If you’re planning an elopement or an intimate wedding, it can seem daunting to rent a space with a high price tag for a small celebration. Rather than shell out thousands for a so-so venue, why not have your ceremony where there’s always a beautiful backdrop? Yup, we’re talking about the great outdoors, and in Colorado, there’s seemingly no shortage of spectacular locations. If you’ve been scouring and searching for some perfect small wedding venues in Colorado where you can have nature as your ceremony’s scenery, then we’ve got you covered. While each of these Colorado small wedding venues have their perks, the most important thing is to choose which place feels most authentic to who you are as a couple. Because at the end of the day, wouldn’t you rather share your first kiss somewhere special and meaningful — like on a mountaintop at sunset — than underneath bright fluorescent lights?

3M Curve

A fantastic spot in Rocky Mountain National Park, 3M curve is a gorgeous (and popular) place for ceremonies. While it may seem difficult to get to, the walk from your car to your ceremony spot is only minutes — score! This small wedding venue in Colorado only allows 15 people total, including yourself, your partner, and any vendors you hire. The only thing you’ll need to pay for a permit and an entry fee, which means your wallet won’t feel the blow of the cost should you have opted for a more traditional wedding.

Bear Lake

Not nearly as ferocious as its name implies, Bear Lake is a serene and gorgeous spot for a wedding ceremony with 20 guests or less. It requires a short hike to reach the ceremony destination (so if you choose a winter wonderland elopement, you may want your wedding day shoes to be snow boots), as well as a permit and entry fee, but that’s a small price to pay considering how stunning this Colorado venue truly is.

Lily Lake

The sweetest little dock at Lily Lake makes for a perfect small wedding venue in Colorado. The dock can be used for parties of 10 or less, but if you have a few extra loved ones that you simply can’t imagine being there to celebrate with you, the picnic area nearby allows for parties up to 30 — but keep in mind that for both locations, you and your vendors are included in that headcount. A permit and an entry fee applies, but you can rest easy knowing you won’t be shelling out an arm and a leg for a simple-but-beautiful ceremony.

Lost Gulch

When you think of the choices you have for small wedding venues in Colorado, Lost Gulch should absolutely be on your list. While it’s not the most private location, it has views of epic proportions that make for killer photo ops and allows up to 15 people to celebrate your big day. Ceremonies here are only allowed between May 1st and October 30th, so if you’ve had your eye on a spring, summer, or fall wedding, go ahead and look a bit further into Lost Gulch.

Golden Gazebo

If you’re looking for small wedding venues in Colorado that have protection from the elements, the Golden Gazebo on the Boettcher Mansion, located atop Lookout Mountain, is a stunning choice. While rental fees here are a bit more than others in the Rocky Mountain State Park, the gazebo itself guarantees a bit of shelter if your big day calls for rain. The Golden Gazebo can hold up to 20 people and has plenty of parking for you and your guests. Availability here varies, so be sure to contact us if you’re considering this venue for your wedding day.

Chautauqua Park

If you’re wondering whether a view of the Flatiron Mountains comes at a steep cost for your wedding ceremony, you’ll be happy to know that a Chautauqua Park ceremony is incredibly affordable. While some other small wedding venues in Colorado don’t have the most accessibility, Chautauqua Park not only has restrooms nearby, but a playground for any pint-sized wedding guests. With a guest capacity of 10, this particular location is perfect for any intimate wedding ceremony.

The Paint Mines

If you’re thinking that a small wedding in Colorado is perfect for you but were hoping for a unique, non-traditional backdrop, The Paint Mines will satisfy your eclectic itch. Gorgeous and otherworldly (is this really planet Earth?!), The Paint Mines have clay hills that are just begging to be photographed. With a capacity for 16, this epic location is perfect if you’re looking to have a small wedding in Colorado, and the best part? No. Permit. Required. Check, please!