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You know the drill, so here’s my favorite non-traditional small wedding venues in Colorado, for under 50 guests. Once again, I left some of the more popular venues off this list, as well as anything that was a bit “too rustic”, too “barn” or too commercial or “ballroom”, because obviously I’m here to hit you with options that are as punk rock / goth as you.
Also keep in mind, a lot of the venues over on my Non-Traditional Colorado Wedding Venue Guide for larger guest counts also can accommodate a smaller guest count if you need it and ask for this option, but the ones on this list are tailored to or only fit smaller guest lists under 50 guests (and if I’m being honest, are some of my absolute favorites).
When folks think of Denver small wedding venues, I think folks rule out that there’s so many non traditional options available. I know that being in the mountains feels like the best option, but if I’m being honest, picking a Denver small wedding venue will actually save you a lot–on time, on pricing, as well as even on vendor options and saving on some travel fees! Plus, you and your group can plan activities in the mountains throughout your wedding week (or even pick a ceremony space IN the mountains, and choose a reception down in Denver for the best of both worlds!). Here are some of my favorite Denver area small wedding venues:
Botanic Gardens Woodland Mosaic – Woodland Mosaic – one of my absolute favorites for a dreamy, green-house setting.
Roof 16 – This venue is an expansive open-air venue literally on a rooftop in Denver, so if you’re looking for urban views, this is your spot. They also have an indoor dining space, and it works great for an elopement or smaller event, too!
Pelican Bay Cherry Creek – Okay, hear me out; you’ll notice the site doesn’t have the most up to date photos, but Pelican Bay is a really unique option for your wedding because it allows for the ceremony to take place on the water, and then you have the option to rent out the lakehouse. If it were me? I’d be renting a party pontoon for the after party and some rad night time photos.
Mountain Crust Event Venue – a laid-back, no rules venue that brings the party
This option works great for both a larger wedding, and an intimate wedding setting. It’s a super unique greenhouse-like setting, and they’ll even do a butterfly release after your ceremony.
Boulder is… really special, and I’m not sure how else to put it into words. Like Denver, it’s a much more urban feel overall, but gives a best of both worlds feeling, with the Flatirons hovering over the valley. I lived here, I got engaged here, and there’s nothing really like this area. If you want your guests to have a taste of true Colorado culture, events, and views (and all sorts of close-proximity hiking and mountain adventure options), Boulder is your wedding venue spot. Pro tip–there’s a ton more intimate wedding venues here, too, if you are willing to cut your guest list for a unique spot.
River Bend – River Bend and Lyons Farmette (below) are owned by the same folks, but these are two of my absolute favorite venues in the entire state. River Bend sits on the side of the St. Vrain River and is extremely private, whereas Lyons Farmette is more of a back-yard style venue, with an indoor option. They also offer floral from the farmette.
Lyons Farmette – similar to River Bend (above), but allows for an indoor venue or reception option, next to a creek, and allows for floral from the farmette and the ability to walk through the flower field! 10/10 service here, and I just can’t recommend them enough.
Wedgewood Boulder Creek – very similar to River Bend and Lyons Farmette for the “feel”, but Wedgewood Weddings owns this one and offers a more inclusive approach! I suggest checking out their site and ALL of their venues; I’ve worked with Wedgewood Weddings a ton over the years, and they just do it right.
The entire northern 1-25 Corridor and Northern Colorado itself is my home town in Colorado. I moved to Fort Collins first when I made it to Colorado, spent a couple years here and then moved all over the state, until we finally bought our first home in Berthoud, CO. The point is… I love the Northern Colorado area more than anywhere else in the state, and it’s because it has the best people, views, and accessibility to the rest of the state. These venues have a place close to my heart, and I hope to your’s, too.
Lonehawk Farm – Longmont, CO
Lionsgate Event Center – okay, normally I’d leave an “event center” off the list for non-traditional wedding venues, but this one is just so unique and rad; it has a backyard event space feel to it, while also a very vintage, industrial vibe in the chandelier barn
Ginger & Baker – arguably one of my absolute favorite venues of all time, and I have a full blog post on this venue that you can read here
Rist Canyon Inn – an open-air venue in Laporte, CO; this venue is absolutely stunning, with the historic property adjacent to a brand new event venue on rolling meadows, and there’s a small amount of lodging onsite for your party
The Armstrong Hotel – one of my favorite vintage, dark academia venues in all of Colorado; if you’re looking for a classy space, with unique options (including a library that holds up to 70!), this is your spot
The Elizabeth Hotel – another unique hotel option, with historic touches throughout and the option for a rooftop ceremony and/or reception
McCreery House – The McCreery House and Avery House (below) have a similar feel to the iconic, historical landmark house feel of Tapestry House, but with a lower price tag and entry point, really allowing for you to make the most of your day as uniquely as you’d like
Brookside Gardens – an absolutely stunning, greenhouse and lodge venue in Berthoud, CO, full of tons of floral in a garden-like setting
The Barrell – this is a brewery in downtown Estes Park, and they have a beer garden to host up to 250, as well as a small stage for live music!
Sweetheart Winery – similar feel to Lyons Farmette (in the Boulder Section), but with a winery attached!
The Acerage – Lafayette, CO – this venue is absolutely stunning, with panoramic views of the mountains, ample parking, and in house catering and cider from Stem Ciders (because they own it!), it’s a new venue that can host 40 to upwards of 300 with a full buyout
Obviously saving some of the best for last, here’s some of my favorite mountain wedding venues that I just absolutely adore for your non-traditional Colorado wedding. These venues range all over the mountain ranges, so make sure to do your research before booking, and maybe pair with your favorite Colorado wedding photographer and planning assistant (aka, me) to help navigate if booking in these areas is going to be the best fit (since some mountain venues can be difficult when it comes to securing additional vendors, travel fees, and overall experience options for your guests while in town).
The Fort Restaurant – Morrison, CO
Bread Bar – Silverplume, CO
Bishop Castle – Rye, CO – this one is also on my LOTR wedding guide!
Top of the Pines – Ridgeway, CO
Sopris House, Crested Butte, CO
Juniper Mountain House, Evergreen, CO
The Cellar at Railroad, Buena Vista, CO
Treehaus in Nederland, CO
AFrameClub in Winter Park, CO
Eurka House in Telluride, CO
Mirabelle, Beaver Creek, CO
Keyah Grande – this one is a little further than most on this list, but it’s a hidden gem; if you want a lodge with an amazing view in the heart of the Colorado Rockies, this is your spot
Obviously saving some of the best for last, here’s some of my favorite mountain wedding venues that I just absolutely adore for your non-traditional Colorado wedding. These venues range all over the mountain ranges, so make sure to do your research before booking, and maybe pair with your favorite Colorado wedding photographer and planning assistant (aka, me) to help navigate if booking in these areas is going to be the best fit (since some mountain venues can be difficult when it comes to securing additional vendors, travel fees, and overall experience options for your guests while in town).
Loft Music Venue – super rad spot downtown
Keyah Grande – this one is a little further than most on this list, but it’s a hidden gem; if you want a lodge with an amazing view in the heart of the Colorado Rockies, this is your spot
When you’re ready to pair with a non-traditional Colorado wedding and elopement photographer that specializes in offbeat, alternative, nerdy couples… to create a day that actually feels like you, I’ve got you covered, and I would love to be there for you on your wedding day and throughout this planning process.
@HENNESSEYPHOTOCO
STEPH IS A COLORADO WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER AND SUPER 8 VIDEOGRAPHER SPECIALIZING IN NONTRADITIONAL WEDDINGS DOCUMENTED IN A MIXED MEDIA APPROACH IN DIGITAL AND ANALOG FILM: FOR THE INTROVERTED, ALTERNATIVE, OFFBEAT OR NERDY COUPLE. BASED IN NORTHERN COLORADO, ILLINOIS AND FLORIDA. AVAILABLE WORLDWIDE.
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