Because choosing a venue can be the most daunting choice in planning your wedding.  Will it fit all your guests? Will it look good in photographs?  Is there a place to get ready? what about cleanup?! Time limits!?? YIKES!  The list seems never ending.
Where, oh where, will your wedding be held?

A few things to consider –

  1. Shelter. Lets be honest, I’m partial outdoor weddings but the weather here is insane.  Who wants to spend months and even years planning a wedding only to be rained (or snowed) out at the last moment?  NO ONE.  (…unless you love the rain (like me) and your day would be made if it poured wet sparkly rain down on your vows…) But I digress, planning an outdoor wedding and then having an indoor backup plan/shelter is a GREAT idea.
  2. Travel.  If you go with separate venues for your ceremony and reception, you’ll have to plan for group travel between the two locations.  This can take up extra time and budget, but it can be SO worth it! 
  3. Remote locations.  Some locations are fairly remote so you’ll have to make extra considerations. Lack of cell service (that could be a good or a bad thing), access to restrooms, where you’ll be getting ready, how you and your guests will get home after a day of celebrating are all things to consider as you’re choosing your venue.
You can have the best of both worlds.
With this list, we’ve totally got your back.  Here are my favorite wedding venues in Southeastern Wyoming.  All within a 1hr drive of Laramie, Wyoming.

Wedding Venues near Centennial, Wyoming

Snowy Range –  Lake Marie

The Snowy Range Summit.  G O S H.  This is probably one of the prettiest locations I can think of, and also a favorite for ENGAGEMENTS.  Mountains scrape the skies and crystal clear lakes lap at their feet.  Pines, and year round snow banks.  I really cant do this place justice with words. You’ll just have to SEE it for YOURSELF.  Again, the nearby Snowy Range Ski Area is a beautiful option for a reception venue. The Snowies are honestly one of my favorite places to shoot, can you tell? 😉 This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Medicine-Bow-National-Forest-Engagement-Session-4-1024x768.jpg Topping the list as the most popular location is Lake Marie in Medicine Bow National Forest. Stunning granite peaks soar high above crystalline waters… truly a must-see for anyone visiting Wyoming! See more of Lake Marie: An Elopement | An Intimate Wedding How to get there: 14 miles west of Centennial, WY on Hwy 130. Season: Hwy 130 is usually open memorial day to early November, wildflowers peak in late July/early August. Accessibility: There is a short paved path from the parking area (which has restrooms) to the lake shore. Permit/Reservation Info: contact Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest for A Special Use Permit for groups of 75 or more. Notes: This is a remote location for a ceremony only, there is no venue or shelter. This area is well above 10,000ft in elevation. Pease use extreme caution with older guests and anyone who may have breathing or blood pressure issues. It’s common for it to be sunny and well over 80 degrees one minute and stormy, possibly snowing, and under 35 degrees the next. Layers are suggested.

St Albans Chapel – Snowy Range

If a more traditional church wedding calls to you as equally as a mountaintop wedding… this is the place for you! This picturesque chapel features rows of wood pews and a shaded altar. See more of St Albans Chapel: Venue | An Intimate Wedding | Wedding featuring Rainbows & Moose How to get there: Just off of Hwy 130, on Brooklyn Lake Road. Season: Hwy 130 is usually open memorial day to early November, Brooklyn Lake Road is usually closed later into the season. Accessibility: There is a gravel path from the parking area to the chapel, there are no restrooms at this site. Permit/Reservation Info: contact St Matthews Episcopal Cathedral Notes: This is a remote location for a ceremony only, there is no venue or shelter, though the nearby brooklyn lake cabin may be reservable as well from the forest service. This area is well above 10,000ft in elevation. Pease use extreme caution with older guests and anyone who may have breathing or blood pressure issues. It’s common for it to be sunny and well over 80 degrees one minute and stormy, possibly snowing, and under 35 degrees the next. Layers are suggested. Brooklyn Lake Road is a dirt road that can become muddy and rough during wet weather.

Brooklyn Lodge – Snowy Range

Just a few miles from St Albans Chapel lays Brooklyn Lodge, an intimate cabin on a meadow makes the perfect place to host your reception, ceremony, or both!  See more of Brooklyn Lodge: Wedding featuring Rainbows & Moose! How to get there: Just off of Hwy 130. Season: Hwy 130 is usually open memorial day to early November.  Reservation Info: https://brooklynlodge.com/ Notes: This is a gorgeous privately owned venue with a lodge and space to set up a tent. This area is well above 10,000ft in elevation. Pease use extreme caution with older guests and anyone who may have breathing or blood pressure issues. It’s common for it to be sunny and well over 80 degrees one minute and stormy, possibly snowing, and under 35 degrees the next. Layers are suggested. 

Vee Bar Guest Ranch

The Vee Bar is a scenic location AND venue all rolled into one.  Just take a peek at this styled inspirational shoot that was featured in Rocky Mountain Bride, OR this amazing engagement session and you’ll see… it’s truly the best of both worlds.
Vee Bar Guest Ranch
If cowboy hats, historic barns, wild mustangs, and a truly Wyoming elopement is calling your name… this is the venue for you! Unlike the other locations on National Forests, this is located on a private guest ranch.
See more of the Vee Bar: A Spring Intimate Wedding | A Big Fall Wedding | A Small Winter Wedding How to get there: West of Laramie on Hwy 11. Season: Year round Accessibility: A full service guest ranch and working horse ranch, boots are suggested! Reservation Info: https://veebar.com/  Notes: The Vee Bar Guest Ranch and it’s sister property, Deerwood Ranch Wild Horse Ecosanctuary feature wild horses, historic barns, views of the Laramie River and Centennial Valley, as well as cabins and lodging.

Deerwood Ranch

Nestled a little closer to Centennial, Wyoming, Deerwood ranch wedding venue features guest cabins, gorgeous river and mountain views, and a large barn for hosting events.  If cowboy hats, carriage rides, wild mustangs, and a truly Wyoming wedding is calling your name… this is the venue for you! 
See more of Deerwood:  Here How to get there: West of Laramie on Hwy 11. Season: Year round Accessibility: A full service guest ranch and working horse ranch, boots are suggested! Reservation Info: Deerwood Ranch Notes: Deerwood Ranch Wild Horse Ecosanctuary features wild horses, historic barns, views of the Laramie River and Centennial Valley, as well as cabins and lodging.

Wedding Venues in Laramie, Wyoming

Ivinson Mansion/Alice Hardy Stevens Center

Ivinson Mansion Wedding in Laramie, WY by Megan Lee Photography See more of Ivinson:  Lush Summer WeddingWinter reception | Bright summer wedding How to get there: Right in the center of Laramie, Wyoming. Season: Year round Accessibility: A full service wedding venue. Reservation Info: http://www.laramiemuseum.org/rent_ahsc.html Notes: The beautiful Ivinson Mansion is the most popular wedding venue in town.  With gorgeous gardens, a historic mansion, large shaded lawn, and beautiful Alice Hardy Stevens event center, this venue has everything you need to throw your perfect event. 

Hynds Lodge, Curt Gowdy State Park

Halfway between Laramie and Cheyenne, the state park offers a wide array of scenic locations.  From the lake, to the creek, to the beautiful rock formations, and open fields the possibilities are endless!  The park is located just 25-40 minutes away from both Laramie and Cheyenne Wyoming so you’d be able to host your reception easily in either location.  In the park is the Hynds lodge and amphitheater which can be rented for events.  The lodge is ADORABLE, with its log cabin walls and massive wood fireplace, but it is also quite small(perfect for getting ready or for a VERY small reception).

Nestled in the red rock formations and mountain range between Cheyenne, Wyoming and Laramie, Wyoming sits Curt Gowdy State Park. There are many scenic and beautiful locations for vows within the park, some of my favorites are: Hynds Lodge, Middle Crow Creek, and Upper North Crow Reservoir. See more of Hynds Lodge venue at Curt Gowdy State Park: A Large Boho Themed Wedding | Intimate wedding How to get there: Between Laramie and Cheyenne on Happy Jack RD. Season: Year round, however winters are brutal and not for anyone easily chilled. Accessibility: Varies based on location, some are decent hikes, others you can drive right up to. Permit/Reservation Info: Day use required plus a permit depending on group size. Find more info HERE. Notes: This area is prone to extreme winds and extremely cold conditions are possible year round, but especially November-March. In the summer, it’s common for it to be sunny and well over 90 degrees one minute and stormy, possibly snowing, and under 50 degrees the next. Layers and proper precautions are suggested.

Wedding Venues near Cheyenne, Wyoming

Hereford Ranch

A gorgeous historic ranch located just outside of Cheyenne Wyoming, Hereford ranch has everthing you could need for hosting the wedding of your dreams!  Western vibes, lush grasses, and beautiful red barns. See more of Hereford Ranch: Elegant ceremony | Romantic vibes How to get there: Just south of Cheyenne Wyoming. Season: Year round. Reservation Info:http://www.wyomingherefordranch.com/weddings.htm

Little America

Reception at Little America in Cheyenne, WY With beautiful golf courses, a resort hotel, and ballrooms as grand as this one… the Little America in Cheyenne, Wyoming is one CLASSY place to host a larger celebration!  If dancing the night away in a GORGEOUS climate controlled environment is your goal, this is your place! See more of Little America: Epic Dance Party How to get there: Just south of Cheyenne Wyoming. Season: Year round. Reservation Info: https://cheyenne.littleamerica.com/weddings-celebrations/

Kiwanis Community Center

This hidden gem of a wedding venue is right in the center of Cheyenne, Wyoming and features a big indoor venue with a large open space and deck area opening out onto the lake… stunning!  The perfect blank slate for hosting your event.  See more of the Kiwanis Community Center: Kelly & Jon   |   Jessica & Jack  How to get there: Right in the center of town inside Lyons park and adjacent to the botanic gardens. Season: Year round. Reservation Info: https://cheyennerec.org/facility-rentals/

St Mary’s Cathedral

A gorgeous cathedral in downtown Cheyenne, Wyoming.  See more of St Mary’s:  Jessica & Jack  |  Megan & Tyson How to get there: In the heart of Downtown Cheyenne, Wyoming. Season: Year round. Reservation Info:

Cheyenne Frontier Days Event Center

The brand new event center at the Cheyenne Frontier Days grounds is a gorgeous and elegant place to host your event. With the Botanic Gardens nearby for those wanting a more lush ceremony environment, the CFD Event Center has a large reception area as well as a rooftop deck!  The options are limitless. 😉 See more of Cheyenne Frontier Days Event Center: Tayler & Tyler How to get there: At the south side of the CFD grounds. Reservation Info:  Here

Cheyenne Botanic Gardens

St Mary's Cathedral Wedding in Cheyenne Wyoming by Megan Lee PhotographyThe indoor greenhouses at Cheyenne Botanic Gardens make the PERFECT place for portraits, year round. Outside the Botanic Gardens are an excellent place for any garden themed wedding.   See more of Cheyenne Botanic Gardens: Megan & Tyson  |   Tayler & Tyler Season: All Reservation Info: https://www.botanic.org/reserve/weddings/

First Presbyterian Church, Cheyenne, Wyoming

A gorgeous church located in the center of Downtown Cheyenne, Wyoming. See more of the first Presbyterian:  Kelly & Jon  How to get there: Directly in the heart of Downtown Cheyenne, Wyoming  Season: All Reservation Info: https://firstprescheyenne.org/

 

Wedding Venues in Saratoga, Wyoming

Brush Creek Ranch

Boho Wedding in Sarataoga, WY by Laramie based photographer, Megan Lee Photography Truly extraordinary western venues, farm-to-table cuisine, premium accommodation & in-house event planning team. Celebrate love and host your perfect wedding at Brush Creek Ranch in Saratoga, Wyoming. See more:  Jacquelyn & Christopher Reservation Info: https://www.brushcreekranch.com/events

Old Baldy Golf Club

Beautiful golf course in Saratoga, Wyoming along the banks of the North Platte river, you really couldnt ask for a more beautiful venue! See more of Old Baldy:  Megan & Nick Reservation Info: https://www.oldbaldyclub.com/

Platte Valley Community Center, Saratoga, Wyoming

Veterans Island Park Wedding by Laramie based photographer, Megan Lee Photography Conveniently located in downtown Saratoga, Wyoming this cute little community center offers indoor areas to get ready as well as an outdoor lawn and indoor auditorium for hosting your event.  And bonus, it’s walking distance from Veterans park, the hot springs, and the historic Wolf hotel. See more: Tyler & Kylee Reservation Info: https://pvcenter.org/

Just south of the the border…

Mishawaka Amphitheater, Cache La Poudre River Canyon

Lastly, just north of 287 the The Cache La Poudre River pours out of a steep rocky canyon in the Rocky Mountains.  Big mountain views and this powerful river makes for stunning scenery.  In the center of this canyon, nestled on the banks of the river is the Mishawaka amphitheater. – The perfect place for an outdoor sunset wedding.

A few extra resources…

as you’re planning your non-traditional wedding! Weather & Lodging The weather here can be completely unpredictable and while Wyoming residents may be used to the sever temperature changes, visitors may be unpleasantly surprised! For this reason I highly recommend finding either a venue or lodgings that could be used as a backup location for your vows. Places like guest ranches with a lodge, a bar/restaurant with a large room for events, or even a large Airbnb work great for this! Rentals If you decide to have 20 or more guests in attendance, you may want to rent some furniture or decor for your chosen location. Chairs and arches are especially popular for small events. For this I highly recommend Echoes Of Yesterday out of Laramie, Wyoming. Food & Beverage While I ALWAYS recommend popping some champagne and toasting with your guests (even if it’s just me😉) after the ceremony, sometimes something a little more extravagant is in order. If a catered meadow picnic, coffee bar with pastries, or tacos-for-all is what you’re dreaming of, here’s who to call. Turtle Rock Coffee & Cafe – For the cutest coffee & donuts to the most gorgeous charcuterie spreads imaginable… plus much more! Chacho’s Tacos – The tastiest taco truck you ever could find! Chef Without a Kitchen – If a more traditional, full service meal is what you’re picturing, Chad’s who you should talk to! Icing on the Cake If you ask me, no wedding is complete with out flowers and cake! For flowers I recommend Poppy’s in Downtown Laramie, Wyoming. And for your mini-wedding? Mini Cakes! Cupcakes from The Sugar Mouse are always a huge fan favorite.