How to Find a Wedding Venue in Colorado | a Local Guide
Congratulations! You’re engaged! Soak up these special moments, because soon, you’ll be deep in wedding planning and getting so excited for your day!
We have a few thoughts to consider when choosing your venue, knowing that there are a lot of great venue options to choose from in Colorado, so you have to be thoughtful and considerate when finding one that checks as many boxes as possible! Below are five things we think are absolutely essential when choosing your mountain wedding venue!
#1 DETERMINE YOUR WEDDING BUDGET
Arguably the most important and least-talked-about wedding detail. You must determine your overall wedding budget when you begin planning your wedding. When planning your budget, you want to include:
The cost of the venue (this varies greatly, but it’s usually going to be 20%+)
The cost of food & drink (usually 30-40%)
The cost of decor & floral (usually 20%)
The cost of wedding invitations (about $5/guest)
The cost of you and your partners wedding day outfits (the limit does not exist - it’s all about preference!)
The cost of shuttles for your guests (especially if you have an open bar/are in a somewhat remote area)
These budget buckets are general guidelines. They can be more than this, or way less, depending on your preferences, guest count, and overall desires. It’s so important to know how much you’re willing to spend overall, then work backwards to see how much you can afford when it comes to a venue, food & bev, and everything else.
Once your budget is determined, that can help you narrow down venues that fit in your budget, and remove the ones that don’t.
#2 DETERMINE YOUR GUEST COUNT
Not every venue is created equally in this way, and depending on whether you want a huge wedding or an intimate one will effect what venues you tour! If a venue’s maximum capacity is for 300, hosting an intimate wedding for 100 guests might make the space feel overwhelming.
Our venue hosts 170 guests, so we suggest inviting no more than 190 guests, since it’s usually estimated that 20% of your wedding guests will not be able to attend.
#3 CHOOSE ONE OR TWO VENUE MUST-HAVES
As much as even we would like to think we can do it all, it’s unlikely every venue will check every single box. Choosing 1-2 absolute non-negotiables will help you choose a venue you really, really love, without getting overwhelmed with all the details in your venue search. It’s easy to feel persuaded to bend on your preferences, but if you and your partner agree on a few must-haves, it can help you stay focused when looking for your wedding location.
Is it important to you your venue is communicative?
Do you care that the chairs and tables are included, or are you willing to rent them?
Do you want your venue to be all-inclusive, so you don’t have to find vendors separately?
Make a list of the things you want, and then select the items from that list you absolutely must have.
#4 CONSIDER VENUE RENTAL TIMES & RENTAL INCLUSIONS
It’s becoming more and more common for venues to offer single day rentals, that usually fall between 8-hours and 12-hours, with options to purchase more hours. While some venues do offer chairs and tables, many do not, or they cost an extra fee. Most venues require linens for their tables. Read the fine print, and take this into consideration when booking your venue. Chairs and table rentals can increase your overall venue cost, so be sure to do those calculations before you reserve your date, to avoid sticker shock.
Here at North Star Gatherings, we try to make it simple by including all your ceremony and reception chairs, cocktail tables, and beautiful farmhouse tables for wedding days. That’s not the norm, so be sure to check!
Photo by The Love Club
#5 TRUST YOUR GUT
It’s there for a reason! If you feel uneasy about something when planning, be sure to examine and discuss it with your partner. It’s so important to reflect and follow your instincts as you plan your day!
Tour the venues that fit your requirements, and use our guide to help you find the perfect spot to say “i do!”
If you’re still looking for a venue, don’t be shy about reaching out! Asking questions is the first step to finding exactly what you want for your day! Best of luck in your search!
Photo by Ashley Taylor