My favorite unique wedding venues in Colorado

I might be a little biased toward photographing weddings in my home base of Breckenridge and Summit County, but Colorado is full of some of the most epic wedding venues all over the state. From mountain lodges and outdoor ceremony sites with stunning views to smaller, modern spaces, there are plenty of incredible options that are far from cookie-cutter.

Rather than focusing on a long list of traditional venues, this guide highlights my favorite Colorado wedding venues that stand out for their setting, experience, and overall vibe. Below is a list of unique wedding venues in Colorado that I recommend to couples planning an unforgettable wedding day with their friends and family.

Table of Contents

• Denver & Front Range Wedding Venues
• Mountain Town & Resort Wedding Venues
• Remote & Destination Wedding Venues

Denver & Front Range Wedding Venues

Manor House

Manor House is one of my favorite wedding venues on the Front Range, located just outside of Denver in Littleton.

This space is a wedding photographer’s dream with gorgeous, naturally lit indoor spaces, amazing views, and attention to detail perfect for couples who want something timeless.

Capacity: up to 200 guests
Location: Littleton, Colorado
Venue website: The Manor House

Lyons Farmette

As someone who loves all animals, greenhouses, and flowers, The Lyons Farmette is easily one of my favorite outdoor wedding venues in Colorado. If your dream is an outdoor farm or garden wedding, be sure to check this venue out. It’s full of lush greenery, giant trees, fresh flowers, greenhouses, llamas, chickens, and lots of unique and rustic decor.

The Lyons Farmette is a true farm-to-table wedding. The perfect venue for an outdoor dinner under the stars. Located in the town of Lyons, Colorado, it’s just outside of the Denver area and feels tucked away without being too remote.

Capacity: up to 125 guests
Location: Lyons, Colorado
Venue website: Lyons Farmette

Cherokee Ranch and Castle

If you’re looking for something different and historic, check out, Cherokee Ranch & Castle. Located just outside of Colorado Springs, the property has a mix of beautiful architecture, historical artifacts, and stunning grounds with mountain views. Who knew there were actual castles in Colorado?

It’s a great fit for couples who love antiques, history and architecture. The venue also offers guided castle tours for your guests for a fun and unique experience.

Capacity: up to 150 guests
Location: Sedalia, Colorado
Venue website: Cherokee Ranch and Caste

Mountain Town & Resort Wedding Venues

Surf Hotel

The Surf Hotel is a beautiful hotel and venue in Buena Vista for couples who want modern design, but still a love of the outdoors. This hotel is right in the heart of BV, on the river with an elevated restaurant with incredible food and cocktails and feels like you’re in Europe with European-inspired architecture.

There are many on-site spaces and areas for different parts of your day and options for different sizes of weddings. It’s a great option if you want something a little different than a traditional mountain lodge.

Capacity: up to 250 guests (smaller spaces available for intimate weddings)
Location: Buena Vista, Colorado
Venue website: Surf Hotel

Vail Wedding Deck Holy Cross

The Vail wedding deck is a classic mountain ceremony location, tucked away at the top of Vail Ski Resort. It’s a fun and unique experience as you and your guests take the gondola up the mountain which opens up to the most beautiful high-alpine views.

One thing to be aware of is that the deck hosts multiple ceremonies per day, so you have a limited window for using the space. There’s still plenty of time for the ceremony and group photos, but it does move a bit faster than a private venue.

Capacity: up to 180 guests
Location: Vail, Colorado
Venue website: Vail Wedding Deck
Availability: Mid-June – Mid-September

Planning a wedding in Vail? Check out my Vail Wedding Guide here →

Black Mountain Lodge

Black Mountain Lodge is a true mountain wedding venue located at Arapahoe Basin Ski Resort, and getting there is a part of the experience. Couples and guests take the chairlift up the mountain to the lodge, which makes your day feel adventurous and very Colorado from the start.

As long as your guests are comfortable with chairlifts and elevation, it’s a fun option for a mountain wedding.

Capacity: up to 200 guests
Location: Dillon, Colorado
Venue website: Black Mountain Lodge
Availability: End of June – Mid-September

Remote & Destination Wedding Venues

Piney River Ranch

If you’re looking for a wedding venue in the mountains, Piney River Ranch is your place. The venue is known for one of the best views in Colorado, a private alpine lake, and a fun, remote, ‘glamping’ vibe.

Getting there does require a drive up a long, unpaved mountain road, and no cell service so it’s best suited for couples who are comfortable with a bit of ruggedness. Once you arrive, the experience is well worth it. They make it such a fun experience for you and your guests with canoeing, hiking, camping, and a few on-site cabins for guests.

This venue is a great fit for couples who love the outdoors and want their day to be immersed in nature.

Capacity: up to 200 guests
Location: Vail, Colorado
Venue website: Piney River Ranch
Availability: Mid-June – September

Camp Hale

Camp Hale is such a special and secluded wedding venue tucked outside of Vail, Colorado with wide open views and a peaceful outdoor setting.

The ceremony site is on an ‘island’ and makes the perfect backdrop to tie the knot. The reception tent is the perfect way to incorporate the outdoors and the views, but still with a luxurious feel.

They offer lots of fun experiences and even have a stocked pond so your guests can fish during cocktail hour.

Capacity: up to 250 guests & elopements
Location: Vail, Colorado
Venue website: Camp Hale

Pine Creek Cookhouse

If you’re looking around the Aspen area, the views from Pine Creek Cookhouse are one of the best. Take my word. It’s tucked away in a secluded and gorgeous and lush valley without cell service, yet not too out.

The setting works well for couples who want a more intimate and private feel with a focus on the epic landscape.

Check out a real wedding a Pine Creek Cookhouse

Capacity: up to 160 guests
Location: Aspen, Colorado
Venue website: Pine Creek Cookhouse
Availability: Closed April-June

The Barn at Sunset Ranch

Located in Buena Vista, The Barn at Sunset Ranch has beautiful views of Mount Princeton and the perfect low-key setting for your wedding day. The ceremony space has wide open mountain views and the indoor space is clean, modern and perfect for whatever decor or style you want.

It’s a great option for couples who want a true Colorado setting with easier access than some higher-alpine venues while being budget friendly.

Capacity: up to 160 guests
Location: Buena Vista, Colorado
Venue website: The Barn at Sunset Ranch

Dunton Hot Springs

I’ll end this with maybe the most epic wedding venue in Colorado. Dunton Hot Springs is tucked away remotely in the San Juan Mountains and feels completely removed from the outside world in the best way.

The venue is a restored ghost town turned luxury resort, which is such a fun, intimate destination venue unlike anything else. Weddings require a full buyout of the property, giving you and your guests complete privacy, while elopements can be added onto a regular lodging stay.

Capacity: Elopements up to 52 guests and 68 in summer
Location: Dolores, Colorado
Venue website: Dunton Hot Springs

Different areas of Colorado to tie the knot

One of the biggest decisions when planning a Colorado wedding is choosing where in the state to get married. Colorado has such a wide range of settings, from urban venues near Denver to high-altitude mountain towns and warmer, lower-elevation areas on the Western Slope. Each region is a very different experience.

Mountain Towns

Colorado’s mountain towns are known for their mountain views and slower pace, perfect for couples looking for mountain views like Breckenridge, Aspen, Telluride, and Vail.

Planning a Breckenridge wedding? Check out my Breckenridge Wedding Venue guide →

Front Range

The Front Range is a good option for couples who want to be closer to the city with more urban and modern spaces.

Western Slope & Desert Areas

Colorado’s Western Slope feels completely different, with lower elevation, warmer temperatures, and a more laid-back atmosphere. Areas like Palisade are known for wineries and beautiful desert landscapes.