When planning your “I dos,” you might want to think about adding a little “yee-haw” to the ceremony by having your wedding at a traditional Colorado ranch or barn-inspired venue. Here at Pink Monkey, we know that Colorado is a popular destination wedding locale; we are here to help you kick your nuptials up a notch, so why not spring for a rustic barn and add upscale elements, or host a weekend in the Wild West, complete with an outdoor ceremony and horseback riding? These barns and ranches combine the spirit of the frontier with an air of elegance — perfect for couples seeking a wedding with a country feel in a serene, majestic atmosphere.
C Lazy U Ranch in Granby, Colo.
Located seven miles west of Granby along Willow Creek, the C Lazy U Ranch is a traditional dude ranch with horseback riding, hayrides and its own rodeo. The ranch also boasts more upscale amenities like a full-service spa and tennis courts, making it an ideal place for both guests who love the outdoors and those who would rather go glamping. For weddings, the C Lazy U Ranch offers a large customizeable barn-style venue and an open-air tent space that looks out across the pond. There’s even a private honeymoon cabin for newlyweds. Rated No. 1 in the Top 20 Resorts of Colorado by Conde Nast Traveler in 2015, this dude ranch could be the ideal destination wedding for those seeking a true Old West adventure.
The Flying Diamond Ranch
Instead of incorporating elements of nature inside the venue, having your wedding at a ranch is an opportunity to embrace the outdoors and let beautiful mountains and rolling hills provide the backdrop to your nuptials. Located just a 15 minute drive from Steamboat Springs, The Flying Diamond Ranch provides a stunning backdrop of open fields and picturesque aspen groves. It’s in one such grove where we had the pleasure of installing an after-ceremony cocktail party for a 2015 wedding, replete with open-air bars that looked like they were made of huge aspen trees and cocktail tables, giving the space a living room feel in the middle of a forest. In a nearby tent, beautiful chandeliers with added greenery brought the outdoors in, and Restoration Hardware style lamps gave the event a romantic, candlelit effect until moving lights got the disco party started. This true-to-Colorado ranch might suit those who, like many of us who live in Colorado, would rather spend most of their time outside than in — and that includes your own wedding.
The Barn at Casey’s in Woodland Park, Colo.
For a cute and cozy barn-style hoedown, The Barn at Casey’s is a DIY-style space where you can bring in your own food, beverage and entertainment. Ideal for brides (and grooms) looking for an authentic, vintage-inspired feel for their wedding, The Barn accommodates 250 to 300 guests. For those who want to say “I do” and then spend the night doing a little do-si-do, an old-school building like the one at Casey’s will make your guests feel right at home. Family-owned, The Barn is a chance to celebrate while taking advantage of the property’s beautiful surroundings.
Yellow Pine Ranch in Cuchara, Colo.
Nestled on a hillside in a small town outside of Pueblo, the Yellow Pine Ranch is a historic hideaway that’s been family run since 1927. Surrounded by pine trees, a small lake and plenty of hiking trails, Yellow Pine’s charm and homey vibe makes up for its lack of luxury. Each lodging cabin is adorned on the outside with blooming flower boxes and the accommodations inside are fully furnished with handmade curtains and no TVs or telephones — fitting if you want your guests to have an unplugged experience without any digital distractions. Yellow Pine is an ideal place for a fall wedding — when the colors are bursting from the leaves and having your reception in the barn-style venue on-site feels both warm and elegant.
A few more of our favorites …
Located 25 minutes west of Vail, 4 Eagle Ranch will stun attendees with its view of the Sawatch Mountain Range and historic location. The venue can accommodate up to 550 people and provides in-house catering to simplify your life. Entertain your guests with horseback riding, zip line tours, wine tasting, Jeep tours and ATV/Razor tours while they’re here for your big day.
With both a giant authentic barn for your festivities and plenty of space for grazing, the Winding River Ranch in Grand Lake, Colo., is great for large weddings and couples who aren’t afraid to kick back in their cowboy boots and have a rip roarin’ good time during the reception.
For a winter wedding, The Barn at Evergreen Memorial Park in Evergreen, Colo., is a historic building with both an indoor chapel and reception area that features large, traditional windows — a special place where you can say your vows while watching the snowfall.
You’ve found your favorite venue, now let us help you stun attendees
While a traditional wedding venue has its benefits and perks, offering your attendees a secluded stay in a cabin on a ranch far from the city, or an evening of merriment under those bright mountain stars, is a chance to rejoice on your special day while embracing the classic style of the past. A Pink Monkey, we pride ourselves on designing events your attendees will remember for years to come. For more resources on how to host a sophisticated affair in the fresh Rocky Mountain air, give us a call or email us here.