How to Get Married and Have an Unforgettable Fort Collins Wedding

Fort Collins is one of the best Colorado cities to tie the knot for many reasons. First of all, it’s beautiful–you seriously can’t ask for a more perfect backdrop for your wedding ceremony. Second, it’s close to everything, making it easy for your guests to attend, stay, and celebrate with you. And lastly, there are so many amazing Fort Collins wedding vendors and venues to choose from–you won’t be disappointed. If you’re planning a Fort Collins wedding, here’s our expert advice to ensure you have the best day of your life.

Your Guide to Planning an Unforgettable Fort Collins Wedding

You’ve said “Yes!” to marrying the love of your life, and now you’re planning to say “Yes!” to getting married in Fort Collins, Colorado. If you’re like most couples, you probably have lots of questions when it comes to the logistics of how to get married in Colorado. Well, we have answers for you! Here’s everything you need to know about having a Fort Collins wedding, including our best tips to ensure your celebration is everything you want and more.

Should I Hire a Fort Collins Wedding Planner?

It goes without saying that hiring a wedding planner is essential for experiencing a stress-free wedding. And when you’re getting married in Fort Collins, who better to help you plan it than a Fort Collins wedding planner? As Mountainside Event’s owner and lead planner, I know what it takes to have an amazing wedding in Colorado. I grew up in Fort Collins and have planned hundreds of weddings and events in the area. Whether you’re having a destination wedding in Colorado or you’re a local too, let’s work together to ensure your celebration is spectacular!

What is the Best Time of Year to Get Married in Fort Collins?

Ready for it? It depends. But I’m going to help you narrow it down by weather and cost. Colorado experiences all four seasons, meaning it’s likely to snow in the winter and early spring, be hot and humid in the summer, and have cool, crisp weather in the fall. BUT Colorado weather is also wildly unpredictable. Snowfall can start as early as September and stay as late as May. It’s also not unlikely to have a beautiful day in the mid-60s come out of nowhere in December. So, what do you do with that type of variability? Go with what’s most likely.

In Fort Collins, May through September is the peak wedding season when most couples get married. The weather ranges between the low 70s and mid-to-high 80s, offering a welcoming atmosphere for you and your guests. If you want a winter wedding in Colorado with snow-capped mountains as your ceremony backdrop, choose a date in December through March. If your goal is to plan a Fort Collins wedding on a budget, choose an out-of-wedding season month (September through April) or get married on a weekday. 

How Do You Get a Marriage License in Fort Collins?

The Larimer County Clerk and Recorder's office issues all marriage licenses in Fort Collins. And fortunately, the process is quite simple. You and your spouse-to-be can start by completing an online application. Once submitted, you must finalize the application at a Clerk and Recorder office in Fort Collins, Loveland, or Estes Park. Bring valid identification and your application transaction number to the appointment.

A Fort Collins marriage license costs $30, and you must tie the knot within 35 days of receiving it. Then, you must return a signed copy of your license within 63 of your ceremony, or you’ll be required to pay a fine. 

You do not have to be a Colorado resident to apply for a marriage license in Colorado. So, if you’re an out-of-state couple having a destination wedding in Colorado, you can apply once you get here.

What are the Best Fort Collins Wedding Venues?

Fort Collins and its neighboring cities of Loveland and Estes Park have some of the best indoor and outdoor venues in the state! Here are a few to look into for your wedding: 

One of our favorite parts of helping you plan your Fort Collins wedding is choosing a venue (or multiple venues!) that you love. Every couple has a unique style, and we’ll recommend the top venues that match your vibe when we work together.

What are My Options for an Intimate Fort Collins Wedding?

If a big bash isn’t your dream wedding, Colorado is the ideal location for an intimate celebration, no matter how small you want to go.

  • Micro Wedding in Fort Collins: Micro weddings typically include 30 or fewer guests and include everything in a traditional wedding on a smaller scale. For example, you’ll have an intimate dinner for 30 guests rather than a large buffet for 150. You’ll have a few desserts or a small cake rather than a massive dessert bar. You’ll have everything you want for your dream wedding but in an intimate setting. 

  • Elopement in Fort Collins: If a micro wedding still sounds too elaborate, you can elope in Fort Collins with a couple of friends or family members by your side. Elopements typically include a wedding officiant, photographer, and planner to ensure everything is perfect on your special day.

  • Self-Solemnize in Fort Collins: Colorado is one of the few states where a couple can actually marry themselves. There are some legal requirements to follow, but if you want something extremely tiny and intimate, you can escape with your financé into the mountains and get married in a ceremony for two.

Plan Your Perfect Fort Collins Wedding with Mountainside Events

When it comes to planning your wedding, there are a lot of moving parts. From booking the venue to sending out invitations, it can be hard to know where to start. That's where we come in. At Mountainside Events, we specialize in helping couples plan a perfect Fort Collins wedding. We have a wide range of services to choose from, and our experienced team of Fort Collins wedding planners will work with you to ensure every detail is taken care of. So whether you're looking for full-service wedding planning or just a little help with the details, we're here to make your Fort Collins wedding dreams come true. Contact us today to get started!

Comment