I'm a fine art wedding and portrait photographer — creating a space that welcomes creativity and inspiration. Based in Colorado, my work has taken me across the globe.

Meet WHITNEY RAE

How to Plan Your Luxury Colorado Micro Wedding

intimate weddings

If you’re dreaming of a wedding that’s more about “us” and less about endless logistics, welcome to the magic of a Colorado micro-wedding. Colorado sets the stage for beautiful moments with its rugged landscapes, ever-changing seasonal beauty, and that perfect balance of laid-back appeal and sophistication. Micro-weddings are a chance to focus on the best parts of a wedding day—stunning scenery, meaningful moments, and celebrating with your closest people. Take Taylor and Griff’s day at Piney River Ranch as an example. These two wanted a secluded, breathtaking spot, and they kept things as simple as it gets: a heartfelt ceremony with family, followed by an evening of relaxed photos and time together. There is no strict timeline, no fuss—just the chance to truly be together. It was an experience that felt like an evening spent with friends and surrounded by nature.

5 Tips for Planning Your Perfect Luxury Colorado Micro Wedding

1. Choose an Intimate Venue With a Scenic Backdrop

Choosing the right venue for your micro-wedding is all about finding a spot that feels like you. Colorado has you covered everything from rustic mountain lodges to cool urban rooftops with mountain views. Smaller, more intimate venues make it easy to keep things cozy and connected—and, let’s be honest, you can treat yourself to a few extra luxuries without breaking the bank. Not only do you want these places to look good in photos, but they should also set the vibe for a scenic and laid-back day, just like a micro-wedding should be.

Micro Wedding Venues in Colorado Near Vail

  • Piney River Ranch: A favorite for good reason, Piney River Ranch is nestled at the edge of a stunning lake framed by the Gore Range mountains. It’s the perfect secluded spot if you want those “wow” mountain views and a place that feels like a hidden paradise.
  • Camp Hale Weddings: With its rich WWII history and endless mountain views, Camp Hale is a unique, beautiful option that blends rustic charm with wide-open Colorado wilderness. Plus, the ceremony views here are out-of-this-world gorgeous!
  • The 10th at Vail Mountain: For a chic yet intimate vibe, The 10th offers an upscale mountain lodge experience with panoramic views from Vail Mountain itself. It’s accessible via gondola, so you and your guests get an adventure right from the start.
  • The Sonnenalp: This European-style resort in Vail Village brings a little slice of the Alps to Colorado. With lush gardens, a cozy mountain vibe, and luxurious amenities, it’s a dream setting for a romantic and intimate gathering.
  • Donovan Pavilion: Located right in Vail, Donovan Pavilion offers a wood-beamed, elegant venue with floor-to-ceiling windows that bring the outdoors in. It’s perfect for a micro-wedding that wants the best of both worlds: modern amenities and a view of the mountains.

2. Prioritize Personalized Decor & Florals

With a smaller guest list, you can lean into the details that make your day feel like you. When there’s no need to decorate for the masses, you can focus on meaningful and personal decor, bringing your individual story to life in every little element. Colorado-inspired touches? Absolutely. Think wildflower arrangements or handmade artisan pieces from local craftspeople that add a touch of the Rockies to your day. And don’t forget the florals—working with a floral designer can be a game-changer! Whether you’re envisioning wild, untamed bouquets or evergreen accents to cozy up a winter wedding, suitable blooms can echo the natural landscape and add that effortless “Colorado” vibe. Going all-in on the details makes for stunning decor and turns your wedding into an experience that feels true to who you are.

3. Elevate the Guest Experience With Bespoke Amenities

Let’s talk about “bespoke.” If you’re in the thick of wedding planning, you’ve probably seen this word tossed around in the industry. It’s just a fancy word for “custom,” but with a little more flair—like how someone can get custom artwork for their home. In a smaller wedding, you have room to go all out with these details, making the experience extra memorable for everyone. Colorado-themed welcome bags filled with local goodies, cozy blankets for an outdoor ceremony (because, well, mountain weather), or custom cocktails, especially if they feature local spirits, can all give guests a real taste of Colorado. And for winter weddings, a hot cocoa station with all the fixings or little keepsakes like artisan-made chocolates and soaps can bring that extra “wow” factor. These thoughtful, personalized touches are things guests remember long after the day is over.

See Sarah and Chase’s intimate wedding in Telluride!

4. Collaborating With Your Colorado Micro Wedding Photographer to Curate a Timeline Maximizing Candid Moments

Let’s be real—some of the best moments at a wedding aren’t posed; they happen. That’s where a solid timeline comes in so you can have plenty of space for those candid, “you-had-to-be-there” photos. Working together on a timeline lets us plan around the best light and build in those extra moments, like a quiet, intimate first look in a secluded spot where you can breathe and take it all in. And since we’re in Colorado, we’ll definitely make the most of those epic terrains because these mountains are made for wedding photos. With a photographer who knows their way around Colorado’s scenery (hello!), you’re getting a beautiful experience that captures your day in the most authentic way possible.

5. Embrace Colorado’s Seasonal Beauty

In Colorado, every season has its appeal. Embracing that can make your wedding day feel like it belongs to a particular moment. Winter brings those magical snow-covered mountains that beg for cozy touches like faux-fur wraps and warm drinks to keep guests toasty. With its fresh wildflowers and greenery, spring is perfect for vibrant bouquets and a natural, earthy vibe. Summer gives you clear skies and lush landscapes, ideal for outdoor celebrations where the views do the talking. And fall? It’s all about those golden aspen groves and warm, rustic tones that create an incredible photo backdrop. When you lean into the season with your decor, attire, and overall theme, your wedding will feel cohesive—like it’s meant to be right where it is. Plus, seasonal elements keep things fresh, organic, and effortlessly Colorado.

You’re Ready for Your Colorado Micro Wedding!

A Colorado micro-wedding is more than just a “small wedding”—it’s a chance to create a day that’s intentional, personal, and filled with the moments that matter most to you. A smaller guest list will help you embrace the intimacy of your celebration, weaving in all those thoughtful details and touches that reflect who you are as a couple. It’s about creating a beautiful experience, surrounded by Colorado’s stunning landscapes, and knowing that each part of the day is there because it means something. If you’re ready to capture the magic of Colorado and all those unforgettable candid moments, I’d love to be part of that journey with you. Get in touch, and let’s plan your luxury micro wedding day!

If Taylor and Griff’s gallery has inspired you and want to learn more about planning a day like theirs, check out my Piney River Ranch wedding guide!

TL;DR: As a Colorado wedding photographer, my approach to documenting your day will result in timeless wedding images that accurately resemble you. From the big celebrations to the not so small in-between moments you aren't even aware are happening, the images I deliver will help you relive the day for years to come. When it comes to your wedding day, the moments you want to remember aren't always perfect, staged or scripted, they are uncut, raw and true to you.

AN HONEST WEDDING EXPERIENCE

I believe in

Dorothea Lange

“Photography takes an instant out of time, altering life by holding it still”

Words I Live by

Let's Connect

I'm WHITNEY.

*Virtual Wave*

Hello! I feel beyond honored that you've made your way here! In order to give you the best representation of who you'll be spending your wedding day (one of the best days you'll live) with, here's a brief run down!

First and foremost, I'm a mountain gal through and through. I was born and raised in Vail, Colorado and unless it's another mountain town, my husband and I will always call this home. It's the tightly knit community, the fresh air (but really, it hits different here), the scenery and most importantly for us, the recreation + lifestyle. This is something that will always come through in my work, and what I believe sets me just a little bit apart - I am, and will forever be, inspired by the poetry of love in landscapes. 

I have a deep desire to be on the move, to see everything before I don't have the opportunity to, and are therefore happiest when traveling and exploring new places (which I feel so lucky is a part of my work!) 
























 




Spending quality time hiking/biking/skiing/camping with my husband and our two border collies, clocking in some R&R at home or catching up with a friend over a glass of wine/craft beer are things that always sit at the top of the priority list.

If you're in to it- I'm a Libra, A Manifesting Generator (6-2) and an Enneagram 7 Wing 6/8. In short, I'm a people person, an optimist, and for lack of better terms- like to get shit done and make things happen. I'm a feeler, with a strong sense of empathy and sense of what people are experiencing, both when it comes to myself and others. I'm a bit of a goof, a tiny little thing packed with some sass, and ultimately just want to live a fun and adventurous life that's packed with new experiences and people. 

..I guess that's why I do what I do. I feel so grateful to be on this journey of having my own business where I have freedom to curate the life I want to live, where I get to connect with truly so many amazing humans, travel to some really beautiful places, and document that as a whole, as creatively and beautifully as I can for you.

Copyright 2024 WHITNEY RAE  |  Template Design by With Grace and Gold |