Nestled in the heart of Estes Park, Colorado, Venue On The Rocks stands as one of the area’s most picturesque wedding venues where tranquility meets luxury. As an Estes Park wedding photographer, I had the honor of capturing Amy and Rico’s magical September celebration at this hidden gem. Their autumn wedding perfectly showcased why this venue has become one of my favorite Estes Park wedding venues to photograph!
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Introduction to Amy and Rico’s Fall Colorado Wedding
- What is Venue On The Rocks?
- Outdoor Wedding Venue in Estes Park
- Personal Touches to Venue On The Rocks
- Outdoor Reception Venue in Estes Park
- Planning Your Wedding at Venue On The Rocks
- Hotels and Attractions in Estes Park
- Recommended Estes Park Wedding Vendors
- Hire Your Estes Park Wedding Photographer
- FAQ
- Explore the Best Estes Park Wedding Venues
A Dreamy Fall Colorado Wedding in Estes Park
Amy and Rico’s special day began at a charming A-frame cabin with a clear view of the rocky mountains, where they prepared separately before their first look at Knoll-Willows Open Space. The spark in Rico’s eyes as he turned to see his bride for the first time is something I’ll never forget! Those genuine emotions—his hand covering his mouth in awe, his eyes welling with tears as he saw Amy—are exactly what I live to capture as a Colorado wedding photographer.
Amy looked absolutely stunning with her hair styled by Neon Blonde Salon and makeup by Bridal Glow Weddings, creating a natural yet glamorous look perfect for their mountain celebration.
What is Venue On The Rocks?
Venue On The Rocks, also known as Coffee On The Rocks, presents itself as the perfect outdoor venue for your intimate wedding celebrations. Boasting an expansive outdoor space, you can celebrate your union under the open sky while still enjoying the comfort of a covered patio for the reception. Picture-perfect moments await as you can share your first dance under the gentle glow of Edison lights or the backdrop of a starlit sky. The venue is a welcoming space for your friends and family, like an elevated backyard party, complete with yard games and live music. Located just a short 10-minute drive from either Rocky Mountain National Park or The Stanley Hotel, Venue On The Rocks provides easy access to iconic landmarks, allowing you to extend your wedding experience beyond the venue’s enchanting grounds.
The Perfect Outdoor Wedding Venue in Estes Park
The ceremony site at Venue on the Rocks is situated along the tranquil riverbank, creating a peaceful atmosphere that made Amy and Rico’s vow exchange even more special. Their September wedding date couldn’t have been more perfect—the trees around the venue were beginning to glow with golden hues, creating the ultimate backdrop for their Estes Park wedding.
What makes Venue on the Rocks truly unique as an Estes Park wedding venue is its versatility. Amy and Rico’s ceremony featured a stunning triangular floral arch bursting with warm autumn colors—oranges, yellows, and deep reds that perfectly complemented the natural surroundings. Their bridal party, dressed in harmonious shades of rich yellow and earthy tones, created a cohesive color palette that photographed beautifully against the mountain backdrop. Their wedding planner and friend, Becki Ziegler, helped bring their vision to life with flawless coordination and a joyful spirit.
Personal Touches to their Venue On The Rocks Wedding Day
Amy and Rico infused their celebration with personal elements that truly reflected their relationship. From Amy’s delicate floral crown featuring sunflowers by Honey Bloom Florals and Rico’s stylish checkered suit to their custom rings by Stone Master Studio, every detail was truly unique to them.
One of the most unique aspects of their reception was the on-site tattoo artists (@carly.tattoos and @leomunoztattoos), offering guests the opportunity to commemorate the day with permanent art—definitely a night every one will remember! Many guests, including the couple themselves, took advantage of this creative addition to their celebration. I couldn’t believe how quick the process was!
And I couldn’t help but smile when I saw their wedding cake from Best One Yet Vegan topped with ceramic figurines of their beloved cats, a sweet nod to their fur family who couldn’t attend the celebration at Venue on the Rocks.
Outdoor Reception at Venue On The Rocks
As the sun began to set over the mountains, Amy and Rico’s celebration continued under the partially covered patio area at Venue on the Rocks. This versatile space transformed beautifully for their reception, with hanging greenery, Edison bulbs, and autumn-inspired floral arrangements bringing the space to life with vibrant, warm hues!
Some of my favorite moments to capture happened during this reception—Amy’s emotional dance with her father where her mother joined them, the roaring laughter that couldn’t be stopped, and the quiet moments (and happy tears) the couple shared at their sweetheart table during the heartfelt toasts. DJ Drake kept the dance floor packed all night, while Blue Corn Tacos provided a delicious meal that guests raved about.
Planning Your Estes Park Wedding at Venue on the Rocks
Are you considering Venue on the Rocks for your Estes Park wedding? Here are some insider tips based on Amy and Rico’s beautiful celebration:
- Consider the season – Their September wedding showcased stunning fall colors, but this Estes Park wedding venue shines in almost every season. Summer offers lush greenery and spring brings cooler temperatures, but winter may be a little chilly at an all outdoor venue!
- Embrace the natural beauty – The venue’s riverside setting and mountain backdrop need minimal decoration. Amy and Rico’s floral arch enhanced rather than competed with the natural scenery. You can do as little or as much as you want to the space and your wedding will be beautiful.
- Plan for golden hour photos – The mountains create stunning lighting conditions around sunset. We captured some of Amy and Rico’s most beautiful portraits during this magical time when the light was warm and golden across the water.
- Create a cohesive color palette – Their autumn-inspired colors of rich yellow, orange, and burgundy complemented the September landscape perfectly and created visual harmony throughout their day. Consider adding pops of color to the venue that reflect your unique style and will make the day look and feel undeniably like you.
- Utilize multiple spaces – From the riverside ceremony to the covered reception patio, Venue on the Rocks offers diverse areas for different parts of your celebration. Amy and Rico even took advantage of the venue’s proximity to scenic spots (like Knoll-Willows Open Space) for additional portrait opportunities.
- Incorporate personal elements – From their cat cake toppers to the tattoo artist, these details made their wedding uniquely theirs while still working beautifully with the venue’s aesthetic. In my opinion, these personal elements are what make a wedding day exceptionally beautiful!
Estes Park Accommodations and Attractions Near Venue On The Rocks
When it comes to accommodations for your wedding party and guests, Estes Park offers a plethora of options to suit every preference and budget. Among the top choices are The Stanley Hotel, renowned for its historic charm and stunning mountain views; The Ridgeline Hotel, offering modern amenities and convenient access to downtown Estes Park; The Estes Park Resort, providing lakeside luxury and breathtaking vistas of Lake Estes; The Stanley Hotel Aspire, an adults-only retreat offering upscale accommodations and personalized service; and The Inn on Fall River, a charming retreat nestled along the tranquil banks of Fall River offering cozy rooms and cabins with riverside views.
Recommended Estes Park Wedding Vendors
If you’re planning your dream wedding at Venue on the Rocks or another Estes Park wedding venue, assembling a team of talented vendors is essential to bringing your vision to life. Here’s a curated list of trusted Estes Park, Colorado wedding vendors to consider:
Floral Design
- Honey Bloom Florals – Amy and Rico’s florist who created their stunning fall-inspired arrangements, floral crown, and ceremony arch
- Boulder Blooms – Known for their romantic, garden-inspired designs that perfectly complement mountain weddings
- Four Season Custom Florals – Offering exquisite floral arrangements and personalized service that adds elevated beauty to every wedding
- Parsley and Valentine – Creating unique, textural designs with a focus on sustainability and seasonal blooms
- Flower Lover Club – Specializing in wildflower-inspired arrangements that perfectly complement the natural beauty of Estes Park
Catering
- Blue Corn Tacos – The caterer behind Amy and Rico’s delicious reception meal, specializing in flavorful, elevated Mexican cuisine
- Greenspoint Catering – Offering farm-to-table menus featuring Colorado’s finest ingredients, perfect for mountain celebrations
Wedding Planning
- Becki Ziegler – The planner who flawlessly orchestrated Amy and Rico’s special day at Venue on the Rocks. She did this personally for this couple only!
- White Pine Designs – Luxury wedding planning team specializing in elegant, seamlessly executed mountain celebrations with bold yet timeless designs
- Table 6 Productions – Luxury wedding planners who excel at creating seamless, stress-free celebrations in mountain settings
- Birch and Honey Collective – Boutique planning company specializing in exquisite mountain weddings with personalized touches
- Enchanted Designs – Providing comprehensive wedding planning services tailored to your unique style and preferences
Hair and Makeup
- Neon Blonde Salon – Responsible for Amy’s gorgeous wedding day hair styling
- Bridal Glow Weddings – Created Amy’s natural yet glamorous wedding day makeup look
- Freiya Beauty – Specializing in enhancing natural beauty with organic, cruelty-free products perfect for mountain brides
- Luis Pizarro – Talented makeup artist known for creating flawless, camera-ready looks for mountain weddings
- Estes Park Bridal Company – Local experts in bridal hair and makeup with extensive experience at mountain venues (Megan did my own hair and makeup for my Estes Park wedding in 2021!)
Wedding Cakes and Desserts
- Best One Yet Vegan – Created Amy and Rico’s stunning cake topped with their custom cat cake toppers
- Alyce in Flourland – Crafting artistic, delicious cakes with an emphasis on local, seasonal ingredients. Alyce is the best baker in the Rockies and will wow you with her elaborate designs!
- Love Emily Bakery – Specializing in custom wedding cakes with colorful, one-of-a-kind designs. Seriously, if you can think of it, Emily can do it!
- You Need Pie – Offering delicious pies in a wide array of flavors for couples looking for non-traditional wedding desserts, as well as delicious cakes for more traditional couples (they provided my wedding cake at Romantic Riversong Inn!)
Estes Park Wedding Photographer
Once you’ve booked your intimate mountain wedding at Venue On The Rocks, I’d love to chat about photographing your celebration! Hi, I’m Logan! An Estes Park wedding photographer who blends candid documentary-style coverage with gentle direction for portraits that feel natural and timeless. I’m committed wholeheartedly to helping you not only create the wedding photos of your dreams, but a day that you will actually enjoy. You deserve to be present for every moment you so carefully planned!
Whether you’re planning a full-day wedding celebration or an intimate wedding in Estes Park, I offer customized photography collections to suit your needs:
For traditional Estes Park weddings, my Colorado Wedding Packages begin at 8 hours of wedding day coverage with 2 photographers and an engagement session. If you don’t need an engagement session, this session can be used as rehearsal dinner coverage! We’ll work together to design a collection specifically for your wedding day at Venue on The Rocks.
For smaller, more intimate celebrations with 20 people or less, check out my Colorado Elopement Packages that include everything needed to capture the romance and adventure of eloping in the Rocky Mountains.
If you have any questions or think we may be the best fit for your wedding photography needs, please reach out and I will be in touch within 24 hours to officially get started!
Venue On The Rocks Wedding FAQ
When is the best time of year to get married at Venue on the Rocks?
While this Estes Park wedding venue is beautiful year-round, September and early October offer spectacular fall colors, mild temperatures, and more reliable weather, as seen in Amy and Rico’s stunning autumn celebration.
How many guests can Venue on the Rocks accommodate?
This intimate Estes Park wedding venue is perfect for gatherings of around 100 guests, making it ideal for couples like Amy and Rico who want a personal celebration where they can truly connect with each guest. Be sure to check with the venue about your exact guest count when you inquire!
What makes Venue on the Rocks unique compared to other Estes Park wedding venues?
The riverside setting, mountain views, and versatile spaces make this venue stand out. Unlike other venues that might be more formal or more rustic, Venue on the Rocks offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and amenities, creating a welcoming space for friends and family, like an elevated backyard party.
How much does it cost to get married at Venue On The Rocks?
The venue does not list their pricing online, so it is best to inquire directly with them here to receive your custom quote!
Explore The Best Estes Park Wedding Venues
While Amy and Rico’s celebration at Venue on the Rocks was absolutely magical, Estes Park offers a variety of other breathtaking wedding venues to suit different styles, budgets, and guest counts. As an Estes Park wedding photographer who has documented celebrations across the area, I’ve had the privilege of working at many of these incredible locations.
Luxury Mountain Wedding Venues
Della Terra Mountain Chateau is a luxurious venue nestled at the edge of Rocky Mountain National Park, offering panoramic mountain views that create a truly magical backdrop. With indoor and outdoor ceremony options and elegant accommodations on-site, it’s perfect for couples seeking an all-inclusive experience. Check out this gorgeous fall wedding I captured here!
The Stanley Hotel provides historic elegance and is perhaps the most iconic venue in Estes Park. Made famous as the inspiration for Stephen King’s “The Shining,” this landmark property offers several ceremony and reception spaces with classic Colorado charm.
Rustic & Natural Wedding Venues
Black Canyon Inn features breathtaking views of Twin Owls and Lumpy Ridge with its stunning outdoor pavilion (The Homestead) and new indoor venue (The Boulders). The natural rock formations and log buildings create a distinctively Colorado atmosphere. Here is an elegant wedding I captured here in 2023.
Wild Basin Lodge, located just outside Estes Park, offers two gorgeous outdoor ceremony sites: one along the St. Vrain River and another in a scenic meadow surrounded by towering pines. This all-inclusive venue is perfect for nature-loving couples.
Unique & Intimate Wedding Venues
YMCA of the Rockies provides a family-friendly setting with views of Longs Peak and a variety of outdoor and indoor spaces, plus accommodations ranging from lodge rooms to cabins for your guests.
Romantic RiverSong Inn offers an enchanting setting for truly intimate celebrations on 26 private acres near Rocky Mountain National Park. With stunning natural beauty and cottage core charm, this boutique inn is perfect for smaller weddings where you want your guests to feel completely immersed in a private mountain getaway. I actually had my own wedding at this magical venue in 2021, and it holds a special place in my heart!
For more detailed information about these venues and others in the area, check out my comprehensive guide to the Best Wedding Venues in Estes Park, Colorado. This resource will help you explore all your options as you plan your perfect mountain wedding.
