tips to help you plan your pagosa springs wedding.
Getting married in Pagosa Springs Colorado is not an easy feat. There are no nearby airports and those that opt to drive are in for a long haul from Denver or Albuquerque! If you can convince your friends and family that it will all be worth it, you can have a pretty epic wedding in southwest Colorado.
Venues
First things first. Where in the heck are you going to actually get married? There are many options! We have such great wedding venues, like Paradise Ranch, Elkwood Manor and Sombrilla Springs. These kind folks will help you plan your wedding day so it goes off without a hitch, from coordinating to food to providing blankets to keep your guests warm when the sun goes down. There is also the option of having your ceremony offsite at a beautiful location in the forest, all it takes is a simple permit application at the Pagosa Springs Ranger District, and you can have your guests meet you off the beaten path.
Vendors
Finding local vendors is difficult in a small rural town. I created this list just for people needing to find hair and makeup artists, caterers, bakers, musicians, etc!
Guest Lodging
There is an abundance of lodging here in Pagosa Springs. Some of my favorites are High Creek Lodge, The Nightingale (check out the speakeasy style cocktail lounge The Neon Mallard located onsite), and Incredible Pagosa Vacation Rentals. Make sure guests driving in know that many of our roads are unpaved, and that most vacation rentals don't have air conditioning!
Officiants
You don't actually need an officiant in the State of Colorado to marry you. You can marry yourselves (self-solemnize) , or have a close friend or family member officiate. They don't need to be registered or ordained in anything!
Marriage License
The Archuleta County Clerk's office is right downtown and open during weekdays to apply for your license. There is usually a minimal, if any, wait, and you can get it right then. You have the option of dropping it off the next business day, or mailing it in to have it filed. They will mail your official license back to you, no matter where you live!
Other tips and helpful advice
All seasons, save for spring, are wonderful times to have a wedding in Pagosa Springs. Just remember to encourage your guests to pack properly for mountain weather. Temperatures can drop quickly after sunset, but can also be pretty toasty with that high altitude sun beating down on you during the ceremony! Sunscreen or umbrellas for shade is always helpful. Most venues are ranches and spike heels are not viable shoe options on grass and dirt roads. Cell service and internet can be spotty, so make sure everyone knows exact directions for everything (with helpful landmarks) before they leave for their trip. Print out a list of things for them to do, like best restaurants, hikes and hot springs.
Having a Pagosa Springs wedding will be one that is memorable for not only you, but your guests as well. If you give yourself enough time to prepare, and ask locals for tips and advice, you will be able to pull off a wonderful experience for everyone!
