I am looking for a good venue for a Colorado wedding. I am overwhelmed at the choices when doing an internet search and hope to find someone with a recent personal experience.

We are looking for someplace that handles smaller wedding of 15-25 guests. We want a simple wedding with a smaller price tag but in a beautiful setting (that part is easy). We would like to spend our budget on the lodging, family activities for several days etc instead of wedding decorations. Summer 2013.

Would appreciate any ideas!
Thanks!

It's a big state, can you narrow it down some?

There are lots of great spots in southwest Colorado - Telluride, Durango etc.

The chapel in Beaver Creek for your ceremony.

Estes Park, right outside of Rocky Mountain National Park, is known for its wedding venues... my husband and I were married at Romantic Riversong Inn and are about to celebrate our tenth wedding anniversary next month! It is a beautiful property, geared especially for small weddings. http://www.romanticriversong.com/

Also look at Della Terra, where a friend's daughter was married in May (http://www.dellaterramountainchateau.com/) Gorgeous views of the mountains, in a beautiful setting and my friend loved it.

There are many other choices in Estes as well. You should also consider that it's an easy drive from Denver and the airport, not too high in altitude (sometimes a problem for folks) and lots of lodging choices and activities in all price ranges. Congratulations and good luck with your planning!

The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs? No personal experience, but you could definitely spend some $$$ on lodging there.

Friends' nephew got married at Red Rocks--I think basically in front of the grocery there!! I said, "oh, The Fort" and she said no, not there, but at this little place.
They may have had cake and ice cream there--and then went back to Denver for dinner.
The Fort, while pricey, might really be a good bet, however. The food is good, and the service would be excellent.

We are willing to go anywhere in Colorado. Not too far from the Denver airport would be great.

I am looking for an INEXPENSIVE option.

Maybe a lodge where everyone could stay with a patio for a simple ceremony with beautiful backdrop view and then a simple reception at the lodge? I am sure this exists but I have no idea on how to find it.

Thanks for the ideas.

It is hard to say without a budget of what you want to spend. I am sure what you are describing exists--but the "reception" is still going to be perhaps more than you are envisioning as "simple" and inexpensive.
May I ask why you have chosen Colorado? I LOVE Colorado but have a lot of ties to it. Destination weddings are fun, but expensive for everyone.
I am sure you could look at Breckenridge or Keystone for lodges.
Estes Park has the YMCA camp.

If you are willing to drive an hour and a half south from the Denver airport, you can book a wedding at www.pikespeakwedding.com in Manitou Springs at the base of Pikes Peak. Those are package destination weddings with everything included.

Though it's far from Denver, Crested Butte is just stunning. Check out the Mt. Crested Butte wedding garden.
http://www.themountainweddinggarden.com/index.html

My daughter has always dreamed of a destination wedding on a beach or in the mountains. (I am researching beach weddings too if you have any ideas!) Colorado is kind of in the middle of the two families. We have had family vacations in Colorado and love it.

My budget is $1500-$2000 for ceremony (will not need minister) and wedding reception/dinner for 20 people.

Thanks for the links and ideas!!

Or maybe Garden of the Gods. My HS graduation was held there because we were the 100th graduating class at Palmer High School. That'd be inexpensive and beautiful on a nice day. Morning is best for photographs- beautiful backdrop, with the red rocks and Pikes Peak, as you can see here:

http://tripwow.tripadvisor.com/tripw...5-8964-4984?lb

Then you could splash out elsewhere on accommodation if that's what you're after.

For a beach wedding investigate Litchfield/Pawley's Island SC.

Given the choice between Galveston and Colorado - Stick with Colorado.

Snow Mountain Ranch (a YMCA of the Rockies) is near Winter Park and Granby, Colorado. It has lodges built for family reunions that are relatively new (like 9 years old, maybe), and sleep about 20. You have to reserve them far in advance. It would probably fit your budget.

$2000 for ceremony, dinner, reception, cake, and flowers sounds pretty tight, though.

YMCA of the Rockies

http://www.ymcarockies.org/

Here's the wedding page for the one outside Estes Park - http://www.ymcarockies.org/EPC_Weddings.htm

GORGEOUS location and lots of different housing options, including budget options.

Very primo location in Estes Park is Taharaa Mountain Lodge.

http://www.taharaa.com/

if you are catholic there is a place called St. Malo chapel also referred to as Chapel on the Rocks. it is located near allenspark (estes park area).
photo http://blog.vergephotography.com/col...t-malo-chapel/