Looking for a unique location for your wedding day tucked into the mountains of Colorado? This isn’t your typical wedding venue. This is the iconic Mishawaka Amphitheater, and you can get married here and throw the best party under the stars steps from the beautiful, Poudre River. For music lovers and outdoor lovers alike, this is a quintessential Northern Colorado location that offers mountain, river and nature views in a rustic and unique setting. Amy and Nic gathered their closest people for the most emotional and joy filled celebration of their relationship in a microwedding celebration at this unique wedding venue in the mountains.

They wanted to mark a new chapter in their relationship by gathering all of their people in a place that was unique and meaningful to them. They are both lovers of live music and the outdoors. They had always wanted to get married somewhere in the mountains, and because Nic grew up here, Fort Collins, Colorado was an obvious choice. They wanted a wedding that wasn’t like anyone else’s - using social media almost as reverse inspiration because what they saw online was too cookie cutter for them. This location and vibe was absolutely perfect for their vision. What unfolded was a personalized music festival weekend for the two of them and their guests!

wedding couple wipes tears from their eyes during an emotional ceremony with a river and mountain backround

Microwedding at the mishawaka amphitheater

If you want to plan a microwedding of less than 100 people in Northern Colorado, The Mishawaka is such a great place to do so. It is located about 30 minutes from downtown Fort Collins, Colorado, just a short drive up the scenic Poudre Canyon. The small concert venue is outfitted for outdoor shows and can hold up to 1000 guests. However, smaller weddings still feel intimate here - the way it is nestled right in the mountains next to the river allows for a feeling of being immersed into nature. Their indoor space can accommodate up to 75 guests making it perfect for a microwedding. Having that indoor space as a weather backup can give you peace of mind in case of any mountain weather (like Amy and Nic had after their ceremony). But even if you have everything outdoors, it will still feel cozy enough for a smaller group.

Some of the best features of this venue include:

Two separate spaces for each partner to get ready
Flexible spaces for both ceremony and reception with both indoor and outdoor options
Stunning river and mountain views
Full stage for a live band or DJ
Full service bar and catering options
Transportation options for guests
Professional venue coordination through Black Bear Events to help your day run smoothly

wedding couple plays rock paper scissors, both are smiling, there is a backdrop of pine trees and mountains

Unique wedding at the Mishawaka amphitheater

Amy and Nic’s wedding was so unique and personal to them. During wedding planning, they were very committed to executing their own vision and not listening to the outside voices that try to creep in when planning a wedding. They planned an intimate wedding that was strictly no plus ones - just the people that truly meant the most to them. It ended up be such a perfect blend of laid back mountain wedding and music, centered party!

Thinking of planning something unique in Fort Collins for your wedding celebration? Your wedding can be so much more than just the day of! If you have guests traveling from far and wide, a wedding weekend is such a fun option. Here are a few other ideas you could incorporate into a Mishawaka Amphitheater wedding weekend:

stay at the Mish’s sister venue Riverside Colorado for a glamping weekend complete with yurts, cabins and tiny homes right on the Poudre River - a five minute drive from The Mishawaka
take your crew whitewater rafting in the Poudre River before the riverside ceremony
brewery tour of some of many of the local, craft breweries in Fort Collins
day in Old Town Fort Collins shopping, eating, and drinking
hiking in the Poudre Canyon or Horsetooth Mountain Open Space
paddle boarding and picnic at Horsetooth Reservoir
riding bikes on various bike trails throughout the city - Fort Collins is one of the most bike-friendly cities in the country. Want to really feel like a local? Organize a bike tour of our local breweries

There are so many great options for a laid back and memorable wedding celebration in Fort Collins, Colorado.

wedding couple cheer and celebrate as they walk down the aisle, images is in black and white

fort Collins colorado wedding photo and video teaM

Amy and Nic wanted to capture their wedding day fully in both photo and video. As a local, experienced team, we were able to help them with a wedding timeline that was relaxed and maximized their time with each other and their guests. They opted for no first look and saw each other for the first time that day during their ceremony. It was such an emotional and happy ceremony. You could clearly see that every person there was cheering them on wholeheartedly - which is exactly how a wedding should feel. They chose to exchange private vows post-ceremony amongst the towering pines next to the rushing river. It started to rain gently during their vow exchange, and they had to pivot some of their reception indoors because of the rain. Some of their guests embraced the rain and started the dance party up in the midst of the downpour. The rain finally cleared up and the night continued with dancing and drinks under the stars framed by the mountains. It was a perfect day! Watch their wedding trailer here:

They wanted to bring all of their loved ones together and celebrate their relationship in the mountains, and it was all of that and more! We are so grateful we go to capture all of the magic.

They left us this amazing review after working with us for their wedding day and engagement:

“Whew, where to begin? It’s impossible to fully capture the exceptional experience you’re guaranteed with Forest Picture Company in just a few words. … We wanted a team that would capture our true selves—no stale, stagnant, or overly posed pictures. When we found Forest Picture Company, we knew they were the perfect fit! … Amanda and Zac are extremely passionate about capturing your big day, and it shows in their work. … When things don’t go according to plan, Amanda and Zac are flexible and adapt seamlessly. …. Their dedication and love for their craft shine through in every photo and video they produce. We couldn't have asked for a better team to capture our special day! Because of Amanda and Zac, I now have gorgeous pictures and videos that I can always look back on to remember and cherish the most special day of my life! They gave me the best photo of myself and my father that I have ever seen; this is truly priceless. They captured my husband and I's relationship and personalities perfectly. They captured the silly little moments like my friends dancing in the rain. I will forever cherish and be thankful for these memories that I get to keep!! If you are planning a unique, intentional ceremony and reception and want photographers who can capture that vibe, this is your sign to look no further! Book Forest Picture Company! Thank you so much Amanda and Zac! -Nic and Amy”

Vendors

Wedding Photography and Videography: Forest Picture Co. | Venue: The Mishawaka Amphitheater| Band: KD and the Painkillers| Hair and Makeup: Amanda Bartlett Hair

wedding couple laugh during a wedding ceremony with a rocky canyon backdrop and river

best wedding photography and videography teams in fort collins

Forest Picture Company is a Colorado wedding photography and videography team who travels across the state for weddings! 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 Colorado!