Pinecrest Event Center: Is This the Right Colorado Wedding Venue for You?
This venue is great if you’re dreaming of saying “I do” in the beauty of Colorado. You’ve likely come across Pinecrest Event Center in your search for the perfect wedding venue. Choosing best venue is one of the most significant decisions you’ll make when planning your big day. Pinecrest Event Center is located in the beautiful Black Forest near Colorado Springs. It is a stunning wedding venue that attracts couples seeking rustic elegance.
The venue offers couples a setting surrounded by the epic Rocky Mountains. As a wedding photographer, I have photographed more weddings at this venue then any other venue. I love Pinecrest Event Center! But there are definitely some good and bad things to consider when making your choice. Let’s explore the good and the not-so-good aspects of this venue.
The Good: Why Pinecrest Event Center Shines
- Scenic Mountain Setting
Pinecrest Event Center is surrounded by natural beauty, including towering pine trees, mountain views, and beautiful landscapes. It offers endless opportunities for vibrant, true-to-life wedding photos that capture the charm of Colorado’s wilderness. The epic mountain background makes for incredible wedding photos, especially during golden hour.
- Versatile Indoor and Outdoor Spaces
This venue is great whether you dream of exchanging vows under a lot of pines. Pinecrest is perfect for celebrating indoors with rustic-meets-modern charm. Pinecrest offers both options. The outdoor ceremony space is picture-perfect. The reception hall’s vaulted ceilings and large windows create an inviting, warm atmosphere.
- All-Inclusive Packages
Pinecrest makes planning simple with all-inclusive packages that include tables, chairs, linens, and even some decorations. They also have a preferred vendor list, helping you connect with other trusted professionals. The DJ’s are always great. Also, it’s so nice to have all of the decorations you need already at the venue and put up for you.
- Proximity to Colorado Springs and Denver
Pinecrest is located just a short drive from Colorado Springs and Denver. This venue is convenient for out-of-town guests and provides nearby accommodations for a easy and worry-free experience.
- Intimate and Romantic Atmosphere
With the forest and mountain surroundings, Pinecrest Event Center is ideal for couples who want a warm yet elegant setting that feels private and romantic.
- The Best Bridal Suite
The girls suite the best one in the Springs. (In my photographer opinion). The room is large, and all white farmhouse style. There are tons of windows, which makes for amazing photos. The bridal suite is close (like 5 feet) away from great portrait locations in the forest with mountains.
The Not-So-Good: Things to Consider
- Chapel has bad lighting
The indoor chapel is pretty with white walls and gorgeous chandeliers. It is not ideal for ceremony photos. Mostly because the chapel has harsh yellow light and not enough natural light.
- Weather Challenges for Outdoor Ceremonies
Colorado’s unpredictable weather can pose challenges, especially for outdoor ceremonies. While Pinecrest Event Center has an indoor option, last-minute weather shifts can mess up outdoor plans. But, the Pinecrest coordinators are amazing, and can change plans to the indoor chapel if the weather turns bad.
- Vendor Restrictions
While their preferred vendor list is helpful, it might limit your choices if you have specific professionals in mind. Be sure to confirm policies before booking.
- Groomsman suite is far away
The reception site and groomsman suit is located a quarter mile down the road from the brides suit and indoor chapel. This can be tricky for both your wedding photographer and guest. If you opt for the indoor chapel for your ceremony, all of the guests need to walk down the street to the reception building. Sometimes this inconvenience makes for getting slightly behind on your timeline if you’re not careful. This is because your photographer needs to run up and down the road quite often. I would recommend a second shooter to make this issue not important for your timeline. The good news is they have a cute golf cart for the bride and groom!
- Random houses and fences in the background
During our portrait sessions outside, there is beautiful mountains in the background. Unfortunately Pinecrest Event Center is located in a little mountain neighborhood. In almost all of the portrait locations, there are houses and fences in the background with the mountains. You will want to make sure you hire a good wedding photographer (like me!!) who will edit out all of these things. Otherwise, your photos will look… lets just say not as good as they could. 🙂
Is Pinecrest Event Center Right for You?
If you’re looking for a wedding venue that combines natural beauty, rustic elegance, and an intimate atmosphere.. Pinecrest Event Center might be perfect.
As a Colorado wedding photographer, I love capturing the magic of weddings at Pinecrest Event Center. Its unique blend of forest charm and refined spaces makes every event feel special. If you’re considering Pinecrest, I’d love to chat and help you see how your wedding could come to life at this stunning venue!
Planning your dream wedding? Contact Michelle Betz Photography to capture your special day with elegant, bright, and true-to-life photos. Let’s make your wedding unforgettable!