Ranch Wedding Venues In Colorado
Say "I Do" Ranch-Style: Your Guide to the Best Ranch Wedding Venues in Colorado
Dreaming of a wedding where majestic mountains meet rustic elegance? Where sweeping views provide the ultimate backdrop for your "I do's" and the fresh Colorado air fills your lungs as you dance under the stars? Then a ranch wedding in Colorado might just be your perfect match!
Colorado's stunning landscapes offer an unparalleled setting for a wedding that feels both grand and intimately personal. And when it comes to ranch wedding venues in Colorado, you're spoiled for choice. From luxurious high-end resorts to charming, authentic working ranches, there's something for every couple's vision and budget.
We've rounded up some of Colorado's top ranch wedding venues, giving you the inside scoop on what makes them unique, what they generally cost, when to book, and what real couples are saying. Let's saddle up and find your dream venue!
Why Choose a Ranch Wedding in Colorado?
Breathtaking Scenery: You simply can't beat the panoramic mountain views, golden meadows, and clear blue skies.
Unique Ambiance: A blend of rustic charm and sophisticated elegance that's distinctly Colorado.
Outdoor & Indoor Options: Most ranches offer gorgeous outdoor ceremony sites with beautiful indoor reception spaces.
Activities for Guests: Many ranch venues offer lodging, hiking, horseback riding, or other activities for a true destination wedding experience.
Unforgettable Photos: Seriously, your wedding album will be epic.
Top Ranch Wedding Venues in Colorado
1. Devil's Thumb Ranch Resort & Spa
Website: https://www.devilsthumbranch.com/weddings
Nestled in the pristine landscape of Winter Park, Devil's Thumb Ranch is the epitome of rustic luxury. This isn't just a venue; it's an experience. Known for its breathtaking views, farm-to-table cuisine, and high-end accommodations, it offers a sophisticated ranch setting that feels both grand and incredibly intimate.
What Makes It Unique: Devil's Thumb Ranch combines world-class amenities and service with an authentic Western feel. From the beautiful timber frame structures to the horse pastures and sprawling mountain views, it's a truly iconic Colorado destination. They excel at providing a multi-day wedding experience.
Guest Capacity: Flexible spaces can accommodate intimate gatherings to grand celebrations of up to 300+ guests.
Average Cost to Book: Expect to invest anywhere from $20,000 to $60,000+ for venue fees and food & beverage minimums, depending on the season, day of the week, and guest count. This is a higher-end option, but many consider it priceless for the experience.
What's Included: Venue rental typically includes dedicated event spaces (like Broad Axe Barn or High Lonesome Barn), tables, chairs, linens, in-house catering, and often a dedicated wedding coordinator. Lodging for guests is available on-site, which many couples incorporate into their wedding block.
Best Time to Book: Due to its immense popularity, especially for ranch wedding venues in Colorado, you'll want to book Devil's Thumb Ranch 12-18 months in advance, particularly for peak summer (July-September) and fall foliage dates.
What Real Couples Are Saying: Couples consistently rave about the impeccable service, gourmet farm-to-table dining, and the breathtaking mountain backdrop that makes for truly unforgettable photos. Many mention it's a splurge, but "worth every single penny for the dream wedding experience." Reviewers frequently highlight the attentive staff and the feeling of a "destination wedding without leaving Colorado."
2. Crooked Willow Farms
Website: https://crookedwillowfarms.com/weddings/
Just south of Denver, Crooked Willow Farms offers a charming and versatile setting for your ranch wedding. This beautiful property boasts multiple distinctive event spaces, allowing couples to craft a wedding that flows seamlessly from ceremony to cocktail hour to reception. It strikes a beautiful balance between elegant and rustic.
What Makes It Unique: Crooked Willow Farms is renowned for its diverse offerings, including a grand ballroom, a rustic carriage house, beautiful ceremony lawns, and charming outdoor spaces like the "Pony Bar." The red barns and manicured grounds provide a classic country-chic aesthetic.
Guest Capacity: Can accommodate large weddings, typically up to 250-300+ guests, depending on the combination of indoor and outdoor spaces used.
Average Cost to Book: Venue rental fees typically range from $8,000 to $25,000+, depending on the season, day of the week, and specific areas utilized. Catering and other vendors are additional.
What's Included: Rental usually includes exclusive access to the property's multiple event spaces (various barns, courtyards, ceremony sites), tables, chairs, a bridal suite, groom’s quarters, and ample parking. Couples often bring in their own catering and other vendors, giving them a lot of flexibility.
Best Time to Book: Popular dates can be booked 12-18 months in advance, especially for spring, summer, and fall weekends.
What Real Couples Are Saying: Reviewers love the versatile spaces, allowing for both rustic charm and elegant touches. Many highlight the beautiful landscaping and how "seamlessly" their day flowed thanks to the attentive staff and well-organized property. Phrases like "stunning backdrop" and "endless photo opportunities" appear frequently.
3. Flying Horse Ranch
Website: https://flyinghorseranchevents.com/weddings/
Situated in Larkspur, Flying Horse Ranch combines the grandeur of a working ranch with modern sophistication. This venue offers a truly elevated wedding experience, often praised for its thoughtful design, comprehensive packages, and stunning views of the Front Range. It's a newer, more polished take on a ranch wedding venue in Colorado.
What Makes It Unique: Flying Horse Ranch stands out with its elegant, modern decor blended with authentic ranch elements. It often provides more of an all-inclusive feel with detailed coordination and beautiful on-site lodging options for the wedding party, making for a luxurious and convenient experience.
Guest Capacity: Accommodates a range of events, from 50 to 250+ guests, with ample space for both indoor and outdoor celebrations.
Average Cost to Book: Expect packages to start around $15,000 to $40,000+, encompassing a range of services. Pricing varies significantly with guest count, season, and chosen package inclusions.
What's Included: Often comprehensive packages including event coordination, in-house catering options, basic rentals (tables, chairs, linens), access to beautiful bridal and groom's suites, and potentially even on-site lodging for the wedding party. They aim to make the planning process as stress-free as possible.
Best Time to Book: Aim for 12-18 months out, particularly for popular weekend dates during the warmer months (May-October).
What Real Couples Are Saying: Couples consistently praise Flying Horse Ranch for its "modern elegance" and "all-inclusive" feel. Reviewers often mention the stress-free planning process due to their dedicated staff and the beautifully appointed bridal suites and guest accommodations which add to the overall experience. The views are, of course, a huge hit!
4. Piney River Ranch
Website: https://www.pineyriverranch.com/weddings/
For couples dreaming of an adventurous, rustic, and truly secluded mountain wedding, Piney River Ranch in Vail is an absolute gem. Nestled at the base of the Gore Range, with a pristine lake reflecting the surrounding peaks, this venue offers some of the most iconic and breathtaking views in all of Colorado. It's an unforgettable choice for a true ranch wedding venue in Colorado.
What Makes It Unique: Its remote, pristine location and unparalleled natural beauty are unmatched. You'll feel worlds away from everything, with ceremony sites right on the lake and rustic cabins for overnight stays. It's a wilderness experience with just enough amenities to make your day special.
Guest Capacity: Best suited for more intimate to medium-sized weddings, typically accommodating up to 75-150 guests, depending on the specific package and setup.
Average Cost to Book: Venue fees can range from $5,000 to $15,000+, with additional costs for transportation (it's a scenic, unpaved drive from Vail) and lodging for guests in their cabins (which are booked separately).
What's Included: Exclusive use of the ceremony site by the lake, reception areas (cabins, dining hall, tent site), access to canoes/paddleboards for stunning photos, and the option to book their quaint on-site cabins for you and your guests. They have a list of preferred vendors to help with the unique logistics.
Best Time to Book: Due to its shorter operating season (typically June-September, depending on snowmelt), popular dates book up very fast – aim for 18-24 months in advance to secure your spot.
What Real Couples Are Saying: This venue is lauded for its "unbeatable views" and "rustic, adventurous charm." Couples say the journey is worth it for the "truly unique and breathtaking" experience. Many appreciate the chance to have guests stay in cabins on-site for a multi-day celebration, calling it "magical" and "an absolute fairytale."
Tips for Booking Your Colorado Ranch Wedding Venue
Book Early: As you can see, the best ranch wedding venues in Colorado are in high demand, especially for peak season weekends. Don't procrastinate!
Visit in Person: Photos are great, but nothing beats seeing a venue with your own eyes to truly grasp its magic and logistics.
Read the Contract Carefully: Understand what's included, what's not, cancellation policies, and any external vendor restrictions.
Consider Logistics: For more remote ranches, think about guest transportation (shuttles?), lodging, and cell service.
Embrace the Vibe: A ranch wedding is about embracing the natural beauty and a relaxed, yet elegant, atmosphere. Let that guide your decor and planning!
Choosing your perfect wedding venue is one of the most exciting parts of planning your big day. With these incredible ranch wedding venues in Colorado, you're sure to find a place that speaks to your heart and sets the stage for a truly unforgettable celebration. Happy planning!
