Rob English and Julie Winkle of Colorado met while riding and vacationing at a dude ranch in 2006. So it was only appropriate that they chose to get married at a dude ranch: the Paradise Guest Ranch just outside of Buffalo, Wyoming.

Sporting a bolo tie and "clean jeans and boots," Rob agreed to love and cherish his new bride, also appropriately attired in a classy Western style, at the simple log chapel, set on a hill at the Paradise Guest Ranch, which has been in continuous operation for 100 years. Its 180 acres are surrounded by the Cloud Peak Wilderness Area and sit in the foothills of the Bighorn Mountains.

Rob said it was a great place to be married, and the "special event" was made even more special by being at the Ranch. "I cannot say enough how beautiful the Ranch is, and how helpful everyone was at Paradise Ranch," he notes.

Here are a few more details about their special day and their week-long stay at the Ranch:

1. Why did you decide to get married at Paradise Ranch?
We had planed a trip to Paradise with a our riding group before we decided to get married. When we found out they had a chapel we decided it would be nice to get married in Wyoming and we would have some of our good friends there already.

2. How many guests stayed at the Ranch with you?
There were nine other people in our group staying at the ranch all week, and about 30 other friends and relatives showed up for the wedding and reception.

3. How long did it take to plan your ceremony?
Over nine months we decided what we wanted to do -- which was keep it simple. Leah [Paradise Ranch owner]and Trasi [office manager] were a big help in getting things ready, getting the champagne on ice and making a wedding cake. They were great!

4. What was your favorite part of the ceremony?
It's hard to pick a favorite -- everything just went so well, and it is such a beautiful setting. Tom Sour, a pastor at a church in Buffalo, married us. He was great! We had both talked to him on the phone separately a couple of weeks before the wedding, then sat down and talked with him the day before. He took bits from our conversations and included them in the ceremony. He joined us for some time at the reception and we still have guests tell us how much they enjoyed talking with him.

5. What sorts of activities did you enjoy while you were at the Ranch?
Our main activities were trail riding, team penning and going into Buffalo. Some enjoyed quiet time reading, hiking or taking a nap. We all enjoyed the planned entertainment that the Paradise crew had planned in the evening at the saloon.

Rob and Julie enjoyed their week at Paradise Guest Ranch so much, they are planning to return next year to celebrate their first anniversary!

About Paradise Ranch
Paradise Ranch operates from late May to late September. The price for a week-long stay includes many activities, such as horseback riding, fishing, guided hiking, three meals a day, children's program, nighttime entertainment and more. Accommodations are elegantly rustic one- to four-bedroom cabins that have full baths, showers, kitchenettes, fireplaces and outdoor patios.

Paradise Ranch can accommodate up to 70 guests for a destination wedding among lush meadows and snowcapped mountains. Wedding ceremonies can take place outdoors or at the Sam Elliot Pope Memorial Chapel, and are arranged for ranch guests who are staying on property for a full week.

Learn more at www.paradiseranch.com, or click the link below.