the 19 best
Small Wedding Venues In Colorado
When do you need a Small wedding venue In Colorado?
If you’re planning a small wedding in Colorado instead of an elopement (more on this below), you’re going to need some type of venue or location you can reserve for your group.
The reason for this is that most public land (National Parks, wilderness areas, etc.) have limits on the size of a group that can use the space, to protect the natural landscape. Typically this number is around 15 people total, including the couple, guests and on-location vendors.
The more guests you have, the more limited you are to where you can hold a ceremony and the more likely that you need to reserve a venue. However, this number varies based on the location. It’s important for your experience, as well as leave no trace principals, to select a suitable location for your event.
How Group Sizes Affect Locations & Venues In Colorado
0-4 Guests: If you’re planning an elopement with no guests, or up to 4, you will be able to elope in Colorado pretty much anywhere including wilderness areas and National Forests and for most places won’t need a reservation or permit.
4-15 Guests: With up to 15 guests, you still have a lot of location options available on public land. However, some wilderness areas that have lower group size limits may be inaccessible.
15-50 Guests: A small wedding venue in Colorado will be the most suitable option for a group of this size.
50+ Guests: In addition to a traditional wedding venue in Colorado, consider hiring a wedding planner or day of coordinator to help manage your group.
Sound confusing? This is why hiring a local Colorado elopement photographer is so important. A good photographer will have group size and permit information built into their location guide, be knowledgeable on the requirements and help you along the way.
Best Small Wedding Venues Colorado With Mountain Views
Rocky Mountain National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the most beautiful locations for an elopement or small wedding. They have a variety of ceremony location options with stunning lake and mountain views.
GROUP SIZE: 0-30
AVAILABILITY: YEAR-ROUND
COST: $300
Reservation REQUIRED
Maroon Bells AMPHITHEATER
Maroon Bells is a mountain location in Snowmass great for a small ceremony. You’ll have to hire a shuttle for your guests and have your reception elsewhere. Reservations are hard to get and release one year in advance.
GROUP SIZE: 0-50
AVAILABILITY: JUNE TO OCTOBER
COST: $200
Reservation REQUIRED
Mountain Wedding Garden
Mountain Wedding Garden is a mountain view wedding venue owned and operated by the town of Crested Butte. Itโs an affordable and scenic untraditional wedding venue perfect for those planning a micro-wedding.
GROUP SIZE: 0-100
AVAILABILITY: YEAR-ROUND
COST: $800+
RESERVATION REQUIRED
Windy Point Campground
There are two sites you can reserve for your wedding, the Forest Loop or Lake Loop. We recommend booking both for the most privacy at this location. Offers a covered pavilion, lake and mountain views.
GROUP SIZE: 0-100
AVAILABILITY: MID MAY TO END OF SEPTEMBER
COST: $294
Reservation REQUIRED
Sunrise Amphitheater
While this ceremony location lacks mountain views, it does have nearby views for newlywed portraits. It’s close proximity to Boulder and Denver is convenient for out of town guests.
GROUP SIZE: 0-100
AVAILABILITY: MAY TO OCTOBER
COST: $100-$400
RESERVATION REQUIRED
Sapphire Point Overlook
Sapphire Point overlooks Dillon Reservoir for beautiful mountain and lake views. It’s a busy, non-exclusive area, so expect to see other visitors and hikers around. Early morning or late evening are recommended.
GROUP SIZE: 0-35
AVAILABILITY: YEAR-ROUND
COST: $120
RESERVATION REQUIRED
Blue Sky Mountain Ranch
Blue Sky Mountain Ranch is a privately owned VRBO that can be rented out for weddings. The property is extremely large, has multiple ceremony locations on-site and has on-site lodging for up to 12 guests! Their elopement package also includes a private chef for your reception. Youโd be hard pressed to find a better small venue for your elopement.
GROUP SIZE: Varies
COST: STARTS AT $3,000 FOR THE ELOPEMENT PACKAGE, INTIMATE WEDDINGS UNDER 85 GUESTS FOR $7500+
Alta Lakes Observatory
Alta Lakes Observatory is a stunning small wedding venue and their fee includes onsite lodging for up to 12 people! Take advantage of the lake, SUPs, canoes, hot tub and more.
GROUP SIZE: 0-45
AVAILABILITY: YEAR ROUND
COST: $2500+
RESERVATION REQUIRED
Crested Butte Land Trust
Choose from a variety of ceremony sites including Gunsite Bridge, Peanut Lake and Woods Walk. You’re able to get stunning views at an affordable price, even with a large guest count!
GROUP SIZE: 0-100
AVAILABILITY: YEAR-ROUND
COST: $1500 DONATION
RESERVATION REQUIRED
Garden Of The Gods
Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs offers views of the iconic red rocks. There are a variety of ceremony locations that are a first-come-first-serve basis and no fee. Sunrise is recommended to avoid crowds.
GROUP SIZE: UP TO 25 OR 50 DEPENDING ON LOCATION
AVAILABILITY: YEAR-ROUND
COST: FREE
NO RESERVATION REQUIRED
Marina Park Pavilion
Marina Park Pavilion on Dillon Reservoir in Colorado. It has a covered pavilion, benches, grills and epic views! You can book this venue for your micro wedding starting at only $500, and ranging up to $1500 depending on the season and if you want a full or half day!
GROUP SIZE: 0-90
AVAILABILITY: YEAR-ROUND
COST: $500-$1500
RESERVATION REQUIRED MAY 1ST TO SEPT 30TH
YMCA Of The Rockies
YMCA Of The Rockies offers a variety of ceremony locations, reception spaces, lodging packages and more. It is a DIY style venue. They have venues in Estes Park and Granby.
GROUP SIZE: UP TO 100 FOR OVERLOOK CHAPEL OR 200 FOR SARAH SMITH CHAPEL
AVAILABILITY: YEAR-ROUND
COST: PRICE – $2750+ FOR WEEKDAYS UNDER 50 GUESTS
RESERVATION REQUIRED
CHAUTAUQUA Park
While only elopements can take place at Chautauqua Park, you can rent the Chautauqua Green nearby for similar flat iron views for a ceremony with guests!
GROUP SIZE: 0-100
AVAILABILITY: SEASONAL
COST: VARIES
RESERVATION REQUIRED
Red Rocks Trading Post
The backyard at Red Rocks Trading Post offers unmatched views of the red rocks for an affordable price. Choose from ceremony only or add a reception as well.
GROUP SIZE: 0-200
AVAILABILITY: YEAR-ROUND
COST: $1250+
RESERVATION REQUIRED
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planning Resources
Planning guide
The Best Places To Elope In Colorado
Planning guide
Colorado Elopement Planning Guide
Planning guide
Self Solemnization in Colorado