Top 8 Colorado Wedding Venues with Mountain Views
Devil’s Thumb Ranch
Nothing says “Colorado wedding” like sweeping mountain views! Whether you’re planning your Colorado wedding from afar or in the shadow of the Rockies, a venue surrounded by snowcapped vistas is likely at the top of your wishlist. As a Colorado wedding photographer, I’ve had the opportunity to shoot at some gorgeous alpine wedding venues. Today I’m sharing them with you! From Boulder to Breckenridge, these are the best Colorado wedding venues with mountain views.
What to Know About Planning a Wedding in the Colorado Mountains
But first, a few wedding planning tips! Wedding venues with mountain views usually sit at high altitudes. So, depending on your venue and the time of year, you may have to make some extra considerations to ensure the comfort of you and your guests. Trust me, it’s worth it!
Altitude
The air is thinner and the UV index is higher at high altitudes. Consider providing an oxygen bar and sunscreen! Additionally, your guests should start hydrating a day or two before their arrival. Guests from sea level may feel short of breath on the stairs or dance floor, so create a flexible timeline with built-in activity breaks. High altitude also intensifies the effects of alcohol, so remind your guests to pace themselves.
Seasons
Spring (April-May): Winter lingers, and evenings are chilly. The snowmelt marks the start of mud season.
Summer (June-August): Late afternoon (2:00-4:00 p.m.) thunderstorms are common, so I recommend planning an earlier or later ceremony.
Fall (September-October): The aspen trees turn gold! The sun starts setting earlier, so be sure to adjust your timeline accordingly.
Winter (November-March): Snow is omnipresent, and walkways are icy. Budget extra travel time for everyone and offer blankets for any outdoor portions of the day.
Weather
Have a flexible timeline and a backup plan in place—the weather in the mountains is always changing! If a storm rolls in, venues typically pause outdoor activity until 30 minutes after the last lightning strike.
25-degree temperature swings are normal, so remind your guests to dress in layers. Think shawls, shrugs, and suit jackets! Offering a warming late-night snack, such as a hot cocoa or s’mores bar, will also help everyone feel comfortable once the evening turns chilly.
High wind speeds are also common in every season in the mountains. Secure all of your decor, stick to low or grounded floral arrangements, and consider using windscreens.
Travel
The venues mentioned in this blog are located 1-3 hours from Denver International Airport. That means your guests will have to navigate winding mountain roads, possible traffic, and, in winter, icy conditions. I strongly recommend providing a guest shuttle so no one has to navigate a twisty mountain pass after cocktail hour!
Unlike Denver wedding venues, these spots aren’t located near large hotels. Instead, your lodging options will include boutique inns, Airbnbs, and rustic lodges. Be sure to block off the rooms you’ll need early, since peak wedding season overlaps with peak tourist season in the Rockies.
Mountain wedding venues often have limited parking. Providing a shuttle bus, encouraging your guests to carpool, or booking a valet service is advised to ensure your day runs smoothly.
Wildlife
Some venues restrict the use of open flames, confetti, or drones. Wildlife sightings are common! Be sure to respect the locals, and encourage your guests to do the same.
Colorado Wedding Venues with Mountain Views
Devil’s Thumb Ranch Resort & Spa, Tabernash
Devil’s Thumb Ranch is just 75 miles west of Denver, but arriving there feels like stepping into a different world. It’s surrounded by 6,500 acres of wilderness and offers panoramic views of the Continental Divide. The main reception space, the “High Lonesome Barn,” boasts large windows for taking in the views while you dine and dance. With opportunities to participate in authentic ranch adventures and get pampered in the world-class spa, Devil’s Thumb Ranch offers the quintessential Colorado destination wedding experience.
Starting Fee: $40,000
Capacity: 250
Site Rental Duration: Entire weekend
Rentals Included: Tables, chairs, ivory linens, china, flatware, and glassware.
Vendor Restrictions: Catering
Getting Ready Rooms: This location is a resort with on-site lodging. It also has a loft, which can act as a getting-ready space.
Pet-Friendly: Dogs are permitted in select cabins only.
Black Mountain Lodge at Arapahoe Basin, Dillon
Black Mountain Lodge is located mid-way up a mountain in the Arapahoe Basin Ski Area and is accessible primarily by chairlift. Sweeping views of 13,000-foot peaks and wildflower fields surround the venue on every side. The lodge boasts large windows, vaulted ceilings, and a mix of stone and timber architectural elements designed to frame the mountain scenery. Huffington Post ranked Black Mountain Lodge as one of the country’s top “out-of-the-ordinary” wedding venues. It’s also earned multiple “best of” accolades from The Knot! Maggie and Jon’s wedding showcased the beauty of this venue even on a rainy day.
Starting Fee: $3,500
Capacity: 200
Site Rental Duration: Five hours
Rentals Included: Tables, chairs, linens, and glassware.
Vendor Restrictions: Catering
Getting Ready Rooms: Yes, bridal suite.
Pet-Friendly: Dogs are permitted on-site for ceremonies and portraits only.
Chautauqua Dining Hall, Boulder
Built in 1898, the Victorian-style Chautauqua Dining Hall has charm to spare. Its location at the foot of Boulder’s iconic flatirons is the icing on the cake! Couples who get married here can enjoy the best of both worlds: a dramatic mountain backdrop and proximity to the vibrant town of Boulder’s amenities. The venue’s Enchanted Mesa Garden is a beautiful outdoor ceremony space with views of the Bluebell and McClintock Trails. Toni and Chris held their entire July destination wedding at the Chautauqua Dining Hall outdoors.
Starting Fee: $1,000
Capacity: 80 in the Enchanted Mesa Garden and seated indoors. Up to 180 with an outdoor tent.
Site Rental Duration: Event-dependent; inquire for more information.
Rentals Included: Tables, chairs, linens, and A/V equipment.
Vendor Restrictions: Catering
Getting Ready Rooms: On-site lodging is available.
Pet-Friendly: Dogs are permitted on the grounds, but not inside the venue.
Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort, Nathrop
Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort is nestled in a valley flanked by the Collegiate Peaks and Chalk Cliffs. The resort offers dramatic scenery and luxurious amenities for a one-of-a-kind experience, best enjoyed over an entire weekend. Your guests won’t just attend your wedding, they’ll experience it: by soaking in the natural mineral hot springs, swimming in one of the adults-only pools, or visiting the spa in between events. The resort only has one wedding at a time, so you’ll enjoy exclusive access to every amenity during your stay. Carrie and Eran’s wedding at Mount Princeton was unforgettable!
Starting Fee: $4,000
Capacity: Location-dependent; inquire for more information.
Site Rental Duration: Entire weekend
Rentals Included: Tables, chairs, china, flatware, and glassware.
Vendor Restrictions: Catering
Getting Ready Rooms: This location is a resort with on-site lodging.
Pet-Friendly: Dogs are permitted in select cabins only.
The Lodge at Breckenridge, Breckenridge
Perched on a cliff at 10,200 feet, The Lodge at Breckenridge is one of the world’s highest-altitude hotels! It offers breathtaking views of the Tenmile Range and surrounding ski areas. Weddings begin in the Foyer, which features a cozy fireplace and windows overlooking the dramatic scenery. Outdoor ceremonies take place on the Sky View Deck, a terrace that juts into the alpine landscape. Then, a mouthwatering conclusion to your celebration awaits inside the Mountain View Ballroom.
Starting Fee: $3,000
Capacity: 150
Site Rental Duration: 12 hours
Rentals Included: Tables, chairs, linens, flatware, and glassware.
Vendor Restrictions: Catering and bartending.
Getting Ready Rooms: Yes; there are also 57 on-site guest rooms.
Pet-Friendly: Yes
The Manor House, Littleton
The Manor House perches on a hill in the Ken-Caryl Valley and offers sweeping views of the Front Range and the Denver skyline. Once the destination of famous guests such as Teddy Roosevelt and Babe Ruth, the mansion now hosts stunning weddings in the Southwest Denver area. Six picturesque acres of fields and forests surround the house and are exclusively yours to enjoy during your rental. The Dry Creek Canyon offers a gorgeous backdrop for outdoor events, while the mansion’s cozy nooks and fireplaces set the stage for an intimate celebration. Not even a surprise snowstorm could spoil Alex and Wyatt’s wedding here!
Starting Fee: $4,000
Capacity: 200
Site Rental Duration: Ranges from seven to 13 hours; inquire for more information.
Rentals Included: Tables, chairs, linens, china, flatware, and glassware.
Vendor Restrictions: Catering and bartending.
Getting Ready Rooms: Yes, bridal suite with an attached balcony and groom’s suite with a pool table. There is also a three-bed, two-bath guest house, which you may rent for an additional fee.
Pet-Friendly: No
Garden of the Gods Resort & Club, Colorado Springs
Garden of the Gods Resort takes its name from Colorado Springs’ most iconic park. Its unmistakable red rock formations are visible from the venue, which also offers views of Pikes Peak and the Front Range. Indoor and outdoor site options abound here, from open-air terraces to glass-walled atrium spaces that integrate the venue’s scenic surroundings with climate-controlled comfort. In 2023, USA Today ranked Garden of the Gods Resort as the #1 resort in the U.S. for destination weddings!
Starting Fee: $5,000
Capacity: 200
Site Rental Duration: Nine hours
Rentals Included: Tables, chairs, linens, flatware, and glassware.
Vendor Restrictions: None
Getting Ready Rooms: This location is a resort with on-site lodging. There is also a dedicated bridal suite with a scenic view and the option to bundle spa and salon services with your rental.
Pet-Friendly: Yes
Wild Basin Lodge, Allenspark
From its vantage point in the Rocky Mountains, Wild Basin Lodge showcases the best of Colorado’s natural beauty. Its 14 acres are yours to explore during your exclusive rental! Two outdoor ceremony sites, Meadow Peak and River Run, offer views of the high peaks, aspen groves, and, at the latter, the St. Vrain River. The cocktail hour deck, which encircles the spacious Main Lodge, is also a highlight: you and your guests will enjoy panoramic views of the river and Mt. Copeland as you await a meal of award-winning Colorado cuisine inside the lodge.
Starting Fee: $5,000
Capacity: 100 indoors and 200 outdoors.
Site Rental Duration: Six hours, ending at 10 p.m.
Rentals Included: Tables, chairs, linens, flatware, and glassware.
Vendor Restrictions: Catering, bartending, and DJ.
Getting Ready Rooms: Yes; access opens at 10 a.m.
Pet-Friendly: Dogs are permitted on the grounds and in select cabins, but not in the Main Lodge.
These Colorado wedding venues with mountain views all showcase the dramatic alpine vistas that make the state a top wedding destination. Whether you’re envisioning an immersive, weekend-long experience at a ranch or an elegant gathering at a historic mansion, the destination wedding of your dreams awaits amid the Rocky Mountains.
Are you looking for a Colorado wedding photographer to capture your memories on your special day? Let’s connect! I’d love to hear about the celebration you’re planning (especially the location!) and what you’re looking for in a wedding photographer.
Venues Featured:
Devil’s Thumb Ranch Resort & Spa
Black Mountain Lodge at Arapahoe Basin
Chautauqua Dining Hall
Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort
The Lodge at Breckenridge
The Manor House
Garden of the Gods Resort & Club
Wild Basin Lodge