Denver Foothills Wedding Guide 2021

denver foothills wedding tips & inspiration

Morrison, Colorado

Photos by Nate Shepard Photography

congrats to ourcouple!cover

Being born and raised in Colorado, I found my love for the Rockies in a state that holds so many beautiful places. Through the years, I’ve been lucky enough to travel to many of the other states across the Rockies and have found a certain charm to all of them. Something about the fresh air blowing through the evergreens, or the sand blowing across the Southwest deserts, and the aqua blue lakes in the north, I couldn’t think of a better place to say “I do!” than the Rockies.

As I begin to plan my own Rocky Mountain wedding using RMB, I find myself in awe of the talented local vendors in each pocket of the Rocky Mountain region. I hope that within these pages you will find all the inspiration and tips you need to make your day everything you want it to be. We’ve scouted the best of the best in your area to provide you trusted local vendors. Happy planning!

Photo Credit: Carrie King

Photo

Denver Foothills

from morrison to silverplume and evergreen to bailey the lush forests, magical winters and moderate summers make the foothills overlooking denver the perfect rocky mountain location for your destination wedding.

sarah roshan wedding photographers

DENVER FOOTHILLS 101

Plan the perfect Denver Foothills trip with these favorite spots in the area. Planning ahead can make all of the difference for you and your guests..

SEASONAL WEATHER

The mountainous climate of the Denver Foothills makes for freezing winters and mild summers. Summers in the foothills are warm and dry, which makes June to August the best months to plan a wedding if you’re looking for warmer weather with less chance of precipitation. Winters in the Denver Foothills are snowy and not for those who are largely affected by the cold. If you’re looking to plan a winter wedding, take into account the winter months are typically freezing and snowy. Don’t fret the cold temperatures, winter in Colorado is one of the most magical times to host a wedding.

WHAT TO PACK

Guiding guests on what to pack for your wedding can take a lot of the guesswork out of their decision. Feel free to add your wedding attire, whether it be cocktail casual or black-tie optional, to your wedding website. Here is also a great place to add little tidbits too, such as packing a shawl for the cooler months, sunglasses if you are having an outdoor summer ceremony, and reminding guests to drink plenty of water to avoid altitude sickness.

ACTIVITIES

Evergreen Lake is the prime location for any activity for every season. Paddle boat or kayak throughout the summer and ice skate during the winter amongst the beauty of the Rocky Mountains.

If you’ve ever wanted to hike one of Colorado’s famous 14er’s, head to Mt. Evans to enjoy one of the highest peaks in Colorado. Make sure you have the proper gear and plenty of water as the 14,624 feet elevation is not something most people are used to.

Enjoy the rich culture of Evergreen at the Shadow Mountain Gallery, one of the region’s prime artistic destinations since 1991. Downtown Evergreen has something for everyone with it’s stunning art galleries, delectable eats and popular nightlife spots.

Make it official

Your wedding license, while one of the most important pieces, should be the least of your worries on your wedding day. You can purchase a marriage license at any Jefferson County Clerk’s office and must use the license within 35 days of purchase.

Colorado does not require you to be a resident or have a blood test. You and your spouse-to-be must be in attendance when purchasing the $30 license.

Jefferson County Main Office

100 Jefferson County Parkway, Suite 2560, Golden, CO

For further information call or visit: 303 271 8121 www.jeffco.us

Local Wedding Inspiration

Maya + Andrew

Moving to a new place, and only knowing one person, is never easy. Little did Maya know is that she would meet her future husband on her first night in Denver, Colorado. Maya was planning to grab a drink with a friend for a girls’ night out, however, plans changed when her girlfriend brought another friend, Andrew. Maya, originally annoyed at having to share her friend, ended up staying late at the bar with Andrew. That night marked the start of their love story as they slowly started to fall in love over the next few months.

Maya and Andrew’s Evergreen wedding was filled with so much joy and love shared between family and friends. The highlight of the day for the bride and groom was when they sat down to the reception meal together. Maya remembers sitting down, feeling the relief and looking at Andrew, surrounded by their closest people, and being incredibly happy. Small and intimate, Maya and Andrew’s wedding wasn’t the big wedding they originally planned, but they are grateful for even having a wedding. It was more special to have something so beautiful and happy in the midst of a pandemic.

evergreen

ADVICE TO FUTURE COUPLES

-VENDORS-

Photographer You & Me Wedding Photography www.youandmeweddingphotography.photos

Caterer La Cuisine of Evergreen | www.lacuisineofevergreencatering.com

Florist Frontrange Florals | www.frontrangeflorals.com

Bridal Boutique B. Loved Bridal | www.blovedbridal.com BHLDN | www.bhldn.com

Bride’s Veil B. Loved Bridal | www.blovedbridal.com

Bride’s Shoes Willow by Watters | www.watters.com/willowby

Bride’s Ring Oxbow Designs | www.oxbow-designs.com

Bridesmaids’ Attire Lulus | www.lulus.com

Groom’s & Groomesmen’s Attire The Black Tux | www.theblacktux.com

Groom’s Shoes Alfani | www.nordstrom.com

Hair Stylist Mallorie at Studio One7 | www.studioone7.com

Makeup

Blooming Beauty by Brooke | @bloomingbeautybybrooke

Rentals

Evergreen Rentals | www.evergreen-rentals.com

Lodging Hotel Teatro | www.hotelteatro.com

Officiant Miguel Velasquez

“Go slow, take in every moment, and don’t get bothered by the small things.”

Alex + Matt

One cold October night in 2012, Alex sat next to a beekeeper, complete with veil, at a Halloween party. They chatted for the better part of the night, but she never saw his face or learned his name. Fast forward one year later, Matt, the beekeeper, recognized Alex at another Halloween party. They reconnected and decided it was time to go on a date.

One date at a German bierhaus led to a second date at a noodle bar. They found themselves moving from New York City to Denver, and mountain adventures led to a beautiful July mountain wedding and a lifetime of dates to look forward to. Matt scrapped his plans for a grand proposal in Rocky Mountain National Park and decided to wing it! He suggested to Alex that they enjoy the sunny March day in Denver and explore some new spots downtown. While she was getting ready for the day, he was pacing around their apartment trying to find the perfect opportunity to propose when Alex emerged from the bathroom applying SPF and chatting about good coffee shops. Matt took this opportunity to get down on one knee in their apartment kitchen, ring in hand, ready to pop the big question!

evergreen

RAINY SKIES

There was an epic thunderstorm during the hour leading up to the ceremony. Just as guests started arriving, the clouds parted and a double rainbow formed over the lake. This served as the backdrop for their first look, making them feel lucky to have met all over again.

ADVICE TO FUTURE COUPLES

“Go slow, take in every moment, and don’t get bothered by the small things.”

-VENDORS-

Venue

Evergreen Lake House | www.evergreenrecreation.com

Day-of Coordinator

Celebrate by Nikki, LLC | www.celebratebynikkico.com

Photographer Root & Blossom Photography | www.rootandblossomphotography.com

Caterer & Sweets

Relish Catering | www.relishcateringco.com

Florist Beet & Yarrow | www.beetandyarrow.com

Invitations Grace Veres Design | www.graceveres.com

Bridal Boutique & Gown Designer Sarah Seven | www.sarahseven.com/chicagoflagship

Bride’s Ring Musselman Jewler | www.musselmanjewelers.com

Bride’s Shoes Sam Edelman | www.samedelman.com

Groom’s Attire Bonobos | www.bonobos.com

Groom’s Accessories Skagen Watch | www.skagen.com

Groom’s Shoes Banana Republic | www.bananarepublic.gap.com

Hair Stylist

Alyx O’Shaughnessy | @alyx.ohair

Makeup Sydney Archuleta

Music & Entertainment

DJ Dancin’ Shoes | www.dancinshoesdj.com

Lodging

The Renaissance Downtown Denver | www.renaissance-hotel.marriott.com

Transportation

Prestige Worldwide Transportation |www.prestigeworldwidetransportation.com

Officiant Alex Penny

Rehearsal Dinner Park & Co.

L ove

Surrounded by spectacular views of the lush green forest sits North Star Gatherings, the perfect romantic escape moments from Denver. The stunning scenery and thoughtful details brings to life this elopement styled shoot. Lina Hoekman Events and her team of Colorado vendors crafted the ultimate moody, fall elopement inspiration in Evergreen.

FALL VIBES

Bask in the beautiful Evergreen views and embrace the intricate details of nature with a unique bouquet, boutonniere and centerpieces. Incorporate darker tones and pops of color throughout the florals at the head of the ceremony site to achieve a dark and romantic wedding theme, while enhancing the incredible mountain views.

SPECIAL MOMENTS

Spend the rest of your wedding day enjoying sweet treats, special moments with your loved ones, and the beautiful celebration you created. Before the night ends, don’t forget to sneak away at sunset for gorgeous golden hour portraits with your new spouse!

creative team

venue: north star gatherings | www.northstargatherings.com photography: sarah roshan | www.sarahroshan.com videography: first dance films | www.firstdancefilms.com planning: lina hoekman events | www.linahoekmanevents.com bridal boutique: the bridal collection | www.thebridalcollection.com gown designer: martina liana bridal designs | @martinalianabridal sweets: the makery | www.themakery.com florist: privé events | www.priveeventdesign.com beauty: eleposh | @eleposh_

Rehearsal Dinner Spots

WILLOW CREEK

A family affair, Curtis and Kristopher Lincoln dreamt up Willow Creek as a true family-owned restaurant with down-home values and delicious eats. Willow Creek in Evergreen offers remarkable views, wildlife sightings and a true Colorado experience. Located just 40 minutes from Downtown Denver, their exceptional cuisine and professional staff add something unique to your celebration.

29029 Upper Bear Creek Road, Evergreen | 303 674 9463 | www.willowcreekevergreen.com

Relax in rustic yet elegant mountain ambiance, enjoy magnificent Evergreen views from the Bistro at Marshdale’s vintage tea room and savor handcrafted food and drinks. Purely genuine Colorado cuisine will be the highlight of your rehearsal dinner experience at this charming mountain bistro. Enjoy handmade cuisine in a hand hewn Mountain Tea Room in the Rockies for an unforgettable romantic celebration of your love.

27376 Spruce Lane, Evergreen | 303 674 7670 | www.thebistroatmarshdale.com

BISTRO AT MARSHDALE CREEKSIDE CELLARS

The perfect rehearsal dinner spot for guests of any age, Creekside Cellars celebrates the relationship of good food and good wine shared with family and friends. More than a winery, Creekside Cellars doubles as an Italian café featuring an outdoor deck overhanging Bear Creek. They pride themselves in offering excellent wine and food to share among good people. Creekside is a special destination for a lunch of panini sandwiches…or to linger over one of their famous antipasto platters with a bottle of wine and the company of friends and loved ones.

28036 State Highway 74, Evergreen | 303 674 5460 | www.creeksidecellars.net

BESO DE ARTE

Beso de Arte, an upscale Latin Bistro, is nestled in the heart of historic downtown Morrison, Colorado, just south of the world famous Red Rocks Amphitheatre. Beso de Arte is situated in a circa 1873 building with a bold art deco interior. Beso means kiss in Spanish, hence the name Kiss of Art highlights the culinary presentation of the food, which reaches deep into the Latin world.

102 Market Street, Morrison | 303 697 3377 | www.besodearte.com

THE FORT

Denver’s favorite western restaurant, The Fort is a full scale adobe replica of a famous 19th century fur trading fort. Enjoy cuisine inspired by the Trappers, traders and American Indian recipes of that era. Create a rehearsal dinner based solely off of new foods of the old west for a traditionally western meal.

19192 State Highway 8, Morrison | 303 697 4771 | www.thefort.com

LARIAT LODGE BREWING COMPANY

A brewery designed to feel like home, Lariat Lodge Brewing Company features craft beer and upscale comfort food. This rehearsal dinner spot is for down-to-earth couple’s looking to unwind and host a laid-back rehearsal dinner. Somewhat of a unique experience, enjoy Colorado mountain views from their decks, beer garden and dog-friendly “bark garden.”

27618 Fireweed Drive, Evergreen | 303 674 1842 | www.lariatlodgebrewing.com

Winter Whites

The inspiration for this shoot pulls from a few distinct wedding styles - modern, boho and vintage. The local vendors wanted to put a modern spin on the mountainside wedding scene for the adventurous couple. The whitewashed barn and scenic mountain views of the Woodlands were the perfect backdrop for this lovely day.

IT’S ALL IN THE DETAILS

Our reception design highlighted an elegant and modern dinner table with goldtrimmed plates and glassware, black flatware and tapers, copper mugs, rose gold metal chairs and a greenery garland. Watercolor and gold foiled place cards featured an abstract mountain design, similar to the invitation suite. A wooden sweetheart table draped with black chiffon provided a nice contrast to the guest tables. The backs of their chairs were accented with laser cut wooden signs. The groom rocked a plum colored jacket paired with copper hammered cuff links, a leather bow tie and suspenders. The beautiful bride stunned in a flowing chiffon and lace backless wedding gown. She accessorized using white pumps with a wooden block heel and floral trimmed hat. The look was completed with gold and amethyst hammered deco-style earrings, bracelet and a statement ring. When it got a little chilly out, our bride wore a hand-painted leather jacket. The ceremony location overlooked evergreen covered mountains and featured a geometric, oral adorned arch and an aisle laid out with colorful mismatched rugs.

SWEET ENDINGS

A caravan cocktail bar was on-site ready with the couple’s signature drinks for the special occasion. A four-tiered cake and mountain-themed cookie favors provided a sweet ending to the celebration.

creative team

venue: woodlands | www.woodlandscolorado.com planning & photography: michelle lynn weddings | www.michellelynnweddings.com kerry mcintyre photography | www.kerrymcintyrephotography.com

event management: come join us, llc | www.comejoinusllc.com sweets: cassie’s confections | www.casssiesconfections.com florist: the painted primrose co. | www.paintedprimrose.co gown designer: hyacinth bridal | www.hyacinthbridal.com bride’s jewelry: christina greene jewelry | www.christina-greene.com groom’s attire: h&m | www.hm.com beauty: candelaria beauty | www.cassandragarza.com invites: emily a howell calligraphy & design | www.emilyhowell.com rentals: event rents | www.eventrents.com arch & rug rentals: have a seat | www.haveaseatcolorado.com mobile bar cart: cocktail caravan | www.mycocktailcaravan.com laser cut signs: ever laser | www.everlaser.com hat: lack of color | www.lackofcolor.com ring box: sunny days ring box | @sunnydaysringbox models: jessica & corey

Ashley + Alan

evergreen

Ashley and Alan’s love story began in college at Colorado State University. Ashley was dating Alan’s roommate and Alan was dating Ashley’s roommate. They went home for summer and ended things with each roommate. The rest is history! Alan proposed on Flagstaff Mountain in Boulder, Colorado in a full day scavenger hunt, filled with stops around the city that held significance in their relationship. At the last stop, he was down on one knee with Ashley’s mom and best friend there to witness the special moment. The proposal was followed by all of their close family and friends waiting to celebrate at a local restaurant.

ADVICE TO FUTURE COUPLES

“Learn how to fight. It might sound crazy but fight fairly. Have ground rules, know what not to say, when to take a break from a conversation, and when to just say sorry.”

Hamill

denver foothills VENUES

alpine way chalet mountian lodge 4980 county highway 73 evergreen, colorado 303 674 7467 www.alpenwaychalet.com

blackstone rivers ranch 3673 chicago creek road idaho springs, colorado 303 567 2339 www.blackstoneriversranch.com

bread bar 1010 main street silver plume, colorado sam@samfields.co www. breadbarsp.com

deer creek valley ranch 64407 us highway 285 bailey, colorado 303 929 9133 www.deercreekvalleyranch.com

evergreen lake house 29612 upper bear creek road evergreen, colorado 720 880 1300 www.evergreenrecreation.com

evergreen red barn 27826 alabraska lane evergreen, colorado 303 674 1838 www.evergreenredbarn.com

hamill house museum 305 argentine street georgetown, colorado 303 569 2840 www.historicgeorgetown.org

highland haven creekside inn 4395 independence trail, evergreen, colorado 303 674 3577 www.highlandhaven.com/

mount vernon canyon club 24933 club house circle golden, colorado 303 526 0616 www.mountvernoncc.com

north star gatherings 3354 little bear creek road idaho springs, colorado 720 608 0167 www.northstargatherings.com

red rocks country club 16235 west belleview avenue morrison, colorado 303 697 4438 www.redrockscountryclub.org

red rocks park and amphitheatre 18300 west alameda parkway morrison, colorado 720 865 2494 www.redrocksonline.com

the barn at evergreen memorial park 26624 north turkey creek road evergreen, colorado 303 674 0556 www.thebarnatemp.com

the dunafon castle 24020 state highway 74 idledale, colorado 303 918 0623 www.dunafon-castle.com

the fort 19192 state highway 8, morrison, colorado 303 697 4771 www.thefort.com

woodlands 8884 us highway 285 morrison, colorado 720 443 1796 www.woodlandscolorado.com

blackstone rivers ranch

Blackstone Rivers Ranch is the premier riverfront mountain special event destination in the Colorado Rockies, located just 35 minutes west of Denver! Our exquisite event spaces and relaxing atmosphere, will wow you and your guests. Blackstone Rivers Ranch is the perfect boutique venue for your wedding or special event. We host one, completely unique, curated and exclusive event each day. Our venue is reserved for you, and ONLY YOU on your most special day. Whether you seek ultimate adventure, unapologetic luxury, and everything in between, we know that your time with us will be filled with amazing & unforgettable moments.

woodlands

8884 US HWY 285, Morrison | 720.443.1796 | www.woodlandscolorado.com

Woodlands is a family owned and operated barn style venue for all of life’s celebrations. Located on 52 acres in Morrison Colorado, only 30 minutes from downtown Denver in the beautiful foothills. Our modern-industrial style barn with mountains surrounding; is a beautiful, white, barn with black trim. The inside is surrounded with white-washed wood walls and black accent fixtures for the perfect lighting. The barn has large sliding doors on either end and opens up to the ceremony area overlooking the mountain views. Our fully covered side patio is great for cocktails rain or shine. You can use the space as desired to fit your personal style. The barn also includes bridal and groom suites. Both rooms include dressing area, a counter with mirrors for the ladies, and a cozy area with couches and a TV to sit back and relax before the fun begins.

Venue Specs

venue spaces Indoor + Outdoor Ceremony + Reception Weather Backup capacity Up to 245 curfew 11:00 p.m. outside catering Preferred Vendor List outside alcohol Yes bridal suite Yes guest accommodations No pet friendly Yes

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plan your escape!

featured image: umaya resort and adventures, honeymoon collective resort