26+ Breathtaking Small Wedding Venues in Colorado, plus Colorado Small Wedding Packages
When you’re planning a small wedding, the two biggest items to check off your list are usually where you’re going to get married and your photographer! This guide covers both!
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Updated: March 11, 2022
The biggest question that couples usually have when we first start to chat about their micro wedding day is about where they’re going to have it! Colorado has so many beautiful places to get married, so it’s hard to know where to start!
This guide is a great place to get started, with a list of several of the beautiful places you can have your small wedding in Colorado. This list is focused on micro weddings, which is generally considered to be between 10 and 50 guests.
Common questions on small wedding venues
Are there affordable places to have a small wedding in Colorado?
Absolutely! As you’ll see from this list, there are very affordable places you can have a microwedding in Colorado. This list includes all sorts of venues, and I’ve included up to date pricing where available. Keep in mind that prices can change at any time, so it’s always best to reach out directly to the source for the latest and most accurate pricing.
How early do I need to book?
How early you need to book depends on where you want to get married!
Some places on this list, such as Maroon Bells, Juniper Mountain House, Rocky Mountain National Park require a LOT of advance planning. With Maroon Bells, you should plan to book a year in advance, and Rocky Mountain National Park sells out of their limited permits very quickly.
On the other hand, some other places such as Sapphire Point may not even allow you to book until 6 months out.
Regardless, your location is one of the first things you should consider and be prepared for it to require planning well in advance sometimes!
Why do we need to book a place for our microwedding? Couldn’t we just pick some trail and have our small wedding there?
A common misconception that I run into is that you can really just pick any place to get married if it’s on public lands. Unfortunately that is not the case!
It’s important to understand that even public lands have their own sets of rules for things like how many people you can have, do you need a special use permit to have a ceremony there, etc.
The rules vary depending on what body manages the land i.e., the National Park Service, the city or county parks and recreation department, the National Forest, etc. And while I know that sounds overwhelming to navigate, this is where having a good photographer really is to your advantage!
Colorado-based photographers should be very familiar with all the rules here in our state, or know how to help you figure them out! Personally, I include permit assistance with all of my elopement and microwedding packages to help you figure out special use permits that you might need to get married on public lands, and I also cover the cost of any photography permits needed.
Leave No Trace Considerations
Another thing to consider is Leave No Trace principles and just the logistics of having that many people in a crowded area. Outdoor spaces are popular in Colorado! You won’t be alone on the trail most of the time, especially with the more heavily trafficked or popular locations.
Imagine having 25 or 30 people in an area where others are constantly walking through or by you or your guests! I’ve been there when the maid of honor or other relative is trying to kindly ask a stranger if they could share the space, and that person feels they don’t have to move if they don’t want to (since it is public land after all). It’s not ideal, and who wants strangers in their wedding ceremony photos?
This is why I highly recommend reserving a place or booking a venue for any of my couples that plan to have more than 10-15 guests for their day.
As I mentioned above, there are options for every budget, and the benefits will make your day SO much more enjoyable!
Colorado small wedding venues
1. Maroon Bells
Located near
Aspen, Colorado
Cost
$200 to reserve the amphitheater
Guest capacity
50 guests
Reservation or Permit needed?
Yes
Privacy estimate
The amphitheater is reserved for your use so you should have total privacy.
What else you should know!
2. The Spires Ranch
Located near
Buffalo Creek, Colorado
Cost
Venue fees start at $7,000 for microweddings.
If you’re planning to have an elopement instead (generally about 10 guests or fewer), there is a ceremony (plus time for photos) package starting at $900. Read more about that here in this list of the Best Places to Elope in Colorado.
There are also options for add-ons like champagne toast, a tent for your reception, and lots more!
Guest capacity
150
Reservation or Permit needed?
Yes
Privacy estimate
A private reservation
What else you should know!
The Spires Ranch was created with the vision to be the type of place you would bring your friends and family to for your wedding if you owned your own ranch in Colorado. Owners’ Dawn and Rich have spent over 30 years working in the event and wedding industry and have thought of every detail in developing this space for weddings and elopements.
It’s set on 43 acres in the small town of Buffalo Creek, with wide open views of Colorado’s front range mountains and foothills.
One of the things I love about this venue is how easy it is to access from major metro areas of Denver or Colorado Springs, so if you’re bringing guests from out of town, you don’t have to ask them to travel on bumpy, backcountry dirt roads or mountain passes, which some people find intimidating.
The Spires Ranch also has a really cozy feel to it. One of the reception area options is right outside Dawn and Rich’s mountain home set up with furniture on a patio and string lights hung from the trees. Learn more about this venue on their website here!
3. Sunrise Amphitheater
Located near
Boulder, Colorado
Cost
The fee for a one hour reservation is $100 for residents of Boulder and $150 for non-residents. The fee for 3 hours is $300 for residents and $400 for non-residents.
Guest capacity
150
Reservation or Permit needed?
Yes
Privacy estimate
A private reservation
What else you should know!
The Sunrise Amphitheater is a location that you can reserve through Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks here. The views are great from this location, and it is very popular for weddings!
Keep in mind that this location is closed seasonally from October 31 through April 30.
You can also check out my guide to Boulder elopements here!
4. North Star Gatherings
Located near
Idaho Springs, Colorado
Cost
Venue fees range from $8,500 to $9,800 depending on the day and time of year.
Guest capacity
Up to 175 guests
Reservation or Permit needed?
Yes
Privacy estimate
A private reservation
What else you should know!
Recently, North Star Gatherings added an adorable geodesic dome space that can be used for getting ready, photos, or just relaxing during your day. Another cool feature about this venue is that they run 100% on solar energy.
One important thing to note is that you’ll want to be mindful about directions when getting to this venue. There are a lot of dirt backroads in the area, and sometimes Google maps will send you down a route that is not truly a road.
This venue is actually in an area neighboring where I live in Evergreen, Colorado, so I’m familiar with how easy it is to get stuck somewhere you don’t want to, especially in the winter months. There are careful directions to follow here on their website.
5. Tennessee Pass Cookhouse & Nordic Center
Located near
Leadville, Colorado
Cost
Contact venue for current pricing
Guest capacity
50-125 depending on facility
Reservation or Permit needed?
Yes
Privacy estimate
A private reservation
What else you should know!
Check out more information on the Tennessee Pass Cookhouse & Nordic Center website and contact the venue for additional details.
6. Juniper Mountain House
Located near
Evergreen, Colorado
Cost
Ceremony only package for up to 60 guests is $1,850 for 2023 dates (they are currently fully booked for 2022), which includes a wedding arch, bench seating for guests, and a one-night stay for the couple, and more. Add-ons and more inclusive packages (such as including a reception) are also available for elopements and small weddings between 0-50 guests.
Guest capacity
Up to 60 people, depending on the package selected.
Reservation or Permit needed?
Yes
Privacy estimate
A private reservation
What else you should know!
Juniper Mountain House is an adorable small mountain lodge in Evergreen, and since it is primarily a boutique hotel, they take a limited number of weddings. Which means it’s important to book very early! Also note that parking is very limited and your guests will most likely need to take a shuttle. Get more information on micro weddings at Juniper Mountain House here at their website.
7. Bristlecone Inn
Located near
Estes Park, Colorado
Cost
Venue fees range from $650 to $1,250 depending on day of week and time of year.
Guest capacity
50
Reservation or Permit needed?
Yes
Privacy estimate
A private reservation
What else you should know!
Check out more information on the Bristlecone Inn website.
8. Piney River Ranch
Located near
Vail, Colorado
Cost
Contact the Piney River Ranch venue for current pricing via email at events@pineyriverranch.com
Guest capacity
Up to 200 guests
Reservation or Permit needed?
Yes
Privacy estimate
A private reservation
What else you should know!
Piney River Ranch is open seasonally and can host weddings from June 21st through the last Saturday in September due to its remote location in the mountains. There are a number of cabins and a few glamping tents that are available to stay in on site.
One thing to note is that the road to get to this location is quite rough although 4WD is not necessary. Prepare for some extra time to go slower while driving on this dirt road.
9. Rocky Mountain National Park
Located near
Estes Park, Colorado
Cost
$300
Guest capacity
Guest capacity depends on the ceremony site and ranges between 10 and 30 people. Vehicle limits also vary by ceremony site and range from 3 vehicles and up.
Reservation or Permit needed?
Yes, in order to have a ceremony, vow or letter reading, or anything resembling a ceremony, a special use permit is needed. If you are unable to get a permit for your wedding, you could have your ceremony elsewhere and still take couples photos in the park without the special use wedding permit.
Privacy estimate
There is no exclusive use of any area, and it’s important to be aware that Rocky Mountain National Park can get very crowded at certain times of day, especially during the high tourist season.
What else you should know!
Check out this post for more info on Rocky Mountain National Park micro weddings.
10. Panorama Point in Golden Gate Canyon State Park
Located near
Golden, Colorado
Cost
150 for weekdays and 300 for weekends, for a 2 hour reservation block.
Guest capacity
25 people
Reservation or Permit needed?
Yes
Privacy estimate
Golden Gate Canyon State Park does not reserve more than one wedding at a site at a given time, but your reservation does not provide exclusive use of the area. Other park guests may still be present.
What else you should know!
Due to the high number of visitors in the fall, Golden Gate Canyon State Park does not accept wedding reservations for Saturdays or Sundays for the last two weekends in September and the first weekend in October.
There is parking for up to 15 vehicles. Reservations can be made up to 6 months in advance. More details can be found here at this page.
11. Blackstone Rivers Ranch
Located near
Idaho Springs, Colorado
Cost
Elopement and microwedding packages start at $1,800.
Guest capacity
Up to 175 guests can be hosted at this venue.
Reservation or Permit needed?
Yes
Privacy estimate
A private reservation
What else you should know!
Find more information on their website here or reach out to the venue for more info.
12. Sapphire Point
Located near
Dillon, Colorado
Cost
$110 for a 2 hour reservation
Guest capacity
35 people
Reservation or Permit needed?
Yes
Privacy estimate
Even with a reservation, Sapphire Point cannot be closed off to the public and public access cannot be impeded.
What else you should know!
Sapphire Point is a popular spot for weddings, due to its affordability and beautiful views of the Dillon Reservoir and the surrounding mountains! It’s worth noting that the area is somewhat small and 35 people will definitely be a squeeze! Also parking is limited to 22 spots, which may be used by other visitors as well, so carpooling is recommended where possible!
You can find more info here and make reservations here.
You can also check out my guide to Sapphire Point elopements & weddings here!
13. Treehaus Colorado
Located near
Boulder, Colorado
Cost
Reach out to the venue for more details
Guest capacity
Contact venue for details.
Reservation or Permit needed?
Yes, only available Thursdays and Saturdays
Privacy estimate
A private reservation.
What else you should know!
Treehaus Colorado is a small wedding and elopement venue located 30 minutes outside of Boulder, CO. Located on a 2.5 acre forest, this venue has several adorable options for your day, including an airstream, a conservatory, and a treehouse! Find more info here.
14. Della Terra
Located near
Estes Park, Colorado
Cost
As of 2021, elopements up to 10 guests are $1,200, while 50 guests or less range from $2,000-$2,500 depending on hours reserved. Includes guests tables, chairs, and linens for a toast, champagne toast, access to getting ready area, and more. Add-ons are available for additional charge.
Contact the venue for the latest information on pricing.
Guest capacity
Up to 50 for intimate wedding packages. More guests can be hosted with larger packages.
Reservation or Permit needed?
Yes
Privacy estimate
A private reservation
What else you should know!
Elopement and small wedding packages are offered on Mondays through Thursdays only. For October and May, dates may only be reserved 60 days in advance. Between November and April, dates may only be reserved 90 days in advance. For June through September, dates may only be reserved 30 days in advance.
More info here at their website.
15. Gazebo at Boettcher Mansion
Located near
Golden, Colorado
Cost
$300, plus a refundable $200 damage deposit
Guest capacity
About 10-20 guests could comfortably stand around the gazebo.
Reservation or Permit needed?
Yes
Privacy estimate
Not closed to the public, but you should not have an issue with too many other people around.
What else you should know!
Boettcher Mansion is a historical home located outside of Denver on Lookout Mountain. The home itself, as well as another small home on the property can also be rented for additional costs to host more guests or a wedding reception. The gazebo sits outside the property and can be rented separately for a nominal fee. The gazebo would be appropriate for a ceremony with a limited number of guests (around 10-20) that can gather around the gazebo area (standing room only).
More info here on their website.
16. Shupe Homestead
Located near
Longmont, Colorado
Cost
Ranges from $4,400-$5,200 depending on guest count (40 or 50 guests).
Guest capacity
Micro wedding packages for up to 50 guests are available on Mondays and Tuesdays. Larger guest counts can be accommodated for additional cost and on other days of the week.
Reservation or Permit needed?
Yes
Privacy estimate
A private reservation.
What else you should know!
Find more info and get in touch with the venue at their website here.
17. Julia’s Deck
Located near
Vail, Colorado
Cost
Contact the White River National Forest for costs to reserve this space.
Guest capacity
Approximately 30 people can fit at this space; although the USFS says 10 vehicles in the parking area I recommend bringing fewer vehicles as the parking lot gets very tight.
Reservation or Permit needed?
Yes
Privacy estimate
No privacy is guaranteed
What else you should know!
Note that there is a short walk (about 5-10 minutes) to get to this location. Also, there have been some upgrades (replacing boards and repainting done in Summer 2021, after the picture below was taken).
This location is only accessible during the summer months (approximately late June through late September) as it is located off of Shrine Pass
18. Evergreen Lake House
Located near
Evergreen, Colorado
Cost
Fees range from $800 to $8,000 depending on what room(s) are rented and what days/times the rental is requested. Additionally, all rentals require a $750 damage deposit.
Guest capacity
Maximum guest count is 200. Ceremony area can hold up to 100 chairs, with additional standing room.
Reservation or Permit needed?
Yes
Privacy estimate
A private reservation
What else you should know!
Evergreen Lake House is managed by the Evergreen Parks and Recreation District, and is available for rentals from Mid March through the first week of December. There are different rooms available for rent, depending on your needs. Outdoor ceremonies can be held on the deck facing the water and can accommodate up to 100 chairs. Get more info here.
You can also check out my guide to Evergreen elopements and microweddings here!
19. Halfway House
Located near
Boulder, Colorado
Cost
Fees for residents of Boulder, CO are $50 for 1 hour and $175 for 3 hours. For non-residents, fees are $100 for 1 hour and $275 for 3 hours.
Guest capacity
49 guests
Reservation or Permit needed?
Yes
Privacy estimate
A private reservation.
What else you should know!
The Halfway House is a stone shelter that is popular for both weddings and picnics. It has a patio that overlooks the Boulder valley and has tables both inside and outside the facility. You can find more info here.
You can also check out my guide to Boulder elopements here!
20. Garden of the Gods
Located near
Colorado Springs, Colorado
Cost
Free!
Guest capacity
Garden of the Gods has six designated ceremony locations, with a guest capacity ranging from 25 to 50 people.
Reservation or Permit needed?
No
Privacy estimate
There is no exclusive use of any area and it’s worth noting that especially on weekends and during mid-day, this location gets very crowded!
What else you should know!
Check out this post for everything you need to know about a Garden of the Gods micro wedding.
21. Lily Fresh Farm Event Center
Located near
Keenesburg, Colorado
Cost
Ranges from $1,445 to $3,995 depending on day of the week and season for venue only. All inclusive packages are also available.
Guest capacity
Maximum capacity at this venue is 250 guests.
Reservation or Permit needed?
Yes
Privacy estimate
A private reservation.
What else you should know!
Located northeast of Denver and just 30 minutes from the Denver International Airport.
You can find more info on this venue here at their website.
22. YMCA of the Rockies
Located near
Estes Park, Colorado
Cost
Outdoor ceremony only site fees range from $1,000 to $1,600 depending on the site and day of the week, and includes a 4 hour block of time. Additional time and site for reception available for additional fees.
Guest capacity
Sara Smith outdoor chapel site can host up to 150 guests. The Overlook outdoor chapel site can host up to 100 guests.
Reservation or Permit needed?
Yes
Privacy estimate
A private reservation.
What else you should know!
YMCA of the Rockies has two beautiful outdoor ceremony sites. The Overlook chapel has beautiful views of Rocky Mountain National Park. Receptions are available for additional fees.
Get more info here on their website.
You can also check out my guide to Estes Park elopements here!
23. Roxborough State Park
Located near
Littleton, Colorado
Cost
Ceremony site fee varies between $75-300, depending on ceremony site and day of the week. Additional $10 reservation fee and $55 Special Activity Agreement fees apply.
Guest capacity
25 people and a 10 car maximum
Reservation or Permit needed?
Yes
Privacy estimate
Although the park does not schedule overlapping events, you cannot restrict other park guests from the areas.
What else you should know!
Roxborough State Park has two designated areas for weddings, Fountain Valley Overlook and Lyons Overlook. The Fountain Valley Overlook is very close to the parking area, making it a more accessible location, while the Lyons Overlook is about a 1 mile hike round trip (although you can rent a golf cart to take you down the trail to the overlook).
Get more info here.
24. Lyons The Farmette & River Bend
Located near
Lyons, Colorado
Cost
Depending on the day and the venue, fees range from $5,500 to $7,000.
Guest capacity
Up to 125 guests at The Farmette and up to 200 at River Bend
Reservation or Permit needed?
Yes
Privacy estimate
A private reservation
What else you should know!
There are some limits on music amplification at this venue (this is also common on public lands, but less common in private venues, so it’s worth noting). River Bend is a purely acoustic venue, while The Farmette has regulated decibel limits.
Get more info about this venue on their website here.
25. Rembrandt Art Yard
Located near
Boulder, Colorado
Cost
Depending on the day, season, and whether you want to reserve a single floor or the entire gallery, venue fees range from $2,100 to $5,600. Additional options to add tables/chairs, lighting, and/or lounge furniture for additional fees.
Guest capacity
Can accommodate larger weddings; contact venue for exact maximum guest count.
Reservation or Permit needed?
Yes
Privacy estimate
A private reservation
What else you should know!
Couples are allowed to bring in their own liquor at this venue, which can help to save on costs for your reception.
Get more info about this venue on the Rembrandt Art Yard website.
26. Grant Humphreys Mansion
Located near
Denver, Colorado
Cost
Ceremony only packages available between $600 and $1,000, depending on the day and time of year. Ceremony and reception packages vary between $1,800 and $3,800.
Guest capacity
Can accommodate larger weddings; contact venue for exact maximum guest count.
Reservation or Permit needed?
Yes
Privacy estimate
A private reservation
What else you should know!
Grant Humphreys is a historic location in Denver. You can find out more information on their website here.
27. Airbnb or VRBO
Located near
Varies
Cost
Varies
Guest capacity
Varies by property
Reservation or Permit needed?
Yes
Privacy estimate
Completely private, since you are reserving the property.
What else you should know!
Airbnbs and VRBOs are becoming a very popular option with couples that are planning smaller weddings. There are many beautiful properties throughout Colorado with great views, and you have total privacy for your event!
You can read more about the benefits of having an Airbnb wedding in Colorado at this post.
It’s important to note though that currently Airbnb has limited guests to 16 people total, so for many micro weddings, you’ll want to look at VRBO instead.
Chat with your photographer for more micro wedding options!
Even though this list provides some great popular options, it is not exhaustive! One of the best things about hiring a photographer that specializes in elopements or micro weddings is that typically they can offer more help with things like finding your perfect location, vendor recommendations, and more.
This is something that most traditional wedding photographers don’t include since there is usually a wedding planner or venue coordinator to help couples with larger weddings.
Because elopement and micro wedding photographers spend SO much of their time finding amazing locations and venues and this is part of the value we provide, often we reserve the hidden gems and favorite spots for our clients!
So chat with your photographer if you’re still looking for a location! They may know of a spot you’ve never heard of!
Colorado small wedding venue locations
Here is a map of the small wedding venues listed in this post!
More FAQ
Typically elopements are considered to be 10 guests or less, and micro weddings are considered to have between 10 and 50 guests.
Yes, typically less than 50 guests is considered to be a small wedding.
For some people, small weddings are better than traditional weddings. It all depends on what your priorities are! Big weddings are great if you love big parties or if it’s important to have lots of people there to celebrate with you. Smaller weddings are typically better for more intimate celebrations and being able to connect more with your future spouse. You can spend more time focusing on each other and making your day special for you two.
The beauty of having a smaller wedding, as opposed to more traditional weddings, is that you can spend your day doing whatever you want! Plan brunch with your friends, go on an epic hike, or spend a low key day relaxing on the beach before saying your vows. The options are endless!
Small wedding costs vary greatly, but typically cost less than a traditional wedding. Your biggest costs will be your ceremony or reception location, food and beverage costs for guests, and your photographer. If you’re traveling for your wedding, this can also be a significant cost. While the average traditional wedding costs $33,900, you can expect to spend less than half of that (or less!) on a small wedding.
Colorado small wedding packages
I’m more than just a photographer…I’m here to help you have the best day ever!
Based on my experience, especially with elopements and micro weddings, couples need more than just a photographer.
Unlike with a traditional wedding, you may not have a venue coordinator or wedding planner helping you think through logistics, locations, or all the little details that really add up!
But here are just a few of the ways I can help you, all included with my custom elopements and micro weddings:
- Elopement & Micro wedding VIP Planning Guide exclusively for Wild and Found couples
- Questionnaires to help you through the planning process
- Personalized location assistance
- Local vendor recommendations
- Logistics help and a custom timeline
- Gear and day-of checklists customized for your day
- More one-on-one planning help
I don’t just show up and take photos on your day. I’ll be here for you every step of the way.
I know you have a lot of options when it comes to choosing a photographer.
What makes me different is that my number one goal is to be here for YOU–not just as your photographer…but as your elopement partner to help you create the epic day your love story deserves!
The Ultimate 2-Day Colorado Micro Wedding Package
Includes 12 hours of photo coverage, split over 2 days.
Personalized assistance with locations, local vendor recommendations, custom planning tools, checklists, and more. I’ll be there to help you every step of the way.
You get an entire gallery of edited, high-resolution images great for printing, PLUS websize images ideal for posting to social media.
Includes the rights to print, share, and download all of your images.
Travel included!
Half Day Colorado Micro Wedding Package
Includes 8 hours of photo coverage.
Personalized assistance with locations, local vendor recommendations, custom planning tools, checklists, and more. I’ll be there to help you every step of the way.
You get an entire gallery of edited, high-resolution images great for printing, PLUS websize images ideal for posting to social media.
Includes the rights to print, share, and download all of your images.
Travel included!
4 Hour Colorado Micro Wedding Package
Includes 4 hours of photo coverage.
Personalized assistance with locations, local vendor recommendations, custom planning tools, checklists, and more. I’ll be there to help you every step of the way.
You get an entire gallery of edited, high-resolution images great for printing, PLUS websize images ideal for posting to social media.
Includes the rights to print, share, and download all of your images.
Travel included!
Are you planning an Colorado elopement or microwedding?
I’m more than just a photographer. Helping couples create their dream day is what I do best!
Get in touch and let’s chat about your vision!
Or check out more elopement planning resources…
Hi I’m Kim, a Denver, Colorado based photographer specializing in Adventure Elopements in Colorado and worldwide! Photographing couples on the most special day of their lives is a true honor for me. But I’ve made it my mission to take it one step further than that. When you work with me, you’re getting more than just a photographer. I’m here to help you with all of the planning resources you need to have the most amazing elopement day ever! That includes everything from assistance with location ideas, timeline planning, and lots more free resources. So you can forget the work, and focus on having fun!
What an amazing resource, thank you for putting this together!
Gorgeous locations and this guide couldn’t come at a better time! Intimate weddings are here to STAY!
So many lovely places to elope!! What a fabulous resources for your couples!
WOw what an awesome and thorough guide! This is so helpful and informative.
Colorado is a dream location for an intimate wedding! Love all of the locations and info you shared here. Super helpful!
Can I choose all of them?! So gorgeous, Colorado is never short of amazing wedding venues!
This is insanely useful! Thank you so much for taking the time to put all this together and answering all the questions I didn’t even know I had.
This is SUCH an extensive guide and must have taken you so long to compile. Thanks for sharing a lot of misconceptions about using public land–I’m sure it’s little known to non-Coloradians!
Really good info here and so concise! This is a great way to help couples elope.