The True Cost of a Colorado Wedding 2023

Budget isn’t a bad word! Knowing your budget can set realistic expectations and get you moving in the right direction with less frustration. According to The Knot, an average Colorado wedding cost is $30,000. Keep in mind this average includes the downtown Denver weddings, the Colorado State Park weddings, the Vail resort weddings and everything in between.

When creating your budget, we recommend that you consider a couple of things. First, your guest count. This is the main aspect that will either increase or decrease the cost of your wedding. Next, write down your biggest priorities. Let’s just say that your fiancé is a foodie and wants a farm-to-table menu and you are most worried about having incredible photos. This is the perfect starting point for booking your next few vendors. Focus on the most important first and work your budget around the rest.

We did some research using some of our favorite vendors and found out how much is realistic for the true cost of a Colorado wedding. This is just a guide, and these are averages, but it may help you see where you can save and where you want to spend a little more, and of course, we have provided some tips along the way!

Photo Credit: Rachel Havel 

1. Venue (Average cost of a Colorado Wedding Venue is $11,000). The cost of your venue can vary greatly depending on the three points below. Prime season, prime date (Sat.) at Spruce Mountain venue fee is $10,000. We offer several options and price points below this to help meet your budget. Consider the following when booking your venue:

• Time of Year. “Prime” wedding season in Colorado typically runs from May through October, so if you don’t have a preference, any months outside of these will likely result in discounted prices for your venue and possibly other vendors too.

• Location, Location, Location. If you want to get married in downtown Denver or one of Colorado’s prime mountain resorts, prepare to pay a heftier price tag.

• Size of Venue. Some venues have a max capacity and may not be able to fit your large guest count, or you might be getting married in the Spring and will need indoor ceremony options for last minute weather backup.

• Venue Packages. Do you want a venue that is all-inclusive, one that has required vendors or a open door policy. There are pros and cons to all these options. We do suggest, if your venue allows you to bring in all your own vendors, consider the ones that are most responsible for executing a seamless day and make sure to hire quality vendors.

2. Wedding/Event Planner ($1,100-$5,000). This person is vitally important to the success and stress of your wedding day and planning process. They are essentially your live encyclopedia on weddings and events as far as costs, timelines, decor, recommendations, etiquette, random questions, and sanity during this process. Believe us, whether you just require a “Day-of” Coordinator or a full planner, these incredible professionals are worth their weight in gold.

• Different Packages. Wedding planners often offer many options and levels of service. Choose which might be best for you. If you want to be totally hands-on, we suggest starting with a beginning level of service to help elevate your stress but allowing you to jump in to all the details! You can always move to a higher level of service if you are feeling too overwhelmed. However, if you want to hand over all the details to a professional, go for the full planning!

• Personal Connection. Do the interview! Make sure personalities match, ideas are aligned and communication works! You will be working closely with this person for a long period of time. They will be your right hand to solve possibly uncomfortable or difficult situations. The purpose of hiring a professional is to make everything easier for YOU. Make sure they are a good fit!

• Book First! Many planners can help you with your overall budget questions and often have vendor connections or preferred vendor list that offer a discount if booked through your planner. Let them be your guide early in the planning stages if you choose a full-service planner.

3. Caterer ($40-$150+ per person). This is one number that will fluctuate greatly with your guest count and costs may increase over time due to an increase in food costs, etc. Lock this vendor in as soon as you are happy with the quality and quote.

• Addition Fees/Cost. The cost listed above is based on food per person and doesn’t include service fees. Remember caterers aren’t just providing the food, they can help get your table settings, linen rentals, non-alcoholic drinks, servers, and will do all your set up and tear down. The more people you have, the more food, rentals, and service people you will need as well. Finally, consider most caterers do also have minimums as well.

• Range of Cost. The wide range in price depends on many options. Buffet and stations are significantly a lesser cost than plated meals. Choosing more than one entrée selection can also increase the cost per person. Talk through your budget per person with your caterer and see what they might come up with as cost savings options if needed.

Photo Credit: From The Hip Photo

4. Photographer ($2,500-$8,000+). Your photography investment is easy to calculate because most photographers charge a flat rate based on the packages they offer. Be sure to hire a professional and don’t just trust a friend who is practicing to become a professional. These are your wedding photos that you will enjoy for years to come, don’t entrust an amateur with such an invaluable heirloom.

• Venue Familiar. Choosing a photographer who is familiar with your venue space might be helpful. They may already know all the best locations on site for photos, know what to expect in specific locations for lighting, and could be a good fit for the style you are looking for.

• Personal Connection. Again, this vendor is one that you will want to feel comfortable around. Also, organizing so many people in a short period of time is a difficult task. Pick someone who can take control in that situation so that person doesn’t have to be you on your wedding day.

5. Florist ($2,500-$8,000+) If flowers are important to you, spend more. If they are not, don’t spend as much, but make sure that they are done well, because they will be in every photo.

• Minimums. Most florists have minimums. Know what those are before you book the vendor to make sure they fit with your budget goals.

• They are the Expert! Florists know how to save on cost, what flowers last longest and which ones will die quickly. Ask questions and let them lead to point you in the right direction. Don’t forget many florists don’t just have floral, but other décor rentals as well.

Photo Credit: Carrie King Photographer

6. Alcohol ($19.00-$41.75 per person). DO NOT try to do this yourselves, at least don’t try to do it without the help of professionals. They will know how much alcohol is needed for your number of guests and no matter what, DO NOT just let a friend serve the drinks. Especially in Colorado, hire professional TIPS trained bartenders who will make sure that your friends and family are safe while they are having fun. That’s why we require you to do business with Peak Beverage. Safe, knowledgeable, and professionally trained teams.

• Get Creative! Bars are a fun way to bring in unique and personal touches to your day. Add signature cocktails- His and Hers OR name them after your beloved pets! Have fun with it!

• Not big drinkers? Mocktails are making their way back and are a popular option for drink choices. You may choose to have only mocktails or a few mocktail options for your non-drinking guests.

7. Ceremony/Reception Music and Sound (Band- $6,500-$10,000) (DJ - $750-$3,000). There are many different options for ceremony and reception music. You can have a DJ for all of it, a band or musicians for all of it, or a mixture of the two. We recommend you at least hire a professional for your reception because they are not just playing music, but they are emceeing the whole night and helping your guests know where to go, what to do, and what’s coming up next.

• Know Their Needs. If you are having live ceremony music, they may require a tent of type of covering. If you are hiring a band, know their stage size requirements, power requirements, green room etc. and make sure your venue space meets these requirements.

• Know Their Style! If your DJ’s style doesn’t match what you have in mind it can change the entire tone of your event. Communicate exactly what you are looking for and choose a DJ that fits your style.

8. Cake ($500-$2,000+) This can be as expensive and elaborate or as simple and sweet as you want. Whatever you choose to do though, be sure to clear it with your caterer!

• Delivery Fees. Understand your bakery’s delivery fees and make sure their delivery times fit your venue time block. We do not suggest having a friend or family member pick up the cake to save on costs. They are experts for a reason and will ensure your cake is transported safely and on time.

9. Rentals ($8.75 per person basic table setting) These are your linens, china, flatware, glassware, napkins and can include so much more! From furniture rentals to outdoor firepits or heaters, the options are endless.

• What does your venue provide? We provide chairs and tables to include banquet tables and cab tables as well. Knowing this information will help you better understand what your rental costs will be.

• Delivery Fees. Know that delivery fees are often additional to rental costs. Also, know what your venue requirements are for delivery and pick up times to insure it works with your rental vendors.

10. Videographer ($2,500-$4,000). This service can be invaluable to you if you value home videos or really want to showcase and remember your big day. Some couples choose to not have one to save money, but it is a fabulous way to be able to share your wedding with others who couldn’t be there.

11. Transportation ($325-500+) This is the fun transportation such as a vintage car or limo to whisk you away from your party in style! Definitely a fun touch, but not a necessity.

12. Invitations ($650- $5,000) This can be online ordering to custom made. Keep in mind that the more unique the shape, heavier the paper, and more inserts you have, can increase the postage cost of your invites. A custom stationary shop could answer a lot of your questions about any of these things!

13. Officiant ($400-$1,100) In Colorado you can self-solemnize or even have a friend marry you, but if you would rather go the professional route, there are several options. Again, make sure you have a great connection with this person, and you communicate exactly what you are looking for in your ceremony to ensure a great fit!

14. Hotel ($180+ per couple per night). This price is an average that includes transportation for your guests from the hotel. Having transportation arranged for your guests can be a huge relief, keeps them safe, and allows them to all have a great time! Also, typically this isn’t an expense that you will have to worry about paying for unless you absolutely want to!

15. Event Insurance ($150-$175). Required at most venue spaces and so very important for your protection!

We've broken all the average costs for vendors down into the spreadsheet below. The range of pricing is based on a multitude of services. Values listed are estimates based on an "average" 100-150 person "traditional" wedding.

We really hope this helps you to understand what the true cost of a Colorado wedding is, and that you have more confidence creating a realistic budget. Always refer back to your priorities to help keep your budget in check. Finally, and most important, never forget the real reason behind all this preparation. All that really matters is that you get to marry your best friend. No budget or detail or moment of stress is more important than that.