Incorporating Local Colorado Traditions Into Your Spruce Mountain Wedding
- Kristin Steiner
- Sep 30, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: Apr 22
Colorado's history is as diverse as its landscape. The area’s unique culture has been influenced by intricate Native American agricultural practices, the western mining boom, and the emergence of critical industries like ranching, farming, and tourism.
The result? A variety of vibrant local traditions to incorporate into your big day!
Are you dreaming of a wedding that captures the essence of Colorado? Whether you're a native wanting to showcase your home state's culture or an out-of-stater aiming to give your guests an authentic Rocky Mountain experience, Spruce Mountain Ranch is the perfect canvas for your Colorado-inspired wedding.
Embrace Quirky Colorado Traditions
Colorado is known for its stunning landscapes, but it's also home to some delightfully offbeat traditions. Why not infuse your wedding with a dash of local flavor? Here are some unique Colorado events that could inspire unforgettable moments at your Spruce Mountain celebration:
The Great Fruitcake Toss
Origin: Manitou Springs, since 1995
The Tradition: Participants use mechanical devices to launch fruitcakes as far as possible.
Wedding Twist: Serve miniature fruitcakes as quirky desserts or create a playful "fruitcake toss" game during cocktail hour (using soft, fake cakes, of course!).
Burro Race Extravaganza
Origin: Leadville, 70+ years running
The Tradition: Contestants coax stubborn donkeys across a finish line in this international pack burro race.
Wedding Twist: Hire Rocky Mountain Beverage Burros (pictured below) for a unique drink service that'll have guests buzzing with delight.
Men in Heels Race
Origin: Grand Junction, every September
The Tradition: Men participate in a relay race wearing pumps to raise money for charity.
Wedding Twist: Challenge your groomsmen to a hilarious high-heeled dash, with bets/donations going to your favorite cause.
Mike the Headless Chicken Festival
Origin: Fruita, every June
The Tradition: A celebration of a chicken that famously lived for 18 months without its head.
Wedding Twist: Host a wing-eating or "chicken dance" competition or set up yard games with a playful poultry theme.]
Choose a Colorado-Inspired Wedding Theme
Drawing from this rich history and culture, consider one of these themes for your Spruce Mountain Ranch wedding:
Ranch Country: Embrace Colorado's cowboy culture with a laid-back, country-chic atmosphere.
Industrial Chic: Pay homage to Colorado's mining past with a modern, industrial-inspired design.
Winter Wonderland: Showcase the state's world-famous winter beauty with a snow-themed celebration.
Cozy Cabin: Create an intimate, warm atmosphere inspired by Colorado's mountain retreats.
Western-Inspired: Bring the excitement of the frontier to life with bold, western-inspired elements.
Infuse Colorado Charm Into Your Wedding Décor
With breathtaking mountain views, peaceful rolling prairies, lush evergreens, and cozy lodge-style indoor venues, Spruce Mountain Ranch provides a stunning backdrop for your Colorado-themed wedding. But you can enhance the atmosphere with carefully chosen décor elements, like wagon wheels, whiskey barrels, ornate antler chandeliers, cowhides, lanterns, and other unique vintage pieces.
Design Floral Arrangements with Local Flair
Work with a local florist to elevate your bouquets, ceremony backdrops, aisle displays, and tabletop centerpieces with stunning floral arrangements featuring Colorado's native blooms.
Some of our favorites include:
Colorado Blue Columbine (the state flower)
Rocky Mountain Penstemon
Alpine Sunflower
Bluebell Bellflower
Willow Herb
Western Wallflower
Prairie Flax
Elephant’s Head Lousewort
Pink Mountain Heather
Cushion Phlox
Badlands Mule-Ears
Craft a Locally-Inspired Menu
One of the best ways to immerse your guests in Colorado culture is through a carefully curated menu featuring local specialties. Spruce Mountain Ranch partners with top-notch caterers who specialize in Colorado cuisine.
Some of our couples’ favorite local dishes include:
Steelhead Rainbow Trout
Prime Top Sirloin
Colorado Braised Short Ribs
Elk Tenderloin
Smoked Trout Cake
Bison Braciole
Whiskey-Smoked Pork Loin
Green Chili & Goat Cheese Stuffed Chicken
Colorado Lamb Shish Kebabs
Palisade Peach Salads & Desserts
Buffalo Sausage Bites
Spicy Elk Sausage Skewers
Colorado Buffalo Sliders
Bacon-Wrapped Dates
Bison Meatballs
Don’t let the Colorado-inspired fun stop there! Partnering with Peak Beverage, we’re happy to offer Spruce Mountain guests a wide range of hand-selected local spirits, wine, and beer.
Select Unique Colorado Music & Entertainment
Set the mood for your celebration with tunes that capture the true Rocky Mountain spirit. You can’t get MORE Colorado than bluegrass and folk music. Whether you choose traditional back-country tunes, indie, or something more modern, hiring local performers is a great way to embrace the vibrant local culture.
When it comes to Colorado-themed activities, there’s definitely no shortage of crowd-pleasing options. Spruce Mountain Ranch has seen it all:
Cigar rolling
Whiskey tasting
Line or square dancing
Horseshoe or cornhole tournaments
Fly fishing
Horseback riding
Guided stargazing sessions
And more!
Bringing It All Together
By thoughtfully incorporating these Colorado traditions and elements into your Spruce Mountain Ranch wedding, you'll create an unforgettable experience that celebrates both your love and the beauty of the region.
From the ranch’s majestic mountain views to the taste of local cuisine and the sound of Rocky Mountain melodies, your guests will be immersed in the true spirit of Colorado.
Want More Ideas?
Spruce Mountain couples and wedding planners are always coming up with new, creative ways to intertwine old AND new Colorado traditions into wedding themes, décor, food, drink, and entertainment. Head over to our gallery to get your creative juices flowing.
And don’t forget to follow our social media pages for even more wedding inspiration:
Read more:
