Best Venues for Small Mountain Weddings in Colorado
Colorado’s stunning scenery and simple process for getting legally married (hello, self-solemnizing) make it a dream location for couples planning an elopement or intimate wedding. For couples expecting more than 15 guests, I recommend considering a small venue for the ceremony and celebrations. From luxurious mountain lodges to budget-friendly outdoor views, there’s a venue or ceremony space in Colorado for every couple’s style and budget.
Why Choose an Intimate Wedding Venue in Colorado?
Guest Count: If you plan to have more than 15 guests, I always recommend renting a venue for your ceremony and celebrations. If you have fewer than 35 guests, one of the outdoor ceremony rental spaces or a rental lodge is a great option. Free forest land has guest-count regulations, and I cannot guarantee privacy with that many people in attendance. If you have over 40 people, I would consider a more traditional small wedding venue with additional amenities and packages.
Affordability: Some Colorado ceremony venues require only a small permit fee or have low rental costs, especially those in state or national parks, making them a great option for a reserved ceremony location. This way, you can know your ceremony spot is guaranteed. These locations also often allow for decorations, chairs, and other “props,” which are forbidden at many free forest land areas without a special use permit.
Convenience: Renting a venue or ceremony site gives you peace of mind, knowing that you have a designated location for your wedding ceremony and celebration. No one wants to walk up to a free outdoor location on their wedding day and see a bunch of people there!
Seclusion: If you rent a private space, you will likely have it all to yourself. Note that at some rentable outdoor venues, the public can still access the area around your ceremony location (e.g., Sapphire Point or Rocky Mountain National Park).
Ceremony at 3-M Curve in Rocky Mountain National Park
Affordable and Intimate Outdoor Venues
While there are a ton of amazing outdoor places to get married for free in Colorado, a rented venue is recommended for events with more than 15 guests. Here’s a short list of my favorite outdoor venues in Colorado for a ceremony, each accommodating up to 35 guests.
1. Maroon Bells Amphitheater – Aspen
Location: Aspen, CO
Capacity: Up to 50 guests
Unique Features: Known for being one of the most photographed spots in Colorado, this venue boasts a dramatic backdrop of the Maroon Bells and reflective lakes.
Cost: $200 for the permit
Pros: At just $200 for a permit, it’s an incredibly affordable option for a world-class mountain setting.
Cons: Can only book weekdays, and this spot books out extremely fast!
2. Rocky Mountain National Park - Estes Park
Location: Estes Park, CO
Capacity: Varies by location; typically up to 30 guests
Cost: $300 special use fee (2 hours)
Unique Features: With multiple ceremony sites, including Sprague Lake, 3M Curve, and Bear Lake, couples can choose their ideal natural backdrop.
Pros: A wedding here offers true immersion in nature and permits are inexpensive, making it ideal for intimate gatherings.
Cons: Books out very quickly, the permit doesn’t keep others recreating in the park from using the same spot, and the park gets very busy!
3. Top of the Pines – Ridgway
Location: Ridgway, CO
Capacity: Up to 50 guests
Cost: $1,000 for a single weekday - includes meadow and pavilion use
Unique Features: Located near the San Juan Mountains, this venue offers 360-degree views of peaks, meadows, and forests.
Pros: Affordable for use in multiple areas and a full day
Cons: The price goes up considerably for weekend/ multi-day use
4. Windy Point Campground – Frisco/ Breckenridge
Location: Dillon, CO
Capacity: Up to 25 guests
Cost: $250-$500: includes rental of either the forest or lake group spot and overnight use
Unique Features: This hidden gem provides lakefront views and access to hiking trails for adventurous couples.
Pros: It’s an affordable and intimate venue that feels far from the crowds and includes camping
Cons: The area is a bit busy
5. Sapphire Point – Frisco
Location: Frisco, CO
Capacity: Up to 35 guests
Unique Features: Overlooking Dillon Reservoir, Sapphire Point offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and the lake.
Cost: $128 for the permit
Pros: As one of Colorado’s most budget-friendly venues, it’s perfect for an intimate ceremony with unbeatable views. Permits are affordable and easily accessible.
Cons: Renting the space does not prevent people from using the trail, so hikers and tourists can walk right up during your ceremony.
6. Julia’s Deck – Vail
Location: Vail, CO
Capacity: Up to 20 guests
Cost: Varies
Unique Features: A charming wooden platform nestled in the forest, Julia’s Deck is an enchanting spot for a small ceremony.
Why It’s Special: It’s wheelchair accessible and surrounded by serene beauty, making it a perfect choice for small, meaningful weddings.
7. Garden of the Gods – Colorado Springs
Location: Colorado Springs, CO
Capacity: Up to 50 guests (varies by ceremony location)
Cost: Free for ceremonies; $50 special use permit for larger groups
Pros: Iconic red rock formations create a dramatic backdrop. Free access to a variety of sites.Easily accessible and close to downtown amenities.
Cons: Popular tourist destination, so privacy can be limited. Limited options for formal receptions on-site.
8. San Sophia Overlook – Telluride
Location: Telluride, CO
Capacity: Up to 200 guests
Cost: Starts at $5,500 for a ceremony
Pros: Unparalleled views of the San Juan Mountains. Gondola-accessible, adding a unique and memorable element for guests. Fully customizable ceremony setups.
Cons: Higher cost compared to other outdoor rental venues. Requires additional planning for receptions off-site.
9. Great Sand Dunes National Park – Mosca
Location: Mosca, CO
Capacity: Up to 25 guests (for most ceremony locations)
Cost: $200 special-use permit
Pros: Unique and surreal landscape of towering sand dunes. Affordable option for a one-of-a-kind wedding venue. Perfect for adventurous couples who want dramatic, cinematic photos.
Cons: Limited shade and amenities; can be extremely hot or windy. Requires some hiking to access the most scenic spots on the dunes.
10. Woods Walk – Crested Butte
Location: Crested Butte, CO
Capacity: Up to 100 guests
Cost: $1,500 donation to the Crested Butte Land Trust
Pros: A scenic, short trail with a natural clearing perfect for ceremonies surrounded by aspen trees and wildflowers in the summer. Easily accessible and close to downtown Crested Butte for post-ceremony celebrations.
Cons: Limited parking options. No formal reception spaces on-site.
Ceremony at a VRBO rental in Silverthorne
VRBO / Rental Home That Allow Events
If you have 15-30 ish guests and want to book a space that can be used for your ceremony, lodging, and celebrations, a large rental home that allows events is the perfect choice. This way, you have a private space for your event that also offers lodging! It’s important to note that you CANNOT use Airbnb to book rentals for events, per a change in their guidelines a few years ago. I recommend you do not try to bypass these rules, as you can receive a fine or even be evicted from your rental property immediately, which would be an unfortunate way to spend your wedding day!
You can, however, still host events at select VRBO rentals or book a rental property directly through a property manager. When searching, simply select “Events Allowed” from the filters. Always confirm with the host via a message before booking to clarify event guidelines like the number of people permitted, extra event fees, etc.
You can also look for rentals that are managed by a property company and book directly through them. Here are a few of my favorite rentals that allow small events/ celebrations in Colorado and also provide lodging!
Timber Creek Lodge — Salida
Up to 30 Guests
The Observatory at Alta Lakes — Telluride
Up to 45 guests (less for lodging)
Spruce Creek Lodge — Breckenridge
25 guests for events; sleeps 10
Little Mountain Lodge — Breckenridge
25 people for events
Large Modern Home - Silverthorne
20 for events; sleeps 15
Extra Large Home - Copper Mountain
~25 guests for events; events must be approved
Whispering River Ranch — Breckenridge
Varies - events must be approved by management
35-Acre Mountain Estate — Crested Butte
Sleeps 23; varies for events
The Lodge at Carolina in the Pines - Silverthorne
Sleeps 28; varies for events
Ceremony in Beaver Creek
More Traditional Outdoor Venues in Colorado
For couples with a slightly larger guest list or those wanting a more curated and traditional experience with options for receptions, rehearsal dinners, etc., consider one of these iconic Colorado venues:
Breckenridge & Vail (and surrounding towns)
Black Mountain Lodge at Arapahoe Basin
Keystone Ranch Golf Course in Keystone
Ten Mile Station in Breckenridge
The Lodge in Breckenridge
The Pad in Silverthorne
Holy Cross Event Deck at Vail
Piney River Ranch in Vail
Beano’s Cabin in Beaver Creek
Wedding at the Surf Hotel in Buena Vista, CO
Buena Vista & Salida
The Surf Chateau & Hotel in Buena Vista
The Barn at Sunset Ranch in Buena Vista
The Lodge at Deer Valley Ranch in Salida
Terrace on Main in Buena Vista (great place to host an intimate reception)
Shaws River Ranch in Salida
Everett Ranch in Salida
Crested Butte & Aspen
Mountain Wedding Garden in Crested Butte
Pine Creek Cookhouse in Aspen
T-Lazy-7 Ranch in Aspen
Snowmass Wedding Terrace in Aspen/ Snowmass
San Juan Mountains - Telluride, Ouray, Silverton
San Sophia Overlook in Telluride
Dunton Hot Springs in Telluride
Telluride Ski Resort in Telluride
Mountain Lodge in Telluride
Gold Mountain Ranch in Ouray
The Wyman Hotel in Silverton
Wedding ceremony at Sapphire Point
Tips for Planning Your Small Outdoor Wedding
Book Early: Whether you’re booking a traditional venue or a smaller permitted outdoor location, these popular spots book out well in advance. I would book as far out as you can—1 year to 8 months is a good timeframe.
Check Accessibility: Ensure your venue is accessible for all your guests. Consider factors such as elevation, accessibility for older guests, and whether chairs are permitted.
Hire a Local Photographer: Trust someone local to the area to help you plan the elopement or wedding of your dreams.
Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly mountaintop ceremony or a luxurious lodge celebration, Colorado has a venue to match your vision. Ready to start planning? Contact us for guidance or share your dream venue ideas in the comments below!
Contact me today to help you plan your intimate Colorado wedding!