My Top 10 Colorado Wedding Venues: A Colorado Wedding Photographer's Insider Perspective
As a Colorado wedding photographer, I've been lucky to be behind the camera and watch love stories unfold against our state's breathtaking backdrops.
I’ve had the opportunity to work at a lot of amazing venues but each one has their own unique charm.
However, to get the absolute most out of what Colorado has to offer, I’m going to share my top 10 wedding venues in Colorado. This list offers a variety of qualities; from rustic, to old-world European charm, and from the hip, bustling downtown of Denver, to the small-town charm of As[en and Telluride.
This list offers something for everyone. Summer is a perfect time to take a road trip and do a trial run, or two for your big day. With that in mind, here are my top 10 Colorado Wedding Venues for 2023.
Aspen
Almost everyone has heard of the little, celebrity studded ski town of Aspen. It’s easy to be left spellbound by the awe-inspiring mountain landscapes, renowned restaurants, and opportunities for adventure. It's the perfect canvas for those seeking luxury and natural beauty. Capturing the "I do's" at The Little Nell, or on top of Aspen Mountain with its panoramic mountain views, is a dream for any top Colorado wedding photographer.
Telluride
As a Telluride wedding photographer, I have a soft spot for this place. The rugged beauty of San Sophia Overlook makes every wedding ceremony here an ethereal experience. I can't get enough of its towering peaks and the almost-fluorescent greenery.
If Aspen is a tiny bit too busy, and high style, Telluride is like traveling back in time 20 years. Want to stop in the middle of the impossibly beautiful main street and catch up with an old friend, Telluride is the place for you!
The Broadmoor, Colorado Springs
The old-world elegance of The Broadmoor is unmatched. The lake terrace, charming chapel, and mountain-view ballrooms make for spectacular photos and memories. It's easily one of the best Colorado wedding locations for couples seeking sophistication.
However, don’t let all that sophistication fool you. Colorado Springs - where the Broadmoor is located - sits just below Pikes Peak, one of the most iconic, and photographed peaks anywhere.
The Garden of the Gods Park and Nature Center, the Cave of the Winds, and for adrenaline junkies, the famous Manitou Incline uphill fitness test are all must visit locations.
Dunton Hot Springs
This secluded southwest Colorado location is part of Dunton Destinations, a collection of extraordinary, secluded, unique resorts and homes situated in the most striking locations. Colorado, Scotland, and the island of Mustique are options and are all a celebration of exceptional food & wine, active engagement with stunning natural surroundings.
Founded originally as a mining town in 1885, it was purchased by the current owner in 1994 and transformed into the picturesque alpine valley setting it is now. Dunton Hot Springs often leaves me awestruck and my couples enchanted - definitely a favorite go-to for the best Colorado wedding photographers.
Spruce Mountain Ranch, Larkspur
I’m a big fan of ranch weddings. That’s why I can't help but admire Spruce Mountain's beauty. Its lush pastures, stunning stone buildings, and scenic mountain views. For some time now, it’s been the backdrop of some of my most memorable shoots.
Vail Mountain
Even though the town of Vail is often teased by ski town competitor Aspen for being right on the busy I70 interstate highway, for couples looking to travel to Colorado to get married, it doesn’t get much better than the Wedding Deck at Vail Mountain. It’s a paradise for couples and wedding photographers alike.
Vail’s vast landscapes and incredible views provide a magical mountain setting that Colorado wedding planners come back to time and again.Devils’s Thumb Ranch, Tabernash
There’s rustic, then there’s the real deal. The raw natural beauty of Devil's Thumb Ranch with the stunning backdrop of the Rocky Mountains is simply breathtaking. I've captured some of my most cherished moments here, making it one of my top Colorado wedding venues.
The Stanley Hotel, Estes Park
This iconic venue with its whimsical charm is a joy to photograph. The grand architecture and stunning Rocky Mountain backdrop set the stage for some magical, and sometimes quirky, wedding photographs.
Once you get past its link to the scary, Jack Nicholson film, the Shining, there’s a lot to love about the area. Located at the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park, and just above the trendy college town of Boulder, Estes Park is a perfect basecamp for fishing, hiking, and perfect, sun-drenched picnics.
Denver Botanic Gardens
Like the idea of staying closer to the trendy mile-high city of Denver, every visit to the Denver Botanic Gardens is like stepping into a colorful wonderland. The best Colorado wedding photographers have long taken advantage of the vibrant blooms and lush greenery that surrounds the locally favorite location.
The Botanic Gardens has long hosted private parties and events. It’s a bit of an insider’s spot. Plus, if you want to learn about biodiversity or how to create a climate-friendly summer garden, they have the answer for you!
The Brown Palace Hotel, Denver
As long as we’re right here in Denver, let’s take a close look at the original downtown landmark hotel. I can't help but admire the historic elegance of The Brown Palace Hotel. The intricate architecture and luxurious interiors always add a timeless appeal to my photos.
If you’re looking for a seamless wedding, the Brown Palace hotel has you covered.
The historic property is home to distinctive wedding spaces serving guest lists from 50 to 350 people. Their wedding managers, floral designers, culinary experts, pastry chefs, and audiovisual technicians have in many cases, decades of experience to make sure your wedding day goes off without a hitch.
Being a Colorado wedding photographer means falling in love with the state's stunning vistas and unique venues over and over again. From dreamy outdoor weddings in Aspen, Telluride, Tabernash, and Larkspur, to made-for-Instagram ceremonies at the iconic Stanley, Brown Palace, and Broadmoor hotels, every location presents a new opportunity to create lasting memories.
Choosing your dream wedding venue is a big step in the right direction. Then, make sure that your wedding photographer offers a lot more than perfect photos. At the end of the day, the job description of “wedding photographer” has often required me to function more like a wedding planning swiss army knife.
You want to hire a wedding photographer who has a deep understanding of, and appreciates your venue as much as you do. Once you’ve done that, your Colorado wedding is pointed in the right direction. You don’t need to worry about searching for a wedding photographer near you.
I've worked all over Colorado (and the Southwest), understand the special magic that makes Colorado a magnet for summer weddings, and can't wait to be a part of your special day.
In the end, Colorado has something for everyone. What’s amazing is the way that Colorado can seamlessly combine luxury, and the raw beauty of nature. Colorado offers a wide array of venues that cater to all preferences and budgets. If you’re looking for something a little different, let’s put our heads together and come up with something as individual as you are.
After all, your Colorado wedding is probably going to involve a lot of teamwork. Let’s get started!
