accents, silver, and blue decor items, twinkling lights, candles, and snowflakes. Consider also having warm beverages such as hot cider or mulled wine to embrace the winter season.
- Choose appropriate attire: When selecting bridesmaids' dresses for a winter wedding in Denver, keep in mind that temperatures can fluctuate greatly throughout the day so opt for something warmer like velvet or satin fabric with long sleeves rather than light fabrics such as chiffon or silk. Be sure to have shawls on hand so they’ll be prepared if the temperature drops unexpectedly. For groomsmen attire, pick something timeless such as wool suits with matching overcoats so they'll stay warm without sacrificing style.
- Protect from the elements: If an outdoor ceremony is part of your plans, then plan accordingly by renting heaters to keep guests comfortable during colder temperatures or providing umbrellas for rainy weather conditions. It’s also important to note that icy sidewalks are common during winter months so consider providing guests with boot trays at the entrances of all indoor spaces so they can easily switch shoes upon arrival.
- Serve comfort food: Comfort food should be served throughout the night—think hearty soups and stews alongside classic comfort foods like mac and cheese and mashed potatoes! If you opt for a sit-down dinner, choose dishes made with seasonal ingredients like roasted squash or root vegetables which will add flavor while keeping everyone cozy all night long!
- Utilize scenic locations: Take advantage of Colorado's natural beauty by choosing scenic locations when taking photos outdoors pre-ceremony or post-ceremony even if it means bundling up! Rocky Mountain National Park offers breathtaking views perfect for photos during any season and is only 45 minutes away from downtown Denver, making it an ideal spot before officially tying the knot!
Famous Locations in Denver
- Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception
Constructed in the mid-19th century, the Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception was designed by Detroit architect Leon Coquard. The cathedral still holds up today as an excellent example of French Gothic architecture. If you're a lover of history or stunning buildings, this is definitely a stop you don't want to miss while in town. The state Capitol building is only a few steps away from this magnificent triple-entranced structure, which has beautiful deep arches around each door and stunning stained glass throughout.
- Denver Botanic Gardens
Denver Botanic Gardens is one of America's top five botanic gardens, with year-round activities, a Mordecai Children's Garden, lifelong learning opportunities, and research to protect Colorado's natural resources. Plants from all around the world can be found in international gardens. Roses, daylilies, and irises are among the most popular flowers seen throughout the season at Denver Botanic Gardens. Gardeners in Colorado face many obstacles because of the state's arid environment, but the Denver Botanic Gardens offer guidance. The gardens cover 24 acres and include a variety of arid gardens that need little water.
- Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre
It is a world-famous outdoor venue located just ten miles west of Denver. The natural cave has excellent acoustics that has attracted A-listers such as U2 and Coldplay. The amphitheater was designated a National Historic Landmark by the National Park Service and Department of Interior after undergoing a 15-year restoration project. Visitors can enjoy not only concerts at Red Rocks but also hiking and biking paths with stunning views.