To find the gondola, you can type in "Steamboat Square" in Google Maps, which will take you to the base of the mountain where the gondola is. Once in Steamboat Square, there are two different gondolas that go up the mountain. The gondola to our wedding is located on the right side as you're looking up at the mountain. While the gondola typically requires a paid pass, all wedding guests will receive complimentary access during the hours of the wedding evening—your names will be on a guest list, and staff will check you in before boarding. Complimentary rides begin at 5 PM. Once you arrive at the top, you’ll be at the location for the ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception, so please bring everything you'll need for the evening with you. The gondola will run throughout the night, so you’re welcome to head back down at any time. If you happen to forget something or need to return to the base, you can take the gondola down and come back up as needed.
There is no deadline, but the discount rates are not hotel blocks, so they may sell out. Fall in Steamboat is a popular time and accommodations will fill up fast so please book as soon as possible!
Steamboat has many lodging options from upscale to affordable, and even a KOA for any guest interested in a more "Rustic" mountain experience! We have discounts at a couple of our favorites but we want our guests to stay wherever they will be most comfortable, so choose what's right for you.
"The Knoll Parking Lot" offers free parking within walking distance of the Gondola. You can put "The Knoll Parking Lot" into Google Maps to find the lot.
September in Steamboat offers beautiful fall weather, with daytime highs around 70-75°F (21-23°C) and cooler evenings, that could get as low as the mid-30s late at night. Be prepared for mountain weather, which can change quickly. We recommend bringing layers so you can be flexible with the weather.
The Ceremony will be outside on Thunderhead Lawn, which is at the top of the gondola on the ski resort mountain. The ceremony lawn is right next to Thunderhead Lodge, which is where cocktail hour and the reception will be. The Cocktail Hour will be on the outdoor patio at Thunderhead Lodge with beautiful views. Dinner and the Reception will be inside Thunderhead Lodge.
Welcome Dinner on Friday: "Nice casual" - examples of typically male-identified attire: nice jeans/khakis/chinos with a polo or short sleeve button up, and examples of typically female-identified attire: casual skirts, sundresses or jeans and a blouse - whatever feels comfortable and a bit "nice" - not fancy! Ceremony & Reception: Semi-formal attire, mountain chic - dressy but comfortable. Examples of typically male-identified attire: slacks/dress pants with a button down shirt and sports coat or blazer. Examples of typically female-identified attire: dresses that might be midi or full length. But we want you to dress however you feel best! Make sure to bring layers as the mountaintop can get chilly, especially in the evening. Note that the ceremony will be on a grassy lawn, so ladies' footwear that is grass-compatible is recommended!
We love your kids, and Steamboat is a wonderful place for a family weekend. Since we also want to celebrate with you for our special evening, we encourage getting childcare for Saturday evening if possible, for little ones who need to go to bed earlier. As an option, there are many great sitters in Steamboat that can be found on Steamboatbabysitting.com or Care.com. Kids who are old enough to stay up late and enjoy the party are very welcome, and if you couldn't attend the ceremony and reception without your kid(s), whatever their age, they are very welcome if that's the deciding factor for you! Just make sure to let us know in the RSVP if your kids will be joining so we include them in our numbers.
The town of Steamboat Springs is at 6,867 feet in elevation, and the wedding ceremony and reception are located halfway up the ski mountain at 9,080 feet in elevation. If you're visiting from lower altitudes, you may notice some effects as your body adjusts. Common symptoms of altitude adjustment can include shortness of breath, lightheadedness, fatigue, trouble sleeping, or a mild headache—especially within the first 24–48 hours. Here are a few tips to help you acclimate comfortably: -Hydrate well before and during your trip—altitude increases your risk of dehydration -Take it easy; don’t overexert yourself too quickly -Limit alcohol, especially on your first day at elevation, as it can worsen dehydration and symptoms -Eat carbs and snacks—they can help your body adjust -When outdoors, use sun hats and sunglasses to stay shaded, as the sun will be stronger at elevation To help guests adjust, we’ll also have small personal oxygen canisters available. These are lightweight, portable cans filled with concentrated oxygen that you can inhale through the cannister's mouthpiece. They can provide quick relief from altitude symptoms. Each canister typically offers about 50–100 breaths, depending on how deeply you inhale. They’re safe, easy to use, and can be a helpful boost as your body adjusts to the elevation. If you start to feel unwell at the wedding, please let someone know so we can make sure you have support. Most people adjust quickly with a bit of care, and we want you to feel your best while celebrating with us!
We will have a professional photographer taking photos so that everyone can be in the moment, but we welcome you to take photos too if you feel like it!
Yes, the resort is fully ADA-compliant, with elevators, ramps, and services to accommodate all guests.
Steamboat has a free bus with several routes including a route to the Gondola Square on the mountain where the wedding festivities will be. Uber and Lyft operate as well, and most hotels offer some type of shuttle service. For guests staying at the Steamboat Grand hotel, all activities will be within walking distance. https://www.steamboatsprings.net/166/Transit
The Steamboat Grand is within walking distance of Gondola Square, and signage will direct you to the Steamboat Gondola. Guests staying elsewhere should find transportation to Gondola Square.