My favorite unique wedding venues in Colorado

I might be a little biased to photographing weddings in my home base of Breckenridge and Summit County, but Colorado is full of gorgeous and unique wedding venues all over the state.

There are some really cookie-cutter wedding venues out there, but equally some amazing and unique ones. Here’s is a list of some of my favorite wedding venues in Colorado that have really stood out to me.

Table of Contents

• Denver/Front Range Wedding Venues
• Vail Wedding Venues
• Aspen Wedding Venues
• Mountain Wedding Venues

Denver Wedding Venues/Front Range

1. Manor House

One of my favorite wedding venues on the front range and right outside of ‘Denver proper.’

This is a wedding photographer’s dream with gorgeous, beautiful naturally lit indoor spaces, amazing views, and attention to detail in every space.

Interior, exterior, it’s perfect. A very modern, classic, and timeless venue. The space itself is gorgeous so you can either jazz it up with your decor or keep it simple with the natural beauty.

Capacity: up to 200 guests

2. Lyons Farmette

As a lover of all. the. animals, greenhouses, gardening, and a cozy feel, this little gem of a venue is one of my absolute favorites. If an outdoor garden wedding is your dream, 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 fun decor.

A true farm-to-table wedding. It’s perfect. So so perfect. The perfect venue for an outdoor dinner under the stars. In the cutest little town of Lyons, Colorado, it’s closeish to Denver and so worth the short drive.

Capacity: up to 125 guests

3. Cherokee Ranch and Castle

This is such a unique one! First of all, did you know there are castles in Colorado?! I didn’t.

This venue is just outside of Colorado Springs with amazing history (and history tours of the castle!), amazing views and gorgeous architecture.

Capacity: up to 150 guests

Vail Wedding Venues

4. Piney River Ranch

If you’re looking for insane mountain views with a touch of glamping flare, Piney River Ranch is your place. Gosh, I love this venue.

A bit of a trek to get to as it’s a bumpy, long dirt road just outside of Vail, Colorado. If you can handle a touch of ruggedness, this is your place.

They have it all with their views, lake, canoeing, camping, hiking, and cabins. It’s perfect for couples who love the outdoors and want an EPIC view.

Capacity: up to 200 guests

Availability: June-September

5. Vail Wedding Deck – Holy Cross

Such a classic and always so gorgeous. Tucked away at the top of Vail Ski Resort, it makes mountain weddings easy! You can host your wedding ceremony up here and then have a little down time for your guests to either enjoy Vail or head to the reception.

Super unique and fun experience as you take the Gondola up and plenty of space for all your guests to watch you say I do!

*Do note that they book multiple weddings a day on the deck so they ask you to leave the area for their next group pretty quickly. There’s still enough time for your ceremony and to do all your group photos, but I don’t always love the feeling of rushing a little more.

Capacity: up to 180 guests

Availability: June-September

6. Camp Hale

A gorgeous private wedding venue tucked away outside of Vail, Colorado.

The ceremony ‘island’ is the perfect backdrop to tie the knot and their tent is the perfect way to incorporate the outdoors, the mountains, but stay dry in the elements.

Bonus points for the stocked pond so your guests can fish during cocktail hour.

Aspen Wedding Venues

7. Pine Creek Cookhouse

If you’re looking around the Aspen area, this is yet again, an unreal wedding venue. The views are to. die. for. Take my word.

Capacity: up to 160 guests

Availability: Closed April-June

Outdoor Colorado wedding venues

8. Black Mountain Lodge

This one is for my mountain people! Have you ever wanted to take a chairlift to get to your wedding? Perfect. This is for you!

A true mountain wedding at a favorite local ski resort, Arapahoe Basin. You and all your guests will take the chairlifts up the mountain and will bring you right to the venue. Another venue with UNREAL views and so unique and fun for all of your guests (as long as they’re okay with heights ;). )

Capacity: up to 200 guests

Availability: June-September

9. The Barn at Sunset Ranch

Bonus points for this amazing venue in my favorite little town of Buena Vista for it’s price!

The ceremony backdrop is to die for and the interior is so clean and ready for all your decor!

Capacity: up to 160 guests

10. Surf Hotel

Another favorite in Buena Vista, this hotel is right in the heart of BV right on the river. This hotel has drool-worthy decor, yet feels like you’re tucked away in Europe with its European-inspired architecture.

Their ballroom is perfect for a giant, western band to keep the Colorado roots strong and your people happy. Love this place.

Capacity: up to 150 guests

11. Dunton Hot Springs

I’ll end this with maybe the most epic wedding venue in Colorado.

If you’re looking for that epic rustic, luxury, remote mountain Colorado wedding venue, look no further. This is what wedding dreams are made of. Did I mention remote?

Weddings require a full buyout of the town (your own ghost town), but elopements can be added onto your lodging!

This has been a bucket list venue since I’ve been a photographer in Colorado!

Different areas of Colorado to tie the knot

It’s important to consider that Colorado has such diverse areas ranging from city life in Denver, to small quaint mountain towns at high altitude, and you can’t forget the mountain biking and winery mecca on the Western Slope.

Mountain towns

So many amazing quaint mountain towns in Colorado! If you want to get married in a winter wonderland or just looking for epic mountain views, there’s an endless selection from Breckenridge, Aspen, Telluride, Vail, Crested Butte, and many more!

You’ll find anything from a luxury downtown feel in Aspen to a charming, fun downtown in Breckenridge.

These mountain towns usually sit around 9000ft so be sure to check on weather, accommodation prices, and transportation from the Denver airport to make sure you’re prepared!

Front Range

Is city life with a touch of nature more your style? If you’re looking for urban venues, Downtown Denver has many options! Look at venues on the towns outside of Denver if you’re looking for a little more nature or potential for mountain views.

Desert areas

Maybe your speed is sipping wine at a local winery in Palisade. Or maybe you’re spending the day mountain biking and rock climbing. A little lower in elevation from the mountain towns, these towns will bring warmer temperatures and adventure!

You may find that the further west you go, the fewer the crowds! *Usually*