What is a fair budget for a small wedding?

How much should you budget for a small wedding?  That depends on several different factors such as the locations, number of guests, what you include (like cake, photography, flowers), the number of service hours and any other inclusions.  This page will help explain what to expect to pay for a small wedding in colorado. 
Note:  Below are starting prices.  The actual package depends on the venue (permitting fees), gondola tickets, additions with elements like bridesmaids and/or groomsmen, seating (benches/chairs), extra hours, more desserts, etc.  

​Items to budget outside of the package are travel (flights, lodging, car), attire, hair/makeup, and dinner.... though, we guide you along the way with recommendations.  If you are working with a certain budget, please let Wendee know. 

Inclusions

All packages include Wendee's planning services and recommendations on area lodging and restaurants.   
  • 1.5 hours - officiant, photographer and cake/flowers are all at one spot, the ceremony site.  
  • 3 or 3.5 hours - the photographer and coordinator meet you at your lodging for a few dressing and details shots. We go with you out to the ceremony site, ceremony, photos, and then head back to the restaurant where we do a ceremonial cutting-of-the-cake before you are seated for dinner.  That usually conclude the 3 or 3.5 hours of time
  • Hybrid:  combining the 1.5 and 3/3.5 for a 2/2.5 hour package.  This includes some getting ready photos, and going out to the ceremony site together.  We’d do cake and a little celebration, and end our service there so that you can go back to the restaurant on your own.
Destination
1.5 hours
​6 guests max
2 hours
8 guests max
3 hours
​35 guests max
Denver/Boulder
$2,700
$3,300
$3,900
Estes Park
$3,100
$3,700
$4,300
Co Springs/Manitou
$3,100
$3,700
$4,300
Summit County
$3,200
$3,800
$4,400
Eagle County
$3,500
$4,100
$4,700
Grand County
$3,500
$4,100
$4,700
Salida/Buena Vista
$3,800
$4,400
$5,000
Crested Butte
$4,700
$5,300
$5,900
Aspen/Steamboat
$4,700
$5,300
$5,900

Additions

  • Extra time: $300/half-hour
  • Permitting: depends on site (some require a permit, others don't)
  • Floral sets for bridal party: $150/set
  • Chairs: $550 to $650
  • Benches:  $400 to $500
  • Blankets for guests: $100
  • Rehearsals:  $300
  • Extra time: $600/hour
  • Centerpieces: starting at $50+
  • Garland: $20 to $50/foot
  • Candles: quote
  • Ceremony decor: starting at $500
  • Ceremony rug:  $100+
  • Macaroons/desserts: quote
  • Ceremony arch: $1,000+

Micro-Wedding Timeline

A small wedding timeline can vary depending on your logistics, the number of guests, and what kind of coverage you want to capture.  The video to the right will visually give you examples of a micro-wedding order of events. 
  • Getting Ready
  • First Look (optional)
  • Convoy to the ceremony site
  • Ceremony
  • Group photos
  • ​Couple-only photos 
  • Cake and cheers: can be done at the ceremony site or at the restaurant
  • Dances (optional): can be done at the ceremony site or at the restaurant