Recommending the perfect spot for a wedding in Colorado is hard. Why? Because there are just too many great spots from which to choose!

But, I'll try to narrow down the field for you. If you'd like a great spot for that quintessential Colorado Mountain wedding, you might want to focus on places like Manitou Springs, Snowmass Mountain west of Aspen and Estes Park.

Manitou Springs, CO

Manitou Springs is your home base for a Pikes Peak wedding. You can take the Pikes Peak Cog Railway and have a ceremony on Pikes Peak itself (you have about 40 minutes on the Peak for your ceremony), or have your wedding at one of the many Pikes Peak area locations, such as Seven Falls, Cave of the Winds or Miramont Castle. Miramont Castle, by the way, is haunted, so who knows who'll show up at your wedding.

Snowmass Mountain

Skiers, of course, are familiar with Snowmass Mountain, west of Aspen. But, Snowmass is also beautiful in the summer and perfect for a mountain-top wedding. Destination Resorts Snowmass can help you plan your wedding on Snowmass, whether it's just the two of you on top of the mountain, or a larger wedding party located at one of the area churches. Call them at 800-961-9088 for more information. If having a winter wedding consider honeymooning at the Top of the Village Condominiums for great ski in/ski units complete with fireplaces and private balconies.

Estes Park, CO

Estes Park is surrounded by the Rocky Mountain National Park and Roosevelt National Forest, offering you fantastic scenery as well as miles of hiking trails. You might also consider getting in your car and driving Trail Ridge Road over the continental Divide. Anytime's a great time to get married in Estes Park, but, here are some events to keep in mind if you're trying to narrow down a date:

Jazz Fest and Art Walk will be held May 17 to 18, 2008, and includes two days of jazz at Performance Park, along with self-guided tours of local galleries.

Elk Fest will be held October 4 and 5, 2008, and includes bugling competitions, live music and guided elk-viewing tours. Okay, I admit, perhaps a lot of you aren't into nature. But, some of you might actually be into elk-viewing tours.

Where might you have your wedding ceremony in Estes Park?

RiverSong: a romantic ten-room country Inn located on 27 wooded acres adjacent to Rocky Mountain National Park, with spectacular scenery and secluded luxury. One of the inkeepers is an ordained minister and will help you plan a nice intimate wedding, no matter the season.

Mary's Lake Lodge: Mary's Lake Lodge opened in 1913 and has been hosting weddings and elopements every since. You can choose to host a large, formal wedding at the Lodge, or have an intimate elopement ceremony for just the two of you. I like their elopement package which includes 2 nights lodging, the wedding ceremony site, romantic dinner for two in Grandmaison's Chalet room, two massages in their Escape Spa & Salon, champagne and a bunch of other goodies for $850, including tax and gratuities. With this package the ceremony times are limited to 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Above photo of the Rocky Mountains by rjones0856, http://www.flickr.com/photos/91829349@N00/