Best Southwest Colorado Wedding Venues
The San Juan Mountains in southwest Colorado are the perfect backdrop for an epic wedding day. Whether you’re wanting to elope or have a larger, more traditional wedding day, there’s plenty of options to choose from! From 4x4 off roading trails to secluded mountain locations to unique venues stunning mountain views. Southwest Colorado includes the iconic “Switzerland of America”, aka Ouray, Telluride, Ridgeway, and beyond!
Keep reading to learn all about these beautiful southwest Colorado wedding venues with incredible mountain views!
Best Southwest Colorado Wedding Venues
Top of the Pines, Ridgeway
Top of the Pines wedding venue right outside of downtown Ridgeway is an oasis of open fields of wildflowers and expansive mountain views. This venue can be utilized in two ways - go the DIY route keeping things simple, letting nature provide the beauty. You’ll have a stunning place to exchange your vows and share a picnic under the pine trees. Or use local vendors to really get creative with a blank slate and invite guests to celebrate along side you. You can even have a seated dinner inside the pavilion. What is great about this Colorado wedding venue is how easily accessible it is and that there are minimal limitations, it really is your playground for your wedding. Oh yeah, you can also camp here! Think Summer Camp Wedding weekend with your closest friends and family! (If you’re as obsessed with this idea as I am check out this blog about planning a summer camp themed wedding.) Roaming the open fields to find the perfect spot to exchange your vows and then partying the night away under the stars, it is after all, a certified international dark sky park. All with the added benefit of a kitchen and bathrooms!
The Details:
Has 9 campsites, a catering prep kitchen and bathrooms
Rentals and tents are allowed
Available May 15 - Oct 15
Dogs are welcomed
June-July offers peak wildflowers
Heated pavilion can fit up to 100 guests
Two rental options - You can rent out the entire place for 3 days for a bigger celebration OR rent for a single day (Mon-Thur)
There is limited cell service, but that’s how you have a truly unplugged wedding ;)
Gold Mountain Ranch, Ouray
Gold Mountain Ranch is a remote Colorado wedding venue in Ouray, Colorado. Well maybe I should really say, ABOVE Ouray, because this private property sits high above the town making the buildings and cars look like toys. Perched above an old mine, this house is the perfect spot for an elopement with a handful of guests. Go the more relaxing route and never leave the house, soak in the hot tub, and hire a private chef for all your needs. Or add in a little adventure with activities that can be coordinated for you like horse back riding or climbing their private via ferrata. Most couples rent it for a multi day weekend celebration. This venue allows for an intimate celebration with the luxury and amenities of a gorgeous home where vendors can transform the space to your personal style.
The Details:
The house sleeps 16 people
The grounds can accommodate up to 40 guests
Available June - early October
A tent is an option for a rain plan
A local shuttle company is the best way for guests access the venue due to the steep mountain road and limited parking up top
Dogs are allowed to attend the ceremony but not stay on the property (there are vendors who can dog sit for you and bring to and from the ceremony!)
Adventurous activities that can be coordinated for you - horseback riding and climbing their private via ferrata
Telluride Ski Resort, Telluride
Telluride Ski Resort is one of the quintessential Colorado wedding venues. What’s more classic Colorado than a photo op on a ski lift on your wedding day?! This is the perfect venue for larger luxury weddings with accommodations and amenities to make your wedding day stunning and stress free at 10,000+ feet. There are multiple ceremony and reception locations at the resort that offer a variety of views and styles that can accommodate up to 200 guests! Locations like the popular San Sophia Overlook, Gorrana Ranch, and their new option, Palmyra Lookout. The team at the resort are experts in hosting weddings so lean into them and your planner and then kick back your feet and just enjoy your day. Possibly by starting with the spa at the Peaks Hotel.
The Details:
They can book up to 2.5 yrs in advance therefore I highly suggest a week day wedding
One of the few places that can accommodate winter weddings
The gondola is free and runs most of the day
Dogs are allowed, even on the gondola!
Requires a wedding planner (if your planner is not local they can consult with one of the local planners)
They offer a shuttle from the airport to the resort and help with travel plans
In addition to these incredible Colorado wedding venues in the San Juan Mountains that I got to tour, there are a few more I haven’t yet visited that I think would be incredible spots for your Colorado wedding and are worth checking out while you do your research:
The Observatory at Alta Lakes is a secluded backcountry cabin near Telluride.
Dunton Hot Springs provides a truly authentic experience in a restored ghost town, located an hour from Telluride.
The Purgatory Ski Resort has multiple ceremony and reception spots just 30 minutes north of Durango.