the 19 best

Small Wedding Venues In Colorado

a wedding ceremony at a small wedding venue in the mountains of 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.

a wedding ceremony at a small wedding venue in the mountains of Colorado

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. Itโ€™s 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. Youโ€™d 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+

Top Of The Pines

Top Of The Pines is a small wedding venue in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado. They have a beautiful ceremony meadow, and you can rent out the campground for your crew!

GROUP SIZE: 0-50+
AVAILABILITY: May 15th to Oct 15th
COST: $1000+
RESERVATION REQUIRED

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

Frisco Adventure Park

Frisco Adventure Park offers rentals of their wedding ceremony site which features aspens and mountain views.

GROUP SIZE: 0-120
AVAILABILITY: mid-may to october
COST: $150+ per hour
RESERVATION REQUIRED

Julia’s Deck

Julia’s Deck, AKA the Mount of The Holy Cross Overlook Observation Deck, is a small overlook accessible via a short gravel trail. Julia’s Deck can be reserved for your micro wedding up to 30 people.

GROUP SIZE: 0-30
AVAILABILITY: May to October
COST: Varies
RESERVATION REQUIRED

Gold Mountain Ranch

Gold Mountain Ranch is a stunning mountain ceremony overlook located in Ouray of Southwest Colorado.

GROUP SIZE: 0-40
AVAILABILITY: Weather Dependent
COST: $$
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

Roxborough State Park

Located half a mile from the trailhead, the Lyons Overlook is a deck that features flat irons. Fountain Valley Overlook is the other ceremony location option within the park. 

GROUP SIZE: 0-25
AVAILABILITY: YEAR-ROUND
COST: $150+
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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