Planning Guides

Prosper Studios – Some people that have lived in the Vail Valley long enough will swear that the mountains breathe, whisper to each other in the early mornings and evenings. Maybe it’s stories or simple musings, but one thing is clear, the mountain is alive. We at Prosper Studios are longtime locals who have come to love the mountain the only way how: by accepting it. We love it for its erratic quirks; that it might snow in early June or cloudy days might break to a perfect blue sky in an instant. It’s this very unpredictability that draws us to photograph its every move.

Sitting in the same spot everyday, at the same time, will always produce a different picture. It’s with this knowledge that we have come to mold, twist, and extract an understanding of the scenery that, in turn, creates amazing photographs. We’re familiar with how a warm glow illuminates East Vail as the sun sets. We know a dusty day will provide a fire red sun at dusk and that a clear, chilly day will show fresh snow on Holy Cross Mountain in the distance. Most importantly, we know the key to shooting a mountain wedding isn’t to simply drop people against a gorgeous backdrop and expect the mountain to do all the work. Anyone can capture breathtaking scenery, but the secret is to make the wedding look like a part of it.

The Valley is centered around the majesty of the mountains so you can expect to find equally impressive interior design combined with the edgy, laid-back vibe the towns emits almost everywhere. Some of our favorites for the wedding ceremony are the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens, the Wedding Deck on Vail Mountain and the Cascade Resort.

Betty Ford Alpine Gardens

The Alpine Gardens is an outdoor, lush oasis surrounded by wildflowers and ski runs. With a large lawn, perfect for a tent, and flanked by waterfalls and the Gore Creek River, it’s perfect eye candy for an outdoor wedding.

Wedding Deck on Vail Mountain

Only a mile away, is the Wedding Deck, a platform with stadium seating made out of stone, overlooking Game Creek Bowl and Vail’s backcountry. Its raw beauty makes for a fairytale mountain wedding, and the fact that it is literally on top of the mountain is an added bonus.

Vail Cascade Resort and Spa

The Cascade Resort is also incredibly popular with brides and for good reason. It is located in the heart of Vail, with a chic, trendy, yet relaxed interior, impressive wine selection and a gorgeous view of the front side of Vail Mountain. And let’s not forget the Gore Creek River, which runs behind it.

Popular Wedding Reception Venues

For the reception location, again the Cascade Resort is popular, in addition to fantastic restaurants that offer a great atmosphere and views of the mountain, such as the Avondale at the Westin, Donovan Park’s Reception Hall (shown below) and Balata at the Sonnenalp Golf Course. As the sun goes down, late night party scenes such as Samana usually boast a bride or two in their wedding dresses, partying in the V.I.P. section to the tunes of the either a popular guest D.J. or local band, such as Bonfire Dub.

A huge benefit to a wedding in the Valley is the sense of community that pervades the mountain towns. There’s a good chance that your photographers will know your wedding planner and florist, right down to the bartenders and waiters. Whether you’re looking for live music to treat your wedding party at places like The Red Lion or Samana or immersing yourselves in the local scene at places like The George, Loaded Joe’s or Woody’s, there’s a niche for everyone. The best part is, everyone is connected and can provide great advice and detail for your dream wedding. For every problem, they have a solution and for any question, an answer.

By the end, you might even find yourself browsing the real estate section. But hey, don’t worry, even if you don’t stay, our photographers never forget a face and neither does the mountain.