A Blackstone Rivers Ranch wedding is one of the most iconic mountain weddings you can have in Colorado—and here’s what makes it different: you get the whole place to yourself.
Located just 35 minutes west of Denver in Idaho Springs, this 22-acre riverfront property offers something most mountain venues can’t—genuine mountain beauty without making your guests drive four hours into the Rockies. And because they only host one wedding per day, you’re not sharing your ceremony site with strangers.
Over the last 10 years as a Colorado wedding photographer, I’ve worked at dozens of mountain venues. Blackstone stands out because of that combination of accessibility, exclusivity, and natural beauty. This guide covers everything you need to know about planning a Blackstone Rivers Ranch wedding.
Blackstone Rivers Ranch At a Glance:
Events: Weddings, Special Events, Corporate
Blackstone Rivers Ranch Wedding Cost: Pricing ranges from $6,000 – $14,500.
Capacity: 200 Guests
Address: 3673 Chicago Creek Rd, Idaho Springs, CO 80452
Why Choose Blackstone Rivers Ranch for Your Wedding?
The Best of Both Worlds: Mountain Beauty Near Denver
Here’s the problem a lot of Colorado couples face: you want a mountain wedding, but most mountain venues are 2-4 hours from Denver. That means your out-of-state guests are dealing with long drives after flying into DIA.
Blackstone solves this. It’s tucked into a mountain valley along Chicago Creek, surrounded by aspens and pines, with the sound of the river as your ceremony backdrop. But it’s only 35 minutes from downtown Denver. Your guests get the full mountain wedding experience—creekside ceremony, forest setting, fresh mountain air—without the logistical headache.
Exclusive Use of the Entire Property
Most venues pack multiple events into a single day. Not at Blackstone. They host one event per day. When you book this Colorado wedding venue, the entire 22-acre property is yours.
This exclusivity means you can start getting ready at noon if you want. You can take your time with photos. You’re not being rushed out at 10pm because someone else booked the space tomorrow morning.
Multiple Ceremony and Reception Options
One thing I love about Blackstone as a photographer: you have real options depending on weather, vibe, and guest count. Creekside ceremony with tented reception? Lodge ceremony with outdoor cocktails? It’s all on the table.
Ceremony and Reception Spaces at Blackstone Rivers Ranch
Highbanker Beach (Creekside Ceremony Site)
This is the main ceremony site—literally beside Chicago Creek with the water rushing past. The ceremony seating is arranged in a semi-circle of log benches under the aspens. The sound of the creek creates ambient background that makes the whole ceremony feel more intimate.
The forest setting means dappled light throughout the day. As a photographer, this is actually ideal—no harsh shadows, no squinting guests, just soft even light.
The Shaker (Covered Outdoor Reception Tent)
The Shaker is your reception space—a large covered tent with sailcloth draping, string lights, and room for 250 guests. You get fresh mountain air and forest vibes, but you’re protected from Colorado weather.
The floor is paved, which matters more than you’d think. No mud, no uneven ground, no heels sinking into grass. Reviews on WeddingWire consistently mention how the tent balances outdoor atmosphere with practical comfort—4.9 out of 5 rating from hundreds of couples.
Mother Lode Lodge (Indoor Option)
The Mother Lode Lodge is your indoor backup with getting-ready suites, bathrooms, and rustic lodge aesthetic. Exposed wood, high ceilings, that authentic Colorado feel—but updated and comfortable. You can hold your ceremony here if weather doesn’t cooperate or use it for cocktail hour.
Photo Locations on Property
Beyond the main spaces, you’ve got the covered wooden bridge over the creek, groves of aspens (stunning in fall), wildflower areas, and string lights that photograph beautifully once the sun sets.
According to local photographers, the forest setting creates ideal lighting all day. If you want dramatic mountain vistas, you’ll need to leave the venue—the property is nestled in a valley. But there are incredible vista locations 20-30 minutes away.
What’s Included at Blackstone Rivers Ranch?
What’s Included at Blackstone Rivers Ranch?
Tables and Chairs: Provided—ceremony benches, cocktail tables, and reception furniture. You’re not bringing in rentals for basics.
Full Bar Service: Multiple bar packages customized to your preferences. They handle alcohol, bartenders, and setup.
Getting Ready Suites: Both bride and groom spaces in the Mother Lode Lodge. Air conditioned, comfortable, 30 seconds from the ceremony site.
Claim Jumper Cabin: A small creekside cabin on property that sleeps four. It’s included in some packages, available to rent for others. Perfect for your wedding night or the morning after.
Professional Coordination: Day-of coordination is included. Couples on The Knot consistently praise the Blackstone team’s attention to detail.
Blackstone Rivers Ranch Wedding Cost and Packages
According to Blackstone’s official wedding packages, pricing ranges from $5,000 to $16,000 depending on package, season, and day of the week.
Grand Wedding Packages: $6,000 – $16,000
Full-day events with ceremony, reception, exclusive property use, tables and chairs, getting-ready suites, and coordination. Higher-tier packages include the Claim Jumper Cabin, rehearsal dinner options, and wine tastings.
Elopement and Petite Wedding Packages: Starting at $1,800
If you’re planning an elopement in Colorado, Blackstone offers smaller 3-hour packages available on weekdays year-round.
What Affects Pricing:
- Day of week (Saturdays cost more)
- Season (May-October peak pricing)
- Guest count
- Package inclusions
When Should You Get Married at Blackstone Rivers Ranch?
Late May – October: Peak Season
The outdoor tent is comfortable, wildflowers bloom (June-July), aspens turn gold (September-October). Fall Saturdays book early—couples love those golden aspens.
Summer note: Expect afternoon thunderstorms at 8,000 feet. Plan ceremony for late afternoon, and the tent becomes essential.
November – April: Off-Season
Lower pricing, higher availability. Snow is likely, and winter weddings require different planning. Roads can be tricky, but if you embrace the snow, it photographs beautifully.
Elevation Considerations:
At 8,000 feet, out-of-state guests may feel altitude effects. Have water stations everywhere. Temps drop 20-30 degrees from afternoon to evening even in summer—plan for guest comfort with heaters and blankets.
Booking Timeline:
Book 12-18 months in advance for peak season Saturdays. Fall dates (September-October) book especially early.
Planning Your Blackstone Rivers Ranch Wedding
Vendor Options
Catering: Biscuits and Berries Catering
Mountain Crust – They’re always a favorite of mine, with amazing pizza, salads and more!
Videography: I always recommend Joe Torres. We’ve worked together countless times.
Florals: Woodstem Floral & Decor and Marigolds Flowers both serve Idaho Springs.
Photography: This is where I come in. My approach to Blackstone weddings is simple: I don’t watch the clock. I offer full-day coverage because your wedding isn’t a 6-hour event—it’s a whole story. With Blackstone’s exclusive-use setup, you have flexibility. I’m there for all of it.
Planners: Saylor Events And Weddings
Nearby Lodging for Guests
The Claim Jumper Cabin sleeps 4. Most guests need off-site lodging.
Closest: Water & Stone Retreat (cabins near the venue)
Golden area (25 min): The Eddy Hotel and other options
Denver area (35 min): Any metro hotel works—consider shuttle service
Timeline and Weather Planning
With Blackstone’s full-day exclusive use, you have real flexibility. I typically recommend starting getting ready by noon, ceremony around 4-5pm (after afternoon storm window), and golden hour portraits around 7-8pm in summer.
For weather backup, the Shaker tent covers your reception. Move the ceremony under the tent or into the Mother Lode Lodge if needed. Check weather 3 days out, make your call 24 hours before. I’m shooting your wedding rain or shine—some of my favorite images happen in unexpected weather.
For detailed timeline help, check my wedding timeline guide.
Is Blackstone Rivers Ranch Right for You?
You’ll love Blackstone if:
- You want genuine mountain beauty near Denver
- Exclusivity and privacy matter
- You have out-of-state guests flying into Denver
- Your guest count is 20-250
- You want timeline flexibility
Consider other options if:
- You need on-site lodging for all guests
- You want wide-open mountain vistas (this venue is nestled in trees)
- You’re bringing your dog (not allowed on property)
For alternatives, check out River Bend in Lyons or my complete Colorado wedding venues guide.
Colorado also allows self-solemnization—you can legally marry yourselves without an officiant if you want a truly intimate ceremony.
Let’s Photograph Your Blackstone Rivers Ranch Wedding
I’ve worked at Blackstone multiple times, and I love this venue. The forest light, the creek, the way the string lights photograph once the sun sets—it’s a dream for documentary-style wedding photography.
Blackstone’s approach aligns with how I work. They give you the whole day. No rush, no pressure, no clock-watching. That’s exactly my photography approach—I’m there for your complete story, not just ceremony and portraits.
I photograph weddings the way they actually happen. The real laughs during getting ready. The quiet moment before you walk down the aisle. Your dad tearing up during toasts. All of it.
If you’re planning a Blackstone Rivers Ranch wedding and want a photographer who understands this venue and won’t watch the clock, let’s talk. I’d love to hear about your day.
