Colorado Mountain Wedding Venues: Donovan Pavilion

Allow us to introduce you to the Donovan Pavilion. This state of the art town run event facility is located in Vail, Colorado. Its timber and stone architecture is paired with striking floor to ceiling windows, a private back patio, shared green space, and more!

Photo: Courtesy of the Donovan Pavilion

Who and where is the Donovan Pavilion?

The Donovan Pavilion opened its doors in 2003. Since then its sleek construction, reasonable pricing, and sought after location have established it as a premier Vail wedding venue. The Pavilion itself offers 5,200 square feet of indoor event space on top of a private back patio. Guests can also make use of the 50-acre public green space adjoining the property as well. 

Photo: Nate and Jenny Weddings

What makes the Donovan Pavilion a great Colorado wedding venue?

Conveniently located between Gore Creek and the South Frontage road near West Vail, the Pavilion’s access to parking alone makes it great! The venue’s lot can accommodate up to 136 vehicles, keeping in mind that some spaces are available to the public visiting the shared park space. The facility is also accessible via the bike path and within walking distance of some nearby accommodations. Parking aside, your reservation of the space gives you eight hours of access to the Pavilion, its private back patio, and adjoining green space. 

Photo: Nate and Jenny Weddings

The Pavilion

Again the indoor space boasts 5,200 square feet and can accommodate parties of up to 200 guests. This multi-million dollar facility’s aesthetic is mountain modern and its expansive windows frame the local mountain views. Guests typically rent the space in eight our blocks, however, additional two hour blocks can be purchased. The Pavilion comes pre-equipped with 6’ round tables, 8’ rectangular banquet tables, cocktail tables, cross back chairs, and natural garden ceremony chairs. Various audio-visual equipment and a full catering kitchen are also included with the reservation. 

Clients most often link up with us for tablescape rentals (china, glassware, flatware, and linens), staging, specialty tables (farm tables), lounge equipment, and/or larger decor such as draped entrances and champagne walls!           

Photo: Nate and Jenny Weddings

Private Patio

The heated back patio, situated behind the Pavilion, is available to clients year round and is most often used for ceremonies and cocktail hours. The space borders the Gore Creek and is surrounded by greenery which provides a secluded and intimate feel. 

We often assist clients with heating, free standing lighting, and tenting in this space. Give us a call to start creating your customized design today!

Photo: Nate and Jenny Weddings

Adjoining Public Park

Perfect for outdoor mingling and lawn games, clients are welcome to use the adjoining green space which sprawls an impressive 50 acres. Keep in mind, though, that this is a public space, so locals and visitors alike may be hanging out nearby. 

Photo: Nate and Jenny Weddings

Vendors

Clients are responsible for bringing in all vendors. Don’t hesitate to reach out to the Donovan team, though, for recommendations, and be sure to run your picks by them prior to signing the dotted lines. Since it’s a town facility, vendors that haven’t worked at this location prior may need to fill out some paperwork! Self-catering is ONLY allowed for groups of 60 guests or less!

When to have your Donovan Pavilion wedding?

The Pavilion operates year-round and the patio is included in your reservation regardless of the season. The 2020 and 2021 rates can be found on the venue’s website. The facility implements a common rate structure with varying prices dependent on peak versus offseason and the day of the week. Regardless, the accommodations are plenty and affordable and we give it two thumbs up all year round!

Photo: Nate and Jenny Weddings

Why do we recommend the Donovan Pavilion as a wedding venue?

1. Beautiful architecture with views to match!
2. Conveniently located with great parking.
3. All season, private back patio!

Photo: Courtesy of the Donovan Pavilion

Planning a Vail Wedding?

Our team of event experts is here to help answer any questions. Contact us today or request a quote online. Browse our catalog to see products from these specific weddings. At Colorado Tents + Events, we are your local experts for Colorado mountain weddings – let’s start planning today!