The Oaks is one of my favorite wedding venues in Colorado. It’s tucked into the gorgeous rolling hills of Castle Rock, so it’s an easy drive for guests coming in from both Denver and Colorado Springs. The area’s famous castle-shaped buttes are on full display (along with the quiet, sweeping greens of Plum Creek Golf Course). This wedding venue is a truly picture-perfect space! But with the sun setting behind that gorgeous westward mountain range each night, Colorado can pose some unique lighting challenges. (Even in the most stunning venues!). Not to mention Colorado has the highest average elevation in the U.S., so the sun is awfully close by.

So let’s talk timing! I’ve been photographing Colorado weddings for more than a decade. So I’ve learned a thing or two about getting the most out of lighting and guest comfort. Getting married at The Oaks? Here are the best ceremony times (and times of the year) for your ceremony!

The Best Times of Year to Get Married at The Oaks

When it comes to the calendar, peak wedding season lasts from May through October. When it comes to The Oaks, I can narrow that down to two options to start. For a Springtime wedding, go for May/June. For a cozy autumn vibe, go with September/October. Both options offer the ideal balance of stable weather for outdoor lawn ceremonies and gorgeous natural backdrops. Both options feature warm temperatures, clear skies, and lush green golf course backdrops.

But my overall best pick? September. It’s widely considered the best overall month in Castle Rock, perfect for The Scrub Oaks outdoor ceremony site at The Oaks. You get fairytale views, daytime highs average in the upper 70s, and comfortable, cool evenings. Colorado’s frequent afternoon summer thunderstorms fade away by September. The crisp air provides bright, sharp lighting, and clear views of the iconic rock-topped Butte and surrounding landscape. Summer peak travel crowds drop off significantly, making local traffic and lodging easier for guests. Plus, you’ll have a more relaxed seasonal pace compared to the hectic mid-summer months.

Of course there’s something to be said for off-season months, too. If your heart is set on a winter mountain wedding, The Oaks offers a seasonal discount of 15% to 25% off the venue rental fee November-April. Your ceremony can move inside the vaulted timber ballroom or the foyer’s massive stone wall. The reception can move to the 230-guest ballroom, and your cocktail can be hosted in the art-deco inspired bar and lounge. There are plenty of other indoor spaces to utilize throughout your day, like the bridal suite and spa (yes, spa), the speakeasy, and the groom’s room, complete with a top-of-the-line Trackman golf simulator.

The Best Times of Day to Get Married at The Oaks

Standard evening rental slots at The Oaks run from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. My advice? Get married in the late afternoon, around 4:30 or 5:00 p.m. That way you’re sure to capture the best sunset light over the castle-shaped butte focal point, and the sun will peek perfectly through the scrub oak trees on the property. A 4:30 p.m. ceremony flows smoothly into a cocktail hour in the art deco lounge, followed by dinner and dancing in the ballroom before the venue’s 10 p.m. music curfew. Late afternoon avoids the peak heat of the day, and the golden hour light will hit the rolling hills just in time for outdoor photos.

The venue also offers a brunch time slot from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. if you prefer a morning vibe and discounted pricing, or you can opt for a full buyout from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., which gives all-day access to the bridal suite, spa, and groom’s golf simulator room all day without a rushed setup.

No matter your vision, The Oaks can make a perfect backdrop to the wedding of your dreams. Ready to talk details? I’d love to make your wedding gallery a timeless treasure, regardless of calendar timing!