The Best Small Wedding Venues in Colorado
Page Contents
Your Complete Guide on Where to Host Your Small Wedding in Colorado!
If the pandemic has done anything for the wedding industry, it has definitely increased the amount of small weddings that are happening throughout the state of Colorado. And you know what? I am 100% here for it! I have always been a fan of smaller more intimate weddings, and Colorado is the perfect setting to host your elopement or micro wedding. But where should you hold it? This post is meant to help guide you in sorting through lots of amazing small wedding venues in Colorado.
PART ONE – MOUNTAIN LOCATIONS
ESTES PARK RESORT – The Mezzanine Room
LOCATION:
Estes Park, Colorado
ADDRESS:
1700 Colorado Peaks Drive Estes Park, Colorado 80517
ABOUT THE VENUE:
The mezzanine room at Estes Park Resort can hold up to around 50 people and is the perfect setting for your Estes park wedding. They have options on their property for Ceremony on site, or you can entertain the option of utilizing a park nearby to host your ceremony at and just do your reception at the resort after.
CLICK HERE FOR THE RESORTS WEBSITE
LODGING NEARBY: YES
You can rent rooms at the resort, or opt for other locations around Estes park. Estes is even within an hour of Denver/Boulder area which makes it a super accessible mountain location and allows for people to drive back to the city after the wedding if needed.
THE VIBES:
Woodsy
Lodge Style
Very “Colorado”
PRO TIP:
Head into Rocky Mountain National Park for your wedding portraits. This venue is located just a few minutes from park with so many gorgeous locations that make for great wedding day portraits. Your photographer will need the RMNP photography permit to work commercially in the park but it is definitely worth it. You can also have your ceremony in RMNP if you wish, you just need to book your spot in advanced. They open for availability 1 year prior to the month you are wishing to book the ceremony in. So if you want a June date for next year in 2023, you will want to be on the computer applying for your date on June 1st 2022. Learn more about booking a ceremony at RMNP HERE
THE STANLEY HOTEL
LOCATION:
ESTES PARK, CO
ADDRESS:
333 E Wonderview Ave, Estes Park, CO 80517
ABOUT THE VENUE:
This historic hotel is surrounded by the rocky mountains and has a gorgeous view of RMNP from the front lawn. It’s classic style makes for a vintage feel to the day. It is known for being in scenes from Dumb and Dumber, and is the hotel that the Shining was based off of. While the movie The Shining wasn’t filmed on site, the mini series of The Shining was. Are you a horror movie buff? This is one epic location for you then!
Here is a small video all about the history of the hotel and the hauntings that consume it:
So much history sits in this hotel and if that’s something that interests you, it just might be the perfect spot for your Estes park wedding. While this venue can Accommodate 200+, it is also ideal for groups of 40-75 people. With Eight different rooms/buildings to host your wedding, there are a myriad of options for any group size. You can’t go wrong with this location.
CLICK HERE FOR THE STANLEY HOTEL WEBSITE
THE VIBES:
Historical
Elegant
Vintage
LODGING NEARBY: YES, AND ON SITE!
This location is a full service hotel. But if you or your guests prefer to stay off site, there is plenty of lodging from cabin rentals to hotels all within a few minutes drive from the Stanley.
PRO TIP:
Aside from also being able to head into Rocky Mountain National Park for your wedding portraits. This venue also happens to be one of the most haunted locations in America. They do nightly ghost tours and could be something fun for you or your guests to partake in while at the property.
BLACKSTONE RIVERS RANCH
LOCATION:
Idaho Springs, CO
ADDRESS:
3673 Chicago Creek Rd, Idaho Springs, CO 80452
ABOUT THE VENUE:
This is a true hidden gem of a location and such a great small wedding venue in Colorado. Probably one of my favorites in the state actually. You get secluded forest like vibes but you can drive just 10-15 minutes up the road and get some epic mountain views up on the road to Mt. Evans. It is a riverfront spot surrounded by huge trees, and even many aspen groves which makes it a perfect Fall wedding location.
This wedding venue in Colorado can host big events but they are now offering smaller elopement and petite wedding packages starting at around $2000.00. If you are seeking a smaller winter wedding its the perfect spot! they host only up to 39 people from November to April due to their tent not being set up. So an ideal spot for a small and intimate colorado winter wedding!
CLICK HERE FOR THE BLACKSTONE RIVERS RANCH WEBSITE
THE VIBES:
Nature-esque
Foresty
Romantic
Chic
LODGING NEARBY: Moderately Close.
While there is some lodging in Idaho Springs. It’s fairly slim if you are thinking of hotel blocks for your guests. However.. You are only a 30 minute drive to the Golden, Co area where there is much more ample lodging. My favorite hotel in that area is the Origin hotel at Red Rocks. It makes for the perfect getting ready location as well if you arent getting ready at the venue.
PRO TIP:
Have your photographer take you up the road towards Mount Evans for your portraits. There is a lake up top with a gorgeous mountain view. And lots of places to stop on the way down for photos with awesome views.
VIEW THIS REAL BLACKSTONE RIVERS RANCH WEDDING HERE
HERMIT PARK
LOCATION:
ESTES PARK, CO
ADDRESS:
17 Hermit Park Rd, Estes Park, CO 80517
ABOUT THE VENUE:
Talk about such a great small wedding venue in Colorado. This open space park is one for the books! While it can host up to 150, you can do smaller weddings there no problem. You just need to get a permit for your wedding through the park. The property sits on 1,362 acres among wetlands, Aspen Trees, and Ponderosa Pine forests perfect for photo opportunities and outdoor gatherings. With a great trail that you can hike up and get epic views of the mountains and estes park. Exchange vows beneath their handcrafted wedding arch and celebrate in the pavilion featuring stone wrapped columns, picnic tables, and a gas fire pit with catering space.
THE VIBES:
Campsite Vibe
Open Space Park
Romantic
Scenic
LODGING NEARBY: YES
Estes park is just 10 minutes down the road with tons of lodging options. If you wanted, you could even rent a little cabin or campsite in Hermit park and make it a camping wedding!
PRO TIP:
If you like to hike, hike .75 miles up the Krueger Rock Trail to the first overlook. Its worth making your way up there for photos!
VIEW THIS REAL HERMIT PARK ELOPEMENT HERE
PLEASE NOTE THIS PHOTO BELOW IS NOT MY PHOTO, BUT HERE YOU CAN SEE THEIR OPEN SPACE THAT YOU CAN HOST WITH BIGGER GROUPS :
SAPPHIRE POINT at LAKE DILLON
LOCATION:
LAKE DILLON, CO
ADDRESS:
Swan Mountain Rd, Dillon, CO 80435
ABOUT THE VENUE:
Holding up to 35 people total, it makes for one of the most gorgeous and easily accessible locations in Colorado. Located near Breckenridge and Keystone, it is so picturesque and available all year long. It is dog friendly and wheel chair accessible as well. There are bathrooms on site but they’re are nothing fancy and there is no place to get ready on site.
THE VIBES:
Outdoorsy
Mountains
Adventurous
LODGING NEARBY: YES
In Breck, Keystone, Frisco, Dillon! Every town within a 10-15 min drive from here.
PRO TIP:
Be online exactly 6 months prior to the date you want for the best chance of getting the time slot you want for your ceremony.
VIEW A REAL SAPPHIRE POINT ELOPEMENT HERE
WINDY POINT CAMPGROUND at LAKE DILLON
LOCATION:
LAKE DILLON, CO
ADDRESS:
Swan Mountain Rd, Dillon, CO 80435
ABOUT THE VENUE:
Holding up to 35 people total, it makes for one of the most gorgeous and easily accessible locations in Colorado. Located near Breckenridge and Keystone, it is so picturesque and available all year long. It is dog friendly and wheel chair accessible as well. There are bathrooms on site but they’re are nothing fancy and there is no place to get ready on site.
THE VIBES:
Outdoorsy
Mountains
Adventurous
LODGING NEARBY: YES
In Breck, Keystone, Frisco, Dillon! Every town within a 10-15 min drive from here.
PRO TIP:
Be online exactly 6 months prior to the date you want for the best chance of getting the time slot you want for your ceremony.
VIEW A REAL SAPPHIRE POINT ELOPEMENT HERE
MAROON BELLS AMPHITHEATER
LOCATION:
ASPEN, CO
ADDRESS:
Located just 10 miles west of Aspen or 16 from Snowmass up Maroon Creek Road off Hwy. 82 in a glacial valley
ABOUT THE VENUE:
I think this is probably the most picturesque location in all of Colorado where you can host a small wedding. Holy moly it’s beautiful. And the amphitheater at the bells is somewhat secluded from the rest of the park which is nice. Please note though in the summer you CAN NOT book a Saturday. That means Sunday dates get booked up really fast. There is a parking lot there but you will want to book a shuttle. And depending on the time of your wedding that might actually be required. The amphitheater can hold 50 people which makes it an ideal spot for an intimate wedding. It is also dog friendly as well.
AVAIL Sun-Thurs (June/July/Aug) and only Monday-Thursday in September.
THE VIBES:
Mountains
Adventurous
Romantic
LODGING NEARBY: YES
Aspen is just 10-15 minutes away!
PRO TIP:
Book way in advanved, and plan to take the shuttle to make it easier. Although you do get a handful of parking passes when you reserve their amphitheater.
CHECK OUT THIS MAROON BELLS ENGAGEMENT SESSION HERE
A MOUNTAIN AIR-BNB
LOCATION:
ANYWHERE YOU WANT – WITH PERMISSION FROM OWNER
ABOUT THE VENUE:
For smaller gatherings some of the best options can just be a rental home with epic views. There are so many gorgeous rentals in the state of Colorado. Just reach out to the airbnb or VRBO you are looking at to see if the owner allows small and intimate gatherings and events at their property as not all of them do!
LODGING NEARBY: YES
Many rental homes that are set up to host events too will have enough rooms for usually 10-12 people. Sometimes more just depends on where you are looking.
PRO TIP:
ALWAYS check with the owner before trying to set up an airbnb wedding
THE LITTLE NELL
LOCATION:
ASPEN, CO
ABOUT THE VENUE:
This is probably the most expensive location on this list, but completely and utterly worth every penny. YOU CAN VIEW THEIR 2021 PRICING GUIDE HERE. The Gallery, The Ajax Tavern and the Terrace Room are ideal for weddings with under 75 people. The views are unbeatable compared to pretty much any other spot to host a small intimate wedding with 50-70 people. And the service is exceptional.
LODGING NEARBY: All throughout Aspen
THE VIBES:
High End
Luxury
Mountainous
PRO TIP:
Prepare yourself and your guests for coming in and being at high altitude. Having a ceremony at nearly 12k feet is no joke! Drink tons of water, and its always nice to have some canned oxygen on hand for yourself and guests if you aren’t used to it!
PART TWO – FRONT RANGE LOCATIONS
JUNIPER MOUNTAIN HOUSE
LOCATION:
EVERGREEN COLORADO
ABOUT THE VENUE:
A beautiful modern secluded forest home Nestled just 3o minutes from Denver in Evergreen. Their dates get booked up super fast and they are already fully booked for 2022 and taking 2023 bookings currently as of Feb 1st, 2022. This house is complete with a hot tub, fire pit, bar top, etc. And it does come with its own coordinator. This really is the ideal small wedding venue in Colorado. Holds up to 50 people for both Ceremony and Reception. Or 60 for Ceremony only.
LODGING NEARBY: YES – In Evergreen, or on site. They can lodge up to 10 guests.
PRO TIP:
Their gorgeous property allows for tons or perfect portrait locations, both indoors and out.
(photos screenshot from their virtual tour on their website. CLICK HERE TO TOUR THE PROPERTY ONLINE)
#11 GROW HAUS DENVER
LOCATION:
DENVER, CO
ABOUT THE VENUE:
Looking for something different than your average wedding venue? How about a spot that is an INDOOR FARM?! What?! Epic. This location is so cool and while it is not an actual wedding venue, so you will need to reach out and see if they can host your event.. It is such a fun idea to have an intimate wedding there. The can comfortably probably hold about 25-35 people. Making it a good spot for a small and unique wedding. Especially if you want to support an amazing place that does so much for the community. READ ALL ABOUT THE GROW HAUS HERE
LODGING: All Over Denver!
PRO TIP:
Explore all the different inside options this place has to offer for portraits! It is so unique
#12 FLAGSTAFF HOUSE
LOCATION:
BOULDER, CO
ABOUT THE VENUE:
This restaurant is a great little spot for an intimate wedding. With views of the foothills right off the deck and located on Flagstaff Mountain which makes it feel secluded but super close to town. And also they have an impeccable menu, It’s perfection!
CLICK HERE TO VIEW FLAGSTAFF WEBSITE
LODGING: All Over Boulder!
PRO TIP:
Head up flagstaff mountain for portraits at lost gulch overlook, Simply walk across the street to take photos in the park there, Or even head downhill to Chautauqua park which is at the base of the mountain for your photos. Your photographer will need the Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks Permit!
#13 THE RAMBLE HOTEL
LOCATION:
Denver, CO
ADDRESS:
1280 25th St, Denver, CO 80205
ABOUT THE VENUE:
One of my favorite urban hotels in the Rino District of Denver. This Classy but energetic hotel gives you all the bad ass city vibes you might be craving for your wedding day. The rooms are gorgeous and make for a great getting ready location on site. Downstairs is Death and Co. a renowned NYC cocktail institution now in the heart of Denver with some delicious small bites available. When I first found out there was a Death and Co. here I was SO excited. If you haven’t been , you must go visit! It has always been one of my favorite places when I visited NYC, and its so fun that there is one local to Denver now.
Upstairs on the terrace, you will find an exceptional city location to host your Denver wedding. The market lights and urban decor and art give it such a fun and energetic vibe. Click here to visit the Ramble Hotel Website.
THE VIBES:
Urban / Modern
Brick Industrial
City Vibes
LODGING NEARBY: YES, AND ON SITE!
PRO TIP:
There is also a huge light up sign that says “WISH YOU WERE HERE”. Kind of the perfect backdrop for some kick ass urban wedding portraits.
#14 THE MANOR HOUSE
LOCATION:
Littleton, CO
ADDRESS:
1 Manor House Rd, Littleton, CO 80127
ABOUT THE VENUE:
This Historic Manor in The Foothills of Denver is the perfect setting for a wedding with a romantic and elegant vibe. This historic location is by far one of my favorite Denver Wedding Venues. You get beautiful views of the foothills, and yet can even see downtown Denver from the ceremony site. Not only that, but you get a pretty awesome view of Red Rocks Park in the distance. The property is tucked away from the busy areas of Denver, but so close to town you can be there in 20 minutes. Makes it an ideal location for a celebration close to town. And they have options for smaller weddings which is really nice!
I think one of my favorite things about this venue is its versatility. It doesn’t matter if it’s Rain or Shine, Snow or Sleet. Any location in or out, is absolutely beautiful. There is a library on site that makes for some of the most gorgeous portraits. The getting area for both the guys and the girls has ample space and its own unique features that just give both rooms a personal touch. There is also a cottage on site that can be rented and utilized during the wedding day. The cottage is located directly adjacent to The Manor House and has three bedrooms, two bathrooms, an office, kitchen, and a large living area. It comfortably sleeps six people.
CLICK HERE TO VISIT THE MANOR HOUSE WEBSITE
THE VIBES:
Classy
Romantic
Historical
Elegant
LODGING NEARBY:
YES, All around Denver
PRO TIP:
I feel like less is more here. You honestly do not need a ton of decor to make this location beautiful. Be sure and hop in their library for some really romantic couples portraits!
CLICK HERE TO SEE THIS FULL MANOR HOUSE WEDDING
#15 ROXBOROUGH STATE PARK
LOCATION: Littleton, Colorado
This gorgeous overlook is located just south of Littleton, Colorado and can be rented out in a few hour increments. It reminds me a ton of Red Rocks Park but with a slightly better view. This park all around is gorgeous and makes for a wonderful spot to elope. But the best part is, you can also do a full microwedding here! In order to rent this space out you do have to contact Roxborough State Park and pay a rental fee. Even though you rent this place out, you cannot block the area off from the public. As this is a public hiking trail (CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO ON RENTING AND PRICING) There is a small amount of hiking. Nothing too strenuous. However it is not wheelchair accessible. It’s about a 15 min hike from the parking lot up to this overlook. This is a ceremony site only, you will have to host the reception at a different location if you wish to have one.
IDEAL TIME FOR WEDDINGS HERE:
Evening just before sunset.This particular location is gorgeous at sunset as the sun sets behind this overlook.
BATHROOMS ON SITE: Yes at the visitor center just before the trailhead
DOGS ALLOWED: NO. No Dogs allowed at this park.
LODGING:
Anywhere in the Denver and Littleton area would work!
GROUP SIZE ALLOWED: 25 TOTAL MAX people allowed for lyons overlook.
One Response
Hi there, these pictures are absolutely gorgeous – kudos to the awesome photographer! We have a super cute, historic and intimate venue in Estes Park (https://www.bristleconeinn.com) and love an opportunity to discuss working together!!