Getting Married In Denver, Colorado: The Ultimate Guide

If you’re an adventurous or down-to-earth couple looking for a wedding destination that’s equal parts stunning and fun, then look no further than the surroundings of the Mile High City – Denver, Colorado! This beguiling place is packed with beauty, adventure, and endless opportunities for a one-of-a-kind celebration. This is your ultimate guide to getting married in Denver, and I’m going to show you just how to plan a wedding in Colorado.

Wedding venue choices span from the center of Denver to the countryside. Denver was founded during the Pikes Peak Gold Rush and today it’s a vibrant and diverse city, with a thriving arts and culture scene, a growing foodie culture, and outdoor recreational opportunities. Perfect for a city wedding, or in the surrounding mountains, you’re in good stead to set up your own dream-like Denver wedding!

Denver warmly caters for LGBTQ couples as well, and this just shows the kind of loving celebrations that go on here – it has it all.

The Best Time To Get Married In Colorado

What is the best month to get married in Colorado? Well, the best time of year to get married is really any time of year that suits you as a couple. All four seasons have their own magical elements to offer.

A winter wonderland offers iridescent snow and a cozy touch to your wedding in the winter. Wildflowers caress the ground in the balmy evenings of spring starting in April. Summers are hot – really hot – and this may sway you to seek out the cooler days of autumn starting in September, with the color-changing leaves framing your celebration.

This being said, the peak wedding season in Colorado is between April and October.

You’ll find comfy lodges in the mountains, chic hotels in the city, vineyards with rolling hills, and outdoor gardens with stunning views. Whether you’re a nature lover, a city slicker, or a romantic at heart, you’ll find the perfect place to say “I do” and create the Colorado wedding you’ll never forget!

Reasons To Get Married In Denver, Colorado: Views, Thrills, Food!

Some of the best reasons to get married in Denver, Colorado are for the beauty, adventure, and delicious food.

OK, let’s talk about the views. The Rocky Mountains are basically nature’s version of a wedding cake tier, and they provide the perfect backdrop for your big day! Say your vows on the top of a ski slope or encircled by snow-capped peaks in winter, or green alpine textured crests in summer.

But it’s not just the views that make Colorado such a great place to get hitched. This state is also a thrill-seeker’s paradise! If you and your guests are looking for a little excitement you can try many of the outdoor activities the Rocky mountains, rivers, canyons, deserts, and vineyards have to offer.

And let’s not forget about the adventures Denver can surprise your taste buds with! Denver is known for its craft beer and delicious cuisine, so you can indulge in the best Denver has to offer and show your guests a great time too.

My Favorite Wedding Venues In And Around Denver, Colorado

Having established that Colorado is the perfect awe-inspiring state to get married, I have listed some of my top recommendations on where to get married in Colorado. I know of many more – send me a message and let me know what you’re looking for! I bet I can help you find exactly what you are dreaming of. In the meantime, let these spots inspire the desire in you!

SkyView At Fall River Village

SkyView at Fall River Village in Colorado is the perfect wedding venue for nature lovers and adventure-seekers! With stunning views of the Rocky Mountains and the Fall River, you can exchange vows surrounded by breathtaking scenery.

After the ceremony, take a romantic hike or enjoy the presence of the burbling river before returning to the elegant cabins for a night of stargazing.

Della Terra Mountain Chateau

A dreamy and romantic wedding venue, Della Terra Mountain Chateau is perfect for those seeking a fairy tale mountain escape! I mean, aren’t we all seeking that kind of destination?

With stunning views of the Rocky Mountains and beautiful gardens, this venue is the epitome of rustic charm. Exchange vows beneath a flower-filled pergola, or say “I do” surrounded by the beauty of nature.

After the ceremony, dance the night away in the grand ballroom, or relax by the outdoor fire pit with friends and family.

Northstar Gatherings

A modern and versatile wedding venue, Northstar Gatherings is ideal for couples who want a unique and stylish celebration. With indoor and outdoor spaces, you can customize your day to suit your style and vision. The chic and contemporary spaces are perfect for a modern-style wedding with mountain views as a captivating backdrop.

Whether you’re having a grand celebration or an intimate gathering, Northstar Gatherings offers the perfect space and amenities to make your day unforgettable.

Piney River Ranch

Piney River Ranch in Colorado is a stunning mountain venue, perfect for couples who want a serene and natural wedding. With breathtaking views of the Rockies and the Piney River, this venue is ideal for outdoor ceremonies and rustic-chic receptions.

Take a scenic horseback ride or go fly fishing before the big day, then exchange vows surrounded by the beauty of nature. After the ceremony, enjoy a delicious meal in the cozy lodge or dance the night away under the stars!

How To Get Married In Denver, Colorado

Getting married in Denver, Colorado requires some planning – in addition to putting a ring on it – there are legal aspects of marriage to consider. I am going to walk you through Colorado marriage requirements to make your planning as simple as possible.

Getting married legally in Colorado does not require you to be a resident but it does require obtaining a marriage license and having a ceremony that is recognized by the state.

Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Obtain a marriage license: Both partners must appear in person at a county clerk’s office to apply for a license. A photo ID and proof of age are required. If you are 16-18 years of age you will need a legal guardian for consent. The fee for the license is usually around $30.
Wait for the license to become valid: Wait about one day. Colorado law doesn’t require a witness for couples to legally tie the knot. That means your dog can “sign” your marriage license with his or her paw print and the paper is perfectly legal. Isn’t that pawfect? As a dog mom myself, I’m ALL for this!
Have the ceremony: The ceremony must be performed by a person authorized to perform marriages in Colorado.
Return the license: The person who performed the ceremony must sign and return the license to the county clerk’s office within 65 days of the ceremony. If the couple wants to plan ahead and get their marriage license earlier than their wedding they can get it up to 35 days in advance.
Obtain a certified copy: After the license is returned and processed, you can obtain a certified copy of your marriage certificate for a fee.

It’s important to verify the specific requirements and procedures with the county clerk’s office where you plan to obtain your license and have your ceremony. With these steps, you can legally tie the knot and start your life together.

My Favorite Wedding Photography Spots In And Around Denver

As a Denver wedding photographer, finding the best spots to take photos is my forté! Here’s a brief overview of my favorite spots to take engagement and wedding photography. You’ll soon find out why!

Independence Pass

This 12,095-foot mountain pass is a stunning scenic drive with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Its rugged beauty and scenic vistas make it a popular spot for couples who love adventure and the great outdoors.

With its dramatic landscapes, this is the perfect place for capturing intimate and breathtaking photos.

Rocky Mountain National Park

This incredible park features towering peaks, pristine lakes, and breathtaking landscapes. With its fantastic views, it’s no wonder that this is one of the most popular spots for Colorado wedding and engagement photography.

Let the majestic mountains and shimmering lakes outline your beauty on your special day!

San Juan Mountains

With its stunning peaks and scenic vistas, the San Juan Mountains are a perfect destination for those seeking a mountain wedding.

From its alpine meadows to its cascading waterfalls, the San Juan Mountains offer a variety of breathtaking settings for capturing romantic and memorable moments.

Sand Dunes

The Great Sand Dunes National Park is a unique and awe-inspiring spot for wedding and engagement photography near Denver. With its towering sand dunes and picturesque views, this is a one-of-a-kind location that’s sure to leave a lasting impression!

Whether you’re posing in the dunes or by the nearby streams, the sand dunes offer a surreal and romantic setting for your photography.

Boreas Pass

This historic mountain pass is a stunning and romantic spot for Denver wedding photography. With its rolling hills, lush forests, and breathtaking mountain views, Boreas Pass offers a variety of scenery for capturing intimate and memorable moments.

From its charming meadows to its scenic overlooks, Boreas Pass is a perfect destination for those seeking a mountain wedding!

Garden Of The Gods

This incredible park features towering rock formations, scenic trails, and breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. With its breathtaking landscapes and scenic vistas, Garden of The Gods is the perfect spot for capturing romantic and intimate moments.

From its towering cliffs to its lush gardens, Garden of The Gods offers a variety of breathtaking settings that any Denver wedding videographer would only dream of capturing on your special day.

Lost Gulch

This charming mountain pass is a picturesque spot for Denver wedding videography and photography. With its rolling hills, lush forests, and breathtaking mountain views, Lost Gulch has a variety of scenic backdrops for capturing intimate and memorable moments!

Whether you’re posing by a serene lake or beneath a soaring peak, Lost Gulch is the perfect destination for those seeking a mountain wedding.

My Recommended Wedding Vendors In Denver, Colorado

Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life, and it’s essential to surround yourself with a team of top-notch vendors to help make it unforgettable.

From planners to caterers, makeup artists to DJs, choosing the right wedding vendors can make all the difference in the success and enjoyment of your big day!

Wedding Planners

First of all, a wedding planner is like a superhero in disguise, helping to keep everything organized and running smoothly. They’re there to take care of all the little details so that you can relax and enjoy your day. Kristin Cirillo and Micah Brown from Urban Events are some of the best in the business and can help you create the wedding of your dreams.

DJs

The right DJ can set the tone for the entire reception and get everyone on the dance floor! Casey Smith, also known as DJ Guy, is one of the top DJs in Colorado and knows how to keep the party going all night long. Now that’s what I’m talking about!

Make-Up

And let’s not forget about the make-up! Your wedding day is all about looking and feeling your best, and a great make-up artist can help you achieve that. Luis Pizarro (Luis Pizarro Portraits) and Desirae Sherie (Divine Beauty) are both experts in their field and can help you create a look that is stunning, timeless, and perfectly tailored to your unique style.

Finally, don’t forget about the caterers! A great meal can really add to the enjoyment of your wedding, so it’s important to choose a caterer who knows how to create amazing food and an unforgettable dining experience. Whether you’re looking for classic comfort food or gourmet cuisine, there’s a caterer out there who can help you create the perfect menu for your big day.

It doesn’t end there! I’ve got tons of great recommendations and insider knowledge about getting married in Denver and the wedding industry in Colorado – and I’m here to share it with you! From the best vendors to the most romantic venues, I’ve got so many tips after all my years of experience as a Denver wedding photographer.

Get in touch if you have any questions – I’d love to share my information with you! My number one passion is helping create the wedding of your dreams.