3 Ideas for Colorado Laid-Back Weddings

If you and your significant other have decided that a large-scale, extravagant wedding is not for you, fear not - this doesn’t mean your wedding day has to be any less special or romantic. 

​There are a plethora of ideas for laid-back weddings that will allow you to focus on the person you’re marrying instead of the logistics of an enormous ceremony and reception. Not only will these ideas make planning a breeze, but will allow you to plan a wedding that directly caters to your relaxed style.

© Andrea Flanagan Photography

1. Have a Backyard Wedding

If you want a wedding that celebrates everything home, family, and closeness, a backyard wedding may be the perfect wedding for you. It doesn’t have to be your own backyard - a family member or friend whose home boasts land that is beautiful and fit to host a small wedding party works perfectly. 

There are several advantages to a backyard wedding, including eliminating the cost of an extravagant venue and allowing you to do your wedding your way, without worrying about a venue’s rules or requirements. 

​Another advantage to a backyard wedding is that, since you’re on private property, you can start decorating and setting up well in advance, eliminating the need for day-of rushing around. This will take some of the stress that comes with wedding planning away, allowing you to focus on the day instead of the logistics.

© Jeanine Thurston Photography

2. Have a Colorado Beach Wedding

Beach weddings make perfect laid-back weddings for couples who are looking to get married somewhere outdoors and low-key without sacrificing the beautiful scenery that comes with a traditional venue. 

​Most beaches simply require a permit in order to host a wedding, making it a low-cost option that feels exotic, classy, and natural.
When researching beaches, be sure to make yourself aware of important aspects of the locations you’re browsing, such as how crowded they are, whether or not they allow alcoholic beverages, etc...

And yes - we do have beaches in Colorado!  Of course, there’s no ocean.  But, we do have lakes and rivers that have shore-side beaches.  The bonus, there are usually mountains in the backdrop!

© Jeanine Thurston Photography

3. Have a Mountain Wedding

Mountain weddings boast many of the same advantages as beach weddings, including beautiful scenery, low expenses, and a natural and elegant experience. Mountain weddings provide for absolutely beautiful photos, and are perfect for couples looking to host close family and friends in a location that is simultaneously cozy and vast. 

It’s important to talk to a wedding planner when exploring mountain wedding options, as there are many important things to consider when choosing the perfect place to wed. Though a mountain spot may look beautiful in photos, you will need to know how accessible it is, and therefore how realistic of a place it is to host a wedding before deciding it’s the one. No one wants to hike three miles to a wedding ceremony!
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A wedding planner will know of mountainous venues that are perfect for weddings, eliminating the guesswork that comes with planning on your own.

© Photo by Villani Photography

Colorado Laid-back Weddings

Laid-back weddings are perfect for couples who want to tie the knot in a memorable way in the company of close friends and family without the stress of planning an excessive wedding ceremony and reception in a traditional venue. 

​These ideas prove that there are plenty of options when it comes to choosing a low-key wedding venue that fits your needs - and will help you create memories that last for years to come.

Did you have a laid-back wedding? Do you  have ideas for incorporating laid-back elements for your wedding - please let us know in the comments below.  Take care - Wendee

Contact Wendee for your intimate wedding

© Photo by Villani Photography

UPDATE (5/23/21):  Planning a "Simple" Backyard wedding

Backyard weddings were popular even BEFORE Covid-19 forced many couples to scale-back their larger celebrations due to venue closures and capacity restrictions.  As simple as they may seem, there are some logistics, preparations, and details you need to consider before your (or your family's home) become the site to hot and event.  Isabella Caprario wrote and excellent article for Porch.com titled "The Ultimate Guide to Planning a Backyard Wedding".  I encourage you to to consider all the elements before committing your abode to a venue.  We've done many weddings either at a vacation rental property, backyards at private homes, or even family ranches.  So, with careful consideration and preparation, it can be done!  ​

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