Outdoor Venues To Set An Astonishing Scene For Your Event
From beach to forest, amphitheater to lavender field, choose an al fresco showcase for your next celebration
Photo courtesy of Camp Wandawega
SET A SHORELINE SCENE
HOLLYWOOD CHIC
Rosewood Miramar Beach, Montecito, Calif.
Built in 1889, the Rosewood’s VIP location nestled against pristine California coastline has a mild year-round climate, making it enviable in every season. The resort offers ultra-luxury accommodations, multiple pools, a spa, fitness studio and numerous dining choices.
Outdoor spaces are thoughtfully integrated among the resort’s rolling lawns and colorful landscaping. The 8,000-square-foot Great Lawn is center stage for al fresco events. Combine that with the resort’s revered culinary program, with hyper-local sourcing, and guests will understand why the centenarian hotel continues to attract celebratory occasions. Plan a Planets & Pinot evening under the stars for your guests, or host a surprise après dinner beachside that will be talked about for years.
Photo courtesy of Rosewood Hotels & Resort | Sitting pretty in Montecito at the Rosewood Miramar.
LAKE ADVENTURE
Located on serene Wandawega Lake, this century-old, authentic Midwest camp has thousands of stories to tell. Built in 1925 as a speakeasy for wealthy Chicagoans, the historic site was also home to a brothel, mobster hide-out, refuge and summer camp. Today, it’s the canoes and kayaks speckled along the lakefront with vintage cabins immersed in the pines that beckon city dwellers for a disconnect and a bit of yesteryear. Featured in over a dozen publications for its tranquil setting, Camp Wandawega literally is picture perfect. The camp’s wooden docks extend into clear waters with fish to be caught and prepared, and there’s a stage for music performances, impromptu charades, and creative collaborations.
The property hosts a variety of lodging options from lakeview and vintage cabins to canvas tents and more. There are over a dozen spots on the property for nuptials, followed by family-style dining on picnic tables.
Photo courtesy of Camp Wandawega | Midwest magic on Lake Wandawega, the heart of Camp Wandawega in Wisconsin.
MUSIC AND MOONLIGHT
Mishawaka Amphitheatre, Bellvue, Colo.
The outdoor Mishawaka Amphitheatre sits in Poudre Canyon, about 13 miles west of Fort Collins. This is the ideal spot to host large-scale video presentations or private concerts, as the venue can accommodate nearly 1,000 guests. Full-service catering and a bar are provided, making every- thing seamless while guests enjoy the riverside ambience. The stage, which often hosts revered musicians both local and international, can be used for nuptials or a full-scale band. The scenic setting has historic cabins on-site, and plentiful nearby camping. Shuttle service can be arranged from downtown Fort Collins.
Photo courtesy of Mishawaka Amphitheatre | Cue the band at Mishawaka Amphitheatre—a classically Colorado venue.
GARDENS ABLOOM
LAUGH AND LOUNGE IN LAVENDER
Los Poblanos & Organic Farm, New Mexico
In 1932, Los Poblanos ranch debuted along the Rio Grande River in Albuquerque. Decades later, 800 acres of farm and ranch land were cultivated (in 1999) to create the resort, adorned with fragrant fields of lavender. Ranch relics from the 1930s and 1940s include the safe and wine cellar, and there are 45 guest rooms on the working organic farm. The paths between the buildings and gardens are some of the most picturesque in the Southwest. Adjacent to the bountiful, seasonal gardens is a saltwater pool, and the event space is home to the oldest swimming pool in Albuquerque, which is now decorative only.
La Quinta Cultural Center on the property is surrounded by fields of lavender and offers a unique outdoor experience. An organic field-to-fork menu helps set the tone for one of the most authentic agritourism experiences in the nation. Choose a garden tour for guests to completely soak in the niche landscape.
Photo courtesy of Los Poblanos
GRANDIOSE IN GRAPES
Wölffer Estate Vineyard, New York
Family-owned Wölffer Estate sprawls across nearly 175 acres in Sagaponack and has space for hundreds of guests. Its 55 acres of sustainably farmed vineyards make for an expansive and exclusive outdoor experience. Located in one of the most expensive zip codes in America, this Hamptons estate offers sophisticated luxury. Guests can wander through the vineyards and enjoy the rustic terrace with panoramic views, or tour the wine cellar. Spring blossom season is always an added bonus before the height of the tourist season.
Photo courtesy of Wölffer Estate Vineyard | A winery wedding has all the makings for a match made in vineyard heaven.
URBAN CULTURE
MINGLING IN MONEY
The Mining Exchange, Colorado Springs
Located in the heart of downtown Colorado Springs, the Mining Exchange Hotel was constructed in 1902 as a stock exchange for local mining companies. Today, the financial façade has given way to a bespoke hotel with a stunning lobby featuring floor-to-ceiling windows that take advantage of Colorado Springs’ 350-plus days of sunshine per year. For an outdoor experience, book the Elkton Room, aptly named after one of the mines that was traded on the Mining Exchange floor and an economic engine of the city’s early history. The space features an attached terrace that seamlessly transitions from outside to in, with city views and mountain air. Raise a toast under starry skies or plan a sunrise breakfast and watch as the sun reaches Pikes Peak. Together with the Elkton Room, the terrace can accommodate up to 100 guests for cocktails.
Photo courtesy of The Mining Exchange | Recently renovated, The Mining Exchange Hotel offers a unique setting in Colorado Springs.
PICTURESQUE IN PARK CITY
Washington School House Hotel, Park City, Utah
An 1889 limestone landmark, this Utah architectural masterpiece in snow and sun-drenched Park City lets the Wasatch Mountains shine as the epicenter of any event. The terraced outdoor pool and spa tucked into the hillside of the historic town is exquisite year-round for events and weddings. With 360-degree views and sunsets of dozens of colors, the hotel’s outdoor fire area includes a steel Olympic torch from the 2002 Winter Olympics in Park City—a photo favorite.
Guests looking to host events at Washington School House Hotel can take advantage of the property’s exclusive buyout option for up to 34 people. The buyout allows guests access to the full property for the event, including the heated outdoor pool, spa and fire-pit area.
Photo courtesy of Washington School House | A Park City party is just the ticket at the historic Washington School House Hotel.
FAMED AND FABULOUS
Art Institute of Chicago, Illinois
The world-renowned Art Institute of Chicago, located in scenic Millennium Park, is one of the Windy City’s biggest attractions. Showcase art at your next outdoor celebration with two options. The Pritzker Garden has an open terrace and large manicured gardens underneath the Chicago skyline with shade during daylight hours. It’s an ideal setting for a cocktail reception for up to 350 guests.
McKinlock Court, another art-inspired outdoor option, is a courtyard surrounded by museum galleries, making it extremely niche and private. With its replica of Carl Milles’ Fountain of the Tritons in Copenhagen, the seasonal space (May-September) can host up to 300 guests for a reception. The outdoor shaded Bluhm Family Terrace is located on the third level of the Modern Wing, just outside Terzo Piano, and offers stunning views of the Chicago skyline and Millennium Park.
Photo courtesy of Art Institute of Chicago | Art, culture and style intersect at McKinlock Court at the Art Institute of Chicago.
DELI DELIGHT
Originally an Italian grocery store when it was built 115 years ago, the event space saw numerous iterations before its current use as an urban escape. Opened in August 2022 for corporate retreats and weddings, Varone Market is outfitted with loads of technology and perks such as premium speakers, custom lighting, a catering kitchen, frosted walls that change color and more.
The 800-square-foot patio offers a breakaway spot for photos, a cocktail bar or even lawn games. There are floral arrangements along the upright posts to add outdoor ambience and heat lamps to warm crisp spring and fall evenings.
Photo courtesy of Varone Market | A recent wedding at Denver’s Varone Market showcases the 115-year-old building’s historic beauty.
Julie Bielenberg is a Colorado-based writer for outlets such as Cowboys & Indians, Newsweek, Family Vacationist, Rachel Ray in Season, Spoke + Blossom, USA Today and numerous others. She is always in search of field, farm, forest and forage with her three children, two pandemic pooches, and an outdoorsy husband.
