2019 Estes Park Wedding Guide

Courtesy of Joe Pyle Photography

Estes Park Wedding Album

Courtesy of Nathan Welton / Dreamtime Images

2 • ESTES PARK WEDDING GUIDE 2019

Courtesy of Nathan Welton / Dreamtime Images

Use Estes Park Shuttle for your transportation needs For the Trail-Gazette

he Estes Park Shuttle offers reliable, daily scheduled shuttle service to and from Denver International Airport and the Estes Valley Area. They are the only licensed and commissioned shuttle company to offer this service to visitors and residents alike to and from Estes Park, Allenspark, Peaceful Valley and Lyons, Colorado. Their authority is granted by the Colorado Public Utilities Commission and therefore their drivers must pass driving and security clearance checks so they can provide a successful service to you.

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Courtesy Joe Pyle Photography

The Estes Park Shuttle offers reliable, daily scheduled shuttle service to and from Denver International Airport and the Estes Valley Area.

With an advanced reservation, the Estes Park Shuttle can pick you up at the

Denver International Airport, AMTRAK and Greyhound stations in Denver,

Lyons, and locations in Boulder and Longmont and bring you to your lodging, residence or location in the Estes Valley Area, and vice versa.

It can also provide transportation for weddings, groups and tours. They know that you have a lot of planning to do and would like to take care or your outof-town guests with round trip transportation from the airport to your wedding.

Contact Estes Park Shuttle today to get booked for your dream wedding in Estes Park. For schedule information, check out their website at www.estesparkshuttle.com.

Transportation for You and Your Guests: • Hotels to Wedding Sites • Rehearsal Dinners • Discounts for Airport Shuttle www.estesparkshuttle.com Email: EstesParkShuttle@aol.com

Call (970) 586-5151 or (970) 586-5024 ESTES PARK WEDDING GUIDE 2019 • 3

File photo / Estes Park Trail-Gazette

The Estes Park Resort will create the perfect Rocky Mountain Wedding; from the spectacular views to the exceptional service.

Find wedded bliss at the Estes Park Resort For the Trail-Gazette

ay your vows on the shores of Lake Estes at The Estes Park Resort, the only lakeside setting in Estes Park. The Estes Park Resort will create the perfect Rocky Mountain Wedding; from the spectacular views to the exceptional service.

Their Ballroom and Grand Ballroom features floor-toceiling windows, hanging chandlers and beautiful log accents. The new Lakeside Pavilion, which is an open-air concept, has a deck overlooking Lake Estes, double sided fireplace and beautiful modern fixtures.

With their detailed set-up and tear-down service, their attentive staff will make your special day as easy as possible. Their team is pleased to assist you in every step of the way.

With their detailed set-up and teardown service, their attentive staff will make your special day as easy as possible.

The new Lakeside Pavilion is an open-air concept with a deck overlooking beautiful Lake Estes. It has a double-sided fireplace and elegant modern fixtures.

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Courtesy photo

Never settle when it comes to planning your wedding.

Whether you want to exchange vows on a lakeside pavilion with views of the Rockies or in an elegantly appointed ballroom, The Estes Park Resort offers couples a variety of sophisticated

4 • ESTES PARK WEDDING GUIDE 2019

spaces to bring the wedding of your dreams to life.

The team of experienced wedding planners and hotel staff at the Estes Park Resort are dedicated to making your wedding vision a reality.

From the venue and vendor selection to curating the per-

fect dĂŠcor and menu, their team will be with you through every step of the process.

For more information on their wedding services, head to theestesparkresort.com/ weddings for more information.

Our dedicated wedding planners can help you learn more about hosting your special day at our all-inclusive resort.

Make your wedding vision a reality by curating the perfect dĂŠcor and menu, in the perfect location. Our team will be with you through every step of the process.

The Lakeside Pavilion:

This beautiful venue is an open-air event space with a deck overlooking Lake Estes, a double sided fireplace and beautiful modern fixtures.

Outdoor Ceremony Gazebo:

Grand Ballroom:

The outdoor gazebo is centrally-located in the Estes Valley surrounded by the Rocky Mountains and Lake Estes.

Our indoor event space features vaulted ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows with views of the Rocky Mountains and Lake Estes, hanging chandlers and beautiful log accents.

970-577-6400 1700 Big Thompson Ave www.theestesparkresort.com

ESTES PARK WEDDING GUIDE 2019 • 5

Exchange your vows in Rocky Mountain National Park For the Trail-Gazette

wedding in Rocky Mountain National Park can be a memorable event. One just has to follow a few rules and obtain the correct permits.

According to www.nps.gov, ceremonies in the park are authorized through a Special Use Permit that requires a non-refundable administrative fee of $250. After favorable review of your application, a Special Use Permit will be prepared and sent to you for signature. If your ceremony plans change, notify the office immediately. After the permit is approved they See ROCKY, pg. 15 A wedding in Rocky Mountain National Park is unlike any other.

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Courtesy of Joe Pyle Photography

Put adventure in your photos From Joe Pyle Photography ples who aren’t afraid of a

e’re Joe and Kari and together we make up the husband and wife team at Joe Pyle Photography, in Estes Park.

We’ve been living here full time for over six years now and absolutely love it. Most of our work is here in Colorado, however we have also worked with couples in Mexico, Belize, Iceland, and Alaska.

We are honored to have photographed over three hundred couples in this beautiful state. Our primary focus is on adventure elopement photography for cou-

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6 • ESTES PARK WEDDING GUIDE 2019

little adventure and exploration while we photograph.

Working creatively while being outside is our passion and we are always scouting for new and fresh places to work.

In our spare time we are outside. We mountain bike, backcountry ski, rock climb, fly fish, and hike.

We tailor each adventure elopement to match our couples wishes and we make sure you have a full gallery of images when we’re finished. Get in touch with us, or go to https://www.joepylephotography.com/colorado-elopement-photographer/ to learn more.

Mountain destination weddings at The Stanley Hotel From The Stanley Hotel

nvision your once-in-alifetime mountain destination wedding at the iconic Stanley Hotel. Nestled in the majestic Rocky Mountains, The Stanley offers a variety of elegant and unique event spaces for your Estes Park wedding including several outdoor ceremony locations and unique reception options, one of which is sure to meet your needs and individual style. With the benefit of a fullservice hotel, spa and restaurant, you and your guests will be able to enjoy a memorable and unique wedding experience.

The Stanley Hotel is proud to offer breathtaking 360 degree views of the stunning Rocky Mountains as your backdrop for your wedding photos. Having delivered hundreds of beautifully successful Colorado destination wedding experiences, the Stanley’s dedicated wedding team will plan out every detail for your ceremony, reception, rehearsal dinner, farewell brunch and any other special occasion.

The Stanley Hotel proudly features some of the most stunning and unique venues in Colorado for your mountain wedding, from intimate spaces to grand ballrooms to outdoor venues with beautiful scenery. Our variety of unique wedding venues guarantees that you will be able to create a truly distinctive event that is tailored to your individual style and one that your guests will never forget!

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The Pavilion The Stanley Hotel is proud to have one of Colorado’s premiere event and wedding

Courtesy photo

The Stanley offers a variety of elegant and unique event spaces for your Estes Park wedding including several outdoor ceremony locations and unique reception options, one of which is sure to meet your needs and individual style.

room, the Music Room or the Pinon/Billiard Room. If you would like to hold your event outdoors, we recommend the Longs Peak Lawn, which offers breathtaking views of Longs Peak and Rocky Mountain National Park.

The Lodge at the Stanley Tyler Pialet / Estes Park Trail-Gazette

There is no better way to begin the rest of your life than a wedding at the historic Stanley Hotel.

complex. Set against the striking backdrop of Long’s Peak and Rocky Mountain National Park on the grounds of the Stanley Hotel, The Pavilion builds on the F.O. Stanley’s architectural heritage while combining cutting-edge design, technology and innovation. The Pavilion features a 250 seat glass-door

auditorium and over 8,000 sq. ft. of banquet space set against a private pond.

The Main Hotel The original main hotel features historically decorated spaces that can accommodate up to 200 wedding guests.

Unique wedding venues include the MacGregor Ball-

Previously known as the Manor House, the 40-room Lodge at The Stanley is a junior version of the Main Hotel providing an intimate setting ideal for smaller weddings and group buyouts. Key features of this building include dog-friendly accommodations, and a Myriad of smaller spaces for intimate gatherings.

The Concert Hall ‘The Concert Hall, built with the original hotel, is filled with See STANLEY, pg. 15

ESTES PARK WEDDING GUIDE 2019 • 7

Spectacular Ceremonies: The grounds of The Stanley Hotel boast some of the most spectacular views in Estes Park of the surrounding Themountains, grounds of The Stanley Hotel boast some of spacious the with many locations available, offering most spectacular views in Estes Park of the surrounding lawns that are perfect for your ceremony and/or reception.

The venues andmany servicelocations are unsurpassed, assure thatlawns every mountains, with offeringtospacious event is a success. that are perfect for your ceremony and/or reception. The

venues and service that is offered are unsurpassed to Breathtaking Views: assure The that every event is aissuccess.

The Stanley Northern Hotel Stanley Hotel proud to introduce is proud to introduce Northern Colorado’s newest Colorado’s most breathtaking events and wedding complex, The and Pavilion.

Set against the The striking backdrop Long’s events wedding complex, Pavilion.

Set of against and backdrop Rocky Mountain National Park.

The Pavilion thePeak striking of Long’s Peak and Rocky builds on the F.O. Stanley’s architectural heritage Mountain National Park.

The Pavilion builds on the while FO combining cutting-edge design, technology and innovation.

The Pavilion indoor/outdoor amphitheater Stanley architectural heritage while combining Private Accommodations: cutting-edge design, technology and innovation. The Pavilion Front Exterior Rendering state-of-the-art 17,000 ft2 17,000 Pavilionsquare is tailored up-scale The state-of-the-art foot to Pavilion is tailored for up-scaleand weddings, private space to weddings, corporate concertoffering groups,aoffering a greet,space meet to and eat under one eat roof.under Key one features The private greet, meet and roof.ofKey Pavilion include a 250 seat indoor/outdoor amphitheater set features of The Pavilion include a 250 seat indoor/ on a breathtaking private pond. outdoor amphitheater set on a breath-taking private With over 8,000 square feet of banquet space The pond, over 8,000 ft2 of banquet space capable of Pavilion is capable of accommodating up to 350 guests, accommodating to 350 guests, bridal suites which includes up private bridal suitesprivate and an intimate wedding andlawn. an intimate wedding lawn. Design highlights includeDesign a floating stageinclude and movable exterior walls highlights a floating stage and movable allowing enjoy open-aired events while events exteriorguests walls to allowing guests to enjoy open-aired while the enjoying the spectacular natural enjoying spectacular natural setting.

The setting. building The building also features the latest in wireless technology and also features the latest in wireless technology and The Pavilion Banquet Space high-end acoustic treatments. The new Pavilion is the latest high-end acoustic treatments.

The new Pavilion is set to development at The Stanley Hotel and you will find it a Pavilion Interior Rendering open mid-summer 2017.

Only at The Stanley will you captivating place that must be experienced. find a captivating place that must be experienced, where Tradition: tradition and history are honored and modern day luxury is The StanleytoHotel is whereand tradition andpart history delivered. Come The Stanley become of are honored and modern day luxury is delivered. history where we all create unforgettable moments, Come to The Stanley Hotel and become part of history every single day. where we all create unforgettable moments, every single day.

Weddings Ask Hotline: for our

Wedding Planner: (970)577-4018 (970) 577-4018

Pavilion Back Exterior

Pavilion Back Exterior Rendering

8 • ESTES PARK WEDDING GUIDE 2019

ESTES PARK WEDDING GUIDE 2019 • 9

The Ridgeline Hotel is a premiere wedding venue For the Trail-Gazette

he Ridgeline Hotel and Conference Center in Estes Park could be the ideal location for your wedding. It is a beautiful, affordable and convenient venue, with a staff that can assist you every step of the way, from planning to the ceremony, reception and post wedding events. There are over 20,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting and event space for any size wedding party.

There are plenty of options for both your ceremony and reception. Hold your wedding ceremony in the Aspen Courtyard, or in the Front Foyer with a giant fireplace as your backdrop, all located right in the Ridgeline’s space.

The Aspen Courtyard makes an open and inviting venue with a fire pits circled by Adirondack chairs and covered dining for up to 250 guests where everyone can enjoy Colorado’s fresh mountain air, with dinner and dancing under the stars. You can

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Courtesy of the Ridgeline Hotel

The Aspen Courtyard makes an open and inviting venue with a fire pits circled by Adirondack chairs and covered dining for up to 250 guests.

reserve the spacious Grand Ballroom, which is attached directly to the hotel and can accommodate as many as 400 guests. If you are looking for something smaller, reserve just enough space for a more intimate gathering with your closest friends and

Courtesy of the Ridgeline Hotel

A number of Wedding Packages are available for a range of budgets.

10 • ESTES PARK WEDDING GUIDE 2019

family.

The Ridgeline’s delectable catering options bring the same love and inspired menu ideas you might expect from Latitude 105 Alehouse, and takes it upscale. Their catering menus and service run the gamut from hearty buf-

fets to elegant formal dining, from filet mignon, to delicately plated chicken piccata, wild-caught salmon and scrumptious desserts. Their talented culinary staff customizes each event with personalized menu options See RIDGELINE, pg. 14

Courtesy of the Ridgeline Hotel

Wedding day at the Ridgeline Hotel will be an unforgettable time.

Wedding of your dreams awaits at American Legion Grand Hall For the Trail-Gazette

he American Legion is first and foremost a support center for our Veterans. But we are also known to uphold time-honored traditions, like the beautiful, sacred, and joyful celebration of marriage.

Our renovated Grand Hall can support any atmosphere that you wish to create with your decorations, from elegant to casual comfort, for your wedding or rehearsal dinner.

The Grand Hall seats up to 120 people. It boasts a new hardwood dance floor, stage, sound system and the space has great acoustics.

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Our renovated Grand Hall can support any atmosphere that you wish to create with your decorations, from elegant to casual comfort, for your wedding or rehearsal dinner.

Round or rectangular tables are available, with sturdy and comfortable seating. Table cloths are available in white, black, ivory and burgundy.

Chair covers available in white.

The American Legion is located in a prime location to enjoy the spectacular views of the Estes Valley, Lake Estes

Have a memorable destination wedding For the Trail-Gazette

estination weddings can be a memorable and fabulous experience, yet it is important for you to be organized and know what you are getting into. Your wedding elements — not just location — should say something about your personal style and your passions.

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Take a trip Planners can’t recommend this enough: Take at least one planning trip and if you can swing it, two or three is ideal.

On the first trip, you’ll need to scout and secure your key venues — ceremony and reception spaces, hotels for guests, a rehearsal dinner

venue — and local suppliers such as caterers, florists and photographers.

Next (or during a second trip), you’ll need to see sample bouquets from the florist, schedule tastings with your caterer, plan a hair and makeup session with a local salon and organize activities (golf, tennis, walking tours, museums) for your guests.

Give it time Unfortunately, the best weather in popular vacation destinations tends to correlate with tourist season, when there are typically more crowds, fewer hotel and venue availabilities, and higher rates all around.

While the off-season will See DESTINATION, pg. 14

and Lumpy Ridge. An outdoor “beer garden” is available on the scenic side surrounded by grass and picnic tables.

Our competent and welcoming American Legion staff members will help you plan the wedding reception of your dreams and your budget! If desired, extra bartending and waitperson staffing can be

provided for your event.

With a commercial-grade kitchen facility and outdoor barbecue area, the Legion is happy to let you bring in your own food. But of course we are also happy to help you cater your food.

Inside and separate from the Grand Hall is a licensed bar, you can order the level of beverage service that you prefer, ranging from open-bar, cash-bar, kegs, champagne, punch, or alcohol-free.

With the Grand Hall rental starting at just $500 the American Legion offers practical options for your day-to-remember. Discounts available for Post 119 members and their families.

NEED A PLACE FOR YOUR EVENT? RENT RENT OUR OURSPACE SPACESTARTING STARTINGAT AT$1000! $500!

• Full-service, commercial-grade kitchen on site • Licensed bar available as cash or open bar • Beer garden outside with spectacular views • Friendly and helpful staff • Grand Hall seats up to 120 people • Dance floor, stage, sound system, and great acoustics

The American Legion is a proud supporter of American values and time-honored traditions.

We would be honored to help you host your wedding rehearsal, reception, and/or ceremony!

(970) 586-6118 estespost119.org esteslegion.org • 850 N. Saint Vrain Ave.

ESTES PARK WEDDING GUIDE 2019 • 11

Estes Park Wedding Association is a great resource For the Trail-Gazette

he Estes Park Wedding Association is a group of qualified wedding venues and wedding services, providing the very best in destination mountain weddings. Based in Estes Park, the Estes Park Wedding Association members are committed to creating your dream mountain wedding and rocky mountain memories that will last a lifetime.

Specializing in destination weddings, elopements, rustic mountain weddings, and weddings in Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park is Courtesy of Nathan Welton / Dreamtime Images the best place to get married Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park are popular wedding destinations for all seasons of in Colorado. the year.

The association members agree to a standard of memBased in Estes Park, the Estes bership and a code of ethics: Park Wedding Association however, each member sets members are committed to their own business policies creating your dream mountain and practices. Therefore, the wedding and rocky mountain association encourages each memories that will last a consumer to contact the venlifetime. dors directly, interview them, Courtesy of Joe Pyle Photography and make themselves comfortable with the product, service, terms and practices for which they are paying. The EPWA as an organization is See WEDDING, pg. 15

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970-586-1156 165 Virginia Dr., Estes Park West of Bond Park Atop the Courtyard Shops 970-586-5421 epbrewery@epbrewery.com 470 Prospect Village Dr, Estate Park, CO

12 • ESTES PARK WEDDING GUIDE 2019

Please call to reserve our private downstairs cabaĂąa bar!

What to do about the rehearsal dinner elor/Bachelorette party shenanigans… that was then, this is now, maintain your dignity ehearsal Dinners are for this so you can hold on to important for the Wed- it for times of tribulation. ding Ceremony and Don’t show up to a fine resshould not be overlooked or taurant day-of and expect to under-planned. Typically get a group of 30 served. It’s those involved in the wedding not something restaurants in go over the formations and this town, with the amount of structure of the ceremony tourism that exists, can propbefore heading to a dinner erly accommodate. Most reswhere more family and out-of- taurants have the ability to town guests are included. serve private groups and Consider the following list please support our sponsors. to be sure your rehearsal dinIf you’re having a wedding ner is memorable for all the in Estes Park or the surright reasons: rounding areas near Rocky Choose a theme and go Mountain National Park, on a with it. By doing a cheesy budget smaller than what the theme for your rehearsal din- big resorts with personal ner you avoid focusing all the wedding planners offer, than attention on the weird relaconsider these locations for tionships that spawn between the rehearsal dinner: family members and friends Nicky’s Steakhouse: Estaball coming together. lished in 1962, Nicky’s recentDon’t talk about your Bach- ly changed ownership, to

By Daniel Sewell Trail-Gazette

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John & Lorie, who have the enthusiasm to keep Nicky’s an endearing establishment in Estes; as the beautiful steakhouse on the river deserves.

It is a great place for groups up to 100, they are wellversed in catering as they hold the surf n’ turf Prime Rib and Seafood buffet every Fri in the winter-time.

Bird & Jim: Established in 2017, this restaurant can hold a group of almost 100 people, but they also offer off-site catering. The Colorado Cuisine they are known for is locally sourced, seasonal, and made with the mindset of quality of quantity. The unique style of Bird & Jim is wholly authentic and heartily delicious.

Estes Park Brewery: Established in 1994, this was the first brewery established in Estes Park and remains the

largest. They have two stories of dining space large enough for group parties to reserve a private space. The Estes Park Brewery has a full kitchen and bar, plus pool table and arcades for entertainment. .

Their delicious brews and classic American food is a good way to go for any crowd.

La Cabana Mexican Bar & Grill: Established in 2016, this restaurant sits atop a 3-story building in the heart of downtown. Their rooftop patio overlooks Bond Park, which is not typically rented. On the level below the patio is a private bar with room for up to 75 people. La Cabana Mexican Bar & Grill can create a special menu for your guests and staff a personal bartender for your group.

Dining in Estes Park can be delicious and memorable with a variety to choose from.

Nicky’s Steakhouse Restaurant & Lounge

Our beautiful Steakhouse has ample room room for parties large and small.

We can accomodate groups up to 100 people.

There are many specialty packages for you to choose from.

Call to learn more.

Please join us along the river for your special ocassion.

It would be our pleasure to serve you and yours.

Let Bird & Jim bring our fresh, seasonal, quality food to your table, making your special event outstanding. We offer several different catering options. If possible, we are happy to host your special occasion at Bird & Jim; however, if our available times and space constraints do not work for you, we are happy to bring you and your guests Bird & Jim’s quality cuisine.

915 Moraine Ave. 970-586-9832 www.birdandjim.com birdandjim@birdandjim.com

www.nickyssteakhouse.com | 1350 Fall River Road Reservations: (970) 586-5376 | Special Events: (970) 586-2123 ESTES PARK WEDDING GUIDE 2019 • 13

Destination from page 11 mean fewer crowds, the weather can be iffy, and you may find that many stores, venues and vendors close up shop.

If you choose to marry during high season, you’ll want to reserve hotel blocks and venues immediately and send out save-the-dates 10 to 12 months in advance so guests can book their flights and accommodations before prices skyrocket.

If you choose the shoulder season (right after high season), you may be able to save Courtesy of Joe Pyle Photography yourself and your guests Always remember to be organized when planning a destination some money and still enjoy wedding. great weather.

Get help

with fun activities once there, vetting special requests Control freaks, beware: If you’re hosting a wedding in a (babysitters, dry cleaners and so on), and getting distant locale, you will need to entrust at least part of the everyone where they need to be on-time. Many resorts planning to someone else’s include a coordinator in their capable hands. A wedding wedding packages. planner can shoulder the Otherwise, set aside about burden of researching and securing local vendors (espe- 10 to 15 percent of your total cially valuable if said vendors budget for a local planner.

Generally speaking, a local speak English only as a secplanner is your best bet, as ond language), dealing with logistics like tent rentals and he can be your man-on-theground when you can’t be lighting and handling any there. But if you prefer to go last-minute fires that may start in the weeks leading up with a planner from back home, make sure they have to the wedding. She is also the behind-the-scenes queen, experience planning wedcreating gift bags for guests, dings in your chosen destinagreeting everyone at the air- tion and expect to cover his transportation costs for planport, keeping people busy

ning visits and the actual wedding.

Research local requirements The legal side of tying the knot in a different country can be complicated. Many countries have a residency requirement(for example, 24 hours in Turks and Caicos and seven days in England), which means you must reside in the country for a certain length of time before your ceremony.

Although this is usually just a few days, it can be longer.

France requires you to arrive at least 40 days before you marry!

Research vendors carefully

While you can view vendors portfolios online and check references from afar, If done right, a destination it’s important that you’re wedding can cost no more — comfortable with your venand maybe even less — than dors.

You’ll be leaving a lot in hosting the same party at their hands, as you wont be home (depending on where able to be nearly as hands-on, you live, of course). Still so its important you trust there are extra expenses those hands are capable. you’ll need to factor in for That’s why we strongly sugany destination wedding, including importing key ven- gest making at least one planning trip to meet with potendors and decor, welcome tial vendors. If you must hire bags for guests, additional activities for guests and trav- your vendors unseen, schedule a video chat so you can el costs for you and your get a sense for a potential immediate families (includvendors demeanor and pering the planning trips, not See DESTINATION, pg. 15 just the big day).

Remember extra expenses

Ridgeline from page 10 designed to perfectly match your vision, and your budget.

A number of Wedding Packages are available as well for a range of budgets.

These include table and chair setup, bartender, cake cutting, dance floor, linens, champagne/cider toast, complimentary use of centerpieces and a pre-wedding tasting for two. Additional accessories are also available.

Other wedding services like florists, musicians, DJs, photographers and more can be found locally right here in Estes Park, making coordination and set-up a breeze. If you need assistance finding a florist, baker, photographer, etc., the Ridgeline would be more than happy to introduce you to some of the excellent wedding vendors in town.

Don’t forget about the Rid-

14 • ESTES PARK WEDDING GUIDE 2019

geline’s on-site amenities as well. Relax in style in their full-size indoor heated pool and hot tub, which features a 180-inch projector screen with frequent movie showings and even football games.

Enjoy the crisp mountain air and a s’mores kit as you spend time at one of their outdoor fire pits, complete with comfy Adirondack chairs.

Their friendly and knowledgeable event staff is ready to help you set up and organize the wedding reception of your dreams in Estes Park.

Feel free to reach out with any questions, no matter where you are in your wedding planning. Give them a call at 970-480-4012 or go online to ridgelinehotel.com/ weddings for more information.

Wedding from page 12

Rocky from page 6

unable to suggest one vendor over another. The association cannot guarantee or be held responsible for, the performance of any of its

will send you an authorized copy. The approved permit must be in your possession at the time of the ceremony.

The permit includes specific conditions that protect the parks resources.

Ceremonies conducted in the national park require written approval from the Chief Rangers Office or Concessions Management Office.

Information can be obtained at 970-586-1209 or writing to Concessions Management Office, Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park, CO 80517 .

members.

For more information and a complete list of association members, go to estesparkweddings.com.

Destination from page 14 sonality before you sign a contract. Your wedding planner can meet with potential vendors on your behalf and brief you on your options, as well.

Another option: Bring pros you trust from home to handle critical aspects such as the wedding photography, hair and makeup, and design (lighting, flowers), and even work with local vendors in a supervisory capacity to avoid any communication mishaps. Just remember: You’ll have to cover their travel and lodging expenses.

Mind Mother Nature

your wedding dress — and deciding on everyone else’s attire. If you’re exchanging vows outside, you may want to reconsider a long train that will easily get muddy or grass-stained or three-inch heels that will stick in the mud.

Take care of guests In addition to arranging group rates for flights and rooms, list information for getting to and from the nearest airport to your wedding locale, invite everyone to the rehearsal or welcome dinner and next-day brunch, and deliver welcome bags to their rooms, full of essentials for the trip, like suntan lotion and water.

Don’t just assume the weather will be fine. The weather in the Rocky Moun- Get a move on it tains can change rapidly.

Not to stress you out, but Have contingency plans you’re basically competing should this happen. in the Olympics of wedding planning — the long-disForewarn tance affair. your friends You need to be twice as Tell your bridal party about the destination before organized as a local couple and pre-think everything, you ask them to stand by because you won’t have your side so that they can gracefully decline if finances much time to make up your mind, especially if you can are tight. only do one or two planning Don’t be upset if some of your closest friends or rela- trips. Every trip should be tives don’t attend. While you one fat to-do list of appointare, in a sense, footing some ments with vendors, coordinators and venue managers, of the food bills, their fees so do your research, set up for travel, hotel, and car appointments and form a rental can really add up.

And while your wedding is a clear vision of what you mini-vacation for you, it may want before you go.

The good news: If you not be the one they want to give yourselves one weektake. end to find a reception site, Dress the part you’ll find one. In other Dont forget to consider words, distance will make the climate when choosing you decisive.

Ceremony locations Ceremony sites in Rocky Mountain National Park are located in areas that are open to the public. All locations are outdoors and rustic in nature without protection from the weather. Ceremony site use is on a first-come, first-served basis and limited to two hours maximum at all locations. Weddings are not permitted in public facilities such as visitor centers, roadside turnouts, parking areas, overlooks, or in special wildlife viewing areas. No sites can be reserved for the exclusive use of your event.

Scheduled park programs and activities may be taking place at the same time and in the same general area.

Most designated sites can only accommodate small groups of up to 20 people.

The number of sites available to accommodate larger wedding parties (21 to 100) is limited due to high visitation

and resource protection. For wedding ceremonies, the overall number includes the wedding party, children, officiant, and photographer(s).

There are limited sites that will accommodate these larger ceremonies, and these should be scheduled as soon as possible through the application process with the Concessions Office. Not all party sizes will be permitted in all areas. Size limits vary depending on parking, time of year, and location of site.

The maximum size for any ceremony is 100 people.

For questions about sites, please contact the Concession Office for further information.

Regulations Park visitor centers, restrooms, and other buildings may not be used for wedding preparations such as dressing, picture-taking, rehearsals, and waiting areas.

These facilities may not be used in the event of inclement weather. Equipment such as tables, chairs, carpets, tents, floral displays, signs, banners, flags, generators, and amplifiers may not be used in the park. Facilities for receptions and parties do not exist in the park.

Throwing and scattering rice, birdseed, flower petals or other materials is prohibited. Normal entrance fees apply to all vehicles associated with the wedding.

Advance payments can be arranged by contacting the Concessions Office at 970586-1209.

Stanley from page 7 history and charm. It features spectacular high ceilings, a large stage, and a private veranda with stunning views of the Rocky Mountains.

With so much to offer, you

are guaranteed to find exactly what you are looking for here, and more. There is no better way to begin the rest of your life than a wedding at the historic Stanley Hotel.

ESTES PARK WEDDING GUIDE 2019 • 15

SAY “I DO” IN THE BEAUTIFUL

Rocky Mountains

©Sky Pond Photo & Video

Your perfect day Awaits...

THE RIDGELINE HOTEL & CONFERENCE CENTER OFFERS: Indoor and Outdoor Event Space Rehearsal Dinners | Ceremonies | Receptions Catering Made Easy | Wedding Package Options

HOTEL AMENITIES YOUR GUESTS WILL LOVE: Indoor Heated Swimming Pool & Hot Tub | Pet-Friendly Fire Pits & S’mores Kits | Complimentary Bicycle Rentals Gaming Area | Fitness Room | Latitude 105 Alehouse

970.480.4012

101 South Saint Vrain Ave.

RidgelineHotel.com 16 • ESTES PARK WEDDING GUIDE 2019

Estes Park, CO