Denver Wedding Photographer – Best Venues Near Denver
I love everything about being a wedding photographer in the Mile High City, (well, except for when I have to parallel park – but thank goodness for back up cameras and valet parking). The Denver wedding venues often take my breath away (and its not because of the altitude) as I am a lifelong Coloradan. Denver is a vibrant city with the Rocky Mountains as its backdrop. The city has lots of family friendly activities, excellent restaurants, a sophisticated nightlife. Plus, just minimal travel times to the mountains (as long as you don’t get stuck in I70 traffic!), which are all great incentives for family and friends from out of state. There are incredible wedding venues in the Denver Metro area for any type of wedding. Here are some of my favorite Denver wedding venues/Denver reception areas.
City of Denver Wedding Venues
Holy Ghost Church
For a traditional Catholic wedding ceremony in Denver, Holy Ghost Church is a historic church consecrated in 1943 with true soul. This beautiful church is in the heart of Denver at 1900 California Street.
Moss Denver
A creative Denver reception venue is Moss Denver located in Denver’s Santa Fe Art’s District . This sleek place has an industrial design with exposed rafters, polished cement floors and large windows. The cocktail and wedding reception spaces allow for great creativity in color scheme and can be set up with family style tables. A stand out of this venue are the amazing chandeliers to light up any party.
Denver Museum of Nature and Science
This is an incredible Denver wedding venue. The rooftop view of the Denver, skyscrapers with the mountain backdrop is spectacular! The museum offers various options for unique settings for the perfect wedding setting among “nature’s wonders”. See how much fun the Denver Museum of Nature and Science is with Willa and Kyle’s wedding.
The Denver City Park Pavilion
The Denver City Park Pavilion is a wedding photographer’s dream venue, that is, if you don’t mind a few geese following you around and leaving a few wedding favors. The pavilion is on the United States National Register of Historic places as well as Colorado’s Historic State Register. This wedding venue includes the historic pavilion, a beautiful garden, lake and bandshell. Step back in time to early Denver at this beloved city locale.
McNichols Civic Center Building
The McNichols Civic Center Building is a great choice for a Denver Wedding venue. This neoclassical building was remodeled in 2016 with open space and exposed steel columns. An exciting feature of this venue includes rotating art exhibits throughout the building which give it a modern feel. It’s a great location in central Denver with plenty of windows offering great views of downtown Denver. If you are looking for an elegant, sophisticated venue with a whole lot of cool thrown in, this is a great choice.
The Lindsey Flanagan Court House
For an intimate Denver elopement wedding, this might be your spot. A lovely experience for a wedding photographer is to be able to share a private elopement and capture the true essence of what the special day is is about – the love of two people. The Lindsey-Flanagan Court House is an impressive architectural design well integrated into downtown Denver. An honorable and just place to tie the knot.
The Hudson Garden’s and Event Center
Located in Littleton, Colorado, a suburb of Denver this amazing Colorado wedding venue has 30 acres of garden exhibits, trails, green grass, beautiful terrain and different venues. A Hudson Gardens wedding may appeal to music lovers who can share a space with some of the greats. It’s a romantic setting to grow and nourish the wedding of your dreams in a peaceful setting.
The Art Hotel
The Art Hotel is truly an elegant Denver wedding venue. The hotel has a great terrace allowing great views of the Denver skyline . Another perk is a gallery of world class art the perfect place for cocktails. The Art is located in a vibrant part of downtown Denver, nestled between the Denver Art Museum and the History Colorado Center. Make your wedding a masterpiece with an artistic Denver photographer to capture the artistry of this hip venue.
Denver Clock Tower
If romance and sophistication are in your wedding dreams, set your alarm on the Denver Clock Tower, located above the historic D&F Tower, in downtown Denver. A perfect spot for an elopement or intimate wedding . The unique clock face is the perfect unique backdrop for a wedding ceremony and it’s a photographer’s dream. The clock tower occupies the top five stories of the historic building with stunning views of Denver.
Cheesman Park
This iconic park in the Capitol Hill neighborhood is a fun and unique place for a Denver wedding. Cheesman Park features an ornate white-columned pavilion sitting above water fountains and the giant park where you’ll see sun-bathers, picnickers, and of course lots of dogs. It’s also located next to one of the hidden gems of the city – Denver Botanic Gardens.
Denver Foothills Wedding Venues
Some of my favorite wedding venues are in the foothills or surrounding areas of Denver. While close enough to Denver to be convenient and avoid mountain driving, their foothill locations offer spectacular scenery reminiscent of being in the heart of the mountains. But unlike their mountain counterparts, they are usually warmer year-round and just a short drive from Denver.
Willow Ridge Manor (Morrison)
Morrison, Colorado is home to Red Rocks Amphitheater and Willow Ridge Manor, both Colorado treasures. This historic manor is an awesome wedding venue. Situated in the foothills with red rock formations on the horizon, this beautiful venue offers not only great scenery but an elegant well appointed mansion with great accommodations.
Church Ranch Events Center (Westminister)
This wedding venue is located in Westminster, Colorado and leaves its guests feeling like they are in the mountains despite being only minutes from the city. The Church Ranch Events Center features incredible gardens and ponds with tall aspen trees and a manicured lawn. A flagstone stage and great hall make this a perfect choice for a wedding venue. The beautifully maintained landscape is a perfect canvas for amazing wedding photographs.
The Manor House (Littleton)
The Manor House in Littleton, Colorado is elegant, romantic, and full of natural beauty. The stately mansion is on six acres with Dry Creek Canyon in the background. It’s the perfect wedding venue for either an outside ceremony on several perfect sites or an inside ceremony in one of the charming rooms of the mansion. An especially beautiful spot for an outside wedding is on the front lawn with the mountains and the front of the historic manor as the backdrop. This Colorado wedding venue is a wedding photographer’s perfect choice as it has been featured in several wedding publications.
Arrowhead Golf Club (Littleton)
Any couple is sure to hit a hole in one if the wedding venue they pick is the Arrowhead Golf Club in Littleton, Colorado. Gorgeous, tilted red rocks are the backdrop for the ceremony site – a picturesque setting ideal for this Colorado wedding photographer. It’s great fun to be able to venture out onto the golf course with the couple to shoot wedding photos! The views are spectacular and the indoor and outdoor amenities are “under par” for the course.
Bromley Farm (Brighton)
The historic Bromley Farm in Brighton, Colorado is the perfect pastoral wedding venue. This historic farmstead offers a variety of delightful spaces. For either a small gathering inside the historic house to a large group celebration outside surrounded by beautiful gardens. The big white barn is a stunning backdrop for a wedding ceremony and the charming historic house has awesome vintage vibes. The hay bale seating adds to the rustic charm (and might save you some rental fees!).
Stonebrook Manor Pavilion (Thornton)
Stonebrook Manor is a super romantic venue with all the makings to create an exquisite wedding and reception. The outside pavilion is a perfect place for a ceremony with the lush greenery. The spectacular foyer and ballroom would make any couple feel like they are in a fairy tale. The manicured lawns, landscaping and garden add to the elegance and offer great photo shoots.
Stonebrook Manor Gazebo (Thornton)
The Stonebrook Manor Gazebo has beautiful gardens and landscaping that make this a great outdoor wedding location. The gazebo itself is wonderfully designed and makes for a sophisticated and charming place for a ceremony. Your guests will enjoy taking in the scenery
Wedgewood Brittany Hill (Thornton)
This is low-key on of my favorite Colorado wedding venues! I love the indoor ceremony space at Wedgewood Brittany Hill with windows that offer a stunning, panoramic view of both the Denver city and skyline and the Colorado Rocky Mountains. The huge wall of windows gives it an outdoor feel with indoor amenities and the view of both the mountains and city makes for great conversation and inspires guests.
The Butterfly Pavilion (Westminster)
The Butterfly Pavilion is truly a unique Denver wedding venue. Imagine being married in a rainforest /indoor tropical conservatory – a tropical paradise without having to get on a plane. The venue offers gazebos, an amphitheater, a ballroom and of course, butterflies.
The Pines at Genesee (Golden)
The Pines at Genesee is a beautiful Colorado wedding venue in Golden, Colorado. Although only a short drive from Denver, the vibe of this locale is pure mountain atmosphere. The Pines is on three acres with beautiful trees and vegetation. The event center is spacious with an awesome fireplace and terraces to enjoy the amazing views.
Boettcher Mansion (Golden)
Boettcher Mansion, a historic mountaintop estate located inside the Lookout Mountain Nature Preserve, is a secluded wedding venue just outside Denver. This century old Colorado mansion offers historic charm with modern conveniences. The Mansion, Carriage House and Gazebo are distinct options to create the perfect wedding.
Highlands Ranch Mansion (Highlands Ranch)
Highlands Ranch Mansion is an authentic western estate near Denver. This is a perfect wedding venue to really feel the Colorado heritage. The mansion is surrounded by a working ranch, historic barns, a bunkhouse, ranch house, corrals, pastures and a windmill. The landscaping is ideal every season and a great place to get spectacular wedding photos.
Willowbrook Amphitheater (Morrison)
Willowbrook Amphitheater in Morrison, Colorado is definitely one of the most unique and magnificent wedding venues in Colorado. This incredible rock formation makes for a spectacular wedding locale. A venue like this is sure to give a couple a rock solid foundation to begin a marriage!
St Francis of Assisi (Castle Rock)
St. Francis of Assisi Church is a beautiful church in Castle Rock, Colorado and is a perfect wedding venue for a classic Catholic ceremony. The church has a great view of Castle Rock. The interior of the church offers the exact right space for a full Catholic ceremony. Plus they offer a nice place to hold a reception afterward.
Chatfield Botanic Gardens
Chatfield is 700 ranch land acres only minutes from Denver near the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. Imagine the soothing sound of a creek and exquisite gardens and you have the perfect wedding venue – Denver Botanic Gardens Chatfield Farms. Previously a working ranch, this locale has been transformed into an incredible area able to host great events featuring a renovated barn, farmhouse and school house perfect for weddings and receptions. This wedding venue has gorgeous gardens and fantastic views of the mountains.
Red Rocks Trading Post (Morrison)
Red Rocks Trading Post is an epic Colorado wedding venue. Imagine Red Rocks Amphitheater looming over your ceremony space. It’s a Denver wedding photographer’s picture perfect postcard background – and it’s only a short drive from downtown Denver. This Morrison, Colorado wedding venue is among the most beautiful and unique outdoor ceremony spaces in the state.
Evergreen Red Barn
The Evergreen Red Barn in Evergreen, Colorado is as charming as its colorful name denotes. This Colorado wedding venue is a short drive from Denver but offers the scenery and serenity of a mountain adventure. The 11 acre property has spectacular landscapes, wooded areas, and a winding path to the iconic red barn. It’s truly a genuine and rustic mountain wedding venue.
The Barn at Evergreen Memorial Park
The Barn at Evergreen Memorial Park in Evergreen, Colorado is another excellent wedding venue near Denver. The interior has spectacular stained glass windows and the rustic barn walls are gorgeously adorned with vintage décor and highlighted with sparkling lights. The ceiling rafters are fantastic. Evergreen Memorial Park and the barn are located on 100 wild, mountainous acres. This is a perfect wedding venue to be harmonious with nature, the perfect start to a new marriage.
Deer Creek Valley Ranch (Bailey)
Although Bailey, Colorado is a bit further from Denver; Deer Creek Valley Ranch is a romantic wedding venue. It has mountain charm yet is exquisitely modern. The outdoor ceremony spaces includes Pine Cathedral, Mountain Bridge Meadow, and Lakeside Gazebo, all as spectacular as they sound with magnificent views of the mountains and the lush meadows. Photographing weddings at this venue is a pleasure. An outdoor fireplace adds to the fun and elegance.
Crooked Willow Farms (Larkspur)
Crooked Willow Farms, in Larkspur, Colorado, is only 35 minutes from Denver. But it’s a world apart and has a different vibe. A masterpiece venue on 90 acres, with several awesome event spaces and excellent views this is a perfect choice for a wedding venue to create a spectacular vision. It’s worth the drive from Denver.
Other Great Denver Wedding Venues to consider!
Ironworks, Mile High Station, Skylight, Blanc, Wellshire Event Center, Realm, Asterisk Denver, Villa Parker, Washington Park Boat House, Wash Park Studio, Space Gallery, Grant Humphreys Mansion, The Studios at Overland Crossing, Ken Caryl by Wedgewood Weddings, The Barn at Raccoon Creek, Ashley Ridge by Wedgewood Weddings, Chateaux at Fox Meadows, The Cable Center, Montclair Civic Center, Baldoria on the Water, Christies of Genesee.
My Favorite Denver Hotels to Get Ready at for Your Wedding
Getting ready for your wedding can be just as fun, nerve-wrecking, and exciting as your wedding itself. And when you have full day coverage for photos, you want to remember to take your getting ready location into account. Some venues (even many of the great ones) have “suites” for getting ready that are just glorified closet spaces, basements, or small cluttered areas with no light. When they designed their stunning venue and reception locations they weren’t always thinking of comfortable and photogenic places to get ready before the big moment. If you’re getting married in or near Denver, these hotels are some of the best places to get ready for your wedding.
The Ramble Hotel
The Ramble Hotel is located in Denver’s trendy RiNo district. You can find the hottest restaurants, bars, and boutiques near here. Their rooms are large and elegant with charming décor and great views of the surrounding neighborhood. The Ramble Hotel is also the location for the famous “food and beverage experience” that is Death and Co.
The Maven Hotel at the Dairy Block
The sheik hotel in lower downtown (or LoDo to the locals) has modern appeal, small-town hospitality, and huge windows in every single room. The location is near Denver’s best restaurants, Coors Field and Ball Arena (formerly called the Pepsi Center and home to the Denver Nuggets, Avalanche hockey, and headlining musicians). See photos of what it looks like to get ready at the The Maven Hotel at the Dairy Block.
The Oxford Hotel
The Oxford Hotel is ranked the #1 hotel in Denver according to TripAdvisor, and for good reason. Also conveniently located in LoDo right next to Union Station, the Oxford Hotel boasts awesome spa treatments as well as classic room features like intricate tile work and clawfoot bathtubs. And you can even bring your dog!
The Art Hotel
Aside from being one of the best wedding reception spots in Denver, this is an excellent hotel to get ready at. It’s all modern, shiny, and stunning. The architecture is one-of-a-kind and it’s located next to some of Denver’s best museums, the Capital building, and great parks. Imagine getting ready for your big day at one of Denver’s finest in the Art Hotel.
The Brown Palace
The Brown Palace might just be Denver’s most iconic hotel. It’s got class, charm, and a historic touch, but with a modern luxury feel and really nice rooms. It has a perfect, convenient location in downtown Denver for shopping, restaurant, and parks. Oh, and their restaurant is one of the best in the city.
Finding a Denver Wedding Photographer
If you’re looking for a Denver Wedding Photographer, then look no further! I’m here at your service. As a Colorado native (well, almost – since I was 5 years old so I can’t really call myself a transplant either), I know all the best wedding venues and wedding vendors in Denver. I can connect you with amazing Denver local wedding vendors like planners, day of coordinators, florists, hair and makeup artists, rentals and more. Learn more about me, look at my work, and contact me! Thanks for reading.
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