A Photographer’s Guide to Finding the Perfect Mountain Wedding Venue in Colorado

As a wedding photographer in Denver, Colorado, I have had the privilege of witnessing some of the most stunning moments between couples against the backdrop of the breathtaking Rocky Mountains. For clients looking for an elevated mountain setting to act as a backdrop for their editorial wedding photos, the Rockies are a perfect destination — blending sophistication with the raw beauty of the wilderness. One thing my couples love is how these venues not only impress on their own, but also reference their love of the outdoors and all the activities that go along with it! In this post, I am excited to showcase some of my favorite Colorado mountain wedding venues, each offering a unique charm and ambiance that sets the stage for a beautiful celebration of love.

1. The Little Nell & Aspen Mountain – Aspen, Colorado

Nestled amidst the notoriously stunning peaks of Aspen Mountain, The Little Nell stands out as a favorite. The Nell is a 5-star hotel with ski-in and ski-out access to Aspen Mountain, which makes it the perfect home base for a wedding up at the top of the resort. Boasting unparalleled views of the surrounding Rockies from their ceremony deck and offering an intimate elegance inside The Sundeck, Aspen Mountain provides the perfect setting for couples seeking a refined mountain wedding experience. As an editorial-style wedding photographer, the cool greens of the distant mountains and the curated landscaping surrounding the Sundeck are absolutely gorgeous backgrounds to shoot. Also available is AspenX Mountain Club, a chic bar and restaurant (newly reopened in 2022) that can act as a venue in and of itself, or as a supplementary space during the wedding day.

2. Beaver Creek Resort – Beaver Creek, Colorado

For couples envisioning a wedding that seamlessly blends rustic charm with contemporary luxury, Beaver Creek Resort offers an idyllic setting amidst the pristine wilderness of the Vail Valley. With its picturesque slopes, quaint village atmosphere, and world-class amenities, Beaver Creek Resort provides a backdrop for a mountain wedding that is both elegant and adventurous. Whether exchanging vows against the stunning backdrop of layered mountains or experiencing your first look nestled amid the towering pines, every moment at Beaver Creek is the perfect combination of scenic and elegant. There are a number of venue spaces including Beano’s Cabin, Saddleridge, Spruce Saddle Lodge and Allie’s Cabin.

Other favorite mountain wedding venues around Vail Valley include Camp Hale, Sonnenalp Vail, and Piney River Ranch.

3. Devil’s Thumb Ranch – Tabernash, Colorado

Situated against the breathtaking backdrop of the Continental Divide, Devil’s Thumb Ranch quintessentially embodies rustic elegance. With horses trotting across sprawling meadows alongside panoramic mountain views, this historic ranch offers a secluded oasis for couples seeking a wedding that is as intimate as it is striking. From the charming barns to the cozy lodges, Devil’s Thumb Ranch offers a timeless ranch vibe that perfectly complements the natural beauty of its surroundings. Not to mention a ton of fun activities for your guests — horseback riding, yoga, fly-fishing excursions and an award-winning spa.

C Lazy U Ranch is another wonderful venue in that area, along with Flying Diamond Ranch if you want to venture further up toward Steamboat Springs.

3. Gorrono Ranch – Telluride, Colorado

Nestled in the breathtaking San Juan Mountains of Telluride, Colorado, Gorrono Ranch stands as a picturesque haven for couples seeking an unforgettable wedding experience. With its rustic charm and stunning mountain vistas, this historic ranch offers an idyllic backdrop for wedding ceremonies and receptions. At Gorrono Ranch, you’ll be exchanging vows against a backdrop of striking peaks, followed by a reception in a beautifully restored barn or under the open sky. Gorrono Ranch offers a blend of natural beauty and rustic elegance, which many couples love to share with their guests who are looking for an authentic Western experience.

What Makes a Mountain Wedding Venue Great for Show-Stopping Wedding Photography

Colorado mountain weddings are known for their natural beauty, so there is a tendency here toward a more classic photography styles so as not to detract from that beauty in the final wedding gallery. I take this approach myself because I believe it’s important for your images to reflect the true beauty that you came to Colorado for. Beyond a clean and organic approach, there are a few details that can make a venue the perfect backdrop for striking, editorial photos:

• Uncluttered, uninhibited views of nature where your ceremony and/or reception will be held.
• Whimsical experiences of nature interwoven throughout the guest experience — such as walking across a quaint bridge over a creek or a chairlift between events.
• Tasteful references to the history of the locale throughout the architecture of the venue — authentically vintage signage, historic wooden beams, etc. It’s best to avoid venues with faux historic decor or too much kitschy detail.
• Space for customization — a great planning and design team knows best how to bring an elevated and intentional feel to even the most rustic venues. Venues that make for the most show-stopping images often leave room for custom outdoor lounges, chic pop-up bars, and expertly designed ceremony scenes. If you are looking at a venue wherein every wedding has the same exact flow and there is no room for creative and custom spaces, beware that your wedding will look much the same as those they are advertising. Of course, there is nothing wrong with that! It’s just that it may lack that magazine-worthy “wow” factor.

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that the most important aspect to high-quality wedding photography is the person who creates it. The right wedding photographer for your Colorado mountain wedding is someone who is comfortable working a very physical job at high altitudes, who knows the terrain or is willing to scout the location in advance, who can deliver beautiful images under a wide range of weather and lighting conditions — from harsh mountain sunlight to unexpected snowstorms that move your whole wedding indoors — and finally, whose work you just can’t seem to get enough of. If you haven’t found that person, I encourage you to get in touch!