You’re not like other couples. You don’t want a fancy venue that fits hundreds of guests. You’re over the big wedding planning that’s more stressful than enjoyable. You don’t need the whole shabang. You just want a handful of the most important people in your life celebrating with you as you say “I do” at the fairytale wedding you always pictured. And if you’re planning one of these non-traditional weddings in Colorado, you’re in luck. There are so many intimate wedding venues to choose from, whether you want a day spent in the Rocky Mountains or prefer to frolic around the city on your big day.
As a Colorado wedding photographer, I’ve had the joy of taking photos in some of the most beautiful intimate wedding venues, and I’ve put together a list of my favorites for you to pick from. If you want to plan a small wedding in Colorado, let’s start with choosing the venue that fits your vibe.
1. Rembrandt Yard | Boulder, Colorado
Best for couples who want an artsy venue in the heart of the city for a mix of downtown and eclectic vibes.
Guest Capacity: Up to 150–200 seated guests or up to 200–250 standing guests
Getting There: Located at 1301 Spruce Street, Rembrandt Yard is just a block from Pearl Street Mall. For the smoothest parking experience, I recommend using city-operated facilities since Downtown Boulder parking garages offer a flat rate for evening arrivals after 3 PM and are free on Saturdays, Sundays, and city holidays
Catering: Hire your own caterer from their vetted catering recommendations
Rembrandt Yard is a beautiful, intimate wedding venue in Downtown Boulder. Although it can accommodate up to 150 guests, it works perfectly for smaller weddings—and it’s very easy for you, your partner, and guests to get to. It’s a 6,500-square-foot space with three floors, each with its own flair to match what you’re going for. One of my couples, Tony and Meredith, used the top-floor reception area, with sweeping Flatiron views through the large panoramic windows. As a photographer, it’s a dream to have natural light that hits at the best angles.
Apart from the upstairs space, there are also elegant getting-ready suites and a gallery for the ceremony, surrounded by breathtaking artwork by local artists. I mean, what could be better than that?
2. Greenbriar Inn | Boulder, Colorado
Best for couples who want a vintage feel and a cozy country-inn ambiance, with the perks of an on-site restaurant for delicious catering.
Guest Capacity: Up to 300 people across its indoor and outdoor spaces, and the main dining room fits up to 100 guests
Getting There: Located on the Left Hand Canyon and Highway 36, it’s about 5 miles north of the intersection of Broadway and Highway 36
Catering: In-house catering from an executive chef using fresh produce and herbs from the three gardens on site
Located outside of Boulder, Greenbriar Inn is an award-winning restaurant, event venue, and vintage cabin in the countryside. With over 20 acres of space, the property is the perfect intimate wedding venue in Colorado, and it offers multiple spots to say “I do” or party it up on the dance floor (just like Shawdee and Mick did). And if you both are foodies, this venue is a true treat. The on-site restaurant can customize a full menu of American Cuisine using ingredients freshly picked from the garden on the property—and they’ll even make your wedding cake or a special dessert!
3. Lyons Farmette | Lyons, Colorado
Best for couples who want a rustic barn wedding or an outdoor wedding in a remote region, complete with charming farm animals.
Guest Capacity: Up to 125
Getting There: It’s about 20 minutes outside of Boulder. You’ll drive north on US-36 N toward Lyons, and when you reach the outskirts of town, turn right onto US-66 E/Ute Highway. Lyons Farmette will be on the left.
Catering: Bring your own caterer for the day from their preferred vendor list.
Situated off the beaten path near the St. Vrain River is the Farmette in Lyons, Colorado. It has everything you could want for a rustic wedding: towering cottonwood trees, a beautiful flower farm, a quiet mountain stream, an indoor barn space, and even a family of farm animals to greet you on the big day. On the property, there’s a small farmhouse with 2 beds and 2 baths for getting-ready purposes, a cozy fire pit by the river, a vintage Airstream dressing suite, a covered patio area with an old bar, and, perhaps the best of all, a vibrant mix of seasonal flowers available in bulk by the bucket, July to October.
Maddie and Zach are just one of the couples I’ve photographed at this intimate wedding venue in Colorado, and they took full advantage of the space. String lights with freshly picked flowers? Check. An outdoor ceremony under the cottonwood trees? Check again. These are the kind of venues I feel truly lucky to take photos at.
4. Denver Botanic Gardens | Denver, Colorado
Best for couples who want a more luxurious experience at a conveniently located venue in the city.
Guest Capacity: Up to 1,300
Getting There: It’s located at 1007 York Street in the Cheeseman Park neighborhood in east-central Denver.
Catering: Choose a caterer from their list of preferred vendors.
Denver Botanic Gardens is 24 acres of pure, lush, jaw-dropping beauty. Even though it’s quite a large setting, there are several options for a small wedding venue space within the gardens. The Woodland Mosaic is my personal favorite for an intimate ceremony. It features a historic solarium shaded by tall trees and blooming flowers, fitting up to 50 for a ceremony and 40 for a reception. It really can’t be beat for breathtaking photos, with light streaming in through every window and hints of various shades of green in each corner.
There is also the South African Plaza for a more vibrant outdoor wedding experience, fitting up to 80 for a ceremony or 60 for a reception. Although it’s a bigger space, the Romantic Gardens can still be a great option for an intimate Colorado wedding venue, especially if you’re dreaming of garden party aesthetics. Just note that gardens are open to the public until 7 PM, so if you want a more private space, I’d recommend the Woodland Mosaic for a quieter area.
5. Chief Hosa Lodge | Golden, Colorado
Best for couples who don’t mind driving out to a rustic cabin for a quiet outdoor ceremony and want photos in the surrounding forest.
Guest Count: Up to 100
Getting There: It’s about 40 minutes outside of Denver. Head on I-70 W and take Exit 235 for Chief Hosa. From there, turn south across the highway toward Genesee Park and follow the signs for the lodge.
Catering: Hire your own caterer for the space.
If you want to be surrounded purely by nature on your wedding day, the Chief Hosa Lodge is the perfect small, intimate wedding venue in Colorado. Designed by architect Jules Jacques Benois Benedict, it’s nestled in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains with sweeping views of the Continental Divide. The minute I set foot on the property, I could smell the fresh pine trees and hear the rustling of the grassy fields. Both the exterior and interior of the cabin can be used for your wedding, with a large patio, a getting-ready room, and ample grounds for setting up a ceremony or reception.
It’s also an affordable space compared to many intimate wedding venues in Colorado, and it doesn’t sacrifice the good views or the plenty of photo opportunities.
Planning a Ceremony or Reception at an Intimate Wedding Venue in Colorado? I’ll Handle the Photos
Once you’ve chosen a venue from this roundup, the next thing on your to-do list is most likely finding and hiring a wedding photographer. As a Colorado wedding and elopement photographer, I love working with couples who plan non-traditional weddings. After all, it should be a day that feels like you, not like everyone else (or what others tell you to do).
I’m a photographer who loves capturing every moment authentically, so when you look back on your photos, they feel like a true reflection of you as a couple—not some perfectly posed, polished version of you. Inquire with me, and let’s envision what your intimate wedding will be like with me by your side!
