14 iconic colorado ranch wedding venues
Choosing a venue for your Colorado ranch wedding is one of the first steps in planning your big day, but it can also be one of the most daunting. It’s the basis for every decision you make moving forward, but with so many options, so many towns, and so many styles, where do you even begin?
Living on a ranch ourselves, you may call us slightly biased, but we’ve always felt the most iconic elements of Colorado are the rugged Rocky Mountains, the dazzling, colorful sunsets, and the awe-inspiring ranches that have a front-row view to both. These are the ranches that steal our hearts and captivate us.
As Colorado wedding photographers, we’ve had the unique privilege and honor of shooting hundreds of weddings at some of the most breathtaking ranches we’ve ever stepped foot on. Some of these ranches span thousands of acres, often bordered by millions of acres of raw wilderness. Some are comprised of only a barn, allowing for a blank slate to plan your wedding. Others are world-class resorts that bring a charming Western flair to your rustic yet elegant vision.
We’ve used our decade of experience to compile 14 of our favorite Colorado ranch wedding venues. Each of these is slightly different from the next, but all have the ingredients necessary to provide the perfect setting for your dream wedding. We hope you find this list helpful, and wish you all the best. Be sure to scroll all the way to the bottom for a visual infographic guide to planning your iconic Colorado ranch wedding.
The Barn at Sunset Ranch Wedding Venue
Buena Vista, Colorado | Guest Capacity: Up to 180 guests
The Arkansas Valley lies just two hours west of Denver and is home to some of the most spectacular views in all of Colorado. Seriously—we’re not exaggerating. What makes it so special, you ask? The valley floor sits at 8,000 feet, but just a few miles to the west is the striking Sawatch Range, with peaks that dramatically rise from the meadows below and soar to over 14,000 feet in elevation. Trust us: when you see a mountain towering more than a mile above you, like Mt. Princeton does at The Barn at Sunset Ranch, you will be filled with a sense of awe and wonder unlike anything you’ve ever experienced. Who wouldn’t want that for their big day?
The Buena Vista wedding venue itself is a 5,000 square foot barn that melds rustic charm with wedding elegance, and is owned by the Greenfield family. Jim and Jayme had a specific vision when they constructed this barn in 2018, and the result was worth all the blood, sweat, and tears they poured into it. Unlike most barns, which have simply (and sometimes crudely) been converted into wedding venues, The Barn at Sunset Ranch was specifically built with weddings in mind, and the Greenfields spared no expense in doing so. That means there’s a catering staging area, heating and air conditioning, modern restrooms, a bridal suite, grooms quarters, and plenty of parking for your guests.
The ceremony site frames the aforementioned Mt. Princeton, and a meandering, stone-lined path makes for a romantic entrance for your walk down the aisle. The barn itself, with dramatically high ceilings, beautiful woodwork, and widely-spaced columns, provides for a grand setting for your evening celebrations.
The Barn at Sunset Ranch Wedding Photographer Perspective:Our own ranch (and home) is located a mere 10 minutes south of here, so we have a special place in our hearts for this incredible location and venue. As a result, we’ve learned the valley’s weather patterns, the cloud formations, and the incredible sunsets they’re capable of producing. To the west are the Collegiate Peaks, to the south lie the Sangre de Cristo mountains, and to the northeast are the Buffalo Peaks. That means that there are big mountain views in all directions, and we’ve become intimately familiar with capturing them in your mountain ranch wedding portraits.
Engagement shoot offer: As a token of appreciation to our couples, we offer engagement shoots at our own ranch just a few miles up the road. Plan a romantic weekend getaway to the charming towns of Buena Vista or Salida and capture your equally charming engagement at the same time.
See more wedding photos of the Barn at Sunset Ranch:
Check out Brenna and Mike’s ranch wedding in Buena Vista!
The Winding River Ranch Wedding Venue
Grand Lake, Colorado | Guest Capacity: Up to 250 guests
Grand Lake has always been one of our favorite towns in Colorado, and the reason we decided to get married in Grand Lake ourselves. There’s just something about the wild terrain, the wild animals, the wildflowers, and the proximity to the wild Rocky Mountain National Park that makes this area so unique. Allowing for one of the most authentic ranch wedding experiences in Colorado is the famed Winding River Ranch, tucked away just a few minutes from the main street of Grand Lake.
The venue itself is home to a main lodge (featuring a pool, hot tub, and sauna), as well as 8 unique cabins spread out around the ranch. The cabins make for the perfect spot to get ready, and allow you and your fiancé to be in close proximity to one another without ever seeing each other (until your first look or your walk down the aisle, of course).
The ranch is perhaps most famous for its rustic barn reception site, which has a romantic second-level seating area for dinner, as well as sliding hayloft doors that make for the perfect wedding hayloft photo opportunity.
Guests joining you for your wedding will have the opportunity to meet the animals that call this ranch home, go fishing on the Colorado River, or even saddle up and go horseback riding. There’s also nearby hiking, small-town shops, and three lakes to rent a boat or paddleboard and explore. If you’re eager to show your friends and family a true taste of the Colorado lifestyle, The Winding River Ranch is the perfect wedding venue. To reach the ranch, guests will be treated with the option of driving the scenic Berthoud Pass, or the world-renowned Trail Ridge Road.
The Winding River Ranch Wedding Photographer Perspective:
Talk about a photographer’s dream! Not only does this ranch have the incredible mountain vistas you’d expect at a spot like this, but it also has wide-open fields, picturesque meadows, intriguing forests, as well as historic barns and outbuildings that provide depth, dimension, and texture to your wedding photos. We love shooting here because no wedding is ever the same. The fast-moving clouds in this part of the state provide for varied lighting situations and dramatic photo opportunities.
See more wedding photos of The Winding River Ranch:
Imagine an adorable British bride with an irresistible love for the cowboy culture of the west, combined with the all-American man’s man in the United States Air Force as the groom. Believe us, it was as magical as it sounds, and made for an unforgettable Colorado mountain wedding.
Hutchinson Ranch Wedding Venue
Salida, Colorado | Guest Capacity: Up to 180 guests
If authenticity is more important to you than 5-star resorts, the Hutchinson Ranch is about as genuine as it gets. Set on more than 800 acres of land with the South Arkansas River running through the groves of Cottonwood trees, the ranch sits just outside of downtown Salida. If you haven’t been, it’s without a doubt one of the best small towns in all of Colorado, with an incredible array of cafes, restaurants, shops, wineries, and breweries. It’s also one of the most popular areas in the country for whitewater rafting, mountain biking, and hiking.
Because of the town’s popularity, the Hutchinson Ranch faced years of pressure by developers to sell the land with its prime location. Fortunately for the rest of us, Abby Hutchinson (owner and a sixth-generation rancher) stood by her values and refused all offers, even going so far as to place the ranch within a conservation easement. What does that mean for you? It means the ranch that you deliver your vows at will still be a ranch when your children grow up. And we think there’s something to be said for that.
The venue itself is primarily made up of a large pole barn, complete with beautiful café lights hanging overhead. The open floor plan allows you to get creative in your table arrangement and decorating, and the large barn doors provide the ideal opportunity for guests to enjoy both the indoors as well as the outdoors. The ceremony site here is at the bottom of a small hill leading to views of a gorgeous valley backdrop.
Hutchinson Ranch Photographer Perspective:
The best part about the Hutchinson Ranch is its natural setting. You know the romantic stories of two lovebirds running through a field before laying on a blanket under a giant shade tree next to the creek? We’re pretty sure that storyline is based on the Hutchinson Ranch. The other neat part about this ranch is the fact it’s a historic homestead, with buildings dating back to the 1800’s. These lie on the opposite side of Highway 50 and make for a secluded spot to sneak off to for photos.
See more wedding photos of Hutchinson Ranch:
Speaking of lovebirds, Shayla and Eric’s wedding here was your classic small-town love story. These two had a glow around them all day long, and their impressive decorating style made the barn at Hutchinson Ranch really come alive.
Ten Mile Station Wedding Venue
Breckenridge, Colorado | Guest Capacity: Up to 200 guests
Breckenridge is one of the most popular resort towns in Colorado, and for good reason. The town is small enough to maintain a sense of historic charm with easy walkability, while big enough to have world-class lodging options and mouth-watering restaurants. It’s an easy drive from Denver and provides plenty of exciting nearby activities for your guests to partake in during the days preceding or following your wedding day. Breckenridge has always been one of our favorite towns and one that we always bring out-of-town family and friends to visit. Especially during Oktoberfest, which falls in early September here.
Located at 10,234 feet on Peak 9 of Breckenridge Ski Resort, the Ten Mile Station is what we consider to be the elite Breckenridge wedding venue. You simply cannot beat the views that you will have here, and guests are provided with the unique opportunity to celebrate with you in one of Colorado’s most prestigious and beautiful locations. A large cobblestone patio provides the dream-like setting to recite your vows at, as well as making for one of the most scenic cocktail hour spots in the country. Step inside the Ten Mile Station lodge and you’ll discover towering picture windows to fully capture the magnificent mountain views around you. Everywhere you look, you’ll be captivated by the scene in front of you.
Just as with any venue along the I-70 corridor, if you choose to have your wedding here, be sure to anticipate and factor in traffic conditions. Friday traffic heading into the mountains can delay guests, especially on holiday weekends. But they’re all heading west for a reason: there’s nothing quite like the Rocky Mountains.
Ten Mile Station Wedding Photographer Perspective:
The architecture and rustic barn-like feel of the lodge is worthy of a gallery in and of itself. The light that flows in through the windows is spectacular and makes for gorgeous portrait opportunities. And, needless to stay, when you step outside, the options are limitless. Afternoon storms are common here, but they pass quickly and provide for incredible cloud formations. While clear blue skies are great for peace of mind, you can take comfort in knowing that any clouds that do show up will only add to the dramatic look of your wedding photos.
See more wedding photos of the Ten Mile Station:
If you’re a fan of football, there’s a good chance you’ve heard the name Joe Bleymaier. After three years coaching for the University of Colorado, Joe is now the quality control coach for the Kansas City Chiefs. Despite now being a rival of our beloved Denver Broncos, Joe and his beautiful wife Stephanie will always remain one of our favorite couples, and shooting their unbelievable mountain-top wedding at the Ten Mile Station in Breckenridge will forever be ingrained in our memory. We even feel obligated to root for the Chiefs now!
Guyton Ranch Wedding Venue
Jefferson, Colorado | Guest Capacity: Up to 300 guests
If you’ve ever made the drive west on Highway 285, there’s a good chance you’ve seen the spectacular views that await as you begin to descend Kenosha Pass. (If you haven’t made the drive, stop reading, go jump in the car and head west right now!) Surrounded by peaks that often reach into the clouds, the South Park valley extends for as far as the eye can see, and the view will make you and your guests stop in your tracks to take in the mesmerizing landscape. Until recently, the opportunity to get married in this iconic Colorado valley was limited to those who owned land here. But thanks to the dedicated Guyton family and their hard-working team, that’s no longer the case.
Three miles west of the small town of Jefferson, Colorado lies the historic Guyton Ranch, which encompasses 330 acres of some of the most scenic views in all of Colorado. As if the views weren’t enough, the ranch also features a western town that your guests will go crazy over. There’s a beautiful ranch house to get ready in, a charming front porch for the perfect first look, a fire pit, a horseshoe pit, a chapel, a dance hall, and of course, no ranch would be complete without… a saloon!
If you’re a fan of wide-open spaces, big skies, and mountain vistas in all directions, Guyton Ranch may be the perfect venue for you. When you book your wedding here, you also get your very own ranch hand to help you navigate your big day. You can even stay here through AirBnB if you’d like to get a feel for the ranch beforehand. How many venues offer that?
Guyton Ranch Wedding Photographer Perspective:
The atmosphere here is relaxed, laid back, and fun. We guarantee your family and friends won’t be able to get enough of this ranch and will be talking about it for many years to come. Because the guests are always smiling, it makes capturing authentic, candid moments quite easy. There’s so much to explore, and the multiple buildings, cocktail tables, and seating areas lend themselves to a very open atmosphere. For photos of our couples, we love having the ability to use the vast amount of land surrounding the venue to capture the mountain views at sunset. There’s no need to jump in a car for portraits here: the best spots are only a few steps away!
See more wedding photos of Guyton Ranch:
One of our favorite weddings at Guyton Ranch was the marriage of Maggie and Brian, who we had the privilege of photographing. Be sure to check out their Guyton Ranch wedding for more photos of this incredible ranch venue.
Deer Creek Valley Ranch Wedding Venue
Bailey, Colorado | Guest Capacity: Up to 180 guests
One of the challenges of having a ranch wedding in Colorado is the proximity of most venues to Denver (and, for out of town guests, Denver International Airport). Deer Creek Valley Ranch, however, is located less than an hour from Denver, while still providing the quintessential Colorado mountain views that you’re looking for. As a bonus, the 165-acre ranch has some of the friendliest horses in the state, who are always eager to come to the fence to photo bomb your wedding portraits. One of our brides even arrived at the ceremony site by horse and carriage. How’s that for an entrance?
The Barn at Deer Creek Valley Ranch provides a historic, fully-restored three-level barn with the perfect dose of rustic charm. Known for having one of the best man caves in all of Colorado, grooms are always sold on this venue when they see the custom bar with saddles for chairs, as well as a poker table, pool table, shuffleboard, and big screen TV. Outside the barn is an expansive cocktail deck as well as an outdoor fireplace with overhead café lights that makes for the perfect spot for your first dance.
In 2019, the venue also opened The Homestead at Deer Creek Valley Ranch, which allows for a completely different ranch experience at The Homestead Ohana. This spot is nestled in the pine trees and overlooks the valley below, and is accessed by a grand log entrance that exemplifies the idea of getting married at a Colorado ranch.
Deer Creek Valley Ranch Wedding Photographer Perspective:
We love the fact that there are multiple ceremony sites for our couples to choose from. Our personal favorite is the Mountain Bridge Meadow, which provides an incredible view of the 13,575ft high Rosalie Peak as the backdrop. We’ve seen deer, elk, and even moose back here as well! The opportunities to use the covered bridge, the meadow, the creek, and the mountain views for stunning portraits are endless, and we’re always eager to shoot at this beautiful venue.
See more wedding photos of Deer Creek Valley Ranch:
Needless to say, this is one of our favorite venues in Colorado and is worth checking out. We’ve shot dozens of weddings here, so take a look at a few of our favorite Deer Creek Valley Ranch weddings including Matt and Mollys.
Telluride, Colorado | Guest Capacity: Up to 200 guests
It would be difficult to find a place that embodies the phrase “luxurious mountain ranches” more than the alluring town of Telluride, Colorado. Originally a small and rowdy mining camp in the heart of the San Juan mountain range, the town is now home to movie stars, singers, and perhaps most notably, legendary skiing. Telluride Ski Resort lies on mountain overlooking the town, and is the setting for one of our favorite venues in the state.
Perched halfway up the mountain is the Gorrono Ranch ski lodge, a former sheepherder’s home dating all the way back to the 1800’s. From this elevation, you are met with captivating views of one of the most famous mountains in the country: Wilson Peak. You may not recognize the name, but the mountain is prominently featured on the side of every Coors product. So if you needed a good excuse to save money on the alcohol budget, we’d say The Banquet Beer would be a fitting way to do so here.
The ceremony site takes complete advantage of the view, with an open-air deck that is sure to impress even your most well-traveled guests. Nearby are two smaller cabins that provide separate bridal suite and groom quarters to get ready in, or the perfect retreat while you await the big moment of walking down the aisle. After you’ve recited your vows and tied the knot, the main lodge makes for an idyllic setting for dinner, toasts, and dancing. Here you’ll find fireplaces built with real stone (back when men were men, as we say), windows that overlook the surrounding peaks, and some of the best food we’ve ever had at a wedding, thanks to the culinary skills of the Gorrono Ranch team.
Gorrono Ranch Wedding Photographer Perspective:
This is the type of mountain wedding venue that we live for. The sweeping views at Gorrono Ranch are quite literally breathtaking. Family photos on the deck allow for one of the best backdrops imaginable, and we’ve discovered some nearby secret spots that make for spectacular portraits of you and your soon-to-be spouse. We travel to Telluride, Ouray, and Durango quite often, and this is always one of our absolute favorites in the region.
See more wedding photos of Gorrono Ranch:
One of the most memorable weddings we’ve had the privilege of shooting here was the marriage of Clay and Kristin. Their mountain-top wedding was filled with raw emotion, genuine love, and, quite fittingly, a mesmerizing sunset.
Flying Horse Ranch Wedding Venue
Larkspur, Colorado | Guest Capacity: Up to 200 guests
The first time we pulled into Flying Horse Ranch to photograph a wedding, we had to lift our jaws off our laps. Sprawled across 1,400 acres of rolling hills with tall grass waving in the breeze, the paved driveway seems to go on for miles as you make your way towards the wedding venue on this working ranch. When you catch your first glimpse of the Ranch House, you’ll likely question whether you’re even at the right place. Let’s just say “Ranch House” doesn’t quite do justice to the size, the elegance, and the breathtaking Victorian appearance of this venue. This is a truly spectacular wedding venue, and you’ll feel like royalty stepping into your dress or donning your suit here.
The Ranch House, of course, is only part of the glamour awaiting you at Flying Horse Ranch. The barn, which is connected to the house by a breezeway, provides a spacious reception site that doubles as a gorgeous ceremony location in the event of inclement weather. Best of all, perhaps, is the covered front porch as well as the open-air patio that make the perfect setting for cocktail hour, your first dance, or even a sparkler exit at the end of the night.
Flying Horse Ranch Photographer Perspective:
While we love the mountains, there’s just something about the graceful rolling hills of the Colorado prairie that can be equally alluring. In the mountains, the sun often tucks behind the hills 30-60 minutes before the sun truly sets and the clouds turn into cotton candy. On the plains, however, you are treated to that remarkable fleeting glimpse of the sun before it makes its final departure over the crest of the horizon. Not only does it give you added daylight for your wedding day, but it also gives the extended opportunity for some of the best lighting for your portraits.
We’ve found several locations at Flying Horse Ranch that also provide for views of the iconic Pikes Peak in the distance. Combined with our long-range portrait lenses, we have the ability to pull those mountains views in from behind you and give the appearance that they’re even closer than they are. Our couples are always surprised and elated when we show them a sneak peek at the back of our cameras!
See more wedding photos of Flying Horse Ranch:
Photographing Austin and Katelynn’s wedding at Flying Horse Ranch was a real treat. Not only was this adorable couple blessed with a magical sunset to cap off their beautiful day, but we also saw a feat unmatched by any bridal party: launching Katelynn over 12 feet off the ground in her wedding gown!
Devil’s Thumb Ranch Wedding Venue
Tabernash, Colorado| Guest Capacity: Up to 250 guests
If we had to choose a single ranch wedding venue in Colorado that epitomized tying the knot in an authentically rustic yet luxurious fashion, Devil’s Thumb Ranch would be the hands-down winner. Let’s be honest here: how many wedding venues have Wagyu cattle grazing on the land? How many ranches have their own spa, their own coffee shop, and their own restaurants? Ranch owners ourselves, we have long admired the way that Devil’s Thumb Ranch strives for sustainability, land preservation, and living by the Code of the West.
There’s no doubt about it: Devil’s Thumb Ranch is a world-class venue. The views of the Continental Divide are unparalleled. Watching the grazing horses feels like a scene straight from a magazine. Even the ranch name exudes a sense of intimidation that you can’t help but be enthralled by. If getting married here isn’t within your budget, it’s at least worth considering for a romantic weekend getaway. There are 6,000 acres to explore on the ranch itself, whether by foot, mountain bike, cross-country skiing, or our personal favorite: horseback.
If you are in a position to host your wedding here, then prepare yourself for the many options you can choose from at Devil’s Thumb Ranch. The High Lonesome and Broad Axe Barns are two of the most popular venue sites, as well as Axel’s Pavilion with its incredible timber construction, fireplace, and outdoor terrace. You really can’t go wrong with any choice.
Devil’s Thumb Ranch Photographer Perspective:
Where do we begin? The size of Devil’s Thumb Ranch lends itself to numerous hidden gems, secret locations, and a common thread among all of them: gorgeous scenery. The views of the Continental Divide, the Indian Peaks Wilderness, and even the distant Winter Park Resort are unrivaled. Every time we go to Devil’s Thumb Ranch, we discover a new spot that’s even more incredible than the last. There’s simply so much to explore here that you’re guaranteed to have a wedding album completely unique to your own style and sense of adventure.
See more photos of Devil’s Thumb Ranch:
While we love photographing weddings here, we thought we’d share a particularly magical moment we had the opportunity to capture: a marriage proposal at Devil’s Thumb Ranch. When Hogan decided he was going to propose to his girlfriend, Shelby, exploring the picturesque ranch on horseback provided the perfect opportunity. To secretly capture the once-in-a-lifetime moment of getting down on one knee, we posed as fellow tourists and joined them on horseback, discretely stashing our arsenal of camera gear out of sight in the saddlebags. At an idyllic spot with snow-covered mountains serving as the backdrop, the two stepped down from their saddles, and Hogan asked Shelby the most important question of his life.
The Venue at Crooked Willow Farms
Larkspur, Colorado | Guest Capacity: Up to 200 guests
If you love the idea of an upscale ranch wedding in Colorado but you’re hesitant to ask your guests to drive several hours into the mountains, then the Venue at Crooked Willow Farms may be just the ticket. Set on 90 acres of lush green grass, this state-of-the-art sport horse training facility is lined with white 3-rail fences, impeccable landscaping, and all complimented by beautiful classic red buildings and barns. There are even a couple of ponds here, which provide the perfect opportunity for a beautiful reflection shot of you in your wedding dress. The venue has what many consider to be the ideal blend of authenticity (hello there, horses, roundpens, and arenas) and sophisticated elegance.
Aside from the bridal suite and grooms quarters, you’ll find a few elements that make this venue truly unique. For starters, the former horse stalls of the venue barn have since been converted into barrel rooms. No, not for barrel racing—these are genuine wine barrels, and they add a classy look to an already stunning barn. There’s also a loft (known as Lola’s Loft) that allows for indoor ceremonies in the event of rain, or the perfect spot for dinner and dancing. The venue is also committed to only having one wedding per day, so you can rest assured that the staff here will be fully-focused on you.
Crooked Willow Farms Photographer Perspective:
The way the light shines at Crooked Willow Farms is extraordinary. During the morning and mid-day light, the rays of sun peek through the windows and spill into the doorways, allowing for incredible photos of you sliding into your dress, or for a romantic first look. As the day goes on, the landscaping, flowers, and trees provide extra pops of color everywhere you look. During the fall, your heart will melt at the sight of the vibrant leaves that drift to the ground in the quiet breeze.
On a related note, if you have a secret love of camels (who doesn’t?), then you might as well sign your wedding contract now, because two of the humped-back fellas will be greeting you as you arrive at the farm.
See more wedding photos of The Venue at Crooked Willow Farms
It’s no secret that the sound of bagpipes has the distinctive ability to make any occasion more dramatic. When you combine the echo of bagpipes with a horse and carriage, brilliant fall colors, and Scottish kilts, then you have yourself a remarkable wedding. That’s exactly what happened at Briana and Trent’s Scottish-themed wedding at The Venue at Crooked Willow Farms.
Piney River Ranch Wedding Venue
Vail, Colorado | Guest Capacity: Up to 200 guests
If you’re looking for a fairy-tale venue to seal the deal on your fairy-tale love story, then look no further than the enchanted Piney River Ranch. Nestled against Piney Lake with the incredible Gore Range serving as the backdrop, this is the spot you thought could only exist on your Pinterest board. Here you’ll find a postcard-worthy cirque with towering peaks reflected in the mirror-like lake, along with wildflowers, Aspen groves, and meadows that will make you want to setup a hammock and never leave. Seriously, this is a beautiful location, and if you’re looking for a true Colorado mountain wedding, this may be the perfect fit.
Having said that, Piney River Ranch is more rustic than some venues, and you’ll want to keep a few things in mind if you decide to plan your wedding here. For one, the ranch is located a mere 12 miles from the town of Vail, but you’ll need to allow at least 45 minutes to travel the dirt road leading there. The road is rough and bumpy, but there’s no need for four-wheel drive. You’ll also be limited as to when you’ll be able to visit the ranch in your planning stages, as the Forest Service (and the snow) keeps the road closed between the first of October and mid-to-late June.
Of course, the authentic nature of this ranch, combined with its wilderness setting, is for many couples more of a draw rather than a deterrent. Considering we were married in a rustic barn in the National Forest ourselves, this venue holds tremendous appeal to us. It’s also a venue that will give your guests a taste of the “real” Colorado, complete with dirt roads, a gorgeous valley and lake, and of course plenty of wildlife. If they’re feeling adventurous, there are even cabins, glamping tents, and a yurt available here as well. If the sound of Piney River Ranch gets you excited, we don’t blame you. It gets us excited, too!
Piney River Ranch Photographer Perspective:
We always feel at home in the mountains, and especially on a mountain ranch. This is exactly the type of environment that spurs our creativity and inspires us. The weather patterns at Piney River Ranch can bring clouds that make for stunning sunsets and photos. The ceremony backdrop by itself is worthy of a spot above your fireplace mantle. For our adventurous couples, the ranch provides endless nearby hiking opportunities with spectacular views, as well as canoes for those extra special wedding day photos.
Insider tip:
One of our favorite hikes in this area is the nearby Upper Piney Trail No. 1885, which will lead you 3 miles (one-way) into the Eagle’s Nest Wilderness and to a gorgeous waterfall. Go check out the venue and get a hike in while you’re at it!
Spruce Mountain Ranch Wedding Venue
Larkspur, Colorado | Guest Capacity: Up to 325 guests
Tucked against the foothills in Larkspur, Colorado, Spruce Mountain Ranch is one of the few ranch venues that combine luxury with proximity to Denver. From the moment you enter through the imposing entrance gate, you will immediately be gripped by the way this ranch has added extravagant touches, such as paved roads, expansive parking areas, water features, miles of flawless fencing, and landscaping that blends seamlessly into the natural environment. And that’s before you even reach the picturesque Albert’s Lodge. It would be difficult to find anywhere on this 400-acre ranch that hasn’t been carefully planned and crafted.
Spruce Mountain Ranch also provides multiple ceremony and reception sites, ranging from beautiful vistas, mountainside meadows, courtyards, a chapel, or even on the edge of a lake (appropriately named Angus Lake… hungry yet?). These are split between a working cattle ranch as well as a guest ranch, with wedding options at both (classified as the lower ranch, and the upper ranch). If you’re looking to make your day extra special, there’s also a unique opportunity here: an exclusive ranch buyout option, which provides you with the chance to rent out the entire property.
Few venues in the country can accommodate the number of guests that Spruce Mountain Ranch can. So if you find your guest list quickly exceeding the maximum capacity of most Colorado venues, then you may have just found the perfect option. And if you’re looking for a more intimate setting, Spruce Mountain Ranch has smaller venues that will provide a cozy feel and avoid the empty feeling of a room that’s too big for the number of guests.
Spruce Mountain Ranch Photographer Perspective:
Lakeside terraces. Trickling creeks. Open meadows. Cafe lights. Log buildings. Floor-to-ceiling fireplaces. Spruce Mountain Ranch has just about every element that a photographer could ask for. The tall grass, wildflowers, and mountain vistas not only make you feel like you’re starring in a music video for America the Beautiful but also provide a beautiful foreground and background for extra depth in your wedding portraits. View more of Becca and Justin’s Spruce Mountain Ranch wedding photos!
Howard, Colorado | Guest Capacity: Up to 200 guests
If unique, rustic, and small town charm are on your “Must Have” list, you may have found your venue! Ever wonder what the journey for a 3,200sqft barn built in 1861 in Northern Indiana to Colorado looks like? You’ll find it here at the Barn at Howard Creek Farm! This 11 acre ranch is located just 15 minutes outside of the charming mountain town of Salida and sits at the base of the Sangre de Cristo mountain range. The Arkansas River runs right along the border of this lush green property where Aly and Orlin Camerlo have rebuilt a piece of history on their private property to share with Colorado couples.
If you’re looking for the whole kit and caboodle, you can find everything at this charming venue! From a unique grain silo suite, to the lush ceremony meadow, the on site historical grain silo suite to an onsite day of coordinator, this new Colorado venue spared no expense. In fact, you’ll even have an opportunity to sneak away to rock in the rocking chairs and watch the sunset over the mountains.
The Barn at Howard Creek Farm Photographer Perspective:
The lush green hayfields up against the iconic Sangre de Cristo range makes for a jaw-dropping backdrop for any rustic chic wedding!
Everett Ranch
