A guide to having a Donovan Pavilion wedding
As a wedding photographer, I’ve had the privilege of capturing countless beautiful moments in stunning locations, but few venues offer the magic and elegance of Donovan Pavilion in Vail, Colorado. Nestled in the heart of the Vail Valley, this gorgeous mountain venue combines rustic charm with modern amenities, making it the perfect place for couples looking to say “I do” surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty. Whether you’re planning an intimate ceremony or a grand celebration, Donovan Pavilion has something to offer. Let’s dive into all the details that make this venue stand out, and why it could be the ideal choice for your dream wedding.
About Donovan Pavilion
Donovan Pavilion is a hidden gem tucked away in the iconic Vail Valley. This venue, with its stunning wooden architecture and expansive windows, offers panoramic views of the surrounding Rocky Mountains and the Eagle River. It’s the perfect fusion of rustic and refined, providing the ideal backdrop for any style of wedding—from elegant and classic to relaxed and nature-inspired.
Venue Details
- Capacity: Donovan Pavilion can comfortably accommodate up to 200 guests for seated dinners, making it an ideal choice for medium to large weddings.
- Indoor and Outdoor Spaces: The venue offers flexibility with both indoor and outdoor spaces. The indoor space features a spacious, open floor plan with high ceilings and exposed beams, while the outdoor area boasts a large deck with sweeping views of the mountains and the Eagle River below. Whether you dream of an outdoor ceremony or an indoor reception with floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing the natural surroundings, Donovan Pavilion makes it happen.
- Location: Located just minutes from Vail Village, Donovan Pavilion offers convenient access for guests while still providing a secluded, intimate atmosphere. It’s the perfect spot for those who want a mountain setting without being too far off the beaten path.
- Wedding Packages: Many couples opt to use local caterers and vendors, though Donovan Pavilion provides a list of preferred partners, helping to streamline the planning process. The venue also includes amenities such as tables, chairs, and a sound system, which is incredibly helpful when it comes to staying within budget.
| Location | 1600 S Frontage Rd W, Vail, CO 81657 | ||
| Capacity | 200 seated | ||
| Coordinator | Yes | ||
| Hours of use | 8 hours (can add additional) | ||
| Rentals | Tables and chairs included |
Pricing
For a Vail wedding venue, Donovan Pavilion is one of the most cost effective in the area. The cost can vary based on factors such as guest count, day of the week, and season, but expect to pay anywhere between $4,000 and $8,000 for the venue rental. This price includes the main event space and basic amenities such as tables and chairs.
Pricing for a peak season 8 hour day
Updated March 2025, but for most up to date pricing always check directly with the venue!
| Friday-Sunday | $9,775 | ||
| Monday-Thursday | $5,455 |
Pros of Choosing Donovan Pavilion
- Stunning Views: Hands down, one of the venue’s greatest assets is the breathtaking scenery. Whether you’re getting married in the summer with lush greenery surrounding you, or in the winter with snow-capped peaks in the distance, the natural beauty is unparalleled.
- Versatility: With both indoor and outdoor spaces, this venue gives you options to design the day of your dreams. Plus, the layout allows you to flow seamlessly from ceremony to reception, with plenty of room for dancing, mingling, and capturing stunning photos.
- Convenient Location: Located just outside Vail Village, Donovan Pavilion is easily accessible to out-of-town guests but still feels like a private oasis. It strikes the perfect balance between remote and convenient.
- Perfect for Photos: As a wedding photographer, I can tell you that Donovan Pavilion is a dream location for photos. The natural light pouring in through the large windows, combined with the picturesque mountain backdrop, creates an unforgettable setting for your wedding album.
- Flexible Vendor Options: While the venue has preferred vendors, you still have a great deal of freedom to choose your own catering, entertainment, and florals. It’s a perfect choice for couples who have specific vendors in mind.
Cons of Donovan Pavilion
- Weather Considerations: If you’re planning an outdoor ceremony or reception, you’ll need to consider Colorado’s unpredictable weather. Though the pavilion itself offers shelter, inclement weather could impact outdoor plans, so having a backup option for an indoor ceremony or reception is essential.
- Mountain Prices: While Donovan Pavilion is a reasonably priced venue for the area, keep in mind that vendors (florals, DJ’s, will likely be more expensive than in Denver.
- Limited Guest Capacity: If you’re planning a large wedding with more than 150 guests, you may need to consider a different venue. While the space is ideal for medium-sized weddings, it may feel cramped for larger groups.
Logistics and Things to Keep in Mind
- Travel: Vail is a destination wedding location, which means that guests may need to fly in or drive long distances. Be sure to provide detailed instructions for your guests and consider offering transportation to and from the venue. The venue’s location near Vail Village does offer some transportation options, but it’s best to plan ahead.
- Accessibility: While Vail is a beautiful destination, it can also be difficult to navigate for guests with mobility issues, especially when it comes to mountainous terrain. Be sure to check with the venue about accommodations for any guests who may need extra assistance.
- Accommodations: Vail offers a wide range of accommodations, from luxury resorts to more affordable hotels. If you have out-of-town guests, it’s a good idea to reserve a block of rooms in advance. The venue’s proximity to Vail Village also makes it easy for guests to stay nearby.
A tour of a Donovan Pavilion wedding
Exterior
The journey to Donovan Pavilion begins even before you step foot inside. The venue is tucked into the scenic Vail Valley, surrounded by towering peaks, lush forests, and tranquil streams. As you approach, you are greeted by the venue’s grand exterior—a combination of rustic stone, wood beams, and large windows that provide panoramic views of the natural surroundings.
During warmer months, the surrounding landscape transforms into a vibrant display of wildflowers and lush greenery, while in winter, the snow-capped mountains create a magical winter wonderland. The exterior is perfect for stunning wedding photos, with the beauty of nature framing every shot. Guests will immediately be taken in by the breathtaking surroundings, setting the tone for the unforgettable celebration to come.
Getting Ready
Donovan recently overhauled their getting ready suite and it is truly beautiful. However, this couple decided to get ready at an Airbnb off-site. This is a great option if you have a large wedding party or need more time than the allotted 8 hours of getting ready.
Cocktail Hour
After the ceremony, it’s time for guests to mingle and enjoy some drinks before the reception begins. Donovan Pavilion’s outdoor patio and indoor lounge areas provide the perfect spots for a cocktail hour. The outdoor patio offers sweeping views of the mountains, ideal for guests to enjoy the scenery while sipping on cocktails and indulging in passed hors d’oeuvres.
Photo Locations
There are so many incredible spots to take photos at Donovan Pavilion. It’s super close to Vail Village, so you can get some fun photos in and around the town. You can take the gondola up the mountain for gorgeous sweeping views. Or you can stay on-site and get beautiful photos nestled within the aspens.
Reception
Once cocktail hour wraps up, guests make their way into the reception space—an expansive, beautifully designed hall that blends the rustic charm of the mountains with sleek modern finishes. Large windows around the room offer plenty of natural light and beautiful views of the mountains, allowing the beauty of nature to shine through as the celebration unfolds.
The venue is incredibly versatile, offering the option to customize the layout and décor to fit the couple’s unique style. From intimate gatherings to grand celebrations, the space can accommodate a variety of guest counts, ensuring that the reception feels both intimate and grand. The wood floors, exposed beams, and stone walls create a cozy yet elegant ambiance that’s perfect for dancing, dining, and celebrating with loved ones.
The space also features a beautiful dining area with high ceilings and ample space for a large guest list. Whether you prefer a sit-down dinner with plated courses or a more relaxed buffet-style reception, the venue can accommodate any catering style. The team at Donovan Pavilion works closely with couples to ensure that every detail, from the food to the lighting, enhances the overall experience.
Dancing
There is a ton of room for open dancing in the room off of the tented reception space. There is a large stone fireplace and lots of cool, rustic decor that has a very quintessential Colorado feel.
View a wedding day at Donovan Pavilion
Anna and Alex’s August Wedding at Donovan Pavilion
If you’d like to view what a wedding day looks like, check out this gorgeous August wedding.
Getting Ready
Anna and Alex’s beautiful wedding day began at two Airbnb’s off site. Both were within 10 minutes from Vail Chapel and Donovan Pavilion, so they were super accessible and convenient. Getting ready at an Airbnb can be a great choice if you have a large wedding party and need a bit more space to spread out.
Anna had some simple details that she wanted photographed, including some pearl accessories and their gorgeous pastel invitation suite.
First Look and Private Vows
After getting ready, we made our way to the couple’s first look spot. It was a super sweet moment and Alex’s reaction was ever bride’s dream. We then made our way up the gondola to get some gorgeous sweeping mountain views where the couple did my favorite thing, sharing private vows! After a few photos we made our way back down the gondola to ensure there was plenty of time before their ceremony.
Ceremony
This ceremony was one of my favorite of the year. It was a traditional Catholic ceremony, which meant there were lots of significant readings and traditions. It was so fun to capture the little kid’s reactions to a lengthier ceremony and all the way they entertained themselves.
Photographing Catholic ceremonies can sometimes be a bit tricky with lighting and restrictions, but the Vail Interfaith Chapel had so much natural light and were very accommodating to us vendors.
The couple ended the ceremony with a bubble exit, which is such a fun way to get “exit” photos without the end of night exit.
Vail Village Couple and Wedding Party Portraits
When talking with Anna on our consultation calls, she mentioned wanted to have a solid chunk of time to just explore Vail Village with the wedding party– and I was absolutely here for it! We spent about an hour wandering the quaint streets of Vail, popping around to some photo opportunities, but really just letting my couple enjoy their time with their friends.
Cocktail Hour
Anna and Alex really wanted to join their cocktail hour, to which I said, absolutely!! Donovan Pavilion has a wonderful cocktail hour space in the back of the venue, which allowed for plenty of room to mingle and greet guests.
Reception
Time for reception! Donovan Pavilion is truly one of the most stunning reception spaces I’ve photographed. The floor to ceiling windows, the exposed beams. Anna and her planner (Leah from West and Anchored) absolutely nailed the decor. It looked so gorgeous.
After entrances and a few toasts, the couple did some special dances (including a sentimental dance with Anna’s late-father’s best friend, there wasn’t a dry eye in the room).
The couple then cut the cake and did an outfit change (into custom sneakers!) and the dancefloor was finally open. I didn’t stay for long, but I know it was a party to remember!
For couples who want to blend natural beauty, luxury, and a touch of rustic charm, Donovan Pavilion in Vail is one of the best wedding venues in the area. Its stunning views, flexible spaces, and high-end amenities make it a top choice for mountain weddings.
So, if you’re looking for a venue that offers the perfect mix of elegance, intimacy, and breathtaking beauty, look no further than Donovan Pavilion. It’s truly a wedding photographer’s dream and a once-in-a-lifetime experience for couples. And if you’re looking for a photographer to capture your Donovan Pavilion wedding, send me a message! I’d love to chat with you!
Vendor Team
Venue: Vail Interfaith Chapel & Donovan Pavilion
Planner: Leah Weston of West and Anchored
Catering: Biscuits and Berries
Florist: Signe Jones
Cake: Gateaux Bakery
DJ: DJ D’Amico
HMUA: Sunshine Daydream Artistry
Wedding Dress: Rivini by Rita Vinieris
Shoes: Kate Spade – Champagne Cork Heels
Suit: J. Mueser New York
Invites: Gates Paper Co
Meet Leah
A Colorado wedding photographer and big fan of Donovan Pavilion
Hey there! My name’s Leah and I’m a Colorado wedding photographer based out of Denver (Broomfield to be specific).
I love candid moments, timeless edits and creating a luxurious and fun experience for all my clients.
In my opinion, your wedding photos should look how your day felt. So whether you’re having a huge wedding dancing until 1am or an intimate gathering with just your closest people, I want your photos to feel organic and authentic to your day.
I loved photographing this summer wedding at the Donovan Pavilion– the upscale and modern vibe really captured the mountain town elegance of Vail– it’s truly an incredibly photogenic wedding venue. So whether you’re just browsing for venues or looking for inspiration for your upcoming Donovan Pavilion wedding– send me an email, I’d love to photograph your day!
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