Downtown
Washington Avenue
Golden's main street, with restaurants, bars and shops, plus the famous "Howdy Folks! Welcome to Golden" arch.
How we got here
Our adventures so far
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The Venue
Boettcher Mansion
We're getting married at a historic stone and timber lodge high on Lookout Mountain, above Golden. Here's a little about where you're headed. We're keeping the setup a surprise.
A little history
- 1917
Denver businessman Charles Boettcher builds a summer home and hunting lodge here, called Lorraine Lodge. Denver architects Fisher & Fisher design it in the Arts & Crafts style, blending English Tudor and American Craftsman, from native stone and timber.
- 1972
The lodge becomes Jefferson County property, a gift planned by Charles's granddaughter, Charline Humphreys Breeden.
- 1984
It's listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
- 1989
Lorraine Lodge is renamed Boettcher Mansion.
- 2027
Maddie and Matt get married here on September 26.
History from Jefferson County.
The Town
Welcome to Golden
Golden sits right where the plains meet the foothills, about 30 miles west of Denver International Airport. It's a walkable little town with a creek through the middle, and it's where we recommend you stay for the weekend.
Outdoors
Clear Creek
A paved trail follows the creek right through town. Great for a morning walk or coffee by the water.
Local legend
Coors Brewery tour
The brewery has been in Golden since 1873, and the tour finishes with a tasting.
Nearby
Red Rocks
Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre is a short drive south. Walk the rocks during the day or catch a concert if one's on.
On the mountain
Buffalo Bill Museum & Grave
At the top of Lookout Mountain, just up the road from the venue, with views over Denver.
Mountain town
Golden Gate Canyon State Park
Aspens turn gold in late September, so it's perfect timing for a scenic drive or hike.
Flying in? Golden is about 45 minutes from Denver International Airport. See our travel page for getting here and what the weather's like.
Travel infoTraveling In
Getting to Golden
Coming from out of town? Here's how to get here and what late September in the Colorado foothills is like.
Closest airportDEN
Denver International Airport
Drive to Golden~45 min
About 45 miles, with no traffic
Late-September daysmid-70s °F
Sunny and dry, cooling to the high 40s at night
Elevation5,700 ft
Golden. The venue on Lookout Mountain sits higher.
From the airport
Easiest
Rent a car
Our top recommendation. It's about 45 minutes to Golden, and you'll want a car for the drive up Lookout Mountain to the venue.
No car needed
Uber or Lyft
About 45 minutes to Golden without traffic. Check the app for the current fare, and plan a ride up to the venue too.
On a budget
The train
Take RTD's A Line from the airport to Union Station, then walk two blocks to the W Line and ride to the end at Jefferson County Government Center–Golden. Plan on about an hour and a half. Check RTD for fares.
Late-September weather
Late September is one of the best times of year in Colorado. Expect warm, sunny afternoons in the mid-70s °F and crisp nights in the high 40s. The aspens in the mountains are usually turning gold right around our date.
Boettcher Mansion is up on Lookout Mountain, well above Golden, so it's usually several degrees cooler there, and it cools off fast once the sun goes down. Weather in the mountains can change quickly. An afternoon shower or an early cold snap isn't unusual, so check the forecast the week before.
Temperatures are NOAA September normals for nearby Lakewood, from Current Results.
Need a place to stay? We've picked three hotels at different price points.
See where to stayWhere to Stay
Three hotels we like
We've picked three options at different price points. We'll add nightly rates and any room-block details as soon as we have them.
$$$Our top pick
The Golden Hotel
Downtown Golden, on Clear Creek
Right in the middle of town, steps from Washington Avenue and the creek trail. The easiest place to stay if you want to walk to dinner.
Nightly rateComing soon
View on map
$$$Mid-range
SpringHill Suites Denver West/Golden
Golden, near Colorado Mines Park
Well reviewed, with roomy suites and breakfast included. A short drive to downtown and the venue.
Nightly rateComing soon
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$$$Budget
Hampton Inn & Suites, Clear Creek Crossing
Wheat Ridge, next to Life Time
Newly built, with shops and restaurants at Clear Creek Crossing. About 15 minutes from the venue.
Nightly rateComing soon
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RSVP
Will you join us?
Kindly reply by August 15, 2027