Donovan Pavilion is a beautiful timber and stone wedding venue in Vail, Colorado. The city of Vail owns and operates the venue so it is one of the cheaper (only by cost, not by quality) wedding event spaces in the area. If you’re looking for a wedding venue in Colorado that is accessible and beautiful, no matter the season, you should consider getting married at Donovan Pavilion.
Where is Donovan Pavilion?
Donovan Pavilion is located on the west side of Vail between Gore Creek and South Frontage Road.
Donovan Pavilion is only a 34-minute drive from the Eagle County Regional Airport near Vail. If you prefer to fly to a larger airport, Denver International Airport is a 2-hour drive from this venue. When renting your vehicle, keep in mind that you will be driving in the mountains. I-70 is windy and has a steep grade in many places, a four-wheel-drive vehicle is best.
The town of Vail and Lionshead Village is only a 5-minute drive from Donovan Pavilion. Keep this in mind when searching for lodging and figuring out shuttles.
Donovan Pavilion Address: 1600 South Frontage Road Vail, CO 81657
Phone number: 970-477-3699
What’s special about Donovan Pavilion?
At 5,200 square feet and the ability to safely accommodate up to 200 guests, Donovan Pavilion is a very spacious venue.
The lodge at Donovan Pavilion has rustic vibes and you can find a wall full of windows and beautiful beams on the ceilings.
This space is very flexible, you can get married inside the lodge, use that space for your reception, or both! If you prefer an outdoor wedding ceremony, there are 50 acres of surrounding land to choose from.
Donovan Pavilion provides a management team dedicated to helping couples figure out their wedding details. Whether you need vendor recommendations or extra help figuring out logistics! This additional help included in packages, is valuable to any couple, but especially those planning their Vail wedding from out of state!
For any couples celebrating with loved ones who use a chair, Donovan Pavilion is wheelchair accessible!
Why you should get married at Donovan Pavilion
You’ll have a beautiful wedding no matter the season
Close to Vail Mountain for wedding photos before or after the ceremony
Tons of nearby lodging and activities for your friends and family
Relatively close to a major airport in Denver
On-site parking for guests—shuttle system isn’t required
Allows weddings to be booked during slow seasons
There is no food or drink minimum
How much does it cost to get married at Donovan Pavilion?
During peak season, it costs $7,795 for an 8-hour wedding at Donovan Pavilion on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday. Those same days of the week are only $6,450 during the off-season.
If you choose a weekday wedding, an 8-hour wedding is $3,900 with a $55 per hour alcohol security that is applied to each hour alcohol is served to guests.
Donovan Pavilion allows additional hours to be booked in 2 hours blocks for $635. This includes tax and payment for staff).
With these packages, use of the catering kitchen, 20 round tables, 20 rectangle tables, 20 cocktail tables, 250 chairs, 90 wooden patio chairs, flat-screen television, microphone, and sound system are included!
Peak season dates
Winter: January 1 through April 10 and November 14 through December 31
Summer: May 16 through October 23
Off-season dates
Spring: April 11 through May 15
Fall: October 24-November 13
To officially book your date, 50% of the fee is required as a non-refundable retainer. The full balance is due 30 days before your wedding day. In addition, there is a $500 damage fee that will be returned 45 days after your day.
Tips for your Donovan Pavilion wedding
If you’re planning on sneaking away for wedding photos on the top of Vail Mountain, purchase your gondola tickets in advance
Prepare for potential fire bans, don’t count on any smoke bombs or sparklers. Colorado is a delicate state and there are often restrictions during the warmer months. Practice fire safety and do your research in advance
Find lodging in Vail! Vail is off of I-70 and although Vail isn’t super far from Breckenridge, or Frisco, I-70 is notorious for inconvenient traffic and you don’t want any drama on your wedding day!
If you’re interested in golden aspen in your photos, aim for mid to late September
Donovan Pavilion is at 8,150 feet above sea level. Prepare your guest for the altitude, stay hydrated, have Tylenol on hand, and don’t be afraid to buy those cool cans of oxygen
Donovan Pavilion Wedding Photos
Looking for a Vail Wedding Photographer?
I’m Mikayla and when I’m not adventuring Vail in my free time, I’m photographing weddings and elopements! If you are looking for a Donovan Pavilion wedding photographer for your special day, I’d love to chat! Check out my wedding packages, and elopement packages, and then fill out my contact form so we can get started!
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May 24, 2022
Mikayla Robertson
Meet mikayla
Mikayla is a Colorado elopement and wedding photographer. In addition to delivering beautiful galleries to her couples, Mikayla provides epic location recommendations, connects couples with talented vendors, processes any permits, and provides tips for a stress-free day!
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