Written by Mandy Fabel
It’s the biggest day in a couple’s life, the day they stand before friends and family and say “I do.” Whether you are from the area, or looking for a destination wedding, Wind River Country has some great wedding venues to offer. It would be too difficult to list them all, but the following are a few ideas to help you put together your perfect wedding day.
Mountain Chic
If you’re going for a rugged but beautiful wedding vibe, look no further than 3 Spear Ranch in Dubois. The 100+-year-old property has the character and charm to make your wedding day memorable for you and your guests. There are plenty of beautiful spots for a ceremony overlooking red rock formations. Between the ceremony and reception, guests can grab a cocktail and wander the property, which features baby goats, a hot spring pool, and horses. And no one will leave the reception dinner hungry, as the restaurant cooks up a mean steak or other fine dining options.
Wedding/Reception Venue: 3 Spear Ranch
Catering: Provided by 3 Spear Ranch
Lodging: The wedding party can stay onsite in cabins. Additional lodging can be found in the Town of Dubois.
Travel Logistics: Jackson Hole Airport and Central Wyoming Regional Airport are an equal distance from 3 Spear Ranch.
Mountain Casual
If you are a little more on the DIY and casual wedding side, Lander has some great options for you to consider. Hold a short ceremony in the foothills of the Wind River Mountains on public lands in places such as Sinks Canyon, the Bus Loop, or Wild Iris. Then, journey back to Lander for a raucous dinner and dancing at the Livery Stable, which is part of the Fremont County Pioneer Museum. Your guests will enjoy the easy pace of your wedding and soak up the best Lander has to offer. And you’ll pay a fraction of the cost as you would at most wedding venues. Maybe you’ll even have enough left in your budget to bring in a local musician like Jalan Crossland or a local band, such as the Low Water String Band.
Wedding Venue: Public land access (be sure to plan for parking or a bus)
Reception Venue: Livery Stable, part of the Museum of the American West
Catering: There are several options; consider Mulino for Italian or Wyoming Catholic College catering services.
Lodging: Several local hotels offer a room block. Or, consider renting the entire Lander Motel (a newly remodeled motel next to Pushroot Brewing Company) or the Mill House (a charming boutique hotel with room for family to gather or the bridal party to get ready).
Travel Logistics: Central Wyoming Regional Airport is a mere 30 minutes away.
Mountain Classy
For those looking for a more formal wedding venue, the Riverton Country Club can provide everything you need for a beautiful wedding and reception. The wedding party or guests can enjoy an award-winning round of golf prior to the ceremony, and every last detail will be taken care of by onsite event coordinators. Riverton also boasts very easy travel for guests flying in with a local airport and plenty of hotel space. Guests may also elect to extend their trip and journey up to Thermopolis for a soak in the hot springs or venture to Yellowstone National Park.
Wedding/Reception Venue: Riverton Country Club
Catering: Provided by Riverton Country Club
Lodging: Several local hotels offer a room block.
Travel Logistics: Central Wyoming Regional Airport is conveniently located in Riverton.
Whether you want a fancy wedding, a low-budget wedding or somewhere in between, Wind River Country has the perfect fit for your perfect day. For more information on venues visit, https://windriver.org/events/venues/.
Note from the Editor: If you want to get married without the fuss of a wedding, take a lesson from the author of this blog, Mandy Fabel. Mandy and her husband Brian got married deep in the Wind River Mountains, and then through a big celebration at the Lander Community and Convention Center the following year over the 4th of July. Check out their wedding video below.
