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Top Outdoor Sites for Weddings

Getting Married Outside in Denver

By Nina Snyder, About.com Guide

The popularity of summer weddings mean plenty of options for outdoor celebrations in the Mile High City. Adventurous brides and grooms can also aim for outside weddings in spring or fall, although the fickle Denver weather could put a damper on the ceremonies.

The public venues may require extra planning in the summer as Red Rocks, Coors Field and the Denver Botanic Gardens all have events such as concerts or sporting events held in the summer. As long as you are flexible with your dates, the venues will be happy to accommodate your wedding party.

Hudson Gardens is a private operation that focuses almost exclusively on weddings and other special events, so it may be a better option if you have a specific date in mind. However, Hudson Gardens does put on two weddings a day on Saturdays so you will not have the venue for the entire day. Hudson Gardens also does have a limited concert series during the summer.

The boathouse at Washington Park is also a popular option, as it is reasonably priced for a wedding venue. Reservations are taken on a first-come, first-serve basis for parks in the City & County of Denver. City Park and other Denver parks also have facilities available for weddings that can be reserved.

All accommodations listed are for seated guests.

1. Denver Botanic Gardens

The Denver Botanic Gardens offers five outdoor ceremony sites for weddings in the summer, with the largest setting accommodating 150 guests. The 24 acres of gardens nestled in central Denver feature a setting for every nature lover, from the Water Garden Gazebo to the Romantic Gardens. The gardens are available for weddings on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from May to September. The Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield in Littleton, Colo., also offers outdoor wedding sites.

Denver Botanic Gardens
1007 York St.
Denver, CO 80206
720-865-3500
More: Photos of the Denver Botanic Gardens

2. Hudson Gardens and Event Center

Hudson Gardens is an event center located south of Denver in Littleton, Colo., with 30 acres of lush gardens. The gardens boast several outdoor venues for weddings, as well as a charming log cabin inn for indoor ceremonies. The Garden Canopy offers seating for up to 225 guests, while the Welcome Garden Pavilion can accommodate up to 175 guests. The Rose Garden and Monet's Place can also be rented as ceremony-only sites for smaller parties if the bride and groom wish to have the reception at another location.

Hudson Gardens and Event Center
6115 S. Santa Fe Dr.
Littleton, CO 80120
303-797-8565

3. Washington Park Boathouse

The Washington Park Boathouse was built in 1913 and recently renovated in 2012. The historic structure seats up to 150 guests for outdoor weddings on the shore of Smith Lake. The building is covered by a roof, but open to the elements for a compromise between indoor and outdoor seating. In 2012, the boathouse rental rates range from $350 for an event without alcohol to $600 for an event with alcohol. Wedding parties can also hold the ceremony in either the Mt. Vernon Garden or Big Garden for an additional fee.

Denver Parks and Recreation
Facility Use Permit Office
201 W. Colfax Ave. Dept. 108
Denver, CO 80202
720-913-0700
More: Photos of Washington Park

4. Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre

Red Rocks offers a scenic backdrop for your wedding vows for up to 200 guests, and music fans will appreciate the proximity to the historic venue in Morrison, Colo., that has hosted everyone from the Beatles to U2. Scheduling can be a bit tricky during the summer as most wedding parties prefer to schedule around concert dates. Another restriction is that the caterer must be the in-house caterer of Aramark, best known for serving up concert fare such as nachos and beer.

Red Rocks Amphitheatre & Visitor Center
18300 W. Alameda Pkwy
Morrison, CO 80465
720-865-2494
More: Photos of Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre

5. Coors Field

Baseball fans can make their wedding a home run by getting married at home plate at Coors Field. The home of the Colorado Rockies also offers indoor facilities for receptions. The Mountain Ranch Club overlooking the baseball diamond can accommodate up to 150 guests. Coors Field offers home plate weddings on days when there are no games scheduled at the stadium.

Coors Field
2001 Blake St.
Denver, CO 80205
303-312-2552
More: Photos of Coors Field