If you’re looking for a lush, hobbit-inspired garden wedding venue, you’ve come to the right place. As a local alternative wedding photographer, I’ve compiled the best garden wedding venues in Colorado to offer the laid-back, fantasy inspired vibe you’re looking for. From vibrant botanical gardens to charming estates for a backyard style event, Colorado offers a variety of spaces for a dreamy garden wedding.
Why Choose a Garden Wedding Venue in Colorado?
Look, I know you think everyone wants a mountain backdrop, but I challenge you to consider how your wedding day will feel over how it looks. The venue and space you choose will ultimately determine the mood of your wedding, and how well you are able to interact with your guests, and choosing a garden style venue may be the best option to create a laid-back atmosphere that feels genuine instead of traditionally forced. With the state’s sunny weather and diverse landscapes, you also have the benefit of the likelihood of a fully outdoor reception!
The Best Garden Wedding Venues in Colorado
Here’s all my favorite garden wedding venues in Colorado, chosen based on backdrop options, laid-back style and vibes, and great service:
- Denver Botanic Gardens (Denver): Obviously, this one had to be at the top! There’s a ton of options here, most popular being the Woodland Mosaic. I’ve linked my entire Denver Botanic Gardens guide as well for more info on these options!
- Yampa River Botanic Park (Steamboat Springs): This one is a bit of a hidden gem, and offers a stunning lodge and pond-side ceremony option with tons of trees. It’s made the list for the outdoor patio and outdoor transition space, which makes this venue feel very open-air and laid back!
- The Manor House (Littleton): It’s hard to put into words how truly amazing Manor House is. The staff is phenomenal, and the rolling hills as your outside backdrop make for a stunning ceremony. I love the way this venue flows and creates so much relaxing atmosphere for guests throughout.
- Cherokee Ranch & Castle (Sedalia): Obviously, as your alternative wedding photographer, I just had to include one of my favorite castle options with lush gardens!
- The Lyons Farmette (Lyons) and Riverbend: Two of my absolute favorite venues of all time, this location offers onsite farm animals (hehe!!), a lush outdoor setting with a large grandfather tree overlooking the ceremony, and a flower garden onsite!
- Lionsgate Event Center – The Dove House (Lafayette): Surrounded by lush greenery and romantic blooms, this venue blends garden elegance with vintage charm.
- Greystone Castle (Boulder): the upscale, luxury version of a backyard garden wedding, this venue meets all expectations.
Planning for Colorado’s Seasons
Colorado’s weather and seasons like to change their mind quite often, so you’ll want to prepare for the event you want accordingly! I’d suggest springtime for a Denver/Front range event, and Summer for a mountain wedding setting, and generally a morning ceremony time offers the best chance of rain-free outdoor vows!
- Spring: A time of fresh blooms, but be prepared for unpredictable weather and potential late-season snow.
- Summer: Ideal for evening ceremonies when the temperature cools, with gardens at their peak bloom.
- Fall: The golden hues of Colorado’s foliage make for a stunning backdrop, paired with cooler weather.
- Winter: While gardens may be dormant, some venues offer greenhouses or covered outdoor spaces to create a winter garden vibe.
Alternative Colorado Wedding Photography Packages & Pricing
Hey, I’m Steph – an alternative Colorado Wedding Photographer, based in Colorado (with bases in llinois and Florida, and servicing worldwide). I specialize in non-traditional wedding photography for introverted, quirky, offbeat and nerdy couples. And I’d love to be there for you. Here’s what you can expect from me as your Colorado wedding photographer:
- unique all day coverage offering, for your offbeat event, no matter how you plan it
- quirky, offbeat wedding photography captured in my raw, documentary, film-forward style
- NEXT DAY gallery sneak peek
- a combination of polaroid and 35mm film coverage for a full analog and digital storytelling of your day
- Super8 Analog video options
- Trusted vendor recommendations from folks that don’t suck
- Personalized timeline creation
- Colorado permit sourcing and marriage license information
- A digital online gallery, sharable with anyone you’d like
- travel fees included for the entire state of Colorado with a two-wheel drive vehicle (also included to Illinois and Florida, my other two bases!)
- PLUS, special local pricing if your venue is within 55mi of Loveland, CO!
