The Vail Valley has become a popular destination for weddings. Couples come from across the country to say their vows with the stunning Rockies as a backdrop. But Vail weddings are about more than the breathtaking scenery; they’re about the first-class service, unmatched hospitality and unique beauty of a town that prides itself on exclusivity and grandeur. For those seeking a wedding of luxury and splendor, the Vail Valley has plenty of venues to choose from. Here are my top picks.

The Sonnenalp Resort of Vail. Photo from sonnenalp.com

1. The Sonnenalp Resort of Vail

Voted “Best of Weddings 2010″ by readers of The Knot magazine, The Sonnenalp knows how to make a day memorable. Their attention to detail is immaculate and they have their own personal wedding consultant that will turn your dreams for the big day into reality. You have the option of choosing between over half a dozen venues, ranging from the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens to the Vail Interfaith Chapel to a location atop a mountain. Whatever venue you choose, the professional Sonnenalp staff will be on hand to organize and execute the wedding of your dreams.

The Beaver Creek Chapel. Photo from beavercreeklodge.net

2. Beaver Creek Lodge

Located in one of the most exclusive areas of the Vail Valley, the Beaver Creek Lodge has won recognition as one of the top ski resorts in the world. Winner of an AAA Four-Diamond Excellence award, you can be sure that the service and hospitality will be among the best you’ve experienced. There are indoor and outdoor locations for your ceremony and the modern, unique interior design of the resort definitely make it stand out. The 1,344 square-foot Blue Spruce Room can accommodate up to 100 guests and boasts floor-to-ceiling windows that will leave your guests with unforgettable views of the Rockies. The resort is also a 3-minute walk from the secluded Beaver Creek Chapel if you’re looking for a more intimate experience.

The Cordillera Gazebo. Photo from cordilleralodge.com

3. The Lodge & Spa at Cordillera

Imagine standing under the elegant, pristine Cordillera Gazebo with your husband-to-be, the Sawatch Range on one side and your loved ones on another. The crisp white of the gazebo and the row of chairs creates a dramatic contrast to the flourishing greenery surrounding you. The fresh mountain air tickles your face as you exchange vows and are pronounced husband and wife. If this sounds like your dream wedding, then The Lodge & Spa at Cordillera, also a winner of the AAA Four-Diamond award, is the perfect place for you. The elegance, sophistication and natural beauty of The Lodge work perfectly to craft the perfect mountain wedding. You can also choose to have your ceremony at the beautifully landscaped Cordillera lawn and outdoor locations are also available for winter weddings. With such a beautiful location and the help of experienced resort event-planners, you will have a wedding to rival the beauty of the Rockies.

The Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa. Photo from starwoodhotels.com

4. Westin Riverfront Resort and Spa

Located at the base of Beaver Creek Mountain and on the banks of Eagle River, The Westin Riverfront Resort and Spa provides the perfect backdrop for a wedding in the mountains. Your wedding will be a combination of the majesty of the Rockies and the serenity of the river. Say your vows in the 2,000 square-foot outdoor Wedding Lawn where you’ll be embraced by the natural beauty of the location. Just a few steps away The Riverside Terrace is the perfect place for cocktails and hors d’oeuvres before the real party begins. The floor-to-ceiling windows in the 3,800 square –foot Riverside Ballroom will bring the mountains inside  your reception, making it a night to remember.

The Mountainside Terrace at The Ritz Carlton, Bachelor Gulch. Photo from ritzcarlton.com

5. The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch

This Avon resort stays true to the luxury and high class Ritz-Carlton is renowned for. You can have a small, intimate wedding or an extravagant reception. The choice is yours and Ritz-Carlton makes it possible with their wide range of venues that can hold up to 35 (Smith Terrace) or 350 (Mountainside Terrace) guests. You can also choose to get married at the nearby Beaver Creek Chapel, with transportation to and from the chapel provided for the entire wedding party. If you’re a ski fanatic, the resort has ski-in/ski-out access available for guests.

Many resorts offer special offers or group discounts. Rocky Mountain Group Travel also has special wedding packages available that include activities and transportation options to take the stress out of planning. They can also customize one for you. Call 1-866-348-5129

Beano’s Cabin, Beaver Creek
Beano’s cabin is hidden away on Grouse Mountain in Beaver Creek, surrounded by aspen groves with spectacular views. In the winter Beano’s is only accessible via snowmobile and in the summer most prefer to access it via their horse drawn buggy. I prefer Beano’s because it’s a little harder to get to, but once you’re there it’s all worth it.

The Lodge & Spa at Cordillera, Edwards
Sitting on a mountain with views of Vail Valley makes the Cordillera a perfect retreat for those looking for a serene escape in the mountains. The Cordillera is it’s own community, so guests feel part of something special.  The Cordillera boasts over 5,000 square feet of meeting space, four golf courses, a world class spa, 56 rooms and two unique restaurants on-site.

Elk Creek Lodge, Breckenridge
Surrounded by nation forest, this 50-acre mountain-top retreat boosts some of the best views Breckenridge have to offer. The 6,000 square ft. log lodge style home can accommodate 20 people for a private resort experience.  It’s what you imagine when you think of mountain serenity.

Keyah Grand Resort, Pagosa Springs
Guests can travel the world without leaving the Keyah Grand Resort, nestled in the San Juan Mountains of Pagosa Spring. Each guest suite allows one to escape to their choice of China, Spain, Santa Fe, England, America, the South Pacific, or Japan. Over 3,000 bottles of wine on the 4,200-acre resort leaves endless options for a inspiring getaway.

Limelight Lodge, Aspen
Groups looking for gracious hospitality with charming character, find the Limelight Lodge in Aspen the perfect choice. The Limelight’s location in downtown Aspen puts guests in the center of fine dining, shopping, and the aura that makes Aspen famous.

Its almost that time of year again, we all know it, some of us dread it, but most of us cant wait for the parties…wedding season is fast approaching and the invitations have been sent.  As I check my mail box I look for the next invitation I cant help but think about my ever dwindling pocket book.   While I love weddings I also know they start to get pricey, especially when you have more than a couple of weddings to attend and be a part of.  And its not just the weddings, I have to think about the bachelorette party and bridal shower with each of these momentous events. So I have to wonder how can I keep this affordable, fun, and special for groups large and small.

I love living in the mountains for a number of reasons, and yes I still like it in the off season just after the ski season is over and right before summer gets into full swing.  The off season is the perfect time to host a bachelorette party or even a bridal shower.  It is exciting and sometime stressful planning these events for my friends and family but since I am in the travel industry with Rocky Mt Vacation Rentals and Rocky Mt Group Travel I am happy to take on the task of planning for the group.  So here are some helpful tips.  Ask for a group rate- you have more than 10 people traveling with you, then it is a group and discounts are available.  Take time to research when the peak and low season travel seasons are.  Traveling in the off season discounted lodging rates are often available.  Find out what local events are going when you are traveling.  Work with locally operated companies, they will have a better insight as to what to do, where to go, what the most recent specials are, and more.

As we prepare to attend the Rocky Mountain Bridal Show this weekend I came to the realization that five years ago I would have never willingly attended such an event. Now that I’ve been planning events for a few years, I can say that this bridal show is something that I would not miss. Weird how things evolve over time…
The Rocky Mountain Bridal Show will take place at the Colorado Convention Center this Sunday afternoon. Rocky Mountain Group Travel’s services have been very well received by wedding & event planners that we’ve talked to thus far. It’s exciting for us to have the chance to meet key suppliers face to face and introduce Rocky Mountain Group Travel Wedding planning services to them. I’m anticipating that many brides attending the show are taking the reins on planning their own wedding and I think that’s awesome. However, it’s often the wedding party and guest accommodations that end up taking the most time away from more important details. Finding lodging in a preferred location that can also accommodate large groups is usually a task to hand off to people who really know the destination. That way the bride or wedding planner doesn’t have to mess with the hassle of collecting deposits, changes to the rooming list and all related stress. Everybody wins!
I love the mountains and therefore support anyone who chooses such a beautiful landscape to host their wedding. My big day will come one of these days, but until then I will attend the Bridal Show on  Sunday, meet some good people and hope for delicious cake samples to keep me smiling the whole day!