You've come to the decision to ditch the stress and overwhelm of planning a big "typical" wedding and are diving into planning a small micro-wedding.  Or maybe that's what you've always been planning because honestly, you really don't want to spend the money on an elaborate event to entertain others and would rather just center the marriage around the two of you and your closest family and friends.  So, you start to search for small unique wedding venue and quickly find that the search results lead you right back to those typical banquet-hall type of wedding venues built for the big wedding. 

If you've read my story, I get it!  In 2007, after 10 years in the wedding industry, I was planning my own small 25-person wedding and found that there weren't advertised venues. I had to do my own digging and research which was NOT easy.  But, it lead me to an amazing adventure where in 2011, I decided to *only* plan small weddings of 35 guest or fewer, helping those that have similar challenges.  Think: elopement, just with a few guests witnessing.  Small weddings are different, and so are the venues.  Here are 10 types of micro-wedding venues that you won't often see in glossy magazines or on the first .... or even third page of web search results.  

This type of wedding venue is as unique as they come!  Its not an official site - simply anywhere out in nature that holds either a special meaning the two of you, or boasts incredible views.  Pro tip: AllTrails.com - great for hikers, but even better for finding unique places, reviews of the surrounding trails, and directions.  Best of all, many trailheads *don't* require a big hike, so that means Mom & Dad can be there!   

Think of all the great places vacationers like to tour in the destination you'd like to marry.  Often, there will be observation decks associated with parks, observatories, scenic sites, and points of interest.  Pro Tip: go to Google Maps for the region in which you'd like to say your "I-Do's" and simple search "deck". 

The hiking elopement is super popular right now.  And there are many planners and photographers that know of incredibly beautiful scenic backdrops.  There are a couple considerations though:  yes, you'll need to hike, .... and, yes, your guests would need to as well.  So, this by default means your wedding may be super super tiny - even just the two of you.  But, if that is your vibe, strap up the boots, pin up the hair (and dress), and hike on!  

Okay, this is my other number 1 favorite.  There are literally millions of vacation home options across the United States.  Of course I'm biased, Colorado hosts some of the most stunning!  If you want ultimate luxury complete with hiring a private chef, you'll never regret memories made at the vacation house.  There are things to consider with this option, so please checkout the article I wrote on how to host a vacation house intimate small wedding.  

True, many mansions are commonly advertised to host your typical large wedding.  But, there are many other smaller, unique mansions managed by historical societies that will be open to hosting small intimate events.  Check out your local organizations.  Many of them will have nice grounds and gardens too! 

And, that brought me to of course.... your local botanical gardens.  Again, think small.  For example, in Denver the Denver Botanical Gardens is a premier spot for hosting weddings, and the price tag comes with it.  But, think more local to find those sweet, accommodating and affordable small wedding gardens.  Here's a give-away and example/alternative:  Betty Ford Alpine Gardens in Vail, or the Benson Sculpture Garden in Loveland, CO

Our city parks are totally underrated.  They are AMAZING places to host events.  And, many of them will have gazebos and shelters that are reservable for smaller groups.   Another give-away: Denver City Parks has many unique properties - I'm wanting to do a wedding as Inspiration Point (is there anyone game for that? - please email me!)

Okay, city parks aren't the only sweet spot.  Our State and National Parks have designated group spots.  Many of them have built-in amphitheaters (for example Staunton State Park's Marmot Burrow Amphitheater and Maroon Bells Amphitheater).  Please note: you do have to obtain permits in State and National Parks, and National Forrest Land.  So please, be kind users of our natural resources. 

These are a GEM!  Seriously.  Historical properties can range from mines (Lomax Mine in Breckenridge) to mansions (Fleming Mansion in Denver), to former homes of famous people, to even chapels (America Mother's Chapel in Colorado Springs).  

As cool as saying you "I do's" while jumping out of an airplane, it simply isn't something I've planned (but, I do have referrals to send if that's your gig).  My style of outrageous (rather, my normal) is to say your vows on the ski slope, or on a snowcat/snowmobile ride.  What do you love to do together?  Is it running marathons?  

I can't forget these options.  Oh, there are so many!  Let me know if you have any fun ideas for different for different types of places to exchange vows.  I'd love to hear your stories, experiences and connect with you.  And, of course if you are wanting to host your small intimate wedding or elopement in Colorado, please.... 

Of course, what to skip and what to savor ultimately boils down to your priority list.  If you haven’t done our “Setting your priorities” activity, connect with me as I’m creating a FREE simple course/activity for how to set your priorities and stick with them throughout your planning.  This activity will help you to determine what to skip and what to savor according to your vision.  

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!   

Planner:  Wendee Vezzetti, Intimate Wedding Package
Photography:  Kristin Cacciavillani
Florist: Pink Posey Designs
Baker:  La Patisserie Francaise
Private Chef:  Chef Jenny Levasseur
Hair:  Breckenridge Hair Company

Their story: "We met on a blind date via mutual work friends. We have quite frankly a true love story. We both were married before and both in a place in life that we were comfortable with just ourselves. One blind date changed our future.  We are each other's equal and enjoy how we each compliment our daily lives. We chose a small intimate wedding because we want to take in the moment that we become a spouse to each other rather than the "big hoopla" of getting married."

​Wedding details:  Planning a "rogue style" microwedding at the Maroon Bells takes special consideration.  Our couple rented a nearby vacation home and drove in to the scenic area after the gates open at 5:00 pm (otherwise, visitors have to take a shuttle).  They walked to a spot they liked, and their family-only guests (10 in total) stood around them as they exchanged vows.  We celebrated after the wedding with photos.  A private chef greeted them back at the vacation house where they celebrated with cheers and cake:  raspberry mousse for the top tier,  and chocolate buttercream for the bottom tier. ​