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When you think “Colorado Springs wedding,” odds are, you think of the great outdoors. And why not? The front range mountains set some pretty amazing stages! But guess what. There are some pretty incredible (and equally stunning!) indoor wedding venues in Colorado Springs, too. And they might just be the perfect place for your dream wedding! After all, the only thing more beautiful than snow-covered mountains is looking at those gorgeous peaks from somewhere warm and cozy.
Flying Horse Ranch
The Venue at Flying Horse Ranch provides all the scenic views you want in a Colorado wedding with stunning indoor spaces to match. You can choose from the elegant Ballroom, the gorgeous natural wood Barn, or the stunning 14,000-square foot Ranch House. Give your guests a taste of Southern charm with a uniquely Colorado feel!
An all-inclusive wedding package will simplify the planning process, since their expert Venue Team will skillfully craft your package details. Or customize the wedding of your dreams with Exclusive Package to make the day completely your own!
Why I love it:
With The Venue at Flying Horse Ranch, you don’t have to sacrifice a uniquely Colorado feel for an indoor space. The rolling hills and mountain backdrops still have a place to shine, and the indoor spaces provide an elegant ranch-style wedding away from the elements.
Clay Venues
Clay Venues offers 6,000 square feet of “urban industrial charm,” perfect for a more intimate event. Host up to 200 (seated) guests in the wedding/reception space, complete with a dedicated space for cocktail hour. It’s located in the heart of downtown, giving your out-of-town guests a front-row seat to the city’s best attractions.
Up-front pricing and experienced team members will make the process easy, from planning to wedding day. Plus you get vendor flexibility, so you can create your own personal dream team for the big day.
Why I love it:
Believe me when I say Clay Venues is your oyster. Its tongue and groove ceilings, exposed steel beams, white walls and cement floors create an aesthetic that can mold to any wedding. It’s a completely customizable space, located in the heart of the city.
The Pinery at the Hill
The Pinery’s resort-style facility features Tuscan-style architecture and a variety of indoor room options to create the perfect event. Enjoy views of the Colorado Springs skyline (including Pike’s Peak) from 22,000 square feet of indoor space!
They offer in-house floral and design, and an award-winning pastry kitchen, experienced event planners and preferred, vetted wedding partners. Their all-inclusive packages have customizable options for weddings of all sizes! Plus their on-site event planners make the entire process smooth.
Why I love it:
Simply put, it’s five-star service and stress-free planning. With all the perfect details right on site, your day-of team will know the spaces inside and out. No surprises.
Garden of the Gods Resort
Dreaming of a Garden of the Gods wedding, but don’t want to brave the winter on the big day? Garden of the Gods Resort might just be your perfect space. With three glass-walled, indoor spaces to choose from, the red rock formations can still serve as the backdrop for your big day. And all from a warm and weather-free event space!
Smaller gatherings of 40 or less will nestle perfectly in the Hill Room and Terrace. The View at Kissing Camels will perfectly seat 130 among its stunningly scenic views. The Three Graces Ballroom, which can host up to 220 guests, is perfect for a grand affair.
Why I love it:
It’s a resort! Accommodations, salon and spa services, food and beverages, golf and other recreational amenities are all on-site, meaning you can easily make a weekend of the whole experience. Take the stress out of scheduling travel time. Everything you need is located right there on the grounds!
The Loft Music Venue
Located in Old Colorado City just minutes from Garden of the Gods, Red Rocks Open Space, Pikes Peak, and Manitou Springs, The Loft Music Venue boasts one of the most scenic indoor wedding venues in Colorado Springs. Whether you are wanting to book a ceremony, a reception, or both, this unique space is sure to set the tone for an unforgettable wedding day.
The Loft can accommodate up to 140 guests for a sit down dinner with a variety of set-up options to create your perfect space and event flow. With a chic bridal suite, additional space for cocktail hour, photo booths, and pricing packages that include everything from coordinators to photographers and decor, the wedding you’ve been dreaming of can be affordably yours.
Why I love it:
The Loft is an open wedding venue, which means you can bring your own alcohol, food, photographer, officiant—anything you’d rather take care of yourself. They do provide vendor options for you, but never require you to use them. On top of that, their staff is famously friendly and fun. It’s easy to see why this is one of the best indoor wedding venues in Colorado Springs!
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If your family has littles, let’s face it — sometimes just getting out the door is a win. Let alone leaving on time in clean clothes with the ability to keep it together long enough to snap some great photos. Trust me, I know. But while I’ll do my part to capture your kids in a way that naturally showcases their personalities, there are some little things you can do that will go a long way. With these five tips for a successful (and stress-free) family photo session, we can work together to create authentic, joy-filled images of the whole family!
1. Plan Ahead
Are your kiddos hard to wake up in the morning? Or do they wake up full of sweet smiles, ready to go? Maybe they put their best foot forward in the afternoon after a nap, or right after lunch. Whenever they typically feel their happiest, try and schedule your family photo session accordingly. If your photographer is pretty booked on the day you want, or the natural light you’re hoping for doesn’t coincide with your usual schedule (because when does everything line up perfectly, right?), try and make adjustments where you can. A later start, shifting a nap just a bit or bumping up a meal or snack can make a big difference in arriving at your session with happy hearts. Use your best judgment… After all, no one knows your kids like you do!
2. Take the Pressure Off
We all want perfect family photos. And why not? Our kids are only the age they are once, and we want to remember every moment (plus they make it easy to show off our pride and joy around the house, in cards and on social media). But I have a secret: Kids feed off our energy. If we spend the family photo session sweating the small stuff, they’re going to mirror that stress right back. Take the pressure off and enjoy the moment! Give yourself plenty of time to get ready, get dressed and transition into the photo session. When we’re all calm and relaxed instead of rushing around, that mood will shine through your images!
3. Come Prepared
I know it sounds simple, but seriously, never underestimate the power of snacks. No one can see the future, but coming to a family photo session prepared can prevent restlessness and preemptively solve any problems that typically come up. Tights can rip at outdoor shoots, hair can go south in the car, and spills can happen any time. Be sure to bring some munchies, a hairbrush and a spare outfit or two. Are photos of just the grown-ups on your shot list? Bring along some activities to keep the younger family members occupied. Like I always say: It’s better to have it and not need it, than need it and not have it!
4. Practice makes Perfect
Practicing at home can be a useful tool, especially if it’s your children’s first family photo session (or the first one they remember, anyway). Kids tend to do better in new situations if they know what to expect ahead of time, and it’s easy to prepare for the day when we all have phones in the palm of our hand. Take the time to talk through what the day will look like, from getting ready to getting home, and take a few photos so they understand the process. Believe me, the first time they experience something shouldn’t be when there’s a photographer present!
5. Make it FUN!
This may sound silly, but don’t be afraid to be… well… silly! A fun experience will result in joy-filled images you’ll cherish forever, so don’t hold back! Go ahead and whip out your best (or worst) dad jokes. Let your kids explore the space and be themselves within it. Tickle those tummies and raspberry those cheeks. I’ll come prepared with prompts and questions, you come ready to let loose and be yourselves.
Whether you’ve been capturing your family annually for years or you’re new to the process, it always helps to hire a professional photographer who has experience photographing families and kids. Check out some of my galleries and family photo sessions over on my Instagram. Time flies when you’re having fun with your family. Let’s capture the moments together!
