Outdoor Weddings
Colorado. Big sky, aspen groves quaking in the breeze, snow covered slopes, and the long sweep of the high plains rushing to meet the majestic Rocky Mountains. Colorado is brimming with beautiful outdoor places to speak your vows. In the greater Denver area, there are over 350 urban parks and 14,000 acres of mountain parks. Many are well suited for ceremonies and receptions. One of the most popular parks for weddings is the fabulous Civic Center downtown, where couples have been marrying in its cathedral-like setting since the turn of the century. With its elaborate columns and porticos, the Civic Center is a truly spectacular site that will serve as the perfect backdrop to your special day. Even if you don't marry there, consider using it as a location for your wedding photography. It may provide the storybook setting you have been looking for. Many of the Denver area's other parks can also be rented for weddings and receptions. Visit the City of Denver's web site for more information about park rentals.Outdoor Home Weddings
An outdoor wedding at home can be a beautiful and personal experience. If you don't have an appropriately-sized space, consider asking a friend or relative if you can get married in their backyard. All you need is an area big enough to accommodate your guests -- thankfully, a tidy yard can be transformed with a few decorations. Home weddings can be real money savers too, especially if you are willing to set up chairs and decorate yourself. Don't be afraid to recruit friends and family to assist you. They will thrilled to help create some magic for your wedding day.Outdoor Wedding Checklist
Do you need a reservation to use the site you have in mind? What is provided? Is there a place to dress? Bathrooms? A covered area in case of rain? Make your plans early and pay all deposits on time. Competition for prized Colorado wedding ceremony locations can be fierce, so be prepared and be early.Have a backup plan. What will you do if the sky turns dark and one of Colorado's famous lightning storms begins to roar across the sky? Many couples reserve an indoor space as backup. Reserve a church, Grange hall, YMCA, bed and breakfast or other facility near your outdoor location to use in an emergency and make all arrangements in advance.
Do you need to rent a tent, canopy, wedding arch, chairs, tables, linens or dishes? Check prices (get at least three quotes, as rental costs can vary widely) and reserve early. Ask about the delivery, set-up and return process. Get specifics.
Consider your shoes! Spike heels stick in soft grass or dirt. To make a smooth entrance, use a heavy runner (which can often be rented) or wear flats.
If you choose a rural location or a site with limited parking, consider renting a bus to transport guests.
Keep use of candles to a minimum, unless they are enclosed in a protective wind shield. Even a slight breeze has been known to blow out the unity candle, at just the wrong moment!
Consider renting a PA system if your officiate does not already have one. It is often difficult for guests to hear the vows and blessing in an outdoor setting without one.
Church Weddings
Have you always seen yourself walking down the isle in a charming little chapel or a grand cathedral? Some of the most romantic and meaningful weddings take place in houses of worship.Things to Consider: Many churches require couples to engage in counseling before they will agree to perform the ceremony and/or rent their sanctuary. Contact the church of your choice as early as possible to find out what their requirements are. Will they rent the space and allow you to bring in your own officiate, or do they perform all ceremonies themselves?
Some larger churches offer wedding planning, with ministers or lay employees dedicated to that task. Ask what services they can provide and about cost. Church rental cost can be significant and is often in addition to the fee paid to the officiate. Note: If you are already a member of the church where you will be wed, costs may be lower.
Other Wedding Location Ideas
Bed & breakfasts, restaurants, country clubs and ski resorts make excellent wedding locations. Consider getting married at the place where you met. Did you meet at work, in the grocery store or at a restaurant? Consider a non-traditional wedding location for the pure romance and fun of it all.Get married at City Hall, saving your money for the reception, honeymoon or first home. What about a ceremony in the middle of nowhere, at sunrise? Or a wedding at a rock concert, during intermission? Bring your own officiate and a couple of friends to celebrate with.
Picture a wedding in your living room, where you invite only the people you can talk to about anything. Or, get married standing in the back of a classic 57 Chevy pick-up, parked somewhere under Colorado's big sky.
Get married wherever! Be creative -- your unique choice of wedding location will make for a memorable event.