Top 7 Stunning Colorado State Park Wedding Venues
Colorado has many state parks that are gorgeous and would be a great option to host a smaller wedding. Check out this post for all the info!
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Why have your wedding at a Colorado State Park
If you’ve found your way to this post, chances are you’re considering one of Colorado’s State Parks for your wedding.
A lot of couples choose to get married at a state park for a number of reasons such as:
- The cost for your wedding permit or reservation is typically quite low compared to traditional wedding venues.
- Typically you can have a larger number of guests (typically around 25 to 100 guests) compared to many other natural areas around the state (such as trails, recreation areas, etc.) where the allowed number of people is smaller.
- Compared to places like Rocky Mountain National Park, which sells out of permits very quickly, it is a little easier to get a permit at one of Colorado’s State Parks currently.
If you’re thinking about having a wedding here, you should know that you’ll still be dealing with crowds at the more popular parks and sometimes limited parking. If you can get your guests to carpool, that is always a good option. I also strongly recommend choosing a weekday over a weekend to help alleviate the crowds if you can.
Finally, be aware that there are still guest limits–Colorado’s parks are best suited for smaller weddings and elopements. If you’re planning to have a large wedding, a traditional venue will still be your best option.
Best Colorado State Park Wedding Venues
1. Golden Gate Canyon State Park Weddings
Located Near
Black Hawk, CO
Wedding Location Options
Panorama Point is the dedicated location for weddings at Golden Gate Canyon State Park.
You are allowed to book two hour time slots between 9 AM and 5 PM for weddings. It’s important to note that your reservation only guarantees that no other events will be scheduled during that time. Your reservation does not give you exclusive use, meaning members of the general public may still use the area.
Golden Gate Canyon State Park will schedule 1 to 2 events per day at their discretion. Also, they do not schedule events on Saturdays and Sundays during the last two weeks of September and the first week of October. This is due to the high number of visitors for fall foliage.
Reception Options
The Red Barn Group Picnic Area is available for receptions and is just a few miles driving distance from Panorama Point. This location must also be reserved separately. This group picnic area can seat up to 100 guests, although up to 150 are allowed at the site. This site is an additional cost of $150 for Mondays through Fridays or $200 for Saturdays through Sundays.
Cost
$10 daily state park pass per vehicle; plus $150 to reserve Panorama Point Mondays through Fridays or $300 for Saturdays or Sundays.
Total Capacity
40 people
How to reserve
Reservations can only be made up to 6 months in advance and are taken on a first come first serve basis. Call 303-582-3707 for reservations.
2. Roxborough State Park Weddings
Located Near
Littleton, CO
Wedding Location Options
Roxborough State Park has two different location options for weddings.
The first option is Fountain Valley Overlook, which is a short walk from the visitor center, and is best for parties needing a more accessible location.
The second option is Lyons Overlook, which is a deck overlooking the red rocks. This location is about a one mile hike round trip, and so is better for groups that can make a longer walk.
Be aware that this park frequently reaches capacity on weekends and your reservation does not guarantee entry to the park when the park is full. Carpooling and arriving as early as possible is strongly recommended.
It’s also important to note that your reservation only guarantees that no other events will be scheduled during that time. Your reservation does not give you exclusive use, meaning members of the general public may still use the area.
Reception Options
No reception areas on site. There are a few picnic tables around the visitor center available on a first come first serve basis that could be used for informal picnicking.
Cost
The Fountain Valley Overlook site costs $75 to reserve Mondays through Fridays or $150 to reserve on Saturdays or Sundays.
The Lyons Overlook site costs $150 to reserve Mondays through Fridays or $300 to reserve on Saturdays or Sundays.
In addition to the above costs there is a $10 reservation fee plus a $55 Special Activity Agreement Fee. Also, each vehicle entering the park must have a $10 vehicle state parks pass.
Total Capacity
25
How to reserve
Call 303-973-3959 for reservations.
3. Castlewood Canyon State Park Weddings
Located Near
Castle Rock, CO
Wedding Location Options
Castlewood Canyon State Park is located between Denver and Colorado Springs, making it a great central location.
There are two facilities available for weddings. The first is the Pikes Peak Amphitheater, which is accessible from the east entrance of the park.
The second facility is the Bridge Canyon Overlook, which is also accessible from the east entrance of the park.
A reservation is needed for either facility and is for a two-hour time block.
Reception Options
For receptions, the park has several covered picnic shelter areas, which are available by a separate reservation from the wedding locations. Each shelter can accommodate up to 66 people. Reservation cost for picnic shelters range from $75 to $150 depending on day of the week and which shelter you’re reserving.
Cost
The Pikes Peak Amphitheater costs $150 to reserve Mondays through Fridays or $300 to reserve on Saturdays or Sundays.
The Bridge Canyon Overlook also costs $150 to reserve Mondays through Fridays or $300 to reserve on Saturdays or Sundays.
In addition to the above costs there is a $10 reservation fee and each vehicle entering the park must have a $10 vehicle state parks pass.
Total Capacity
The Pikes Peak Amphitheater has a total capacity of 120 people but seated capacity is only 100 people. The Bridge Canyon Overlook has a total capacity of 60 people.
How to reserve
Call 303-688-5242 for reservations.
4. Ridgway State Park Weddings
Located Near
Ridgway, CO
Wedding Location Options
The Visitor Center Overlook is a great option for weddings at Ridgway State Park. A reservation is required and can be made up to 1 year in advance. Your rental includes 4 hour access to a changing room space as well. There is no backup area in case of inclement weather.
Reception Options
There are 2 group picnic pavilions that can be reserved separately for receptions; these are GEF Shelter A and GEF Shelter B. Shelter A has a maximum capacity of 150 people and Shelter B has a maximum capacity of 100 people. Both can be reserved for a maximum capacity of 250 people.
Cost
The Visitor Center Overlook costs $200 to reserve Mondays through Fridays or $250 to reserve on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays (may not be reserved on July 4th).
For the Group picnic shelters, renting a single shelter costs $135 to reserve Mondays through Fridays or $200 to reserve on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays. Instead you can also reserve both shelters for $270 Mondays through Thursdays or for $400 on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays.
In addition to the above costs there is a $10 reservation fee and each vehicle entering the park must have a $10 vehicle state parks pass.
Total Capacity
The Visitor Center Overlook for weddings has a maximum capacity of 100 people.
How to reserve
Check the calendar linked on the Ridgway State Park Group Facilities page for availability and submit the reservations form if your date is available.
5. Lory State Park Weddings
Located Near
Fort Collins, CO
Wedding Location Options
Lory State Park has three location options for weddings, all of which are picnic sites. The first option is Soldier Canyon which is recommended for larger groups.The second option is Timber and the third option is South Etluck.
A reservation is needed for all areas.
Reception Options
All of the wedding sites are picnic areas so they could be used for receptions as well.
Cost
The Soldier Canyon site costs $150 to reserve Mondays through Fridays or $300 to reserve on Saturdays or Sundays.
The Timber site costs $100 to reserve Mondays through Fridays or $150 to reserve on Saturdays or Sundays.
The South Etluck site costs $75 to reserve Mondays through Fridays or $125 to reserve on Saturdays or Sundays.
In addition to the above costs there is a $10 reservation fee and each vehicle entering the park must have a $10 vehicle state parks pass.
Total Capacity
Soldier Canyon maximum capacity is 100 people and 50 vehicles.
Timber maximum capacity is 100 people and 40 vehicles.
South Etluck capacity is 50 people and 35 vehicles.
How to reserve
Call 970-493-1623 for information and reservations.
6. Rifle Falls State Park Weddings
Update: Rifle Falls State Park no longer allows weddings at the Mountain Mist Amphitheater.
Located Near
Rifle, CO
Wedding Location Options
The Mountain Mist Amphitheater in Rifle Falls State Park is available to be reserved for weddings and is a great waterfall wedding option.
Reception Options
No facilities on site but there are some first-come first-serve picnic sites at nearby Rifle Gap State Park.
Cost
Cost is $120 per day. Also, each vehicle entering the park must have a $10 vehicle state parks pass.
Total Capacity
Maximum total capacity is 50 people. Carpooling is recommended as parking is very limited and not guaranteed.
How to reserve
Call 970-625-1607 for information and reservations.
7. Cheyenne Mountain State Park Weddings
Located Near
Wedding Location Options
Cheyenne Mountain State Park has the Prairie Falcon Amphitheater which can be reserved for weddings. This facility is available for reservations from May through October and can be reserved up to 9 months in advance.
Reception Options
The Prairie Skipper picnic pavilion is also available for reservations and can host receptions. It is a covered picnic area and can accommodate up to 200 people, with parking for 90 vehicles. It can be reserved up to 9 months in advance.
Cost
Call the Visitor Center for pricing for the Prairie Falcon Amphitheater
The Prairie Skipper picnic pavilion costs $150 to reserve Mondays through Fridays or $200 to reserve on Saturdays, Sundays, or holidays.
In addition, each vehicle entering the park must have a $10 vehicle state parks pass.
Total Capacity
The Prairie Falcon Amphitheater can accommodate up to 160 guests; however, parking is very limited.
How to reserve
Call 719-576-2016 for information and reservations.
Map of Colorado State Park Wedding Venues
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