Incorporating Local Colorado Traditions Into Your Spruce Mountain Wedding

Photo Credit: Josie V. Photography

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.

Photo Credit: David Gaston Photography

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.

Photo Credit: Josie V. Photography

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. 

Photo No. 2: Epic Imagery

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.

Credit: Epic Imagery

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: 

• Instagram
• Pinterest
• Facebook

Read more:

• 8 Activities to Plan For a Weekend Wedding
• Unique Wedding Favor Ideas Your Guests Will Love
• The Ultimate Wedding Checklist: One Year To Go
• Modern Wedding Décor Ideas For Any Budget