A Modern Colorado Mountain wedding || Salida, CO
We’re so excited to share Sarah + Ben's wedding at Outside Inn Nature Hotel in Salida, Colorado. This celebration was extra special for so many reasons. Not only did we get to capture the most beautiful September mountain wedding, but also Sarah + Ben are the actual owners and builders of this incredible property. They literally designed and built their dream venue, then got married there. Talk about a woman with a vision and a man with the resources to make it happen!
The Love Story Behind the Venue
When Sarah and Ben got engaged last year, Sarah had one mission: convince Ben it was time to build a wedding venue on their property. As someone who's passionate about creating experiences and bringing people together in beautiful spaces, Sarah wanted to create a Colorado mountain wedding venue that felt different from anything else out there.
And Ben? He made it happen. Together, they designed every detail of what would become not just their wedding venue, but a space that would host countless other couples' celebrations. Watching them get married in the space they created with their own hands was honestly one of the most special things we've witnessed.
Sarah + Ben's Perfect September Day
Sarah and Ben chose September for their celebration, and it was perfection. The temps were mild, the summer crowds had thinned out, and the light was absolutely stunning. They went with a neutral palette of creams, browns, and lush greens that complemented the natural landscape beautifully, no need for over-the-top decor when you're surrounded by national forest and mountain views.
The day started with everyone getting ready in the custom cabins scattered across the property. The morning had this relaxed, unhurried vibe which was exactly what Sarah and Ben wanted. Friends and family wandered between cabins, popping champagne, helping with final touches, and soaking in the mountain air. It felt more like a cozy weekend getaway than a stressful wedding morning.
A Ceremony in the Woods
For their ceremony, Sarah and Ben chose the Alpine Amphitheater, this stunning spot tucked up in the woods with built-in benches that can seat up to 100 guests. The trek up takes about 3 minutes (it's a bit steep, so Sarah wisely swapped her heels for cute boots!), and once you're there, you feel like you're in your own private forest.
The ceremony was intimate and heartfelt. Surrounded by tall pines with sunlight filtering through, they exchanged vows they'd written themselves. There were happy tears, lots of laughter, and this palpable sense of joy from everyone there. After they said "I do," guests made their way down to the reception area for what would be one of the most unique dining experiences we've seen at a wedding.
An Immersive Paella Experience
Here's where Sarah and Ben really showcased their personalization + creativity for their day. They brought in Paella Works all the way from Washington (where Sarah is from). This wasn't just dinner being served, it was an entire experience! Guests gathered around to watch the paella being made right in front of them, sipping cocktails from the mobile bar and taking in those insane mountain views.
The energy was so good! People were mingling, asking questions about the cooking process, and genuinely enjoying the show. It was interactive and fun and so perfectly Sarah and Ben. This is exactly what we love about intimate weddings, you have the freedom to get creative and do things your way.
Reception Under the Mountains
As the sun started to set, everyone moved into the Peak Pavilion for dinner and dancing. This reception area is JAW DROPPING. This 1,500 square foot indoor-outdoor space is truly open concept, giving you the option to design your layout however you'd like all while being surrounded by endless mountain views.
It's truly incredible what they've built here, with their entire mission of bringing the outside, in. The space was transformed with stunning tablescapes and ambient lighting that made everything feel both refined and totally relaxed. Toasts were given, tears were shed (the good kind!), and the dance floor was packed all night.
Why Outside Inn is a Game-Changer
Okay, so let's talk about why this Colorado mountain wedding venue is so special. Sarah and Ben's day here really highlighted what makes it unique.
It's a full weekend experience. Unlike traditional venues where you're rushed in and out, Outside Inn gives you the entire property for two full nights. Sarah and Ben's guests arrived Friday, got settled into their cabins, and had a welcome dinner together. The wedding was Saturday, and then Sunday morning everyone had breakfast together before heading out. It wasn't just a wedding, it was a celebration that actually let them spend quality time with their people.
Everyone stays on site. Up to 30 guests can stay in the 11 custom-designed cabins on the property. Each cabin is uniquely designed with huge glass walls, modern interiors, and private outdoor spaces. Sarah and Ben stayed in The Aspen Alcove which is specifically designed for couples on their wedding night with a full bathroom, private courtyard, and mirror pane windows. Their closest friends and family were scattered across the other cabins, and it created this amazing sense of community all weekend.
The amenities are incredible. You and your guests have access to the Scandinavian spa with saunas, hot tubs, and a cold plunge. During S+B’s weekend, we saw so many people taking advantage of this throughout the entire weekend. It really is the perfect way to recover and relax.
You have complete creative freedom. This is what Sarah and Ben loved most about planning a wedding at their venue, there are no restrictions on who you can bring in for catering, bar service, or any other vendors. Want tacos from a food truck? Do it. Dreaming of wood-fired pizza? Make it happen. Paella from Washington? Absolutely. The venue provides the space and the stunning backdrop, and you get to create the experience that feels true to you.
The Spaces That Make It Special
The way Sarah and Ben moved through the different spaces throughout their day really highlighted just how intentional the design of this property is. Every area feels purposeful and connected to the landscape around it. Let’s chat about what makes each space so incredible.
The Alpine Amphitheater: Where they said their vows, surrounded by forest and mountains. It seats 100+ comfortably on built-in benches and feels incredibly private despite being accessible.
The Peak Pavilion: The reception space that's open concept and mostly covered (so weather isn't a concern!). The indoor-outdoor design means you're always connected to the stunning views while being protected from the elements.
The Landscape Lodge: This 3,000 square foot space is wedding day headquarters. It has a commercial kitchen (perfect for caterers), full bathrooms, and a bridal suite. Sarah got ready here in the morning, and it doubled as a great hangout spot for guests during cocktail hour.
Modern Mountain Meets Scandinavian Design
Outside Inn is what mountain wedding dreams are made of. The vibe is Scandinavian minimalism blended with modern mountain. The entire property has this calm, intentional energy that just makes you want to slow down and be present. It's the quintessential mountain wedding venue.
Sarah and Ben went with September for those perfect mild mountain temps and chose a palette of creams, browns, and lush greens that let the landscape shine. Their vision aligned so naturally with the venue that the space practically designed itself. When you find a Colorado mountain wedding venue that already vibes with your aesthetic, everything just flows.
The Location is Pure Colorado Magic
Outside Inn sits on 35 acres surrounded by national forest, just 15 minutes from downtown Salida. The property itself feels incredibly secluded and private, but you're close enough to town that guests can easily explore. Salida is this adorable, artsy mountain town along the Arkansas River with galleries, breweries, hot springs, and river activities. It has basically everything that makes Colorado special without the touristy feel of some mountain towns.
Plus, it's only about 2.5 hours from downtown Denver, making it super accessible for guests traveling from out of state. The property is surrounded by 14ers, bike trails, and natural hot springs, so if your guests want to make a weekend of it (which many of Sarah and Ben's did!), there's plenty to do.
A Wedding Weekend, Not Just a Wedding Day
What struck us most about Sarah and Ben's celebration was how relaxed everyone was. There was no rushing, no stress, no feeling like they had to cram everything into a few hours. They had an entire weekend to celebrate, and it shows in the photos.
That’s what a Colorado mountain wedding venue should be all about! We love a space that offers a beautiful backdrop for a few hours, but also provides a space where you can actually create memories and spend time with your people.
Ready to Create Your Own Mountain Magic?
Photographing Sarah and Ben's wedding at Outside Inn was such a special experience. We loved seeing them celebrate in the space they built, surrounded by the people they love most, in a way that felt completely true to who they are. That's truly what a Colorado wedding weekend should be all about.
If you're looking for a Colorado mountain wedding venue that gives you the freedom to create something unique and intentional, Outside Inn needs to be on your radar! Visit their website to learn more and reach out to Sarah (yes, the bride!), who's now their Event Lead, to start planning. You can also snag a little more inspo for the venue from this influencer’s wedding at Outside Inn!
And if you're ready to have us plan and photograph your Colorado mountain wedding, whether at Outside Inn or another incredible location, get in touch here. We'd be over the moon to help you create a celebration as unique and beautiful as Sarah and Ben's.
For more mountain wedding venue inspiration, check out our Best Airbnbs to Elope at in Colorado and Best Small Wedding Venues in Colorado & Beyond guides!
Vendors
Photographer: Jessica Luann Photography
Venue: Outside Inn
Catering: Paella Works
