Sonnenalp Hotel Wedding | Vail, Colorado
Looking for an elegant, European-inspired venue for your mountain wedding? Look no further than the Sonnenalp Hotel in Vail, Colorado. As a Vail wedding photographer, it’s one of my favorite places for wedding activities whether that be a welcome party, a ceremony, reception, or all three! In the heart of Vail Village, the Sonnenalp has it all.
What’s the story of the Sonnenalp Hotel?
When the small bed and breakfast that inspired the Sonnenalp first opened in Germany in the early years of the 20th century, Vail wasn’t even on the map. As that humble German inn transformed into what would become a celebrated hotel and resort, its founders envisioned bringing their legacy of European hospitality and superior guest service to the United States. In the 1960s, the burgeoning village at the base of the Vail Ski Resort became the ideal location.
Vail and Sonnenalp grew up together.
The modest lodge our founders established 40 years ago led to the hotel and resort that rests at the heart of Vail Valley today — a renowned, destination intertwined in the fabric of an iconic community. Even though the two hotels are a world apart, they share a welcoming spirit cultivated by a history of family ownership and management that makes staying at the Sonnenalp an unforgettable resort experience.
Capacity: 100 to 160 guests
Ludwig’s Restaurant and Terrace is the perfect location for up to 100 guests. It’s my personal favorite reception location in the Sonnenalp Hotel. For a larger gathering, the Grand Bavaria room can host up to 160 guests.
Ceremony Locations at the Sonnenalp
The three main options for a Sonnenalp Vail wedding ceremony are as follows:
Get married beside the lovely Gore Creek that runs through Vail Village. Celebrate your love surrounded by lush greenery and the sounds of nature. It’s just outside Ludwig’s so it makes for an easy transition for you and your guests. This ceremony location is right beside the hotel pool, which does remain open to guests.
Just inside is the glass-walled terrace connected to Ludwig’s. If you’re looking for a space that offers protection from the elements but still feels as if you’re outdoors, this terrace is a lovely option. Check out the wedding below for an example of how this terrace transforms for both a ceremony and reception.
The Vail Interfaith Chapel is a lovely alternative to a ceremony on Sonnenalp grounds. Just across the street from the hotel, this beautiful chapel is the perfect place to say your vows for a Sonnenalp Hotel wedding.
Check out this beautiful, fall wedding at the Sonnenalp Hotel in Vail
There’s a reason September wedding dates get booked so far out for wedding vendors. Those last two weekends are prime dates for a beautiful, fall wedding in the mountains if you’re looking to get some gorgeous yellow aspen trees in your photos.
This Sonnenalp wedding in Vail was no exception. The last weekend in September and Vail Mountain was absolutely ablaze with yellow. This couple took advantage of the beauty and wanted photos on Vail Mountain. We took the gondola up for sundrenched portraits before the wedding celebrations began in earnest. Then it was back to the Sonnenalp for a lovely ceremony and reception in Ludwig’s Restaurant and Terrace.
It was such a joy to second photograph this wedding for the lovely Jordan Katz.
For another Vail wedding, check out this (snowy!) October day. And be sure to get in touch if you’re looking for a Vail wedding photographer for your special day.
