The Rise of the "Wedding Weekend": Maximizing Time with Your Guests

June 27, 2025
Weddings

Photo Credit: Callie Riesling Photography

Considering a multi-day wedding? These days, the idea of extending the celebration is far from outlandish. Many couples are opting for an elongated “wedding weekend” in lieu of the rushed one-day occasion we’re all so used to.

There are numerous benefits of this choice, but one stands out above the rest:

Increased quality time with loved ones.

For years, couples have expressed that their biggest regret after a single-day wedding was that they didn’t have enough time to spend connecting with their guests. With an extended wedding weekend, today’s couples are finding a way around that.

Why the “Wedding Weekend” is Taking Off

So, you're planning this massive celebration, inviting all your favorite people, and then you have a major realization: you'll get maybe 30 seconds with each guest! That's exactly why destination wedding weekends are having such a moment right now.

How It Affects the Guest Experience

Your college roommate just spent $600 on flights to Colorado, booked a hotel, and took time off work. Don't you think they'd love more than a quick hug and a "thanks for coming"?

When you plan a Colorado wedding weekend, you're giving your guests:

Real quality time with you (imagine that!)
A chance to explore Colorado's amazing attractions
A more relaxed, enjoyable experience overall
More opportunities to meet and connect with your other friends and family

What Changes for You as a Couple

Can I be brutally honest with you for a second? Your wedding day is going to fly by, whether you want it to or not. We’ve watched countless couples get swept up in the busy timeline, barely tasting their dinner, and missing half the party because they're too busy being "on."

But with a wedding weekend celebration? Everything changes:

You actually get to be present for your own party
No more speed-dating your guests across the reception hall
You can relax, eat your food, and enjoy the moment
Less pressure = more genuine joy and connection

Why Spruce Mountain Ranch is Perfect for Your Weekend Wedding

Look, I'm not just saying this because I work here…but our location in Larkspur, Colorado is seriously ideal for destination wedding weekends. We're nestled right between Denver (47 minutes north) and Colorado Springs (35 minutes south), so your guests have endless options for adventure.

We’re talking camping, fishing, hiking, golfing, whitewater rafting, fine dining and shopping, and all kinds of sightseeing!

Plus, those Colorado mountain wedding views? They never get old. Trust me on this one.

Your Perfect Wedding Weekend Timeline

Welcome & Arrival (Thursday Afternoon/Evening)

Welcome your guests the day they arrive with a casual welcome reception and dinner—either at Spruce Mountain Ranch or a nearby restaurant in Denver or Colorado Springs (some couples save the venue reveal for Saturday, but honestly, your guests will be thrilled either way).

When we say casual, we MEAN it. We’re talking gourmet pizza, Colorado-style BBQ, or relaxed cocktails and appetizers.
Rehearsal Brunch (Friday Morning)

Early the next morning, connect with your wedding party and close family members after a quick rehearsal for a scrumptious rehearsal brunch. This is where our Lakeview Terrace really shines. Spruce Mountain Ranch offers an exclusive rehearsal brunch package with private access to the lovely lakeside venue for up to 30 guests.

Meanwhile, your other guests are free to do some sightseeing in the morning before the festivities begin.
Ceremony & Reception (Saturday Afternoon & Evening)

Schedule your ceremony somewhere in the early to mid-afternoon, allotting plenty of time for those lovely golden hour photos against the awe-inspiring panoramas at our Trey’s Vista or Mountainside venue.

Then, of course, spend the rest of the night eating, drinking, dancing the night away, and resting in the knowledge that you don’t have to talk to EVERYONE in one evening.
Farewell Brunch (Sunday Morning)

This might be my favorite part of the whole weekend. All those relatives you barely got to chat with? Now's your chance.

Invite everyone for one final meal at a local breakfast place. It's a gentle way to ease everyone back into reality, nurse hangovers, say goodbye, and continue connecting with people you haven’t seen in a while.
Light Group Activity (Sunday Mid-Morning to Afternoon)

For guests who want to make it a true Colorado vacation, why not end with a group hike or scenic activity? It's the perfect way to cap off an unforgettable weekend.

How We Make Wedding Weekend Dreams Come True

At Spruce Mountain Ranch, we believe in creating experiences, not just events. No matter what you’re dreaming up for your wedding weekend, we won’t rest until we’ve successfully brought your vision to life.

These are just a handful of the traits that make Spruce Mountain Ranch an excellent destination for your Colorado weekend wedding:

11 Diverse Event Spaces: Whether you're hosting 20 people or 500, we've got the perfect spot for every part of your weekend.
Dedicated Support & Expertise: Our hands-on team will coordinate closely with you and your vendors to execute your vision to a T.
Local Vendor Connections: We partner with 11 different local caterers, serving up a wide variety of delicious Colorado cuisines. Plus, we can offer recommendations for countless other vendors (e.g. photographers, event planners, florists).
Special Deals on Local Accommodations: From the Estate House (an exclusive rental for up to 18 guests overlooking Spruce Mountain Ranch) to special rates and travel accommodations at the Inverness Denver, we've got your accommodation needs covered.

The Bottom Line: This Is Your Story

Here's what we've learned from all the couples we've worked with: the best weddings aren't about following someone else's template.

They're about creating an experience that feels authentically you.

If the idea of a Colorado wedding weekend is speaking to you, it's probably because you value connection, experiences, and actually enjoying your own celebration. And honestly? That’s probably why your guests love you so much in the first place!

Ready to Explore Your Weekend Wedding Options? Contact our team today to schedule your venue tour and get a personalized quote for your dream Colorado mountain wedding weekend.

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