The Grant Humphreys Mansion is maybe my favvvvorite wedding venue in Colorado, with it’s 1900s backdrop, stunning vintage elements and photo backdrop opportunities, and it’s close proximity to both Denver and a network of vendors, as well as the mountains, it’s the perfect Denver wedding venue for a goth, edgy, or vintage inspired couple. So I built this entire guide to help you with your Grant Humphreys Mansion wedding, since I basically just want to photograph here only, forever? Yeah, basically.
A Brief History of Grant Humphreys Mansion
Built in 1902, the Grant Humphreys Mansion was originally home to Colorado’s third Governor, James B. Grant. Situated in Denver’s Capitol Hill neighborhood, this Beaux-Arts style mansion has retained its historic charm with ornate woodwork, stunning fireplaces, and a sweeping grand staircase. The mansion has hosted countless weddings and events since becoming a public venue, making it a cherished part of Denver’s cultural heritage.
Why Choose Grant Humphreys Mansion for Your Wedding?
- Historic Elegance: The mansion’s architecture, interior detailing, and manicured gardens offer a backdrop that is unlike any other (and any other mansion venue in the area!). It’s a one of a kind backdrop.
- Stunning Backdrops for Photography: The mansion’s interior offers plenty of photo opportunities with vintage furnishings, while the exterior gardens provide a beautiful outdoor backdrop for portraits. The mansion’s grand columns and intricate woodwork add to the romantic feel of your wedding day photos, and it leaves tons of room for the edgy, flash-heavy style I’m known for.
- Location: Located just minutes from downtown Denver, Grant Humphreys Mansion is convenient for both local and out-of-town guests. Its central location makes it easy to plan additional events, like rehearsal dinners or after-wedding brunches, at nearby restaurants and hotels. An underrated benefit to this is limited travel fees for vendors, and a huge network to choose from, making this venue perfect for the ultra-stylish couple that wants to choose their vendor network carefully.
- Accommodations for Small and Large Weddings: Whether you want a small, elopement or intimate wedding or a larger event, Grant Humphreys Mansion can accommodate a variety of guest lists. The indoor spaces can host up to 200 guests, while the outdoor terrace and gardens offer options for outdoor ceremonies and cocktail hours.
Where To Get Ready for your Grant Humphreys Wedding
There’s a luxe airbnb right across the street that works best for smaller groups. It’s literally walking distance (a walk, right across the road!), and makes the transition seamless. Depending on the amount of time you book at the venue, you may need to get ready earlier and off-site from the venue, so this offers a great option! Here’s the link: Grant Humphreys Mansion Airbnb
Booking Your Wedding at Grant Humphreys Mansion
To reserve your date at Grant Humphreys Mansion, you’ll need to contact their venue management team for availability and pricing. Typically, weekends book out well in advance, so it’s important to inquire early, especially if you’re planning a summer or fall wedding. The mansion offers both half-day and full-day rental options, allowing you flexibility depending on the scale of your event. BUT, with all options under $5k, this venue is ultimately the coolest, most stylish and creative venue you can get in the Denver area for this price!
Ceremony and Reception Spaces
Grant Humphreys Mansion provides several beautiful spaces to host both your ceremony and reception:
- The Ballroom: Ideal for receptions, the mansion’s ballroom can accommodate seated dinners, dancing, and live entertainment. The elegant chandeliers and tall windows make this space feel grand yet intimate.
- The Grand Staircase: Many couples choose to exchange vows on the grand staircase, which creates a dramatic and memorable setting for both the couple and their guests.
- Outdoor Terrace and Gardens: For outdoor weddings, the terrace and gardens offer a picturesque space for ceremonies, cocktail hours, or even seated dining under the stars.
Most of the ceremonies take place on the front lawn, with couples standing in between the grand columns in front of guests.
Parking and Accessibility
While Grant Humphreys Mansion is located in a bustling part of Denver, it offers a limited number of on-site parking spaces for your guests. For larger weddings, valet services or off-site parking arrangements can be coordinated to ensure a seamless guest experience. The mansion is also wheelchair accessible, though some areas may require advance notice for accommodations.
Costs and Considerations
When planning your wedding at Grant Humphreys Mansion, it’s essential to consider your budget and wedding date flexibility. The cost of renting the mansion can vary depending on the season, day of the week, and length of the event. Weekend weddings and peak seasons (such as summer and fall) are typically more expensive and may require a larger minimum spend on catering and other services.
It’s also important to factor in additional costs like required insurance, deposits, and vendor fees when calculating your total wedding budget.
Tips for a Perfect Grant Humphreys Mansion Wedding
- Book Early: As one of Denver’s premier wedding venues, Grant Humphreys Mansion fills up quickly, especially for peak wedding seasons. Secure your date as soon as possible.
- Personalize Your Wedding: Though the mansion exudes vintage charm, you can still add personal touches through décor, lighting, and your wedding theme. Use the mansion’s grand rooms and garden as a canvas, but I encourage you to inject the hellllll out of your personalities here, it’s what will make the biggest difference.
- Plan for the Weather: If you’re planning an outdoor ceremony, talk to the venue about backup plans and what you’re okay with. Consider that even on a good weather day, timing of your ceremony is important to avoid harsh or spotty lighting here.
- Maximize Photo Opportunities: Take full advantage of how fucking cool this place is. As an alternative wedding photographer, my goal is to get you cool as hell photos while also prioritizing your experience.
Final Thoughts
Grant Humphreys Mansion is an iconic Denver wedding venue that offers timeless elegance and historic charm. Whether you envision a classic, vintage wedding or something more modern, the mansion provides a stunning setting to bring your dream wedding to life. With its versatile indoor and outdoor spaces, dedicated vendors, and convenient location, this mansion remains one of Denver’s top choices for couples looking to make their wedding day unforgettable.
If you’re planning your wedding at Grant Humphreys Mansion, contact the venue team early to secure your preferred date and start creating your vision for the big day.
