What to Know for Your First Sangeet Wedding Ceremony

At Kimball Terrace, we’ve had the pleasure to host a wide range of parties and celebrations, but one of our absolute favorites has to be the Indian sangeet.

What is a sangeet?

A sangeet (pronounced san-GEET) is a traditional pre-wedding party that originated in the Punjab regions of India. Anciently, the sangeet ceremony lasted for ten days prior to the actual wedding. Held in the bride’s home, it involved only the female family members and was a way for them to become acquainted. In fact, the sangeet often marked the first time that the families would meet each other. The sangeet created a fun, relaxed, festive atmosphere to prepare for the uniting of two families.

While fun and festivity have remained at the core of the sangeet, a lot of other details have changed in modern times. For practical reasons, a sangeet typically lasts only one day now instead of ten, and it is usually held at a larger event venue rather than the bride’s home. Recently, men have been allowed to join the fun as well.

What happens at a sangeet?

The word “sangeet” comes from two Sanskrit words that mean “sung together,” which pretty well describes what happens at one of these joyous events. First, the bride's family welcomes the groom's family, often by singing the folk song “Suhaag.” This is followed by more singing, dancing, speeches, and tributes.

The bride (usually decked out in gorgeous traditional attire and adorned with ceremonial henna body art) typically performs a carefully choreographed dance number with her close friends and family. The groom and his entourage may respond with a dance of their own. There will also be an open dance floor for guests to get their groove on.

What should you wear to a sangeet?

Since the overall tone of a sangeet is informal and relaxed, you can get away with wearing semi-formal Western attire. A cocktail dress or a tailored suit are fine (as long as you can dance in them), or a blazer and slacks would even be acceptable. However, if you want to get into the spirit of the party and show some solidarity with your hosts, here’s how to dress for a sangeet:

• For women, consider a stylish lehenga or sari, or, for a more comfortable fit, choose a salwar . Don’t worry about matching some specific color scheme; the more color and variety you add to the party, the better!

• For men, sherwanis and kurtas are comfortable, semi-formal options. Or you can up your game with a formal jodhpuri. 

What does one eat at a sangeet?

Because a sangeet is meant to be a casual and relaxed affair, you usually won’t see a formal plated meal. (Save that for the wedding.) Instead, you can expect to see traditional Indian finger foods, chaats, and sweet bites.

Paneer tikka skewers with cilantro yogurt chutney

Vada pav with chili garlic chutney and spinach coriander chutney.

Pani puri.

Gulab jamun.

Is the sangeet a religious ceremony?

No. A sangeet is about celebrating the occasion, not making any sort of religious vows or observances. Those may come later.

Who is invited to a sangeet?

Traditionally, the sangeet was a way for the two families to meet each other, and only women were invited. However, as we said, times have changed. Today, it’s really up to the new couple to invite who they want. Extended family, friends, or even neighbors may be included in the party if they’re lucky.

 What should you say if you’re invited to a sangeet?

Yes!

Vendors for pictured sangeet

Venue: Kimball Terrace

Photographer: Elisha Braithwaite

Caterer: Culinary Crafts 

DJ: Cooper Brown

Floral: Blooms and Company

The Hidden History of Kimball Terrace

Today, Kimball Terrace is Park City’s premier high-end event space. Located in the heart of downtown, the venue offers stunning rooftop views of the surrounding mountains and charming old town Main Street. For decades, Kimball Terrace has been well-known as the go-to spot for hosting major events like the Sundance Film Festival, VIP parties, screenings, and other exclusive gatherings.

However, Kimball Terrace has a hidden history, one that is as old and strange as the story of Park City itself.

Mormons and Miners

Up until the 1860s, Park City wasn’t much of what you could call a “town.” There was nothing but aspen groves and open meadows along the Wasatch Back. But on the other side of the mountains, in the Salt Lake Valley, the newly-arrived Mormon population was starting to boom.

That fact was not lost on a man called Colonel Patrick Connor, commander of the federal troops at Fort Douglass in the foothills east of Salt Lake City, Colonel Conner was openly contemptuous of his Mormon neighbors. In fact, he referred to Salt Lake City as “a community of traitors, murderers, fanatics and whores.” Suspicious of the control that Brigham Young and the LDS church had in the territory, Connor wanted to dilute the Mormon population and weaken the church’s social and political hold. His plan was to attract non-Mormon “gentiles” to the area. He encouraged his troops (many of whom were veterans of the California gold rush) to scour the Utah mountains in search of gold or other valuable minerals.

Those efforts soon paid off when soldiers from Fort Douglas found a deposit of silver and lead just south of modern-day Park City. Meanwhile, other prospectors found several more deposits in the area, and the rush was on!

In 1868, the first mining claim was filed in Park City, and within a couple of years, local silver mines were ramping up production. Just as Colonel Conner had hoped, the mines drew a steady stream of non-Mormons to the Utah territory.

But it was Mormons and Mormon leaders who would play the biggest roles in Park City’s growth.

The Kimballs

In 1862, Mormon pioneer William H. Kimball (oldest son of Heber C. Kimball) built the Kimball Stage Stop near Park City at a place that would come to be known as Kimball Junction. The stage stop was an important station on the Overland Trail that carried passengers and mail from the East. On the site, Kimball also built a hotel that earned an excellent reputation for its food served by Kimball’s multiple wives.

The hotel’s impressive list of guests included poet Walt Whitman, publisher Horace Greeley, and humorist Mark Twain. In fact, after his stay at the Kimball Stage Stop and his tour of Park City’s booming silver mining industry, Twain famously observed, “It takes a gold mine to run a silver mine.”

In addition to continuing to run their father’s stage station, two of William’s sons (Burton and Robert) bought a livery stable in downtown Park City in 1886. Their horses and carriages helped support Park City’s mining industry for years. But as the livery business became obsolete with the introduction of automobiles, the Kimballs converted their stables into Kimball’s Garage in 1929. That structure stood at the corner of Heber and Park Avenue for the next 43 years.

Kimball Art Center

By the 1920s, the mining industry was drying up, the price of silver had plummeted, and Park City faced a huge problem. The Great Depression was about to put the final nail in the coffin for Park City’s mining hopes. The city’s population dwindled until it was on the verge of becoming a ghost town. But Park City refused to accept the fate of so many past mining towns of the American West.

Instead, the mining companies that owned rights to the mountains over Park City were beginning to ask, “What if we looked at these mountains differently?” That led to a textbook case of rebranding the whole city. Park City quickly rebuilt itself from a rough-and-tumble mining community into a world-class ski destination. Within half a century, the town had become a premier site for year-round recreation, culture, and art.

The property on Heber Avenue evolved right along with the city. In 1976, the Kimball family converted their iconic Kimball Garage into the Kimball Art Center, a non-profit community center for the visual arts. Five years later, the Sundance Film Festival came to town.   

The Kimball Art Center became a focal point for Park City's artistic community. It attracted major artists and art lovers by hosting art shows, community classes, the annual Kimball Arts Festival, and other events.

Eventually, the success of the Kimball Art Center allowed it to move to a specially designed building of its own, and the historical building was ready to enter its next stage.

Kimball Terrace

When the Kimball Art Center moved to its present location, developers wanted to renovate and expand the building on Heber Avenue. Their plans called for a second floor that would serve as a luxury event space. Since Culinary Crafts had already catered high-end events in the Art Center for years, developers approached them for ideas of how they could create the ideal event venue.

One of the top priorities for the new venue was to take advantage of the spectacular views. The new Kimball Terrace building included a 270-degree wrap-around terrace boasting panoramic views of historic Main Street on the east side and Park City’s gorgeous mountain slopes on the west. Floor to ceiling windows guarantee that guests can enjoy the spectacular views regardless of the weather (which can be fickle on the Wasatch Back). Guests would feel like they were in a magical snow globe as they luxuriated in the spacious ballroom and watched the snowflakes fall outside.

Another key aspect of the new Kimball Terrace was its open, neutral space that could easily be converted to match any client’s vision. The sleek, contemporary design means that we can cram the space with color and excitement or keep it simple and spare—whatever suits your style.

Since our inception, Kimball Terrace has relied on Culinary Crafts as its exclusive caterer. Culinary Crafts is the top caterer in Utah, having won an astonishing 27 Best of State awards as well as numerous national and international awards. Working in tandem with Culinary Crafts, we have had the pleasure of staging so many unforgettable events at Kimball Terrace, from corporate events to destination weddings to Sundance exclusive parties to Team USA watch parties.

If we ever have the pleasure of hosting your party or event, we hope the experience will be all the more pleasurable for you now that you know the history of Kimball Terrace. These beautiful mountains and ski slopes outside the window, this rustic Main Street below the balcony, the artwork gracing the spaces, even the name above our door…they’re all part of our story. They are our hidden history.

Top Tips from Utah Planners for Your Park City Wedding

Planning your Park City wedding? If you’re searching for a venue that captures all the romantic charm of saying “I do” in the splendor of the Wasatch mountains, then this article is for you.

We asked eight of Utah’s top wedding planners for their tips on how to make the most of the gorgeous Kimball Terrace venue in downtown Park City. Here’s what they had to say.

A Uniquely Romantic Space

“I love that Kimball Terrace is located in the heart of Park City on historic Main Street,” says Michelle Cousins of Michelle Leo Events. “The views are great and it’s a prime location that includes easy access to everything in the surrounding area.”

Julia Puff with Plume Event Co. agrees. “Its premier location in the heart of Old Town is unbeatable, and its views of Main Street, Town Lift and Park City Mountain are unmatched.”

With floor-to-ceiling windows that look out on a 270-degree view of Park City and its famous slopes, plus an additional 1800 square feet of wrap-around balcony, Kimball Terrace is the perfect spot to soak up the romance of the mountains.

Pro Tip #1: Make the space your own.

Sarah Tucker of Marae Events says, “I love that Kimball Terrace is a blank slate for design. We can create an aesthetic that matches each client.”  

“Kimball Terrace is…a clean slate that can be transformed to fit any vision,” agrees Julia (Plume Events Co.). But with all the limitless possibilities that Kimball Terrace offers, it’s up to you to decide how to make that space your own.

The key is to clarify your vision and to communicate your ideas to your planner.

“At first glance, Kimball Terrace feels like a neutral, modern space,” says Kaushay Ford at Kaushay and Co. Events, “but don’t let that lock you into a modern design!” When it comes to your Park City wedding at Kimball Terrace, the big, blue mountain sky is the limit.

Whether you want to keep your design contemporary and clean or cram it full of color, whether you’re planning an intimate affair or a giant blow-out party, if you can dream it, we can make it happen.

Pro Tip #2: Be Bold! Add color, lighting, and other strong elements.

“Consider bringing in bold, rich colors and accenting with black to tie into the black architecture in the space,” Kaushay (Kaushy and Co. Events) suggests. “This might look like a combination of pastels with black accents or rich, jewel tones with black strewn throughout the design.”

And don’t overlook lighting! “As with most venues, my biggest tip in Kimball Terrace is to bring in enhanced lighting elements to warm up the space and create a defined atmosphere,” says Julia (Plume Event Co.).

Colors, textures, flavors, moods, music, smells…there are countless bold choices that can liven up your Park City wedding. As Kristin Spear with Soiree Productions says, “Make sure all your senses are stimulated.

Pro Tip #3: Work with a planner who knows how to use the space.

“My number one tip would be that you should hire a seasoned, professional wedding or event planner, and it’s best to choose one that has done several events at Kimball Terrace,” says Shellie Ferrer of Shellie Ferrer Events.

Kristin (Soiree Productions) adds, “Work with a good event planner to make sure you have layers of great experiences and elements.” Kimball Terrace is a fantastic space with limitless possibilities, but it takes some know-how to make the space come alive.

Pro Tip #4: Make full use of the wrap-around terrace.

Perhaps the most striking feature of the venue is the gorgeous 270-degree wrap-around rooftop terrace. It is, after all, what Kimball Terrace is named for!

Julia (Plume Event Co.) says, “Weather permitting, the actual terrace is the crown jewel of this venue—make sure to incorporate this into a cocktail reception space or outdoor lounge to be enjoyed throughout the evening.”

“Do not skip the views from the rooftop,” Shellie (Shellie Ferrer Events) adds. “You will want to take as many photos as possible while you’re up there.”

Different seasons of the year present different ways to make use of the terrace. Madison Oliveria, the Kimball Terrace Venue Manager and a wedding planner with Culinary Crafts, says, “Early fall is a great time to host a dinner on our rooftop terrace, as temperatures are moderate and will keep guests comfortable, all with a stunning view of the fall colors!”

But don’t let cold weather stop you. “Many brides opt for a winter wedding, and our floor-to-ceiling windows make it appear as a real-life snow globe!” Madison explains. “As we typically capitalize on more of our indoor space in the winter, a smaller guest count works best here, so we can have space for both a cocktail hour and a seated dinner.”

Pro Tip #5: Use enter and exit points effectively.

“Think about the experience you want your guests to have,” suggests Kaushay (Kaushay and Co. Events). “Do you have a big instillation indoors that you want to have a big reveal? Bring your guests in through the outdoor patio to capitalize on the big reveal moment later in the evening.”

By the way, that patio entrance can be great for another purpose. As Kaushay points out, “The raised platform that leads outdoors is not a convenient space to place a dinner table, but it’s perfect as a stage! Setup your DJ or band there—just be sure not to block the entrance.”

“Another area of note is the grand staircase entrance,” Shellie (Shellie Ferrer Events) says. Since you can direct traffic so that everyone will be coming up those stairs, a few well-placed decorative elements can generate “a wonderfully romantic vibe for when your guests enter, and it creates such a great ambiance.”

Pro Tip #6: Use lounge vignettes to dampen echoes.

“Kimball Terrace can create a lot of echoes inside when guests arrive,” Kaushay (Kaushay and Co. Events) warns. “Consider bringing in two or three lounge vignettes with rugs throughout the space to help dampen the sounds.”

Pro Tip #7: Let Culinary Crafts do their thing!

As you plan your Park City wedding at Kimball Terrace, you should know that the venue has one exclusive caterer, Culinary Crafts. Hands-down the best top-end caterer in Utah, Culinary Crafts has won Best of State an astonishing 27 times, and in 2024 they won “Best Wedding of the Year” by the International Caterers Association. I guess what we’re saying is, there’s a reason the best wedding venue in Park City uses Culinary Crafts to do all their catering.

“The fabulous Culinary Crafts food experience and exceptional team are another reason I love this location,” Sarah Tucker (Marae Events) exclaims. “Each event director and staff member puts so much time and energy into every event planned…and for that, I am grateful!”

Madison (Kimball Terrace) loves Culinary Crafts so much, she had them cater her wedding. Part of what makes Culinary Crafts so great is that they make everything fresh using local products and local vendors. “They create a custom menu that is unique to you, all while highlighting local and seasonal fare,” Madison explains. “People come for their Park City destination wedding because they want the best of what Utah has to offer, and that’s what Culinary Crafts gives them.”  

Pro Tip #8: Work with the weather.

“Always be sure to have a weather backup plan,” Shellie (Shellie Ferrer Events) warns. “Whether the sun is out or the snow is falling, you can always take advantage of what this venue has to offer, as long as you have the right plan set in advance.”

Kaushay (Kaushay and Co. Events) adds, “While the outdoor views are stunning, keep in mind that cool evenings aren’t uncommon in Utah most of the year. Plan for your guests to enjoy the evening air by purchasing throw blankets or ordering heaters to turn on when the sun goes down.”

Pro Tip #9: Be ready to handle city events, parking, ordinances, and permits.

“Being right on Main Street means that we see a lot of special events that take place throughout the year, right outside the building,” says Madison(Kimball Terrace). ”While this doesn't prevent us from hosting a wedding, these events may close down Main Street or create noise, traffic, etc. for a Kimball Terrace event. Make sure you work around events such as Park Silly Sunday Market (every Sunday in the summer months), Savor the Summit, Kimball Arts Festival, etc. You can check Park City Municipal's website for the calendar!”

“Check with the venue management about any permits or regulations that may apply to your event,” advises Kate Jones of Kate Elizabeth Events, “especially if it involves amplified music, outdoor structures, candles or alcohol service. Compliance with local regulations ensures a hassle-free event day.”

Parking also requires some planning. “Consider providing professional transportation for your guests that are staying off of Main Street,” Shellie (Shellie Ferrer Events) suggests. “Parking can be difficult to find on Main Street, especially in the evenings and on the weekends. There are several nearby lodging options, and that will allow your guests to walk to the venue if they’d like to. A great hotel to do a room block at for this venue is the Marriott’s Summit Watch.”

Pro Tip #10: Book well in advance.

Between Utah’s burgeoning wedding industry and Park City’s growing popularity as a wedding destination, Park City wedding venues are in high demand. Don’t make the mistake of waiting until venues are all booked up. Contact Kimball Terrace to learn more and schedule your Park City wedding.

Meet the experts (from left to right):

Kate Jones, Owner and Lead Planner of Kate Elizabeth Events

Michelle Cousins, Owner, Founder and Principal Designer of Michelle Leo Events

Shellie Ferrer, Owner, Founder, and Principal Designer of Shellie Ferrer Events

Kaushay Ford, Owner, Founder, Principal Planner and Designer of Kaushay & Co. Events

Julia Puff, President, Owner, Founder, and Principal Planner of Plume Event Co.

Madison Oliveria, Venue Manager of Kimball Terrace and Wedding and Sales Specialist with Culinary Crafts

Sarah Tucker, Owner, Founder, and Principal Planner of Marae Events

Kristin Spear, Owner and Senior Event Designer of Soiree Productions

For Ever and Ever: Vow Renewal at Kimball Terrace

We’ve done a lot of catered events in Park City.

From weddings to corporate events to Sundance Film Festival parties, Kimball Terrace has been the venue for countless celebrations. But our favorite event happened just a few months ago when Culinary Crafts co-owner Ryan Crafts and his wife Jen renewed their wedding vows.

Jen and Ryan met and dated in high school. The day before Ryan left to serve an LDS mission in Brazil, they went to a bookstore where they talked and browsed. In a used copy of A. A. Milne’s classic, When We Were Very Young, they came across a phrase that would symbolize their relationship: “For ever and ever.”

That phrase appeared on the archway where Jen and Ryan renewed their vows.

Culinary Crafts, our exclusive caterer here at Kimball Terrace, handled the event. A family business since its inception in 1984, Culinary Crafts has won Utah’s Best of State award 27 times and established itself as the go-to caterer for high-end events in Park City, Salt Lake, or anywhere in Utah.

Ryan and his company have catered so many spectacular events for us over the years, so it was a special pleasure to host one for him.

Since much of Jen and Ryan’s courtship was done through letters, it seemed appropriate that as guests arrived, they were invited to send a love letter to someone special.

A piping hot mulled wine or mulled cider helped guests shake off the February chill. Spiced nuts made a fun warm-up snack as guests gathered and mingled.

The gin and tonic bar had a wide array of options for drinkers and non-drinkers alike.

When the owner of Culinary Crafts throws a party for his wife, you might expect that the food is going to be extraordinary…and you’d be right.

The feasting began with caviar and Krug Grand Cuvee.

During the cocktail hour, butlers passed four different hors d’oeuvres.

Coconut shrimp with apricot ginger sauce

Porcini dusted donut in whipped raclette

Pan seared sea scallops with almond caper butter

Fried asiago with roasted tomato and pesto

Family and friends witnessed a touching exchange of vows, humorous stories, and heart-felt love.

A rose gold brushed pistachio macaron graced each plate. Guests were then treated to a salad of fresh burrata, greens from Snuck Farm, roasted beets, pistachios, and fresh basil. Event lead Chris was on hand with the pepper grinder of all pepper grinders.

A few highlights of the meal included grilled prime strip loin with truffle butter, butter poached lobster tail, and buttermilk panna cotta with passion fruit coulis and candied almonds.

Meanwhile, the kids had a party of their own going on!

Morgan kept the smiles coming to the kids’ table with pepperoni pizza, chicken fingers, carrots and broccoli, apples and strawberries, and cookies.

The lemon poppy seed cake and the chocolate cake with candied fruits were replicas of the cakes Ryan and Jen had at their wedding. The originals and these replicas were both made with love by the incomparable Chef Ron, a/k/a Dad.

The amazing musicians of Gold Standard Music kicked off the dancing.

After-dinner offerings featured craft sodas and other drinks, plus artisan cheeses from Utah’s Beehive Cheese, honey from Slide Ridge, and chocolate from Utah chocolatiers Solstice, Ritual, and Amano. .

We were so honored to spend the evening with Jen and Ryan and the beloved Crafts family.

A special thanks to the incredible Logan Walker for the photos as well as to Diamond Rental and to Ashley Veenendaal at Peat Valley Botanicals. We love you guys!

Selfies with Celebs: Our Team Rocks Another Sundance Film Fest

Every year, when the Sundance Film Festival comes to town it’s quite an event…a whole bunch of events, actually!

Locals and international guests flood the streets of our beloved Park City, Utah, and the air buzzes with excitement. At dozens of parties up and down Main Street, guests debate what new films are drawing attention and which celebrities have been sighted.  

Meanwhile, our team works behind the scenes to make those parties happen.

Our bakers have been up since midnight baking from scratch. Our chefs were in the kitchen at 2:00 AM churning out tasty treats. The whole team is on their feet for 12-16 hours every day working their magic and making every guest feel taken care of. And they do it all with a smile.

 Then they come back the next day to do it again. And again.  And again.

They are absolute rock stars!

So here are a few of the photos we caught of the real heroes of Sundance 2024.

Meet the Superstars!

Andrew, Tricia, Micah, Brina, Seth, Mary, Gabby, Lindsey and crew pause for a selfie with Chef Melissa King, winner of Top Chef: All-Stars L.A. 

Our Head Chef Hunter and our Chef de Cuisine Robert were honored to work alongside Chef Melissa here at Kimball Terrace.

“I heard someone say that Marcus was in the house. For real. My friend said she saw him over by the—oh my gawd! There he is!”

“I swear I’ve seen her somewhere before! Is that…Juliann?”

Robin, Jaz, Brooke, Danielle, Kate, Brandon, Sabrina, Mary, Gigi, Jocelyn, Katie, Tessa, et al. bringing order to the chaos.

Managers, directors, designers, set dressers, coordinators, producers…these people do it all. Brooke, Megann, Angela, Paige, Clayton, and McKenzie at Kimball Terrace.

Local celebrity sightings! Brandon snaps selfies with Morgan and Sabria.

The crowd we always wished we were cool enough to hang with: Gigi, Mischa, Hannah, Joe, and Paige.

Ryan handling mishaps with the grace and dignity of a pro.

Aaaaand…cut! That’s a wrap.

New Year’s Wedding Dinner at Kimball Terrace

 Weddings are always a delight for us to cater here at Kimball Terrace, but a New Year’s wedding? That’s something extra special!

This adorable couple celebrated their rehearsal dinner with us on New Year’s Eve before tying the knot the next day.

A gorgeous candlelit dinner was accentuated with toasts from family and friends.

The dinner transitioned into a delirious New Year’s Eve party. Dancing. Drinks. Confetti. Dress-ups. Cold spark machines on the terrace. It was an evening to remember. 

At midnight, we brought out a little surprise for the guests—baked Alaska with festive sparklers.

A special shout-out to the special vendors who helped make this event spectacular!

Planner: Karli Spangler Events

Rentals: Diamond Events

Photographer: Kellie Christine Photography

Florals: Venus & Co

Catering: Culinary Crafts

Linens: BBJ La Tavola

Balloons: Pop Park City

 Thanks!

A Park City Winter Wedding at Kimball Terrace

There isn’t much snow on the slopes yet, but the chill is in the air and the Park City winter wedding season has begun!

In these weeks of late fall and early winter, Park City transforms from a bustling tourist town into a quieter, more intimate setting—perfect for a destination wedding. The weather is idyllic; accommodations are easy to make, and it can feel as if you have the whole picturesque place to yourself. Which is exactly how it seemed for this beautiful couple, Marissa and Eli, who celebrated their Park City winter wedding here at Kimball Terrace.

KIMBALL TERRACE

Overlooking the heart of downtown, the Kimball Terrace is Park City’s premier event space and wedding venue. A wrap-around balcony offers panoramic views of historic Main Street to the east and Park City’s world-famous ski slopes to the west. The outdoor patio can accommodate up to 150 guests with an additional 300 inside, so when the evening turns nippy, your guests can luxuriate in the comfort of our Main Hall while still taking in the natural alpine beauty through our floor-to-ceiling windows.

A PARK CITY WINTER WEDDING

It seemed as if Marissa and Eli had chosen their color scheme to match the soft greys and muted blues of Park City itself! With comfortable lounge furniture and homemade blankets aplenty, the outdoor patio felt more like a cozy living room.

The lovely couple and their party sat down to a clean, classy tablescape that brought together the natural grandeur of the Wasatch Mountains with the elegance of fine dining.

 THE FOOD

The caterers at Culinary Crafts pulled out all the stops, with creative cocktails and food pairings for a 6-course meal.

First up: a delightful spread of candied pecans, apple slices, strawberries and figs, honeycomb, house-baked ciabatta, and artisanal offerings from local Utah cheese-masters, Beehive Cheese. These were paired with a color-changing gin and tonic featuring Cerulean Gin from Utah distillery, Holystone.

The butter-poached lobster with orzo and parmesan was served with a refreshing white sangria spritzer that featured Holystone Perla vodka along with Culinary Crafts’s Albion White private label wine.

A rosemary, orange, and cedar smoked Negroni (featuring Holystone Bosun Navy Strength gin) was the perfect complement to pork belly with sesame-glazed Brussels sprouts.

Olive oil cake, poached pears, spiced sabayon, and a tasting of Utah artisan chocolates, together with a Tremblement de Terre made with Holystone’s Absinthe Verte put a sweet ending to an amazing evening.

What a privilege it was to help create this couple’s Park City winter wedding and to witness their joy!

Choosing a Date for Your Park City Wedding

The question isn’t “Should I get married in Park City?” The question is “When should I plan my Park City wedding?”

It’s no wonder we get so many inquiries from couples who want to schedule their Park City wedding. Along with its world-class skiing and winter sports, Park City offers breathtaking natural beauty year-round, plus fresh alpine air, fantastic food and service, and an intimate, small-town vibe. It’s the perfect place for a local or destination wedding.

But should you plan your Park City wedding when the mountains are draped in fall colors are when the slopes are deep in snow? Should you tie the knot when spring wildflowers are blooming or when the cool mountain air is a welcome relief from the summer heat? Every season in Park City has its pros and cons for prospective couples, but here are the factors to keep in mind as you think about when to plan your Park City wedding.

Winter Weddings in Park City

Park City attracts over half a million visitors every year, which is a lot for a small town of only 8,000 residents! Many visitors come for the great winter sports, of course, and the city can get pretty crowded in the cold months. Despite the congestion and other challenges, winter is still a lovely time to be married in Park City, especially for couples who have a special connection to our fair city. Maybe you met on the slopes and have fond memories of “shredding the gnar” together. Maybe you just want to cuddle up in a cozy cabin and enjoy a little solitude with your partner. Whatever you love about Park City in the winter, you can certainly find a one-of-a-kind nuptial experience here.

Tips for a Winter Park City Wedding:

·         That same legendary snow that makes Park City a favorite winter destination can also present difficulties for couples who choose a winter wedding here. At the Kimball Terrace, we are only about 40 minutes away from the Salt Lake City International Airport, but when the roads get snowy and icy, it can take your guests significantly longer to make the trip. And if we get hit hard by a snowstorm, they may not be able to get here at all! If you have guests flying in from out of town, you’ll need to make sure you’ve accounted for the weather.

• During the winter season when Park City bustles with tourists and ski enthusiasts, hotels and other services can reach their peak capacity, especially in January when the Sundance Film Festival comes to town. Make sure that your out-of-town guests have plenty of time to book their accommodations in advance.

• Between November and February, the holidays place extra demands on everyone’s time and attention. During those months, some people just won’t be able to free up their schedules, so you can expect to see a higher dropout rate from your guest list.

Challenges aside, a Park City wedding in the winter is more than worth it! Call us biased, but we think that when the snow flies, our beloved town is nothing short of magical.

Spring Weddings in Park City

How does the saying go in Park City? “April snowstorms bring May snowstorms?”

We’re kidding.

Mostly.

While we do occasionally get snow in April or even May in Park City, the spring weather here is delightful. Our ski resorts typically stay open until mid or late April, which means that couples who choose a spring Park City wedding can have the slopes to themselves! Travel and accommodations are easier to handle once the heavy snows and winter crowds are gone. Plus, spring in the mountains is an especially romantic time of year. If you haven’t been here when the green starts to return and everything smells fresh and new, then you haven’t seen Park City at its finest!

Another of our favorite things about a spring wedding in Park City is the delicious array of local spring ingredients  we love to incorporate into our menus. (Check out our strawberry-rhubarb semifreddo with candied dried rhubarb and pistachio crumble. A-maz-ing!)

Summer Weddings in Park City

Having just survived one of the hottest summers in history, we all know what a joy it is to escape the summer heat and retreat into the cool comfort of the mountains. The weather in Park City is consistently about ten degrees lower than down in the Salt Lake valley. That means that if you’re planning an outdoor summer wedding, your guests will be eternally grateful if you have it in Park City.

Unlike resort towns like Veil that basically shut down after the skiers leave, Park City has a thriving community year-round. Summer in Park City is jam-packed with recreational opportunities , entertainment, and events for you and your guests to enjoy, including… 

• Concerts with the Utah Symphony and a wide range of visiting artists

• Over 450 miles of hiking and biking trails

• Seven public and eight private golf courses

• Watersports at nearby state parks

• Fly fishing or river rafting on the Weber and Provo Rivers

• Horseback riding

• Hot air ballooning

• The Alpine Coaster, Alpine Slide, and Olympic Park bobsled ride

In fact, Park City gets so busy in the summer that you’ll need to check local event calendars for any conflicts. For example, June’s “Savor the Summit” event involves a crowd feasting at a mile-long table that runs right down the middle of Main Street! While it’s a beautiful event and one of our favorites, you should be aware that a thousand people eating in the middle of the street can affect traffic patterns!

Similarly, Main Street is closed for the Park Silly Sunday Market every Sunday throughout the summer. It’s a delightful tradition and well worth experiencing, but make sure it doesn’t interfere with your wedding plans.

Although Park City doesn’t see quite as much tourism in the summer as it does in the winter, it’s still pretty hopping! We see a lot of summer weddings at Kimball Terrace and other Park City venues. While June and August are always in high demand, July is usually not quite as busy, so July might be a good time to fit in your Park City wedding.

On a side note, bear in mind that Utah liquor stores are closed on Sundays and certain state holidays, so your out-of-state guests might be surprised to find the stores closed on July 24th.

Fall Weddings in Park City

We’ve saved the best for last.

If you’re looking toward an outdoor wedding, you can’t ask for better weather than you’ll find in Park City in the fall. Cool, sunny days and gentle breezes are what you can expect. The aspens are vivid orange and gold; the scrub oak and maples are fiery reds. It’s hard not to fall in love in Park City in the fall.

In the hospitality industry, autumn and spring are known as the “shoulder months” because they lie on either side of the busy tourist seasons. But in the fall, the crowds are gone and Park City settles into a gentle calm that has everyone feeling at ease. People are just a little friendlier and more relaxed. The locals will tell you, fall is the time to see Park City at its very best.

Don’t get us wrong; there’s still more than enough to do in Park City during the fall. You just won’t have to fight traffic or worry whether you can squeeze in a reservation. You can also find some great local deals as the weather cools. Many hotels offer free cocktail hours, cheese tastings, or s’mores on the patio, or other fun promotionals.

Bear in mind that the sun sets early in the mountains, and it starts to get chilly here much sooner than in the valley. Check local sunset times, and talk to your planner about setting an appropriate schedule for the big day. If the party will be going late at all, you’ll need to provide sufficient lighting and heat.

 General Tips for Planning a Park City Wedding

• Schedule way early! Venues often book out a year or more in advance, so start scheduling as soon as you’ve decided on the general time for your Park City wedding.

• Talk to your partner. It’s important that you both be on the same page about your visions and dreams for your big day before you dive into the details of planning.

• Pick your venue first. Which venue you choose may determine what dates are available or what deals they can offer (e.g. lower rates on a weekday). Once you’ve shopped around and decided where you want to host your big event, then home in on the specifics of when.

• Work with a planner. This is probably the single most important piece of advice we can give you about planning your Park City wedding. A local planner can help you find the best deals, avoid pitfalls, and make your celebration even more wonderful than you’ve imagined.

• Book a caterer. Third in line after your venue and planner, you should lock in on your caterer. Some venues will have their own catering or offer a list of caterers they allow/prefer to work with. Popular caterers tend to book out far in advance, so don’t wait too long.

• Account for weather. As pleasant as the weather usually is in Park City, it can change several times a day. If any part of your wedding celebration will be outdoors, make sure your chosen venue has a backup plan for inclement weather.  

• Think of your guests when choosing your date. Park City hosts a lot of destination events where the majority of guests are traveling, so a weekend—especially a 3-day weekend—is ideal. They should keep in mind that airports can be busier on weekends, and venues/vendors are likely to book out sooner on those dates.

• Don’t get too many opinions. Finally, don’t get caught in the trap of trying to please everyone. Like most new couples, you’ll probably be offered all sorts of advice. Take everyone’s advice (including ours) with a grain of salt. It’s your wedding, so do what works for you and your partner. Huge celebration or small and intimate, mountaintop ceremony or ballroom party, it should all fit your style.

 If we can help make your visions happen for your Park City wedding, please let us know! We’d be delighted to help.