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The postcard images around Steamboat Springs have made the area a popular destination site for weddings.

Would-be couples can take their pick of aspens, lakes, wildflower-filled meadows and/or mountains as backdrops free of charge.

Kathy Hinder out at Elk River Guest Ranch said June through the fall is the prime wedding season around Steamboat.

The weather is more pleasant and nature is in full bloom or in full color depending on the time of year, and anyone's that visited the Yampa Valley likely hasn't forgotten the sight.

"I think Steamboat is a good sale," Hinder said. "A lot of people want to have something that represents their lifestyle. Here with the trees and flowers and backdrop of mountains it's fabulous."

The great thing about an outdoor wedding is the flexibility given to the couple, Hinder said. Weddings at a ranch can be made eloquent or very informal.

The one common bond every couple shares, whether they live in Steamboat or overseas, is their infatuation with the scenic images.

"The pictures don't ever do it justice and we've had some photographers that can capture the moment," Hinder said.

The Steamboat Springs Chamber Resort Association markets the area as a top wedding destination for people that seek to get married -- or honeymoon -- in Northwest Colorado.

They provide lists of everything a wedding party would need for their day and beyond, including the names of spas, lodging possibilities and even event planners on their web site www.steamboatchamber.com.

The Chamber also offers up ideas on where to go for those seeking a traditional wedding at a church or a more unique one outdoors on a mountain or in a botanical garden.

Nikki Knoebel, food and beverage director and special events coordinator at Catamount Ranch and Club can see Steamboat becoming a more popular destination for weddings.

Catamount's restaurant has only been open for one year, and it has only been doing weddings for four seasons, but Catamount already has 11 weddings booked this summer.

Thought winter isn't as popular a time as summer or fall for weddings, both Hinder and Knoebel said their sites do host winter weddings and because of the lower number of bookings they are able to provide things like sleigh rides as an extra bonus.

"The views are the big thing," Knoebel said. "I have people calling every day about weddings. With me just starting out doing this it's kind of overwhelming at first, but the day of the wedding there is so much excitement."

Sue Manganiello is also new to her position as banquet manager, food and beverage with the Steamboat Ski Area. Her job was created a month ago as the ski area seeks to expand its wedding market.

Minimal promotional efforts have been directed toward weddings, but Manganiello said there is talk of that changing.

"I know some people that got married up here like six years ago and it wasn't that common or frequent," she said. "I think we're really starting to focus more on it and ways to promote it. We did some research, especially with ski areas. In Deer Valley (weddings) are extremely popular, and apparently they have bidding wars (for dates). It was kind of fascinating."