O’Connor Pavilion Wedding Tour in Estes Park, Colorado

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If you’re dreaming of a laid-back, outdoorsy wedding celebration with a little bit of summer-camp vibes, O’Connor Pavilion in Estes Park, Colorado might just be the space you’re looking for.

And I’m here to help you find out if it is!

After a little scouting mission, I toured the entire grounds (and they’re pretty big!), to show off what it might be like for you to have your own O’Connor Pavilion wedding.

Here’s what really stands out about the space:

It’s a ceremony + reception space all in one!
The reception space is along the river which gives it a great ambiance
The two ceremony sites (more below) are absolutely beautiful, both have arches, and are perfect for couples wanting to be surrounded by nature when they exchange their vows
There’s lots of space for activities––including lots of beautiful photo spots
It’s super conveniently located to Rocky Mountain National Park and downtown Estes Park

But wait, there’s more! Let me go into more detail..

O'Connor Pavilion wedding venue in Estes Park

View of pavilion from the footbridge entrance

Getting to O’Connor Pavilion

O’Connor Pavilion is conveniently located (especially to numerous lodging and accommodation options), yet it’s simultaneously tucked away. And I mean, does it get any better than that?! It’s one of those hidden gems that feels like a secret forest retreat, yet it’s just minutes from town.

The easiest way to access O’Connor Pavilion is by car. It’s only about a 10-minute drive from downtown Estes Park and is located very close to the Fall River Entrance of Rocky Mountain National Park. And you know what that means! You can easily sneak over for some photos or a little exploring. 😉

From Highway 34 (also called Fall River Road), you’ll turn onto Fish Hatchery Road. From there, you’ll see a dirt road entrance and signs for O’Connor Pavilion. There’s plenty of on-site parking available in the meadow, so your guests won’t need to worry about a shuttle like many venues in Estes Park.

You can also access O’Connor Pavilion via a footbridge from the Historic Fall River Hyrdoplant Museum. You can actually see some of the museum’s charming yellow buildings from the pavilion! And psst.. I think the museum’s property would make for some fun photo opportunities as well!

A quick heads up! Cell service can be a bit spotty in that area, so I recommend downloading directions ahead of time or taking a screenshot just in case.

Close up of parking sign near Deer Mountain Meadow

Deer Mountain Meadow Ceremony Site

There are two wonderfully set up ceremony sites at O’Connor Pavilion. And honestly, I’m torn between them myself!

The Deer Mountain Meadow site has a large open field, and the arch along the edge of the meadow is perfectly framed under Deer Mountain!

Fun fact: you can actually hike up to the top of Deer Mountain in Rocky Mountain National Park! Just in case you’re looking for a little sunrise adventure before meeting your family and friends down below in the meadow! This couple did something just like that over at Hermit Park.

View of aspen grove along the side of Deer Mountain Meadow ceremony site

Wide view of beautiful Deer Mountain Meadow ceremony location

Officiant's view from Deer Mountain Meadow wedding ceremony site

The last photo is the officiant’s view from Deer Mountain Meadow ceremony space looking back toward where guests would be standing with open meadow and mountain views.

Aspen Meadow Ceremony Site

Ok, these photos were taken in early May, so just imagine how stunning this area would be when the aspens are full of leaves (or in the fall time between mid-to-late September when the leaves are changing colors!).

This site feels a little more cozy as it’s encircled by trees, yet still offers mountain views as well!

Arch located in the aspen grove ceremony site at O'Connor Pavilion

View from arch at Aspen Meadow ceremony site

The last two photos are the couple and officiant’s view from the arch, looking back toward where guests would be.

O’Connor Pavilion Outdoor Reception Space

This space consists of:

Vaulted restrooms
Water station
Large covered pavilion with picnic tables that can seat up to 140 people
Volleyball court
Horseshoe pits right off the side of the pavilion
Electricity at the reception space

View from driveway leading up to ceremony sites at O'Connor Pavilion

Driveway into O’Connor Pavilion

View of O'Connor Pavilion from the driveway

View coming down the driveway looking toward the museum and footbridge

Far end of the pavilion overlooking the horseshoe pits, and view of mountains and museum.

Volleyball area seen through the trees

View of the river from O'Connor Pavilion

River view from alongside pavilion

Here’s What Else You Need to Know

This venue space is available between May 23 and September 30th
O’Connor Pavilion is available for full-day rentals only, and the hours of use are between 9:00am-10:00pm
The cost to reserve the space is $3,000
You may bring in DJ as long as they follow sound requirements
You may also bring in your own catering and alcohol
This wedding venue is dog-friendly!

Meet Your O’Connor Pavilion Wedding Photographer

Hey, I’m Amber!

An Estes Park-based micro wedding and elopement photographer, here to help you create a wedding experience that feels exciting, fun, and most importantly…yours.

I’m all about helping couples create a wedding experience that feels more like a vacation than a checklist. From helping you find the most beautiful venues (like O’Connor Pavilion), to making sure you have a wedding timeline that is relaxing and full of the good stuff.

Explore my micro wedding packages here.

Do you think we are going to be a good fit? Then fill out the inquiry form below and let’s meet!

Let’s do this!