20 Best Mountain Wedding Venues in Western Colorado

If you’re considering getting married in Colorado, there’s a good chance you’re looking for the best mountain views in the state. Right? Most people traveling in from out of state try to find a mountain wedding venue close to Denver for the sake of travel. Listen, I get it. But you want to know the secret from a local? The front range (Denver, Estes, Colorado Springs…) is the WORST part of the state.

It’s crowded. There’s a lot of rules and regulations about where you can be and when. You’ll be fighting everyone else on the front range for prime dates. The mountains are practically just foothills compared to here in the west (yeah, I said it!) Did I mention it’s crowded? In Western Colorado, there are dozens of amazing mountain wedding venues that you’ve probably never heard of — and neither have the crowds!

All this to say, if you’re looking for the best mountain views in the state, you need to learn about the best mountain wedding venues in Western Colorado! And don’t worry, they’re not all hard to get to from Denver – promise.

20 Best Mountain Wedding Venues in Western Colorado

Mountain Wedding Venues in Vail

We’ll start near the Vail area – arguably the easiest area to get to from Denver as it lies along I-70. While Vail is largely not my favorite place for mountain views, being in a valley that hides the best views, there are a couple of mountain wedding venues in Vail that get above or beyond the valley walls to give you a glimpse at some amazing vistas:

Vail Mountain Deck / Holy Cross Event Deck

This wedding pavilion overlooks the mountains that seemingly sit on the same level with almost 360 degree mountain views. Who needs a fancy arbor when you have a full horizon of peaks!

Learn more: https://www.vail.com/explore-the-resort/about-the-resort/groups-and-weddings/weddings.aspx?tc_1=4

Piney River Ranch

While this venue is a bit of a drive out of Vail and into the wilderness (dirt road included!) the views are undeniable! You can feel at home in nature here, and the lodge is that perfectly Colorado combination of western ruggedness and the elevated sophistication of Vail.

Learn more: https://www.pineyriverranch.com/weddings-special-events/

Mountain Wedding Venues in Aspen

Next on our journey of mountain wedding venues in Western Colorado is Aspen – probably the most well-known town in Colorado and yet somehow still not as busy as Estes Park! Here are the best venues for those famous mountain views:

Ashcroft/Pine Creek Cookhouse

These two wedding venues are next door neighbors, so I’m pairing them together. Plus, Ashcroft is more of an elopement or portrait venue. Located outside Aspen on a well-maintained paved road, you’ll be treated to incredible views of Pearl Pass and a historic ghost town! You’ll have good eats from the Pine Creek Cookhouse that can’t be beat.

Learn more: https://pinecreekcookhouse.com/aspen-weddings/

Maroon Bells

Maroon Bells is probably the most crowded and highly sought-after mountain wedding venue on this list, but it is too stunning not to include. Reservations for the amphitheater must be made a year in advance of your date – and you’ll need luck on your side even then. If you manage to snag a reservation, congrats! You’ll also need a separate reception space, so keep that in mind. Click here for my article all about getting married at Maroon Bells.

Learn more: https://aspenchamber.org/groups/weddings/maroon-bells

T-Lazy-7

This elevated yet rustic wedding venue offers multiple amazing spaces to choose from. You can get married in the meadow with Pyramid Peak overlooking your ceremony. Host your reception in the log cabin lodge or at the Chuckwagon grounds for quintessential Colorado vibes.

Learn more: https://www.tlazy7.com/

Aspen Sundeck

Another one of those 360 degree mountain views is this mountain wedding venue at the top of Aspen Mountain. The Sundeck allows you to get married with a full horizon of mountains as your backdrop – a sight sure to impress all your guests!

Learn more: https://www.thelittlenell.com/celebrate-in-aspen/weddings/venues/sundeck

Crested Butte Area Venues

Crested Butte and its nearby area offers a wide number of mountain wedding venues. I’m highlighting a couple in particular rather than naming every single CB wedding venue (click here if that’s something you’re looking for!)

Ragged Mountain Events

This venue lies closer to the start of Kebler Pass than CB itself. If you’re looking for a rustic mountain wedding venue that will feel like you’re in the heart of the mountains (with the benefit of not having to fight a ton of people for the good dates!) look no further. Get married in the venue’s meadow with the Ragged Mountains surrounding. I swear you can even see all the way to Gunnison on a clear day!

Learn more: https://raggedmountainevents.com/

Ten Peaks

One of the most popular mountain wedding venues in Crested Butte is Ten Peaks. Sitting on the side of Mt. Crested Butte, you’ll get 360 degree mountain views from this overlook wedding pavilion. Celebrate at the Umbrella Bar and enjoy all the best views CB has to offer.

Learn more: https://www.skicb.com/explore-the-resort/about-the-resort/groups-and-weddings/weddings.aspx

Durango & Silverton Mountain Wedding Venues

As we get over to the San Juan Mountains on our journey, the Southern parts of these rugged mountains are Durango and Silverton. Immerse yourself in some of the best mountains in Colorado:

Black Diamond Lodge

This lovely lodge is located north of Durango (for the best mountain views, if you ask me) and not far from Purgatory Mountain Resort. You’ll be treated to comfortable yet elevated spaces with some breathtaking views. Plus you won’t be fighting as hard to book your prime dates here!

Learn more: https://www.theblackdiamondlodge.com/

Purgatory Mountain Resort

Purgatory Mountain Resort is Durango’s local ski resort – and the views of the San Juan Mountains here are just amazing! Enjoy the vibes that come with getting married at a ski resort, plus three stunning ceremony spaces to choose from.

Learn more: https://www.purgatory.ski/

Eureka Lodge

If you want a wild adventure and to feel like you’ve never been so in the mountains before, then Eureka Lodge will be sure to please. With a rugged mountain lodge, views for days, and a unique experience getting there, your guests will be in for a real Colorado mountain experience here.

Learn more: https://eurekalodgecolorado.com/

Ouray Area Venues

Ouray sits at the north edge of the San Juan Mountains and is the most charming mountain town on the western slope.

Red Mountain Alpine Lodge

For a smaller wedding ceremony at high elevation, the Red Mountain Alpine Lodge is an incredible space along Red Mountain Pass (or the Million Dollar Highway) just outside of Ouray in the mountains. Enjoy feeling like the only ones around for miles and miles at this remote lodge!

Learn more: https://redmountainalpinelodge.com/

Gold Mountain Ranch

If you’re looking for a sophisticated yet rugged micro wedding venue, look no further. Gold Mountain Ranch sits above Ouray, overlooking the cozy little town below. You and your guests will be treated to insane views that almost no one gets to see and enjoy the wonderful indoor and outdoor spaces.

Learn more: https://www.goldmountainranch.com/

Top of the Pines

For a true mountain venue, Top of the Pines in Ridgway is the way to go. Your space is essentially whatever you make it here! With Mt. Sneffels and the San Juan Mountains witnessing your celebration along the horizon, you can bring any vision to life. Create a summer camp celebration, opt for multi-day festivities, camp under the stars, or enjoy a traditional tented wedding with some mountain flair.

Learn more: https://www.topofthepines.org/

Telluride Venues

Telluride is a historic western town that is now intermingled with celebrity culture for a fun mix of down-to-earth, small-town cowboy type of living paired with an elevated atmosphere from lodging to shopping to dining!

Schmid Family Ranch

This historic family ranch lies just outside Telluride with some incredible expansive views and the rich heritage that built this area. The family has worked with conservationists to ensure the beauty of this ranch and help them share this space with the public for generations.

Learn more: https://www.schmidfamilyranch.com/weddings

Aldasoro Ranch

If you’re looking for a down-to-earth property near Telluride with massive views of the surrounding mountains, pairing polished elegance with views of the mountain peak featured on the Coors beer bottle (talk about a talking point for guests!)

Learn more: https://www.aldasorowed.com/

Alta Lakes

For a historic and rustic adventurous mountain wedding venue near Telluride, take a look at Alta Lakes and the Observatory venue there. Get amongst it at this remote and unique venue – best for smaller celebrations looking for a wild mountain space.

Learn more: https://www.altalakes.com/

Telluride Mountain Lodge

Couples looking for stunning mountain views paired with lovely lodging where Mountain Village and the Gondola into town are just a short walk away, Telluride Mountain Lodge is the spot you need.

Learn more: https://www.mountainlodgetelluride.com/

San Sophia Overlook

Aside from Maroon Bells, San Sophia Overlook is the other most sought-after mountain wedding venue in Western Colorado. You’ve probably seen the space on Pinterest or a quick google search about venues in the state – and it’s easy to see why it books up fast! If you want those 360 degree mountain views, this is an easy choice (but not as easy to book – be early and prepared!)

Learn more: https://www.telluride.com/business/san-sophia-overlook/

Palmyra Lookout

One of Telluride Ski’s newer mountain wedding venues is the Palmyra Lookout, great for smaller wedding celebrations looking for big mountain views. You’ll have luxurious vistas surrounding your ceremony at this Telluride venue.

Learn more: https://tellurideskiresort.com/weddings/#Palmyra Lookout

These are just 20 mountain wedding venues in Western Colorado – there are certainly more amazing options on this #westslopebestslope. Get to know this other half of the state and enjoy the privacy and insane views for your big day. Looking for a photographer who lives and works out here that is passionate about capturing the story and scenery of your celebration? Click here to learn more about my services and reach out!