Rachel and Mike’s intimate wedding at Rivertree Lodge in Breckenridge was one of the most intentional weddings I’ve ever captured. Every little detail was so thoughtful, from their ceremony site tucked into the trees to the way we snuck away for a hike while their guests were eating dinner.
After getting ready with their friends in the morning, Rachel and Mike saw each other all dressed up for the first time with a first look by the river. This setting is one of the best part of having a Rivertree Lodge wedding – it’s so peaceful with the sound of the water running past. We made sure that their friends and family all stayed inside during the first look so that they would truly get a private moment, and it turned out absolutely perfect.
There are a couple of different places you can do a wedding ceremony at Rivertree Lodge, but Rachel and Mike decided to do something a little different. Mike’s sister (and their officiant) Jennifer is also a photographer, and she had helped them pick out the most perfect site in the middle of the woods for the ceremony. Colorado weddings are usually all about the mountain views, but being tucked in to the trees gives such a different feel to the ceremony, and it fit this intimate wedding perfectly.
After the moving ceremony (seriously, we were all a crying mess after listening to their vows!), the guests enjoyed cocktail hour and yard games, while the couple headed inside the lodge for a private dinner. I love how they chose to eat dinner by themselves, because wedding days can so often go by without the couple having any time to themselves, and this was the perfect way for them to relax and enjoy the moment together.
When the guests headed into the tent for dinner, Rachel and Mike and I drove up to nearby Sapphire Point for a hike and couples portraits. We had over an hour set aside for photos, and so instead of just doing photos all in one place, we ended up walking the whole trail around.
Many of my couples have been on the fence between eloping completely by themselves or having friends and family along for the celebrations. Setting aside a solid chunk of time to go for a hike together is the best way to get the best of both worlds! And the Rivertree Lodge wedding was a perfect setting for this, with lots of hiking trails to choose from within an easy drive away from the venue.
Back at the Rivertree Lodge wedding reception, Rachel and Mike cut their cake, and did their first dance under the string lights, before partying the night away with their closest friends and family.
What you need to know about having a Rivertree Lodge wedding:
Rivertree Lodge is a privately owned VRBO on the Blue River in Breckenridge, on the outskirts of Frisco. The 17-acre property offers all the privacy you could want, with multiple spots that are perfect for hosting a wedding ceremony and reception. The house sleeps up to 20 guests, and can seat as many for an indoor meal. It really is the perfect venue for an intimate wedding in the Colorado mountains.
You can see more small wedding venues like Rivertree Lodge in this post. And if you’re looking for a photographer, check out my collections then contact me to chat more about how I can help you.
“I found Nina on Instagram a few months before I started planning our wedding. I quickly became enamored with her photography style and her love of Colorado and nature. I knew that she would be a great photographer for us and that we would receive incredible photos in a great location. What I didn’t know at the time was how much fun Nina is as a person and that I was gaining a friend as well! Leading up to the wedding, Nina was available for advice on our timeline, vendors, and pretty much anything else I threw out at her. During the wedding, she was super fun to have around and she mastered the “there-but-not-there” aspect of a photographer. It felt like she had a lot of fun which helped me relax even more. Nina also had my back throughout the evening, assisting with any problems that popped up. Nina provided us with absolutely breathtaking photos. She really captured us as a couple and provided the best experience that we could have imagined. Thanks, Nina! You were the best and I hope to work with you again in the future!”
Rachel & Mike
Hi! I was hoping you could give me location details about where they had their ceremony and first look? We are looking into this place fo our own wedding! Or if I have a way to contact the couple (I understand you may not be able to due to contracts, safety, etc.) Thank you so much!
Hey! As it says in the blog post, this wedding was held at Rivertree Lodge near Breckenridge, CO. The VRBO listing has been removed, so I don’t think this home is available for rentals at this time.