Lyons River Bend Wedding

What is the overall feel of weddings at River Bend?

Larger than the Farmette, River Bend has wide open spaces and soaring trees next to a tranquil river. The space feels cool and refreshing in summer and fall. And the red rock cliffs give an air of magnificence to the venue.

From their site:

River Bend is a large property on the banks of the St. Vrain River under towering, dramatic red stone cliffs. Your wedding will be surrounded by outdoor elegance with a spacious lawn, large shade trees and a peaceful sandstone patio on the river.  The venue includes a beautiful sail-cloth tent and two dressing areas ~ a charming cottage and a “glamping” tent, complete with chandeliers.  Your guests can enjoy a cocktail from our unique bar under a towering Blue Spruce tree. Stunning beauty for your special day! River Bend also houses our partner, WeeCasa Tiny Homes, who keep beautiful tiny homes for you and your guests. Through the Farmette, we offer full service wedding flowers and design, as well as organic produce for your event.

Where is the Lyons River Bend?

River Bend can be found at 501 W. Main St, Lyons, CO 80540.

A sister venue to the Lyons Farmette (and owned by the same couple), River Bend can be found just off the main highway through town.  It can be easy to miss so don’t worry if you have to turn around. You can consider marking the entrance with balloons to help your guests spot it.

Where do I get ready at River Bend?

There are two getting ready spaces at River Bend. One is an open air cabin and the other is a glamping tent complete with chandeliers. You can choose to do most of your getting ready, like hair and make up, prior to arriving at the venue, and do finishing touches onsite. Both are good options. But the glamping tent is cool for photos so be sure to utilize it somehow!

What is the ceremony space like at River Bend?

There are two ceremony space options. One is located under the shaded trees at the top of the hill above the river (see top photo in post). And the other is located right next to the river. The river space is more open than the tree space, so consider the sun when deciding. But both are beautiful spaces–you really can’t go wrong! Just pick the space that speaks to you when you visit the venue.

How can I use the space for my River Bend reception?

Cocktail hour often takes place on the wide lawn by the river. It’s perfect for lawn games, casual visiting, and taking in the fresh riverside air. There are also ample spots to do family photos near the lawn, so you’ll never feel like you’re far from your guests throughout the day.

When you’re ready to move on to dining, the main part of the reception will take place under the vaulted sail-cloth tent. It fits 200 for dinner. The open sides mean this space feels very indoor/outdoor and the market lights give it a cozy glow.

You could clear the tent and set it up dancing as well, but many couples choose to use the stone patio and amphitheater for dancing by the river. The patio is surrounded by market lights and can hold your large or small crowd on the dance floor and around it.

The main bar is built around a giant tree and strung with lights, bringing together a beautiful area to stage cocktails or other late night snacks.

And finally, the grounds feature a fire pit, which is the perfect way to end a cozy wedding day.

What does it cost to get married at River Bend?

Here are the current rates for weddings at River Bend

2023 Rates: Saturday: $6,500  ~    Friday and Sunday:  $4,500  ~    Monday – Thursday: $3,000

2024 Rates: Saturday: $8,500   ~    Friday and Sunday:  $6,500   Monday – Thursday: $5,000

*Rental times from from noon – 11:00pm, but that includes cleanup, so your party will have to end at 10:00pm.

You can view their calendar for availability here. For significant savings, consider getting married on a weekday. I got married on a Thursday and I think it was an awesome choice!

Pro tips for getting married at River Bend

Amplified music is NOT allowed at your reception. Think about bringing in acoustic bands or small quartets. Or consider renting the party headphones that streams music to your guest’s personal headsets (called Silent Disco!). The company Big Little Sound specializes in these headphones.

River Bend provides tables and chairs for your use. The chairs are nice wooden folding chairs, but the tables are standard plastic event tables. You can cover them with linens, or you could opt to rent wooden farm tables from a vendor to elevate your dining experience look.

Explore the river for couples photos. You (or your guests!) can go wading in the river. Consider whether this is something you’d be up for doing in your wedding attire! Even if you don’t go in, definitely do couples photos by the water and rocks.

Looking for a unique place for you or your guests to stay after your wedding? Check out Wee Casa, the sister business of the Lyons Farmette and River Bend.

Love the look of the River Bend but want something a little more quaint and intimate? The sister venue The Lyons Farmette is just up the road and another gorgeous outdoor wedding option in Lyons.