Questions to Ask When Looking for a Wedding Venue

You just got engaged and now it’s time to start looking for a wedding venue. For some, this can be an extremely daunting task. There are so many elements that go into choosing a venue and you want to make sure you cover them all. Here at The Historic Pinecrest, we want to make sure you know what questions to ask when searching for the perfect wedding venue in Colorado. Before you make any final decisions, make sure you know the answers to the following questions. This list will hopefully save you a lot of stress and potential surprise charges when it’s all said and done.

The Date

• Is the venue available around the time you want to have your wedding? Some wedding venues may be seasonal or closed on certain holidays.

• Does the vendor do more than one event on the same day? If so, is it possible to rent the venue exclusively? It’s important to know if there are other events going on the same day and/or time as your wedding. If there are other events occurring, you need to guarantee yours will be private and you and your guests are receiving the service you paid for.

• Is there a discount for booking an off-season date or Sunday-Friday?

• Can the venue hold both your ceremony and the reception here? If so, how does the venue do the transition for guests? Are there separate areas for the ceremony, cocktail hour and reception? 

• How many hours are included in the rental? You need to make sure you have enough time for the setup and takedown of your wedding. 

Helpful Hint: The rental time is not just for the ceremony and reception. It includes the set up as well as the cleanup. You should budget about 2 hours for set up and 1 hour for the takedown. 

Fees and Payment

• What is the rental fee and what is included? You’re entitled to know the full cost of renting a venue before signing a contract. 

• Are there any hidden costs? Some venues tack on hidden costs after you’ve signed the contract. These could include gratuity, cleaning fees, overtime fees, service charges, etc.

• Do they have a payment schedule or payment plan? What deposits are required?

• What is the cancellation/postponement policy? Some venues give you up until a certain date to make any changes without completely losing your deposit. 

Logistics

• Is the venue large enough to accommodate your entire guest list along with all the activities you are planning? 

• Does the venue work with specific vendors, do they provide catering, or does the wedding party need to provide their own vendors? Some venues don’t allow you to bring outside vendors in. You should always double check with the venue before securing your own vendors.

• Is there a weather contingency plan for outdoor spaces? Knowing that there is a backup plan incase the weather does not permit an outside ceremony, will help give you peace of mind when it comes to your big day. 

• How are people getting to your wedding? Is the venue accessible by public transportation and what are the parking options? Is there overflow parking or large areas for a bus/limo drop off? 

• What will the venue look like around the time of your wedding? Are you allowed to use your own decorations? If your wedding is near a holiday, there might be seasonal décor up and there could be restrictions as to decorations that you can and can’t use. 

If you know the right questions to ask, finding the right wedding venue doesn’t have to be a daunting task. After reading this list, hopefully you are prepared to ask the right questions. If you haven't found the perfect wedding venue for your big day, The Historic Pinecrest can help! Our beautiful wedding venue in Colorado offers an indoor and outdoor space to cater to your specific wedding needs. If you want to schedule a private tour of our venue, give us a call or text 719-357-8613 today!

A Beautiful Wedding Awaits...

106 Pinecrest Way

Palmer Lake, CO 80133

www.PinecrestEventCenter.com

Call or text for a private tour!

719-357-8613

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Our Wedding Package Options

When you think about all of the little details that go into planning a wedding, it can start to become overwhelming. Making sure you have everything for the wedding, from the wedding venue to the table linens, can cause a lot of stress. Here at The Historic Pinecrest, we wanted to help alleviate some of that stress. We offer different types of packages to accommodate a variety of weddings.

We can accommodate groups of 50 to a maximum of 225 guests with our diverse selection of packages. Whether you’re looking to have a smaller more intimate wedding or a large wedding, we have packages to accommodate your individual needs.

Here’s a look at the packages we offer:

The Starlight Package: this package is for an afternoon or evening wedding and reception for 100 guests.

Available Days: Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Times: Tues/Thurs: 1:30 pm - 9:00 pm (4:00 pm or 5:00 pm ceremony)
Fri - Sun: 2:30 pm - 10:00 pm (4:00 pm or 5:00 pm ceremony)

Winter hours (Nov. 1st - March 31st) 1:30 pm - 9 pm for all days of the week

Helpful Hint: Recommended for 50 - 225 guests

The Ponderosa Package: the package is for the reception only.

Dates available: Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday

Winter hours (Nov. 1st - March 31st) 1:30 pm - 9 pm for all days of the week

Helpful Hint: Recommended for 50 - 225 guests

Chapel Inclusions:

• One-hour rehearsal (usually scheduled from 12:30-1:30pm, the day prior to your wedding) 
• All standing décor, floral arrangements, and candelabras 
• Bridal dressing room at Chapel with mirror, table, chairs, and couches 
• Groomsmen dressing room at Chapel with mirror, table, chairs, and couches 
• Elegant entrance table for guest sign-in book or picture matting 
• Digital sound system with mixing board – along with wireless microphones and instrumental inputs 

Reception Inclusions: 

• All dining, head table and gift table setup 
• Tables (seats 6-7 guests) and cushioned chairs 
• Wide variety of colored table linens and napkins to select from 
• Use of outdoor decks and porches with views of surrounding mountains, creek, and occasional wildlife: deer, bear, coyote and fox 
• Cake table with lit décor 
• Event manager to assist your caterer to cut wedding cake 
• Beautiful large stone fireplace 
• Hardwood dance floor 
• Digital sound system with mixing board to provide the entertainment to MC your reception 
• Pinecrest staff will perform all clean-up and tear-down at the end of the event time 

All of our packages include unlimited phone, email, and texting support, access to communicating directly with the owners, and private tours of our facilities that can be scheduled throughout the week.

When planning your wedding, it’s always a great idea to see if your potential wedding venue offers any type of packages. At our wedding venue near Colorado Springs, we proudly offer a variety of packages to fit almost everyone’s wedding needs. If you haven’t found your ideal wedding venue yet, The Historic Pinecrest would love to host your wedding. If you want to schedule a private tour of our venue or get more information about the packages we offer, give us a call or text 719-357-8613 today!

A Beautiful Wedding Awaits...

106 Pinecrest Way

Palmer Lake, CO 80133

www.PinecrestEventCenter.com

Call or text for a private tour!

719-357-8613

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Take a Peek at our Wedding Venue

Choosing a venue for your up and coming Colorado Springs wedding should be at the top of your priority list. Choosing a venue is a major decision that should be made with careful consideration. After all, it helps set the look and feel of your big day. Nestled at the base of Mt. Chautauqua, The Historic Pinecrest would be pleased to share the history and majestic mountain beauty of our facility with you and your guests. Whether you’re planning an elopement or an event for 225 people, Pinecrest is an ideal location for an intimate Colorado wedding ceremony and reception. Here’s a closer look at our wedding venue facility:

Saying “I Do”

You'll want to say, "I Do" again and again in our wedding chapel. Nestled against the foothills in a beautiful Colorado setting, the Chapel at Pinecrest is the quintessential location for a romantic, mountain wedding. Capture your most precious moments in the intimacy of our chapel. Bride and groom dressing rooms, a foyer with a guest book table, ample seating, a rustic setting, a gorgeous aisle for your grand entrance, a fabulous sound system and numerous décor choices are just some examples of what make Pinecrest’s Chapel so inviting. Enjoy the warm, rustic surroundings as you join your lives together in the company of those you cherish most!

Continuing the Celebration

Let the festivities begin at our event center! Vaulted ceilings, hardwood floors and ample space for up to 225 guests, you will enjoy the experience of a lifetime with all your family and friends! The stage for the head table sets you apart while providing a bird’s eye view of your event. Enjoy the views from our spacious deck or relax inside, knowing our friendly, professional staff will maintain your event with the utmost care. Our digital sound system and professional DJ’s will ensure a celebration worthy of your special occasion.

Time to Unwind

With accommodations for up to 20 guests, the lodge is the perfect place to bring everyone together. Whether you have the wedding party stay together the night before the wedding, or your immediate family stays in the lodge, we have options for you! The Lodge features 9 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms, a full-service kitchen and high-speed Wi-Fi access. The Lodge also offers dining facilities for up to 50 people and is the perfect setting to host your intimate reception or event.

Now that you’re more familiar with our venue and facility, schedule your private tour of our beautiful wedding venue near Colorado Springs. Picking a venue for a wedding is a very important decision. It’s best you see the venue in person and make sure you get all the answers you need. Make sure the wedding venue will be able to accommodate you and your guests and that the look of the venue matches the look you want for your wedding. Here at The Historic Pinecrest, we would love to help you plan one of the biggest days of your life. Give us a call or text 719-357-8613 to schedule a tour today!

A Beautiful Wedding Awaits...

106 Pinecrest Way

Palmer Lake, CO 80133

www.PinecrestEventCenter.com

Call or text for a private tour!

719-357-8613

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Keys to Writing GREAT Wedding Vows

Wedding vows are extremely personal and your marriage represents your commitment to one another, so take time to write the perfect words. Your vows are the promises that you are making to your significant other for the rest of your lives. Starting to write your vows might seem overwhelming, but writing about why you love your significant other and why you want to share your life together can be fun. If you host your wedding at the best wedding venue in Colorado, you will be assured that The Historic Pinecrest will help. At the Historic Pinecrest, we will make sure every detail of your wedding is perfect—from the proposal to the wedding to the honeymoon. The Historic Pinecrest is the most picturesque wedding venue in Colorado, nestled on a hillside at the base of the historic and majestic Mt. Chautauqua. 

The Historic Pinecrest is the ideal place for a Colorado mountain wedding ceremony and reception. The charming Chapel at Historic Pinecrest is the perfect place to share your vows and create those precious moments. Take in the rustic surroundings as you start your lives together in one of the most beautiful wedding venues in Colorado, the Historic Pinecrest.

Here are a few tips to reflect on when writing your vows:

Talk to your fiancé about your wedding vows

Now is your time to tell your partner what they mean to you, and for you to express your undying love for each other. Take time together to talk about what you love about one another and what makes your relationship so special to you, and spend time separately writing your vows. Think about the promises and loyalty you both have toward each other, and write about how your partner makes you feel loved. Writing your vows can be a daunting task, but you will find inspiration with the help of your fiancé.

Write what speaks from your heart

Write about what you love about your spouse and memories that make your relationship significant. These vows should sound like you, especially when you’re making promises to your partner. You shouldn’t sound like someone else, so write wedding vows that are authentic to you. Make notes when you remember your favorite memories or phrases you want to say in your vows. Simply be honest and open, and show integrity toward your commitment towards your partner. Above all, don’t stress about writing your vows and speak your vows as though it is just you and your fiancé in the room.

When writing your vows, be creative, if you’d like to—use a little humor, and be sincere in your words. Avoid sounding too unoriginal and cliché, pull ideas from your religious teachings and poetry, and finish your vows saying, "I love you."

Write your vows ahead of time and practice

This will allow for improvement, and if you're still having trouble, try speaking into a tape recorder and let your thoughts flow freely. Your vows should be easy to say and sound conversational. Be sure to listen for any tongue twisters, confusing wording, and run-on sentences and take them out of your vows.

Once you've written a final draft, practice reading it on your own to make sure you are comfortable with the way your vows sound. If you can, try to memorize some, if not all of your vows. Finally, print your finished vows on a clean piece of paper that goes with the theme of your wedding.



Follow this guideline when you aren't sure where to start or what to write in your vows. From large weddings in Colorado Springs to small weddings with only the closest family and friends, Historic Pinecrest would love to be your Colorado Springs wedding venue! We can’t imagine a more beautiful setting than the Pinecrest Wedding Chapel and Event Center. Visit our website at www.pinecresteventcenter.com to learn more about our wedding packages or give us a call for a private tour of our beautiful facility at 719-357-8613.

A Beautiful Wedding Awaits...

106 Pinecrest Way

Palmer Lake, CO 80133

www.PinecrestEventCenter.com

Call or text for a private tour!

719-357-8613

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About the Historic Pinecrest

When planning your wedding, one of the first details that must be addressed after the budget is the venue. Finding a beautiful venue that meets your seating needs, and fits your budget can be a bit like playing hide and go seek - but the Historic Pinecrest in Colorado is here to help. We have a breathtaking wedding venue in Palmer Lake, Colorado, and we would love to take you on a virtual tour! We have three separate facilities on sight that can make your wedding day more than you've ever dreamed.

The Wedding Chapel

Nestled against the foothills in a beautiful Colorado setting, the Chapel at Pinecrest is the quintessential location for a romantic, mountain wedding. Capture your most precious moments in the intimacy of our chapel. Bride’s and groom’s dressing rooms, foyer with guest book table, fabulous sound system and numerous décor choices are just part of what make Pinecrest’s Chapel so inviting. Take in the warm, rustic surroundings as you join your lives together in the company of those you cherish most.

The Event Center

Let the festivities begin! With ample space for up to 200 guests, you will enjoy the experience of a lifetime with all your family and friends!

The stage for the head table sets you apart while providing a bird’s eye view of your event. Enjoy the views from our spacious deck or relax inside, knowing our friendly, professional staff will maintain your event with the utmost care. Our digital sound system and professional DJ’s will ensure a celebration worthy of your special occasion.

The Lodge

With accommodations for up to 20 guests, the lodge is the perfect place to bring everyone together. The Lodge features 9 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms, a full-service kitchen and high-speed Wi-Fi access.

Additionally, the Lodge offers dining facilities for up to 50 people and is the perfect setting to host your intimate reception or event.

Start Planning TODAY!

Regardless of whether you're planning an elopement or an event for 200, Pinecrest is an ideal location for intimate Colorado wedding ceremonies and receptions. There are so many reasons why Pinecrest is the perfect choice for your wedding. We can't imagine a more beautiful setting than Pinecrest Wedding Chapel & Event Center. If you've always dreamt of getting married in a wedding chapel in Colorado, we've got just the place. Visit our website to learn more about our facility, and contact us to get started!

A Beautiful Wedding Awaits...

106 Pinecrest Way

Palmer Lake, CO 80133

www.PinecrestEventCenter.com

Call or text for a private tour!

719-357-8613

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If You're Going To the Chapel ...

If you're planning on going to the chapel to get married - we know just the place! Our breathtaking wedding chapel in Colorado Springs is the best place to get married in Colorado Springs. From close intimate ceremonies to larger affairs our wedding venue is ideal for your wedding. It's nestled quietly against the foothills in a beautiful Colorado setting. Whether you're looking for a rustic venue or a nostalgic place - our chapel is perfect. Here are a few things you should know about our beautiful chapel:

The Pinecrest Wedding Chapel

Nestled against the foothills in a beautiful Colorado setting, the Chapel at Pinecrest is the quintessential location for a romantic, mountain wedding. Capture your most precious moments in the intimacy of our chapel. Bride’s and groom’s dressing rooms, foyer with guest book table, fabulous sound system and numerous décor choices are just part of what make Pinecrest’s Chapel so inviting. Take in the warm, rustic surroundings as you join your lives together in the company of those you cherish most.

Photo Credit: Alison

The Historic Pinecrest Wedding Packages

We can accommodate groups of 50 to a maximum of 225 guests with our diverse selection of packages. All of our packages include unlimited phone, email and texting support, access to communicating directly with the owners, and private tours of our facilities that can be scheduled throughout the week.

Chapel Inclusions:

• One hour rehearsal, usually scheduled from 12:30 - 1:30 pm, the day prior to your wedding
• All standing décor, floral arrangements, and candelabras
• Bridal dressing room at Chapel with three (3) makeup stations
• Groomsmen dressing room at Chapel with mirror, table, chairs and couches
• Elegant entrance table for guest sign-in book or picture matting
• Digital sound system with mixing board - along with wireless microphones and instrumental inputs

Photo Credit: Alison

Chapel Testimonials

Thank you for having us at your beautiful venue. It was the perfect place to have our wedding and our guests were very pleased. We appreciate your accommodating approach and wish you success. Everything was beautiful and stress-free; All we could have hoped.
~ Salma and Max


"Pinecrest was more than we could have ever hoped for and the Pinecrest family went above and beyond to make us feel like family too and to make our day perfect! I'm so glad we started a new chapter in our lives at an amazing venue surrounded by wonderful people like the two of you. May many blessings come your way as you continue to touch the lives of others."
~Carly Hennegan, Bride


"Thank you, both so much for being such a light in this process. You and your staff really dedicate your time and energy to creating a magical experience. Our day was incredible and we are incredibly grateful! What a fantastic way to start this new journey!"
~Kelly Hennegan, Groom


Thank you all for a wonderful and memorable weekend! Everything on the agenda was executed superbly. A beautiful service Maria! The photos were world class Jess and reception food and service five star Nikki! Carole and I and most importantly Christina and Paul were pleased beyond measure. Many thanks for making it all so enjoyable. Please pass along to your staff our grateful thanks and sincere appreciation. All the best,
~Ken, Father of the Groom

Photo Credit: Alison

The Best Wedding Venue in Colorado Springs

From your rehearsal dinner to your wedding reception - we've got you covered! At the Historic Pinecrest, we know how important your big day is, and we make it our goal to assist you in creating your dream wedding. Visit our website today to learn more about our wedding chapel, or give us a call today at 719-357-8613 to request a private tour!

A Beautiful Wedding Awaits...

106 Pinecrest Way

Palmer Lake, CO 80133

www.PinecrestEventCenter.com

Call or text for a private tour!

719-357-8613

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Make Your Wedding Day Lucky!

You don't have to be Irish to look for luck - especially on your wedding day! There are so many fun and/or crazy traditions couples have incorporated into their wedding day to help bring them luck. They aren't all Irish traditions, but the Historic Pinecrest thinks that it's a pretty fun way to enjoy this "lucky" week!

Cambodia

Before the ceremony, the wedding party walks in a circle around the couple and the groom brandishes a sword as a symbol of his protection of his bride. During the ceremony, the couple kneels down while holding the sword in between their clasped hands (it's sheathed), and guests tie red strings around each of their wrists.

Bulgaria

In Bulgaria, tradition says that it's lucky for the bride and groom to cross the threshold of the church with their right foot first. It's a sign that the marriage will be blessed!

China

In China, it's lucky to light firecrackers after the ceremony. It supposedly chases away evil spirits.

Egypt

In Egyptian tradition, it's very good luck to let the women at the wedding pinch the bride. Maybe it started because she wasn't wearing green? *wink*

England

In English weddings of the past, they believed in carrying a horseshoe with ribbons tied on it during your ceremony. Then you would hang it above your doorway afterward - but make sure the ends are pointing up, otherwise the luck could fall out! How very fitting this tradition is for St. Patricks Day!

Germany

In Germany they celebrate Polerabend, or, the "eve of making racket" by breaking porcelain dishes the night before the wedding. This is thought to bring good luck. Afterward, they bride and groom generally work together to clean everything up to symbolize how they'll work together from here on out.

Greece

In Greece, brides can tuck a wrapped lump of sugar inside their glove or into their gown to help ensure a sweet life. A bride can also walk down the aisle with a gold coin in her shoe to bring prosperity, and the groom can put a piece of iron in his pocket to ward off evil spirits.

Holland

Newlyweds may plant lilies of the valley around their new home to symbolize "the return of happiness." Then the couple can celebrate and renew their love with each blooming season *romantic sigh*.

India

Brides have an artist paint henna on their hand and feet in very intricate designs. This is thought to bring joy, beauty, and spiritual awakening. Also, the darker the color of the ink, the stronger the marriage is thought to be.

Ireland

There are many fun Irish wedding traditions, but a sweet one is handfasting. This Celtic tradition says that the bride and groom's hands are tied together to symbolize the joining of a husband and wife. This is also where the phrase "tying the knot" came from!

Korea

Traditional Korean ceremonies incorporated wooden ducks as a symbol of peace, fidelity, and the future blessing of having many "ducklings". The designs are typically based off of the Mandarin Duck, which commonly found a mate for life.

Poland

It's considered good luck for a Polish bride to cry at her wedding, if she does, it can symbolize that she won't cry throughout her married life.

Romania

When the groom comes to get his bride and bring her to the church, he comes with several friends. When the young men arrive at the bride's house, they bring pine trees that are left at the gates for luck. Then the guests make a round dance with the groom and bride and after that, they would sit the bride in a chair and break a loaf of sweet bread above her head.

Getting Married in Colorado Springs

Whether you choose to incorporate these fun wedding traditions to make your day "lucky" or you have some of your own - we hope your day is everything you have ever hoped. If you're getting married in Colorado Springs, we would love to help you host your big day! Our beautiful wedding chapel in Colorado is a breathtaking venue, and perfect for your wedding style. Visit our website to learn more, and have a very lucky St. Patricks Day!

A Beautiful Wedding Awaits...

106 Pinecrest Way

Palmer Lake, CO 80133

www.PinecrestEventCenter.com

Call or text for a private tour!

719-357-8613

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The Cut of Class: The Difference Between Diamond Cuts

The moment that many women wait for is to see the sparkling ring on their finger after being asked one of the biggest questions in their life. There's something romantic, pure, and timeless about diamond engagement rings, and no matter what shape or size - they become prized possessions after they are given. At The Historic Pinecrest, we have seen many, many engagement rings - and every single one is as unique as the woman wearing it. If you will be helping your fiance pick our your ring, we want to tell you a little bit about the shapes of diamonds - and help you make the selection easier!

The Round Diamond

The round, brilliant cut is one of the most popular diamond shapes of all. In fact, about 75% of all diamonds sold are round. The round shape provides the proper reflection of light, which maximizes the potential brightness.

The Princess Cut

The princess cut is a "fancy" cut, and one of the most popular fancy cut and especially popular for engagement rings. Like the round cut, the princess cut is a good choice because of the flexibility in working with many styles of rings.

The Emerald Cut

The emerald cut has unique step cuts that lead up to the large open table on the top. Instead of the sparkle that you see in a brilliant-cut, the emerald cut produces a hall of mirrors effect with the interplay of light and dark planes.

The Asscher Cut

This cut was first produced in 1902 by the Asscher Brothers of Holland. It is a forerunner to the emerald cut and is quite similar. It's different in that it's a square shape with larger step facets, a higher crown, and a smaller table.

The Marquise Cut

The marquise cut is football-shaped, and a modified brilliant-cut. The marquise diamond is long and narrow, and can also create the illusion of greater size. Carat for carat, this diamond has one of the largest surface areas.

The Oval Diamond

Because the oval diamond is a modified brilliant-cut, this diamond shape possesses a fire and brilliance as other round cuts. However, the oval cut diamonds have the added advantage of the long shape, which can make it appear to be larger.

The Radiant Cut

This cut is the first rectangular cut to have a complete brilliant-cut facet pattern on the crown and the pavilion. This creates a vibrant and lively diamond! It's a modified square shape, which is a good bridge between a cushion and a princess cut.

The Pear Cut

The pear-shaped diamond is a combination of a round and marquise shape and it comes to a tapered point on one end.

The Heart Cut

This cut is a unique and unmistakable symbol of love. It's most popular in solitaire pendants, but it's also popular in rings as well. If you want the heart shape cut, you need your diamond to be at least .5 carats due to the complexity of the shape.

The Cushion Cut

If you combine a square cut with a round cut, you will find the cushion cut. It's square but has the rounded corners, similar to a pillow (that explains the name). This cut is a classic and has been around for almost 200 years. For the first century of its existence, it was the most popular diamond shape, and it's beginning to make it's way back again.

A Girl's Best Friend

While many may joke that diamonds are a girl's best friend -  we know that your real best friend is the person you are so excited to marry. At the Historic Pinecrest we love hearing all of your love stories, and watching you both take your next steps in life together. If you are recently engaged (or will be soon!) we would love to meet with you and show off our beautiful event center in Colorado Springs. Visit our website to learn more about our wedding chapel in Colorado Springs - and don't forget to call or text 719-357-8613 for your private tour!

A Beautiful Wedding Awaits...

106 Pinecrest Way

Palmer Lake, CO 80133

www.PinecrestEventCenter.com

Call or text for a private tour!

719-357-8613

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