Colorado offers honeymooners in the US a variety of experiences and options without the need of a passport. Whether looking for a ski retreat in the winter or a rocky mountain adventure in the summer, Colorado can provide you with the perfect itinerary to start off your married life.
Winter Honeymoons in Colorado
Colorado is known for being the best place to ski in America for a reason. With 26 ski areas and loads of resorts and hotels to go to, there are plenty of options to choose from. The obvious thing to do during a winter honeymoon in Colorado is to head to the mountains and ski. Plan to spend some time on the slopes while also leaving time for other adventures and relaxation.
There are so many unique winter experiences in the mountains like snowmobiling, dog sledding, outdoor ice-skating, or snow tubing. Between all that, remember to take a break to relax at a spa and indulge in some gourmet restaurants near your honeymoon destinations.
Summer Honeymoons in Colorado
With a summer honeymoon in Colorado, you can enjoy the outdoors without the winter crowds. It is a perfect time to go horseback riding, hiking, paddle boarding, boating, fishing or even taking a swim. For the outdoorsy couple, there are hundreds of hikes and biking trails to go on that will lead you through picturesque meadows, canyons, and waterfalls. If you are looking for adventure, try zip-lining, or you can choose between 6 different rivers on which to go white water rafting.
Colorado Honeymoon On a Budget
Colorado is a perfect destination for a couple on a budget. If you are hoping to enjoy the slopes, there are several ski-in/ski-out properties on Airbnb that run around $140-180 a night. You can find a condo that comes with amenities similar to resorts like hot tubs and a fitness center. In Steamboat Springs you can find the cheapest ski slopes for beginners and intermediate skiers. You can save even more money by cooking at home when you rent a place with a full kitchen. Take those savings and splurge on other awesome experiences!
I recommend spending some time in central Denver where the cost is much lower than resort towns. Boulder, Denver, and Colorado Springs have accommodations of all price ranges, but it is easy to find economical hotels that are still rated 3 stars or more.
Our Colorado Honeymoon Tips
- Pack layers to adjust to the changing weather.
- Bring plenty of moisturizer for the dry climate.
- Even in Winter, prepare for the sun with lip balm, sunscreen, and sunglasses. With the cold air, you may forget you can still get sunburn.
- Take it easy the first day to help adjust to the altitude.
- You may want to arrange transportation through your resort to avoid driving in winter conditions.
- Make sure you have access to a hot tub to warm and soothe sore muscles after a day on the slopes.
- Make reservations at restaurants in advance when possible and let them know it is your honeymoon.
- Look into flights that land at the Yampa Valley Regional Airport, closer to the ski resorts than Denver International Airport
- Check for summertime deals. People are starting to catch on and come more in the summer, but there are still deals to be had.
Colorado Honeymoon Destinations
Vail
Recommended Stay: 3+ Days
Vail is the second largest ski area in the US with a Swiss-inspired village that makes you feel like you are in the Alps.
The combination of over 5500 acres of skiable terrain, a plethora of restaurants and the many other available activities make it a great option for a honeymoon in Colorado.
Things To Do While Honeymooning in Vail
For a unique and romantic dining experience, check out Brano’s Cabin. To get to this 5-course meal, it requires a 20-minute open-air sleigh ride with amazing views of Grouse Mountain and Larkspur Bowl. When you arrive, you are welcomed by a warm fire and open kitchen. Bearcat Stables is another option. They offer horse-drawn sleigh rides with or without a meal, at a lower cost than Brano’s Cabin.
While many enjoy Vail for the ski season, the summer offers beautiful weather, zip lines, ropes courses, scenic hikes horseback riding through the Rock Mountains and plenty of activities to do on the Colorado River. For a thrill, try whitewater rafting or kayaking. Depending on your comfort level and river conditions, you can either rent a raft and go at your own pace or have a guided rafting or kayaking trip.
Where to Stay
Sonnenalp – $$$
This is a family-owned hotel in the heart of Vail village. Sonnenalp features five dining options by Chef Florian Schwarz’s cuisine. Their spa features Turkish steam rooms, saunas and a full menu of treatments.
Sonnenalp has won numerous awards and ranks #1 for hotels in Vail. While they may not have a romance package available, their concierge is top-notch and will be able to accommodate your needs.
Cost: $$$
Formerly Vail Cascade Resort, Hotel Talisa has recently reopened and is a destination of pure mountain luxury. Along with skiing, they offer mountain biking, fishing, swimming, ice skating, and fire-pit socializing. Truly a dream winter honeymoon!
Nearby
Let’s face it, it’s hard to stay in Vail on a budget. To save a few hundred dollars a night, find a resort nearby.
Cost $$
Copper Mountain Resort is located about 20 miles from Vail and is an ideal vacation destination with a laid-back, inclusive feeling for all. Three pedestrian-friendly village areas provide a vibrant atmosphere with lodging, retail outlets, restaurants, bars, and family activities.
During the winter months, Copper’s naturally-divided terrain offers world-class skiing and riding for all ages and abilities. Each summer, the mountain transforms into an unspoiled playground for hikers, mountain bikers and all those seeking a genuine Colorado experience.
Copper Mountain Resort boasts a jam-packed events calendar year-round and is home to Woodward Copper – a lifestyle and action sports progression and training facility. While there are not any honeymoon-specific packages, Copper Mountain Resort provides a few other packages for guests. If you book 3 nights of lodging you’ll get another for free, 33% off rental equipment, 33% off Woodward lessons and buy 2 Ski or Ride Lessons and receive a 3rd for free.
Steamboat Springs
Steamboat Springs is located about 3 1/2 hours from Denver by car or there is an airport 30 minutes away in Hayden. The Steamboat ski resort provides access to 6 peaks including Mount Werner and off the slopes are winter activities including snowmobiling or going for a ride on the Outlaw Mountain Coaster. The area has several hot springs including one in the middle of the old town. The summer in Steamboat Springs is busier than the winter when you can go hiking, tubing, fly fishing or many other activities.
Where to Stay
Wyndham Vacation Resorts Steamboat Springs
The resort offers spacious one, two, and three-bedroom resort suites that comfortably sleep four to eight guests, and all feature a fully equipped kitchen with separate living and dining areas, a private balcony or deck, and the convenience of a washer/dryer. It is located less than a mile away from the Gondola and has a shuttle going every 20 minutes. We stayed in a one-bedroom suite and enjoyed the in-room fireplace and kitchen. It made for a perfect place to relax between activities.
Vista Verde Ranch
*Our top pick for a honeymoon in Colorado
Tucked away about a 50-minute drive from Steamboat Springs, Vista Verde Ranch is an all-inclusive luxury lodge with private cabins available featuring hot tubs on each porch. All meals are prepared by a talented kitchen crew, and the staff is always eager to provide any personalized service you need. Each day during the winter in the lodge you will find freshly baked cookies, hot chocolate, coffee, and hot cider to enjoy in between activities.
Every morning and evening the staff will find you to confirm or adjust your upcoming plans and activities. In the winter that means horseback riding, snowmobiling, tubing, skiing, snowga, ice fishing, snowshoeing and more. In the summer you can learn to fly fish, go mountain biking, hiking, and horseback riding.
There is something unique about Vista Verde that is hard to describe. They have created an amazing destination and experience.
Aspen
Recommended Stay 3 Days+
With 4 skiable mountains, Aspen lives up to its reputation as a winter destination that is hard to beat. With so much skiable land and terrain, anyone can enjoy the mountains regardless of how advanced or novice they may be.
Aspen is also home to world-class restaurants, award-winning spas, cozy cabins, amazing places to shop, and loads of winter and summer activities to provide a packed itinerary for any honeymooners. The great outdoors provides seemingly limitless possibilities for things to do like rock climbing, fishing, golf, and horseback riding. You can even take in an amazing view of the area from above by hot-air ballooning and paragliding. If you are looking for a destination for your wedding and honeymoon, the Aspen Chamber offers a complementary Mini-moon for couples who plan their lodging through the Aspen Chamber Resort Association.
Where to stay
Cost $$$
Within this luxury resort, The Gant offers romantic honeymoon lodging complemented by all the outstanding services you would expect from a premier Aspen hotel.
Steps away you’ll find adventure on Aspen Mountain, while the beautiful pool area beckons you to soak up fresh mountain air and sunshine. Best of all, you’ll enjoy the seclusion of 5 beautifully landscaped acres to ensure the intimacy of your romantic Aspen, Colorado honeymoon. Honeymooners at The Gant receive a complimentary room upgrade, sparkling wine 10% off Reméde Spa treatments and 15% off their vacation.
Cost $$$
A contemporary version of a Gilded Age mountainside manor which provides an uncompromising base for arbiters of fine food and wine, connoisseurs of culture and adventure seekers. Located just steps from Aspen’s signature slopes and featuring premier amenities and St. Regis service, you’ll love this signature Aspen resort.
St. Regis provides a Luxury Romance Package that includes a food & beverage credit with champagne, chocolate covered strawberries and flowers upon arrival.
Hotel Jerome, An Auberge Resort
Cost $$$
Hotel Jerome is a Luxury hotel in Aspen that blends contemporary style and amenities with historic heritage and top-notch hospitality, featuring several dining options, a spa, and luxurious accommodations.
While Hotel Jerome does not have a specific honeymoon package, if you are interested in an intimate wedding they do offer an Elopement package that takes a lot of stress out of planning a wedding. The packages include everything you need to honeymoon, like in-room couples massages, a 3-course dinner for 2, breakfast in bed, and 10% off your room.
Cost $$
Located at the base of the Buttermilk Mountain, the Inn at Aspen is a more affordable hotel in Aspen that is perfect for snow bunnies.
During the winter, the Inn has hosted the ESPN X Games, and if the mountain is good enough for the pros, it is good enough for anyone. Onsite guests can enjoy a restaurant and bar, heated pool, hot tube and a courtesy shuttle to the airport or downtown.
Denver
Recommended Stay 2 Days+
Away from all the ski resorts is Colorado’s capital city with plenty of charm of its own to offer. The city is known for its elevated food scene, breweries and marketplaces making it a fun stop during a Colorado Honeymoon.
For beer lovers, you can find your way to over 20 breweries, which are almost all walkable from downtown on the Denver Beer Trail. The Art Museum is famous for its large collection of Native American art. If you come at the right time, you can catch a concert at the one-of-a-kind Red Rocks Park & Amphitheater, known for its natural acoustics. If you love a bigger city or are looking to stretch your dollar, Denver is a great option.
We highly recommend taking advantage of the many professional sports while you are there. The Denver Nuggets, Denver Broncos, Colorado Rockies, Colorado Avalanche and the Colorado Rapids all call Denver home. Consider going on a food tour to get a taste of the best of the food scene.
Read our full article, How to plan a honeymoon in Denver
Where to Stay
Cost: $$
My personal favorite hotel group brand, Hotel Monaco is a full-service boutique hotel with a playfully bold personality. Kimpton Hotel Monaco Denver offers a diversity of personal touches that make it a unique hotel worth mentioning.
Enjoy the pet-friendly environment, hosted evening wine hour, unique honor bar options, and a goldfish for every guest room upon request. With its dynamic color, stylish comfort, and Western charm, Kimpton Hotel Monaco Denver is ideal for business and leisure travelers alike. For a romantic night out, Hotel Monaco offers a date night package that includes a room upgrade when available, 2 cocktails and an appetizer, late checkout, and valet parking. Rates seem to stay between $180-$300 depending on your dates and room type.
Cost $$
Originally opened in 1891, the award-winning Oxford Hotel offers 80 individually decorated guest rooms, each with unique features such as clawfoot bathtubs, floor-to-ceiling Chinese silk curtains and French and English antiques. Located in the heart of downtown Denver’s LoDo district, the hotel is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and houses an extensive collection of Western American art.
The Oxford is also home to the Oxford Club, Spa & Salon, a full service day spa, hair salon and fitness center, and Denver’s quintessential Art Deco martini bar, the Cruise Room. Honeymooners can enjoy The Oxford’s intimate downtown setting and historic beauty with the Vintage Romance package, which includes luxurious accommodations, cocktails for two at The Cruise Room, a complimentary upgrade and valet parking. Rooms start at $209 per night.
Cost $$
Hotel Teatro provides the modern experience of a recent renovation, juxtaposed with the historical details from the early 20th century traditional Renaissance Revival-style building in which it is housed.
An ideal location in the heart of Denver’s music and theatre district, set against a beautiful Rocky Mountain backdrop, the four-diamond Hotel Teatro is surrounded by independently owned and operated restaurants and shops. It is easily walkable to prime Denver destinations such as the Denver Center for Performing Arts, Union Station, and professional sports and entertainment venues Coors Field and the Pepsi Center. Home to The Nickel, a popular restaurant comprised of dishes that are easily recognizable and feel simple, but eat complex, and The Study, a beautifully designed lounge, bar and gathering venue, Hotel Teatro allows guests to enjoy a one-of-a-kind, local Denver experience.
For a perfect urban honeymoon, Hotel Teatro offers a romance package including a bottle of Prosecco delivered upon arrival (with champagne glasses to keep), chocolate-covered strawberries and a $40 breakfast credit redeemable through in-room dining or The Study.
Cost $$$
Located inside the recently renovated Denver Union Station, The Crawford Hotel offers a Denver luxury experience that is like no other. The Crawford Hotel features 112 uniquely decorated guest rooms that reflect the different eras of the building’s history. The “Pullman-style” rooms on the second level evoke train travel at its heyday with a subtle Art Deco nod.
The “Classic” guestrooms are inspired by the building’s Victorian-era beginnings, with a touch of modern elegance. “The Loft” rooms in the former attic feature exposed wood timbers and vaulted ceilings. The Crawford also offers four 1-bedroom LoDo Suites and the 726 square foot Crawford Suite, which features a Butler’s pantry, separate living and dining rooms, a powder room and a master bedroom with a sitting area. Amenities at The Crawford Hotel include Amenities include luxury Tesla car service (within 2-mile radium) access to the Oxford Club, Spa & Salon, and room service from Denver Union Station restaurants Snooze, an A.M. Eatery and Next Door Union Station. Honeymooners can enjoy our Denver Date Night package, which includes two signature cocktails and an appetizer in Denver Union Station’s romantic Cooper Lounge, complimentary valet parking, and a free upgrade.
Cost $$$
The Maven delivers an industrial hotel experience with an energetic lobby highlighting an eclectic mix of local art and handmade products delivered by a passionate staff. Located in the heart of Lower Downtown (LoDo) just one block from Denver Union Station and Coors Field,
The Maven anchors the new Dairy Block micro-district, a walkable neighborhood that is home to Denver’s first pedestrian Alley, offering a progressive experience of curated shopping, dining and drinking destinations. The Maven features 172 modern guest rooms exhibiting a rich color palette and loft-style décor. The Maven’s urban event space includes the 2,300 square foot Windsor Room with hardwood floors and a mixture of exposed brick and wood walls.
Colorado Springs
Recommended Stay: 2 Days+
Colorado Springs is a perfect location for summer, spring, or fall honeymoon. Located just 6 miles north-west of Colorado Springs, the Garden of the Gods is a must-see. This natural landmark features magnificent sandstone pillars you can tour on foot, bike or take a guided tour in a Jeep, Segway or horseback.
Wander the paths and trails of Garden of the Gods Park admiring the magnificent sandstone pillars. Don’t forget to steal a smooch underneath the famed Kissing Camels rock formation before enjoying a hike, picnic, horseback ride or rock climbing lesson in this free city park, also deemed a national natural wonder.
Couples can relax with a massage or treatment at one of the area’s luxurious spas like MX Spa located inside The Mining Exchange Hotel, or Alluvia which is part of the Country Club of Colorado. Fine dining can be enjoyed at places like The Penrose Room (the only five-star restaurant in the state of Colorado), The Famous, The Peppertree and Carlos’ Bistro.
Enjoy a Rocky Mountain Food Tour of Downtown Colorado Springs or join the Food Network frenzy with stops at places like Spice Island Grill, Rasta Pasta and Front Range BBQ (all featured on Diners Drive-Ins and Dives). Experience a new and adventurous activity together whether it is ice climbing, whitewater rafting, or a sunrise hot air balloon ride.
For an amazing landscape view, visit the summit of 14,115-foot Pikes Peak, America’s Mountain, which is a must when in the area. Drive the twists and turns of the Pikes Peak Highway, hike Barr Trail or take the world’s highest cog train to catch views like no other.
WHERE TO STAY
Costs $$$
Perched high atop a mesa, the luxurious Garden of the Gods Collection offers stunning views of snow-capped Pikes Peak and the natural red rock formations of the Garden of the Gods National Landmark. The Garden of the Gods collection offers a romance package and multiple couples experience packages at the newly opened Spa and Salon.
The Fuel the Fire Romance Package includes luxury accommodations with mountain views and an in-suite fireplace. Enjoy a $100 In-Room dining credit for an intimate meal by the fire and relaxing lavender shower spa mist.
Cost $$
Cheyenne Mountain Resort is our pick for the biggest bang for your buck. The four-diamond resort has an array of options for things to do including all-season hiking, tennis, golf, and for when it is warm, the resort’s lake and beach are a perfect place for families to get together.
The Cheyenne Mountain Resort has several romantic packages allowing you to choose what fits your preferences with add-ons available. There is also a spa package for two which is totally worth the indulgence.
Boulder
While Boulder may be a suburb of Denver, this trendy city has a unique vibe of its own. You cannot visit Boulder without seeing the Flatirons. These unique sandstone formations are Boulder’s most iconic landmark.
If you are looking to stay indoors, Pearl Street is known for its great shops, inspiring art exhibits, historic buildings and is the center of Boulders foodie scene. Located just 45 minutes northwest of Denver, Boulder is consistently ranked as one of the most livable cities in the country and is famed for its natural beauty, welcoming atmosphere, proximity to the Rocky Mountains and more than 300 days of sunshine a year.
Cost: $$
Located downtown and built in the 1880s, the Rose provides ten unique and inviting guest rooms that will make you feel right at home. It may not have as many amenities as a large resort, but that doesn’t mean it is any less romantic. For couples looking for a quiet more intimate environment, the Rose Bed and Breakfast is a perfect fit.
The Honeymoon package at the Rose includes accommodations in some of the best rooms, chocolates, and roses upon arrival and a keepsake for you to take to always remember your trip.
Cost $$$
The recently renovated hotel features 201 guest rooms and the 10,000-sq. ft. Spa at St Julien and fitness facility—all with beautiful views of the Rocky Mountains. St Julien is home to Jill’s Restaurant, boasting contemporary French and American cuisines, the T-Zero Lounge, and Saturday afternoon Tea, the hotel’s fresh take on this classic tradition.
Honeymooners can book the Romance Package to enjoy an overnight stay in a luxurious guest room, a chilled bottle of Domaine Carneros by Tattinger, chocolate-covered strawberries and a $150 daily hotel credit, which can be used at any of the property’s food and beverage outlets or Spa at St Julien, which offers indulgent couples’ treatments.
Colorado Honeymoon Cabins & Lodges
For a unique experience close to the outdoors, take a look at the many cabins and lodges available. These are not all the typical cabins you may be used to. Many contain upscale amenities like hot tubs, showers and full kitchens.
Cost $$
Located west of Colorado Springs in the small town of Cascade, the Rocky Mountain Lodge provides for a perfect getaway for anyone wanting to enjoy the outdoors.
The area is surrounded by amazing sites like Pikes Peak, Garden of the Gods, and the Manitou Cliff Dwellings. There are plenty of activities to enjoy including all the hiking and biking trails you can handle, horseback riding, rafting, hot air ballooning, fishing, and more. The Rocky Mountain Lodge offers romance packages perfect for a honeymoon. Enjoy a bouquet of roses, sparkling cider, truffles or chocolate-covered strawberries, cheese and fruit bar, and souvenir champagne flutes to set the tone of your visit on arrival. Add on couples massages for an ultimate romance package.
Cost $$
A trip to Avalanche Ranch will put you in the heart of the Rockies in location and feel. The historic homestead was built in 1913 and has been renovated and added to over the years. Today, it offers many of the amenities you would expect at a resort. Some highlights to the property include the 3 hot spring pools that stay warm all year long, and the nighttime campfires.
See more romantic honeymoon cabins in Colorado here.
He is an expert travel advisor and enthusiast. He has traveled extensively in the USA, Central America, South America, and Europe. He has visited every Sandals Resort and is one of a select few Diamond Elite members of the Sandals Chairman’s Royal Club.
Dan graduated from Johnson & Wales University with an associate degree in Culinary Arts. Later he graduated from the University of Utah with a bachelor’s degree in International Studies with a focus on people and culture.
My 420 Tours
Tuesday 11th of September 2018
Awesome curation of honeymoon lodging here. We meet a lot of honeymooners on our tours who want to add a little cannabis twist to their getaway. One more thing that makes a Colorado honeymoon great!
Kelly Curran
Sunday 28th of January 2018
“Man cannot discover new oceans unless he has the courage to lose sight of the shore.” – Andre Gide