So, you’ve fallen victim to that classic Colorado charm and want to host your wedding in Estes Park. 

And who wouldn’t? After all, Estes Park is one of the top wedding destinations in the world thanks to its proximity to some of the world’s most breathtaking natural scenery. 

However, with a popular wedding destination comes a plethora of wedding venues. 

If you’re not a local, you might not know too much about the Estes Park wedding venues, and narrowing down your options can be an overwhelming and difficult task.

Since moving here in 2021, I have had the opportunity to experience and check out some of the best wedding venues around town. 

From small and intimate weddings to grand events with hundreds of people, there are so many wedding venues in and around Estes Park to cater to everyone. 

To help out all the prospective couples looking to marry in Estes Park, this guide features: 

• The top 7 wedding venues in Estes Park 
• An overview of each venue, including price, location, amenities available, accommodation, and scenery
• Handy tips to keep in mind when booking a wedding in Estes Park.

Let’s get into it!

Wedding Venues in Estes Park 

People who are planning their weddings in Estes Park are spoilt for choice when it comes to venues. 

From grand historic hotels to ranches that allow you to be up close and personal with the Colorado wildlife, there truly is something for everyone. 

Here is a roundup of the best wedding venues in Estes Park to point you in the right direction and help to make planning your special day a little bit easier:

1. Della Terra Mountain Chateau

• Address: 3501 Fall River Rd, Estes Park, CO 80517, United States
• Phone number: +1 970-586-2501
• Type of Venue: Outdoor and indoor
• Guest Capacity: Up to 200 guests 
• Amenities: Indoor event space, outdoor event space, bridal salon, dressing room, lounge, indoor/outdoor cocktail area, catering, complimentary honeymoon suite stay 
• Price Range: $1,200- $62,000
• Parking: Yes 
• Best for: Couples looking for a wedding infused with the classic Colorado mountain charm 
• Our Rating: 9/10 

Nestled in the breathtaking  Rocky Mountains, Della Terra Mountain Chateau offers a comprehensive wedding package that is sure to make your big day special. 

The site features a stunning indoor event space complete with a dance floor and everything you need to make the reception a success, as well as a gorgeous outdoor space for you and your loved one to hold the actual ceremony. 

Additionally, Della Terra offers catering, serving staff, bar staff, photography areas, and full reception setup (including tables, chairs, and base linen), as well as event management.

If you want to stay onsite, there are several options you can choose from. 

The standard wedding package offers 13-hour access to the site for the actual wedding, but you can choose to book out some of the 14 suites onsite if they are available to extend your stay overnight.

However, there is also a 3-day option in which you and your guests have exclusive access to the entire chateau for 3 days should you wish to have a destination wedding where everyone stays onsite. 

The booking process can be commenced by reaching out to Della Terra via their email or phone number, both of which are on their website. Demand is high for this venue, so make sure you book well in advance. 

I adore this wedding venue as even their basic wedding package covers all your bases, meaning you can relax on your big day and focus on the wedding itself rather than becoming caught up in the small details. 

This is truly one of Estes Park’s finest venues!

2. Wild Basin Lodge 

• Address:  1130 County Rd 84 W, Allenspark, CO 80510, United States
• Phone number: +1 303-747-2375
• Type of Venue: Outdoor/indoor
• Guest Capacity: Up to 200 guests 
• Amenities: 2x ceremony areas, reception area, bar area, in-house catering, on-site accommodation, DJ, videographer, floral services, decoration services
• Price Range: $12,000 – $55,000+ 
• Parking: Yes
• Best for: Nature-loving couples who want Mother Nature as a guest of honor
• Our Rating: 8.5/10 

It is unlikely that there is a more suitable wedding venue for nature-loving couples than that of Wild Basin Lodge near Estes Park. 

The lodge is situated on a 14-acre property that provides breathtaking views of mountains, forests, and wide open plains. 

There are several packages you can choose from, ranging from the basic package (which includes day-access and basic reception offerings) to an all-inclusive, all-access package. 

No matter which package you choose, Wild Basin provides in-house catering, staff, alcohol services, an event manager, event set up, and a DJ to handle lighting and sound. 

You don’t have to have guests stay on site; however, you can choose to have access to the 14,000-square-foot lodge to house your friends and family for the wedding. 

This is a part of the all-inclusive packages where everything is taken care of for you!

You can book year-round at Wild Basin, and they pride themselves on being upfront with costs and requirements so you can be confident that everything is taken care of before your big day. 

To book, simply reach out to Wild Basin using the form on their homepage. 

Keep in mind that the venue (especially the ceremony sites) is very up-close and personal with nature – so if that is not your intention for your wedding day, then this might not be the venue for you! 

However, if you want to create a memorable experience for you, your spouse, and your guests, Wild Basin is a great contender.

3. Black Canyon Inn

• Address:  800 MacGregor Ave, Estes Park, CO 80517, United States
• Phone number:  +1 970-586-8113
• Type of Venue: Outdoor/indoor
• Guest Capacity: Up to 200 guests 
• Amenities: 2x venues, preparation suite, bar, in-house catering, on-site accommodation, fire pits
• Price Range: Please contact Black Canyon Inn for full pricing 
• Parking: Yes
• Best for: Those with an elegantly rustic wedding in mind.
• Our Rating: 7.5/10 

Black Canyon is the ideal Estes Park destination wedding venue as it is located right in the Rocky Mountains with views of Longs Peak, Continental Divide, and Lumpy Ridge. 

It offers two different venues for you to choose from: The Homestead, which is a log building with exceptional indoor/outdoor flow, or the brand new Boulders building which is the epitome of rustic elegance. 

Each venue comes with full in-house catering, staff, and bar services, as well as an experienced event manager to help oversee your experience. 

Couples are provided with a suite to use for wedding preparation such as hair and makeup.  Extra touches such as DJs, florists, and sound and lighting setups will need to be organized separately. 

You also have the option to book out the rooms at Black Canyon Inn, which are conveniently located near the wedding venues. 

However, these are subject to availability as Black Canyon Inn also functions as a regular hotel – so our top tip is to book as early in advance as possible! 

While the services provided by Black Canyon Inn aren’t as comprehensive as some of the other wedding venues in Estes Park, we had to include it due to its sheer beauty. 

You and your guests will be blown away by the stunning design of this venue, and it will make your wedding a truly unforgettable experience for all. 

4. Lionscrest Manor

• Address: 603 Indian Lookout Rd, Lyons, CO 80540, United States
• Phone number: +1 303-823-5337
• Type of Venue: Outdoor/indoor
• Guest Capacity: Up to 250 guests 
• Amenities: Ceremony venue, reception area, bridal suite, groom’s lounge, cocktail space, in-house catering
• Price range: Prices start at $2500 and increase based on the number of guests and facilities booked.
• Parking: Yes
• Best for: Couples who want their wedding to exude class, elegance, and charm. 
• Our Rating: 8/10 

There is nothing like a classic wedding, and Lionscrest Manor is the perfect place for this! 

A 16,000-square-foot Victorian-era manor set on a 50-acre estate, Lionscrest is a venue that will infuse old-world charm into your wedding. 

What makes Lionscrest so attractive is its flexibility. You don’t have to host your entire wedding here; you can choose to do just your ceremony or just your reception at Lionscrest. 

They also have packages with a range of amenities and services provided, starting from the most basic to all-inclusive packages where you don’t have to lift a finger. 

Additionally, unlike other venues, you can choose to use an in-house organization team and catering, or you can bring in outside vendors if that suits you better. 

The only downside is that there is no on-site accommodation. However, Lionscrest Manor has a comprehensive list of nearby hotels and suites for you to consider. 

Bookings can be made by reaching out via their website or giving them a call on the number provided. The venue is available year-round thanks to the availability of both indoor and outdoor areas. 

A tip to keep in mind is that while it might be tempting to bring in outside vendors, Lionscrest is a highly established institution. 

As such, their in-house services offer a level of convenience that you will be hard-pressed to find elsewhere. 

I truly love this wedding venue. If you are someone who is obsessed with understated elegance, then Lionscrest Manor cannot be more recommended! 

5. Ellis Ranch

• Address: 2331 Ellis Ranch Ln, Loveland, CO 80538, United States
• Phone number: +1 970-593-9570
• Type of Venue: Outdoor/indoor
• Guest Capacity: Up to 450
• Amenities: Ceremony venue, reception area, 2x dressing suites, staff, wedding set up and pack down 
• Price range: $3,300–9,600/event
• Parking: Yes
• Best for: Couples who want to take control of their wedding preparations. 
• Our Rating: 7.5/10 

Located in the foothills of Northern Colorado, not too far from Estes Park, is Ellis Ranch: a charming events center that is the perfect location for your Colorado wedding!

Started in 1963, this family-owned venue has decades of helping to curate memorable and special wedding days. 

The venue offers two different places for you to host your wedding: their main Event Center which includes an indoor space and an outdoor wedding park for the ceremony, or the Carriage House, which is a completely outdoor site. 

Ellis Ranch is ideal for couples who want to take control of their wedding preparation. The fee covers the use of the space, staff, tables, chairs, linens, basic decorations, a sound system, and a DJ (depending on which package you choose). 

From there, everything else such as food, alcohol table settings, and florals is up to you. However, Ellis Ranch has a preferred wedding planner that you can use to help guide and plan your special day. 

Ellis Ranch is a lot more basic than other venues. However, I am still including it on this list as sometimes that is what couples want!

If you want the ability to plan as many of the wedding details as possible, a venue such as Ellish Ranch is ideal. Plus, the scenery at the ranch is stunning. 

Make sure you book a great photographer, as you will have the opportunity of a lifetime to take some incredible photos!

6. YMCA of the Rockies Estes Park Center

• Address: 2515 Tunnel Rd, Estes Park, CO 80511, United States
• Phone number: +1 970-586-3341
• Type of Venue: Outdoor/indoor
• Guest Capacity: Up to $250 guests 
• Amenities: Chapels, reception rooms, in-house catering, AV/ sound equipment
• Price range:  $3500 – $9949
• Parking: Yes
• Best for: Couples who are looking for an affordable wedding venue 
• Our Rating: 7.5/10 

When shopping for wedding venues, the YMCA might not have originally crossed your mind. 

However, the YMCA of the Rockies’ Estes Park Center is a wonderful wedding venue for anyone who is looking for an affordable place to host their wedding without compromising on that classic Colorado charm. 

At the YMCA of the Rockies Estes Park Center, you have the choice between four different chapels to host the ceremony (some are indoor and some are outdoor) as well as five different venues for the reception. 

Onsite accommodation is also available and is offered at a cheaper rate if booked as a part of the wedding.

Food and drink are not included in the package prices; however, it is mandatory that you use the in-house catering team, which comes at a very affordable rate. 

There are also optional add-ons that the YMCA can take care of, such as the lighting and sound equipment, extra large dance floors, and a YMCA-ordained chaplain to oversee the ceremony. 

Bookings can be made by contacting the YMCA wedding team. A tip to keep in mind is that the Overlook Chapel is closed from November to April, so you need to book around these dates if this is the chapel of your choice. 

Weddings don’t have to break the bank, and I have included this venue as it offers an affordable option that is still charming and stylish!

7. The Stanley Hotel 

• Address: 333 E Wonderview Ave, Estes Park, CO 80517, United States
• Phone number: +1 970-577-4000
• Type of Venue: Indoor 
• Guest Capacity: 
• Amenities: 3x venue spaces, onsite accommodation, event staff, in-house catering, AV/sound system, event planning, bridal suite 
• Price range: $2,500–15,000 site fee + $1,000–3,750 minimum food spend
• Parking: Yes
• Best for: Couples who wish for a modern wedding with a touch of old-world charm 
• Our Rating: 8.5/10 

The Stanley Hotel is a sprawling and beautifully crafted historic hotel, dating all the way back to 1909. 

Not only is it one of the best places to stay in Estes Park, but it is also one of the top Estes Park wedding venues! 

The hotel offers three different event spaces for you to hold your ceremony and reception, depending on guest size. 

The largest is an impressive glass pavilion that backs onto a private pond. The traditional architecture has received modern updates to create a seamless and effortlessly chic wedding venue that is sure to impress. 

Each venue is fully equipped with everything you need to make your wedding day a success. 

Something to keep in mind when booking this venue is that there is a food and beverage minimum spend that is charged on top of the site fee. 

If you choose to use the aforementioned Pavillion venue, you may choose from a list of approved caterers to cater your wedding. All other venues must use the in-house catering service provided by the Stanley Hotel. 

Of course, as this venue is a hotel, there are plenty of places for your guests to stay on-site. 

A top tip to remember is that this is a highly popular venue for holidays as well as weddings – so if you are hoping to house a significant portion of your guests at the hotel, you need to book well in advance!

Bookings can be made year-round and are commenced by reaching out to the Stanley Hotel wedding team via their website. 

I think this is one of the best wedding venues in Estes Park because it caters to so many different types of weddings. 

Whether you want a small and intimate affair or a large party catering to the whole extended family, the Stanley Hotel has a gorgeous event space for you! 

Additional Tips for You 

When planning a wedding in Estes Park, the venue is not the only important factor. 

Planning a wedding is an enormous process, and it can be very overwhelming trying to sort out each element. 

To give you a head start and leave you in the best position possible, here are some additional tips to keep in mind when planning an Estes Park wedding:

• Wedding permits: Many people who get married in Estes Park choose to have their ceremony in the nearby Rocky Mountain National Park due to the sheer beauty of the setting, before choosing a venue similar to the ones I have discussed in this guide to host the reception. 
  
  If this is something that interests you, you need to be aware that you are required to obtain a wedding permit. 
  
  This permit covers a small ceremony and allows you to hold your wedding amongst the stunning national park scenery. Permits cannot be booked on the day, so make sure to apply well in advance! More information can be found here on the official National Park’s website. 

• Book in advance: Estes Park is one of the top wedding locations in the entire world, which means that wedding venues and accommodations book up extremely quickly. 
  
  Some places are fully booked for several years into the future, making it nearly impossible to obtain a reservation on short notice. 
  
  This means that if you have your heart set on a venue and want to guarantee that you can host your wedding there, you need to book as soon as possible. 
  
  This is even more crucial if you are looking to book multiple rooms at one hotel for your guests to stay at. 
  
  Booking several years in advance means you can have your dream wedding and don’t have to face the disappointment of missing out due to a lack of availability.

• Hire a wedding planner: Weddings are complex, stressful, and potentially overwhelming beasts. Therefore, it is highly recommended that you do not try to DIY the process!
  
  Wedding planners have made a career out of pulling off people’s dream weddings, so you should leave it to the pros where possible. Hiring a wedding planner allows you to relax and enjoy the wedding process, rather than becoming caught up in the stress of trying to plan such a big event. 
  
  If there is one area in which you splurge for your wedding, make it the wedding planner.

• Choose your venue wisely:  There is nothing worse than booking out a ginormous commercial wedding venue when you intend to host a small and intimate ceremony. 
  
  So much space is wasted – not to mention the money! If you are hosting a smaller wedding, there are many private estates in and around Estes Park that can accommodate small weddings. 
  
  This allows for a far more intimate experience in which the space creates the right ambiance for the size of the guest list. 

• Consider the elopement packages: For spontaneous couples who want to get married in a destination such as Estes Park but don’t need a big wedding, consider an elopement package. 
  
  Many venues allow small (think 2-8 people) weddings over a shorter period to give you the Colorado wedding experience without needing to host the actual wedding and reception. 
  
  This is a great option for those who simply want to celebrate their love with each other or a few others, but still want to do it in a location such as Estes Park.

• Remember your gratuity fees: While most wedding venues will provide you with a detailed pricing plan, this often does not include the gratuity that you will need to pay on top of this. 
  
  Keep your tips in mind when budgeting for the wedding, as this could drastically change the overall cost of a venue. Additionally, it is always a good idea to ask a venue if their prices include gratuities.