Romance In The Mountains With A Piney River Ranch Wedding
If you’re looking for a stunning mountain destination for your dream wedding, Piney River Ranch is a must-see. Set on the shores of Piney Lake and surrounded by the incredible Gore Range, this private 40-acre retreat is a favorite for adventurous couples looking for a breathtaking outdoor setting. Here’s a guide to why a Piney River Ranch wedding is a spectacular event you and your guests will never forget!
Table of Contents
About The Piney River Ranch Wedding Venue
700 Red Sandstone Road, Vail, CO 81658
Piney River Ranch is perfectly positioned at the foot of the majestic Gore Range, set on the edge of Piney Lake. This 40-acre mountain retreat, located twelve miles north of Vail Village, is a popular destination for adventurers and romantics. The venue is a picture-perfect site for a wedding, with an onsite restaurant, overnight lodging, and, with an altitude of about 9,300 feet above sea level, some of the most spectacular views you’ll ever lay eyes on.
Piney River Ranch has beautiful cabin and glamping accommodations to turn your wedding day into a wedding weekend. Wake up to extraordinary mountain views in one of their six cabins or 3 glamping tents, each with private decks that allow you to sit back and take in the gorgeous setting. With no cell service or wifi onsite, it’s an incredible opportunity to unplug, unwind, and stay present in each moment.
I would also take note that there are no kitchens or showers on site, and all accommodations use a shared men’s and women’s guest bathhouse. If you’re into an upscale “roughing it” experience, go for it! But if you’re planning on showering the morning of your wedding, you’ll want to consider getting ready somewhere else offsite.
In addition to lodging and events, Piney River Ranch also offers a variety of activities for guests to experience, including hiking, fishing, and canoeing. There is plenty of secluded wilderness to explore and pathways that can take you on an epic adventure through the rugged Rocky Mountain terrain.
Getting To The Venue
It is worth noting that due to its secluded nature, Piney River Ranch is only open from June 21st through the last Saturday in September, so dates are limited – and in high demand! At such a high altitude, the weather can also be unpredictable, so plan to pack layers and possibly rain gear, just in case. Piney River Ranch is also not the easiest venue to access; it’s about a 40-minute drive up some pretty rough, not-always-maintained dirt roads. But you’ll see as soon as you arrive – the view makes it absolutely worth it!!
Details of the Grounds
Piney River Ranch is home to beautiful mountainside event facilities that can accommodate up to 200 people for an event.
For your ceremony, the Event Deck is an incredible outdoor space on the edge of the lake, tucked away at the feet of the Gore Mountain Range. It’s a spectacular alpine backdrop for a romantic vow exchange, looking out over the sparkling blue water and the surrounding mountaintops. Your guests will be seated on wooden benches that give them the best views possible of both the wild terrain and your romantic vow exchange.
After your ceremony, your guests can gather in the Cocktail Pavilion, a beautiful covered space with more spectacular lake views. Use it to serve signature cocktails and other celebratory drinks, or reimagine it as your dance floor later in the evening!
The Reception Pavilion is a gorgeous custom venue space with plenty of room for up to 200 of your favorite people. This large, rustic room is equipped with heaters and custom sliding doors, so you can comfortably bring the outdoors into your celebration. Wooden beams, romantic lanterns, and other charming touches make the space perfect for a beautiful reception while still leaving plenty of opportunity to incorporate your own unique decor. As the night goes on and the sun begins to set, an outdoor fire pit can be used for s’mores and late-night snuggling (dependent on current fire bans.)
Getting Ready Suites
While there are getting ready rooms onsite for you, your partner, and your wedding parties, you won’t be able to access them up until three hours before your event. Most couples choose to get their hair and makeup done in Vail, take a shuttle up to the venue, and then use the bridal and groom suites for finishing touches and getting ready photos. Just something to keep in mind as you’re planning!
Photography Opportunities
Without a doubt, the biggest draw of a Piney River Ranch wedding is the scenery, which also makes for some spectacular photos. From the pristine waters of Piney Lake to the rolling, wildflower-filled meadows nearby, everywhere you look, there’s another breathtaking backdrop to use for wistful, wild wedding photos. The venue’s various docks and cabins can also serve as unique photo settings, and if the weather is nice enough, you and your partner can take a canoe out onto the lake for some beautiful portraits. And if you think the property is gorgeous during the day, just wait until it all comes to life during Golden Hour as the sun sets…
Wedding Details
Piney River Ranch has an onsite restaurant that provides all the catering for their events. You and your guests will enjoy a mouth-watering meal with a menu of various “ranch-style” offerings. Their culinary team will work with you to create a menu that is totally unique to your event, served as an elegant buffet.
You’ll need to book a wedding planner, or at the very least, a day-of wedding coordinator, to ensure that your event runs smoothly and efficiently. You are responsible for all of your own setup and cleanup within your 10-hour rental window, and the last thing you want to worry about is trash and breaking down your own decor at the end of the night. A great coordinator helps ensure all venue rules remain followed while giving you total peace of mind for the day by handling all of the details.
Your Piney River Ranch wedding will include private use of the ceremony deck, cocktail pavilion, reception pavilion, bridal suite, and groom’s lounge. It also comes with the use of their custom 8’ wooden tables, wooden benches, and chairs for up to 200 guests and a half-hour rehearsal the morning before your wedding day.
They also welcome furry friends at your wedding, as long as they stay leashed! Feel free to incorporate your fur baby into your beautiful wedding day!
A Piney River Ranch Wedding In The Rockies Could Be Your Dream Venue
A Piney River Ranch wedding celebrates the incredible alpine beauty of the Rocky Mountains, as well as the unique love story between you and your partner. I’d love to be your Colorado wedding photographer and help you capture your incredible, once-in-a-lifetime memories with photos that will take your breath away. Ready to book? Reach out so we can get to know each other and talk dates!