Weddings can get expensive. Between the venue, flowers, catering, photography, and the DJ – it starts to add up quickly. Finding an affordable wedding venue in Denver isn’t always easy either!
The perfect venue sets the stage for your unforgettable day and often your budget for the rest of the wedding. For that reason, the first item on most couples check-list when wedding planning is finding the venue.
I’ve narrowed down a list of five amazing venues all within 35 miles of Denver that won’t break the bank. Most noteworthy, these venues still offer an incredible experience for you and your guests. All while giving you a little more wiggle room in your budget to afford good food, great photography and a full dance floor!
1. The Butterfly Pavilion
Located about 15 miles north of Denver, The Butterfly Pavilion provides a great option for couples who are looking for something unique! So, why is this venue so cool? It offers multiple ceremony location options and interactive exhibits for your guests to enjoy. Therefore, this venue is perfect for any couple wanting a wedding that is close to the city but more memorable than your traditional hotel wedding.
Base Price:
Up to 75 guests: $1500
75-150 guest: $3000
What’s included:
- Free parking
- Tables
- Chairs
- Setup
- Breakdown
Add-ons:
Interactive exhibits like the Crawl-A-See-Em, Water’s Edge, Wings of the Tropics and Invertebrate World. A butterfly release or a private encounter with Rosie the tarantula.
Where to find more information:
www.butterflies.org or email Adisa Nickerson at: anickerson@butterflies.org
2. Haystack Hearth
This family-owned and operated wedding venue is located about 35 miles northwest of Denver. In a quaint little town called Niwot, this venue provides a peaceful backdrop for your perfect outdoor wedding. If you’re looking for a tranquil backyard feeling, this venue could be the one for you!
Base Price:
November – April: $200 per hour (with a 3-hour minimum) + $10 per person
May – October: $3500 + $10 per person for up to 300 people
What’s included:
- Use of Haystack Hearth indoor and outdoor areas
- Vendors and VIPs may arrive two hours before start time and have one hour after the event to complete cleanup
- Rehearsal of up to 1 hour by appointment (no interior access or services provided)
- Complimentary Prosecco, snacks and soft drinks in the Bride and Groom suites
- Courtyard or interior cocktail setup (wooden cocktail tables and stools)
- Lighting in the courtyard and lawns around the manor
- Use of arbor, authentic farm stock tanks for soft drinks, wrought iron patio furniture, lit volleyball court, yard games, and access to the Haystack Mountain clubhouse (until dusk)
- Fireplace and firepit use (if no fire ban in effect), including wood and feeding
- Outdoor power and extension cords as negotiated (except Creekside – this requires renting a generator)
- Indoor Wi-fi and Bluetooth/playlist speakers
- Discounted rates at Haystack Golf Course and Driving Range
- Pre- and post-event housekeeping and utility services
- On-site manager (for events with more than 50 people, you must provide a professional event coordinator)
Add-ons:
Location options, tables, chairs, linens, dishware, and beverage service.
Where to find more information:
http://haystackhearth.com/options-rates/
See a full wedding blog from this venue: https://swingphotocolorado.com/wedding-at-haystack-hearth/
3. Grant-Humphrey’s Mansion
The Grant-Humphrey’s Mansion is perfect for any couple that wants a city wedding, but with class! This historic mansion offers multiple ceremony locations and elegant interiors all within a few miles of Downtown. This inexpensive wedding venue in Denver has it all!
Base Price:
January – April (Saturday): $2800
May – December (Saturday): $3700
What’s included:
- Custom event setup (excluding tableware and decor)
- Ceremony & reception areas inside and outside of the mansion
- Ballroom for dancing with the original historic stage
- Changing rooms for both parties
- Tables and chairs including high tops, banquets, and rounds
- (250) White Resin Padded folding chairs
- (27) 4’ round tables
- (7) 5’ round tables
- (12) Cocktail tables (short and tall)
- (12) 6’ banquet tables
- (4) 8’ banquet tables
- Also, an antique piano that is tuned and playable
- Lovely crackling fireplace & dramatic grand staircase
- Complimentary one hour rehearsal week of your event
- Elevator and Lift to accommodate all guests
- Free parking
- WIFI
- Free AV including (2) speakers, (1) wireless mic, (1) lavaliere mic, (3) 55′ TV
- monitors, projector and screen and easels
- Large refrigerator for cold storage (during the event only) and closet space for decor and other storage up to 2 days prior and 2 days post-event
- Air conditioning and heating throughout
- On-site venue supervisor
- Coordination of all rental items as needed
Add-ons:
Day of coordinator, rentals, extra event time, catering buy out fee, event Labor as needed
Where to find more information:
https://www.historycolorado.org/grant-humphreys-mansion
4. Willow Ridge Manor
Nestled in the foothills close to the famous Red Rocks Amphitheater, this beautifully preserved historic home is the perfect place for your ceremony, reception or both! For what this venue offers, it’s a great option for anyone looking for at wedding venues in Denver.
Base Price:
Monday – Saturday (evening): $4000
Ceremony Fee: $500
What’s included:
- Exclusive use of the entire mansion, main level, parlor, decks, Red Rock Patio, and bar
- A parking lot for about 100 cars
- A selection of tables:
- Round tables (Cocktail, 4′ and 5′ in diameter)
- Rectangular banquet tables (4′, 5′ and 6′ long)
- Cake table
- DJ table
- Sweetheart table for the Bride and Groom
- Buffet tables
- Chairs
- Chiavari chairs for the ceremony (when the ceremony takes place on the Red Rocks formation)
- Gold Chiavari chairs for your reception inside the mansion.
- Set up and use of the Red Rocks Ceremony site, use of the Wedding Arch and musicians pergola.
- Set up of up to 200 Chiavari chairs for the ceremony.
- 1 hour, on-site rehearsal scheduled in the week before the wedding date.
- Coordination of the rehearsal and wedding by Gregory, assisted by Lawrence.
- Use of the Dressing Rooms on the upper level of the mansion.
Where to find more information:
https://www.willowridgemanor.com/rates
5. Chief Hosa Lodge
Chief Hosa Lodge was the city’s first mountain lodge. Opened in 1918 this stone and wood lodge offers sweeping views of the Contenitial divide, a gorgeous outdoor ceremony location, and an intimate indoor reception space. This is one of the most affordable wedding venues in Denver!
Base Price:
$270/ hour: Low-season, Saturday evening
$480/ hour: High-season, Saturday evening
What’s included:
- Staging kitchen (includes a refrigerator, sink, and counter space)
- Large patio
- Bridal room
- Gas fireplaces
- On-site event facilitator
- Wi-Fi
- Parking for 40 vehicles & 4 ADA accessible vehicles
- Tables and chairs
Where to find more information:
https://www.denvergov.org/content/denvergov/en/denver-parks-and-recreation/rentals-permits/rental-facilities/chief-hosa-lodge.html
So whether you’re looking for a city wedding venue, rustic charm, or a tranquil backyard setting you’re bound to find something that will fit your budget on this list! Thanks for checking out my recommendations for affordable wedding venues in Denver.
*Prices are subject to change without notice. Please contact individual venues for more information*
All photography by Swing Photo Colorado