Telluride, Co

Telluride Wedding Guide

A Telluride Wedding Is Like a Dream Come True

Imagine walking down the aisle with breathtaking snow-brushed mountain peaks as your backdrop. Imagine saying your vows in a vibrant yet laid-back town laced with colorful Victorian homes, renowned restaurants, impressive art galleries, and high-end boutiques. That’s just the beginning of what you can expect with a Telluride wedding—regardless of the size of your event.
Bring the magic of a luxurious mountain wedding experience to fruition with the help of this Telluride wedding guide.

Telluride, a Spectacular Wedding Destination in Winter, Summer or Whenever

Telluride, Colorado

Known for world-class skiing in the winter and glorious hiking, outdoor sports, festivals and nightlife in the summer, Telluride is a bustling town. That means in the peak seasons—winter and summer—it will be more difficult to secure the best wedding accommodations in Telluride, lower flight prices and more popular venues. However, there will likely be more transportation and flight options, along with a greater number of open shops and restaurants.

When you’re trying to decide on the best time for your Telluride wedding, ask yourself what is most important. Using expert wedding planners to help you plan your event? Is it the Telluride wedding cost? Getting married in a location you love? Having an opportunity to enjoy the winter or summer amenities? The stunning mountain scenery at a particular time of year? Or being able to find the ultimate wedding venue?

Whether you want a Telluride winter wedding, a summer event or something in between, the answer to your dream is waiting for you.

Choosing the Ideal Venue for Your Wedding in Telluride

Chances are, you have an idea of the number of guests you’re inviting—and how many are likely to show up. Similarly, you have probably determined the size of your bridal party. Those are key factors in Telluride wedding planning and ones you should address first.

Next, decide if you prefer an indoor or outdoor wedding venue. Remember to factor in the weather when choosing luxurious Telluride wedding venues. If you’ve dreamed of an outdoor wedding, you might want to avoid winter; you wouldn’t want a snowstorm to interrupt your ceremony or celebration! If you decide on an outdoor venue in the National Forest or on land the Bureau of Land Management oversees, you might need a permit.

There are probably more options for an indoor wedding, and they can accommodate any size party. Also, you may want to have your ceremony and reception in the same venue. That can make it easier in terms of guest transportation—and especially if lodging is on site.

Selecting Wedding Accommodations in Telluride or Wedding Accommodations in Mountain Village

wedding

When you’re planning your Telluride wedding, you’ll need to choose the accommodations that will best suit your budget, your interests and your guests. You have a choice of area destinations: downtown Telluride or Mountain Village. A free gondola—a scenic elevated cabin—links the town of Telluride to Mountain Village in a ride that takes about 12 minutes and another three minutes from Mountain Village Center to Market Plaza. You can learn more in the Telluride transportation guide.

Telluride was once a mining town and has a longer history than its ritzier neighbor, Mountain Village, and boasts historic buildings and character that ooze charm. Find out more about its history and unique amenities in our Telluride destination guide.

Mountain Village is located amid 13,000- to 14,000-foot peaks, high above Telluride. The views are unparalleled and exude a spectacular feeling. The Mountain Village destination guide provides a good overview of this luxurious wedding locale. Both towns offer unique shopping experiences and a plethora of dining options. Savor some tasty possibilities available in the Mountain Village restaurant guide.

Once you’ve decided which location—Telluride or Mountain Village—best suits your wedding plans, you can narrow down specific accommodations. Depending on the size of your wedding party, you may need to use several properties. Also, you might want to choose a property for its amenities or proximity to activities you might want to participate in.

      • Downtown Telluride vacation rentals

        From a compact ski-in ski-out condo to a historic private home within walking distance to the slopes, you can find wedding accommodations in Telluride to suit your needs and those of your guests. Or if you’re the bride or groom and want somewhere scenic and secluded, our Concierge team in Telluride can lead you to the perfect honeymoon haven.
      • Mountain Village vacation rentals

        This European-style village sits 9,500 feet in the San Juan Mountains and offers serene accommodations that can sleep as many as 16 guests. Polar Queen, for example, is a perfect spot for a large group who want to continue the party while staying in mountain luxury. This massive estate has a pool table, foosball, a streaming video library and even a hot tub.

Local Vendors Who Can Help You Plan Your Telluride Wedding

Once you’ve decided on your guest list, wedding venue and lodging for your Telluride wedding, you’ll need to enlist the help of some vendors to make your special day even more special.

Choose the behind-the-scenes partner (or partners) to guide you through your Telluride wedding planning:

      • Photographers

        Having someone at your ceremony and throughout your wedding day to capture the special moments is a necessity. If you want to ensure quality photos and/or videos to commemorate your wedding day, select a local professional photographer. Someone who knows the area knows the right moments to capture mountain light and shadows—and the best locations to photograph your bridal party.
      • Florists

        Flowers enhance any wedding, and the floral arrangements are important to the wedding theme and décor. They truly are the finishing touch that ties all the careful Telluride wedding planning together. When you choose a local florist, they can source in-season flowers native to the area. They can also help you plan the flowers best for the elevation and will photograph well—ones nearly as lovely as the bride!
      • Wedding planners

        Wedding planners can alleviate stress in arranging a Telluride ski resort wedding. Many have multiple engagements because of their value, so it’s a good idea to find a Telluride wedding planner as soon as you decide to get married. Local wedding planners understand the complexities of hosting an event in a seasonal town better than anyone else. They can take care of everything from sourcing permits to arranging sleigh rides for guests.
      • Hair and makeup services

        Every bride wants to look her best on her wedding day—and so do her bridesmaids. Finding stylists who come to you can be a challenge when hosting a mountain wedding. Most makeup artists and hairstylists in Colorado will travel for weddings, but because of the distance between popular locations and the limited number of mobile beauty services, it’s imperative to book early—preferably as soon as you’ve set the date to be married.
      • Caterers

        Regardless of the type of wedding you have, you’ll probably want some type of meal for your guests. Although there are many catering options for a Telluride wedding, you need to seek your caterer early. Many high-end caterers provide delectable dishes, many sourced through local farms or ranches. If your heart is set on a particular cuisine, you’re better off giving as much lead time as possible for the ultimate choice.
      • Rehearsal dinner venue

        Part of the fun of having a destination wedding is having the opportunity to enjoy the locale. Some Tel luride wedding tips include selecting from several restaurants for leading up to the wedding and arranging shopping, gallery hopping and outdoor activities for the bridal party and guests. Consider an on-mountain brunch to end the experience and a restaurant with an exceptional view for the rehearsal dinner.

Telluride is a small town, and everyone knows everyone. Ask to find out which photographers, florists, caterers and stylists are the most reliable and professional. And working with a full-service wedding planner offers the best way to pull off a flawless, memorable wedding day.

Telluride Wedding Costs and Planning Timeline

sunset ridge

Most brides to be know that a wedding can be a major expense. When you plan a wedding in Telluride (do it at least a year in advance for the best event space and accommodations), you should be aware of the various costs, depending on the type of event you want. A simple outdoor wedding in a scenic location for a few guests will obviously cost less than a luxury venue with all the bells and whistles. Still, it is possible to have the wedding of your dreams and stay within your budget, as long as you plan carefully.

When choosing your wedding venue, you’ll need to ask about associated fees. There will be a rental fee for just the venue—sometimes based on the number of guests—along with anything special you may require—a bar, a water station, dressing room, special lighting, gazebos, etc. A venue that accommodates more guests is likely to cost more than one you’d select for an intimate wedding.

Additionally, you must consider your menu. Some locations may require a food and beverage minimum, and others may just charge per guest. Choosing filet mignon and imported wine will be more expensive than local wines and a buffet. The service gratuity will be figured in as well. Talk everything over with the representative from each venue you’re considering. Better still, let your wedding planner do the research and then discuss possibilities with you.

If you’re having your wedding in a banquet room at a hotel, for example, it makes sense to reserve a block of rooms for guests. Many hotels offer discounted rates to wedding guests because you’re having the wedding there. Depending on the property, the rate for accommodations and the event itself can vary greatly.

When planning a Telluride wedding, determine your priorities and realize that everything comes with a cost. Try to make a realistic budget before you start planning and know that you’ll need to think about costs for the following:

  • Transportation costs to Telluride
  • Accommodations
  • Venue rental
  • Menu
  • Bar service (open bar or wine on the tables only?
  • Photographer
  • Band or DJ
  • Transportation within Telluride
  • Hair stylists and makeup artists
  • Post-wedding activities for guests (skiing, water sports, trail rides, etc.)

Colorado Marriage License and Legal Requirements

telluride wedding

Telluride is located in San Miguel County, Colorado and the county's marriage requirements are fairly straightforward. Visit the County Clerk and Recorder between 7:30 am and 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday. You can either download and fill out the license application ahead of time, or complete it at the County Clerk's Office.

A Telluride wedding can be one of pure magic. The mountain backdrop is truly spectacular and offers the ultimate scenery for the wedding of your dreams. Getting married here at an incredible Telluride wedding venue, with its amazing lodging options, offers an unparalleled experience that will remain in your heart forever.

"What are the most popular wedding venues in Telluride?"

There are many popular venues for small weddings in Telluride. Mountain House, nestled in the mountains, has a lovely backyard that is ideal for outdoor events and can accommodate up to eight overnight guests. Country Club Estate offers more than 8,000 square feet of living space and accommodates 18 guests. It offers both indoor and outdoor spaces and magnificent views. A massive Rocky Mountains estate, Hilltop Hideaway in Mountain Village is ideal for an intimate wedding venue with seven bedrooms for up to 18 guests. Start your event indoors in front of the fire and finish it with after-dinner drinks on the enormous rustic deck. Another possibility is Gold Hill, more than 7,400 square feet of luxury with multiple dining areas and unparalleled views. San Sophia Manor, with seven bedrooms, 6.5 bathrooms, a beautiful grand piano in the main living area and panoramic mountain views, is perfect for a small wedding and post-wedding party; it has an amazing entertainment area. And Picture Perfect is just that: four levels with a European castle vibe and more than 9,000 square feet of living space—with indoor and outdoor dining and even its own movie room.

“What are the best accommodation options for wedding guests?”

It’s more a question of “what do your guests want?” There’s something for everyone, from lofts, condos and townhouses in downtown Telluride to luxurious condos, chalets and private homes in Mountain Village.

“Is it expensive to get married in Telluride?”

It can be. It all depends on when you go, which venue you choose, how many guests you have and what special features you want. But then again, weddings are expensive everywhere. If you have a budget, set priorities and plan well in advance, you should be able to have a beautiful Telluride wedding.

“How can I find a local wedding planner to work with if I live thousands of miles away?”

Telluride has several reputable wedding planners. We recommend Telluride Presents, K2 Event Co. and Telluride Unveiled. For Luxury tabletop and décor we recommend The Amend Collective.

“What activities are available to guests who may choose to stay in Telluride for a few days?”

Telluride is fun any time of the year. During the winter, skiing is the most popular activity, but you can also go snowboarding, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. In the spring, summer and fall people enjoys the area’s rugged nature and quaint town center. Go hiking on nature trails, try zip lining through the forest or check out the bungee trampolines. You can always shop the boutiques in the downtown area, admire the colorful Victorian homes, enjoy the nightlife and sample delectable cuisine. Sister town Mountain Village has its own charm, with breathtaking alpine vistas, boutiques, galleries and fine dining. Adventurers can partake in all the typical winter activities like skiing and snowboarding or summer activities like hiking, mountain biking and water sports.