Colorado Micro-Weddings
Restaurants & Catering
Elopement & Small Wedding Packages
Delicious Selections & Amazing Value
Is it even a wedding if you don’t get to enjoy good food and drinks?! Luckily for my micro-wedding couples, this aspect of the wedding planning process is much more simply for small weddings. With my planning services I provide a plethora of resources and recommendations for both catering and restaurants that I’ve found to be small wedding friendly. But ultimately, it just comes down to your preferences and budget. Here are the primary options, based on reception style…
restaurant reception
Generally best for groups with less then 30 guests
For groups with less then 30 guests, the most common micro-wedding style is to simply do the ceremony somewhere outdoors with beautiful views, like a mountaintop, and then head to a local restaurant for the reception. This option is both logistically convenient, and can accommodate any sort of budget. This option keeps things nice and simple, you don’t need to stress about planning a “reception” just think of it as planning a nice private dinner. It really just comes down to personal preferences for this option, but with my planning services I do provide a list of recomendations for group friendly restaurants in Denver, Boulder, Colorado Springs, Estes Park, and Breckenridge.
Venue reception
Generally best for groups with more then 30 guests
For groups with more than 30 guests, you may find that you’d prefer the extra space and accommodations of an actual event venue, especially if you plan to have a dance-floor. I provide a list of different venues that work well for all group sizes, many of which will either have their own in-house catering team, or provide a list of caterers that they require you to use. Some of my venues are true “DIY” style, in which case I’ll provide a list of local caterers that I recommend for you to try out.
Rental HOme reception
Generally best for groups with less then 30 guests
Doing the ceremony and/or reception at a beautiful mountain rental home can be a great option for small weddings! Just keep in mind that most rental home companies have very strict regulations on “events”, which basically means they often limit/restrict you from entertaining anyone at the house that is not staying at the house. So if you plan to rent a house for 10 people to sleep at, but want 30 people to stay there, you may have a difficult time finding an owner willing to work with you. For this reason I generally only recommend rental home weddings for groups of less then 15, or for those who have the budget to afford a larger rental home specifically designed for group gatherings (I provide recommendations for both with my planning services).
For rental home receptions, most groups go for a local caterer to provide food for the day, though you also have the options to go more “DIY” or even hire a private chef!
Planning a Wedding in Colorado?
I can help!
I offer everything-you-need packages for beautiful and affordable small weddings!
—Officiant (starting at $275)
—Photography (starting at $450)
—Videography (starting at $900)
—Flowers (starting at $100)
—Wedding Planner (starting at $400)
…Venue, Dining, Marriage License Guidance…and more!
Frequently Asked Questions
Where should I have my elopement reception?
For small weddings, most groups do their “Reception” in a private room at a local restaurant. This provides a simple and easy way to have a nice private celebratory meal, without having to deal with the costs and headaches that can come with a more formal venue.
If I have a wedding reception at a restaurant, can we dance? Can we cut the cake? Can we give toasts?
It depends on the space! Some are set up well for private events and some are more what you’d expect for a 20-30 person dining experience where you won’t have much room to mingle or move around—and very few will have room for a dancefloor. Generally speaking for groups of less than 30 guests, I recommend doing the “symbolic” dances at the ceremony site prior to dinner, and then if you want to do some toasts and a cake cutting it should be no problem at the restaurant.
Can I have a dancefloor at my elopement reception?
If your going to have less than 40 guests, a dancefloor is generally not used, but of course you can get one if you want! If you just want to do the “symbolic” dances, I generally have couples do them at the ceremony site (right after the ceremony). This makes for great photos, and makes it so you don’t have to limit your reception options to spaces with a dance floor.
Can you recommend restaurants for a micro-wedding or elopement reception in Colorado?
Of course! With my planning services I provide a full guide of dining options in Breckenridge, Colorado Springs, Denver, Boulder, and Estes Park. Here are a couple popular choices:
The Briarhurst Manor (Manitou Springs)
The Broadmoor (Colorado Springs)
Briar Common Brewery + Eatery (Denver)
Flagstaff House (Boulder)
Della Terra Mountain Chateau (Estes Park)
Can I have my elopement reception at a rental home (Air BnB)?
A rental home reception gives you the option of hosting both your ceremony and reception at a beautiful mountain rental home. This option is generally best for micro-weddings with fewer than 30 guests (rental homes larger than this are both limited and get quite expensive). However, remember that rental home companies often have strict regulations regarding events, so it’s always best to check with the host prior to ensure that they will allow what you are asking for. In the cases of rental home receptions, couples will either bring in catering, a private chef, or go DIY and cook for themselves.
Can I bring my own wedding cake or dessert to a restaurant reception in Colorado?
Many restaurants allow couples to bring their own wedding cakes or desserts, although there may be a cake-cutting fee. Consult the restaurant to confirm their policies on cakes and desserts being brought from outside.
What is the average cost of catering for a micro-wedding or elopement in Colorado?
The cost of a microwedding menu can vary widely depending on the restaurant, the menu, and the number of guests. The cost of catering services in Colorado can typically range from $30 to $150 per guest. For small groups you may find that “take out” menus are more budget friendly.
