Planning an Out of State Wedding at Wild Basin Lodge
Ben and Taryn planned everything from Ohio in just a few short months, which is no small task. Especially when the venue sits tucked into the mountains near Estes Park. Choosing a wedding at Wild Basin Lodge gave them a strong starting point. The venue is known for its all-inclusive structure, natural surroundings, and built-in coordination support, which made it possible to move quickly without sacrificing intention.
Their coordinator, Codi, played a key role in keeping everything on track. With a tighter timeline, decisions had to be made efficiently—vendor selections, layout choices, and timeline structure all came together in a way that felt cohesive without dragging out the process. For couples considering a destination wedding in Colorado, this is often the difference-maker: choosing a venue that already has systems in place rather than building everything from scratch.
The overall design leaned into warm, earthy tones—rust orange and deep red—which complemented the early-season mountain landscape. Instead of trying to force a specific aesthetic, the choices felt grounded in the setting, which kept the day visually consistent from start to finish.
Getting Ready and the Reality of a Mountain Setting
Mountain weddings don’t always mean clear paths and perfect conditions. This day came with a mix of slushy snow and mud, especially leading up to the ceremony site. Guests, and the wedding party, had to navigate it carefully, which added a layer of unpredictability but also a sense of shared experience.
Taryn approached it practically. Under her wedding dress, she wore hiking boots. Not as a backup plan; this was the plan. It made moving through the terrain easier and allowed her to stay present instead of worrying about every step. But those boots also represented so much of who she is. Her bridesmaids and sisters helped hold her dress as they made their way to the ceremony location, working together to get her there without stress taking over the moment.
There’s something worth noting here for couples planning in similar environments: logistics matter just as much as aesthetics. Footwear, timing, and accessibility all play a role in how smoothly the day unfolds.
A Ceremony Rooted in Faith and Community
The ceremony took place outdoors with the mountains as the backdrop, and it was clear from the start that faith was central to Ben and Taryn’s relationship. Prayer was woven throughout the day—not just as a single moment, but as a consistent thread during the ceremony and beyond.
One of the most personal elements came from Taryn’s three college friends, who performed classical music live during the ceremony. It added a level of intimacy that you don’t always get with pre-recorded tracks. The music felt connected to their history, not just the setting.
As Taryn walked down the aisle—with the help of her sisters and bridesmaids managing the terrain—Ben’s reaction stood out immediately. He’s over six feet tall, with a full beard and a brown suit jacket that gave him a grounded, outdoorsy presence. And despite that strong exterior, he didn’t hold back emotion. He cried as she approached, which shifted the tone of the ceremony into something unmistakably real.
Their height difference—him towering, her at 5’3″—was noticeable in photos and in person, but more than that, it added to the dynamic between them. There was a natural contrast that showed up in small interactions throughout the day.
Family, Speeches, and Personal Connections
This wasn’t a wedding where speeches felt like a formality. They carried weight.
Taryn comes from a close-knit family—two sisters and one brother—and her brother’s speech reflected that shared history. It wasn’t overly polished or scripted, which made it land even more. There was a mix of humor and honesty that felt familiar rather than performative.
Ben’s sister also gave a speech, offering insight into his side of the story. Together, the speeches created a fuller picture of who they are individually and as a couple. For guests who traveled in, especially those from Ohio, it grounded the experience in something deeper than just the setting.
For couples planning their own weddings, this is a reminder that speeches don’t need to follow a template to be meaningful. The ones that resonate most are usually the ones that feel closest to real conversations.
Reception Details and an Outdoor First Dance
As the day transitioned into the evening, the reception stayed connected to the environment rather than moving away from it. One of the standout moments was their first dance, which took place outside on the deck under string bulb lights.
The decision to keep this moment outdoors changed the atmosphere entirely. Instead of being enclosed, it felt open and relaxed, with the mountains still visible in the background. The lighting was simple—just enough to create warmth without overpowering the setting.
Ben and Taryn’s personalities came through clearly here. They’re adventurous and outdoorsy, and the choices they made throughout the day reflected that. Nothing felt overly staged or disconnected from who they are in real life.
What This Wedding Says About Planning with Intention
There are a few takeaways from Ben and Taryn’s wedding at Wild Basin Lodge that are especially relevant for couples planning a mountain wedding:
- You don’t need a long engagement to create something meaningful. With the right venue and support team, a shorter timeline can still result in a well-executed day.
- Practical decisions matter. From footwear to accessibility, the logistics you plan ahead for will directly impact how you experience the day.
- Personal elements carry more weight than trends. Live music from friends, faith-based moments, and genuine speeches created a stronger impact than any decor detail could.
- The setting doesn’t need to be overworked. Wild Basin Lodge provides a natural backdrop that doesn’t require heavy styling to feel complete.
On a personal note, this wedding held additional meaning. Taryn is my husband’s cousin, which brought a different perspective to documenting the day. There’s a level of familiarity that changes how moments are seen and captured—not just as a photographer, but as someone connected to the people involved.
In the end, Ben and Taryn’s wedding wasn’t about creating a perfectly curated mountain experience. It was about bringing their people together, navigating the realities of the environment, and staying grounded in what mattered most to them.
Brittany is a Denver-based wedding photographer serving couples across Colorado and beyond. Her work centers on what’s real. How the day actually feels, not just how it looks. She pays attention to the moments happening just outside your line of sight, so you can stay present with your people while knowing it’s all being documented. And she has an obsession for the human story.
When she’s not photographing weddings, you’ll likely find her at home with her family, a glass of wine nearby, or planning the next trip. Fill out the form below to get in touch for your wedding! She can hardly wait to get to know you and your vision.
PHOTOGRAPHER: Brittany Ann Photography
VENUE: Wild Basin Lodge
BAND: Diamond Empire Band
Add a comment
0 Comments