Last Updated on June 1, 2025 by Joy Editors
Planning a average wedding cost in Colorado? Colorado couples spend between $30,000 and $34,000 on their special day in the Centennial State. These numbers have stayed steady as we approach 2025, though your final costs can change by a lot based on your vision and guest count.
Your Colorado wedding budget largely depends on your guest list size. Each additional guest adds $182 to $222 to your total cost. Smaller celebrations can cost much less – one of our couples pulled off their intimate 15-person wedding for just $8,500. A larger celebration with 168 guests cost another couple $30,398.
Venue choices and locations play a big role in the total cost. Colorado venues average around $11,000, while catering runs from $40 to $150+ per person. Wedding planners, who help direct these expenses, typically charge between $1,100 and $5,000.
This piece breaks down the real costs Colorado couples face in 2025. You’ll learn how to budget wisely and find ways to save while creating your perfect day.
Understanding the Average Wedding Cost in Colorado
The numbers behind Colorado weddings show some eye-opening trends that couples should know about while planning their big day. The average wedding cost in Colorado keeps changing as several factors affect what you’ll end up spending.
What real couples spent in 2024 vs 2025
Wedding costs in Colorado have gone up a bit. Couples spent between $34,000 and $39,000 to celebrate their weddings in 2024. The average settled between $36,163 and $41,119 in 2025, which means about a 5% increase.
The Knot’s research shows Colorado’s baseline average wedding cost is $31,130. This makes it more budget-friendly than big cities like New York City ($63,000) or Chicago ($56,000). Colorado ranks among the top 10 most expensive places to get married in the country, and Denver weddings cost around $35,000.
One couple created their dream mountain wedding for about $20,000. This proves that smart planning and knowing what matters most can lead to an amazing celebration without emptying your bank account.
How guest count impacts your total budget
Your guest count affects your wedding budget more than anything else. Each wedding guest costs $284 on average. So even small changes to your guest list can make a big difference in what you’ll spend.
Here’s what couples spend based on guest count:
- 10-30 guests: $14,912
- 50-75 guests: $21,572
- 100-150 guests: $33,957
- 200-300 guests: $43,231
Couples planning a micro-wedding with 15 people might spend just $8,500 total. Every name on your final guest list affects your costs directly.
Some wedding costs don’t change with guest count. A planner explained, “A DJ’s or photographer’s costs will be the same regardless of the number of guests you have, whereas a caterer, cake or rental pro will not”. More guests mean higher venue, catering, and rental costs.
Urban vs mountain weddings: cost differences
Your choice of location plays a vital role in your final budget. Denver commands premium prices compared to smaller Colorado towns. Mountain resort spots like Vail or Aspen can cost even more because venues are limited and operating costs run high.
“If you want to get married in downtown Denver or one of Colorado’s prime mountain resorts, prepare to pay a heftier price tag,” says a Colorado wedding expert. Venue fees in these prime spots can reach $10,000 or more during peak season.
Budget-conscious couples might like venues in smaller towns like Carbondale. One couple found a beautiful Airbnb reception venue for just $3,000 for three nights. Looking at dates from November through April can save you money at premium venues.
Urban and mountain weddings differ in more than just venue costs. Getting guests to remote mountain locations costs more. In spite of that, many couples think Colorado’s signature mountain backdrop justifies the extra expense.
Outdoor wedding venues cost less than indoor locations. This makes Colorado’s natural beauty not just stunning but easier on your wallet too.
Venue Costs and What Affects Them
Your wedding venue sets the stage for your budget. Colorado couples spend around $11,000 on average for their venue, which takes up much of the total wedding cost. The final price depends on several factors that can change what you’ll end up paying.
Time of year and seasonal pricing
The season you pick substantially changes Colorado venue costs. “Prime” wedding season runs from May through October, and venues charge premium rates during this time. You can save money if you think over dates between November and April, as many venues give big discounts.
The day you pick matters too. According to industry experts, “peak seasons like spring and summer weekends typically cost more”. A venue might charge $850 for a Saturday during peak season, yet the same space could cost $550 for a Sunday through Thursday booking.
These price differences come down to simple supply and demand. Venues include rentals in their fees 73% of the time, and prices have gone up 16% since 2019 because of inflation and higher operating costs.
Location and accessibility
The location plays a crucial role in pricing. “If you want to get married in downtown Denver or one of Colorado’s prime mountain resorts, prepare to pay a heftier price tag”. Denver’s urban venues cost more than those in nearby suburbs or countryside.
A venue’s distance from cities, airports, and highways affects the price. Mountain venues often charge more not just for their views but also because they operate in less available locations.
All-inclusive vs DIY venues
Colorado offers two main types of venues with different pricing:
All-inclusive venues package everything into one clear price. They usually cover the site, catering, drinks, tables, chairs, linens, and tableware. These packages are a great way to get premium services while often saving money compared to booking everything separately.
DIY/facility rental-only venues charge one fee to use the property for a set time. The original price might look lower, but couples must find their own catering, rentals, and other necessities. Rentals alone can cost over $20,000 for a 100-person wedding.
A venue owner explains it well: “With our facility rental-only offering, you get what you see… This gives the couple more control over their budget for their special day”.
Hidden venue fees to watch for
You should watch for unexpected costs, especially when you have DIY venues. Common hidden fees include:
- Setup and cleanup charges
- Service fees and mandatory gratuities
- Overtime costs for events running longer than contracted
- Mandatory vendor restrictions limiting your choices
- Additional furniture rental requirements
- Parking and transportation expenses
- Power, lighting, and technology surcharges
- Bar packages and corkage fees
Most venues need special event insurance policies, which becomes another expense, especially if you serve alcohol.
The experts suggest you ask venue coordinators directly: “Are there any additional fees not mentioned in the initial quote?”.
Vendor Breakdown: What You’ll Likely Spend
Your Colorado wedding budget will mostly go toward your vendor team, after venue costs. Here’s what couples are paying for these must-have services in 2025.
Wedding planner: $1,100–$5,000
Colorado wedding planners charge $1,100 for day-of coordination to $5,000+ for full-service planning. The final cost depends on their experience and service package. Full-service planners take care of everything – from picking vendors to creating timelines. Day-of coordinators focus on wedding day logistics. You’ll find many planners offer packages between these price points, so you can pick services that fit your budget and needs.
Catering: $40–$150+ per guest
Your wedding budget’s biggest chunk will go toward food. Colorado caterers charge $40 per person for buffet service up to $150+ for premium plated meals. Family-style service costs $65-85 per person. The total price should include:
- Service staff fees
- Equipment rentals
- Tax and gratuity (often 18-22%)
Photography and videography: $2,500–$8,000+
Colorado photographers start at $2,500 for 8 hours, while top photographers charge $4,000-$6,000+. Video services cost $2,000-$5,000 based on hours and editing work. Booking photo and video through one company can save you 10-15% on package deals.
Florals and decor: $2,000–$8,000
Floral budgets change based on your style choices. Simple arrangements start at $2,000, while luxury installations and premium flowers can cost $8,000+. You can save money by focusing on key pieces – a bridal bouquet ($150-$350), altar arrangements ($300-$700), and statement pieces rather than decorating everywhere.
Music and entertainment: $750–$10,000
Your entertainment choices come with different price tags. DJs range from $750-$2,500, based on their gear and experience. Live bands cost from $3,500 to $10,000+ for top-tier groups. Ceremony musicians like string quartets or acoustic guitarists add $350-$800 to your total.
Colorado couples spend about 40% of their total budget on these five vendor categories. Wedding planners suggest putting more money toward photographers and caterers. These vendors create lasting memories and shape your guests’ experience directly.
Additional Costs You Might Not Expect
Colorado wedding budgets often catch couples off guard with costs that aren’t obvious at first glance. Your major vendors are just the start – there are other expenses that can affect your bottom line by a lot.
Alcohol and bar service
The bar service takes up 8–20% of most wedding budgets. Each guest’s alcohol costs run $15–$45, based on your chosen package. Setting up the bar costs $500 for weddings up to 175 guests. Larger weddings see this jump to $750.
Bar options you can pick from:
- Cash bar (guests pay for their drinks)
- Partially hosted bar (you cover drinks up to a certain amount or time)
- Fully hosted bar (you cover all alcoholic beverages)
Bar staff expect a 10–20% tip. If you bring your own alcohol, corkage fees range from $1–$10 per bottle.
Transportation and lodging
A vintage car or limousine adds elegance to your reception exit, costing between $700–$1,200. Guest safety matters, so think over arranging shuttles between venues and hotels, especially with alcohol involved. While couples don’t usually pay for this, it’s worth thinking about.
Invitations and stationery
Wedding paper suites cost $518 on average. Here’s what invitations cost based on guest count:
- Under 50 guests: $123
- 51-100 guests: $185
- Over 100 guests: $276
Save-the-dates run about $153, day-of stationery averages $140, and thank-you cards cost $119–$229 for 100 cards.
Event insurance and permits
Wedding insurance makes sense these days, starting at $125. Colorado venues need you to have $1–2 million in liability coverage. This protects you from accidents, property damage, and alcohol-related issues. With Colorado’s average wedding cost at $36,000, this small investment protects your big day.
Cake and dessert options
Your cake’s design and guest count drive the final cost. Most couples pay $800–$1,400 for 100 servings. Single-tier cakes start at $85, while custom designs cost $5–$8.50 per serving. Delivery starts at $165 and goes up with distance.
How to Prioritize and Save Without Sacrificing Quality
Smart planning helps you create your dream wedding without emptying your bank account. Here’s how successful Colorado couples cut their average wedding cost in Colorado while keeping the quality high.
Set your top 3 priorities early
A priority list serves as your best defense against overspending. Take time to identify what matters most before making any bookings. Your priorities might be an exceptional photographer, dream venue, or gourmet menu. “Analyze each aspect to get the most out of your big day,” suggests a Colorado wedding planner. This approach lets you spend more on what you value and trim costs elsewhere. The core team of planners suggests focusing your budget on elements that enhance guest experience or capture memories, such as photography and food.
Use vendor packages and referrals
Booking services as packages saves you more money than securing them separately. All-inclusive packages might look expensive at first glance but end up costing less when you add up rentals, staffing, and coordination. Your booked vendors can recommend trusted partners – many offer discounts through these mutually beneficial alliances. To name just one example, you can save 10-15% by booking photography and videography through the same company.
Consider weekday or off-season dates
The timing of your wedding substantially affects costs in Colorado. Wedding prices peak from May through October, especially on weekends. You’ll find great venue discounts from November through April. Sunday weddings before Monday holidays give you that “Saturday feel” at a lower price. Thursday weddings have become a popular choice as guests can turn Friday into a long weekend. Weekday weddings cost nowhere near as much as Saturday celebrations – the difference can be 30-40%.
DIY where it makes sense
Smart DIY projects add a personal touch while cutting costs. Many couples create centerpieces with Mason jars, candles, and wildflowers. Making your own invitations, place settings, and wedding favors helps you save money. However, leave photography, catering, and music to the professionals. Note that DIY takes time – stick to projects you can handle well to avoid stress and disappointing results.
Conclusion
Final Thoughts on Colorado Wedding Budgeting
Colorado weddings need smart financial planning. Most couples spend between $30,000 and $41,000 for their Colorado celebrations in 2025. Your guest list makes the biggest impact on your budget. Each extra guest adds $182-$284 to your total cost.
Location plays a vital role in your wedding’s price tag. Denver’s wedding prices run higher than smaller towns. Mountain resort spots like Vail or Aspen drive costs even higher because venues are limited. You’ll need to decide if those stunning mountain views are worth the extra money.
Your venue choice sets the foundation for your entire wedding budget. Much of your overall expenses – around $11,000 – goes toward the venue itself. Vendor costs like catering, photography, and entertainment make up the next biggest chunk of your spending.
Many couples get caught off guard by hidden costs during planning. The bills for alcohol, transportation, stationery, insurance, and desserts pile up fast. A detailed budget that includes these elements helps you avoid financial stress as your big day gets closer.
Colorado weddings might be expensive, but you have many ways to create amazing celebrations on a budget. Smart couples start by setting clear priorities. They look at off-peak dates, bundle vendor services, and add some DIY touches to keep costs in check.
Without doubt, your wedding is a big investment. A perfect Colorado wedding doesn’t need unlimited funds – just smart choices about where to spend your money. With good planning and strategic decisions, you can create a celebration that matches both your dreams and your bank account.
