The True Cost of a Colorado Wedding in 2025

Photo Credit: Josie V Photography

Your wedding should feel like it’s straight out of your dreams, but that’s only possible if you get practical with your planning. Remember — budget isn’t a bad word! Knowing your budget can help you set realistic expectations and get you moving in the right direction with less frustration.

Talk to your fiancé about how you both imagine your big day. Once you start making a checklist of everything you’ll need, you’ll see why so many couples create a budget right after they get engaged. Let’s break down the average cost of a Colorado wedding according to each section of a typical planning checklist.

Pre-Budget Planning

When creating your budget, we recommend that you consider a couple of things, including:

• Guest count: This is the main aspect that will either increase or decrease the cost of your wedding. For instance, 100-person wedding costs and 150-person wedding costs vary significantly.
• Biggest priorities: Let’s say your fiancé is a foodie and wants a farm-to-table menu, and you are most concerned with 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 and found realistic costs 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. We have also provided some tips along the way!

1. Venues: $11,900

The latest industry-leading data shows that Colorado venues average around $11,900 per wedding, but averages encompass the least and most expensive locations, so you might pay more or less, depending on which site you choose.

Some venues also require proof of event insurance closer to your nuptials. The property coordinator can walk you through the best way to secure that, as some businesses direct couples to their preferred insurance providers. The coverage fee will be separate from your contract but may only cost a few hundred dollars.

Venue costs can depend on:

• 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: If you want to get married in downtown Denver or one of Colorado’s prime mountain resorts, prepare to pay a heftier price.
• Size of venue: Some venues have a maximum capacity and may not be able to accommodate your high guest count. Or, perhaps you’re getting married in the spring and will need indoor ceremony options for last-minute weather.
• Venue packages: Do you want an all-inclusive venue, one that requires vendors or one that has an open-door policy? All these options have pros and cons. If your venue allows you to bring in all your own vendors, make sure to hire quality providers.

Contact a few potential locales to get quotes. The owners will likely provide the information for free, especially if you know how many people might attend and which date you’d like.

2. Wedding Planner: $3,000

There are numerous reasons why people pay an average of $3,000 for wedding planners, even when couples want to DIY most of their big day. Experienced event coordinators have industry connections. They can negotiate rates, pull favors and connect you with the best vendors for your unique ceremony and reception dreams.

They might also provide day-of coordination for an extra fee, which allows couples to enjoy their big day while someone else manages every memorable moment.

Some planners charge around $1,500 for basic requests, while others charge more than $12,000 for in-depth services. Who you hire depends on:

• The package you want: Wedding planners often offer many levels of service. If you want to be totally hands-on, we suggest starting with a beginning level of service to help alleviate your stress while allowing you to jump into all the details! You can always move to a higher level of service if you are feeling too overwhelmed. If you want to hand over all the details to a professional, go for the full planning!
• Who you vibe with: Make sure personalities match, ideas align 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. Make sure they are a good fit!
• How early you book: Many planners can help you with your overall budget questions and often have vendor connections or preferred vendor lists that offer a discount if booked through your planner. If you choose a full-service planner, let them be your guide early in the planning stages.

3. Caterer: $8,500-$10,000

Your catering bill ultimately depends on how many people attend your reception. You won’t know the final number until everyone RSVPs within a month of your big day. Caterers understand this, so they’ll give you an estimate based on how many people are most likely to attend.

The final quote could be between $8,500 and $10,000, but it depends on the food you choose. Someone paying for a five-course reception meal will pay much more than another couple requesting a mac and cheese buffet. You can compare quotes to find the best offer for your budget.

Additionally, remember that the costs of food per person do not include service fees. Caterers aren’t just providing the food — they can help get your table settings, linen rentals, nonalcoholic drinks and servers. They also handle the setup and teardown. The more people you have, the more food, rentals and service people you will need as well. Finally, consider that most caterers also have minimums as well.

4. Photographer: $2,000

While experts note that wedding photographers charge around $2,000 per event, your fee will depend on your chosen package. Some couples want ceremony photos, Instagram edits of the reception and physical picture copies. Others only want a portrait session after their ceremonies.

You might also pay more if you’re getting married in a location that makes your photographer travel. For example, if they live in Denver and your ceremony is happening in Aspen, their contract could require that you pay for their gas and lodging.

Consider these tips when hiring a photographer:

• Venue familiarity: 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: You want to feel comfortable around your photographer. 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: $2,800

Photo Credit: Cynthia Montes Photography

Flowers are some of the most essential decorative details for many couples. They often pay $2,800 for floral arrangements. Your flower budget encompasses bouquets, centerpieces, arches and more. Elaborate displays or out-of-season blooms may increase costs.

Talk to florists near your venue to find out what they charge for the flowers you want on your big day. If you love a good craft, you could make silk flower arrangements with loved ones to save money for other parts of your wedding.

Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Minimums: Most florists have minimums, so make sure they fit with your budget goals.
• Expertise: Florists know how to save money, what flowers last longest and which ones will die quickly. Ask questions and let them point you in the right direction. Don’t forget many florists offer more than flowers — they provide other decor rentals as well.

6. Alcohol: $2,800

Photo Credit: Carrie King Photography

You don’t have to serve alcoholic beverages at your reception, but many couples pay for a professional bartender. It could be in your interest if you want everyone to share a Champagne toast or custom cocktails you and your fiancé designed. Catering companies with bar services can provide quotes while you search for the right vendor. Prepare to pay close to $2,800 or more if you have a longer guest list and numerous alcohol selections for your reception bar.

Remember — do not let a friend service the drinks, especially in Colorado. Hire professional TIPS-trained bartenders who will make sure that your friends and family stay safe while they are having fun. Or better yet, find a venue that allows you to use a beverage catering company such as Peak Beverage. You could save thousands on your bar, in addition to having quality made drinks, by true professionals that understand the importance of safe service.

Here are some more tips:

• Get creative: Bars are a fun way to bring unique and personal touches to your day. Add signature “His and Hers” cocktails, or name them after your beloved pets. Have fun with it!
• Offer mocktails: Mocktails are making their way back and are a popular drink choice. You may choose to have only mocktails or a few mocktail options for your nondrinking guests.

7. DJ: $1,700

Music pulls a marriage celebration together. A DJ can play music while you walk down the aisle and while guests dance the night away at your reception. The average DJ charges around $1,700 for reception music, which also often includes microphones for your officiant and guest speeches. You may see different prices based on what you need, like renting the microphones while using a playlist for all of your music.

Before you hire a DJ, consider the following:

• The DJ’s needs: If you’re hiring a DJ, know their stage size requirements, power requirements, green room requirements and more.
• The DJ’s 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: $600-$900

Photo Credit: Josie V Photography

Slicing into a gorgeous cake is a tradition many couples look forward to. Bakeries charge between $600 and $900 for wedding cakes, though the price may change per event. Someone buying a three-tiered cake will pay more than a couple who wants a one-layer order. You can also mitigate this cost by making desserts for your guests at home so your cake is the only big-ticket bakery item in your budget.

Whatever you choose to do, be sure to clear it with your caterer and venue! Additionally, understand your bakery’s delivery fees and make sure their delivery times fit your venue’s time block. We do not suggest having a friend or family member pick up the cake to save on costs. Bakers are experts for a reason and will ensure your cake is transported safely and on time.

9. Videographer: $1,400-$3,600

Videographers save your memories in a video format, which many couples want so they can relive everything with sound. These expert camera operators often charge at least $1,400 but may require as much as $3,600 or more.

Extensive videography packages will cost extra. If you’d like this service during your big day, you can compare videography services so you only pay for what you’ll most enjoy.

10. Transportation: $700-$1,200

There are numerous transportation options to consider before your big day arrives. You and your fiancé might love driving away from your reception in a vintage car. You may also have a rural venue, so booking a shuttle for your guests could make things easier for everyone.

Transportation options range from $700-$1,200 on average, but that could fluctuate if you’re getting married in one of Colorado’s biggest cities.

11. Stationary: $256-$312

Wedding invitations are essential. Your guests must know where to go, when the ceremony starts and if you have a desired dress code. On average, 100-150 printed invitations cost at least $256 without additions like embossing, letterpress printing, edging or foil stamping. Remember, you’ll also have to pay for postage on each envelope. This part of your budget will increase if you order separate save-the-dates, RSVPs and thank-you cards for gifts.

A custom stationery shop could answer a lot of your questions about any of these things!

12. Officiant: $400-$800

Officiants require between $400 and $800 for their services and may charge more if their packages are extensive. The most foundational service offerings include a rehearsal the night before your nuptials, plus your ceremony. An officiant can become more costly if they bring their own sound equipment or offer unity candles, custom vow printing in a binder or sand ceremonies.

However, in Colorado, you can self-solemnize or even have a friend marry you. Whatever you choose, make sure you have a great connection with this person, and communicate exactly what you’re looking for in your ceremony.

13. Hotel: $107 Per Room Per Night

If you want your guests to stay in the same hotel, you can arrange a room block for free. They’ll cover their own room charges. Your budget should include enough money to pay for however long you’ll stay close to your venue. The average Colorado hotel room rate is $107 per night, so you may only need to pay that much plus taxes and fees if you arrive the day before your ceremony.

Average Cost of a Colorado Wedding: $36,163-$41,119

You won’t need to pay every part of your budget upfront. There’s plenty of time to compare packages and put money away for the final deposits, typically due within a week or two of your ceremony date. If you add every section of your budget, you’ll find that the average cost of a Colorado wedding is between $36,163 and $41,119.

You can always adjust the final fees by having a smaller guest list, selecting different vendor packages or making DIY decorations as you see fit. Talk with the vendors you love most to discuss how they can help you make your wedding dreams come true. They’ll work with you as much as possible so you don’t have to sacrifice anything that would make your big day perfect.

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

Author bio: Cora Gold is a wedding writer and editor of Revivalist magazine. She aims to inspire couples to achieve the wedding of their dreams. Connect with Cora on LinkedIn, Pinterest and Twitter.