Best Unconventional wedding venues in Fort Collins
Fort Collins is such a special place in Northern Colorado. Located just one hour north of Denver on I-25, it has so much to offer to outdoor enthusiasts and lovers of unique things alike. With easy access to the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, the Poudre River with some of the best white water rafting and fishing in the region, a robust local, craft brewery scene, and the gorgeous Horsetooth Reservoir where you can recreate at your own pace and enjoy the scenery. It’s also one of the best places to get married in Colorado. With a host of activities for guests traveling in and lots of great places to stay, you can’t beat this one-of-a-kind Colorado city to host your small wedding.
There are lots of great venues in and around Fort Collins, but if you’re looking for something more unique and intimate, look no further than this list. One of the best parts of hosting a microwedding instead of a large, traditional celebration is that more unique venue options open up for you. We’ve rounded up a list of some of the best small wedding venues in Fort Collins.
We are a local, Fort Collins wedding photo and video team, and we’ve been photographing weddings across the state of Colorado for almost 8 years now. These are some of the best venue hidden gems right here in Fort Collins, Colorado (or just up the road) that you’re not going to see on other “best of” lists because they are just that unique:
Best Small Wedding Venues In Fort Collins
The Magic Rat
Located inside The Elizabeth Hotel, this incredibly unique venue is home to a music stage and full bar. Think funky, yet upscale music venue. It is the perfect place to host a unique, small wedding. With flexible options for indoor and outdoor spaces, you can host a pretty epic cocktail and/or dance party for 50-250 guests. Book the Firehouse Alley for your ceremony with The Elizabeth for an even more uniquely Fort Collins experience. See our full blog post about this venue here.
Mishawaka Amphitheater
Lovingly known as The Mish around Northern Colorado is a concert venue right on the Poudre River. It is one of the most unique places to see a show and one of the best places to get married. It sits nestled in the Poudre Canyon with towering rock walls on all sides and the rushing Poudre River right behind. It features versatile indoor and outdoor spaces and is perfect for hosting both large and small weddings. The indoor area can accommodate up to 75 guests and the outdoor area, up to 1000. There are two separate getting ready spaces at the venue, a perfect spot for a riverside ceremony, and a stage for a full band or DJ to party the night away. A quick 30 minute drive from Old Town, Fort Collins will provide you and your guests with the best of what Colorado has to offer.
Wolverine Farm and Publick House
Located in Old Town, a book store, full service coffee shop and bar by day can host your wedding of up to 120 people outdoors and 60 indoors. This non-profit is truly a unique location for you and your guests to gather. Their aim is “to deliver a memorable, friendly and welcoming rental experience with a frequent nod to literature, art, and local culture.” The outdoor space features a lush, sunlit patio perfect for both ceremony and reception. The indoor space is full of charm and coziness - a perfect gathering space for catching up with friends and family.
Odell Wine Project
This hidden gem attached to the famous Odell Brewing Company right outside of Old Town, Fort Collins provides a romantic and intimate environment that is perfect for a microwedding. There is a lush patio as well as an indoor space that can accommodate up to 150 guests. With a wine lounge and wine bar included with this flexible space, you can treat yourselves and your guests to local wine and beer in this centrally located indoor/outdoor venue.
The Neighbor
Newly renovated coffee shop and full bar, this Old Town, Fort Collins location is perfect for a small wedding and reception. This flexible indoor space boasts beautiful high ceilings, large windows, and a modern take on historic Old Town. The large, bright space would be wonderful for both ceremony and reception.
The Agave Room
Located in the heart of Old Town, Fort Collins, the Agave Room is great for weddings from 30-250 guests. Its walkable location is perfect for those wanting something unique but also centrally located. It is a historic ballroom with wood floors, high ceilings and great natural light. With catering and famous margaritas provided by The Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant, this is an amazing spot to host a unique and intimate wedding celebration.
Images Photographed for Blue Canoe PhotographyThe Gardens on Spring Creek
Wedding celebrations can be booked here from April - October. You can host a ceremony only or both ceremony and reception here at the gardens and have access to all 12 acres of their lush and beautiful scenery. The space can accommodate up to 300 guests, but it would also be perfect for an intimate garden party wedding with you and your closest friends. Bonus, the gardens also include an indoor butterfly garden that is a perfect place for a first look and/or some portraits.
Images Photographed for Blue Canoe PhotographyRiverside Colorado
Located just 30 minutes from downtown Fort Collins in the mountains, this fantastic retreat style venue features a riverside wedding dream. This location is perfect for a weekend microwedding celebration with lodging available onsite for you and your guests. Complete with tiny homes, cabins and luxury glamping tents, this is a beautiful spot to host a weekend in the mountains with your closest friends and family for your wedding. Unplug on the property with riverside access, a coffee cart and a stunning location for a ceremony/reception. Explore the Poudre Canyon with a scenic drive, hike or a day of fishing. This is also a great location to pair with The Mishawaka (their partner venue just up the road).
Lory State Park
If you’re looking for something with less frills and even more nature, you can book 1 of 3 sites at Lory State Park for your wedding for up to 100 guests. Be surrounded by Colorado’s raw beauty with views of Horsetooth Reservoir, mountainous hillsides and a seasonal waterfall. This is great for folks who have a laid back, DIY vision in mind. As with all public lands, it’s important to keep Leave No Trace Practices in mind when planning your event.
Horsetooth Reservoir
Managed by Larimer County Natural Resources, this iconic Fort Collins reservoir offers breathtaking views of the foothills year round. Group Pavilions are rentable on a seasonal basis and have maximum capacities from 25-150 people depending on the location. Plan a casual wedding celebration with stunning views here followed by a group kayak or paddleboard on the lake.
Best places to get married in fort collins
Ready to get started planning your perfect microwedding celebration in Fort Collins, Colorado? We are a local, Fort Collins wedding photography and videography team who travels across Colorado and specializes in intimate weddings and microweddings! We love capturing couples who have a passion for each other and the great outdoors! Get in touch with us HERE to learn more about working with us for wedding videography and photography in Fort Collins!