If you're dreaming of having the perfect Colorado wedding, searching for a venue may become a tad overwhelming. Between Vail, Winter Park, Denver, Larkspur, Colorado Springs, and beyond, there are a LOT of different options, and we guarantee there is something for every couple. But where to start? Consider the following questions below to get started on the first decision: Should we get married in the Mountains or in Denver?

1. How convenient is it for guests to get there?

It’s no secret that DIA isn’t exactly a quick ride to, well, anywhere. But with the A-line, out of town guests can easily step off the plane then right onto the light rail and make their way to Union Station in downtown Denver--no rental car required.

If you have a lot of guests coming in from out of town, they will most likely have to rent a car and drive themselves to the mountains, possibly for the first time. Or, if your Aunt from Ohio isn’t comfortable taking on Berthoud Pass herself, guests can also book a shuttle to pick them up at the airport and take them to the mountains. This of course is an additional cost on top of their hotel room.

Guests already living in the state will most likely also need to book a hotel in the mountains, giving them a chance to have a weekend “staycation.”

2. What’s the weather going to be like?

An October evening in Denver may be brisk, but in the mountains it’s going to be down right cold. There may even be snow. If you’re going to be outdoors at any time in the mountains after the sun has set, you may want to consider renting heaters and even providing guests with blankets to keep warm. A hot chocolate bar is always a good idea!

3. What do the vendor costs look like?

If you’re staying within the Denver-Metro area, you won’t have to worry about any local vendor travel fees or booking hotel rooms for them. There are also a plethora of vendors to choose from in Denver, while in the mountains your local vendor choices are more limited if you want to avoid that travel fee. Mountain vendors book up quickly and many are unable to take on more than one event a day, so the planning process needs to start early for a mountain wedding.

4. What’s the view like?

Do you love the city skyline, or are you more of a breathtaking, scenic view kind of bride? Denver has some great views, but if you want to wow guests and show them why we’re known as Colorful Colorado, the mountains are definitely for you!

5. What else is there to do?

Do you have a lot of outdoorsy guests who can’t wait to embrace everything Colorado has to offer in terms of skiing, hiking, rafting, and hot spring-ing? Or would they be more interested in staying in the city and taking advantage of the local breweries (70+ are in Denver alone!), museums, parks, and restaurants? What part of this great state do you want to show off the most?

Fortunately, we've worked all over the state during every part of the year, and can help you narrow your search down! What will it be: Mountains or Denver?

Photo credits:

True Photography
Autumn Cutaia Photography
Kari Geha Photography
Irving Photography