Marry Here, Honeymoon There

Maybe it’s the location, soaring to over 10,000 feet high, the stunning mountain views or the way you’re surrounded by nature and closer to the sun here. The air seems clearer, the sky brighter and the scenery more beautiful than anywhere else in the world up in the Colorado Rocky Mountains. While Breckenridge and Vail, two iconic getaways for adventure lovers, make you feel like you’ve traveled to the romantic foreign Alps, it’s just a two-hour flight from Los Angeles and a four hour flight from New York to reach Denver International Airport (DIA), which serves as the gateway to the incredible Rockies.

To elevate your honeymoon with these sky-high views you don’t necessarily need to visit during winter powder season, although snow fans will definitely love to shred here. Vail and Breckenridge offer luxurious getaways and gorgeous scenery year-round with adventures on the mountains, beautiful backdrops and lodges perfect for cozying up by the fireplace or gazing up at the stars from a steamy hot tub any time of the year. “Summer, in particular, is a hidden gem for both destinations, with abundant wildflowers, ideal daytime temperatures and endless events and activities,” says Sarah Franzese of Vail Resorts.

Breckenridge

Charming Breckenridge was once a Victorian mining town and there’s still a sense of small-town friendliness here with craft breweries, indie boutiques, small farm-to-table dining spots and local art galleries. To fully enjoy the laid-back destination in honeymoon style, luxuriate in an apartment-style suite at One Ski Hill Place, a Rock Resort, that comes with sleek kitchens (go ahead and fill the fridge with Champagne and strawberries), fireplaces and even decadent steam showers.

Peak 8 is right outside the hotel’s back door for effortless access to adrenaline-revving hiking and biking trails and ski-in/ski-out slope access, not to mention seasonal ziplining and ATV and Jeep tours that explore the forest of aspens as they become a golden wave of foliage in autumn. Just want to cozy up indoors? The resort has an indoor pool, a spa, cocktail lounge and even a two-lane bowling alley (The Mine Shaft) you can rent for private pin play.

Vail

Known for its great nightlife, trendy boutiques, delicious eateries and fun bars, Vail is one of the most scenic and stylish towns in the West. The Lodge at Vail, a Rock Resort, was the original property in the swanky mountainside resort and has an unparalleled location right in the heart of Vail Village’s epicenter with easy access to Gondola 1 to soar to the top of the mountain. The Spa here is definitely the spot for the two of you to indulge in a massage in a luxurious couple’s room that includes a fireside soaking tub for two. If you can drag yourself away from the hotel’s fire pit and open-air hot tub and heated pool, winter fun ranges from dog sledding to skating (in addition to skiing and boarding) and summer in Vail brings fantastic outdoor arts festivals, live music and a mile of delicious farmer’s market finds every Sunday.

Don’t miss a truly top of the world dining experience at Game Creek. It’s an adventure just getting to this foodie hideaway: first, take in the views as you whoosh up Eagle Bahn Gondola to Eagle’s Nest slope; from there, you’ll then be whisked over the mountain top to the hidden ski chalet restaurant where the only thing more impressive than the multi-course meals featuring wild game are the stellar unimpeded views.

Want to really feel like you’re hidden away from the world? Stay at the romantic chalet next door to the restaurant; it comes complete with a private chef and personal mountain guide. Best of all, it’s just the two of you and a sea of stars that seem close enough to touch from your perch at the peak of the Rockies.

Photos courtesy of (in order of appearance): Jack Affleck for Vail Resorts (1st through 4th); Vail Resorts (5th through 10th); One Ski Hill Place (11th)

This article first appeared in Destination I Do’s Spring/Summer 2019 issue. You can order a copy here.