Location and Venue Information
Florists: Many florists will live near your venue or wedding location, which is the most convenient option for your wedding. Sometimes, that will make their expenses a little higher than those living in Colorado Springs or Denver, such a delivery fees and even shipping flowers to their hometown. Keep in mind that we are in a nationwide flower shortage due to the pandemic, so we will all need to be a little flexible on floral designs. If budget is a concern or if you love a florist from Denver or Colorado Springs, you might be able to pick up the florals locally and drive them yourself to your venue.
Catering: Many caterers either have their own alcohol services that you must use, or they outsource those services. If they outsource, they will have a list of companies they trust and likely collaborate with to create a great experience. If you find a caterer you like and they don’t include beverages, I’d stick to one of their beverage recommendations. Some of these venues listed have Vendor Recommendations on their website, so I would browse those to see which catering you like. If they don't have vendor recommendations, I included caterers I saw from personal experience, other blogs, or wedding reviews.
Rentals: Most rental companies are use to traveling long distances, since most either own or rent a large truck to fit all their tables, decor, etc. Most of these venues listed already have tables and chairs included. If you wanted fancy goblets, and just a few small items, I would recommend two options. First, hiring a rental will save you the headache in the long run, and then they can include more items (goblets, plates, sofa, arbor, etc.) in your package. Second, if you need items but don’t want to pay their delivery fees, you can ask if you can transport the items with some sort of refundable deposit that will cover any potential broken items. For my wedding, I purchased everything (Amazon or thrifted) I used at my wedding - it was great to save a little money upfront, but then I had to figure out what to do with scores of goblets, vases, etc. It was such a hassle to sell truthfully, and while I made half of what I spent, it wasn’t worth the headache in my opinion. This is why I recommend renting some items, unless you are having a very intimate wedding and/or elopement.
You can view my wedding recommendations here.
Three Peaks Ranch
Three Peaks Ranch is a family-owned modern ranch and wedding venue just outside of Westcliffe, Colorado. There is a stunning indoor/outdoor canvas barn that looks out over the 14ers. The outdoor deck can accommodate your whole wedding as you sit under the twinkle lights and gaze up at the stars. Stay in one of the two modern farmhouses on the property that can sleep 6 people.
It is about 3 hours west from Denver, 1.5 hours west from Colorado Springs, and 5 hours east from Grand Junction.
this video and its rights belongs to Three Peak Ranch
The venue (a personal dream to photograph an intimate wedding here) said it best, so I am going to quote their website here. “We're here to help you make it as memorable as possible. When you rent our venue you are getting private, exclusive access to the entire ranch! We give you a full weekend wedding experience which includes overnight accommodations in our (3) modern, luxury cabins for two nights and bus service for 56 people to shuttle the rest of your guests to the venue and back to their accommodations. You'll create memories that you will cherish forever! Our venue is perfectly sized for up to 100 guests. This allows you to fit all of your guests under one roof and have your reception, ceremony and dancing all under cover in the event of inclement weather. We provide chairs for the reception & ceremony site. You may have your rehearsal/welcome dinner, brunch, ceremony and reception for no extra site fees - it's all included! The ceremony site is dotted with wildflowers and a beautiful boardwalk leading up to it from the Canvas barn. All fees & taxes are included in the pricing package!”
Capacity-
The venue has enough chairs, tables, and linens for 100 guests.
Venue space options;
Outdoor/Indoor Ceremony option
Outdoor/Indoor Reception option
Cocktail hour area
Two cabins (sleeps 4)
One main cabin (sleeps 2)
The Gathering Place (kitchen, dining area, living area, fireplace)
Nearby Lodging-
Westcliffe, Colorado is a small and quiet mountain nearby the venue. Here is there list for local lodging. However, the small town of Salida is a short drive and there are amazing restaurants and places to stay like, Manhattan Hotel Salida or Amigo Motor Lodge!
Venue Includes-
+ 3 days/2 nights of exclusive use of the ranch included in cost
+ Up to 100 guests
+ Overnight lodging for 6 guests for 2 nights
+ Includes: Bus Service for 56 people for 8 hours
+ Canvas Barn, Gathering Place & two Modern Farm Cabins
+ Ceremony site with choice of (3) arbors
+ (10) 10' long Farm Tables and 200 wood chairs
+ Cocktail & buffet tables
+ Their Vendor Recommendation List
Restrictions-
+ You are required to hire an insured day-of-coordinator.
+ No open flames or fireworks, no glitters or confetti. No pets are allowed.
+ You may bring your own alcohol, but it is required to use their professional and insured bartender Mountain Gal Event Services. You are responsible for general clean up, and the venue will be responsible for the floor, bathrooms, and other venue things.
Three Peaks Ranch wedding cost-
+ For a wedding up to 100 guests, Three Peaks Ranch will let you have the whole weekend to yourself for $12,000. That includes 3 days/2 nights of exclusive use of the ranch, as well as overnight lodging for 6-10 guests for 2 nights. Tables, chairs, and linens are included in that price. They have more options and information about pricing here.
Contact-
Karen Sund. www.thethreepeaksranch.com
What to do for fun? Westcliffe is famous for some of the clearest Milkyway Galaxy viewings, so you can do that at night or through a Galaxy Party, explore the very unique Bishop Castle, hike through the San Isabel National Forest, drive to Monarch Crest for a gorgeous gondola ride at another continental divide location, adventure through one of the Colorado’s best kept secrets, or visit the Great Sand Dunes National Park.
Alta Lake Observatory
The Observatory at Alta Lakes in the San Juan Mountains is about 20 minutes south of Telluride and is a stunning spot for intimate weddings and elopements. Their website could use some updating in terms of updating their photo gallery, so here are the google search images that include more recent weddings and events, including summer and fall colors.
This small Colorado mountain wedding venue is perfect for couples who want an epic view, lodging for guests, and the quietness of the mountains. The road to get to the Observatory is most accessible in the summer months of June to early October.
The setting is clearly the best part of this venue. Pine trees surrounding an epic crystal blue lake, underneath the snow capped mountains of the San Juans. The lodge is also something out of a fairytale. Rustic cabin wood frames on the outside, yet modern industrial/rustic on the inside. Guests get the Observatory for the whole weekend when they book their wedding here, and get to enjoy the luxuries of the lake such as paddle boards and canoes.
Capacity-
Technically, the venue allows up to 45 guests for weddings and it can only sleep up to 12 people. So, there are different pricing and packages for under 12 and over 12 guests. Also, the ‘off season’ (Mid-October to mid- June) is only allowed a capacity of 12 or under. The reasoning for this is the condition of the roads, and the need to rent a snowmobile to access the venue.
Venue space options;
Outdoor ceremony area by the lake
Indoor reception in the lodge
Getting ready rooms
Lodging for up to 12 guests
Nearby Lodging-
The part about booking a wedding at the Observatory at Alta Lakes would be that for small weddings, the venue can lodge up to 12 people. Anything over that, guests will need to find their own lodging. Since the venue is only 20 minutes south of Telluride, finding something there would be suggested. Many VRBO’s are seriously beautiful homes with lots of bedrooms, and people will save more money by splitting a VRBO than finding a hotel - but some hotels are affordable, like the Victorian Inn or the Hotel Telluride.
Venue Includes-
3 nights stay for summer months with up to 45 guests
2 nights stay for winter months with up to 12 guests
access to paddle boards, canoes, and hot tub
Catering Nearby
Affordable catering options (based on reviews, so it could be relative): Aemono, The Tunnel Telluride, Mountain Top Catering
Restrictions-
The venue is certainly more for the experience and adventure (and photos) because it does not provide tables/chairs/linens/etc. These will need to be provided and brought in by rental companies like Stonewood Vintage. Same goes with florists and caterers. The Observatory also requires to have port a potties onsite for guests, as well as requiring the number of cars/vehicles in the driveway be limited to six or fewer. A shuttle service like Go West Transportation or Mountain Limo Telluride is highly recommended.
Observatory at Alta Lakes wedding cost-
For the months of mid-June to early October, the pricing would be $5,500 for 12-24 guests and $8,500 for 25-45 guests. It looks like 45 guests (excluding vendors) is their max. There is also a $300 cleaning fee. This would include a three-night stay at Alta Lakes.
For the other months of the year, a 2-night stay (required) for up to 12 guests would be $3,000 plus the cleaning fee as well. (not sure if you are on the cusp of this or not) Dogs are allowed for another additional fee of $50.
Contact- Visit the website here.
What to do for fun? Telluride is a National Historic Landmark District with dozens of European styled shops and restaurants all independently owned (not a single chain store except for Ace Hardware), has the #1 ski resort in North America, and has a free Gondola that can take you to the top of mountains and another nearby town. Visit Bridal Veil Falls, visit the Orvis Hot Springs or a secret hot spring with me, rent a 4x4 jeep (or hire a jeep tour like this one or this here) to explore the mountains, hire Telluride Outfitters for any fishing, paddle boarding, white-water-rafting, off-roading adventures you want to take, or rent a bike to explore the downtown or mountain biking if that is more your speed.
The Barn at Sunset Ranch
The Barn at Sunset Ranch is a beautiful and rustic barn overlooking the breathtaking mountains in Buena Vista, CO. Ideal for sunset ceremonies and gazing at the stars, this venue is perfect for indoor and outdoor weddings. The city of Buena Vista sits in a valley surrounded by 14ers (locals call mountains that exceed 14,000ft in elevation "14ers") and provides lots of accessible activities. The venue capacity is 180 guests.
film photo from the continental divide roughly 20 minutes west of the venue.
Buena Vista is 2.5 hours west of Denver, 2 hours west of Colorado Springs, and almost 4 hours east of Grand Junction. The more notable activities include visiting some natural hot springs, exploring the river, and hiking in the mountains. The Continental Divide is a short 30 minutes west of the venue.
Venue Space Options:
+ You may bring your own wine, beer, cocktails or drink to serve at your wedding, but the alcohol must be served by the venue's drink caterer The Pour Trailer for an additional fee.
+ There are indoor and outdoor ceremony and reception options.
Venue Includes:
The Barn staff will take care of cleaning the floors and restrooms.
Wedding ceremony meadow with seating, an arch, and beautiful mountain views
20 round tables (72” in diameter) and wooden cross-back chairs for use at reception
3 long tables (72” x 30”)
Large heavy wooden table for serving (8’10”)
Large flat screen television for slide shows
Bridal Suite complete with dressing tables and mirrors
Groom’s Quarters
Heat and air conditioning for year-round comfort
Caterer’s staging area with a large commercial refrigerator
Men’s and Women’s restrooms, handicap accessible
Close parking and parking attendants with handicap accessible parking close to building
One-hour walk through prior to event
Outdoor game area
2 whiskey barrel cocktail tables on outdoor patio
Patio area with bistro lights
Nearby Lodging:
The Surf Hotel (a personal favorite of ours!)
Restrictions:
+ Requires Event Insurance
+ No open flame candles, hooks, tacks, nails, or screws.
+ Day of Coordinator not included
Cost:
+ The Venue is open April through October.
+ 2021 - 2022 venue rental is $6,500 for a day, though specific hours are unlisted.
Contact: thebarnatsunsetranch@gmail.com
What to do for fun? There are multiple hot springs nearby (like this, here, or this one), hike the continental divide, paddle board at Cottonwood Lake, go explore the historic town of Elbert, drive up to Monarch and take a gondola up for a mountain top adventure, eat some incredible food in downtown Buena Vista, or swim in the Arkansas River in Salida.
Vista View Events at Open Heart Ranch
Vista View is a family-operated venue that prioritizes privacy in the countryside and intentionality throughout the process. The venue is a 5,000 sq ft. white modern barn that has sweeping views of the surrounding environment.
The Vista View Events venue is a little over 3 hours west of Denver (summer 2021, 5.5 hours due to I-70 mudslide closures), 1 hour east of Grand Junction, and 4.5 hours northwest of Colorado Springs. Rifle, CO is the closest town to the venue, and the venue overlooks the Harvey Gap. The venue capacity is 200 people maximum, and has options for an outdoor or indoor Ceremony options and Indoor Reception.
Venue Includes:
+ Venue staff will set up tables and chairs
+ Venue from 11:30AM to 10:30PM. This includes decorating to clean up.
+ Vendor Recommendation List
+ Wedding Manager + Venue Assistant
+ 25, 5' Round Tables (8 guests at each round table)
+ 200 White Resin Chairs
+ 200 Fruitwood Chairs
+ Six, 6-foot banquet tables
+ 10 Cocktail Tables
+ Indoor & Outdoor Ceremony options
+ Getting Ready Suite
+ Waterfront Patio
+ Kitchenette
+ Exclusive Venue Use on your Wedding Day
+ 3 Indoor Bathrooms
+ Outside Vendors Allowed
+ Parking + overflow if needed
You can view a complete list of everything included here.
Nearby Lodging:
They provide a list of local lodging here.
Restrictions:
+ Flammable Liquids, Confetti or glitter, silly string, fake snow, and faux flower petals.
+ You are required to purchase event insurance.
+ A professional caterer is required, and they must provide table clearing services.
+ You may access the Harvery Gap Reservoir, but not from the venue. The venue staff will show you how to get to some great photography spots off venue property.
The Venue Cost and Fees (as of August 2021):
+ Damage Refundable Deposit of $1,000. Bar Package not included, and you can find that additional cost here.
+ The venue is closed between November - April.
+ May - October Venue Rental Price Menu:
Friday + Saturday: $6,800
Sunday: $5,800
Weekday: $5,500
*All prices can be paid in four installments
+ Ceremony + Appetizer Reception Elopement for $1550
4 Hour Rental
In-house Ceremony Arbor Inventory
In-house Table + Chair Inventory
Up to 30 Guests
Access to the entire VVE property for photos
Champagne Toast Included
On-site Venue Coordinator
**Cake and/or Appetizers permitted from approved, professional vendor
+ Ceremony Only for $975
3 Hour Rental
In-house Ceremony Arbor Inventory
In-house Table + Chair Inventory
Up to 30 Guests
Access to the entire VVE property for photos
**No Food or Drink Permitted
Contact: hello@vistaviewevents.com or their contact page here.
What to do for fun? Visit Rifle Falls State Park, drive to Grand Junction for a day or hiking and wineries, explore one of the 300 lakes inside the Grand Mesa National Forest, hike to the top of Flat Tops National Wilderness, take a day trip to Aspen, or kayak at Harvey Gap State Park.
The Lynn Britt Cabin
The Lynn Britt Cabin is in Snowmass, Colorado, near Aspen. The rustic cabin is situation amongst towering aspens, endless mountain views, and rolling meadows. The cabin is mostly used for more intimate weddings. Lynn Britt Cabin is roughly 4 hours west of Denver, 4 hours west of Colorado Springs, and 2 hours east of Grand Junction. The cabin has capacity for 60 people, and the meadow has capacity for 200. A tent would be recommended for the meadow as a rain back-up.
Venue Space Options:
Indoor or outdoor ceremony and reception. Rehearsal Dinners.
Venue Includes:
No information listed on their website.
Nearby Lodging:
The Aspen/Snowmass Lodging Website has a lot of information of local places. You can also check out Rocky Mountain Brides Aspen Guide for extra information, vendor recommendations, etc.
Restrictions:
All alcohol and food are in house and can't be outsourced.
Cost:
Winter weddings are accessible only by snowcats. Summer weddings are accessible.
The rental fee is $500/event. The ceremony fee is between $250 - 1,200/event and varies based on guest count.
The food and beverage minimum is $4,000-8,000/event. If you are not purchasing alcohol, the meals are a minimum of $49/person.
Contact: asccatering@aspensnowmass.com
What to do for fun? Give mountain biking a try, any hike found on all trails looks beautiful, make reservations to visit Maroon Bells, book an experience with Blazing Adventures, and in Winter, go dogsledding.