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 in Colorado for every couple’s style and budget.
Why Choose an Intimate Wedding Venue in Colorado?
Guest Count: If you plan to have over 15 guests, I will always recommend renting a venue for your ceremony and celebrations. If you have less than 30, one of the outdoor ceremony rental spaces or a rental lodge is a great option. Free forest lands have regulations on guest count and we cannot guarantee privacy with that many people in attendance. But over 30 people, I would consider a venue with more 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.
Convenience: Having a rented venue or ceremony spot allows you to feel secure and relaxed knowing you have a designated location for your wedding ceremony and celebration.
Seclusion: If you rent a private space, you may have it all to yourself. Note that with some outdoor venues, the public can still access the area around your ceremony spot (i.e. Sapphire Point).
Ceremony at 3-M Curve in Rocky Mountain National Park
Affordable and Intimate Outdoor Venues
Here’s a curated list of my favorite outdoor venues in Colorado for a ceremony spot only with 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. 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 is a true immersion in nature, and permits are inexpensive, making it perfect for intimate gatherings.
Cons: Books out very quickly, the permit doesn’t keep others recreating in the park from using the same spot, the park gets very busy!
3. Top of the Pines – Ridgway
Location: Ridgway, CO
Capacity: Up to 50 guests
Cost: $1,000 for 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 of 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 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 keep people from being able to use the trail, so hikers and tourists and 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 a bit of hiking to access the most scenic spots.
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 Options 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. Can I use Airbnb for a wedding or event? No, Airbnb no longer allows events in their rentals per a change in their guidelines a few years ago. I recommend you do not try and bypass these rules as you can receive a fine or even be evicted from your rental property, which would be an unfortunate way to spend your wedding day.
You can, however, still host events at select VRBO rentals. When searching, simply select “Events Allowed” from the filters. I always suggest my couples confirm with the host before booking to clarify event guidelines like 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 — Keystone
Ten Mile Station – Breckenridge
The Lodge - Breckenridge
The Pad — Silverthorne
Holy Cross Event Deck at Vail
Piney River Ranch – Vail
Beano’s Cabin — Beaver Creek
Buena Vista & Salida
The Surf Chateau & Hotel in Buena Vista
The Barn at Sunset Ranch — Buena Vista
The Lodge at Deer Valley Ranch — Salida
Terrace on Main — Buena Vista
Shaws River Ranch — Salida
Everett Ranch — Salida
Crested Butte & Aspen
Mountain Wedding Garden in Crested Butte
Pine Creek Cookhouse – Aspen
T-Lazy-7 Ranch — Aspen
Snowmass Wedding Terrace — Aspen/ Snowmass
San Juan Mountains - Telluride, Ouray, Silverton
San Sophia Overlook — Telluride
Dunton Hot Springs — Telluride
Telluride Ski Resort — Telluride
Mountain Lodge — Telluride
Gold Mountain Ranch — Ouray
The Wyman Hotel — 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.
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 dream Colorado wedding!