If you’re all about the beauty and vibe of Vail, then weddings at Piney River Ranch are PERFECT for you! This stunning wedding venue, beneath the Gore Range on the edge of Piney Lake, is ideal for couples looking for a mountain wedding with charm, character, and gorgeous timber architecture that’s so quintessentially Colorado! This 40-acre property spans across parts of the White River National Forest, with unique ceremony and reception options designed to maximize the landscape views.
The jagged mountain views and the reflective, sparkling lake provide the dreamiest vistas for your wedding photos too – and there’s so much fun for you and your guests to enjoy in the Vail area.
Here’s everything you need to know about the amazing Piney River Ranch wedding venue in Vail, Colorado.
Rustic Romance With Killer Mountain Views: Piney River Ranch In Vail Colorado
Imagine saying your vows on a waterfront deck, perfectly framed by epic mountain vistas – the ceremony location at Piney River Ranch is so special, delivering the rare combination of mountain and water views. It’s a gorgeous deck, built right on the lake, so you’ll be saying your vows next to the water and the mountains, just behind the lake, will also be included in your ceremony wedding images.
Then, get ready to boogie the night away in your unique reception space, a purpose-built log cabin pavilion with exposed timber and picnic table seating. It’s a beautifully nostalgic space, evoking those fun feelings of summer camp! You and your guests can also step outside to a roaring log fire by the water, so cozy on a cool evening!
If you love the outdoors, Piney River Ranch is such a great choice for an authentic, low-key mountain wedding – although, you can definitely dress up the venue with florals and styling as much as you like!
A Piney River Ranch wedding is also a great choice for elopements or micro weddings. For parties of 25 guests are less, you can book this amazing space from Mon-Thurs at set times.
Bright & Beautiful: Your Wedding Photos At Piney River Ranch
When it comes to your wedding photos, we are spoiled for choice at Piney Ranch! We’ll have fun taking some iconic shots in front of the gorgeous lake and the mountains reflecting on the water, but we can also head down to the dock (or even into a canoe!) for some absolutely unique shots.
We can also take images in the meadow, the gorgeous golden grass adding texture to your photos, or down on the shoreline, framed by round stones on the beach. The log cabin-style architecture of the venue is also so beautiful, so we’ll take some shots that include the rustic mountain style, and the interior spaces are filled with light and charm as well.
As your wedding photographer at Piney River Ranch, I’ll also time it so we can maximize the golden light of sunset, ensuring we get that beautiful soft light that you can only find in the mountains! You can also check out their Insta for some photo inspiration.
Best Time Of Year To Get Married At Piney River Ranch
Piney River Ranch is only available within the warmer months, as it’s open from June 21st through the last Saturday in September. However, this is absolutely the best time to visit anyway, as we’ll get long, balmy days with lots of natural light, plus the vibrant colors of spring and fall gardens and leaves.
Due to their short wedding season, dates can book out quickly, so you’ll want to act fast to lock in your preferred time.
Destination Wedding Fun At Piney River Ranch!
Your guests will LOVE the fun of staying at Piney River Ranch! There are six lakefront log cabins, adorned in a rustic mountain style, along with several glamping tents — and the accommodation is dog friendly!
And, if you book out all the accommodation for your wedding, a discount is available. Or, for larger weddings, you can find lots of additional accommodation options within Vail, from super five-star luxury resorts to fun campgrounds.
There’s tons to do here too, including fishing, hiking, paddle boarding, and canoeing on the lake. Or, you can plan a low-key barbeque or fire pit night, complete with s’mores, to welcome your guests when they arrive.
Plus, Vail is such a popular tourist destination, with tons of activities, shops, and restaurants to enjoy, just a short drive away from the ranch, so this is a top choice for anyone planning a Colorado destination wedding or elopement.
Piney River Ranch Wedding Packages
Excluding the micro wedding packages mentioned above, Piney River Ranch can host anywhere from 50-200 people for a wedding. You’ll have access to the space for up to ten hours, with six hours for your event (although this can be extended for an additional fee).
This includes everything for your ceremony and reception, including private use of the ceremony deck and reception pavilion, tables, chairs, glassware, and a rehearsal the day before, plus some fun additions like a giant Jenga set for your guests to play and whiskey barrel cocktail tables.
Food and beverage aren’t included in the wedding package cost, but the dining here is incredible, as is the hospitality!
They have an in-house catering team to look after your food and bar service, offering ‘ranch style’ share plates, served buffet style, and the delicious menu will be tailored to your preferences.
Weddings are popular here and the experienced Piney River Ranch events team will help you out with whatever you need, including recommendations for local flowers and vendors. They’re also happy to assist with custom events packages, so whatever you’re imagining for your big day, they can definitely deliver!
Contact the venue at events@pineyriverranch.com for current pricing, availability, and further details.
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I’m SO down to help you create candid, romantic, and unforgettable wedding photos, whether in Vail or anywhere in the world! Please get in touch to start planning your wedding photography – can’t wait to meet you!
