Newbie - 6 Venues on the List - Thoughts?

rkatkins · July 2010

Hi Ladies,

My fiance and I have been engaged for a few weeks now, we've narrowed down our venue list, and we're starting to make appointments to check them out. We will have between 100-125 guests, with the majority coming from out of town. Our family is in Boulder / Longmont / Lyons / Loveland. We're planning for late September 2011. Does anyone have any thoughts on these?

- Black Canyon Inn (Estes Park)

- Wild Basin Lodge (Allenspark)

- Eagle Canyon Ranch (Loveland)

- Chataqua (Boulder)

- Meadows at Marshdale (Evergreen)

- Lower Lake Ranch (Conifer)

(Let me know if it'd be better to post on the "general" Colorado board too!)

Thanks!

Happygirl210 · July 2010

if you like estes... we looked at Della Terra... a bit expensive but the place was beautiful.... We havent looked at any of the ones on your list... weve been engaged for 3 weeks and were having a hard time finding exactly what we want... One thing I can say is make a small list of things you dont want to compromise on than go look at the venues you have listed... it will make choicing alittle easier!!!!! congrats, were ENGAGED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

jafreder · July 2010

I know there have been some negative posts on here about Lower Lake Ranch. Search the board and you can read for yourself. We looked at it, but is very rustic. I have also heard good things about Lions Crest Manor in Lyons. Good luck!

CMMatza · July 2010

Hi, congrats on your engagement! I looked at Meadows at Marshdale when I was venue searching, the weird thing about it is its pretty divided for a wedding your size-mine was around 100 as well. It is really pretty but you have to divide your guests between three levels, so some of them wont be able to see your table possibly and I just didnt want to do that. You might check out Meadow Creek Bed and Breakfast or the Lakehouse at evergreen.

sakana1840 · July 2010

welcome and happy planning

i know ziltch about those places but i'm sure there are more than a few people on here who know

:-)

rkatkins · July 2010

Thanks for the suggestions ladies!

chelbell326 · July 2010

we looked at Black Canyon Inn for our wedding and it was not our favorite. Here's why: there is a swimming pool next to the ceremony site (not sure why but I just pictured some random kids being loud in the pool during our ceremony & that quickly shot the venue down on the list). Other thing was that the Twin Owls Steakhouse (reception site) at Black Canyon Inn was dark, split into a few different rooms & all of our guests would have been spread out (which I thought was weird). If I was a guest I wouldn't want to be seated in a completely different room than the bride&groom. Just my thoughts. We ended up getting married in Winter Park after searching most of the venues in Estes & being disappointed with most of them

We loved our venue (Devils Thumb Ranch).

Good Luck finding your perfect venue!!!

I've heard great things about Lionscrest Manor!

rkatkins · July 2010

Thanks chelbell. I actually like the outdoor pavilion that Black Canyon Inn has, as opposed to the lawn by the pool (that did catch my eye), but your point about Twin Owls Steakhouse is a good one. Thanks for the heads up!

nhand2206 · July 2010

We're using the Boettcher Mansion. We looked at Wild Basin Lodge and thought it was absolutely gorgeous... it's also incredibly expensive. Chataqua is also really pretty, but I don't know much about the venue options. I would just be very sure that all of these fit into your budget so you're not let down later. Our primary issue was the cost of alcohol at WBL. Our venue allows us to bring in our own alcohol, so that's a huge money saver. Lot's of things to consider... Good luck in making a decision! It will feel great to have it booked no matter which one you pick!

BBunny! · July 2010

If your willing to go a little further I have heard good things about Tapestry House in Laport (near Fort Collins) My friends were going to be married there but then switched to a place in Iowa which was closer to all of his family

I'm pretty sure it would fit your size pretty well

rkatkins · July 2010

Thanks nhand and BBunny. We have an appointment to check out WBL on Saturday, so I will be sure to ask them about alcohol. BBunny - I did see an ad for the Tapestry House, but it was seeming far away. I'll check them out again. Thanks!

MelKN · July 2010

I am getting married at Wild Basin Lodge in less than 2 weeks (eek!), and we have been very happy dealing with them. The best part of Wild Basin, aside from the freaking gorgeous scenery, is how secluded it is. They only book 1 wedding per day, so you don't feel like you're on an assembly line, as I've heard happens at other Estes Park locations (namely The Stanley). Our only regret is choosing their "enhanced package" deal which includes some flowers, a cake, and some wine and beer. I feel like we could have found ways to do these things on a budget and our per person rate wouldn't be so astronomical. Ah well, lesson learned. But very hapy with them overall and so excited to be getting married there in just 12 days!

rkatkins · July 2010

Thanks MelKN! We looked at WBL this past weekend and fell in love. We're trying to find ways to see if it can fit into the budget. We were not impressed with Black Canyon Inn, and we'll be checking out Lionscrest Manor, Lions Gate Event Center, Sylvan Dale Ranch, and Stonebrook Manor this weekend. I would love to hear how your wedding goes afer you return from your honeymoon (assuming you are taking one) and settle into life with your new husband! Congratulations and Best of Luck!

Fbrandye · October 2010

I know this is a little late but I also have looked at getting married at Wild Basin in September 2011. When we were talking to them a few weekends ago, they were so polite and said that if money was as issue they would help figure things out. They told us that alot of their couples come and work for them at other weddings and events to pay off some of their tab. I really liked that option as I want a really nice wedding and even though my parents are paying I don't want them paying a whole lot. So now I'm just waiting on the ok from my parents so that I can book the Wild Basin.
Alot of people will say I'm crazy because I only looked at one place but as a photgrapher myself I knew what I was looking for and I found it.

Newbie - 6 Venues on the List - Thoughts?

Re: Newbie - 6 Venues on the List - Thoughts?

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