Colorado’s Fall Wedding Rush: Key Dates to Book Early

Kelsey Shields
Apr 25
3 min read

Updated: Apr 29

Fall in Colorado is truly unmatched in beauty. Golden aspen groves shimmer in the sunlight, the air turns crisp, and the mountains become a dreamlike backdrop for weddings. It’s no surprise that August through October marks peak wedding season in Colorado.

If you're envisioning golden leaves and fresh mountain air on your wedding day, you’re not alone. Fall weddings in Colorado are both stunning and highly competitive. That’s why planning early is key, especially if your dream date falls during this magical season.

Whether you're a local couple or planning a destination wedding in the Rockies, here’s what you need to know about booking during Colorado's busiest wedding months:

August : The Beginning of the Fall Wedding Rush

August kicks off the Colorado fall wedding season with lingering summer vibes and fewer crowds in the mountains. The heat begins to ease, especially at higher elevations, making it a beautiful time for outdoor ceremonies.

Bonus: Colorado schools are already back in session, which can mean fewer tourists in popular mountain towns—ideal for out-of-town guests, especially those visiting from the East Coast where schools often start later.

Vendor Tip: Early August dates may still have some availability, but by late August, you’ll start competing for top vendors—especially venues, planners, and photographers.

September : Fall Starts to Show Itself

September is a transitional month—weather can swing from warm to brisk, and the fall foliage begins its slow golden creep down the mountainsides.

Late September is particularly popular, as peak leaf season in mountain towns like Aspen, Vail, Breckenridge, Steamboat, and Telluride typically begins.

Labor Day weekend dates are among the first to book across the state. If you're considering that weekend, secure your Colorado wedding vendors 12–18 months in advance.

October : Peak Foliage, Peak Demand

The first weekend of October is often the most requested weekend of the year for Colorado mountain weddings. Everyone wants those golden leaves, cozy vibes, and breathtaking views in places like Estes Park, Vail, Boulder, Colorado Springs, and beyond.

While nobody can predict the exact foliage peak, early October is the best bet for those iconic aspen backdrops.

By mid- to late-October, demand shifts slightly away from the high country and into the foothills or front range, where the colors start to peak. But keep in mind: weather in Colorado changes quickly. A mild day can easily be followed by a surprise snowstorm—even in the Denver area.

Planning Tip: Have a solid backup plan for all types of weather, and consider hiring a local wedding planner who understands the nuances of fall in the Rockies.

Tips for Fall Wedding Planning in Colorado: Key Dates to Book Early.

Book Your Venue Early
Venues for fall weekends—especially in September and early October—book up fast. If you’re flexible, consider a weekday wedding for more options.
Send Vendor Inquiries ASAP
Your must-have vendors (planner, photographer, florist) are likely fielding multiple inquiries for the same date.
Don’t Forget the Downstream Vendors
Many couples overlook essentials like:
- Shuttles and transportation
- Hotel blocks and Airbnbs
- Officiants, photo booths, videographers, live wedding painters, and stationers. These vendors book up just as fast, so don’t wait!

Real Weddings, Real Fall Foliage

As a Colorado live wedding painter, I’ve had the joy of capturing unforgettable weddings during the most vibrant weeks of fall. The colors, the light, and the crisp air bring so much magic to a wedding day—and to the artwork created from it.

Below, I’m sharing event images from real weddings I've painted at across Colorado, along with the exact dates they took place. If you're planning a fall wedding in Colorado, cross-referencing these locations and dates can give you a realistic sense of what the foliage might look like for your venue and timeline.

Whether you’re already booked or narrowing down your venue, these real-world examples will help you visualize your day—and plan accordingly.

Spruce Mountain Ranch: Larkspur, CO

August 6, 2023

Photo: Macy Frances