Also check out the Frisco Lodge - a great little B & B and not that expensive (2 hours or so from the Denver airport) and there are many options around "the Summit" (Breckinridge, Keystone, etc) - to have a fairly simple, but fun reception. Just ask them. Would post their page but on a laptop and don't know how.

Well, your information on wedding venues is really interesting. Selecting right venue helps you for maintaining the wedding budget and to entertain the guests. While searching I also found the one website http://eventup.com/ providing good information on all types of venues.

Having just been in Frisco, that is a super idea. What a cute fun town.

Here's a place I forgot about: the Redstone Inn, Colorado.

It is fairly isolated, off-the-beaten-path, which makes it affordable. It is a gorgeous historic property, with loads of charm.

We have not been there for years, so check TripAdvisor for recent reviews.

http://redstoneinn.thegilmorecollection.com/

This past weekend, we attended a wedding at Devil's Thumb Ranch, in Colorado. It was outstanding. Every single detail was attended to, but it wasn't over-the-top or fussy. Food was amazing, service impeccable, tables and centerpieces were lovely.

The Western setting of DTR is gorgeous, lots of activities for guests, a pool, a spa, etc.

Now this was not a budget-friendly weekend: BBQ Friday night, wedding ceremony/dinner/reception Saturday evening, brunch Sunday morning.

But you mentioned you'd rather spend money on lodging than on the ceremony. So you could have a small wedding ceremony, officiated by a friend or relative who is 'certified'.

I agree with Tabernash2. We have attended two weddings at Devils Thumb Ranch and they were both just wonderful. It is a fabulous location and all the guests at both weddings had a great time.