As I sit down and ponder the location of our next wanderlust wednesday destination, a million ideas roll through my head…that crazy cave in Ohio. Or how about Italy?? Maybe I will write about one of those all inclusive resorts in Bali. Really, the options are limitless, but, I will tell ya the truth, I am feeling some serious Colorado love right now (maybe it’s because we have received over 3 feet of fluffy white powder this week…maybe). So today, we are going to keep it local!
When searching for the perfect Colorado destination, a bride has certain requirements: nature, sweeping views, an incredible event space that is neither too stuffy nor too rustic, incredible customer service, oh, and of course, the food! Ladies and gents, we can comfortably say that we have experienced a wide range of Colorado destinations. Last summer we travelled across this great state countless times….flowers, chuppahs, and limited sanity in tow. We crossed through more Indian reservations than you could think possible in one day. We’ve been to the best ski resorts and the the cutest towns….to green pastures and the top of some of the highest peaks. I dare not say that we have seen it all, but I boast that we have seen the best of what Colorado has to offer. And lo and behold, the A number 1 best venue…none other than Devil’s Thumb Ranch, no more than 10 minutes from my front door. (I promise I am not writing this out of convenience!! Although, it is convenient!)
Now, before I get to the cold hard bullet points of what this place has to offer, please allow me to wax poetic about my personal experience with the ole DTR. I am a Carolina girl…born and raised…so when I followed a boy out to a tiny ski town in Colorado, I had nooooo idea what I was getting myself into! Almost as soon as I arrived in town, I was fortunate enough to find a job in the wedding industry (which I thought was non-existent in this odd, frozen tundra that I now called home). 10 days after moving here, I had my first wedding at, you guessed it, Devil’s Thumb Ranch. The night before the wedding, it snowed 10 inches. 10 inches!!! TEN!! To this Southerner, 10 inches meant close the roads, get your eggs, get your bread (and beer) and stay the heck inside!! You all saw what happened in Atlanta last week, right?! This was a national disaster area, right?! Right?! Ohhhhh no. In Colorado, the show must go on. And it did….much to my surprise. Since that snowy November day, I have basically become a full-time resident in the rafters at DTR. Hanging chandeliers, hanging market lights, hanging ribbon curtains (loved this wedding!), hanging a semi-truck full of branches (I lie not. 5 people. 7 hours. Through the night!!!), covering the place with flowers in -20F, and installing what was probably a forest worth of paper flowers (while getting a nasty sunburn). As made evident by the wide array of decor installations outlined here, there is literally no other venue that provides BOTH an blank slate for whatever your heart desires and a space that needs nothing more than you, your husband, and your favorite people in the world. It can be transformed to create your idea of a perfect enchanted forest or even if left to bare bones, it is still a Civil War Era barn that has been restored with the highest attention to detail and respect for the American past. It is unparalleled. End of story. And I am not biased.
Location, Location, Location
At nearly 9,000 feet in elevation, DTR is situated in a high altitude valley. The ranch, which is nearly 6000 acres, sits at the feet of the Continental Divide. Jagged, pine covered mountains literally jut out of the fields where ceremonies are performed. The rugged outcropping, from which the name Devil’s Thumb was derived, sits atop those cliffs. It is an ancient landmark dating back to the Arapahoe and Ute Indian wars, symbolizing the evil of war. In these fields, beautiful snow drifts accumulate, horses prance, aspen trees show off their golden leaves, and wild lupines blow in the summer breeze. It is beautiful in spring, summer, fall, and winter. And although, you may feel disconnected from the real world when you are there, all the amenities are at your fingertips.
The Broad Axe Barn
This 160 person event space is nothing close to normal. A restored Civil War era barn. White oak floors. Hand-hewn oak and beech beams (my home away from home….and a perfect place to hang your beautiful decor). Huuuuuge windows. 25 foot ceilings. Hand stacked fireplace. OMG, I am so spoiled! This is it. This is what you look for when you want a true Colorado style wedding. Oh, and if it rains or snows, no worry, your million dollar view is still there when you open up the rolling barn doors….ta da!!
And if the weather does act in your favor, you get hitched under what we like to call “The TeePee Of Love.” Not too shabby!!
The High Lonesome Lodge
Unlike what the name implies, The High Lonesome Lodge is the perfect place to be surrounded by a slew of people, up to 350!! Due to the demand for a larger event space, DTR stepped up to the plate and built (well, reconstructed) yet another Civil War Era barn. True to form, it’s a beauty! Floor to ceiling fireplaces, exposed beams and huge windows. Although we have yet to work in the space, we are already in love!
The Yager House
So you are set if you are having a big shabang, but what if you are eloping?? Or having a small wedding?? No worries!! They have The Yager House for a sweet little gathering for 50 people. I absolutely love this space and the comfort of it. It’s also a wonderful place to rent out to have you and your girls get your hair and make-up done! Boom!!
After all is said and done, Devil’s Thumb Ranch has our heart and we are so happy for every time that we have been able to work with them. Brides, you will never be disappointed with this place! Happy places for happy times! Hooray!!
