HENNESSY PHOTO  CO.

Blackstone Rivers Ranch: A Luxe, Laid-Back Mountain Venue in Idaho Springs

If you’re searching for a mountain wedding venue that feels like it came straight out of your “elegant forest fairytale” dreams—with flowing water, glowing string lights, and a tucked-away mountain vibe that feels like an elevated backyard party—Blackstone Rivers Ranch is one of Colorado’s best wedding venues.

Located just 35 minutes west of Denver in Idaho Springs, this creekside venue gives you full Rocky Mountain seclusion without having to haul your guests into the mountains (and pay for costly transportation). It’s where high-end and down-to-earth meet, in the best way!!!


A Naturally Beautiful Space to Celebrate

This private, 22-acre property winds along the Chicago Creek, with tall evergreens, golden canyon walls, and the kind of fresh air that just feels like Colorado. You’ll find spaces for every part of the day: an open-air tent surrounded by a flower garden for dancing under the stars, a riverside ceremony site tucked beneath the trees, and cozy indoor lounges and getting-ready suites for everything you need!

There’s a sense of flow here, literally and emotionally, and it plays heavily into the feel of the day. Guests move easily between each moment and are never separated by walls or “spaces”, offering an open-air gathering space that fosters togetherness, and couples get to settle into a venue that feels deeply intentional.


Wedding Packages & 2026 Pricing Info

Whether you’re planning a big celebration or a quiet elopement, Blackstone Rivers Ranch has a variety of options to fit your day. Keep in mind, your most accurate and updated information will be found with the venue themselves, so please reach out to them directly for updated pricing information.

Elopements & Teeny Tiny Weddings

  • Starting at $1,800
  • Designed for 2–30 guests
  • Includes exclusive 4-hour access, an officiant, a small custom cake, a private gourmet dinner for two, and a night in the creekside cabin

Full Wedding Packages (2026 Pricing Estimates)

  • Blush Label (4 hrs): $9,000–$14,000
  • White Label (7 hrs): $10,000–$15,000
  • Gold Label (10 hrs): $11,000–$16,000
  • Black Label Weekend (Fri–Sun): $55,000 (includes rehearsal dinner, welcome wine tasting, and full weekend access for 30+ guests)

Every full package includes exclusive access, ceremony + reception sites, furniture rentals, lounges, and stunning surroundings you don’t need to dress up much, unless you want to!


Preferred Vendors You Can Trust

Blackstone Rivers Ranch has a curated list of catering and bar vendors you’ll need to choose from, which keeps things easy and high quality. Outside of that, you’re free to bring your own crew (photographer, florists, planners, etc.), though they also provide a vetted list of creatives who know the space well (hi, me!). As a photographer who thrives in moody light, river reflections, and tree-filtered golden hour—this place is pure magic and speaks to my nerdy, whimsical soul!!!

Keep in mind, your overall budget will depend on the additional vendor team you bring, so I’d personally recommend pricing out the preferred vendors (especially catering, as they are strict here on which vendors can service) to ensure all parts of the team meet your overall budget before securing the venue!


Pros & Cons of Getting Married at Blackstone Rivers Ranch

Pros

  • Epic scenery that doesn’t need heavy décor
  • Just 35 minutes from Denver (but feels way more remote)
  • One wedding per day = total privacy
  • Onsite dressing suites + overnight cabin
  • Stunning rain-or-shine tented reception setup (so no additional rental required)
  • Experienced vendor partners = smooth wedding day vibes
  • Secluded portrait options all over the venue, with quick access to Echo Lake

Cons
➖ No enclosed indoor reception space for bigger groups (tent only)
➖ Preferred catering & bar list limits flexibility
➖ Mountain cell service is limited, but this can also be a pro for gathering togetherness!
➖ High-end pricing (but the quality and experience match)

Blackstone Rivers Ranch is for couples who want a luxury experience that still feels real, rooted in nature, and full of character. If you’re imagining your day with the sound of a river nearby, the glow of string lights above, and a celebration that feels more you than traditional, this is a venue that absolutely delivers.

If you’re planning your wedding or elopement here, I’d love to document it with you. This venue is a dream to photograph, and even better to experience for your wedding day. Think The Shire meets elevated Rivendell, and it’s all your’s.

Blackstone Rivers Ranch Wedding Inspiration

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Steph is a destination wedding photographer specializing in offbeat documentary style wedding documentation, with a film-forward and introvert-minded approach. Documenting alternative, quirky weddings as they truly happen, across Colorado, the U.S., and Europe, in a multimedia mix of analog film and super 8 video.

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