Wild Basin Lodge Wedding

Wild Basin Lodge is the ideal destination for a Rocky Mountain National Park wedding. Situated just outside the Estes Park entrance, the rustic Colorado wedding venue has it all. The warm and rustic feel of the lodge feels very Colorado. It is quickly accessible from Estes Park (only 20 minutes away) but also situated on a quiet river bank making you feel totally secluded in the mountains.

It was love at first sight, at least for Chris, he saw Spenser in a picture. Chris had to find out who she was, so he reached out to a mutual friend. After finding out that she was studying abroad in France, he bided his time until they could meet in person. When they finally did, sparks flew for both of them.

Wedding venue just outside Rocky Mountain National Park

Since they’re currently living in Denver, the couple wanted to stay within a reasonable distance for their guests. They also knew they wanted to marry in their beloved mountains. The Wild Basin Lodge in Allenspark was only about 60 miles from Denver and provided the secluded mountain feel they wanted. 

Spenser gave individual gifts and letters to each of her family members and bridesmaids, then slipped into her dress while they were opening. Her bridesmaids all gasped as she did a special reveal for them in her stunning Monique Lhuillier gown.

The couple knew that the natural landscape of the mountains would be dramatic, so they gravitated toward classic and romantic in their wedding design. Spenser chose blush tones and greenery. There were flowers and greenery everywhere. They had floral pillars on the ground during the ceremony, dried flower confetti thrown after the first kiss, and bud vases throughout the venue. At the reception, the dinner tables had simple green arrangements and the entire dance floor was draped in greenery to an ethereal effect. 

The Creekside First Look

The bride and groom wanted to maximize their time together on the wedding day, so they opted for having a first look. Often first looks can feel a little staged, but this one was as authentic and beautiful as it looks. It was total peace listening to the water roll over the rocks in the creek. I think mother nature just lulled everyone into the moment that Chris got to see his bride.

Introducing the wedding party

These are some good friends. Laid-back as they come. Even when they all huddled together under a gazebo to escape a quick rainstorm, they were in great spirits. The guys even helped their guy out by brushing a little crawling critter off Chris’s midnight blue tuxedo. They all had a great time and were the perfect entourage for the couple. 

Unique aspects of the Colorado wedding ceremony

The ring-warming element was a favorite part of the ceremony. It allowed guests to participate in blessing the couple’s wedding bands. All the guests had a chance to hold the rings and give a blessing to the couple. Seriously, it was the sweetest to watch. I felt the beautiful symbolism of their love as they passed the rings through the rows.

Unique Wild Basin Lodge Wedding Ceremony Site

This processional included a lot of firsts for me as a wedding photographer. First, Spenser asked both of her parents to accompany her down the aisle. I love that she not only had her dad but also included her sweet mom. It made me wonder why we have only had the dad walk his daughter down the aisle. Does anyone know the answer to that? Now I’m down that ambiguous question rabbit hole, why isn’t there a mother-daughter dance at the reception? Please feel free to add a comment below!

Also, Spenser’s gorgeous veil from Little White Dress Bridal in Denver included a blusher so she wore it over her face going down the aisle. Another tradition I hadn’t seen but am a very big fan of! Let’s have more blushers down the aisle!

Colorado Cocktail Hour with Llamas

Guests were greeted by two llamas and serve water along with beer and canned cocktails upon arrival at the cocktail hour. Spenser and Chris got to feed the llamas and have a drink with their old friends and new fuzzy ones.

The couple opted to have an al fresco first dance at the riverside River Run amphitheater

Wild Basin Lodge Reception Dinner

Dancing the night away at Wild Basin Lodge

At the end of the evening, Spenser revealed her second look, a two piece satin set, during an entire wedding party group photo. Their friends and family waved goodbye with led light wands lighting up the night.

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