Couples who want to break away from traditional wedding venues will delight in the various unconventional locations that Colorado has to offer around the city of Denver. Couples can say “I do” amongst thousands of wild animals at the Denver Zoo or with a stunning backdrop of massive sandstone walls at Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre. Whichever venue you choose, guests are sure to be blown away by the natural beauty and charm that these locations offer.
Butterfly Pavilion
Address: 6252 West 104th Avenue
The one-of-a-kind Butterfly Pavilion is located in Westminster. The pavilion hosts a variety of events such as weddings and engagement parties. The venue features both indoor and outdoor spaces, allowing guests to become immersed in the experience of celebrating the couple. Weddings can span across gazebos, gardens, and even the outdoor amphitheater for a truly unforgettable and unique event that will leave guests raving for ages. Wings of the Tropics is a popular location, as staff can organize a butterfly release that captures the magic of the couple’s big day.
The seasonal Discovery Gardens allow guests to peruse the natural gravel trails and view the lily ponds and experience the serenity of the calming creeks. Afterward, cocktails can be sipped by the radiant fire pits on the large patio. The minimum venue rental fee includes an onsite venue manager, a one-hour onsite consultation, tables and chairs, a prep kitchen, and a professional-grade sound system with a projector and screen.
PRO Tip: Potential clients can check out the rate card for more in-depth detail about the costs associated with planning a wedding at the Butterfly Pavilion venue.
Coors Field
Address: 2001 Blake Street
Sports fans will be thrilled to know that they could be getting married at home plate on their big day. Coors Field boasts a stunning view of the downtown cityscape, as well as the Rocky Mountains which will be the backdrop of photos. Loved ones are invited to gather around the diamond to watch the couple say “I do.”
The ceremony fee includes a total of four hours in the ballpark and the reception can be held at one of the various club levels, conference centers, or even on the main concourse. The Mountain Ranch Club is a popular choice for couples, due to the striking views of both the baseball field and the mountains. The central downtown location provides attendees with easy access to hotels, award-winning restaurants, and various entertainment venues.
PRO Tip: Groomsmen will enter the ceremony from the Rockies’ dugout, with bridesmaids entering from the visitor dugout. This provides a unique photo opportunity that friends and family won’t soon forget.
Denver Zoo
Address: 2300 Steele Street
Hosting a wedding at the Denver Zoo lays the groundwork for one of the most unique weddings of the year. The zoo has dedicated event specialists that work closely with clients to ensure that the wedding exceeds expectations. With over 3,000 wild animals, guests are welcome to peruse the grounds and enjoy the experience of participating in a wedding held amongst the ambient noises of a zoo. Ceremonies can be hosted in the Giraffe Meadow, with its sprawling grassy space, or in the Carousel Meadow, with a capacity of 150. Follow your vows with a lively reception at Norgren Hall, which has floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook the zoo property.
The facility fees include a one-hour rehearsal time, free guest parking, an on-site representative, a staging room, and set up of tables and chairs before guests arrive. All alcohol must be purchased and served through a designated caterer.
PRO Tip: The Denver Zoo has curated a convenient brochure of their venue spaces and capacity limitations for potential wedding clients.
Evergreen Lake House
Address: 29612 Upper Bear Creek Road
The beautiful Evergreen Lake House is located approximately 30 miles from Denver, in the charming town of Evergreen, Colorado. The venue hosts events year-round and is the perfect option for an intimate wedding. The log house overlooks the picturesque Evergreen Lake, making for a photogenic backdrop for the wedding photos.
The lake house has 5,000 square feet of entertaining space and includes a “Great Room” that can seat up to 200 guests. There’s a large stone fireplace, as well as a smaller octagon-shaped room that is typically used for the buffet. For couples who would prefer an outdoor ceremony, the deck can seat up to 100 guests with additional room for standing. The venue also has a list of local caterers that they recommend, such as Three Tomatoes Catering and Relish Catering & Events.
PRO Tip: Thinking of hosting your wedding at the Evergreen Lake House? Check out the online rental brochure for more details.
Dunafon Castle
Address: 24020 CO-74 in Idledale
The Dunafon Castle wedding venue is unlike any other. Located 15 miles west of Denver, the castle is nestled into Bear Creek Canyon. Construction of the site was finished in 1941 by Marcus Wright, an engineer. He built the castle himself using a narrow railroad that he installed to haul native granite stone and concrete to the property site. The 17-acre property has over 1,500 feet of trout ponds and is surrounded by serene open space.
The castle can accommodate up to 30 weddings per season, which means it can fill up quickly. The venue can comfortably fit up to 150 guests. This number doesn’t include vendors and other staff members. Each event rental includes 9 hours, though additional hours can be added. A portion of every wedding reservation goes to help the Step 13 program, which is a non-profit, transitional living program dedicated to addicted homeless men.
PRO Tip: To ensure transparency with all potential couples, Dunafon Castle provides an informative breakdown of event fees.
The Barn at Evergreen Memorial Park
Address: 26624 North Turkey Creek Road
The Barn is located in Evergreen Memorial Park, which is a tribute to the pioneers of the town of Evergreen and the Old West. Surrounding with beautiful mountain views and evergreen trees, the venue provides guests with panoramic vistas and abundant wildlife activity. Some of the animals roaming the 100-acre park include buffalo, elk, and deer. Couples seeking an authentic rural charm will find just that in the American-style barn and custom-built chapel.
The use of the barn also includes the use of the facility’s available tables and chairs, as well as a minimal food prep area and usage of the fields surrounding the structure. The barn can seat up to 250 guests across three separate levels or a smaller, more intimate 150 guests on the main floor. Customized services are offered to couples based on their wishes and the event staff can also provide recommendations for vendors such as bartending companies, food trucks, hair and makeup artists, and photographers.
PRO Tip: The Barn at Evergreen Memorial Park publishes rental rates for the current wedding and event season.
Denver Botanic Gardens
Address: 1007 York Street
Hosting a wedding at the Denver Botanic Gardens guarantees being surrounded by colorful and fragrant blooms, as well as stunning views of the gardens. The space is capable of accommodating anywhere from 10 to 1,200 guests. Whether the wedding theme is traditional or whimsical, rustic or chic, the gardens have several event spaces that provide something for every couple. A few of the venue spaces include the South African Plaza, the Water Garden Gazebo, and the West Terrace. There are covered and uncovered outdoor options.
With the cost of the venue, there are several services included such as free garage parking, access to tables and chairs, and complimentary admission for guests. The Botanical Gardens doesn’t have a liquor license, allowing the couple to make their own arrangements for the purchase of alcohol.
PRO Tip: Check out the wedding brochure for more information on weddings held at the Denver Botanic Gardens.
The Denver Athletic Club
Address: 1325 Glenarm Place
The Denver Athletic Club is located in downtown and is one of the city’s premier private clubs. They offer a range of wedding package options for members and non-members alike. Couples can rest assured that they’ll be receiving the highest quality of service and cuisine at their event. Wedding professionals are on staff to ensure that the wedding is straight out of a dream, all while providing a unique yet traditionally Denver wedding destination that will leave guests with lifelong memories.
The club has two ballrooms, with the Grand Ballroom featuring elegant chandeliers, crystal sconces, and high ceilings. The Centennial features tall windows and warm wood colors that invite an intimate feeling while remaining elegant. Catering is done in-house, with a highly trained executive chef who’s ready to deliver incredible plated dinners and buffet-style offerings to hungry guests. The rental of the venue includes tables, chairs, china and glassware, and linens. Ceremonies and receptions can be held in one of the ballrooms or on the 9,700 square foot Sundeck.
PRO Tip: View the stunning collection of photos of past weddings held at The Denver Athletic Club.
Arrowhead Golf Club
Address: 10850 Sundown Trail
Located in nearby Littleton, the Arrowhead Golf Club is widely renowned as a championship golf course and a picturesque wedding venue. The club has been open since 1972 and features a 72-par, 6,636-yard course with hundreds of trees and waterfront views. Guests will enjoy the scenic backdrop of the majestic Rocky Mountains and the venue offers a range of upscale amenities and professional event capabilities. As a bonus, there is abundant wildlife that roams the rolling terrain.
The elegant Roxborough Room is capable of accommodating up to 150 seated guests while the outdoor Tent Pavilion can seat up to 200. The venue only schedules one couple per evening, so the focus is guaranteed to be on the happy couple. Each wedding will get a personal specialist, who is in charge of coordinating every detail of the magical day. The team of on-site caterers can design a personalized menu that’s sure to delight everybody’s taste buds.
PRO Tip: View Arrowhead Golf Club’s list of preferred vendors.
Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater
Address: 18300 West Alameda Parkway
Couples looking for the ultimate Colorado wedding venue that celebrates live music may want to consider saying their vows at Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre. The venue is only 20 minutes from downtown Denver and the 30,000-square-foot visitor center houses not only a full-service restaurant but a range of unique event spaces that can host lively receptions.
The Trading Post Backyard is the perfect place to say “I do” for couples seeking a mountain-view ceremony. The spot is located directly behind the Trading Post and below the amphitheater itself. 200 guests can be comfortably accommodated and the venue provides services such as bar and drinks, cakes and desserts, food and catering, as well as service staff.
PRO Tip: Wedding ceremony times are from either 10-12 PM or 2-4 PM and require a $1,250 site fee
Ironton Distillery & Crafthouse
Address: 3636 Chestnut Place
Ironton has been proudly distilling since 2018 and has created award-winning premium spirits that have been thoughtfully crafted to be sipped on during any Colorado adventure. Couples who appreciate tasty drinks, great art, and an exciting venue can host their wedding in a dual indoor/outdoor space that has a vibe that’s unique to the Centennial State. The venue has a capacity of 400 guests, as well as room for live music.
Ironton Distillery & Crafthouse has one of the largest outdoor patios in the city, complete with fire pits that can keep guests warm during the brisk evenings. The art gallery features a rotating lineup of local artists and the on-site “cocktail garden” features fresh herbs and fruits that can be used to whip up delicious cocktails. Guests can retreat to the gin lounge and cozy up by the indoor fireplace or enjoy unique event add-ons, such as spirit tastings or tours of the distillery. Couples can design custom cocktails crafted from the distillery’s small-batch spirits, creating a unique drink for their guests to sip and enjoy during the reception.
PRO Tip: The venue provides a food and beverage service through their restaurant and guests can order drinks at the full-service bar.