Fist Post & My top 3 Venues

Hello everyone! 
I finally started my blog for the wedding and will be updating once a week. I still might mess around with the layout. I feel like it’s just not there yet. Now I can share with all of those who are far away. (Yay!) I’ll mostly be sharing updates, thoughts, D.I.Y. projects and other girly things. So with out further ado, the first post...

I have visited a grand total of nine wedding venues. By now you would have thought I would have picked one. Strangely enough there are about  three or four that I would like to tour before making my decision. Here are my top 3 favorites so far... (click on the titles to see more pictures of the venues.) 

No.3 The Gate House

This place is really great for all inclusive weddings. However, that doesn't mean that it’s any cheaper.  After examining the price sheet I discovered this may not be as good a deal as I had thought. The price just to rent the venue is ridiculous.  Still, the grounds are beautiful with lots of photo opportunities. There's even a wedding night suite for the couple if they choose.  

Pros:  You can BYOB and if you run out you can purchase from their on site liquor store. Dj, catering, photography, tables, chairs, linens flatware and china are included. Staff seems flexible.

Cons:  You could make your buck go further. They set you up with vendors they choose for you. You only have 4 hours of event time (includes clean up and take down). You can hear the highway from the venue.

Photography: $1200.00

Disc Jockey: $600.00

Ceremony Officiate: $400.00

Flowers: $600.00

Cake: $500.00

Invites: $300.00

Wedding night suite: $200.00

Catering & service: $4000.00

Venue rental: $6200.00

Total: $14000.00

http://www.lionsgatecenter.com/gatehouse.html

No.2 Parker Villa

Parker Villa was voted last years best place to get married on Denver’s A list.  Like Solterra, this venue has an effortless indoor out door flow to it. The gardens are gorgeous and it has an over all Spanish feel.  Parker Villa is located in Parker CO

 Pros: There is an on site wedding coordinator and a team of girls to take care of everything. Tables, nice chairs and basic linens are included.  You have 12 hours of event time. They have discounted hotel rates with the Marriot and free shuttle service.

Cons: You must choose from their list of caterers.  You must purchase from their liquor store.  They aren't quite up front with their pricing. 

Rental Fee: $5,000.00

Other Fees: ???

Total: $5,000.00 (+)

http://villaparker.net/#/welcome

No.1 The Solterra Retreat 

Basically, this is a community center on crack. The venue has a very Tuscany feel to it. It features yoga, spa and infinity pool. The space is perfect for small to medium sized parties. It flows nicely between indoor and out door. It’s located in Lakewood CO, just 15 min away from down town Denver.

Pros: You can use what ever vendors you like. The location is ideal. It has potential to be cheaper.

Cons: The venue does not include tables, chairs, or linens. It’s all D.I.Y. It has potential to be expensive.

Rental Fee for 6 hours: $3,300.00

Damage Deposit Fee (refundable): $1,000.00

Moving Fee: $400.00

Cleaning Fee: $100.00

Total:     $4,800.00 

http://solterra-community.com/location/