-105.5050° W°
39.7147° N
Photography, Leah Lach Photography | Day-of-Coordination, Leigh & Co. Events | Location/Venue, North Star Gatherings | Catering, Greens Point Catering | Florist, Boulder Blooms | Makeup, Valeria Nichols | Hair, EC Bridal Glow | Videography, Rio Walks Films | DJ, Stag Entertainment | Shuttle Transportation, Gold Rush Transportation | Lodging, Origin Red Rocks Hotel | Officiant, Ceremonies With Lisa | Alcohol, Applejack
shelby & marty
A North Star Gatherings wedding is a dream for couples seeking breathtaking mountain views and a modern, eco-friendly venue. Just 30–40 minutes from Denver, this 100% solar-powered venue sits at nearly 9,000 feet in the Arapaho National Forest, offering panoramic vistas of the Continental Divide.
Exchange vows on the scenic ceremony deck, enjoy cocktails on the expansive outdoor patio, and celebrate in the stunning Great Hall, lined with floor-to-ceiling windows. With space for up to 170 guests, a built-in bar, a cozy gas fireplace, and thoughtfully designed getting-ready spaces—including a loft and a charming tiny home—every moment of your North Star Gatherings wedding is surrounded by Colorado’s natural beauty.
This inclusive venue welcomes all love stories and ensures a private, unforgettable celebration.
About the Venue:
Venue highlight
The Details:
Capacity: 170 Guests
Pricing:
- Peak Season Weekends: $9,500 - $10,500
- Off Season & Week days: $9,100
- Holidays: $10,500
Recommended Wedding Budget: $50,000+
Location: 3354 Little Bear Creek Road. Idaho Springs, CO 80452
Seasonality: Open April - November
Availability: click for available dates
Contact: If you're interested in having your wedding here, reach out via North Star Gatherings' contact form here
*Last updated: February 2025. Please visit North Star Gatherings direct website for the most current information
SHELBY & MARTY's Wedding Day
As locals to New York, this was a destination wedding for them as well as their intimate guests list, so experience for everyone was top of mind. This is where Shelby's background in design really shined. The entire day was filled with intention from the theme, the colors, the seating layout, the record player welcome table, including Leo (their adorable pup) wherever possible, and every little thing that was a part of their day. It all had purpose and meaning
The inspiration was a modern, clean, boho aesthetic with pops of bright color meant to complement, yet not overpower the stunning mountain views.
While they got ready separately, they still found ways to connect to each other by exchanging cards and gifts. My favorite was personalized cuff links with their doggo Leo so he could still be a part of the day from miles away.
One huge priority for both Shelby and Marty was being able to not only enjoy the day with their friends and family, but also have quality time for just the two of them. We got to the venue early before anyone else to just take in the mountains and enjoy the view.
And these couple's photos...just wow!
Like many summer days in Colorado, an afternoon storm rolled in mid ceremony, and the rain forced a quick intermission inside. The Greens Point Catering staff immediately jumped into action to pull up cocktail hour a little earlier and ensure everyone was taken care of. After the guests made their way through the pasta bar + charcuterie spread, the clouds cleared and the sun came back out.
While it wasn't what they originally planned, Shelby and Marty leaned into mother nature's plans. Once the guests were all reseated, they walked back down the aisle together to the tune of "Have You Ever Seen the Rain" with the biggest smiles on their face. To say their ceremony was memorable in more than one way, would be an understatement!
Everything was done with care and intention, but my favorite detail was the welcome table. Shelby and Marty both share a passion for music, so instead of a traditional welcome book, they used the Rolling Stones 500 best albums book instead. Guests could choose their favorite music artist and leave a thoughtful message.
Shelby surprised Marty with a custom record featuring all of their favorite songs together
The Reception
Everyone hit the dance floor, and not long after, Shelby and Marty were being tossed up into the air in chairs while their guests did the horah dance around them. We snuck away for a peaceful moment as the sun set and then returned once again to a room alive with laughter and joy. As the night finally came to an end, all the guests put their arms around each other and joined in singing "Hey Jude" by The Beatles, a family tradition. What a night to remember!
Finally, it was party time!
Cheers to a beautiful wedding and an even more beautiful marriage ahead!
Vendor highlight:
As a photographer, I’m always drawn to florals that feel as natural and expressive as the love stories I capture—and that’s exactly why I love working with Boulder Blooms. This women-owned floral studio creates artful, one-of-a-kind arrangements using locally sourced blooms that reflect Colorado’s wild beauty. Their commitment to sustainability, from avoiding floral foam to using eco-friendly practices, makes every bouquet and installation even more meaningful. Whether it’s a full-scale wedding design or an intimate elopement bouquet, Boulder Blooms brings creativity, care, and a deep connection to nature into every floral masterpiece.
The Details:
About:
Pricing: Full Service Wedding: $6,500+
A La Carte Pricing:
- Bouquet + Boutonniere: $350
- Bouquet + Bouquet: $450
- Boutonniere + Boutonniere: $50
- View itemized pricing here
Location: 2935 Baseline Rd. STE. 103, Boulder, CO 80303
*Last updated: February 2026. Please visit Boulder Blooms direct website for the most current information