Telluride Wedding & Elopement Guide
About Telluride
Telluride History:
Telluride is an adorable box canyon mountain town nestled with 13ers all around. When visiting Telluride you can explore the town of Telluride and the Mountain Village, that’s part of Telluride Ski Resort. The first to live in the Telluride box canyon was Native American Ute tribe. Telluride was then a mining town that was full of zinc, lead, copper, iron, silver, and gold. When the railroad came to Telluride in 1890 it became a Rocky Mountain melting pot of the wild wild west turning into the world wide skiing hot spot it is today.
Telluride’s Best Wedding Month For:
Want to know when you're more likely to have the wedding of your dreams in the season that you're craving?!?! Well, the weather can be pretty unpredictable in Colorado! I'm here to give you the best possible chance for having a Telluride skiing wedding or Telluride summer wildflower wedding or a Telluride fall wedding. These months are based on years of what I've witnessed but as you know, every year is different based on the amount of snowfall we get.
Telluride’s Powder Day Skiing Wedding or Elopement - February
Telluride’s Summer Wildflower Wedding or Elopement - August
Telluride’s Fall Leave Hiking Wedding or Elopement - September
Telluride Wedding Venues and Elopement Ceremony Locations
Telluride’s Wedding Venues:
Gorrono Ranch - Is mid-mountain Telluride Resort is the perfect wedding venue year-round. In the winter you can even arrive in a sleigh! Smaller cabins on this historic Ranch could be used as getting ready rooms. There are also beautiful decks for your ceremony and for a cocktail hour outside and a perfect spot when it gets chilly for your reception inside the cabin. It's the perfect Telluride Ranch venue.
Dunton Hot Springs - This is the luxurious Mountain retreat for you and your closest friends. If you're looking to be on a hot springs ranch-like venue this place is perfect. Secluded and tranquil old mountain town with all the perks of a mountain resort.
Tempter House - If you're looking for a wedding venue for your very intimate wedding this is the perfect crazy mountain house for it. With absolutely incredible views and easily catering options, I don't know why you wouldn't pick this venue.
Mountain Lodge - You can get married outside on the deck overlooking the mountains. Then fill the mountain lodge with all your friends and family for an epic get-together. Have everything easily accessible is one of the major perks of the Mountain Lodge along with the views of course.
Telluride Ceremony Locations:
San Sophia Overlook - This is the best mountain view in Telluride for your wedding ceremony. It just doesn't get any better than this. A true Colorado experience on top of the mountain secluded from the rest of the world overlooking the San Juans.
The Revelation Bowl - If you have dreams of skiing down the aisle then this is the perfect overlook deck on the mountain. Easily accessible on your skis your intimate wedding hope you one for the books if you pick this overlook.
Kroger Via Ferrata - Looking for more adventure on your wedding day? I think a Via Ferrata could be just the ticket! Have your first kiss at the main event say your vows at the edge. It has beautiful views the whole time and even a waterfall.
4x4 - With so many off-roading opportunities there's no limits to where you can go to get away from it all and say your vows without having to worry about sweating for it. You still may if your heart is pumping on these thrilling dangerous roads! Nothing like a little bit of adrenaline before you say your vows at the most beautiful remote location.
Telluride Eats and Stays
Telluride Rehearsal Dinner or Telluride Reception Sites:
Brown Dog Pizza - If you're really wanting to go casual why not have a pizza party!
Chop House Restaurant - If you're looking for one of the best steaks in town this will be the perfect place for your rehearsal dinner or intimate reception.
221 South Oak - If you're looking for a restaurant with a Top Chef celebrity making your dinner, this is a spot! With a variety of yumminess on the menu I'm sure you'll find something you love.
Madeline Hotel - If your rehearsal dinner or reception is on the larger side this is the perfect spot for your night. Offering plenty of room and delicious food you can transform the space into anything you can imagine.
Siam - If you're in the mood for Thai go no further! This is the perfect intimate spot to share your love Thai food with your family and friends.
Telluride Places to Stay:
For such a variety of places to choose from to rest your head after an adventurous day in Telluride. whether you want to be with your friends and family all day get a huge house or condo or if you're looking for something on the more intimate side there's plenty of hotels lodges and intimate airbnb's for you to choose from. Below you'll find a few of my favorite hotels, lodges and airbnb's.
Telluride Activities and Festivals
Telluride Activities:
The very best thing about being in a cute little mountain town is that you have full access to everything outdoors. The main problem is going to be wanting more days in the mountains to do all the fun activities.
Hiking
One of best ways to see the mountains all year round! There’s great trails from your doorway to some wonderful overlooks and waterfalls!
Mountain Biking
There’s plenty of trails to access around Telluride. One of the favorite classic rides around town is Prospect Loop, the views won’t disappoint.
Skiing & Boarding
So many tracks to make! You can take the gondola right from town, park your car all week long!
Fly Fishing
The San Miguel River runs right through town and offers so many great places to fly fish. When you are ready to explore more, you’ve got 4 more rivers nearby to get after.
Snowshoeing
If you want to slow down in the snow, it's great to take in the views at a slower pace.
Rock Climbing
Lots of Trad climbing available really close to Telluride.
Ice Climbing
Practically in town, it’s a great place to get into it.
Via Ferrata
Want to feel like an incredible climber without having to learn to climb, then definitely do the via ferrata. A non-technical way to get high up on a mountain wall without the fuss of learning how to climb the crux.
Ice Skating
A great way to have an excuse to get a cup of hot chocolate!
Paddle Boarding
Take a tour of a flatwater lake if you want a scenic drive or do an adventurous SUP river trip.
Off-Roading
A little bit more relaxing way to explore the mountains. It’ll get my adrenaline shooting high with a four-by-four vehicle on the side of a cliff.
Stand Up Paddle Boarding
A fantastic way to get around the lake and taking all the views especially when it's all glassy.
Dog Sledding
Love puppies and wintertime? Then you should go dog sledding!
Telluride Festivals:
While festivals are a fantastic town celebration, sometimes they can make wedding and elopement planning a bit difficult because of lodging, parking, and day of transportation. It's always best to know what festivals or celebrations are happening in the town that you choose to have your wedding so you can plan accordingly. Part of the planning accordingly may be that your guests partake in the festivals! I mean how cool would it be to have your wedding day and then go to a beer fest with all your guests the next day!
Balloon Festival - June - See the hot air balloons launch from town and light up at night with a glow.
Film Festival - September - If you like to look out for celebrities, then this is the event to watch them on screen and walking around in real life!
Bluegrass Festival - September - If you like beer and blues, then this is the best festival ever!