When I think about the best places to get married in Colorado, I feel a flutter in my chest. There’s something about this state that just makes love feel bigger. The skies open wide, the air is crisp, and the land invites you to slow down and really be present. As a wedding photographer who has worked in every kind of weather and landscape here, I can honestly say that Colorado is one of the most soulful places to begin a life together.
I remember one winter afternoon in Aspen. The snow was falling in that quiet way that makes everything feel sacred. The bride had a wrap around her shoulders and tears in her eyes as she spoke her vows. The groom squeezed her hand a little tighter just before he spoke. There were only ten guests, a roaring fire behind them, and the mountains standing watch. That moment still lives with me.
We know the land, the light, and how to make a wedding day feel meaningful and personal. Whether you’re saying your vows at the edge of a mountain, in a field of wildflowers, or somewhere quiet and tucked away, there’s a space here that’s just right for you.
This guide will walk you through some of the most unforgettable places to get married in Colorado. From snowy cabins to red rock canyons, each location has its own rhythm and feeling. I’ll also share what to expect, what’s nearby, and what kind of memories you’ll create in each spot.
Mountain Majesty for Your Ceremony
There’s something sacred about the mountains. It’s more than the height or the views, because there’s a feeling that comes with being there that’s hard to explain.
I’ve photographed weddings where couples stood barefoot in wildflowers, and others where they snowshoed out to a quiet ridge for a winter elopement. Every time, it feels personal. And every photo tells a story you’ll never forget.
Here’s a quick comparison to help you choose the mountain setting that fits your style:
Colorado Mountain Wedding Venue Comparison
| Location | Backdrop Vibe | Best Seasons | Guest Capacity | Permit Required | What to Expect |
| Maroon Bells | Calm alpine lake and jagged peaks | Late Spring to Fall | Up to 50 | Yes | Quiet, breathtaking views. Shuttle access only. Fall colors are stunning. |
| Telluride | Mountain ridges and old-town charm | Year-Round | Varies | Sometimes | Gondola rides to the ceremony. Feels exclusive but laid back. Fall is magic here. |
| Estes Park (RMNP) | Rugged cliffs and pine forest | Spring to Fall | 20–100 | Yes | Feels wild and open. Great for couples who love nature. Permits are required. |
| Vail & Beaver Creek | Green meadows or winter snow | Summer or Winter | 100+ | Sometimes | Peaceful and refined. Access to gondolas and upscale stays. Breathtaking at all times. |
| Breckenridge | Forests, ski town, open skies | Late Spring to Winter | 20–150 | Sometimes | Feels relaxed and welcoming. A great mix of mountain beauty and small-town charm. |
Many of these are also perfect micro wedding venues. If you’re planning something smaller and more intentional, these mountain settings offer quiet, unforgettable backdrops that don’t require a huge guest list to feel special.
Plan for shifting weather. The light changes fast here and the air cools quickly in the evenings. But that’s part of the beauty.
Red Rock and Desert-Inspired Beauty
Colorado isn’t just peaks and snow. The southern and central parts of the state are full of warm red tones, wide open trails, and bold rock formations. Places like Garden of the Gods and Red Rocks Amphitheatre feel like they were made for something ancient and sacred.
I once photographed a couple in Red Rock Canyon at sunset. The bride wore a hat and boots. The groom carried their vows in his pocket. It was just them, a few guests, and the softest orange light spilling over the stone behind them. It felt raw in the best way.
If you’re looking for micro wedding venues with natural drama and space to breathe, these desert-style backdrops are full of emotion, especially when the light hits just right.
Urban and Garden Venues with City Spirit
Not every wedding needs to feel wild. Some of the most beautiful places to get married in Colorado are tucked into the cities. Denver and Boulder offer a balance of elegance and convenience. You can host your ceremony under garden trees and then walk to a cocktail hour at a rooftop bar with mountain views in the distance.
I love these weddings because they blend nature with structure. One spring wedding in Denver had long tables under blooming trees, candles flickering as the sun went down, and laughter echoing through the garden. Everything felt alive.
These venues usually offer more comfort, easier parking, and weather backup plans. They’re also great for larger weddings or guests coming in from out of town.
Cozy Winter Weddings in Colorado
Snow in Colorado feels different. It softens everything. It adds calm. It turns a simple space into something cinematic.
Winter weddings are often smaller and more intimate, which makes them especially meaningful. I once photographed a couple who brought just their siblings and parents to a quiet lodge. The snow fell through the ceremony and their dog curled up at their feet. It felt like they had the whole world to themselves.
Bring layers. Warm drinks. Cozy textures. And know that winter light is some of the most beautiful you’ll ever see.
Historic Homes and Quiet Ranches
Some couples want charm over drama. Colorado has that too. There are historic homes with ivy-covered balconies and ranches with wooden fences and fields that stretch forever.
I remember one late summer wedding on a family-owned ranch. The ceremony was under a giant cottonwood. Guests sat on benches covered in quilts. And as the sun went down, fireflies blinked along the edges of the field. It was quiet and real and deeply romantic.
These places tend to be private and low-key. They offer space to slow down, connect, and celebrate at your own pace.
Tips for Planning Around Light and Weather
Colorado has some of the most dynamic lights I’ve ever worked with. It can shift quickly, but when the timing is right, it feels like the world is shining just for you.
Golden hour in the mountains comes earlier than in the city. Fall light feels rich and deep. Winter light reflects off the snow in a way that makes everything glow.
I always recommend choosing ceremony times with light in mind. Talk to your photographer about it. Be flexible. And bring a cozy layer just in case the clouds roll in.
FAQ: How Much Do Wedding Venues Cost in Colorado?
Wedding venue costs in Colorado vary depending on the location and season. Public areas like Garden of the Gods can be free with a permit, while luxury resorts in places like Aspen or Vail often start around $5,000 to $10,000. Smaller venues, ranches, or historic homes may fall in between, especially in less peak months.
Final Thoughts
Choosing where to get married in Colorado is really about choosing how you want to feel. Whether it’s quiet and cozy, wild and dramatic, or simple and soulful, there’s a place here that fits your story.
At Maggshots Photography, I bring more than a camera. I bring care, experience, and a deep love for capturing moments that actually matter. Whether you’re eloping in the snow or dancing under string lights in a garden, I’ll be there to help you feel calm, confident, and fully present.
Your wedding in Colorado is not just an event. It’s a memory. It’s a feeling. And I would be honored to photograph it for you.










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