Congratulations – you’re engaged! Now that you’re engaged, there are a few things you should do as you begin planning for your upcoming wedding day! There are some key questions you want to begin asking yourself and some decisions you will need to make in order to get the planning process started! We want to share 6 things you should do now that you’re engaged.
Do you want a big or small wedding?
Decide who you want to share your special day with. 50 people or 150 people? This will be one of the biggest decisions you make since it will impact your budget and your venue! Keep in mind that every single guest means more money. Each guest will need rentals, food, beverage, and dessert. So if you have a smaller budget, keep the guest list smaller.
Here at Taharaa Mountain Lodge, we offer multiple all-inclusive packages for weddings of various sizes! We can host up to 120 guests, so we are perfect for weddings big and small. If you are having an elopement or intimate wedding, you can also host all of your guests here at the lodge. We have 18 rooms, each with enough room for 2 guests. You can have everyone stay right here on-site, making traveling much easier for everyone.
Begin touring wedding and event venues
Once you have your guest count down, it’s time to start touring venues! We suggest narrowing it down to your top 3-5 venues that you will see in person. The first step is to contact the venue to get a quote. Once you reach out to our events team, we will send you detailed information on what our packages are, and the best way to book us! Package pricing can depend on the size of your wedding, and the month you are getting married. Always reach out for a custom quote.
Our wedding package includes multiple spaces for your ceremony, including our outdoor pergola or our covered deck. The best part is that you can move the ceremony in case of inclement weather! For the reception, you get our space for 5 hours, so guests have plenty of time to enjoy the cocktail hour and reception. You also get a one-hour ceremony rehearsal the day before!
Our in-house catering is provided by our restaurant, Twin Owls Steak House, and is sure to have options you will love! You can select from a buffet or plated dinner, and both options include chairs, tables, china, and bar glassware. No need to have to bring in large rentals here!
These are some commonly asked questions about hosting a wedding here at Taharaa Mountain Lodge:
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How many people can the wedding venue hold? At Taharaa we can hold up to 120 guests.
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Does your event space have separate spaces for the ceremony and reception? Yes! We have multiple options for ceremonies.
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Do you have a getting-ready space? Yes, we have suites on site for both the bride and the groom!
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Do you have on-site wedding catering? Yes, we have on-site event catering and bar services through our restaurant, Twin Owls Steakhouse! You don’t have to worry about a thing!
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Do you offer any rentals, or do you have to bring all rentals in? Our space includes chairs, tables, china, and bar glassware. If you need additional rentals, we can refer you to some local event rental companies.
If you would like to learn more about all that Taharaa Mountain Lodge has to offer and how to host your big day with us, reach out here!
Once you book your event venue, you can take a minute to relax and enjoy being engaged! Your wedding venue is one of the first things you will book and is a milestone in the wedding planning process worth celebrating!
Use approved wedding vendor lists and recommendations to your advantage
They are recommended for a reason and will do a great job for you on your special day. We have a preferred vendors list that we share with all of our couples once they book us.
On our vendor list, you will get a variety of referrals, including day-of coordinators and full planners, photographers, DJs and bands, bakeries, florists, hair, and makeup, and more! We even can give you recommendations for transportation. We are part of the Estes Park Wedding Association, so we are well connected with the vendors here in Estes Park.
Hire A Wedding Planner
Even if you are a local of Estes Park, having a wedding planner or day-of coordinator is going to be so helpful! Wedding planning is a long process, that involves a lot of steps and decisions, so having a planner on-hand will make it easy and stress-free. Here at Taharaa Mountain Lodge, we do require you to have a wedding planner or a day-of coordinator on the day of the wedding. This ensures that everything runs smoothly and that you have a stress-free wedding.
Looking for more information on getting married in Estes Park? Check out our guide: Must-Knows About Getting Married in Estes Park!
Shop for the attire
We suggest starting with the wedding dress since that will dictate a lot of the final wedding design. You might be dreaming of a bohemian-inspired reception, but fall in love with a classic ballgown!
Once you have your dream gown, start to shop for bridesmaids and groomsmen attire. Keep in mind the seasons and weather when planning these. It can get cold in the evening, and we get snowy winters, so consider long dresses and wraps for the ladies.
Decide on your wedding “vibe”
Decide your wedding “Vibe” or “Personality”. Every couple has their own personality, do the same with your wedding, make it your own and enjoy your day to the fullest. While our venue has a rustic feel, with gorgeous Rocky Mountain views, you can turn our space into any style. If you want something more formal and elegant, you can pick a classic all-white color palette, with accents of gold candles. If you want to lean into the rustic elements, consider adding natural wooden elements, like wooden escort cards or table numbers.
If you are planning a summer wedding, check out a recent couple, Cameron and Kate! Their summer wedding here at Taharaa Mountain Lodge was stunning, complete with vintage touches and beautiful colors.
If you are thinking of something snow-filled, with a rustic feel, take a look at Tressa and Ryan’s winter affair!
6 Things You Should Do Now That You’re Engaged
As you start to plan your wedding here in Estes Park, reach out to us to schedule a tour! We offer fully-customizable food and beverage packages for your wedding, featuring world-class cuisine from Twin Owls Steakhouse. We look forward to helping you make your Rocky Mountain Experience a truly unforgettable one!
