Grand Valley Elopement and Wedding Guide
Top 3 Reasons to get married in Grand Valley, Colorado:
Vineyards!
Y'all know that I love to drink a good beer but sippin’ on wine where it’s grown is pretty spectacular! With most of the grapes grow in Colorado are in the Grand Valley there's times to Vineyards to explore.
Mountain Biking!
So many trails, I mean so many trails to choose from! Fruita is known for having some of the best trails Western Colorado. There’s just plan o’ fun trails to explore and enjoy!
Red Rocks!
If you want to feel like you're on Mars, you can in Grand Valley! It’s like another planet surrounded by Red Rocks but your right here in Colorado! It’s a hidden gem here!
About Grand Valley
GRAND VALLEY LOCATION AND HISTORY:
This is where the Colorado River meets the Gunnison River! Grand Valley is surrounded by plateaus and is just thirty minutes from Utah. Grand Valley encompasses Fruita, Grand Junction and Palisade. It’s one of the most densely populated areas in the Western Slope, but you won’t realize it when you're out in nature. The Ute Indians called the valley home till about 1880’s when farmers started to occupy the land. Farming fruits and being the wine country here in Colorado.
GRAND VALLEY’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 Grand Valley mountain biking, blossoms or vineyard harvest wedding or elopement. These months are based on years of what I've witnessed but as you know, every year is different.
Grand Valley’s Mountain Biking Wedding or Elopement - May
Grand Valley’s Best Blossom Wedding or Elopement - April
Grand Valley’s Vineyard Harvest Season Wedding or Elopement - September
Grand Valley’s Wedding Venues and Elopement Ceremony Locations
GRAND VALLEY’S WEDDING VENUES:
With this being Colorado's Wine Country there's tons of Vineyards to say your vows at. The process of making wine always seems so romantic to me. Maybe it's all those rom-coms I love Where They smash grapes with their feet. anywho it's also a great place to say your vows next to the river at one of the wedding houses are ranches. and if you're looking for a ski resort we are in Colorado so that's even an option in the Grand Valley.
Wine Country Inn - Get married on the vineyard and wander through the fields after your ceremony. At Wine Country and you can even stay on-site in a guestroom or guest house, there's even a pool!
Two Rivers Winery and Chateau - Is a beautiful outdoor Pavilion for you to say your vows here and host a fabulous reception with all your friends and family. Oh and drink a bunch of wine!
Willow Pond Bed and Breakfast - At this adorable bed and breakfast you can get married right next to the pond and enjoy their Lush property full of trees. really a perfect spot if you want to get married in the summer!
The Wedding House - This little wedding house has a Southwestern Flair that I'm completely digging. It's surrounded by Vineyards and Orchards so you feel like you're at one.
Restoration Vineyards - This might be my favorite Vineyard to get married at because you are actually getting married in the vineyard. you can also host a fabulous outdoor dinner Under the Stars.
Palisade River Ranch - This Ranch has a fantastic view of the plateau from the lake! There are two guest houses on the property to get ready in or stay for the weekend.
Powderhorn - With great views of the slopes from their enormous deck this is the perfect spot for this key feel in the Grand Valley. There are also accommodations on-site in these adorable tiny homes.
GRAND VALLEY CEREMONY LOCATIONS:
Grand Valley is essentially surrounded by national lands and monuments. Which are perfect spots for intimate ceremonies out in nature. if you're thinking of Colorado full of trees and Forest this is not who are those are it's almost like you're in the desert.
National Monument Wedding Ceremonies - The first time I drove through this National Monument I was in awww, heck I think every time I drive through this Monument I'll be aww! they have designated spots for gatherings and wedding ceremonies that are truly beautiful and take in the scenery.
Dominguez-Escalante National Conservation Area - This place if full of Red-rock canyons and sandstone bluffs to explore! Being BLM land there are fewer regulations but we will always follow Leave No Trace and follow the permits and regulations of the rangers.
McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area - If you're looking for arches you’ll find one! This area is so beautiful, believe me, The Canyons with the river is just so pretty!
Grand Valley Eats and Stays
GRAND VALLEY EATS:
Whenever I'm traveling to a new spot I love to know what to eat! here's a shortlist of some stuff to try when you're there! Some of these spots will also double as things to look at for rehearsal or reception venues. Or what I like to call celebratory meals after saying your vows!
Ramblebine Brewing - Y'all know you got to try a brewery when you go to a new town! I’m really excited to try their sour Bango Tango!
Hot Tomato Pizza - Pizza was really unique toppings, some of them are even locally sourced like they're peaches! Don't knock it till you try it guys!
Taco Party - Y'all this is a farm-to-table taco bar! Heck yes! their menu always changes depending on what's available in the Valley from the farmers.
The Hog and the Hen - The perfect spot to pick up a deli sandwich for your adventure in one of the parks.
Bin 707 Foodbar - For all you whiskey lovers out there, they got so many to choose from! this is for one of your fancier nights out!
626 On Rood - I have to say I'm a little excited to try their Wagyu Burger! They've got lots of elevated American food to Feast on and pair with the perfect wine!
Bestslope Coffee - I love to go to new coffee shops when traveling and hunt for the best latte this one is up there!
Dream Cafe - Perfect spot to stop for some pancakes!
GRAND VALLEY PLACES TO STAY:
For such a variety of places to choose from to rest your head after an adventurous day in Salida. 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.
Spoke and Vine - This Motel is in the middle of it all and quite modern! you can even bring your fur baby to come stay with you for the weekend!
Urban Farmhouse with Private Backyard - Super cozy and modern farmhouse with some great outdoor space together with your friends!
Cozy Rustic Colorado Cabin! - If you're not into hunting you might want to stay away from this cabin. it's certainly unique and would have a ton of good stories for the weekend. I feel like you go back in time, you just have to see it!
Great Views, Hot Tub, Colorado National Monument! - This is the perfect spot if you want to be right next to the Colorado National monument and have a huge house to host everyone the entire weekend. and don't forget it has an awesome hot tub with a view!
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott - I was doing my best to put one chains Hotel on the list because I know how much I love using my points it's like a free weekend!
Hotel Maverick - Is this a super modern hotel with an epic deck! the only catch is that it's in the middle of the campus of Colorado Mesa University. It’s a real-life classroom for hospitality students.
Grand Valley Activities and Festivals
GRAND VALLEY ACTIVITIES:
The very best thing about being in a 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.
Mountain Biking - There’s plenty of trails in Fruita, it’s what it’s known for! So get ready for so riding!
Wine Tasting - With so many wonderful vineyards to explore, why not ride your bike to a few tastings in town! See the town, bike and get refreshments between rides, sounds like a great day to me!
Fruit Harvesting - Pick some famous Palisade Peaches to eat while your visiting and to take home to friends!
Hiking - One of best ways to see the mountains all year round! Just check out one of the many parks surrounding Grand Valley.
Skiing & Boarding - At Powderhorn you can get your fix on a powder day! It’s only thirty minutes away from downtown Grand Junction.
Fly Fishing - The rivers are how Grand Junction got it’s name! It’s where the Colorado River meets the Gunnison River and there’s plenty of fishing to be had!
Rock Climbing - There’s a few routes to explore in Monument! Perfect for a half day activity.
Paddle Boarding - Take a tour of a flatwater lake if you want a scenic drive or do an adventurous SUP river trip.
GRAND JUNCTION 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 beer fest with all your guests the next day!
Colorado Lavender Festival - June - Enjoy the blooming lavender.
Colorado Mountain Wine Fest - September - Taste all the local wine in the area.
Kokopelli 100 - September - A mountain bike relay to the border and back.
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