Image Courtesy of HighMountainWeddings.com

There is no more beautiful setting for a wedding to take place than at Lake Tahoe. It is an opportunity for photographs and videos that will complement your wedding with memories to last forever. During the winter months you have the glistening snow as a backdrop for all of those photographs and memories to treasure. First is deciding which of the many wonderful venues to use for your momentous occasion. Ceremony sites can be from going to the chapel to a mountain top experience.

Lake Tahoe offers a chapel that will take you right to the water’s edge; as well as many other chapels that have beautiful views of the lake and the mountains. Your wedding can be inspired by the panoramic view of the area. A chapel would offer you a venue inside from the cold winter weather found in Lake Tahoe. The setting would still be as beautiful as if you were outdoors in the middle of the snow.

If you prefer to have an outdoor wedding in the middle of winter, then you might check out some places that offer weddings in their garden gazebo. Some offers heating in the form of heat lamps to keep you warm during your ceremony. This type of ceremony will be lovely with the stars shining down at night on you while you exchange your vows. Add some soft romantic music and lights; and your wedding can be the dream wedding you have always wanted. These venues make an outdoor wedding in the middle of winter in Lake Tahoe possible.

Then, after your beautiful winter wedding at Lake Tahoe, you will be ready to have a reception to celebrate the joining together of two loves. Some of the reception rooms available will offer you the same great views of the mountains and the lake that inspired your wedding ceremony. Some of the venues will offer to do everything for you. They will provide the cake and the champagne as well as the other foods. You can choose a full buffet or just appetizers. Some venues will offer live music with a real DJ as well as ample room for dancing. What could be better than a romantic wedding ceremony at Lake Tahoe followed by an exciting and well organized reception?

Before or after the ceremony, you and your guest might enjoy working off some steam at a local ski resort. Winter in Lake Tahoe offers some of the best skiing. These resorts get plenty of snow, so you are sure to find a way to play while you are waiting for the big event. They have sledding and tubing and even ice skating for those who dare. But if you want to be a little bit safer and relaxed, you can always take a romantic sleigh ride through the snow. Or, why not stick around after the ceremony for a few days and enjoy a honeymoon at one of the local ski resorts. That way you can take part in all of these activities together as a married couple.

Whichever unique venue you choose to have for your wedding at Lake Tahoe, it is sure to be remembered by all that attends. With the beautiful lake and the magnificent mountains, there is no way to go wrong with a wedding at Lake Tahoe. So grab a few friends or even a lot of friends and family, and come to Lake Tahoe and celebrate with a gorgeous wedding and fun reception. And don’t forget to enjoy the slopes while you are there, or maybe the fabulous sleigh ride through the falling snow.

Image Courtesy of 'Memoirs of a Mountain Girl'

Finding the perfect location for your wedding day is critical if you want it to be memorable. The last thing anyone wants is to have an unmemorable wedding. You want it to be the type of wedding that your friends and family talk about for years after. Getting married is a big deal, so having it at a memorable location is crucial.  For those of you in the Colorado area or those of you who want to be married there, I’ve listed some of the top wedding venues in your area!

1) The Craftwood Inn is located in Manitou Springs, Colorado. The inn is also a historic landmark that is located on a hillside. It was established in the early 1900s and has been open since. The Craftwood Inn is a beautiful location with stunning landscape. The Craftwood Inn’s award winning restaraunt varies from Colorado wild game, to seafood and delicious desserts. If you decide to have your winter wedding here, you are guaranteed to have an unforgettable wedding.

2) Hudson Gardens is located in Littleton, Colorado, which is outside of Denver.  Hudson Gardens offers couples a cozy but charming location to be married. Hudson Gardens and Event Center has wood flooring throughout the facility as well as vaulted ceilings. For a wedding the location will seat 250 people. On the ceiling you will also notice exposed wood beams. Hudson Gardens and Event Center was established in 1941, and was a long desired dream that was finally made reality by Colonel King C. and Evelyn Leigh Hudson.

3) There are actually four different Crystal Rose wedding locations throughout Denver.  These venues offer a scenic view like nowhere else on Earth. It is so beautiful that you will not have to think twice about having your wedding here after you’ve seen it. Another benefit of having your winter wedding here is that you have the option of choosing an indoor wedding or an outdoor wedding. If you always wanted an outdoor wedding, this is the ideal location to have it.

4) The Stanley Hotel - This location truly is a breathtaking, unique location. It is the hotel that inspired Stephen King to write the book ‘The Shining.’ The hotel is said to be haunted by ghosts, which is a must for any couples who want to get married at an unforgettable location. Just being at Stanley Hotel is something you will never forget. Having a wedding there is something you will be able to boast about for years. This venue is a luxurious landmark location that has been open for business since 1909. The whole hotel is overlooking the beautiful Estes Valley with stunning views that will dazzle the eyes.

5) Considered to be one of the best gardens in the entire United States, Denver Botanical Gardens is located on York Street. The Denver Botanical Gardens offers a wide variety of plants that are imported from around the world, so you will not only see native plants but exotic plants also. One thing is for sure, your ceremony will look incredible!! Check out the link to see the various locations you can hold your event.

What I like about these various locations is that they can each meet couples’ varying tastes and demands.  You can’t go wrong and they’re all BEAUTIFUL locations!!

Image Courtesy of The Ridge Resort at Lake Tahoe

A wedding is a special event filled with precious memories to treasure for years to come. Choosing the top US locations for an outdoor winter wedding proved to be quite challenging as many resorts are available that specialize in winter weddings, each having their own aura of charm and elegance. The five cited below are definitely at the top of the list.

1.The Ridge Resort at Lake Tahoe, Nevada. This facility takes care of all details including wedding, reception and accommodations. For winter weddings, a complimentary package is offered which includes 3 night honeymoon, champagne toast for reception and your choice of either two Heavenly Lift tickets or an exclusive spa gift certificate. For the perfect wedding, include a brief ceremony at the base of the lift. Once ended, take off in a shower of confetti with your spouse aboard the Heavenly lift for a quiet time together, returning later to join your wedding party at the reception by a fireplace indoors. Photos taken at different sites could fill your album with a wonderland of wedding memorabilia.

2.Hudson Gardens Event Center in Denver, Colorado. This location offers unique and picturesque settings or your winter wedding outdoors. Imagine sheer white of the bride’s dress against white snow with splotches of color such as her bouquet and the grooms black tux, combined with an array of color chosen for the wedding party. Mink wraps, sable stoles or faux fur would add a touch of elegance and the service of a white or silver stretch limo or horse -driven carriage for the wedding party is a plus. A gazebo with white gauzy hangings and ornate space heaters would create a magical effect for the ceremony. Then move indoors to a reception by a fireplace where rich decorations, sumptuous food, petit fours and warm spicy drinks would add a delicious completion to this fairy tale wedding.

3. Stonebridge Country Club in Manchester, New Hampshire, is a scenic and beautiful location for winter weddings. With a heat pump and open fires, an aura of warmth will be yours throughout the wedding ceremony and reception. The ceremony and reception can be held in a canopied tent or at a site with a panoramic view of the garden or lake, a wonderland of white in winter. The staff at Stonebridge will cater to your fancy and address your theme of choice whether a Hawaiian luau or Scottish highland’s feast.

4.Star Hill Ranch in Austin, Texas. If history and country are your style for a winter wedding, Star Hill Ranch is the place for you. Situated along a historic street framed with buildings that mark the area’s historic past, Star Hill Ranch has much to offer. Located only minutes apart are its quaint historic country chapel and a charming bride’s house. The mild winters Texas boasts allow the ceremony and reception to be held in its outdoor arbor. The wide streets will accommodate hayrides or street parades to add that great flavor of an outdoor country winter wedding.

5. Lanikuhonua in Hawaii. Who says you can’t have it all? You can escape to an island paradise for the winter wedding of your dreams. Lanikuhonua has a private get-away beach and offers quite a romantic setting for your winter wedding. With its breathtaking scenery and delightful entertainment all you need is a colorful lei to complete your wedding outfit. You can choose from a simple barefoot wedding on the beach, to traditional, or a more exotic and elegantly romantic wedding on the lavish lawn areas that will astound your guests. This private beach setting is earmarked for a dream wedding never to be forgotten.

For your winter wedding, bear your guests’ comfort in mind. Make outdoor ceremonies brief, opt for comfortable clothing and have lots of hot spicy drinks on hand. You will have the unforgettable wedding you dreamed of and your guests will enjoy the moment with you!

1. The most popular, Martha’s Vineyard, located in Massachusetts, is known for being remote from the mainland. If you are looking for that private island Martha’s Vineyard is your immaculate wedding destination — only accessible by boat or air. Martha’s Vineyard offers several unique wedding locations. You can choose from one of five great lighthouses on the vineyard. Imagine having a lighthouse as your back drop? Better yet, saying your “I do’s” in a gorgeous gazebo at one of the local inn’s or vacation rentals. A wedding ceremony at Martha’s Vineyard is all set for a “king and queen”!

2. Located north of San Francisco, is another great spot is California’s wine country made up of both, Sonoma and Napa Valley’s. The Vintage Estate in Napa Valley is a 23-acre versatile wedding destination. Napa Valley is known for its wine production and terrific scenery. Napa Valley is not only known for its wine tasting, but the art museums and antique shops are also a huge deal in the area. Sonoma County, known for its beautiful pastures, wineries, and mystical rivers is another preferred destination. Sonoma County offers activities that will entertain the bride, groom, wedding party and guests. You will enjoy everything from hot-air balloon rides, to catching a wave and canoeing. Wine Country in California is definitely the mystical getaway where you can make your wedding an unforgettable one.

3. The charismatic Newport Vineyards, located in Middletown, Rhode Island is a delightful place to get married. Your dreams come true at the Newport Vineyards, where you exchange your vows in a private wine garden. The private wine garden comes in a wedding package that also includes on-site catering and personal wine tasting. If you and your wedding party want to start your day sailing into the sunrise–Gansett Cruises offers the “Breakfast Sunrise” cruise, something for everyone to enjoy.

4. Looking for a “dreamy” outdoor wedding venue? The Grand River Vineyard, located in Palisade, Colorado– is a fantastic place to say “I do”. The Wine Country Inn, found on the vineyard gives a breath-taking view. The Wine Country Inn also has a nice gazebo and an open patio area, perfect for a “Cinderella” wedding! There are a range of activities you and your wedding party can take part in—horseback riding, fishing and hiking.

5. Finally, Millbrook Vineyard and Winery, located in Millbrook, New York is a diamond in the rough. Millbrook Vineyard allows you to rent out the entire vineyard for your wedding ceremony. This quaint vineyard is quite stunning and because of the hill the vineyard sits on, the view is immaculate. There are also a host of activities that your wedding party and guests can enjoy—hiking, fishing, relaxing or catching an art show.