Devil’s Thumb Ranch Wedding Venue: A Photographer’s Guide
As a Colorado wedding photographer, I’ve had the privilege of photographing weddings at some of the most breathtaking venues in the Rockies. Devil’s Thumb Ranch in Tabernash is one of those rare places that truly combines luxury, mountain charm, and thoughtful hospitality. If you’re envisioning a Colorado wedding surrounded by sweeping views, rustic architecture, and high-end amenities, this venue may be exactly what you’re looking for.
This guide covers everything you need to know before booking your Devil’s Thumb Ranch wedding—from pricing and venue details to pros, cons, and insider tips.
About Devil’s Thumb Ranch
Located just 75 miles west of Denver and about 15 minutes from Winter Park, Devil’s Thumb Ranch is a luxury mountain resort and working ranch. The property spans more than 6,000 acres, offering panoramic views of the Continental Divide and endless opportunities for wedding photos in every season.
What makes Devil’s Thumb Ranch special is its blend of authentic Colorado rustic style with five-star amenities. Hand-hewn beams, stone fireplaces, and wide-open meadows provide a sense of rugged romance, while the resort’s spa, fine dining, and luxury accommodations elevate the experience for both couples and guests.
Wedding Spaces at Devil’s Thumb Ranch
- High Lonesome Barn: Restored Civil War-era barn relocated from Indiana, seating up to 350 guests with vaulted ceilings and mountain views.
- Broad Axe Barn: A more intimate reclaimed-wood barn with space for up to 160 guests, perfect for smaller weddings.
- Outdoor Ceremony Options: Open meadows, panoramic decks, or mountain-view backdrops available seasonally.
- Indoor Ceremony Options: Both barns have ceremony-ready spaces for colder months or weather-contingencies.
- On-site Lodging: Guest rooms, cabins, and luxury suites accommodate wedding parties and guests for a full weekend experience.
Devil’s Thumb Ranch Wedding Cost
Devil’s Thumb Ranch is considered a luxury wedding venue, and pricing reflects its exclusivity and amenities. Costs vary depending on season, day of the week, and guest count, but here’s a general overview:
- Site Fees: Start at $40,000 for Summer and Fall weddings but price will depend on the barn and date.
- Food & Beverage Minimums: Generally around $80,000 for peak-season weekend weddings.
- Catering: All food and beverage must be provided in-house by the resort’s culinary team.
- Service Charges: Expect a 22% service fee and state/local taxes on food, beverage, and services.
- Lodging: On-site accommodations for you and guests are booked separately but are often encouraged or required for full wedding weekends.
Because of these minimums, Devil’s Thumb Ranch weddings tend to work best for couples planning with guest counts of 75–250 and higher budgets.
Pricing updated as of September 2025, but for most up to date pricing always check with the venue!
Tour of a Devil’s Thumb Ranch Wedding
Getting Ready
Most couples and their wedding parties use one of the Ranch’s accommodations for preparation. Options include guest rooms, suites, or private cabins. These spaces are perfect for:
- Hair and makeup setups for the bridal party
- Groomsmen getting ready in rustic yet modern rooms
- Pre-ceremony portraits of family and wedding party
- First look moments within private lodge areas or balconies overlooking the property
As a photographer, I recommend allowing ample natural light and scheduling time for portraits before heading to the ceremony site. Many rooms have large windows and cozy furnishings that make getting-ready photos feel warm and inviting.
Ceremony
Devil’s Thumb Ranch offers multiple ceremony settings, each with unique appeal:
- High Lonesome Barn: Grand vaulted ceilings, exposed beams, and floor-to-ceiling windows make this barn ideal for indoor ceremonies. Capacity up to 350 guests.
- Broad Axe Barn: More intimate with reclaimed wood charm, perfect for weddings up to 160 guests.
- Outdoor Meadow Ceremonies: Rolling meadows with mountain backdrops create quintessential Colorado wedding photos. Seasonal wildflowers add natural beauty.
- Deck Overlooks: Elevated outdoor spaces provide stunning views of the Continental Divide, perfect for sunset ceremonies (used as a cocktail hour space in this featured wedding)
Ceremony timing is crucial—sunset in the mountains varies widely by season, and early planning ensures the best light for photos.
Cocktail Hour
The cocktail hour at Devil’s Thumb Ranch is as memorable as the ceremony itself. Guests can mingle on the expansive outdoor decks overlooking the mountains, or enjoy the cozy indoor lounge areas in the barns. With panoramic views, rustic charm, and thoughtfully designed seating, the space provides a relaxed yet elegant atmosphere for your friends and family to toast, snack, and socialize before the reception begins. It also offers excellent photo opportunities, from candid guest interactions to sunset portraits with the mountains as a backdrop.
Reception
Reception options at Devil’s Thumb Ranch are just as flexible as the ceremony:
- Barn Receptions: Both High Lonesome and Broad Axe Barns offer rustic yet refined settings, with space for dining, dancing, and lounge areas. Exposed wood and chandeliers create a warm, romantic ambiance.
- Outdoor Receptions: Smaller cocktail-style receptions can be hosted outdoors on the decks or patios when weather permits.
- Catering: All food is provided by in-house catering, with customizable menus that accommodate dietary restrictions.
- Entertainment: DJs or live bands can easily set up indoors; barns provide excellent acoustics, while outdoor decks may require sound planning.
- Decor: The architectural features reduce the need for heavy decoration, but uplighting, candles, and floral arrangements enhance the space beautifully.
Photo Locations
Devil’s Thumb Ranch is a photographer’s dream with endless backdrops:
- Meadows and Mountain Views: Rolling hills, wildflower fields, and expansive mountain vistas make for dramatic couple portraits.
- Barn Interiors: Exposed beams, chandeliers, and rustic textures provide timeless indoor shots.
- Lodge Interiors: Cozy fireplaces, balconies, and refined décor make perfect candid and detail shots.
- Rivers and Streams: Seasonal water features add unique natural elements to photos.
- Horse Corrals and Ranch Details: For a true western vibe, these rustic elements can create storytelling imagery.
Photographers tip: The lighting out by the pasture green can be quite harsh until the sun dips, make sure to plan for some sunset photo time to get the perfect even lighting.
Pros of a Devil’s Thumb Ranch Wedding
Unparalleled Mountain Views
The setting is spectacular in every season. From summer wildflowers to fall golden aspens to snow-covered peaks in winter, the Ranch offers a true Colorado backdrop.
Luxury and Convenience
Unlike many remote mountain venues, Devil’s Thumb Ranch offers everything in one location: ceremony, reception, accommodations, spa, dining, and activities. This makes it ideal for destination weddings where guests can stay and celebrate all weekend without traveling far.
Variety of Venues
With multiple barns and ceremony sites, couples can choose a setting that matches their vision and guest count. Whether you want a grand barn reception or a more intimate gathering, the Ranch can accommodate it.
Endless Photo Opportunities
As a photographer, Devil’s Thumb Ranch is a dream. Rolling meadows, horses, wide-open skies, and rustic architecture create a gallery of backdrops within walking distance. Sunset portraits here are some of the most stunning in the state.
Year-Round Destination
From snowy winter weddings by the fireplace to summer ceremonies in open meadows, the Ranch is versatile and weather-ready.
Cons and Considerations
Premium Price Point
Devil’s Thumb Ranch is an investment. With site fees, food and beverage minimums, and service charges, it may not be ideal for smaller budgets.
Weather Variables
While the barns provide excellent indoor options, outdoor ceremonies at altitude always require a solid weather backup.
Lodging Expectations
Because the Ranch is a full resort, many couples choose (or are encouraged) to book a block of rooms for their wedding party and guests. While convenient, this adds to the total cost.
Remote but Accessible
The Ranch is only 75 miles from Denver, but it’s still a mountain drive—particularly in winter when road conditions can be challenging. Providing transportation for guests is often a smart move.
Tips for Couples Planning a Devil’s Thumb Ranch Wedding
- Book Early: The Ranch is one of Colorado’s most sought-after wedding venues, and prime dates often book out more than a year in advance.
- Plan for Guest Experience: Take advantage of on-site activities like horseback riding, cross-country skiing, fly fishing, or spa services. These make the wedding weekend memorable for out-of-town guests.
- Budget for Service Charges: Remember to factor in the 22% service fee and taxes when planning your catering budget.
- Schedule Golden Hour Photos: The property has spectacular sunset light. Build time into your timeline for portraits in the meadows or overlooking the Divide.
- Think About Seasons: Each season offers something unique. Winter weddings are cozy and magical indoors; summer and fall shine outdoors with open views and warm evenings.
Is Devil’s Thumb Ranch the Right Venue for You?
A Devil’s Thumb Ranch wedding is perfect for couples who want a luxury Colorado mountain experience without sacrificing comfort or convenience. It combines rustic elegance with five-star service, creating an unforgettable wedding weekend for both you and your guests.
If you’re dreaming of a Colorado wedding that feels equal parts adventurous and refined, Devil’s Thumb Ranch delivers a setting that is as stunning in person as it is in photographs. As a photographer, I always look forward to weddings here because the property offers such a rich variety of backdrops and lighting conditions.
If you’d like help envisioning your wedding day photography at Devil’s Thumb Ranch, I’d love to connect and share ideas for making the most of this incredible venue.
Meet Leah
A Colorado wedding photographer and big fan of Devil’s Thumb Ranch
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 Devil’s Thumb Ranch. Whether you’re just browsing for venues or looking for inspiration for your upcoming Devil’s Thumb Ranch wedding– send me an email, I’d love to photograph your day!
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