The wedding industry in southwestern Colorado has evolved into a diverse market catering to both high-end destination events and intimate, budget-friendly ceremonies.
From Telluride’s luxury mountain venues to Delta County’s community-centered celebrations, couples have a wide range of options — and price points — to consider.
Where Are People Getting Married?
Southwestern Colorado has become a popular destination for couples seeking breathtaking backdrops and unique wedding experiences. Telluride, in particular, stands out as a premier destination. Known for its stunning mountain vistas, Telluride offers venues like the San Sophia Overlook, which provides panoramic views of the San Juan Mountains. Couples also opt for intimate ceremonies at locations such as the Alta Lakes Observatory, accommodating up to 50 guests in a secluded alpine setting.
Montrose County continues to attract couples with its blend of rustic charm and accessibility. Venues like Antler Ridge and Storm King Mountain Ranch offer picturesque settings, while more budget-friendly options like the Temple Events Center provide versatility for various wedding styles. Brette Huff, a wedding planner and owner of Wild Poppy Events, notes a shift towards experience-based weddings:
“People are choosing experiences over just traditions. They’re seeking unique locations, whether it’s a scenic overlook or a charming ranch.”
Ouray County offers mountain scenery that appeals to couples desiring a picturesque outdoor ceremony. Many weddings here involve guests traveling from outside the region, contributing to the local tourism economy.
Delta County, while less of a destination hotspot, provides a more intimate setting for local couples. With its agricultural backdrop, weddings here tend to be community-centric, focusing on family and local traditions.
Wedding costs in these regions vary significantly based on location, guest count, and desired experiences.
Montrose Costs
In Montrose County, the average wedding cost increased from $24,601 in 2023 to $29,784 in 2024, with a median cost of $17,852. While overall spending is on the rise, the allocation of expenses provides further insight into where couples are investing their budgets:
Venue: The average cost for a wedding venue in Montrose is $6,034, with a median cost of $2,936. Popular venues range from rustic ranches to more traditional event centers.
Wedding Planner: Couples in Montrose spend an average of $3,490 on wedding planning services, with a median cost of $1,501.
Photography: Capturing the big day costs an average of $2,471, with a median of $1,555. This category often includes both engagement and wedding day shoots.
Wedding Dress: Brides in Montrose typically spend $1,764 on a dress, with a median cost of $936.
Food and Bar Service: Catering costs average $2,968, with a median of $2,313 for food and drink packages.
Entertainment: Couples opting for DJs spend an average of $1,087, with a median of $806. Those booking live bands pay more, averaging $2,977, with a median of $1,643.
Flowers: Florals, from bouquets to centerpieces, average $1,200, with a median of $750.
Surrounding Areas
For those seeking upscale experiences, Telluride remains the priciest destination in the region, with average wedding costs ranging between $36,000 and $44,000. Venue rentals alone can cost $5,000 to $20,000. Meanwhile, Ouray averaged $36,377 in 2024, with a median of $21,650.
In contrast, Delta County’s more intimate, community-oriented weddings come in at a lower price point. The average wedding cost was $25,113, with a median of $15,154. Couples in Delta tend to focus more on family-centered celebrations, with lower expenditures on high-end venues and more emphasis on local vendors and smaller gatherings.
As the wedding market in southwestern Colorado evolves, so do spending habits. With couples prioritizing unique, experience-driven events over more traditional setups, vendors are adapting to meet the demand for personalized, memorable weddings. For those planning their 2025 celebrations, understanding where other couples are spending their budgets can be a useful guide in crafting a wedding day that aligns with both style and budget.
Justin Tubbs is the Montrose Business Times editor. He can be reached by email at justin@montrosebusinesstimes.com or by phone at 970-765-0915 or mobile at 254-246-2260.
