Colorado Wedding Planning Guide: Your Step-by-Step Resource for a Perfect Day
Planning a wedding in Colorado should feel like an adventure, not a headache. Whether you’re dreaming of a mountaintop elopement in Aspen, an elegant Denver ballroom wedding, or a cozy ceremony surrounded by red rocks in Colorado Springs — this is your complete, no-stress guide.
Curious what your Colorado wedding photography might look like in terms of coverage and investment? Take a peek at my wedding photography packages to see what fits your day best.
Wedding Planning Checklist
The secret to a stress-free wedding? A clear roadmap. Here’s a month-by-month breakdown to help you stay organized from the moment you say “yes” to the moment you say “I do.”
12–18 Months Before
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Set your date — Consider the season, venue availability, and desired atmosphere.
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Create your budget — Decide what matters most (venue, photography, or experience).
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Start your guest list — Have an estimate before booking venues.
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Book your venue early — Colorado’s best spots fill up fast, especially summer and fall weekends.
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Hire your photographer — (👋 Hey, that’s me!) This is the time to lock in your dream storyteller before dates disappear.
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Choose your wedding style — Rustic, elegant, mountain-chic, or destination.
You can explore my Colorado wedding photography pricing and packages to get a clear sense of what’s included and how to secure your date early.
9–12 Months Before
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Book key vendors: planner, florist, caterer, officiant, DJ/band.
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Choose your bridal party.
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Shop for attire — Wedding dress, suit, or outfit that fits your vibe and season.
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Send save-the-dates (especially for destination weddings).
6–9 Months Before
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Design and order invitations.
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Book travel & accommodations for guests and honeymoon.
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Choose rings.
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Schedule hair & makeup trials.
3–6 Months Before
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Finalize your guest list.
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Confirm all vendors.
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Plan ceremony + reception details.
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Start writing vows.
1–3 Months Before
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Send invitations & track RSVPs.
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Final dress/suit fittings.
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Create a detailed day-of timeline with your photographer/planner.
Week Of
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Pick up marriage license.
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Pack emergency kit (sewing kit, bobby pins, Advil, etc.).
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Host rehearsal dinner & relax.
Wedding Day
Take a deep breath. You’ve planned this beautifully — now be fully present and soak in every second.
Sample Wedding Day Timelines
Every wedding is unique, but structure keeps the day flowing naturally.
Traditional Wedding Timeline
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7:00 AM: Hair and makeup for the bride and bridal party.
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9:00 AM: Groom and groomsmen prep.
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11:00 AM: Photos of the bride and groom (individual and together).
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1:00 PM: Ceremony begins.
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2:00 PM: Cocktail hour begins.
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3:30 PM: Reception begins with dinner and speeches.
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5:00 PM: First dance and dancing begins.
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7:00 PM: Cake cutting and toasts.
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10:00 PM: Send-off.
Destination Wedding Timeline
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Day 1: Arrival and welcome dinner for guests.
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Day 2: Rehearsal and sightseeing.
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Day 3: Wedding ceremony followed by a reception and farewell dinner.
Elopement Timeline
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9:00 AM: Meet photographer and travel to the ceremony location.
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11:00 AM: Ceremony and photos.
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1:00 PM: Casual lunch or celebration at a local spot.
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Afternoon: Relax and enjoy your new marriage.
Intimate Wedding (50 Guests or Less)
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3:00 PM: Ceremony.
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4:00 PM: Reception and dinner with speeches.
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7:00 PM: Dancing and cake cutting.
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9:00 PM: Send-off.
Wedding Budgeting Tips
Setting a budget is one of the first and most important steps in wedding planning. Here are some tips to help you stay on track
Average Wedding Costs in the U.S.
While U.S. weddings average around $30K–$35K, Colorado weddings often range from $20K–$50K+ depending on guest count and location.
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Venue: $5,000–$15,000 (including rentals, tables, and chairs)
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Catering: $70–$150 per guest
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Wedding Dress: $1,500–$3,000
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Tuxedo or Suit: $200–$800
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Photography: $2,500–$5,000
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Videography: $1,500–$3,500
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Florals: $1,500–$5,000
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Music/Entertainment: $1,000–$4,000 (DJ or live band)
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Wedding Planner: $2,000–$5,000
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Invitations: $500–$1,500
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Cake: $500–$1,000
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Hair and Makeup: $300–$600
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Decor and Lighting: $1,000–$5,000
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Favors: $200–$500
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Transportation: $500–$1,200
Budgeting Tips
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Set Priorities: Decide on your “must-haves.” For instance, if photography is a top priority, allocate more funds to that category.
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Consider an All-Inclusive Venue: Some venues offer packages that include catering, rentals, and decor, which can save time and money.
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Guest List Impact: The guest count is one of the largest factors affecting your budget. Trimming the list can significantly reduce costs for food, invitations, and rentals.
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DIY Where You Can: Personal touches like homemade favors or simple floral centerpieces can add charm and cut costs.
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Opt for Off-Peak Weddings: Getting married on a weekday or during the off-season (typically winter, except around holidays) can lower venue and vendor costs.
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Bundle Services: Many photographers, videographers, and planners offer discounts when you book multiple services with them.
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Track Expenses: Use a wedding budget planner or spreadsheet to keep all costs in check and avoid overspending.
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Photography is one of the few investments that truly lasts forever. If you’d like transparent, flexible pricing options, check out my wedding packages and investment details.
Best Colorado Wedding Venues
Colorado is pure magic — red rocks, alpine lakes, cozy lodges, and luxury resorts. Here are some standout venues couples love:
Mountain Magic
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Aspen & Snowmass – Luxury ski resorts and mountain views.
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Telluride – Boutique mountain charm, gondola views, and wildflower meadows.
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Vail – European-style village with world-class dining.
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Breckenridge – Perfect mix of adventure and elegance.
Iconic & Accessible
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Garden of the Gods (Colorado Springs) – Epic red rock formations and golden sunsets.
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Denver Botanic Gardens – Green oasis in the city.
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Brainard Lake or Twin Lakes – Ideal for elopements and intimate mountain ceremonies.
(For detailed venue guides, check my Colorado Elopement Guide and Blog.)
Choosing the Right Wedding Vendors
The right team can make or break your wedding experience.
Key Vendors to Book
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Photographer/Videographer: Find someone who feels like a friend, not just a vendor. Your comfort shows in your photos.
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Planner/Coordinator: Keeps everything organized so you can relax.
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Florist: Ask about in-season blooms to save money.
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Officiant: Choose someone who fits your beliefs and personality.
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Caterer & Baker: Ask for tastings and sample menus.
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Hair & Makeup: Schedule a trial before the big day.
💡 Pro tip: Book your photographer, venue, and planner first — these three set the tone for everything else. Learn more about how I approach wedding photography and what’s included in each collection on my Investments page.
Wedding Day Tips & Tricks
Here are a few practical tips to ensure your wedding day goes off without a hitch:
1. Timeline Optimization
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Morning Prep: Start early to avoid feeling rushed. Allocate time for breakfast, hair, makeup, and outfit prep, ensuring buffer time for delays.
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Ceremony: Plan for a realistic ceremony length, typically 20–30 minutes, depending on your preferences.
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Photos: Schedule first-look or family photos before the ceremony to streamline the reception timeline.
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Reception: Keep speeches short and sweet, and plan for transitions between events like the first dance and cake cutting.
2. Emergency Kit
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Pack an emergency kit with essentials like a sewing kit, stain remover, deodorant, snacks, and a phone charger. Designate someone (often the maid of honor) to keep it handy.
3. Vendor Coordination
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Confirm timing and logistics with all vendors a week in advance. Share a detailed timeline with key players, including your photographer, DJ, and planner.
4. Focus on You
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Designate a helper to manage last-minute questions or issues.
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Sneak away with your partner for a quiet moment to soak in the day.
5. Guest Experience
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Provide weather-appropriate items like fans, umbrellas, or blankets.
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Offer late-night snacks for guests who stay late.
Planning Your Honeymoon
After all the wedding planning stress, it’s time to relax and enjoy your honeymoon. Here are a few ideas:
Colorado Honeymoons
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Aspen: Luxury resorts + hot tubs with mountain views.
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Telluride: Romantic cabins + scenic gondola rides.
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Steamboat Springs: Soak in hot springs after your big day.
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Colorado Springs: Hike Garden of the Gods, stay at The Broadmoor.
U.S. Favorites
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Hawaii (Maui or Kauai): Relaxed island luxury.
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Napa Valley: Wine country romance.
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Charleston: History, charm, and southern cuisine.
Worldwide Escapes
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Santorini: Iconic sunsets and blue domes.
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Bali: Tropical serenity with affordable luxury.
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Paris: The ultimate city of love.
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Maldives: Private villas surrounded by turquoise water.
(Tip: Create a honeymoon registry — let guests gift experiences instead of physical items!)
Frequently Asked Questions About Colorado Weddings
When is the best month to get married in Colorado?
September and early October are the most popular months for weddings in Colorado. The aspens turn gold, the weather is mild, and the sunsets are incredible. For couples dreaming of snowy mountain scenes, February through March is perfect for a cozy winter wedding vibe.
Do you need a permit to get married outdoors in Colorado?
It depends on the location. Many public areas like Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs don’t require a permit for small ceremonies or photoshoots, but spots like Maroon Bells, Rocky Mountain National Park, or state park areas do. Always check the official park or venue website before planning.
How far in advance should we book our vendors?
Top Colorado wedding vendors — especially venues, photographers, and planners — book out 12–18 months ahead for peak weekends. If you’re planning a fall or summer wedding, start securing your dream team as early as possible.
Is Colorado good for destination weddings?
Absolutely! Colorado is one of the best destination wedding states in the U.S. It offers world-class resorts, mountain lodges, national parks, and easy access through Denver International Airport and Colorado Springs Airport.
What’s the average cost of a Colorado wedding?
Most Colorado weddings range between $20,000–$50,000 depending on guest count, venue type, and season. Smaller elopements and intimate weddings can be done beautifully for much less — it’s all about your priorities and location.
Can we legally marry ourselves in Colorado?
Yes! Colorado allows self-solemnization — meaning you don’t need an officiant or witnesses to make your marriage official. It’s one of the few states where couples can marry themselves, which makes it extra special for elopements and private ceremonies.
Wrapping Up Your Wedding Planning Journey
At the end of the day, your wedding isn’t just an event — it’s a story, and every detail tells part of it. Whether you’re saying “I do” in a cozy mountain lodge or on a sunlit ridge overlooking Colorado Springs, this guide gives you everything you need to plan confidently.
If you’re ready to bring your dream wedding to life, I’d love to help you capture it beautifully. Discover my wedding photography packages to see what’s included and find the perfect fit for your day.