A wedding weekend is about more than one special day. It is also about bringing favorite people together, sharing meaningful traditions, and creating memories in a place that feels like home. For Erin and John, their celebration began with a relaxed, Western-inspired rehearsal dinner and welcome party at a private family property in Colorado. The land has been part of John’s family for over 100 years, making it a place filled with childhood memories, family history, and a special connection to the couple’s journey. Our Denver wedding photographers had the pleasure of capturing this beautiful evening, surrounded by aspen trees, open meadows, and breathtaking mountain views.
Erin and John first connected on Hinge while living in the New York City area, with John in Brooklyn and Erin in Jersey City. Their story has since taken them to Seattle, where they have embraced a new chapter together and enjoy everything the Pacific Northwest has to offer. Hiking, going on walks, exploring outdoor activities, cooking together, and reading are some of their favorite ways to spend time.
Although their lives have taken them to different places, Colorado has always held a special meaning for them. John grew up spending summers on the family property with his grandparents, and over the years, Erin has made wonderful memories there during summer vacations with the Carey family. Choosing this location for their wedding weekend was a natural decision. It gave them the opportunity to share a place they love with the people who mean the most to them.
A Relaxed Western Welcome Party
For their rehearsal dinner and welcome party, Erin and John wanted a celebration that felt casual, fun, and unmistakably Colorado. Guests were encouraged to embrace Western-inspired fashion, arriving in cowboy boots, hats, bolo ties, and Western dresses. The atmosphere was relaxed and welcoming, especially for friends and family who had traveled from out of town to celebrate with them.
Erin looked lovely in a white lace tiered midi dress, finished with a tan Stetson cowboy hat that perfectly suited the evening’s theme. John complemented her look in a blue suit with a crisp white shirt, turquoise bolo tie, and white cowboy hat. Together, they brought just the right mix of Western charm and effortless style to the celebration.
As the evening settled in, guests gathered beneath glowing outdoor string lights before enjoying dinner inside the cozy log cabin. The warm setting encouraged everyone to relax, catch up, and enjoy being together. Heartfelt toasts, shared laughter, and conversations filled the evening, creating the perfect welcome for the wedding weekend ahead.
The private family property provided a stunning natural setting for the celebration. Surrounded by tall aspen trees, open fields, pine groves, and distant mountain peaks, the landscape reflected everything Erin and John love about Colorado. It was not simply a beautiful location; it was a meaningful part of their family story.
Our Denver wedding photographers enjoyed capturing the character of the property, from the cozy log cabin to the wide-open meadow and scenic mountain backdrop. The outdoor string lights added a welcoming glow as the evening progressed, while the surrounding landscape gave the celebration a peaceful, distinctly Colorado feel.
One of the most special parts of photographing a family property is knowing that every corner can hold a memory. For John, the land brought back summers spent with his grandparents. For Erin, it represented years of shared vacations and growing connections with the Carey family. Now, it would become the setting for another important chapter in their lives.
After dinner and the heartfelt toasts, we took Erin and John out into the meadow for golden-hour portraits. As the sun softened over the Colorado landscape, the couple enjoyed a quiet moment together away from the excitement of the welcome party. The sweeping mountain views and surrounding pine groves created a beautiful natural backdrop for their photographs.
John twirled Erin through the grass, bringing out the playful side of their relationship. They also took a relaxed stroll through the meadow, sharing smiles and enjoying the peaceful scenery. Erin’s white lace dress and tan cowboy hat stood out beautifully against the earthy tones of the landscape, while John’s blue suit added a lovely touch of color.
We love sessions like this because they allow couples to simply enjoy each other while we document the moments naturally. Rather than making every photograph feel posed, we focus on genuine interactions, movement, and the little expressions that make each couple unique. The result was a collection of portraits that captured both the romance of the evening and the laid-back Western spirit of their celebration.
As the sky grew darker, the welcome party continued with family and friends gathering for group photographs beneath the starry Colorado night sky. The atmosphere felt intimate and joyful, with loved ones sharing in the excitement of the weekend ahead.
The evening was a wonderful introduction to the celebration that would follow. While the rehearsal dinner embraced a fun Western aesthetic, Erin and John’s wedding day would transition into a more romantic mountain meadow vision, featuring periwinkle, soft blue, sage green, and white. Together, the two events reflected different sides of the couple: their relaxed love for the outdoors and their appreciation for timeless, elegant details.
Erin and John’s rehearsal dinner and welcome party was a beautiful celebration of family, friendship, and the Colorado landscape they hold so close. From the Western-inspired outfits and cozy cabin dinner to the golden-hour portraits and starry-night group photographs, every moment reflected the warmth and personality of the couple.
At Original Weddings, we believe every part of a wedding weekend deserves to be remembered. Our Denver wedding photographers love documenting rehearsal dinners, welcome parties, and celebrations in meaningful locations, capturing the candid interactions and thoughtful details that make each gathering special. Erin and John’s evening was a lovely reminder that the most memorable celebrations are often the ones rooted in personal history and shared experiences.
Planning a Colorado wedding weekend or a rehearsal dinner at a private family property? Reach out to us! We would love to capture your celebration and preserve the moments that make your story one of a kind.
Original Weddings is a team of Denver wedding photographers and videographers. Please click here to learn more about our Denver photography and videography services. This rehearsal dinner was edited in our Timeless editing style. We offer three different photography editing styles: Timeless, Airy and Rustic. Please click here to learn more about our photography styles. You pick the style you love for your photos.
Wedding Photos | Denver Wedding Photographers
Denver Wedding Photographers at Colorado Backyard Weddings
At Original Weddings, our Denver wedding photographers love capturing celebrations at Colorado backyard wedding venues. With the beautiful Rocky Mountain scenery, open meadows, towering aspen trees, and peaceful outdoor surroundings, these settings offer a wonderful backdrop for couples who want a personal and relaxed wedding experience. Whether you are celebrating on a private family property, beneath a canopy of string lights, or beside a cozy mountain cabin, we make the most of the natural beauty around you. We use thoughtful composition and natural light to create photographs that feel timeless, genuine, and full of personality. From romantic couple portraits in the meadow to joyful group photographs with family and friends, we capture the moments that make your celebration unique.
Backyard weddings give couples the freedom to create an atmosphere that reflects their unique story. Our Denver wedding photographers capture every detail, from Western-inspired welcome parties and outdoor dinner settings to thoughtful decor and family traditions. We love documenting candid interactions, heartfelt speeches, and spontaneous laughter while making the most of the beautiful Colorado scenery. As the evening unfolds, we capture the glowing string lights and lively celebrations that make outdoor weddings special. At Original Weddings, we preserve the beauty, atmosphere, and emotions of your day through photographs you can treasure for years to come.
Denver Wedding Videographers at Colorado Backyard Weddings
At Original Weddings, our Denver wedding videographers love capturing the beauty and personality of Colorado backyard weddings. From mountain views and open meadows to aspen trees and cozy outdoor gathering spaces, these settings provide a stunning backdrop for cinematic wedding films. We document every meaningful moment, from welcoming guests and sharing heartfelt toasts to exchanging vows and celebrating beneath the evening sky.
We also capture the little details that bring your wedding story to life, including outdoor décor, Western-inspired attire, family interactions, and romantic golden-hour portraits. Through natural footage, movement, music, and genuine emotion, we create films that reflect the atmosphere of your celebration. Our goal is to help you relive not only how your wedding looked but also how it felt. Let our Denver wedding videographers preserve your Colorado backyard celebration in a film you can enjoy for years to come.
1. How much does a Backyard Wedding Cost in Colorado?
A backyard wedding in Colorado can cost anywhere from $5,000 to $20,000 or more, depending on guest count, location, and the level of styling. Smaller celebrations on private family property can be more affordable, especially when you already have access to tables, chairs, and other essentials. However, expenses such as catering, rentals, tents, restrooms, lighting, and decor can add up quickly. Couples should also consider permits, insurance, and weather preparations when setting their budget.
2. What are Some Good Backyard Wedding Venues in Colorado?
Colorado offers plenty of beautiful settings for a backyard-style wedding, from private mountain properties to rustic ranches and garden estates. Couples can explore family-owned homes, vacation properties, and outdoor event spaces around Boulder, Denver, Estes Park, and Colorado Springs. Look for locations with mountain views, open lawns, mature trees, and enough space for dining and dancing. Some private properties also offer cabins or covered patios, making them lovely options for couples who want a relaxed celebration surrounded by Colorado’s natural beauty.
3. What are Some Affordable Wedding Venues in Colorado That Cost Under $3,000?
Couples searching for Colorado wedding venues under $3,000 can consider public parks, community halls, smaller gardens, and private backyard properties. Some venues offer affordable ceremony-only packages or weekday rates, which can help keep costs manageable. Colorado state and local parks may also provide budget-friendly ceremony locations, although reservations, permits, and guest restrictions vary. Remember that the venue rental fee may not include chairs, tables, restrooms, or catering. Always confirm current pricing and additional charges directly with the venue before booking.
