Frequently Asked Questions

A: La Joya Dulce only hosts one event per week, and we only host a limited number of events per year. This means we can book a year to two years in advance. We sometimes have last-minute dates available. Please inquire here to find out what dates we have currently.

A: Yes! And depending on your experience, you might want to host your rehearsal dinner here as well!

A:  We do have minimal restrictions to ensure that we maintain the beauty, integrity, and safety of our beautiful ranch, both for you and for future couples. Décor cannot be adhered to walls, floor, ceilings or columns. Balloons, open flames, smoke machines, sparklers, glitter, confetti, and birdseed are not permitted. Candles must be LED in the barn, with shielded real candles allowed in the pavilion and al fresco. Please check with us about biodegradable confetti (must dissolve within 24 hours).

A: We include multiple types of chairs and tables. We have four bars available for use along with patio heaters, benches, indoor toilets, and a luxury guest toilet trailer. We also have an extensive inventory of décor that we call “Share the Love” as our prior couples have left it behind. While this changes regularly, we have had couples who have used only that for their décor and couples who have brought in all their décor. Learn more about our amenities here.

A: While cars are allowed to stay overnight, we do not have guest accommodations on site. We are ten miles from the center of Steamboat Springs. Steamboat Springs has over 20,000 beds available in all price points.

A:  We want you to have the food and bar that you love. In-house catering restricts your choices. We have seen everything from food trucks to full plated on the ranch, which is why we spend so much time with you finding out exactly what your vision is for your day. 

A: Did you know that most venues with preferred vendor lists charge vendors to be on the list? We don’t believe in that. We do have an extensive list of over 300 “Vendors we Love,” who have successfully teamed with us to create amazing events. For our couples under contract, we create a client portal and then carefully curate vendor recommendations tailored to your vision and wedding spending plan. That said? If you want to bring in professional, insured vendors who are not part of our “Vendors we Love,” just ask us – it’s how our Love List grows!

A: We ask all of our couples, “Would you invite the person to the wedding?” If you would invite them, do not use them as a vendor. It only creates tension for you – and we don’t want that. In general, we are happy to work with “friendors” who perform services for you up until the first kiss (officiant, hair, makeup, florals). But after that? Invite your friends and leave the work to the paid vendors. In every case, your friend must still comply with our vendor policies and be insured.

A: We love animals! And yes, your dog / pet / horse can be a part of your day. But as animal lovers, we do ask that you have an attendant for your pet and that your pet be returned to accommodations in town after their part is finished. It is a very long day for your pet, and we do not have the facilities/personnel to take care of them for you. The attendant may drive separately and return, or there are pet sitters that we can recommend for you. Please ask us about riding your own horses (it has been done).

A: You may celebrate until midnight. Vendors will need to be off the property by 1 a.m.

A: While we can host up to 400, our typical wedding size is approximately 150. We do have the ability to host small, intimate groups in the barn for a single day. Check out our experiences for more information. 

A: Insurance provides peace of mind for everyone. Our own insurance requires that you and your vendors carry liability insurance, and we have insurers that provide top quality liability insurance for you with just the press of a few buttons as they already have all our information. Your vendors do need to supply us with a copy of their insurance naming us as additional insureds 30 days prior to your event. We also highly recommend cancellation insurance.

A: Shuttle service to and from the ranch is required. This is often a destination wedding and guests feel far more relaxed knowing they can leave the driving to professionals. As this is a private ranch, we work to keep vehicles out of sight lines for your photographers. This means that we restrict the total number of vehicles on property to approximately 25 – which includes our staff members and your vendors. So, out of 25, you will have the ability to bring up 5-7 vehicles for the wedding party, etc. Those vehicles may stay overnight while you take the shuttle safely back to town.

A: We require, at minimum, a day of coordinator. Your day will run much more smoothly. As we do your set up the day before your wedding, your planner will need to plan on being onsite both for the setup day as well as the entire day of your wedding – from the time you step foot on the ranch until the last vendor leaves. We do offer both full planning as well as wedding management. Wedding management starts six months prior to your wedding. Full planning starts from the time you sign your contract and pay your reserve the date fee. Both of these services include coordinating and running your day.

A: La Joya Dulce creates new events every time. Our layouts are virtually never the same. So, the question becomes, where do you want to dance? That said, our dance floor itself is strictly an indoor dance floor. However, you may dance on the patios or the grass if you wish to dance outside.

A: We have a designated smokers’ “corral” outside. However, we are subject to all fire bans in the state of Colorado, and sometimes cannot allow smoking at all. We do allow vaping.

A: As one of our favorite vendors in town says, “you guys have backup plans on backup plans!” We are blessed that we are one of the few venues that has large enough facilities that if we have to, we can move your group inside. That said, there is a saying here in Steamboat, “wait 15 minutes and the weather will change.” We are flexible with the timeline and can either bump up your ceremony or hold it for a few minutes if we see weather headed our way.