Quick guide to choosing

an outdoor wedding venue in Colorado

A mountain wedding ceremony takes place under a wooden arch decorated with orange fabric and florals with a scenic backdrop.
A mountain wedding ceremony takes place under a wooden triangle arch overlooking a scenic lake and hills.
A romantic couple walks hand in hand through a meadow with snow-capped peaks in the background.
If you are drawn to the breath taking mountain views that Colorado has to offer here are some things to consider when planning your wedding in Colorado...


  • The weather in the summer months can change suddenly. The good news is it typically doesn't last long if there is a thunderstorm. If the thought of lightening on your wedding day terrifies you, you might consider eloping at 10,000 ft. or below vs 13,000+.  You might also look into affordable wedding venues that have shelter available to wait out the storm. Having a large, clear umbrella for photos is a MUST. We usually bring one when we photograph weddings in the Colorado mountains, but you should bring one as well!  Embracing the rain isn't a bad thing, it can make for some epic photos!See this blog for those venue recommendations
  • High elevation can be dangerous for out-of-staters.  Actually...I'm a Colorado native who happens to be asthmatic. I too, struggle at elevations above 10,000 ft.  Combat this by bringing plenty of water and electrolytes. You can also buy cans of oxygen at just about any grocery store, just FYI. If you plan to consume alcohol and aren't used to the elevation, take it easy. It doesn't take much to get a buzz going at these elevations with minimal oxygen!
  • Tourism tends to cause crowding in the small mountain towns, so be prepared for the weekends to be busier than week days. Speaking of week days, a lot of the wedding venues charge less if you book them on a week day vs. a weekend.
  • Outfit planning is very important to consider when planning to elope or get married in Colorado. You want to keep in mind to have a long sleeve (CUTE) jacket to wear over your gown for the cold moments.  There can be breezes, but fear not because it is so flattering with flowy gowns. Comfortable shoes are a must! Depending on the terrain, you might consider bringing hiking boots to change into temporarily for any hiking or mud.  
A newlywed couple poses with a vintage red tractor on their rustic farm wedding day.
Groom in black suit with orange tie adjusts cufflinks against wooden cabin interior.