Boulder County offers a number of wedding venues ranging from historic hotels to outdoor wedding and reception sites. This article explores some of Boulder’s premier wedding venues and gives you insights into what makes each unique.
Hotel Boulderado
The Hotel Boulderado is a historic hotel built in 1909. Located at 2115 13th Street, it borders the Pearl Street Mall in downtown Boulder. The interior of the Boulderado is dominated by an ornate, wooden staircase. Countless period antiques dating from the early 1900s adorn the interior as well. Even the room decor is reminiscent of the early twentieth century. It contains 160 guest rooms and suites and three bars and two restaurants. The hotel emphasizes its top notch food and high-quality service to engaged couples. But perhaps its biggest selling point is its sense of history. The hotel notes it is a place where couples can keep coming back to and become part of its history.
Couples getting married in the hotel have two choices–the main mezzanine level of the hotel or the attached Event Center. The mezzanine seats guests all around the central staircase. Couples can choose to be married on the landing of the staircase with guests gazing down from above. The mezzanine level is situated above the lobby and below the stained glass ceiling. While the mezzanine holds 120-150 guests depending on the configuration, couples looking for a larger space can opt for the Event Center which encompasses the grand ballroom and patio. This space can accommodate up to 240 seated guests. Couple can hire vendors of their choice except must utilize the hotel catering.
Lionscrest
If you’re looking to do an outdoor wedding in Boulder County, complete with an elegant ballroom, then Lionscrest Manor is a great choice. It is one of the premier destination sites in Colorado. Dramatic views of Longs and Meeker Peaks and the red rocks of Lyons can be had from the grounds of the Victorian manor house. The manor house itself is elegant and airy inside. The grand ballroom provides panoramic views of the mountains to the north and west.
One of the highlights of getting married at Lionscrest is the expansive grounds. Fifty acres of land surround the manor. Photographs can be taken in a seemingly limitless number of places, many providing panoramic views of the mountains. For those looking for a more rustic feeling, an old barn and a classic truck adorn the grounds.
Ceremonies are usually held outdoors on the lawn or balcony, but there is enough space inside to hold an indoor ceremony in the event of inclement weather. The lawn site is a favorite with Steamboat Mountain providing a dramatic backdrop. Both the ballroom and lawn can accommodate up to 250 guests. The interior of the ballroom can be configured with multiple different lighting and decor options to customize your wedding.
Lionscrest offers a wide variety of packages and options to prospective couples, including an all-inclusive vendor package. Lionscrest has been family owned and operated since opening its doors in 1994. The staff prides itself on providing personalized service. It holds only one event at a time and has a 2-event maximum for the day (one during the day, one at night). It is located at 603 Indian Lookout Road just outside the town of Lyons.
Rembrandt Yard
Getting married inside of an art gallery is many couples’ dream wedding. The Rembrandt Yard tries to make that dream become reality, combining a cutting edge art gallery with a window-filled gallery overlooking downtown Boulder. Open Arts curates the gallery with exhibits changing every 3-6 months.
The gallery has two separate floors–one or both may be rented out for a wedding ceremony and/or reception. Artwork is tastefully hung on both floors. The third floor has a large main space plus a smaller, more intimate room complete with piano. The third floor gallery has space for 220 seated guests and the main level can accommodate up to 120. Along with the artwork, the gallery has a flower wall which can be rented as a backdrop for photographs or as decoration. The manager encourages you to also bring in your own masterpiece to customize the space for your wedding or event.
Outside vendors are welcome and Rembrandt Yard has full catering equipment for them to utilize. An in-house stereo system and projection system is included in any event rental.
Rembrandt Yard has been open as a gallery for 12 years and is in the 10th year of hosting events. Located across the street from the Hotel Boulderado, Rembrandt Yard is conveniently located on the corner of 13th and Spruce, a block from the Pearl Street Mall.
St Julien Hotel & Spa
For those couples looking to be married in a posh, luxury hotel, the St Julien is one of Boulder’s most elegant choices. It bills itself as Boulder’s only high-end hotel. In addition to its spacious ballroom which can accommodate up to 220 guests, the St. Julien has an outdoor courtyard where both the ceremony and reception can be held. Its centerpiece gazebo has a commanding view of the Flatirons from downtown Boulder.
The St. Julien contains 201 rooms, including 12 suites. It also boasts a 10,000 sq. foot spa complete with 12 treatment rooms. The hotel has won multiple Best of Boulder awards, including best hotel and day spa.
The hotel staff emphasizes customer service. To that end, couples getting married here must have a wedding coordinator. Couples may choose any vendor they like, but must use the hotel’s catering service. All wedding packages come with complimentary cake cutting and dance floor set-up.
Wedgewood Wedding and Banquet Center
The Wedgewood is one of Boulder’s newest wedding venues. Located on the site of the old Red Lion Inn, the Wedgewood has become one of the hottest venues in Boulder, offering a stunning scenic backdrop for a wedding or special occasion. The venue is situated on the banks of Boulder Creek about 3 miles from downtown Boulder. From the large, spacious deck, one can get a panoramic view of Boulder Canyon and the surrounding mountain landscape. A path leads along the creek, providing for any number of photo opportunities.
The Wedgewood staff emphasizes value, service, and convenience to prospective wedding couples. It prides itself on stress-free planning and site attracts a number of out-of-state brides for this reason. Indoor or outdoor ceremony and reception packages are available. The facility uses a large tent to house outdoor gatherings that can accommodate up to 250 guests during peak months or the indoor ballroom can hold up to 110 guests. A ceremony of up to 60 guests can even be conducted along the creek. The facility also features both a spacious bridal and groom’s suite.
All inclusive packages are available or couples can select their own vendors (Wedgewood catering and liquor are still required).
