Colorado Wedding Planning Guide (2026): Checklist, Timelines, Budget, Venues & Tips
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 ballroom wedding in Denver, or a cozy ceremony surrounded by red rocks in Colorado Springs, this guide is here to help you plan with clarity, confidence, and ease.
As a Colorado wedding photographer who’s photographed weddings across the state, I built this guide to help couples plan confidently and avoid unnecessary stress.
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.
Colorado Wedding Planning Guide (Quick Wins):
• Best first step: Book your venue, then lock in your photographer
• Most common timeline issue: Not enough portrait time at golden hour
• Best money move: Cut guest count before cutting what you care about
• Best stress saver: Build a timeline with buffer time (15 minutes per major transition)
• Best Colorado tip: Have a weather backup plan for every outdoor moment
Not sure where to start? You can explore my Colorado wedding photography packages, read through my Colorado elopement guide for planning mindset + logistics, or reach out to me to build a simple plan together.
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.
If you want help building a wedding timeline that feels natural, unrushed, and actually enjoyable, I work closely with couples to plan days that flow beautifully and leave room to be fully present. You can explore my Colorado wedding photography packages to see how I support timeline planning and coverage from start to finish.
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.
Colorado Wedding Planning Mistakes to Avoid
Even well-planned weddings can feel stressful if a few key details are overlooked. These are some of the most common mistakes I see couples make when planning a Colorado wedding.
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Not building enough buffer time into the timeline, especially for travel and portraits
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Underestimating how quickly Colorado weather can change
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Choosing a venue before understanding lighting, logistics, and photo flow
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Booking vendors without reviewing contracts carefully
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Trying to do too much in one day instead of focusing on what matters most
Avoiding these pitfalls helps your wedding day feel relaxed, intentional, and genuinely enjoyable.
Best Colorado Wedding Venues (By Style & Location)
Colorado offers an incredible variety of wedding venues, from luxury resorts and iconic red rock locations to secluded ranches and alpine lodges. Whether you’re planning an intimate celebration or a full destination weekend, choosing the right venue sets the tone for your entire day.
Below are a few standout venue styles and locations to help you narrow down what fits your vision best.
Colorado Springs Wedding Venues
Colorado Springs is known for its dramatic red rock landscapes, mountain views, and easy accessibility for guests traveling from out of state.
Top Colorado Springs wedding venues include:
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The Broadmoor – A legendary five-star resort with lakeside gardens, mountain views, and world-class service
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The Pinery at the Hill – An elegant, all-inclusive venue with sweeping city and Pikes Peak views
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Garden of the Gods Resort & Club – Iconic red rock backdrops paired with luxury accommodations
If you’re drawn to red rocks, mountain scenery, and refined venues, Colorado Springs offers some of the most versatile options in the state.
👉 Explore a full breakdown of Colorado Springs wedding venues and real weddings on my blog.
Mountain & Resort Wedding Venues
Mountain weddings are a favorite for couples dreaming of alpine views, cooler summer temperatures, and a true Colorado experience.
Popular mountain and resort venues include:
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Della Terra Mountain Chateau in Estes Park
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The Lodge at Breckenridge in Summit County
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Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort near Buena Vista
These venues are ideal for couples who want breathtaking scenery, outdoor ceremonies, and a relaxed mountain atmosphere.
👉 See more of the best mountain wedding venues in Colorado in my Colorado Elopement Guide and blog.
Luxury Ranch & Destination Wedding Venues
For couples planning a multi-day celebration or destination wedding weekend, Colorado’s ranches and resort venues offer privacy, space, and unforgettable landscapes.
Notable luxury and destination venues include:
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Devil’s Thumb Ranch – A high-end ranch retreat designed for full-weekend celebrations
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Camp Hale – A secluded alpine valley with a lakefront ceremony island
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Vail Mountain wedding venues – Gondola-access locations with panoramic views
These venues are perfect for couples who want their wedding to feel like an experience, not just a single day.
How to Choose the Right Venue for Your Colorado Wedding
When narrowing down venues, consider:
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Guest count and accessibility
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Season and weather conditions
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Permit requirements for outdoor locations
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Whether you want a single-day event or a full weekend experience
If you’re also comparing photography coverage while you venue-shop, you can browse my Colorado wedding photography packages to see what typically fits different types of wedding days.
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.