Ultimate Guide to Tying the Knot in Glenwood Springs

August 16, 2024

Here is everything you need to know to plan the wedding of your dreams in Glenwood Springs!

Planning your wedding should be as memorable and exciting as the day itself. For couples, Glenwood Springs is a wedding destination dream come true. It offers a perfect blend of adventure, romance, and natural beauty to make your big day, and the days before and afterward Nat King Cole-style “unforgettable.” To help you plan, browse this guide for ideas that range from the pre-celebration party to honeymoon activities, and everything in between.

Bachelor and Bachelorette Parties

Before you say, “I do,” celebrate the coming occasion with your closest friends. Glenwood Springs has plenty of options for pre-wedding festivities. Though we’ve parsed suggestions for guys and gals separately, many bachelor and bachelorette parties are co-ed, so feel free to mix it up accordingly.

For the Men: Thrilling Adventures

• Mountain Biking. Hit the trails for a muscle-pumping day of mountain biking in Glenwood Springs. Cycling is a perfect way to bond with your groomsmen while enjoying the great outdoors.
• Fishing Trips. Spend a day casting for trout on an expert-led, guided fishing trip. The Roaring Fork River is renowned for its world-class fly fishing. After a day on the river, you’ll have some captivating fish stories to tell. And yet, the groom knows in his heart that he’s already made the best catch of all—his beautiful bride-to-be.
• Glenwood Adventure Company. For more rugged mountain adventures, team up with Glenwood Adventure Company and the activities at Bair Ranch in Glenwood Canyon for old-fashioned outdoor recreation. On a private ranch in Glenwood Canyon, visitors can access wholesome, yet man-friendly shenanigans like off-road RZR and Jeep tours, horseback riding, and shooting sporting clays.

For the Ladies: Relaxation and Rejuvenation

• Spa Day at Yampah Vapor Caves. Gather with your besties for a day of pampering at Yampah Spa and Vapor Caves. Enjoy luxurious treatments, from a soothing massage and a rejuvenating facial to a pretty pedicure. Most treatments include admission to the historic vapor caves, an underground sanctuary where natural steam baths melt away any pre-ceremony stress.
• Soaking at WorldSprings. Spend a tranquil and rejuvenating afternoon at WorldSprings, the adults-only section of Iron Mountain Hot Springs where you and your gal pals can immerse yourselves in pools inspired by therapeutic waters from around the globe.

Wedding Venues and Reception Spaces

Glenwood Springs boasts a variety of picture-perfect venues to suit any wedding style, whether your dreams are of a rustic outdoor ceremony or a glamorous indoor celebration.

Hotel Colorado. This historic hotel is rich in old-world charm. Exchange vows in the beautiful courtyard, followed by a reception in the grand ballroom, surrounded by timeless elegance.

Glenwood Canyon Resort. For a more rustic vibe, consider Glenwood Canyon Resort. Tucked along the Colorado River in Glenwood Canyon, this venue is stunning and features several outdoor spaces for ceremony and reception options.

Bair Ranch. For a cowboy-inspired wedding, saddle up for a ceremony at a family-owned sheep ranch in Glenwood Canyon. The views are breathtaking, and your guests will love the opportunity to relax in true Western hospitality.

Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park. Thrill rides and cave tours can be a great perk and give your guests plenty to do before and after the ceremony, but the Adventure Park is also a fun-filled, surprising, and casual location for mountain weddings and receptions with spectacular views.

Non-Traditional Wedding & Ceremony Alternatives

For those who want to skip the pomp and circumstance, elopement is an excellent option for getting hitched. With an officiant and a few close friends, elopements primarily focus on the couple rather than the guests. Choose a smaller ballroom or a more intimate space at a traditional venue or go somewhere off the beaten track. You have options galore!

Another, even more intimate possibility for tying the knot, is self-solemnization, a legal option in Colorado. It simply means you marry each other without an official presider present. Since it’s just the two of you, choose a special location for your marriage. Unique locales include Hanging Lake, Glenwood Springs parks, the local ski slopes, area bed and breakfasts, and even the caves at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park.

Making it Legal

Whatever kind of ceremony you choose, before you can tie the knot, you’ll need to obtain a marriage license. Fortunately, the process is straightforward in Colorado:
You can procure a marriage license at the Garfield County Clerk and Recorder’s Office in Glenwood Springs. Both parties must be present and provide valid identification. The license is valid immediately and for up to 35 days.

Honeymoon in Glenwood Springs

Once the vows have been exchanged and the bouquet tossed, it’s time to unwind and enjoy your first days as a married couple. Glenwood Springs offers romantic activities and accommodations for a honeymoon to remember.

Romantic Lodging. Book a cozy cabin or a luxurious suite at one of Glenwood Springs’ many romantic hotels. Hotel Maxwell Anderson offers modern accommodations with historic downtown views, while Glenwood Hot Springs Resort features elegant rooms and access to the world’s largest mineral hot springs pool. The Hotel Colorado’s romantic balcony suites were made for newlyweds. In addition to these options, Glenwood Springs is home to hundreds of guest rooms that run the accommodations gamut in price and style.

Couple Activities. Spend your honeymoon engaged in fun adventures while exploring the area’s natural beauty. Embark on a romantic hike to the breathtaking falls at Hanging Lake, enjoy a leisurely scenic byway drive through the vibrant fall foliage, hit the ski slopes together at Sunlight Mountain Resort, and relax in the soothing embrace of the geothermal springs. Whether you have a few days or an entire week, Glenwood Springs invites couples to create beautiful memories and share unforgettable experiences.