How to Plan a VRBO Micro Wedding or Elopement in Colorado

Planning an elopement or micro wedding in Colorado can seem overwhelming. 

There are so many formal venues to consider as well as state and national parks. The permitting requirements for OSMP spaces in Jefferson County and the City of Boulder vary, which impacts group size and availability.

Traditional venues are geared towards larger weddings and don’t really “fit” with most of my clients who want a more intimate and family-oriented celebration.

VRBO micro weddings are trending in Colorado because VRBOs offer privacy and flexibility without sacrificing the scenic beauty that Colorado offers.

What Is a VRBO Micro Wedding and Why Couples Love Them

A VRBO micro wedding is ideal for intimate celebrations. Specifically, a VRBO wedding in Colorado allows you to focus on your people, your place and your story.

VRBOs work so well for intimate celebrations because you aren’t bound to a traditional venue timeline and don’t need a day of coordinator (which can really bring cost up).

You can also self-solemize in Colorado, which means you don’t need an officiant – another option that my couples love. A close friend or family member can officiate instead.

Micro weddings in Colorado allow couples to slow down and stay together with their family for a week or weekend in a space that feels like home. Renting a VRBO eliminates the need to book hotel blocks or find separate accommodations for out of town guests.

How to Find VRBO Rentals That Allow Micro Weddings in Colorado

I have worked with clients in some of the best VRBO rentals for micro weddings in Colorado. 

VRBO makes it so easy to find properties that allow micro weddings.

All you have to do to locate VRBO hosts offering packages for micro weddings in Colorado is filter for “Events Allowed” in the VRBO app and then reach out for host approval.

It is important to read the house rules carefully and disclose to the VRBO host how many people will be staying in the home versus only attending the micro wedding or celebration.

Some VRBOs charge an additional fee for events, while some only require a minimum stay. 

Best Colorado Locations for VRBO Micro Weddings Near Denver and the Mountains

Conifer, Aspen Park, Golden and Evergreen offer affordable VRBO options for micro weddings near Denver. All of these locations are within 45 minutes of the Denver airport, making it easy for out of town guests and couples.

Breckenridge, Fraser and Alma offer larger and typically more luxurious VRBO micro wedding venues. VRBOs in the mountains, such as Breckenridge, are best for styled micro weddings. 

Ultimately, the decision comes down to proximity to Denver as well as amenities to look for in VRBO rentals for small weddings in Colorado. You can find gorgeous built-in backdrops for photos at almost any Colorado VRBO property.

I have seen properties in Conifer, Colorado with private lakes and VRBOs in Fraser, Colorado with 20 acres of property and private streams and meadows.

Regardless of the location that you choose, Colorado VRBO rentals are ideal for nature-forward ceremonies.

If you aren’t sure how to find VRBO listings with wedding permits in Colorado, I would love to point you to properties that my clients have rented and loved. 

What Amenities to Look for in a VRBO for a Small Wedding

I can also help you prioritize what amenities to look for in VRBO rentals for small weddings in Colorado.

My first recommendation is always the property and scenery. If you want a completely private micro wedding, you need to love the property and backdrop located at the VRBO itself.

If your focus is affordable VRBO options near Denver, you can choose a smaller home and choose an offsite location for a ceremony or first look.

Other amenities to look for in a VRBO include:

• back up indoor space (such as a great room or covered patio) in case of weather
• available parking 
• nearby restaurants and grocery stores. 

Planning Tips for a Stress-Free Wedding

I have tons of tips for planning an easy and stress-free VRBO micro wedding.

Guest count

First, manage your guest count so you have more options when searching for properties. Coordinate your vendors ahead  of time.

I have amazing hair and makeup vendors in Conifer, Evergreen and Breckenridge. I especially love Melissa with Alpine Beauty. Melissa has worked with so many of my clients to achieve natural or dramatic looks. You can find her at https://alpinebeautyco.com. 

Food

In terms of food, VRBO micro weddings allow a ton of flexibility and opportunities for cost savings. I have seen clients in Conifer, Colorado order pizza from Snowpack Taproom.

Breckenridge clients have brought in private chefs for a post-ceremony dinner.

There are some amazing catering options in Frisco and Evergreen. Oma’s House in Evergreen specializes in rustic and unfussy bouquets that are affordable and gorgeous. 

Feel free to reach out for specific vendor recommendations once you finalize your VRBO booking!

Is a VRBO Micro Wedding Right for You?

This option is right for you if you want total privacy and flexibility. You can also take advantage of Colorado’s amazing hiking, biking and skiing depending on the time of year.

I always encourage my clients to consider smaller, intentional and intimate celebrations. Colorado does the heavy lifting in terms of scenery, allowing your day to be relaxed and real.

I would love to chat with you about exploring the elopement photography package that is right for you. All of HoneyLensPhoto’s micro wedding and elopement sessions are hourly, providing the ultimate flexibility to ensure that your VRBO micro wedding or elopement in Colorado is captured in a natural, relaxed, and storytelling-focused way.

Reach out to chat about rental locations, past VRBO client favorites and local vendors to make your celebration beautiful and easy!