Outdoor Wedding Ideas for Adventurous Couples in Colorado
When Kris and I got married twenty years ago in San Diego, we opted for a wedding that reflected the beauty of the city we lived in. We chartered a boat to sail around Mission Bay at sunset, and we had a beautiful and unforgettable evening on the water.
We’ve lived in Colorado for seventeen years now, and we’ve come to love the mountains, rivers, and dunes more than we ever could have imagined. If we could get married again, we’d probably choose to celebrate at a place dear to us, like Sprague Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park (pictured below) or Great Sand Dunes National Park. Heck, maybe a vow renewal is in order!
(Sprague Lake at Rocky Mountain National Park. Picture by Reina Callier)
But while we like camping and hiking of the very basic variety (our forty-year-old knees can’t handle much more), there are lots of couples who take pleasure in exploring what Colorado has to offer in more exciting and adventurous ways. For outdoor enthusiasts like these, there are plenty of non-traditional wedding venues/ideas to explore. Here are just a few ideas for adventure-filled weddings in Colorado:
1. Mountains – Without the Hike!
Let’s start with an easy option for people like me! Want beautiful mountain scenery without the hike? Sunrise Amphitheater at Flagstaff Mountain in Boulder is just one of many fabulous options. There are also several easily-accessible options at Rocky Mountain National Park, including Sprague Lake, Bear Lake, and Upper Beaver Meadows. Or you can get married at the Amphitheater at Great Sand Dunes National Park!
2. Mountain-Top Ceremony via Hike
Couples who love to hike and want to exchange vows on a rugged mountain peak with 360-degree views of the Colorado Rockies should consider a trek up Mount Blue Sky (which has both short and long options for hikes to the peak) for an intimate and – literally - breathtaking ceremony. Wedding ceremonies are also permitted at Crystal Reservoir and Interpretive Outlook on Pike’s Peak.
3. Whitewater Rafting Wedding
Take your love downstream with a wedding ceremony on the banks of the Arkansas River, followed by an exhilarating whitewater rafting adventure. Outfitters in places like Buena Vista and Salida offer customized wedding packages that include guided rafting excursions and riverside receptions!
4. Rock Climbing Vows
Couples who love to climb can say “I do” on a cliffside ledge or atop a famous rock formation at places like Eldorado Canyon or Garden of the Gods. Some experienced climbers even choose to exchange vows while harnessed together, symbolizing their shared journey and trust in each other.
5. Ski or Snowboard Wedding
If winter sports are your passion, consider a wedding on the slopes. Resorts like Aspen, Telluride, or Breckenridge offer ski-in, ski-out wedding options. Imagine saying your vows in fresh powder before making a grand descent together on your boards or skis!
6. Off-Road Wedding
For adrenaline junkies who love off-roading in a 4x4, an ATV or Jeep wedding in the backcountry of Moab-like trails in Ouray or the San Juan Mountains can be the perfect adventure. Couples can hold their ceremony in a remote, picturesque setting only accessible by rugged terrain. There are several companies that specialize in this type of wedding!
7. Skydiving Wedding
The ultimate thrill-seeking couple can take the leap—literally! Say your vows mid-air with a tandem skydiving wedding, then celebrate your new adventure together upon landing. Companies around Denver and Longmont offer packages for skydiving ceremonies with professional videography to capture the excitement.
A wedding should reflect your daring spirit and shared love for adventure. Scaling cliffs, carving fresh pow, or rafting down rapids can make your wedding day as extraordinary as your love story! As always, we’re here to help, whether you don’t know where to start or you just need help with the finishing touches.
