A Lakefront Colorado Micro Wedding | Dillon Marina Park Pavilion 

An Intimate Wedding at Dillon Marina Park Pavilion

It would’ve been impossible to leave Kacie and Quentin’s lakefront micro wedding at Dillon Marina Park Pavilion without a joy-filled heart. Their day was more than just an intimate wedding; it was a celebration of their love and the blending of their families. Surrounded by the Colorado mountains and the serene waters of Lake Dillon, Kacie and Quentin’s intimate ceremony was a perfect blend of lighthearted moments, genuine bonds, and stunning natural beauty.

From the moment I arrived, it was clear that this was a family affair. The heartfelt effort and love of their nearest and dearest truly shone through, with everyone pitching in to make the day special. Throughout their wedding day, we explored a few different spots around Lake Dillon, and the humorous moments that ensued made their day everything they had dreamed of and more. It was a celebration not only of Kacie and Quentin’s union but also of their new, blended family coming together in the most beautiful way.

Meet The Couple

Kacie and Quentin traveled all the way from Illinois to celebrate their lakeside micro wedding in the Rocky Mountains. Some of their fondest memories have been formed while hiking in national parks, and they wanted an intimate wedding location that celebrated their love of the outdoors. Dillon, Colorado, proved to have everything they were looking for in a mountain micro wedding location.

The excitement from their entire family was palpable as they began a new chapter as a blended family. Kacie was absolutely stunning, and you could tell how excited she was. One thing I loved was that Quentin had the greatest smile all day! He never stopped beaming, and his joy was so much fun to be around!

The Wedding Planning Process: Sapphire Point Overlook + Dillon Marina Park Pavilion

Kacie and Quentin originally expressed an interest in hosting their intimate ceremony at Brainard Lake. However, their group was too large to host their wedding day there. As a result, they chose Sapphire Point, which could better accommodate their group size. To complement their choice of venue, they found a beautiful Airbnb in Dillon, which became the perfect home base for their wedding festivities.

In the months leading up to their wedding, the Sapphire Point website was unavailable due to a rebuild, preventing them from making a reservation. As their date approached and they still couldn’t secure a spot, we quickly pivoted to our backup plan and made a reservation at Dillon Marina Park Pavilion. A situation like this is why I always suggest couples have some sort of backup plan, just in case– and in this case, it worked out flawlessly.

Fortunately, the Sapphire Point reservation system re-opened within days of making their reservation at Dillon Marina Park Pavilion, and they ended up securing reservations at both locations. Ultimately, they decided to keep their intimate ceremony at Dillon Marina Park Pavilion and use their Sapphire Point Overlook reservation for private sunset photos later. It was the perfect layout for their special day.

A Waterfront Micro Wedding in Colorado

Wedding Flat Lay Photos + Sentimental Details

The day of Kacie and Quentin’s intimate wedding began at their beautiful Airbnb. I started by photographing their wedding details, capturing each sentimental item, including their wedding rings, vow books, accessories, and marriage license. These details were all thoughtfully arranged to bring smiles to their faces when they look back on their photos.

Packing and organizing these items can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially when you want to ensure nothing is left behind on your big day. To simplify this process, I always provide my couples with a branded tote bag to keep everything organized in one place. Additionally, I have a detailed micro wedding and elopement packing list to help with gathering and packing all necessary items, ensuring a smooth and stress-free experience.

Getting Ready Photos

After capturing their wedding details, I began photographing Kacie and Quentin’s exciting getting-ready moments. It was so much fun getting to spend time with them and witness their excitement and anticipation. It was also heartwarming to see their children and loved ones start to gather, sharing in the excitement of the day.

While the bride and groom were preparing, Quentin’s mom was hard at work in the kitchen, preparing a beautiful meal for after their ceremony. Originally, Kacie and Quentin had considered having a private chef at their Airbnb or hosting a restaurant reception. However, the Dillon Marina Park Pavilion made it easy for their family to cook a wonderful steak dinner at the Airbnb and then bring it to the pavilion to enjoy. I recommended steaks from La Vaca in Littleton, which earned rave reviews!

The Colorado Lakeside Airbnb

The Airbnb they chose was not only a perfect base but also an ideal setting for their getting-ready photos. This three-level home, with its high-end modern finishes and open floor plan, offered a spacious and stylish setting for their preparations and for gathering with loved ones. The abundance of natural light from the home’s many windows created a bright and airy atmosphere, perfect for capturing beautiful moments.

The large kitchen island and cozy living room with a fireplace provided great spots for candid shots during the day’s hustle and bustle. And the back deck, with its stunning views, would be a lovely space for quiet evenings. Although part of a duplex, the Airbnb felt very private, thanks to its thoughtful design. 

Overall, the combination of proximity to the lake, great light, and unique features made this Airbnb the perfect choice for Kacie and Quentin’s getting-ready photos as well as a home base for their wedding weekend.

If you love the idea of using an Airbnb as your micro wedding basecamp—or even hosting your intimate wedding day there—I have a curated list of Airbnbs and VRBOs that would be perfect for your micro wedding or elopement. 

Dillon Marina Park Pavilion

After capturing Kacie and Quentin’s getting-ready moments, we headed to Dillon Marina Park Pavilion for their intimate ceremony. With its breathtaking mountain views over Lake Dillon and the Ten Mile + Gore Mountain Ranges, the pavilion perfectly encapsulated the natural beauty they sought for their wedding venue.

Dillon Marina Park Pavilion is an excellent choice for your micro wedding ceremony. From May 1 to September 30, you can reserve the space for either a half-day or a full day, with prices ranging from $500 to $1800, depending on the day of the week. Outside these dates, the pavilion is open for public use and cannot be privately reserved. For the best experience, I recommend the later half-day slot to enjoy the stunning sunset.

The pavilion features 1,400 sq. ft. of usable covered space, and can accommodate up to 90 guests. It is equipped with picnic tables, electrical outlets, and ADA restroom facilities for convenience. The covered area ensures protection from the elements, making it a reliable choice for your wedding day.

However, please note that the pavilion is unavailable for private events on Memorial Day, July 4, and Labor Day and may be closed during concerts at the Dillon Amphitheater. Food trucks are not permitted, but you can choose other catering options or provide your own, as Kacie and Quentin did. For more details and to check availability, visit their website.

Overall, Dillon Marina Park Pavilion’s combination of stunning views and practical amenities makes it a fantastic venue for your micro wedding ceremony.

Setting Up for the Celebration

The weather on Kacie and Quentin’s wedding day was partly cloudy and quite windy. The clouds provided us with soft, diffused light throughout much of the day. Although the temperatures weren’t particularly cold, the wind made it feel significantly chillier than anticipated. It was a nice break from the hot weather that Denver had been experiencing.

Once everyone arrived at the pavilion, it was heartwarming to see all the guests coming together to set up for the celebration. They worked diligently to adorn the tables with tablecloths, arrange place settings, and set up a delectable buffet. The menu featured filet mignon, green beans almondine, twice-baked potatoes, arugula and beet salad, and a selection of desserts. Of course, there was also pizza for the kiddos. It was truly touching to witness everyone’s efforts in creating such a special and memorable day for Kacie and Quentin.

The Micro Wedding Ceremony 

Kacie and Quentin chose a picturesque spot by the edge of the lake for their private first look, and the moment Quentin saw Kacie in her wedding attire was truly priceless. The emotion on his face spoke volumes.

The ceremony took place right outside of the Pavillion, with the Colorado mountains and Lake Dillon setting the scene. Quentin’s dad officiated, adding an extra meaningful touch to the occasion. During the ceremony, Quentin’s son brought a lighthearted moment to the proceedings. When Quentin’s dad made a humorous misstep while officiating, Quentin’s son turned to him and exclaimed, “Gramps, that’s sus… So cringe, Grandpa!” Everyone was in stitches, making it a very memorable moment.

Surrounded by their nearest and dearest, and with their children by their sides, Kacie and Quentin exchanged their vows with breathtaking mountain views and Lake Dillon in the background. It was a beautiful, heartfelt ceremony that perfectly captured their love and the joy of the day. The blending of their families was evident in the smiles and laughter shared, making the day even more special as they began their new chapter together.

The Intimate Reception

The setup for Kacie and Quentin’s micro wedding reception was truly impressive and seriously adorable. Catering trays were artfully arranged, and inflatable ice baths kept dishes like the arugula and beet salad perfectly chilled. The mother of the groom even had placards printed with the names of the dishes being served, adding a professional touch. For dessert, there was a delightful spread of cheesecake and colorful cupcakes. You could tell how much thought and care went into the whole celebration.

Everyone contributed to the setup, but it was clear that Quentin’s mom, known for hosting stunning events, was leading the charge. It was absolutely precious to see the collective effort.

A touching moment of the evening was the memorial toast to Kacie’s dad, using his favorite beer, PBR. It was a heartfelt tribute that added a meaningful touch to the celebration, honoring his memory while celebrating the love and unity on Kacie and Quentin’s special day. We felt his presence in spirit.

If you or your partner are planning a wedding while navigating grief, I have a blog that offers insights and support on how to handle such a situation.

Sunset Portraits by the Lake

After dinner, we took photos with the happy family by the pavilion, then headed to the other side of the lake to Sapphire Point Overlook for sunset portraits.

Sapphire Point Overlook

Sapphire Point Overlook sits at an elevation of 9,500 feet and is located between Keystone and Breckenridge and just under 1.5 hours from Denver.

The overlook’s breathtaking views and ADA accessibility make it a popular choice for micro weddings, elopements, and portraits. While complete privacy is not guaranteed, you can secure this stunning spot with a reservation. The overlook can accommodate up to 30 people, making it a budget-friendly option for your intimate wedding in Summit County. Reservations open at 8:00 AM MT, six months in advance, and can be made online at recreation.gov. With limited slots available each day, I recommend asking your photographer for advice on the best time to capture the perfect lighting for your ceremony. Kacie and Quentin had the evening slot which aligned perfectly with sunset.

We were grateful to have bookings at both Dillon Marina Park Pavilion and Sapphire Point Overlook. Visiting multiple locations on your wedding day can create such a dynamic gallery. 

We even managed to snap a few more photos down at the edge of Lake Dillon. Although the water level was high, leaving less room to move about, it was the perfect way to end a lakeside Colorado micro wedding with the sweetest family.

Plan Your Colorado Lakeside Micro Wedding

Kacie and Quentin’s lakeside micro wedding at Dillon Marina Park Pavilion was an incredible day that will be fondly remembered by everyone present. From the heartfelt moments of their ceremony to the thoughtful collaboration of their reception, every aspect of their celebration reflected their love of nature and the blending of their families.

As they began this next chapter together, the warmth and unity of their celebration were evident in every smile and laugh shared. The thoughtful planning, the intimate setting, and the touching tributes made their wedding a heartfelt celebration of their journey and their family’s new beginning. And I can’t imagine a more beautiful backdrop than the breathtaking views of Lake Dillon and the Rocky Mountains for their special day.

If you’re ready to start planning your micro wedding or elopement at Dillon Marina Park Pavilion or another beautiful Colorado location, reach out. I’d love to capture your special day so you can relive your precious moments for years to come—and share them with future generations.