Wedding prep started at The Steamboat Grand, only a short walk to the gondola for the ride up the mountain to Thunderhead Lodge. Franchesca and her bridesmaids wasted no time in getting the festivities started as they managed to pull off a full dance party by the time we made it to the top. After a first look on the ski slopes, these two made it official on the overlook deck. Guests showered them with bubbles as they proceeded back down the isle as husband and wife.

After a quick outfit change into something more ‘dance’ friendly, these two spent every second of their reception on the dance floor. We could not have had a better time with Kristian & Franchesca at their Thunderhead Lodge Steamboat Springs Winter Wedding. Also, a huge shoutout to Alex with Soul Spark and her wonderful team of planners.

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Meg, her family, and closest friends started off the day with hair and makeup at the iconic Steamboat Grand Hotel near the base of the mountain. After putting on their dresses, we made our way over to the Holy Name Catholic Parish, where they attend mass, for Meg and Rick’s Steamboat Catholic Wedding. They exited the church to a sea of ribbon wands before boarding the shutter for the off-road drive up to Thunderhead Lodge.

We made a stop at an overlook on the way up to take advantage of the peak fall colors. The wedding party was blown away by their surroundings. Meg and Rick’s wedding was one for the books, but the reception hadn’t even started. After dinner, we enjoyed hearing stories of these two as their closest family and friends gave speeches to the room of guests. It then became time to share their first dance, perfectly timed with an epic sunset. Shortly after, the band fired up their collection of instruments and the party began.

Their Steamboat Wedding went off without a hitch, in big part to Alex of Soul Spark Events who never ceases to amaze us with her flawless wedding execution. Congrats to these two and enjoy a few of our favorite photos from their big day.

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Once on top, you’ll find expansive views of the Steamboat Springs Valley below. While the town itself is one of our favorite in Colorado, Steamboat lacks the rugged Rocky Mountain peaks you’ll find in Breckenridge or Telluride. In our opinion, Thunderhead lodge is the best way to do a Steamboat wedding though. There are other beautiful venues on the valley floor, but they have more of a ranch vibe to them.

Just outside the lodge is plenty of lawn space if you are considering an outdoor ceremony. Steamboat Resort just renovated the outside deck, which is an option in the winter or summer, but our preference for the summer is the Thunderhead Lawn.

Inside the lodge you’ll find the Champagne Powder Room, an expansive reception space with high vaulted ceilings. The bar is one of the largest we’ve seen at a venue and easily accommodates a a bunch of thirsty wedding guests all at the same time.

The elevation at Thunderhead Lodge is 9,080 ft., so please consider this when having out-of-town guests at your wedding. We have a list of high altitude wedding tips available, but water stations and plenty of seating is key. If guests are known to issues with high altitude sickness, Diamox can be helpful to have on hand.

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During our meeting, telling us about her day-of plans, one of her highlights was the brand new Holy Name Catholic Church, which isn’t your average dark church. Its beautiful and was a perfect match for their colorful Steamboat Wedding.

Shortly after walking down the isle as husband and wife, we loaded Meghan & Victor up into our car for a short tour of the town. We made several stops, one at the Steamboat Barn Village for a few portraits, before heading up the mountain for some more pictures in some of Colorado’s most beautiful aspen groves.

Between Meghan & Victor’s rehearsed first dance, emotion packed speeches and lively dance party, the reception was an all time favorite. We even got to dance and lip sing some Taylor Swift with one of our past couples. What a night and what a wedding. Thanks again for having us document your Thunderhead Lodge Wedding.
 

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