Best Seasons to Get Married in Colorado: A Photographer’s Perspective
Finding the Perfect Season for Your Colorado Wedding
Colorado is one of the most breathtaking places to say “I do.” With its diverse landscapes, from towering mountain peaks to golden aspen groves, it’s no wonder couples dream of tying the knot here. With four very distinct seasons, choosing the best time can be tricky, especially as the seasons vary depending on whether you’re in Denver proper, in the foothills, or in the mountains, because yes, there’s still snow on the mountains in July. First ask yourself, do you want dreamy snowfall, golden fall foliage, or lush summer greenery? As a Denver-based wedding photographer, I’ve captured love stories in every season, and I can’t wait to help you decide which one is right for you.
No matter when you get married in Colorado, stunning wedding photos are always possible, and inclement weather is always possible. The key is embracing the season's beauty, embracing whatever weather comes your way, choosing a date that reflects your foliage ideals, scheduling your session ahead of time, and keeping your focus on what matters most: celebrating your love.
Winter Weddings in Colorado (December – April)
If a snowy wonderland is your dream wedding backdrop, then winter in Colorado might be perfect for you. Picture soft snowflakes falling as you exchange vows, cozying up by a fireplace, or capturing epic portraits with mountain peaks dusted in white. December through April is peak snow season in the mountains, offering breathtaking scenery for adventurous couples.
If you want to avoid crowds, choosing to elope on a mountaintop in December or April will still give you that snowy backdrop. While snow is never guaranteed closer to the city, if you want photos in snowy foothills - i.e. Golden, Colorado or Evergreen, Colorado, I’d suggest choosing a date in either February and March.
Pros:
Guaranteed snow for magical wedding photos
Lower vendor prices and venue discounts
Fewer tourists and more intimate celebrations
Cons:
Freezing temperatures (especially in the mountains!)
More packing and prep work to make sure you’re comfortable
Road closures and unpredictable storms
Shorter daylight hours for photos
Best Locations for a Winter Wedding:
The Surf Hotel– A luxurious winter retreat in the very adorable and sophisticated Buena Vista. Also, a quick drive to Crested Butte or Mount Princeton Hot Springs. Check out these ski photos on film after a winter wedding at the Surf Hotel. Another bonus is that you’ll take 285 to get to Buena Vista and Crested Butte, so while the drive is longer, you don’t have to worry about i-70 traffic, which can be truly atrocious during ski weekends (road closures, 4-hour waits, etc.).
Evergreen Lake House – A charming lakeside winter venue, the frozen lake is a great location for winter vibes, even if there isn’t snow on the ground around the lake. This is also a great option because it’s not too far down i-70, so you don’t have to worry as much about road closures.
Hotel Jerome – If you’re willing to brave the i-70, Hotel Jerome and the surrounding beauty of Aspen, Colorado is the perfect location for anyone looking for a super elegant apres ski-feeling wedding or engagement session. As Hotel Jermone can take 3-4 hours to get to without ski traffic, getting married here will include extra fees if you want any of your vendors to travel to Aspen from Denver. Winter Tip: Be sure to provide warm drinks and blankets for your guests and have a backup indoor space in extreme weather!
Spring Weddings in Colorado (May )
Spring in Colorado can be a bit of a wild card. While foliage blooms in the first week of May in Denver,, the mountains often hold onto snow well into May. March and April are considered “mud season” as snow melts, which can make outdoor venues a bit messy. If you’re looking for winter vibes and you plan on getting married in Colorado in May, stick to mountain tops and Rocky Mountain National Park - a great location for elopements that still feel wintery in May would be Dream Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park.
If you want to embrace spring blooms, look for venues in Denver proper, i.e the Botanic Gardens, Cheesman Park, or The Grant-Humphreys Mansion, as even venues 30 minutes outside of Denver i.e. Evergreen, Colorado or Boulder, Colorado, will be cooler and less likely to have blooms until mid to late march.
Pros:
Mild temperatures in late May
Spring blooms and fresh greenery
More vendor and venue availability
Cons:
Unpredictable weather (snow, rain, and sunshine—sometimes all in one day!)
Muddy conditions in early spring
Some high-elevation locations may still be inaccessible
Best Locations for a Spring Wedding:
The St. Vrain – A stylish and modern venue in Longmont
Denver Botanic Gardens - One of my favorite venues of all time is the Woodlands Mosaic Solarium at the Denver Botanic Gardens. It’s ideal for the secret vintage garden wedding of your dreams. If you’re going to host a larger wedding, look into the orangery or romantic French gardens at the Botanic Center.
The Chautauqua Dining Hall - If you’re going to get married in mid May to early June, I cannot recommend this adorable and scenic venue enough.
Spring Tip: If you choose an outdoor venue, consider renting a tent or having an indoor backup plan in case of unexpected showers.
Summer Weddings in Colorado (June – August)
For lush landscapes, golden sunlight, and long days, summer is hands down the most popular wedding season in Colorado. June through August offers the most stable weather, making it ideal for outdoor celebrations. July and August bring peak wildflower season in the mountains, creating a colorful, picture-perfect setting.
Pros:
Warm weather and long daylight hours (sunsets after 8:30 pm!)
Lush greenery and peak wildflower season
Great for mountaintop ceremonies and outdoor receptions
Cons:
Afternoon thunderstorms (especially in July)
Popular venues, photographers, planners, and caterers book quickly (reserve early!)
Higher vendor prices due to demand
Best Locations for a Summer Wedding:
The 10th at Vail – Gorgeous mountain views with summer wildflowers
Della Terra Mountain Chateau – A dreamy, luxurious mountain wedding spot
North Star Gatherings
Lyons Farmette & River Bend – Perfect for an intimate garden-style wedding
Summer Tip: Plan your ceremony earlier in the day to avoid the afternoon storms, and always have a rain plan!
Fall Weddings in Colorado (September – November)
If golden aspens and crisp air sound like a dream, fall in Colorado is absolutely magical. The colors peak in late September to early October, painting the mountains in vibrant yellows and oranges. The weather is mild, making it an ideal season for outdoor weddings. Every year the dates of “peak leaf peeping in Colorado” change, but find a good guide below!
Fall Foliage Guide For Colorado Fall Photos
Early to Mid-September - Aspen, Crested Butte,
Mid to Lake September - Lake Dillon, Summit County, Breckenridge, Etc.
Late September to Early October - Nederland, Brainard Lake, Golden Gate Canyon
Early October to Mid October - Boulder
Mid-October to Late October - Denver
Pros:
Stunning fall foliage for wedding photos
Mild temperatures (not too hot or cold)
Less chance of summer rainstorms
Cons:
The short peak season for fall colors (leaves can change within days, and you could be left with naked trees and bare, snow-less mountains if you book at the tail end of “peak foliage”)
Earlier sunsets mean less natural light for evening ceremonies
Popular dates book quickly due to demand, Mid September to Early October is the busiest booking weeks of the year for weddings in Colorado
Best Locations for a Fall Wedding:
Piney River Ranch
Vail Nordic Golf Club
Camp Hale
The Manor House - If you want your wedding in late fall and don’t mind that the foliage has less aspens, and more beautiful shades of yellow, orange and red oak and maple trees.
Fall Tip: If you’re planning a fall wedding, book your venue early! The peak color window can be unpredictable, so choose a location you love no matter the foliage.
The Best Season to Get Married in Colorado? It’s Up to You!
At the end of the day, the best season to get married in Colorado depends on your vision, your comfort with weather conditions, and your dream aesthetic. It also depends on how long you want your engagement season to be, and how much of a priority the foliage and weather is for you two. If you want wildflowers and sunshine, go for summer. If you crave fall foliage and cozy vibes, opt for September or October. Looking for a winter wonderland? December through February is your best bet.
No matter what season you choose, Colorado’s natural beauty will make your wedding unforgettable. And as your photographer, I’ll make sure you have stunning images to remember it by.
Are you ready to book your Colorado wedding photography? Let’s chat! Reach out today and let’s capture your love story in the perfect season for you.
