FEELS LIKE A SWISS VILLAGE…

Beaver Creek, Colorado has a “foreign feel” in the sense that it feels worlds away from anywhere else. This quiet, gated ski village has all the options you could desire in terms of destination wedding venues and accommodations, but is still a quaint retreat for your home-away-from-home nuptials. The mountain-chic town is known for attracting public figures looking for privacy and world-class skiers determined to find a challenging ski run or two.

If your guest list includes a number of families, The Beaver Creek Lodge is a great option for where to lay your head. Not only is it ski-in, ski-out, the property has a rental company on-site and will valet your equipment for easy comings and goings. The rooms are recently renovated with a separate living room. For groups wanting to stay together, Beaver Creek Lodge also offers a number of comfortable condos ranging all the way up to 3,400 square feet and complete with full kitchens.

Even if you don’t opt to choose Beaver Creek Lodge for your accommodations, you have to make your way to the Rocks Modern Grill for a memorable meal. Executive Chef and Superman Justin Kalaluhi spends his days foraging for mushrooms and fishing for Rainbow Trout while cooking up sumptuous delights by night. I highly recommend the Beaver Creek corn chowder – the perfect start to any meal!

If you’re looking to skip the mountain-style décor, The Osprey at Beaver Creek is a modern, boutique option. It was named the “#1 Resort in the Continental U.S.” in the 2012 Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards Readers’ Survey and is the closest hotel in America to a ski lift – a mere 20 feet away.

On the flip side, if you want luxurious, quintessential lodge décor (think a moose head wall mount, roaring stone fireplace and sumptuous leather furniture), the SaddleRidge condos are right up your flannel-loving alley. Each were decorated by former Ralph Lauren lead designer, Naomi Leff, with no expense spared. Head over to the Clubhouse for a dramatic reception beneath soaring forty-foot vaulted ceilings and surrounded by the largest collection of American Western antiques outside of a museum. Hold court with General Custer’s hat and Geronimo’s tomahawk as you celebrate your union as man and wife.

For the important task of saying, “I do,” the Beaver Creek Wedding Deck is the best and most breathtaking option. It can accommodate up to 200 guests, is wired for sound and has knock-your-socks-off views of Vail Mountain in the distance. The deck is available June through September and should be booked a year in advance for holiday weekends and the month of September. As an added bonus, your guests will enjoy expansive vistas during their commute thanks to the chairlift up the mountain.

Speaking of getting around, Beaver Creek Village boasts a fabulous, complimentary service called “Dial-A-Ride” for anyone staying within the town gates. Thus, you don’t have to worry about getting your guests to and from wedding events – transportation is prearranged and included!

For an adventurous ride, call up Lakota Guides for white water rafting and off-roading which will keep your guests’ adrenaline pumping and have them rolling with laughter thanks to the company’s awesome guides.

While spending quality time with your guests is a major perk of a destination wedding, be sure to set aside a night to yourselves to enjoy a romantic meal at Beano’s Cabin. A meal here will definitely be one for the history books and is distinctive enough for any event or special occasion.

Beaver Creek is one spot which will cement itself in your heart and will keep you and your guests coming back for years to come.