Vail, Colorado is the kind of town that feels like it leaped out of a Hallmark movie, with its spectacular mountain views, elegant resorts, and small-town feel. In the winter months, blanketed in snow, the town glows with warm light and exudes holiday charm. It’s an ideal place for a wedding in any season, whether you dream of a winter wonderland wedding or a more temperate summer wedding atop beautiful mountainsides. Donovan Pavilion is a beautiful timber and stone mountain lodge venue in Vail with gorgeous views, 50 acres of surrounding park space, and plenty of room to accommodate a guest list of your favorite people. It’s close to comfortable accommodations and features several functional spaces to curate the Colorado mountain wedding of your dreams. If I’ve piqued your interest, keep reading to find out what makes the Donovan Pavilion wedding venue a fabulous option for your celebration!
About The Donovan Pavilion Wedding Venue
The town of Vail, Colorado uniquely owns Donovan Park and its beautiful Pavilion. The town purchased the land in 1980 and named it after a local Councilman and businessman, John Donovan. They built the Pavilion in 2003 to host special events like weddings and community gatherings, designed to reflect the beautiful architecture of Vail’s iconic lodge resorts. It was also thoughtfully constructed to host events year-round, despite any inclement weather. While the town still owns it, a local event firm that handles all the bookings and event management manages it.
The Pavilion itself is stunning indoors and out, surrounded by dozens of acres of open, untouched land that makes you feel swept up in the wilderness of the Colorado mountains. It’s a beautiful venue for couples looking to incorporate a little of the outdoors into their wedding while hosting in a clean, elegant, and accessible space.
Details of the Grounds
The Pavilion comprises rustic charm and unique touches to create the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable Vail wedding.
While the venue itself doesn’t have bridal suites or space for getting ready for your wedding, you can take the opportunity to book a nearby Airbnb or room in a resort to gather with your wedding parties and prepare for the day’s celebrations. Plenty of cozy accommodations nearby will lend themselves to beautiful getting-ready photos that you’ll be glad you took the time to have taken when you look back on your wedding day.
If you decide to host your ceremony at Donovan Pavilion, it may be hard to resist their romantic outdoor locations. With an elevation of over 8,000 feet, you’ll be surrounded by beautiful mountaintops, lush trees, and plenty of wide-open skies. While you may be able to get creative using their extensive acreage, the most popular place to say “I do” is on their patio, standing before a decorated arch and a backdrop of towering pine trees and boulders. You will feel totally embraced by the spirit of the outdoors, and your guests will love watching you exchange vows in such a beautiful space.
Inside the Venue
Inside, the lodge is exquisitely designed with magnificent arched wooden beams and dramatic windows stretching to the ceiling with etched glass windows that let in the spectacular views of the surrounding woods and mountains. With over 5,200 square feet of event space, there is room for up to 200 guests, though smaller weddings will still feel cozy and intimate.
While the lodge is grand and beautiful, it’s also relatively neutrally designed, so you can bring your own decor to transform the space into your unique wedding. You and your partner have total flexibility regarding your color scheme, your florals, and your linens. The space has a flat screen tv, a microphone, and a sound system, so your band or DJ can easily set up and keep the party going all night long!
Photography Opportunities
There are so many beautiful photos that we will be able to take at the Donovan Pavilion wedding venue. First of all, their surrounding acreage is absolutely magical in every season. In the spring and summer, we can meander through mountainside fields of wildflowers for photos that exude whimsy and romance. In the fall, autumn colors streak through the trees for a cozy aesthetic. And in the winter, snowy hills and mountaintops will make you look almost ethereal, especially in the fresh falling snow. If you’re feeling more woodland vibes, we can also explore the forests for some breathtaking shots!
We can also use the lodge’s exterior to capture some unique and romantic portraits with rustic charm. The interior is perfect for capturing every moment of joy and celebration shared through toasts, socializing, and of course, on the dance floor!
Wedding Details
Another big draw to hosting your wedding at Donovan Pavilion is the amenities they provide for your big day. Their full-time professional management team is always on hand to recommend their preferred vendors. Still, when it comes down to it, you are totally welcome to use your own caterers, florists, musicians, and anyone else you choose!
Donovan Pavilion will also provide the needed tables based on your group size. They’ll help you develop a comfortable arrangement that will best suit your vision and the needs of your guests – definitely, one less thing to worry about in your planning journey!
While their team will help you with the layout and vendor recommendations and have someone onsite for your event, they aren’t coordinators. They recommend hiring your coordinator to ensure everything goes according to your plan and timeline while you and your partner enjoy just living in the moment and soaking in every glorious detail.
Also, as long as you hire a TIPS-certified bartender, you are welcome to purchase and bring your own alcohol for an even more customized twist on your event!
Donovan Pavilion Wedding
Donovan Pavilion in Vail, Colorado is a perfect venue for any couple looking for a cozy mountainside retreat while still easily accessing the town and all it has to offer. A Donovan Pavilion wedding is romantic, organic, elegant, and customizable, so if you’re still searching for a space for your wedding, be sure to check them out!
Once you have your venue, it’s time to start thinking about your wedding pictures. If you’ve been looking for a photographer who will provide timeless, romantic pictures for your wedding day, I’d love to connect! I’m a luxury photographer who loves providing Nashville couples with pictures so they can remember every moment of their perfect day. Contact me to find out more!
