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Ago GalleryFine Art Gallery

Features works by Romagean, one of Colorado’sfavorite artsts. Will do commissioned paintings foryour memorable day. In May 2000 her artwork wasadded to the Archives of the National Museum of

Women in the Arts of Washington D.C.

SPECIAL FRAMING FOR BRIDAL PORTRAITSCustom framing with archival materials

Bridal Gift RegistrySan Juan Pottery

Hand built & hand thrown by some of Colorado’s top potters

970-325-0270445 Main St. P.O Box 313, Ouray, CO 81427

www.agogallery.com • www.Sanjuanartpottery.comOpen All Year

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Leave it to usOuray County may be num-ber 53 of 64 Colorado coun-

ties when it comes to population,but we have deemed ourselves num-ber one in grandeur of scenery andhospitality.And we know weddings.With a charming mountain com-munity known as “Switzerland ofAmerica,” Ouray County’s inherentbeauty comes from the surroundingCimarron and San Juan mountains.Punctuated by rugged Mt. Sneffels,towering 14,150 feet above sea level,the county holds many options formemorable backdrops for your spe-cial ceremony.And options await the bride, groomand wedding party for all the eventsassociated with your special occa-sion. We have it all when comes toaccommodations: bed and break-fasts, cabins, condos, vacationhomes, hotels, motels, camp-grounds and RV parks. Do youwant an indoor pool, outdoor pool,hot spring, sauna, soaking tub, spaor hot tub? Would you prefer new,renovated or historic? Maybe yourequire pet friendly?You’ll find it here.

Are your guests looking forward toactivities such as fishing, biking,horseback riding, ghost towns,Jeeping, hot air ballooning, rafting,rock climbing, hiking, backcountryskiing, cross country skiing, iceclimbing, sledding, snowmobiling,snow cat tours and more? It’s all here, too.Maybe you and your guests desiregreat food, fun and spirits. Withdozens of restaurants, 3 breweries, adistillery and a variety of night lifevenues, you and your guests havechoices as varied as the peaks thatrise above Ouray County.Need a church or officiant? You’llfind over a half dozen churches andqualified officiants in Ridgway andOuray.And of course, you probably wantlocal assistance with a variety of areaflorists, caterers and wedding plan-ners.Yes, we may be one of the smallestcounties in Colorado, but you’dnever know it when it comes to ourpeople, services and accommoda-tions. We have everything you needto make lasting memories amongour mountains.

Ouray Honeymoon Penthouse Suite

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MountainFeverShirts.comMOUNTAIN FEVER SHIRTS & GIFTS

Ask us about Candy Bars with custom wrappers for your Special Day

644 Main St., Ouray, CO(970) 325-4408

Things to considerAfter choosing the date foryour wedding, it's time to

consider where the wedding willtake place. Whether it's the weddingitself or rehearsal dinner or recep-tion, many couples in OurayCounty choose to take it outside.Ouray County has some of the bestoutdoor locations the world has tooffer. If you are leaning toward hav-ing the big event, or one of yourevents, in the outdoors considerthese unique aspects of an outdoorwedding in the mountains:• A hundred guests may not fit easi-ly on the edge of a waterfall, cliff, ormesa. Older guests and small chil-dren may need special assistance tohike a trail or to not stumble onrough terrain. • The dry climate requires that yourguests be provided with lots and lotsof water, which begs the question...• Will your guests have to use thewoods as a bathroom? It’s entirelypossible many of your guests are lesscomfortable in the outdoors thanyou and your future spouse are. • Offer seating to your guests, espe-cially senior relatives. Is it feasible tocarry folding chairs to the site?

• Remember, sometimes it snowshere in July. Be prepared with abackup plan. Have an alternate site,a canopy big enough to cover yourcrowd, or extra raincoats for a hardygroup. • The bride may do well not tochoose a cumbersome gown thattouches the ground if any hiking isinvolved.• Check with florists, caterers andother vendors to see if they willdeliver to the site or if you’re onyour own for getting any decora-tions there.• The noise of a waterfall or windblowing can make it impossible forguests to hear the ceremony or forvideographers to capture the sound.The officiant may have to practicespeaking loudly, or locating thegroup near a natural windbreakcould help. • Watch how the sun falls on yourpotential site. If the morning light ispreferred, your pictures will be mostattractive if you marry in the morn-ing on the west side of a canyon ormountain range. A weddingon the east side, theamphithe- CCOONNSSIIDDEERR •• PPAAGGEE 9 5

Everything you needCongratulations on yourengagement! You've found

your perfect match – now plan yourevent in the perfect mountain set-ting.Every year couples choose OurayCounty to begin their new lifetogether in this unique, unparalleledsetting. With endless mountain vis-tas, the comfortable Victorian flairof Ouray or the vast western flavorof Ridgway, Ouray County is theideal backdrop for your weddingevent. Whether you're planning acasual outdoor wedding or an ele-gant black-tie event, you will findthe perfect venue right here at thefoot of the majestic San Juan andCimarron mountains.If an outdoor event is what you'replanning, there is nothing like shar-ing your vows under an incrediblesky in the middle of nature. Anytime of year is perfect for a weddingin Ouray County. The summer cli-mate is pleasant, with low humidityand warm temperatures. Cool, crispair and warm days are typical of thefall season and the winters are spec-tacular with clear blue skies and glis-tening powdery snow. The City of

Ouray offers a change of pace, stun-ning scenery, fresh air and theopportunity for amazing weddingphotos. The Town of Ridgway offersan old west style and pastoral viewsflanked by the Cimarron Mountainsand the rugged San Juan range.History abounds throughout thecounty, whether amid the buildingsand churches that framed the coun-ty over a century ago or surroundedby the backdrop of a historic mineor ranching spot in the surroundingmountains. From provincial to pas-toral, from rugged to rustic, fromconventional to creative, you canhave it all in Ouray County.Arrange all the details – on yourown or through a local event plan-ner – right here. Our area is home tomany qualified professionals thatcan cover all of your wedding bases:floral arrangements, catering, cakesand chocolates, photography, music,hair styling, nails and massage, wed-ding gifts and registries, lodging andperhaps even unique wedding ringsfrom one of our local jewelers.While you’re busy with yourevent details, your guests willbe thrilled EEVVEERRYYTTHHIINNGG •• PPAAGGEE 9

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Reallifephotographs.com

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970-249-4850ParkAvenueParties.com

Specializing in rentals for weddings,

parties and special events

Tents • Decorations • TablesChairs • Linens • Dishware

Beverage Supplies Dance Floors • Staging

(Delivery to all locations)

Reallifephotographs.com

Willowcreek Floral Willowcreek Floral

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to experience a real Coloradovacation. Cliff-hanging Jeep

tours, a myriad of hot springs andsauna soaks, history and mountainsunmatched will help make memoriesfor everyone in your party. Come to Ouray County and enjoy cel-ebrating the beginning of your lifetimeadventure in a majestic environmentthat truly rises to the occasion.To find out more about planning yourbig day in our unique little town, con-tact the Ouray Chamber ResortAssociation through ouray@ouraycol-orado.com, or the Ridgway AreaChamber of commerce through ridg-waycolorado.com. See you in the mountains!

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ater or Cimarrons as a back-drop for instance, will make

pretty pictures in the evening.The best advice, however, comes fromthe local professionals who plan, pro-vide services and produce weddingmemories each year. These individualsand businesses, many of whom arefound in this guide, know the bestlocations based on your needs andtimes of year, all the tips and tricks aswell as local professional referrals tohelp provide you and your guests aworry-free wedding. Any wedding will be remembered for alifetime. The natural splendor, historyand charm that Ouray County offersadds magic to the memory.

CCOONNSSIIDDEERR •• FFRROOMM PPAAGGEE 5

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101 6th Avenue in Ouray, two blocks west of Main Street

360 degree mountain views from our garden

• Exquisite, personalized catering provided by our experienced chef

• Complimentary Event Planning and Coordination Services

• Assistance with Local Professionals:

• Officiants• Florists, Musicians, and

Photographers • Carriage and Jeep Rides • Lodging and Entertainment

for your guests

Visit us atwwww.secretgardenouray.com

The Perfect Spot for YourMountain Wedding

101 6th Avenue in Ouray, two blocks west of Main Street

360 degree mountain views from our garden

• Exquisite, personalized catering provided by our experienced chef

• Complimentary Event Planning and Coordination Services

• Assistance with Local Professionals:

• Officiants• Florists, Musicians, and

Photographers • Carriage and Jeep Rides • Lodging and Entertainment

for your guests

Visit us atwwwwww..sseeccrreettggaarrddeennoouurraayy..ccoomm

We worked with Sara to plan our September wedding.

The entire process was flawless.Sara knows all the best vendors

in the area. The food Sara prepared for our stay and for our wedding was amazing.

Contact us at:970-596-3730

secretgarden@ouraynet.com

“

”

The Perfect Spot for YourMountain Wedding

Kyla Jackson Photography

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AADDVVEENNTTUURREEOuray Mule & Carriage970-708-4946www.ouraymule.com

RIGS Fly Shop & GUIDE SERVICE970-626-4460www.fishrigs.com

CCAAKKEESS,, CCAATTEERRIINNGG&& SSPPIIRRIITTSSThe Sweet Life970-728-8789www.TheSweetLifeInc.comThe Sweet Life can help you makeyour Sweet Dreams come true onyour Wedding Day! CustomCupcakes, Cake Pops, Candy,Gift Bag Favors and much muchmore. Check out our website orstop by the store on Main Streetin Telluride!

Hog Rock BBQ970-765-5470HogrockBBQ@hotmail.com“Catering right on Q.” Great foodanywhere in Western Colorado -from chuck wagon BBQ to a moreformal wedding reception meal,we can do it! We also can providetent cover and seating as well asmusic for your event. From familyreunions to weddings or othergatherings, call on us to help planand be part of your event.

Pine Cone Catering Co.970-249-9767www.pineconeunlimited.com

Sweet Spot Cakes970-240-4340www.sweetspotcakes.com

True Grit BBQ & Catering970-901-9185www.TrueGritCafe.com

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Willowcreek FloralTTUURRNN AANN OORRDDIINNAARRYY WWEEDDDDIINNGG

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SSPPEECCIIAALL TTOOUUCCHHEESS..

• Beautiful, Fresh Bridal Flowers• Wedding Planner• Ceremony/Reception Rentals• Site Locations • Table Linens• Tented Theme Venues • Tuxes• Centerpieces • Much More

Call (888) 900-2525257 SShheerrmmaann,, RRiiddggwwaayy

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CCHHUURRCCHHEESS&& OOFFFFIICCIIAANNTTSSRidgway Community Church970-626-5692www.ridgwaychurch.com

United Churchof the San JuansRev. Harry Strong970-626-5803www.UCSJridgway.org

EEQQUUIIPPMMEENNTT RREENNTTAALLPark Avenue Parties970-249-4850www.ParkAvenueParties.com

FFLLOORRIISSTTSSWillowcreek Floral888-900-2525www.willowcreekfloral.com

AALLTTEERRAATTIIOONNSS&& CCLLEEAANNEERRSSMilpro Cleaners970-252-8011

HHAAIIRR && MMAAKKEE UUPPAARRTTIISSTTSSSalon Envy970-325-7324www.envyouray.com

LLOODDGGIINNGGBest Western plus Twin Peaks Lodge & Hot Springs800-207-2700www.twinpeakslodging.com

Black Bear Manor970-325-4219www.blackbearmanor.com

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LLOODDGGIINNGG ((CCOONNTT.. ))Box Canyon Lodge & Hot Springs800-327-5080www.boxcanyonouray.com

Chipeta Solar Springs Resort970-626-3737www.Chipeta.com

The Historic Western Hotel970-325-4645ourayjeeptours@yahoo.comVisit the Western's saloon whileenjoying the historic atmosphereand grand view of the rocky cliffsof the Uncompahgre River gorge.For banquets, weddings, reunions,& conferences. Rent the entirehotel & saloon for your privatewedding.

Hotel Madeline970-369-8976www.hotelmadelinetelluride.com

Ouray Alchemist970-325-4172Ouray-Alchemist@ouraynet.com

Ridgway-OurayLodge & Suites970-626-5444www.ridgwaylodgeandsuites.com

Timber Ridge Lodge970-325-4856www.TimberRidgeOuray.comBasecamp for Adventure!.Perfectly located just a short walkaway from the Ouray Hot Springsand downtown Ouray. Our hotelwill allow you to experience thebreathtaking views right from yourown windows. Remodeled rooms,picnic area with charcoal grills &fire pit perfect for hosting anyoccasion.

For Catering ConsultationCall

970-901-9185123 N. Lena Street

TrueGritCafe@rocketmail.com

From Filet Mignon to BBQ

No event too large or too small.q

R I D G W A Y C O L O R A D Oq

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MMAASSSSAAGGEE && SSPPAASSEERRVVIICCEESSOuray Massage Therapy970-318-1113www.ouraymassagetherapy.comReplenish • Restore • RenewOffering you the best therapeuticmassage and spa treatments foryour special day. Customized ses-sions leave you feeling deeplyrelaxed and renewed. BarbaraChorak, LMT, NCMT, RT, highlyskilled and experienced. The #1referral in Ouray.

PPHHOOTTOOGGRRAAPPHHYY // VVIIDDEEOOCullin Stewart Photography989-506-8885www.CullinStewart.com

Dreamcatcher’s Photography & Imaging970-240-3266www.dreamcatchersphotography.com

Paint the Dog ProductionsChristina Knickerbocker970-903-9929www.paintthedog.com

Real Life Photographs970-275-5637www.reallifephotographs.com

SABphotography970-764-8059blog.sabrinabrantphotography.com

PPRRIINNTTIINNGG // DDEESSIIGGNN&& IINNVVIITTAATTIIOONNSSCopy Cats970-249-2612

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RREEGGIISSTTRRIIEESS && GGIIFFTTSSAgo Gallery970-325-0270www.agogallery.comAgo Gallery has an on-line artgallery filled with unique artworkincluding her own Egyptian firedpottery. We offer bridal registry,custom framing & feature onlyColorado artists. Open all year.

Khristopher’s Culinaire970-325-7311www.kcouray.comLet the KC take care of all yourwedding gift needs. No need toschlep or mail gifts to Ouray.Electrics, Knives, Cookware,Baking, Storage, Wine Stemwareand everything in between. LeCreuset, Breville, Cuisinart, Lodge,Kuhn Rikon, Swissmar, Shun,Henckel, Swiss Diamond, Bodumand so much more.

The Blue Pear970-325-0450www.thebluepear.net

Mountain Fever Shirts & Gifts970-325-4408www.MountainFeverShirts.com

WWEEDDDDIINNGG && EEVVEENNTTPPLLAANNNNEERRSSOccasions Bridal Events Boutique970-764-4939www.OccasionsBridalandTuxedoDurango.com

Ouray Chamber Resort Association800-228-1876www.ouraycolorado.com

Willowcreek Floral888-900-2525www.willowcreekfloral.com

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WWEEDDDDIINNGG &&RREECCEEPPTTIIOONN VVEENNUUEESSChipeta Solar Springs Resort / ChipetaRestaurant & Catering970-626-3737www.Chipeta.comVoted one of “Colorado’s Top 10Inns”...a beautiful resort setting forthe perfect Wedding orHoneymoon. 25 Boutique Rooms& Condos, Event Tent, ThermalPools, Circular Reception Hall,Honeymoon Suites w/fireplacesand private hot tubs. Restaurant,Rooftop Lounge, Luxurious Spa,Weddings to 125 people.

Divide Ranch & Club970-626-5284www.eqresorts.com/divide

Ouray Brewery970-325-7388www.ouraybrewery.comTwo Unique Wedding Venues atOuray’s Own MicrobreweryLocations: Select from our down-town Ouray Brewery restaurant &microbrewery OR our new OurayBrewing Co. Riverside Tap Room& Beer Garden on the Northedge of town. Our wedding ven-ues can accommodate groupsfrom 75-200 persons.

Ouray County 4-H Event Center970-626-3304www.ouraycountyeventvenues.com

Ouray Elks Lodge970-325-4510www.ourayelks.org

Ridgway State Park970-626-5822www.parks.state.co.us/parks/ridgway

q Complimentary Continental Breakfastq Complimentary High-Speed Wireless Internet

in Every Roomq Refrigerator/Microwave in Every Roomq Indoor Heated Pool q Spa q Sauna

q Exercise Room q Sun Deck q Guest Laundry

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IInntteerrsseeccttiioonn ooff HHwwyy 555500 && HHwwyy 6622

R I D G WAY-O U R AYL O D G E & S U I T E S

Quite Possibly the Best Two-DiamondProperty in Colorado

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New Clubhouse • Bar • Grill • Breathtaking ViewsOn Site Planner

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www.eqresorts.com/divide

WWEEDDDDIINNGG &&RREECCEEPPTTIIOONN VVEENNUUEESS((CCOONNTT.. ))Ridgway Area Chamber of Commerce800-220-4959www.ridgwaycolorado.comThe gateway to the majestic SanJuan Mountains, Ridgway is per-fect for any family adventure orgathering. Immersed with art andranching history, we are the orig-inal home of True Grit. Contact usfor travel information to help youand your guests plan your stay inRidgway.

Sophia Peace Center877-246-0567www.SophiaPeaceCenter.com

Secret Garden970-325-4226secretgarden@ouraynet.comSecret Garden Bed & Breakfast isthe perfect spot for a relaxingretreat or adventure-filled moun-tain escape. Secret Garden fea-tures a cozy, yet spacious proper-ty with every amenity for anytype of event: Memory filledweddings, family reunions, & gour-met catering.

Ouray County PlaindealerSubscribe for only $36 per year.

Call 970-325-4412

Or subscribe online at www.OurayNews.com

The newspaper of record for Ouray County, the City of Ourayand the Town of Ridgway for over 100 years.

OURAY COUNTYC O L O R A D O

Memorable moments.

Reallifephotographs.com

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Experience Historical Ouray

Ouray Elks Lodge

421 Main StreetOuray, Colorado 81427

970-325-4510www.OurayElks.org

Ouray County PlaindealerSubscribe for only $36 per year.

Call 970-325-4412

Or subscribe online at www.OurayNews.com

The newspaper of record for Ouray County, the City of Ourayand the Town of Ridgway for over 100 years.

Ouray County Wedding Guideis a publication of550 Publishing

and the Ouray County PlaindealerP.O. Box 529, Ridgway, CO 81432

970-325-4412www.OurayNews.com

Also printed in association with the Ouray Chamber Resort Association and theRidgway Area Chamber of Commerce. For a complete list of Chamber members

in Ouray and Ridgway, visit:www.OurayColorado.com • www.RidgwayColorado.com

Cover photo by RealLifePhotographs.comReallifephotographs.com

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