Bride and groom sharing a kiss on a terrace framed by tall ornamental grasses during a romantic sunset wedding in Colorado Springs. The bride’s fitted lace gown features an open back and delicate detailing, while the groom wears a navy suit with a red boutonniere. Soft golden light illuminates the couple, demonstrating why Colorado is known for stunning outdoor wedding locations in Colorado Springs.

Planning a Wedding in Colorado Springs: Venues, Costs & What to Know

Weddings

February 17, 2026

Planning your wedding in Colorado Springs will be unlike anywhere else in the country. The area truly offers something for every couple and every vision!

Bride and groom smiling and laughing together during their emotional first look on a mountain terrace in Colorado Springs overlooking the foothills.
Close-up of a classic ivory rose bridal bouquet with eucalyptus and fresh greenery, photographed in soft natural light during a Colorado Springs mountain wedding.
Bride in a fitted white gown holding a bouquet of ivory roses as she taps her groom on the shoulder during their first look on a scenic Colorado Springs mountain overlook with soft blue skies and rolling peaks in the background.

Whether you’re planning an intimate elopement with a scenic overlook, hosting a relaxed outdoor ceremony surrounded by forest and open sky, or designing a luxury celebration in a full-service resort with spectacular views in every direction, Colorado Springs has it all!

This guide covers what you need to know to start planning your Colorado Springs wedding. From venue options, marriage license details, and seasonal considerations.

Marriage License Requirements for a Wedding in Colorado Springs

Before you walk down the aisle, you’ll need to obtain your marriage license from the El Paso County Clerk and Recorder’s Office. Thankfully, the process is straightforward!

Simply fill in the online application before visiting the office in person. No appointment is required, and licenses are typically issued Monday through Friday, with limited Saturday availability.

Round-cut diamond engagement ring with a pavé band nestled in fresh Colorado snow, captured in soft winter light for a romantic mountain wedding detail.
Ivory rose wedding bouquet with lush greenery resting on natural stone beside black and white personalized vow books during a Colorado Springs mountain elopement.

There’s no waiting period, which means your marriage license is valid immediately, but you only have 35 days to tie the knot before it expires.

Both you and your partner must provide valid identification and be at least 18 years old. Colorado does not allow exceptions to the age requirement.

Taking care of this step a few weeks before your wedding day gives you peace of mind, so you can focus on celebrating and soaking in the moment!

Vendors You’ll Need to Book Early for Your Colorado Springs Wedding

The most popular dates for a wedding in Colorado Springs are summer and early fall. Locking in your core team early can make your entire planning process feel more manageable.

This is who you’ll want to secure sooner rather than later:

Your Colorado Springs Wedding Photographer

Your photographer is one of the most important investments you’ll make. Once the day is over, your photos are what remain!

Booking your wedding photographer in Colorado Springs early ensures you get someone whose style, personality, and experience align with your vision!

Bride and groom smiling at the camera during a Colorado Springs mountain wedding, framed by soft veil details with golden fields and evergreen hills in the background.
Bride holding a vibrant bouquet of red ranunculus, burgundy mums, blush roses, and greenery against her modern off-the-shoulder wedding gown at a Colorado Springs outdoor wedding.
Bride and groom embracing in a golden field during their Colorado Springs wedding, with the bride’s long cathedral veil flowing behind her and forested mountains in the distance.

Local expertise matters here! A photographer who understands Colorado’s natural light, shifting mountain weather, and scenic backdrops like Pikes Peak or Garden of the Gods knows how to guide your timeline and portraits around the best lighting.

Bride holding a bouquet of ivory roses while walking hand in hand with her groom along a snowy mountain trail in the Colorado Springs foothills.
Bride in a long-sleeve white mini dress and ankle boots laughing as her groom kisses her cheek on a snowy Colorado mountainside.
Newlywed couple sharing a kiss on a snowy Colorado Springs mountain overlook surrounded by dramatic peaks and soft winter light.

As someone who has photographed many weddings in this area, I’ve learned that while the Rocky Mountains create incredible depth and drama in photos, knowing how to use the Colorado landscape intentionally makes all the difference!

Romantic portrait of the bride and groom sharing a kiss under a tree, the bride’s long veil flowing dramatically behind her across the grass.
Exterior of a Colorado Springs wedding venue featuring stone columns, large windows, and a curved copper architectural awning framed by green trees.
Bride and groom laughing together during their wedding ceremony inside a chapel with stone walls and wooden pews, surrounded by guests.
Bride stepping out of a black limousine with her groom adjusting her flowing veil, assisted by a driver, outside a Colorado Springs wedding venue.
Close-up detail of a lace wedding gown with intricate floral embroidery and delicate sheer neckline illuminated by soft natural window light.
Bride and groom walking hand in hand along a garden path, the bride’s flowing gown and veil moving softly as they smile at each other beneath vibrant green trees.
Elegant reception head table adorned with lush white and green floral arrangements, ivory roses, and greenery inside a Colorado Springs wedding venue.

Choosing the right photographer means finding someone who feels like a trusted guide and not just a service provider. You’ll want someone walking alongside you from the planning process all the way through your wedding day!

Romantic portrait of the bride and groom sharing a kiss under a tree, the bride’s long veil flowing dramatically behind her across the grass.
Bride and groom smiling at each other beneath a leafy green tree, the bride holding a lush bouquet of ivory roses and eucalyptus while sunlight filters through the branches.

Booking Your Colorado Springs Wedding Cake Baker

Talented bakers who specialize in wedding cakes also book quickly, especially during peak wedding season.

Four-tier white wedding cake adorned with cascading fresh flowers in blush, ivory, and deep plum tones, displayed on an ornate gold stand at The Broadmoor reception.
Close-up of a single-tier red velvet wedding cake with smooth white buttercream frosting and a slice removed, displayed on a white cake stand with cupcakes blurred in the background.

Scheduling tastings and design consultations early gives you more flexibility and creative options.

Your Wedding Rentals

If your venue doesn’t provide everything you need, booking wedding rentals in Colorado Springs early is essential. This includes ceremony chairs, reception tables, linens, and décor elements that bring your vision to life.

Round reception table set with gold chairs, navy napkins, crystal glassware, and a tall gold candelabra centerpiece inside The Broadmoor’s grand ballroom in Colorado Springs.
Gold candelabra centerpiece with lit taper candles surrounded by delicate pink and white blooms on a refined reception table at The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs.
Elegant wedding reception table at The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs featuring abundant fall-inspired floral arrangements in shades of blush, peach, and deep red, gold chairs, and candlelit place settings.

Outdoor weddings often require additional planning. Bistro lighting, heaters for cooler evenings, tenting options, and upgraded tables can completely transform your space while keeping guests comfortable.

Securing rentals in advance ensures availability and allows you to create a cohesive, beautifully styled celebration!

The Best Ceremony and Wedding Reception Venues in Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs offers an incredible variety of wedding venues! Whether you’re envisioning an elegant ballroom reception or a ceremony surrounded by the Rocky Mountains, there are beautiful wedding reception venues here to match every style and guest count.

Colorado Springs Wedding Venues by Style

Mountain-Chic & Colorado-Inspired Venues

If you’re dreaming of a venue that feels connected to the landscape, Flying Horse Resort offers refined outdoor spaces with Front Range views and a seamless flow from ceremony to reception!

Bride and groom standing closely together between two tall, slender trees on a manicured golf course during a wedding in Colorado Springs. The bride wears a lace-detailed gown with a flowing train spread across the vibrant green grass. The groom wears a navy blue suit accented with a bold red tie and matching boutonniere. Soft hills and fairways stretch into the distance under bright sunlight. The couple gazes at one another while holding a bouquet of warm-toned flowers. This outdoor golf course venue is one of the elegant places to have weddings in Colorado Springs
Bride and groom walking hand in hand along a stone pathway beside a villa-style venue during a wedding in Colorado Springs. The building behind them features arched windows, textured stone walls, and warm stucco tones. The bride’s lace gown flows gently as she lifts part of her skirt while walking. The groom, wearing a navy suit with a red tie, looks toward her as they move together through the landscaped grounds. A decorative fountain and lush greenery frame the setting, illustrating how refined estate venues are popular wedding locations in Colorado Springs and often require thoughtful wedding rentals in Colorado Springs to complete the design

For a more ranch-inspired setting with wide-open scenery, Spruce Mountain Ranch delivers rustic charm and dramatic Colorado backdrops.

Bride and groom standing together on a rustic wooden dock extending over a peaceful lake during a wedding in Colorado Springs. A large fountain sprays water into the air on the left side of the frame, creating a dramatic mist against the calm surface. Rolling green hills and scattered trees stretch into the background. The bride holds a bouquet while facing the groom, both framed by leafy branches overhead. This elegant waterfront setting represents one of the many picturesque wedding locations in Colorado Springs and highlights the variety of weddings in Colorado Springs CO

If you’re drawn to intimate lakeside elopements with mountain views, Echo Lake provides a naturally stunning ceremony setting!

These reception venue types are ideal if you want your surroundings to play a central role in your wedding day.

Joyful close-up from a wedding in Colorado Springs featuring a bride and groom embracing near a forested lake. The groom, wearing glasses and a navy suit with a black bow tie, smiles warmly. The bride beams directly at the camera, her veil softly framing her face. She holds a lush pastel bouquet of hydrangeas, roses, and seasonal flowers in soft pink, peach, lavender, and powder blue tones. The calm water and evergreen trees behind them create a peaceful Colorado backdrop, beautifully documented by a Whitney Marshall Photo in Colorado Springs
Wide scenic view of a wedding in Colorado Springs with a bride and groom standing together on a large natural rock beside a glassy alpine lake. Pine-covered mountains rise in the distance beneath a bright sky. The couple stands close, foreheads nearly touching, wrapped in a quiet embrace. The bride’s fitted gown falls elegantly to the rock beneath her, and her long veil drapes gently in the breeze. This expansive natural landscape showcases why mountain lakes are among the most sought-after wedding locations in Colorado Springs and unforgettable places to have weddings in Colorado Springs
Close-up portrait from a wedding in Colorado Springs showing a bride and groom standing side by side outdoors. The groom wears a tailored navy blue suit with a white dress shirt, his hand tucked casually into his pocket. The bride wears a modern off-the-shoulder ivory wedding gown with a softly draped neckline. She holds a round bouquet filled with blush roses, pale peach blooms, soft blue hydrangeas, and greenery cascading naturally toward the ground. A small heart tattoo is visible on her upper arm. The background is softly blurred greenery, creating an intimate, romantic moment captured by a wedding photographer in Colorado Springs
Romantic lakeside dip during a wedding in Colorado Springs, with the groom gently leaning the bride backward for a kiss along the shoreline of a calm mountain lake. Evergreen trees reflect in the still water behind them, and the sky appears softly overcast. The bride’s long veil flows dramatically behind her, trailing across the gravelly lakeside ground. Her bouquet rests near their feet, featuring pastel florals in blush, peach, and blue. This scenic outdoor setting highlights why mountain lakes are among the most breathtaking wedding locations in Colorado Springs and popular places to have weddings in Colorado Springs

Elegant Ballrooms & Historic Venues

If you love timeless architecture and refined details, Colorado Springs also offers stunning indoor spaces.

The Broadmoor is known for its stately accommodations, multiple ceremony sites, and breathtaking mountain views.

Outdoor ceremony setup overlooking water with mountain views during a romantic wedding in Colorado Springs. Rows of white folding chairs are arranged in neat lines facing a floral-lined aisle bursting with autumn tones of orange, burgundy, blush, and cream. A calm lake reflects nearby buildings and distant mountain peaks, showcasing one of the most breathtaking places to have weddings in Colorado Springs. The ceremony space demonstrates thoughtful wedding rentals in Colorado Springs, including seating and floral installations, creating an unforgettable setting for weddings in Colorado Springs CO surrounded by natural beauty.

If you’re looking for a sophisticated, urban feel, The Mining Exchange Hotel offers a historic downtown setting with modern elegance!

Bride smiling and holding a white folding fan in front of ornate wrought iron gates during an elegant wedding in Colorado Springs. She wears a fitted lace wedding gown with a soft tulle skirt and delicate floral detailing, a sparkling choker necklace, and her hair styled in a curly updo. The decorative iron doors behind her feature gold accents and intricate patterns, creating a romantic architectural backdrop often found at wedding locations in Colorado Springs. This portrait captures modern bridal style and refined venue details from weddings in Colorado Springs CO, beautifully documented by a wedding photographer in Colorado Springs
Black and white photograph of bride and groom sharing a kiss while seated on bar stools inside a modern reception space during a wedding in Colorado Springs. The bride’s lace gown flows onto patterned tile flooring, and the groom wears a dark suit as they lean toward each other across a curved bar lined with metal stools. Overhead, rows of exposed Edison bulbs reflect in mirrored surfaces, creating a warm glow. Bottles line the back wall against exposed brick, highlighting stylish reception design and wedding rentals in Colorado Springs often used to create dramatic ambiance for weddings in Colorado Springs CO
Groom smiling confidently in a black tuxedo with a red bow tie and boutonniere during a stylish wedding in Colorado Springs. He stands in a courtyard space with exposed brick walls, large white planters filled with greenery, and warm natural light. His hands rest casually in his pockets as he poses for a formal portrait captured by a wedding photographer in Colorado Springs. The setting blends industrial and garden elements, a popular aesthetic for modern weddings in Colorado Springs CO and refined wedding locations in Colorado Springs

At the European-inspired mountain retreat, Glen Eyrie Castle, you’ll find a truly romantic and storybook atmosphere.

These wedding reception venues work especially well if you have a larger guest count and need space for dancing and formal dining!

Bride and groom standing with family members on a grassy lawn in front of a grand stone estate during a wedding in Colorado Springs. The castle-style venue features arched windows, balconies, and textured stone walls set against foothills and evergreen trees, highlighting one of the most scenic places to have weddings in Colorado Springs. The bride wears a classic white gown with a long veil and holds a bouquet of white flowers, while family members stand beside them in formal attire, including elegant dresses and tailored suits. This timeless family portrait reflects multicultural celebration and showcases one of the premier wedding locations in Colorado Springs

Scenic Fine-Dining & Intimate Spaces

If you’re planning a smaller guest list and want something truly memorable, venues like Flagstaff House offer elevated dining experiences paired with spectacular mountain views.

Bride smiling joyfully as she feeds her groom a bite of cake during their reception at a wedding in Colorado Springs. The black and white photograph captures the emotion of the cake cutting moment, with guests watching in the background. A simple two-tier wedding cake sits on a wooden stand, representing elegant wedding cakes in Colorado Springs, while natural window light fills the reception space.
Groom laughing as he holds a small plate of cake during the cake cutting at a wedding in Colorado Springs, surrounded by friends and family inside a modern reception venue. The black and white image highlights the groom’s joyful expression and the celebration atmosphere, showcasing one of the sweetest traditions at weddings in Colorado Springs CO and the artistry behind wedding cakes in Colorado Springs.

The Pinery at the Hill is perfect if you want dramatic overlooks and a relaxed setting. It provides panoramic city and mountain views from its outdoor terrace.

These venues are perfect if you’re envisioning an intimate celebration where food, atmosphere, and breathtaking views take center stage!

Bride and groom standing at the edge of a calm pond during a wedding in Colorado Springs, embracing and kissing on a grassy bank surrounded by tall trees and lush landscaping. The still water reflects the sky and greenery, creating a peaceful, romantic atmosphere typical of scenic wedding locations in Colorado Springs. The bride wears a fitted lace gown and the groom wears a navy suit with a red boutonniere, captured beautifully by a wedding photographer in Colorado Springs.
Newlywed couple posing on a terrace overlooking the mountains during a wedding in Colorado Springs, with the bride leaning gently into the groom as he kisses her forehead. Behind them, sweeping views of the Colorado landscape and distant peaks highlight why so many couples choose weddings in Colorado Springs CO for breathtaking scenery. The bride’s lace gown flows onto the stone patio, and the groom’s navy suit contrasts against the soft blue mountain backdrop.
Bride and groom sharing a kiss on a terrace framed by tall ornamental grasses during a romantic sunset wedding in Colorado Springs. The bride’s fitted lace gown features an open back and delicate detailing, while the groom wears a navy suit with a red boutonniere. Soft golden light illuminates the couple, demonstrating why Colorado is known for stunning outdoor wedding locations in Colorado Springs.

Inclusive & Full-Service Wedding Venues

If you want a streamlined planning process, choosing an all-inclusive wedding venue can simplify everything! These venues often include catering, tables, chairs, coordination support, and built-in reception layouts.

Full-service venues like The Broadmoor and Flying Horse Resort are great choices if you want a professional team guiding you through every detail. This approach can be especially helpful when planning larger weddings in Colorado Springs, CO.

How Much Does a Wedding in Colorado Springs Cost?

Understanding the average cost of a wedding in Colorado Springs can help you set realistic expectations early in your planning process.

While every celebration is different, most weddings in Colorado Springs, CO typically fall between $35,000 and $60,000, depending on guest count, venue, and vendor selections.

Bride and groom sharing a kiss along a tree-lined path in Colorado Springs, her full tulle gown catching the soft afternoon light.

Your guest count plays one of the biggest roles in determining your total price. More guests mean higher catering costs, more rentals, and often a larger venue.

In most cases, your venue and catering will be your two largest investments, as many reception venues bundle food and beverage minimums into their pricing.

Close-up of bride’s hand with oval diamond engagement ring resting on a bouquet of ivory roses and white florals, lace sleeve softly illuminated by golden sunlight.
Intimate portrait of bride and groom embracing in a sunlit meadow, ivory rose bouquet in focus with lace gown details and soft mountain light in Colorado Springs.
Bride holding a rounded bouquet of ivory roses and delicate white blooms, her long dark hair and lace sleeves softly backlit during a Colorado Springs elopement.

There are also smart ways to reduce your overall cost without sacrificing experience! Booking during the off-season and choosing a Friday or Sunday celebration instead of a Saturday can also significantly lower the price of both your venue and vendor services.

Colorado Springs offers a wide range of venue styles and service levels, which means you can design a celebration that fits your priorities!

Planning Tips for a Seamless Wedding Day

As a local photographer, I’ve seen firsthand what can unintentionally make a wedding in Colorado Springs feel rushed.

One of the biggest timeline decisions I guide my couples through is ceremony timing. Colorado’s natural light is stunning in the hour before sunset, especially against the Rocky Mountains, Pikes Peak, and red rock formations!

Bridesmaids in matching navy blue floor-length dresses holding small bouquets during an outdoor Colorado wedding ceremony, with open fields and mountain views behind them.
Bride and groom holding hands during an outdoor wedding ceremony under a wooden pergola at Spruce Mountain Ranch, overlooking the Colorado countryside and distant mountains.
Groomsmen in light gray suits with navy ties standing in a row during an outdoor Colorado wedding ceremony, with rolling hills, pine trees, and mountain views in the background.

Planning your ceremony a few hours before sunset allows for warm, glowing portraits while still giving time to enjoy cocktail hour and the reception before it gets dark!

Because Colorado Springs sits at a higher elevation, the weather can also shift quickly. Even summer evenings cool down once the sun dips behind the mountains.

Black and white photo of bride and groom walking hand in hand through a sparkler exit inside a rustic barn reception space, surrounded by cheering guests under string lights on their Colorado wedding day.

When choosing between Colorado Springs wedding venues, I always suggest prioritizing spaces with indoor backup options or covered outdoor areas. That flexibility protects your timeline and keeps your big day stress-free.

Exterior of Glen Eyrie Castle in Colorado Springs, showcasing historic sandstone architecture, arched windows, and scenic foothill backdrop.
Bride and groom walking hand in hand down stone steps at Glen Eyrie Castle in Colorado Springs, with historic sandstone architecture and mountain views in the background.

Flow matters just as much as scenery. When your ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception spaces transition naturally, your day feels more effortless. But if you’re using separate wedding reception venues, building in travel time will keep everything moving comfortably.

From my experience as a wedding photographer in Colorado Springs, the most beautiful weddings happen because of thoughtful planning that allows you to stay present and fully enjoy your special day!

Why Colorado Springs Is the Perfect Place to Get Married

There’s something about Colorado Springs that just feels different!

Whether you’re exchanging vows with Pikes Peak behind you, celebrating in a garden of towering pines, or dancing in an elegant ballroom with mountain views just beyond the windows, a wedding in Colorado Springs offers a setting that feels both adventurous and grounding.

Black and white portrait of a bride wrapping her arms around her groom’s shoulders during a Colorado wedding sunset session, capturing an intimate and emotional moment.
Bride and groom holding hands during golden hour portraits in a Colorado field, with warm sunset light glowing around them and the bride’s flowing gown trailing behind.
Romantic close-up of a bride and groom embracing on their Colorado wedding day, her veil softly flowing behind them as they share a joyful, intimate moment.

Getting married here can be an incredibly memorable experience! Many couples I’ve worked with who plan weddings in Colorado Springs, CO, turn their celebration into a full weekend event.

With scenic overlooks, hiking trails, charming restaurants, and beautiful hotels in the surrounding area, you and your guests can enjoy everything this destination has to offer!

Outdoor wedding ceremony setup at a Colorado Springs stone venue featuring arched walkways, a round tower, and rows of white folding chairs arranged on a spacious courtyard patio.

If you’re dreaming of mountains, fresh air, and spectacular views surrounding you, I would truly love to help bring that vision to life! As a wedding photographer in Colorado Springs, my heart is to guide you through the planning process so your day feels joyful, relaxed, and completely you!

When you’re ready to begin planning your wedding in Colorado Springs, I’d be honored to connect with you!

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I believe every photoshoot should feel like a friend walking in to celebrate you! My goal is to bring joy, fun, and genuine connection to every moment I capture. This blog journal is my way of telling your unique love story, and preserving those special moments. Let's connect and be friends on Instagram - Follow me along here!

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hey, I'm Whitney Marshall!

Colorado springs wedding photographer