Our pets are like our family members, so it only makes sense to include them on a day as special as your wedding. Dog-friendly wedding venues are spaces that offer plenty of room for animals and are comfortable for both people and pets alike.
While you might want to check with the venue about any specific ground rules for bringing along your pet, these venues are typically accommodating to most pets such as dogs.
What types of wedding venues are pet-friendly?
Pets (dogs especially) need lots of space to run around and explore. That’s why a lot of outdoor venues allow pets while indoor ones do not as much. Here are just a few examples of types of venues that may be able to accommodate your pet.
- BLM land
- National forests
- State parks
- Ranches or rustic settings
- Rental homes
Pro Tip: Always check the official website and call ahead of time to make sure a place allows pets.
What to Consider When Choosing a Pet-Friendly Venue
When you want to include your pet on your wedding day, choosing a venue becomes more than just a question of aesthetic and seating capacity. You have to consider whether the venue simply “allows” pets, or if they’re truly pet-centric — trust us, there’s a difference.
Here are some questions you can ask the venue to determine if this is the right place for your big day. After all, your pet is a guest too!
- Will there be any extra costs to bring your pet, like permits or pet liability insurance?
- Will you be able to bring your pet to the rehearsal so that they can become familiar with the space?
- Is there a plan (and supplies available) to clean up any messes your pet may create?
- Is there a safe, quiet room away from the noise and partying for a kennel?
- Are there any plants or flowers that are dangerous to your pet?
- Does the venue offer any pet care services on site?
- Has the venue worked with couples who have incorporated their pet into their wedding day before? If so, what worked and what didn’t?
Dog-Friendly Wedding Venues in Colorado
Hopefully the tips above don’t discourage you, but rather help you to plan ahead and think through what your pet’s involvement will look like that day.
If you’re getting married in Colorado, here are the best pet-friendly wedding venues to choose from.
Spruce Mountain Ranch
With its rustic mountain backdrop, this ranch-style venue is a cozy space for humans and four-legged friends alike. Located just outside of Denver, Spruce Mountain Ranch provides a spacious outdoor setting where pets will feel right at home.
The venue offers multiple indoor and outdoor ceremony and reception spaces, but if you’re bringing along your pup, consider Trey’s Vista which is a vast field located in the Upper Ranch.
Maroon Bells
The Maroon Bells in Aspen provide a picture-perfect backdrop for your special day. And the amphitheater nearby offers an outdoor event space that’s ideal for pet-friendly weddings. A win-win! The maximum number of people allowed at the amphitheater is 50, which makes it the perfect spot for an intimate wedding that includes family, loved ones, and furry friends.
Photos by Lucy Schultz
Devil’s Thumb Ranch
Not too far from Denver, Devil’s Thumb Ranch combines the beauty of untouched wilderness with the comfort of a top tier resort and spa. It’s a venue surrounded by 6,500 acres of wilderness and a great combination of luxury and sustainability.
Treat up to 300 guests with a variety of outdoor activities and ranch-to-table dining on your wedding weekend. That includes the pup, too!
Photos by Jennie Crate
Granby Ranch
Your dog will love frolicking among the wide open fields at this venue. Surrounded by the Rocky Mountains, Granby Ranch offers scenic views, plenty of green, and a refreshingly natural setting that’s perfect for a romantic, intimate wedding.
There’s even a chairlift to access different parts of the mountain, offering the best views the mountains have to offer. Does it get any better than that?
Photos by Jennie Crate
Rist Canyon Inn
As photographers, we love venues with great indoor and outdoor photo opportunities, just like the space at Rist Canyon Inn.
Not only is the venue dog-friendly, but it’s also full of historic charm! The main building is a 120 year-old farmhouse, and the outdoor scenery features old growth trees, open pastures, and a small creek.
It’s also not far from Fort Collins, so it’s easy to access from most other cities along the front range.
Planet Bluegrass
Available for weddings early Spring through late Fall, Planet Bluegrass Weddings is perfectly picturesque. It features cottonwood trees, apple trees, towering redstone cliffs, wildflower gardens, and the peaceful St. Vrain River. On the property, you’ll also find a scenic ceremony site, rustic pavilion, and outdoor bar that make it great for entertaining guests.
Pets are more than welcome for the ceremony but unfortunately can’t roam free during the reception. They must be with a handler afterwards or otherwise taken off the property.
Harmel’s Ranch Resort
North of Gunnison and south of Crested Butte, Harmel’s Ranch Resort offers lots of outdoor activities in addition to being a great Colorado wedding venue. The trees of the Gunnison National Forest surround you at the ranch’s ceremony and reception locations, giving it a romantic, secluded feel. Did we mention it’s great for stargazing?
Guest accommodations include 13 cabins that can sleep up to 55 people. Dogs are welcome to stay in the cabins too!
Photos by Jennie Crate
Lodge at Breckenridge
The Lodge at Breckenridge is dog-friendly and overlooks the beautiful Breckenridge Ski Resort. The spacious outdoor deck allows your canine companion to take in the views with you!
Historic Main Street is just minutes away and has lots of shopping and dining options — some that welcome dogs too.
Wild Basin Lodge
Any pet would love the wide open spaces of the Wild Basin Lodge. Located near Estes Park, it has two incredible outdoor venues and 14 acres of serene alpine scenery. Whether they’re frolicking in the meadows under Mt. Meeker and Longs peak or relaxing on the banks of the St. Vrain river, it’ll surely be a highlight for them on your wedding day.
Ideas for Including Your Pet in Your Wedding
- Have them in the room while you’re getting ready.
- Take first look pictures with them.
- Have them come down the aisle with the bridal party.
- Allow them to be the ring bearer.
- Mention them when you say your vows.
- Make them your witness by having them sign your marriage license.
- Buy a cute bowtie, floral necklace, or collar to wear the day of.
- Use their picture in the decor.
Planning a Pet-Friendly Wedding? Reach Out to Skyewater!
Skyewater Photo + Film is an adventure elopement and destination wedding photo and video team based in Washington and visiting Colorado a few times each year. We help couples plan elopements all over the US, and offer insight for more than just photography: from planning assistance, finding and booking locations, vendor references and more! Reach out to our wedding photography and videography team today to get more info!
Your Photographer, Videographer + Collaborator
An introvert at heart, I always value real connection, stories, and conversation over surface-level interaction any day of the week.
Having documented 200+ weddings and elopements on camera over the last decade, if there’s one thing I’ve realized it’s that I have a knack for being the calm, welcoming, and intuitive energy couples didn’t even realize they needed.
So, I invite you to think about what it would feel like to be fully present, unapologetically yourselves, and care-free on your wedding day instead of worrying about what everyone else wants. And take comfort in knowing you have my full support, every step of the way.
