Located in the midst of the Larkspur countryside, Spruce Mountain Ranch offers a rustic yet refined space for your wedding. The owners of this venue take pride in planning exceptional events that will celebrate your unique love story. They offer year-round openings and will work with you to make sure your wedding is everything you want it to be! As a Colorado luxury wedding photographer, I have gotten the chance to explore some of the most sought-after venues in the area. Here is what you need to know about planning your Spruce Mountain Ranch wedding!
About The Spruce Mountain Ranch Wedding Venue
14771 Spruce Mountain Road, Larkspur, Colorado 80118
Long before this property saw its first I do, it served as a space where cattle freely roamed. In 1871, it belonged to a section of the Ben Lomond Ranch. Originally, the ranch contained thousands of acres of premium farmland. In addition to the dairy farm, the owner planted oats, millet, and hay. The farm changed hands in 1885 when it became the Famous Daniels Ranch. At that time, the property was owned by Judge Hiram P. Bennett, as well as his son and brother. Alvin D. Daniels and Daniel C. Oakes also shared ownership. In addition to running the farm, these men were responsible for building up much of Denver and Douglas County.
Over the next century, both the land and the surrounding cities saw a world of change. As Denver was transformed into the bustling town we all know and love, the property switched hands a few times until 1999, when Tom and Lois Ames purchased the property. They divided it up, using 100 acres for the Spruce Mountain Estates housing development. While they continue to use part of the land for housing their Angus seed stock operation, they are also focused on creating a resort-like environment where people can gather together and unwind from the stress of day-to-day life.
Since the Ames opened the wedding venue, it has quickly become a favorite for couples all across the area. It is frequently recognized as one of the best venues in the region, gaining recognition from both The Knot and WeddingWire. Not only is this space going to provide you with the perfect atmosphere for your rustic wedding, but they are going to go out of their way to ensure your day is positively seamless!
Details of the Grounds
With Spruce Mountain Ranch, your day is going to start the second you pull through the stone gates. The venue designed the ranch to be completely secluded from the outside world. You will be able to host every part of your day on the premises, so you don’t have to worry about driving all across the city during your day.
The venue has several designated spots where you can get ready for your wedding. The Wedding Cottage tends to be a favorite spot for brides. This space is located in the Lower Ranch. Here, you will have a sunny room with plenty of windows overlooking the property. There are several vanities where you and your wedding party can put on all the finishing touches. Once you are done, you can stay inside and take candid pictures or head to the back so you can get individual portraits.
Meanwhile, grooms can use the Wedding Lounge located in the Upper Ranch located on the property about a mile away. This space is warm and rustic, with a stone fireplace, wooden accents, and leather accents where you can relax as you wait for the day to begin. Another popular spot is the Cigar Bar, located in the Lower Ranch. This is the perfect place to shake off the nerves by drinking a beer or two over a game of pool. There is also a big screen TV over the fireplace that you are welcome to use.
Outdoor Ceremony Locations At Spruce Mountain Ranch
For your ceremony, you will have several options both inside and out. One of the most common outdoor venues is Trey’s Vista. This space shows off the wild Colorado countryside. The front features a rustic wooden pergola where you can stand and exchange your vows. Just beyond this site is a wooden fence that runs across the property. During the fall, the wheat turns to pale gold while the trees scattered across the fields start to transform into vivid, fiery hues. During warmer seasons, you will be surrounded by open green fields every way you turn. This area is also going to offer some of the best views of the mountains.
If you want to keep the mountains as your primary focus, you can use the Mountainside Ceremony site located on the Lower Ranch. This space has a wooden platform covered with a pergola. You can leave it as is or you can opt to decorate it with drapes and flowers. This site is surrounded by wheatfields with a tree-lined lake at the base. The mountains stand proudly just beyond the horizon.
Another popular spot is Grace’s Chapel on the Lower Ranch. This area is surrounded by trees, offering the feeling of seclusion. While you can fit hundreds of guests in this area, it’s one of the best spots if you plan on hosting an intimate micro-wedding. With this space, you will exchange vows beneath the leaves of the storied tree.
The Spruce Mountain Ranch Aspen Room Wedding Space
If you would prefer some shade without compromising on the view, you are going to adore The Aspen Room. This open-air space is outfitted with rustic beams that lead up to a cathedral ceiling. The floors are smooth, polished concrete. The front of this space looks out over the fields. If your forecast calls for rain, you will be able to close the space thanks to the retractable garage door.
Indoor Ceremony Option And Cocktail Hour
For those who would prefer an indoor wedding, The Spruce Room will be your place. This room is warm and romantic with a stone fireplace at the front of the room. There are floor-to-ceiling windows that look out over the property and antique chandeliers that illuminate the space. The walls are covered in wood to offer a rustic charm to this elegant space. This area can host up to 450 guests for your ceremony.
For your cocktail hour, you can move things over to one of the two outdoor courtyards. Albert’s Lodge Courtyard on the Lower Ranch tends to be a popular option for this portion. This sunken area is covered by a wooden pergola on one end and string lights on the other. Your guests will be able to grab cocktails and then walk around and chat. Another popular location for this portion is the Ponderosa Room Courtyard on the Upper Ranch. This area is nestled against the building and offers a paved spot where your guests can play yard games while you take your pictures. Green trees have been planted across this space to add some light.
Receptions At Spruce Mountain Ranch
For your reception, you can choose from both indoor and outdoor locations. Those who prefer to keep things outside can use Albert’s Lodge Courtyard, where they can dance beneath the lights. In this space, you can host up to 300 guests. Intimate outdoor receptions can take place at Lakeview Terrace. This smaller shelter can fit a few dozen guests for your meal. As you celebrate, you will have one of the best views of the surrounding water. Here, you will be able to host up to 60 guests.
For indoor spaces, you can choose from The Spruce Room or the Ponderosa Room. The Ponderosa Room is going to give you the most space for your celebration. This room is large and open, with wooden walls that match the cathedral ceiling. String lights cover the ceiling, while windows along the side let in plenty of natural light. There is a balcony at the top of the room that you can use to sneak a kiss. The side of the building is outfitted with retractable garage doors in case you want to open your party up to the surrounding courtyard. This room is able to host up to 500 guests.
Photography Opportunities
Believe me when I say Spruce Mountain Ranch is a photographer’s dream! The grounds have been thoughtfully landscaped to provide you with plenty of photo opportunities. At the beginning of the day, you will be able to get plenty of candid shots in the get-ready rooms. The windows in the Wedding Cottage are going to be perfect for getting close-ups with natural lights. The stone wall near the staircase has been outfitted with a hook so you can get a picture of your dress in front of the venue sign.
Meanwhile, the Cigar Bar is going to result in tons of fun pictures of the groom with his friends. The Lower Ranch offers a private waterfall that you will be able to use for your couple’s portraits. This area is going to give you one of the most scenic backdrops! Once you are done here, you can walk around the grounds and find plenty of places where you can get pictures with your spouse. Lastly, all the ceremony sites are going to be great for pictures of your wedding party. No matter the spot, you can count on the lush countryside for your background.
Wedding Details
Finally, let’s chat about all the ways Spruce Mountain Ranch is going to take care of you throughout your wedding day. Their team knows how to throw an unforgettable celebration! Here are some of the many amenities you can expect for your wedding.
Ease of Planning: While this venue does not offer its own planners, they make it easy to figure out exactly what you can expect for your wedding. They offer a comprehensive PDF that includes all the information you will need to make your plans. You will also have access to the Spruce Mountain App, where you will find an interactive planning guide. With this, you will be able to work out your layouts, designs, and more.
Easy to Navigate Space: If we’re honest, Spruce Mountain can be pretty overwhelming. This area is positively massive, with over 450 acres beyond its gates. But, they have worked hard to make it easy to figure out where you will host your celebration. As you pull up to the gates, you will find chalkboard signs that will tell you exactly where you need to go. There is parking throughout the grounds so your guests can pull up close to the wedding site. At the same time, the lots are going to be out of sight for your wedding pictures.
On-site Employees: The venue will have employees on the grounds throughout your wedding day. You will have people there to ensure your day will run smoothly. Additionally, they are going to take care of the set-up and breakdown. While you are in the get-ready suites, they will be there to provide assistance and clean up any messes. A property manager will be there throughout to answer any questions.
Venue-Provided Accents And Caterers
The venue is going to take care of all the tables and chairs at your wedding site. Additionally, they provide a long list of rentals you can use throughout your day. You will be able to find whatever you need, including archways, linens, and other decorations.
Required Caterer Lists: The venue does not offer its own caterers, but they have built up relationships over the years with industry experts. They offer an extensive list of required caterers so you can choose from a wide range of cuisines. You can work with Peak Beverage for your drinks. Additionally, the venue offers recommended accommodations for lodging, so you will be able to find nearby room blocks.
The Country Wedding Of Your Dreams Awaits At Spruce Mountain Ranch Wedding Venue
With Spruce Mountain Ranch wedding venue, you are going to have everything you need for your dream country wedding. If you think this might be your space, be sure to book a tour as soon as possible so you can start to plan!
Once you have your venue, it’s time to find your photographer. That’s where I come in! I am a Colorado luxury wedding photographer, and I love working with couples to tell their unique love stories. I would love to sit down and have a conversation so you can decide if my style matches yours. Send me a message today if you would like to learn more!
