As a Colorado wedding photographer, I’ve seen how much of an impact your venue can have on your wedding photos. The right venue sets the stage for your big day and plays a huge role in the overall vibe of your celebration. From lighting and backdrop options to how it flows with your timeline, there’s so much to consider. In this blog, I’ll share key questions and tips to help you prioritize photography when booking your Colorado wedding venue, ensuring it’s picture-perfect for your unforgettable day! Let’s dive in!

Essential Questions to Consider Before Booking Your Colorado Wedding Venue

Colorado Wedding Venue Lodging Considerations

If you have family or friends traveling from out of state, lodging is a crucial factor. Ask if the venue offers on-site accommodations or has partnerships with nearby hotels or rentals. Convenient lodging not only makes things easier for your guests but also eliminates the stress of coordinating transportation after the festivities. If on-site lodging is available, inquire about capacity and amenities, because this could enhance the experience for your loved ones. Bonus: venues with nearby lodging often have special rates for your group!

Backup Plan for Outdoor Ceremonies

Weather can be unpredictable, especially in Colorado, and having a solid backup plan is essential if you're planning an outdoor ceremony. Ask your venue if they offer an indoor option or a covered space in case of rain, wind, or extreme temperatures. It's also important to know how seamless the transition would be—will the backup space still match your vision for the day? Consider the logistics too, like whether the venue provides staff to help rearrange or if the timeline needs adjustments to accommodate the change.

Getting-Ready Rooms

Don't overlook the getting-ready rooms! These spaces are where some of your most candid and emotional moments will happen. First, ensure there’s enough room for your wedding party, stylists, and family to move around comfortably. Cramped spaces can add unnecessary stress. Next, assess the lighting. Natural light is a game-changer for beautiful photos and a relaxed ambiance. A clutter-free, neutral backdrop is also ideal for capturing those pre-ceremony memories. Visiting the space beforehand can help you envision the day and avoid unwanted surprises!

Day-of Wedding Coordinator

When looking at Colorado wedding venues, ask if they provide a day-of coordinator beyond a venue coordinator. The difference is crucial: a venue coordinator ensures the venue logistics run smoothly, like setup or facility rules, while a day-of coordinator focuses on your entire day, from timeline management to vendor communication. Both roles can work together seamlessly to reduce stress, but a day-of coordinator offers personalized attention to your vision. I highly recommend hiring one!

And if your furry friend is part of your day, confirm if the venue is pet-friendly. Some have policies or restrictions to consider!

Access With Certain Weather Conditions

Consider how easily it can be accessed in different weather conditions. For venues in mountainous areas or rural locations, think about how snow, ice, or heavy rain might affect roads, parking, or paths. Check if the venue has paved walkways, covered entryways, or heating systems to keep guests comfortable. If you're planning a winter wedding, ask about snow removal services or alternate parking options. For summer events, be sure you have shaded areas or air-conditioned spaces are available to accommodate heat.

Colorado Wedding Venue Pricing

Understanding what’s included in a venue’s pricing is crucial to planning your wedding budget. Some venues may offer all-inclusive packages that cover tables, chairs, linens, and even décor, while others might charge extra for those items. Ask if catering, bar services, or set-up and breakdown are included in the price. For venues with accommodations, find out if overnight stays are part of the package. Knowing exactly what is and isn’t included will help you avoid unexpected costs and allocate your budget more effectively.

Vendor Referral List

It’s always a good idea to ask your Colorado wedding venue if they have a vendor referral list. Many venues have trusted professionals they work with regularly, which can help ensure smooth coordination. However, don’t forget to do your own research! Check reviews of all your vendors—especially the venue—on Google, as this can provide valuable insight into the experiences of other couples. Looking at both positive and negative reviews will help you make an informed decision and ensure you’re working with reliable vendors for your big day!

Even if you book different spaces for different parts of your wedding day—like Georgia and Justin did—these are all things to consider about each of those individual spaces.

Bride Testimonials

Georgia's Review: “We were over the moon with Amandha's work, from our initial meeting to post-wedding correspondence. Amandha is an incredibly talented photography and was a delight to work with. She brought our wedding memories to life and we are so grateful for the stunning work she produced for our wedding."

Sasha's text after her sneaks: "AMANDHAAAAAAA I saw the email right before I was heading out to a girls night and was (obviously) late bc we were obsessing over them. Then I got to show my girl friends, it was so fun. They. Are. Insaneeee!!!! Ahhhh!!!"

Ready to Book Your Dream Colorado Wedding Venue?

I’m so in! If you’re in the wedding planning process, you may been the hunt for the perfect wedding photographer (wink wink). Hey, I’m Amandha, a Colorado wedding photographer who wants to capture all of your special moments. I believe every step in your journey should be celebrated with love and documented memories, so when you look back years from now, you’ll remember all of what was going on in your life and how amazing you were feeling when those photos were taken. I want all those imperfectly perfect moments, that you would only have in your memories—because hey, memories fade away, photographs don't.

Ready to get started? Get in touch with me here! Until then, discover more wedding planning tips and Colorado wedding venue ideas on the blog!