If you’ve been envisioning a Colorado wedding that feels like you’re at the peak of a mountain and still easy for guests to get to, North Star Gatherings in Idaho Springs checks all those boxes. I photographed a wedding here recently, and it’s one of those venues that just works so good for candid, documentary-style photography, no overthinking or posing needed.

Getting Married at North Star Gatherings in Idaho Springs

The drive up is less than an hour from Denver, but once you’re there, you feel completely surrounded by forest and mountain peaks. The ceremony deck is the first thing that catches you, nothing but open sky and views of the Continental Divide. I love that guests can take in the same view during cocktail hour, too, because it keeps everyone in one space while the couple gets a moment to breathe.

Inside, the Great Hall is bright, warm, and modern without feeling stuffy. Big windows let in so much natural light, which is a dream for me and means your photos will look beautiful no matter the weather. And the getting ready spaces? Perfectly thought out! Plenty of room, good light, and tucked away so you don’t accidentally see each other if you don’t want to.

One of the things I really love about photographing a North Star Gatherings wedding is how open and comfortable the space feels. The venue has different areas that guests can move through during the day. An indoor reception space where people mingle and dance, the outside patio deck that’s usually set up for the ceremony, and even a set of stairs that leads you to an open view of the mountains. It gives everyone little pockets to settle into, whether that’s kids running around on the grass, friends grabbing a drink before dinner, or grandparents watching the sunset from the deck. That open feeling between spaces is what makes North Star Gatherings such an easy place for guests, especially when you have a mix of people traveling from out of state and locals from Colorado.

If you’re considering North Star Gatherings, I’d say it’s perfect for couples who want mountain views, an easy drive for guests, and a space where your day can unfold naturally. That’s when you get the kind of photos you’ll still smile at years from now, the ones that feel like you.