I may be a little biased, but Colorado is one of the most beautiful states in the country. It makes perfect sense why so many people decide to get married here, surrounded by spectacular mountains, endless blue sky, and a huge variety of flora and fauna. A Roxborough State Park wedding provides intimate ceremonies that allow you and your party to bask in the beauty and wilderness, usually at a very reasonable cost.
Roxborough State Park is a backyard jewel of a park, just a short drive southwest of Denver. At nearly 4,000 acres, it is home to thousands of wildlife species, making it perfect for birdwatching and photography, hiking, trail running, and so much more. It’s a beautiful, secluded area with several options for a romantic wedding ceremony.
I’ve compiled some info about what makes a Roxborough State Park wedding a beautiful and intimate occasion you and your guests will remember forever.
Colorado weather varies drastically depending on the time of year, so you’ll want to consider it when considering a date. Summertime in Roxborough State Park is absolutely beautiful. If the weather plays nice, you’ll likely have clear blue skies, sunshine, and spectacular views.
While the weather may be more temperamental in the fall, the autumnal colors of the foliage will be pretty spectacular. The spring can be chilly, too, but it is equally beautiful when everything begins pushing up out of the ground.
And if you’re set on a winter wedding, ensure your guests bundle up! There will likely be a fair amount of snow and pretty chilly temperatures. Still, the snowfall is gorgeous and sets a wintery white aesthetic for a truly magical experience.
Roxborough State Park has two locations perfect for wedding ceremonies, with breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes.
The Fountain Valley Overlook provides a beautiful backdrop of the park’s geological formations and distant green hills. With craggy rocks and scrubby plants, it’s a gorgeous sunny spot to commit yourself to your partner for the rest of time. Plus, it’s a short walk from the Visitor Center, which has restrooms for you and your guests.
The second option is The Lyons Overlook, located half a mile down the Fountain Valley Trail. There is a beautiful railing to keep you safe without detracting from the stunning views surrounding you and your partner. It’s a smaller space for an intimate wedding, but with all the grandeur you deserve on your wedding day.
Both overlooks have a capacity of 25 people and a 10-car maximum for parking. Just a heads up that even with a reservation to use the overlook, it doesn’t guarantee entry to the park, and they do frequently reach parking capacity and have to shut down entry. Carpooling is recommended, and you may want to strongly consider a ceremony earlier in the day.
Getting a marriage license in Douglas County is pretty straightforward. You’ll need to apply online, and once they receive your application, you’ll get a transaction number.
Bring the transaction number into your in-person scheduled appointment along with the correct documentation, pay the minimal fee, and voila! You’ll be issued a marriage license in no time. However, once your license is issued, you’ll need to use it within 35 days, so be sure to plan accordingly.
A Roxborough State Park’s cost varies based on your wants and needs. If you are considering eloping with just you and your partner, you’ll only have to pay the smaller park reservation fee for your ceremony spot, wedding attire, and any other small details you’d like to incorporate (a bouquet, photographer, etc.). Maybe treat yourselves to a special meal afterward to celebrate together or a night at a nearby resort!
If you are hosting a celebration for a few more people, you’ll want to consider things like food and beverages and reception space. There aren’t picnic or reception facilities at Roxborough State Park, so you’ll want to plan to celebrate somewhere nearby after your “I Do’s.”
Obviously, the more people you invite, the more money you will likely need to budget. You can also consider having a more intimate ceremony at the park and inviting more people to join you at a reception later in the day (sounds like a good excuse for a fashion change to me)!
Since Roxborough State Park is only available for wedding ceremonies, you’ll need to consider some nearby venues if you plan to host a reception following your vow exchange. Here are a few of my recommendations:
Arrowhead Golf Club Arrowhead has both indoor and outdoor reception spaces, each perfect for hosting a beautiful celebration. The indoor Roxborough Room can accommodate up to 150 people and is a beautiful and bright glass banquet room with wrap-around windows overlooking the beautiful nearby mountains. The Event Pavilion sits against large red rocks, providing picturesque views in an open-air setting with stretches of manicured green lawns.
Table 6 Table 6 is a restaurant with a perfect blend of fine dining in a casual and unpretentious atmosphere. Their food is delicious, and offers a diverse menu that appeals to even the most discerning palate. Their private dining room is ideal for a gathering of up to 16 people, and you can choose to serve from their regular seasonal menu, offer a la carte options, or create a customized prix fixe menu. Spend your first meal as a married couple in the company of your favorite people dining on really good food.
740 Front 740 Front is one of Colorado’s most iconic and historic restaurants. Their menu features classic fare like steaks, fresh seafood, chops, pasta, and burgers, and their bar has beer, wine, handcrafted cocktails, and a great bourbon selection. Their largest private room can accommodate 32, but you can also buy out the restaurant to host up to 82. Make your celebration as intimate or large as possible, and enjoy a delicious, hearty meal!
Regardless of the details of your Roxborough State Park wedding, you’ll definitely want to make sure someone captures every moment for you to look back and remember for the rest of your lives. Every wedding is an adventure in its own right, but a Colorado State Park wedding is a true adventure.
That’s why you want to hire a photographer with experience capturing weddings that celebrate your love story and all of our state’s exceptional beauty.
It would be my absolute honor to use my experience and expertise for your wedding. I’d love to talk with you about how I will uniquely capture your special day in photos you’ll proudly display for the rest of your lives.
Roxborough State Park is a wonderful choice for a Colorado wedding, and there are plenty of unique ways to customize your unique wedding day. Let’s start talking about your perfect Roxborough State Park wedding and how we’ll ensure every detail is thoughtfully preserved in epic photos you’ll treasure forever.