Rustic Marries Luxury in Colorado

Words by Carolyn Steere
Photos courtesy of The Broadmoor

Our journey begins at the foot of Pikes Peak in the Colorado Rockies with the historic Broadmoor, a 3,000-acre AAA, Five Diamond resort. Opening its doors in 1918, this magnificent property located in Colorado Springs is an architectural delight with its spectacular curved marble staircase, dramatic chandeliers, Della Robbia-style tile, hand-painted beams and ceilings, a carved marble fountain and a striking pink stucco façade.

Philadelphia entrepreneur Spencer Penrose and his wife, Julie, were the genius behind both the design of the property and the level of service which rivaled the finest hotels of Europe in the early 1900s. This high standard has characterized the Broadmoor throughout its rich history and has been enjoyed by the “who’s who” of the rich and famous as illustrated by the hotel’s impressive gallery of portraits.

Known as the "Grande Dame of the Rockies," the resort surrounds picturesque Cheyenne Lake and offers amenities including three championship golf courses, an award-winning spa, retail, indoor and outdoor pools and 18 different options for dining which range from the finest French cuisine to charming al fresco American. All of your guests can be easily accommodated with options ranging from charming hotel rooms to the "cottages," which provide a home-like setting for hosting your family or wedding party.

Amazing settings for your wedding ceremony are found throughout the resort grounds, but one unique option stands out…the Pauline Chapel, an exquisite example of Spanish Colonial Revival architecture and home to a vast collection of religious art. Indoor and outdoor venues can accommodate everything from a small, intimate gathering to lavish events for up to 1,000 guests, with the ability to uniquely host all of the events which are part of your destination wedding.

Whether it is an informal gathering to welcome your guests, a golf outing for the groomsmen, a day at the spa to primp and pamper your attendants, the rehearsal dinner or farewell brunch, the Broadmoor and its expert wedding professionals can make your destination wedding dreams come true.