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Writer's pictureJordan Perry

The Best Wedding Venues in the Western Slope. A guide to Western Colorado's top wedding locations

Updated: Dec 4, 2020

One of the most attractive features of getting married in Colorado is that we have almost every imaginable background at our fingertips. Whether you love epic mountain ranges covered in snow, sprawling vineyards with lush green vines, flat-topped red rock mesas, or sandy deserts filled with cacti, you can find it in Western Colorado. Our amazing scenery makes this a perfect place to get married, whether you are a Colorado local, or have never been here before. We have just as much variety available in wedding venues, which range from rustic barns surrounded by wide open space to the one-of-a-kind landscape found on the Colorado National Monument. You can venues for every price point from luxury, to practically free. Join me on a little tour of Western Colorado's best wedding venues, from Montrose and Ouray to Grand Junction, Palisade, Glenwood Springs and beyond!


MOUNTAIN VENUES


If there is one thing Colorado is known for, it is our beautiful mountains. If you want to say "I do" on top of a mountain, you can't find a better place. Instead of spending a premium to hold your wedding in an exclusive ski town like Vail, Aspen, or Telluride, consider these nearby locations with just as much mountaintop "wow" factor for a fraction of the price tag.

Powderhorn Mountain resort Colorado mountains ski wedding outdoor venue Grand Mesa
Colorado mountain wedding Powderhorn Resort aspen trees
Powderhorn Mountain resort Grand Mesa Colorado mountains ski wedding outdoor adventure
Powderhorn Mountain resort Grand Mesa Colorado mountains ski wedding outdoor venue
Powderhorn Mountain resort outdoor wedding venue Colorado mountains adventure wedding

What I love about Powderhorn Mountain Resort:

- Off the beaten path and much less crowded than larger mountain resorts

- Easily accessible from Grand Junction or Denver

- Beautiful mountain views and tree lines

- Great weather year-round

- More affordable than luxury ski resorts

- Great outdoor dining and reception area



Thunder Mountain lodge Colorado mountain venue outdoors rustic camping wedding
Thunder Mountain Lodge Grand Mesa Colorado mountain wedding venue
Thunder Mountain Lodge Grand Mesa Colorado mountain wedding venue outdoor rustic camping
Thunder Mountain Lodge outdoor wedding ceremony site Colorado mountains

What I love about Thunder Mountain Lodge:

- Lots of access to outdoor recreation

- Beautiful mountain and lake views

- Cabin rentals for getting ready and lodging

- Create your own look with decor and rentals

- Accessible for DJ

- Affordable



Colorado is full of mountain lodges and campgrounds perfect for hosting weddings in the outdoor wilderness, and this is just one example. The benefit about being in the great outdoors is that you can dress the natural landscape up any way you want to bring your desired wedding look to life.


VINEYARD VENUES


Wine lovers know there is no better place to get married than amongst pretty rows of grapes growing in romantic perfection. Colorado might not be the first place you think of for a vineyard wedding, but the elevation and sunny weather in the western side of the state make it ideally suited for growing grapes as well as our famous Palisade peaches. If an orchard or a vineyard wedding appeals to you, western Colorado's venues offer an experience like no other.


Vineyard wine country wedding Palisade Colorado Maison la Belle Vie ceremony
Outdoor tent set up rental space wedding venue Palisade Colorado vineyard Maison la Belle Vie
Wine barrel display vineyard wedding Maison la Belle Vie Palisade Colorado
Vintage furniture rental for vineyard wedding velvet couch Palisade Colorado Maison la belle vie
Vintage furniture rental for vineyard wedding Palisade Colorado velvet couch

What I love about Maison la Belle Vie:

- On-site suite for getting ready

- Convenient ceremony site

- Smaller venue for more intimate wedding

- Lots of indoor and outdoor spaces for guests to enjoy

- Delicious catering with French cuisine

- Easily accessible



Wine Country Inn Palisade Colorado wedding pavilion gazebo ceremony site vineyard
Palisade Colorado Mt Garfield Wine Country Inn wedding venue vineyard sunset couple kissing
Wine Country Inn Palisade Colorado vineyard wedding venue Mt Garfield sunset photos
Wine Country Inn vineyard wedding venue Palisade Colorado wine country ceremony gazebo outdoors

What I love about Wine Country Inn:

- Wedding party and guests can stay on-site before and after wedding

- Conveniently located near freeway exit

- Beautiful vineyard and views of Mt. Garfield

- Designated ceremony site

- Lots of amenities available on-site



Two Rivers Winery downtown Grand Junction Colorado wine country vineyard wedding venue inn
Two Rivers winery vineyard Grand Junction Colorado wedding venue
Wine barrel wedding dress vineyard wedding venue Two Rivers Winery Grand Junction Colorado
Two Rivers Winery ceremony site outdoors vineyard wedding venue
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Two Rivers winery grand junction colorado monument view ceremony site gazebo outdoors vineyard wedding venue
Colorado vineyard wedding venue wine country Grand Junction Colorado Two Rivers winery

What I love about Two Rivers Winery:

- Conveniently located near downtown Grand Junction, Colorado

- Offers lodging for wedding party

- Views of the Colorado National Monument



BARN VENUES

Colorado is home to all of the cattle and cowboy boots you can imagine, and if that is your style, you are in luck!


Vista View Events Rifle Colorado barn wedding venue
Rifle Colorado wedding venue Vista View Events white barn
Vista View Events barn wedding venue interior space Rifle Colorado mountains
Vista View Events Rifle Colorado barn wedding venue getting ready bridal room

Outdoor ceremony site Colorado mountains arch Rifle Colorado Vista View Events
Outdoor ceremony Colorado mountains barn wedding venue Rifle Colorado Vista View Events

What I love about Vista View Events:

- Out of the way, secluded location

- Beautiful 360 degree scenery

- Bridal getting ready room and full kitchen on-site

- Multiple ceremony site locations

- Elegant barn setting



Orchard River View wedding venue Palisade Colorado large rustic wood barn
Barn wedding venue Palisade Colorado Orchard River View
Orchard River View wedding venue Palisade Colorado barn chandelier wood interior rustic
Orchard River View Palisade Colorado wedding venue interior chandelier
Orchard River View wedding venue Palisade Colorado wine country getting ready room bride
Orchard River View wedding venue Palisade Colorado ceremony site outdoors along river floral geometric arch
Orchard River View wedding venue ceremony set up outdoors Palisade Colorado wine country

What I love about Orchard River View:

- Built entirely for weddings with every detail in mind

- Full bar service

- Gorgeous outdoor space for ceremony

- Wood interior with getting ready area restrooms

- Plenty of space to host large weddings and events



Antler Ridge Wedding venue Montrose Colorado barn rustic wood weddings
Antler Ridge sunset photos Montrose Colorado horses married couple
Montrose Colorado barn wedding venue sunset photos golden hour glow
golden hour sunset photos Montrose Colorado Antler Ridge rustic barn wedding venue
Antler Ridge barn wedding venue rustic country couple sunset photos golden hour

What I love about Antler Ridge:

- Secluded setting on a sprawling piece of property

- Guest suite on site for getting ready

- Ceremony location by pond

- Large barn holds lots of wedding guests

- Beautiful sunsets for taking photos in the evening




DESERT VENUES


If the sand and the wide open space of the desert call to you, then western Colorado is where you want to be. The Cacti. Red rock. Mesas. They are all so magical and unique to the Western United States, and they make for a one-of-a-kind wedding experience. Grand Junction, Colorado is home to the Colorado National Monument, a mini Grand Canyon filled with beautiful views, herds of Bighorn sheep, rock formations, and twisty trees. If you aren't afraid of heights, this is a great place to set up a ceremony and say "I do" amid the splendor of the desert scape in front of you. Ceremonies on the Colorado National Monument are as simple as getting the required permit, and picking out your favorite spot. Try to plan your ceremony just before sunset for the most epic experience.

Colorado National Monument bookcliff overview elopement covid small intimate ceremony desert Grand Junction Colorado
Colorado National Monument Bookcliff view elopement small ceremony Grand Junction Colorado desert wedding
Colorado National Monument Bookcliff view elopement small ceremony Grand Junction Colorado desert wedding
Colorado National Monument Bookcliff view elopement small ceremony Grand Junction Colorado desert wedding
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Colorado National Monument Bookcliff view elopement small ceremony Grand Junction Colorado desert wedding
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What I love about Colorado National Monument:

- Looks amazing year-round

- All you need is a simple permit

- Pick your favorite scenic view

- Unique desert landscape

- A short drive from Grand Junction, Colorado


Colorado National Monument intimate adventure elopement in the desert breathtaking views Grand Junction Colorado Bookcliff overlook elopement
Colorado National Monument intimate adventure elopement in the desert breathtaking views Grand Junction Colorado Bookcliff overlook elopement
Colorado National Monument intimate adventure elopement in the desert breathtaking views Grand Junction Colorado Bookcliff overlook elopement
Colorado National Monument intimate adventure elopement in the desert breathtaking views Grand Junction Colorado Bookcliff overlook elopement
Colorado National Monument intimate adventure elopement in the desert breathtaking views Grand Junction Colorado Bookcliff overlook elopement
Colorado National Monument intimate adventure elopement in the desert breathtaking views Grand Junction Colorado Bookcliff overlook elopement

Although it is not technically in Colorado, our next location is just a short drive away. Moab, Utah is home to a unique desert landscape filled with red rock sands and amazing arches that make for a dramatic wedding backdrop. Couples getting married in Moab are limited only by their imagination, as there are endless possibilities for locations that will be uniquely yours. If you are adventurous and free-spirited with a love for the outdoors, Moab is the perfect place for you. Coordinate with a wedding planner or photographer to scout out a spot that will be picture perfect for your ceremony in the desert, and be prepared to be amazed by the scenery around you.

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Moab Utah intimate elopement small wedding desert scenery boho bride and groom hat

What I love about Moab, Utah:

- Endless options for outdoor ceremonies

- Beautiful desert background

- Unique arches

- Boho feel

- Remote and uncrowded

- Access to adventure and outdoor recreation


Check out Under Canvas Moab for lodging ideas


Tucked away in the middle of Unaweep Canyons you will find a secluded retreat known as Gateway Canyons Resort. The canyon formed by two creeks has some of the most beautiful red rock formations you will ever see, and the resort itself is a luxury destination of its own. With beautiful accommodations, pools, restaurants, and every imaginable outdoor recreation opportunity from horseback riding to helicopter rides, Gateway Canyons is a picture perfect place for weddings.

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Gateway Canyons Resort luxury wedding destination elopement getaway Colorado desert
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Gateway Canyons Resort wedding venue luxury desert Gateway Colorado red rock elopement
Gateway Canyons Resort wedding venue luxury desert Gateway Colorado red rock elopement
Gateway Canyons Resort wedding venue luxury desert Gateway Colorado red rock elopement
Gateway Canyons Resort wedding venue luxury desert Gateway Colorado red rock elopement
Gateway Canyons Resort wedding venue luxury desert Gateway Colorado red rock elopement
Gateway Canyons Resort wedding venue luxury desert Gateway Colorado red rock elopement
Gateway Canyons Resort wedding venue luxury desert Gateway Colorado red rock elopement
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Gateway Canyons Resort wedding venue luxury desert Gateway Colorado red rock elopement wedding dinner restaurant
Gateway Canyons Resort wedding venue luxury desert Gateway Colorado red rock elopement champagne restaurant
Gateway Canyons Resort wedding venue luxury desert Gateway Colorado red rock elopement
Scenic view of mesa red rock formation intimate elopement wedding venue Gateway Colorado Gateway Canyons Resort

What I love about Gateway Canyons Resort:

- Completely secluded location

- Luxury accommodations

- Gorgeous 360 degree views

- On-site restaurant

- Spa and pools on location

- Access to outdoor adventures

- Wedding coordinator on-site



HISTORIC VENUES


Colorado has a rich and beautiful history, and these classic wedding sites pay tribute to the past while remaining beautiful locations for couples getting married there today.

Hotel Colorado Glenwood Springs Colorado historic wedding venue exterior courtyard
Glenwood Springs Colorado wedding venue historic Hotel Colorado
Glenwood Springs Colorado wedding venue historic Hotel Colorado outdoor courtyard ceremony site
Glenwood Springs Colorado wedding venue historic Hotel Colorado Molly Brown suite wedding dress veil vintage antique furniture
Glenwood Springs Colorado wedding venue historic Hotel Colorado vintage antique furniture bridal suite Molly Brown
Glenwood Springs Colorado wedding venue historic Hotel Colorado vintage furniture Molly Brown suite
Glenwood Springs Colorado wedding venue historic Hotel Colorado interior hallway entrance
Glenwood Springs Colorado wedding venue historic Hotel Colorado check in desk
Glenwood Springs Colorado wedding venue historic Hotel Colorado antique piano
Glenwood Springs Colorado wedding venue historic Hotel Colorado balcony view Molly Brown suite
Glenwood Springs Colorado wedding venue historic Hotel Colorado balcony view Molly Brown suite
Glenwood Springs Colorado wedding venue historic Hotel Colorado courtyard ceremony site fountain
Glenwood Springs Colorado wedding venue historic Hotel Colorado courtyard bouquet
Glenwood Springs Colorado wedding venue historic Hotel Colorado
Glenwood Springs Colorado wedding venue historic Hotel Colorado reception banquet hall interior
Glenwood Springs Colorado wedding venue historic Hotel Colorado table setting reception banquet hall
Glenwood Springs Colorado wedding venue historic Hotel Colorado balcony overlook Molly Brown suite

What I love about Hotel Colorado:

- Beautifully maintained historic setting

- Antique architecture and details on site

- Accommodations available for bridal party and guests

- Brides suites are spacious and beautiful

- Updated reception areas

- Lovely landscaping and grounds

- Courtyard for ceremony with romantic fountain















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