Can we bring our own alcohol?
Yes, you can bring your own alcohol (beer & wine), which is a great cost savings. RHIZE does require you to use their in house bartending service if serving hard alcohol or cocktails.
Is the rehearsal included in the site rental fee?
Yes, the rehearsal is included in any of the site rental fees. We only offer 2 slots: 1 pm and 3 PM the day prior to your wedding day. Rehearsals are NOT required and our staff is totally comfortable managing wedding day if you choose to opt out.
Is set up and break down included in the site rental fee and what does that entail?
Yes, The RHIZE team will set up and break down everything that is included in the site rentals.
Are pets allowed at RHIZE?
Yes, Pets on Rhize grounds must be approved and be leashed or kept in an enclosure. Messes must be cleaned up. Only the bridal couple may have permission to have a pet on site. No other pets will be allowed on property during the wedding weekend. We require someone outside of the wedding party to be assigned as your primary pet handler. Pets are not allowed in the Hummingbird Barn. We recommend having an enclosure during this time for the safety and comfort of your pet.
Are there any hidden costs or fees?
No, RHIZE does not have any hidden costs or fees, all taxes and service charges are included in the total cost. However, gratuity is not included as we feel that is up to your discretion. RHIZE does require event insurance which is secured through an outside vendor (cost is typically between $75-$150).
Are there restrictions on decorations?
The RHIZE Aspen Package includes flameless candles for your reception and floral as agreed upon. Also no confetti, glitter, fake petals, and no sparklers. All packages include a wildflower send off. Decor can be packed up the night of the wedding or be picked up the next morning. If you decide to pick it up the next morning all decor must be picked up by 10:00 am.
Can I extend my time on property?
Yes, you can. Your time allowance begins when you (the couple or your wedding party) arrive on site on wedding day. This is often 1-2 hours prior to the ceremony time. For example if you have a 6 hour window and arrive a 1 PM for a 2 PM ceremony, your grand exit will be at 7 PM. If you would like additional hours, it will be charged at $300/hour.
Is gratuity required?
We do not automatically add a gratuity as we feel like that is up to the couple’s discretion. Our staff is dedicated to your experience being of the highest quality and care and RHIZE staff are very appreciative of gratuity as a way of recognizing their service. We typically have between 5-8 staff on site for each wedding and people often ask “what is typical” for gratuity. It truly ranges…as a rule of thumb, many couples leave $500-$1000 and whatever you decide can be taken out of your deposit before the remainder is returned within 7 days post wedding
When can we drop off alcohol and decor?
You are more than welcome to drop off all alcohol and decor at your rehearsal. It will be stored in our secure Conex and placed at the canoe cantina 2 hours prior to the reception time.
What should I expect from my Wedding Director?
You will be assigned a Wedding Director 6 months prior to your wedding. At this time they will become your point of contact for all your wedding questions. Your Wedding Director will assist with creating a package that fits your budget and execution of all RHIZE services. Wedding Director is available for questions via e-mail throughout the planning process. We want to make sure that by wedding day, there aren’t any concerns for you. Our job is making your dream come true, so don’t hesitate to reach out. Three weeks out your final guest count is due. We will schedule a phone call to finalize your layout & cover any last minute questions you may have. Your Wedding Director will run your rehearsal the day prior to your wedding.
What is a typical timeline for wedding day?
Based on a 2 PM ceremony and an 8 hour window
NOON: Arrival at RHIZE of wedding party and photographer/videographer
1 PM: First looks, bridal portraits, pre-ceremony photos
2 PM: Ceremony
2:30 PM: Guests head down to the Ridge for cocktails, hors-d’oeuvres and gaming area while you and photographers are doing post ceremony photos at ceremony site and 3-4 additional sites on property. We have a UTV that will take you and your photography staff around property for this hour and then deliver you in grand fashion to the reception area.
4 PM - 5 PM: Guests are invited to the Hummingbird Barn for dinner.
6 PM - 8 PM: Dancing, fire pit (with s’more and hot cocoa service), gaming area
8 PM - Grand exit
NOON: Arrival at RHIZE of wedding party and photographer/videographer
1 PM: First looks, bridal portraits, pre-ceremony photos
2 PM: Ceremony
2:30 PM: Guests head down to the Ridge for cocktails, hors-d’oeuvres and gaming area while you and photographers are doing post ceremony photos at ceremony site and 3-4 additional sites on property. We have a UTV that will take you and your photography staff around property for this hour and then deliver you in grand fashion to the reception area.
4 PM - 5 PM: Guests are invited to the Hummingbird Barn for dinner.
6 PM - 8 PM: Dancing, fire pit (with s’more and hot cocoa service), gaming area
8 PM - Grand exit
Do we have a sound system?
Yes. We provide a Bose bluetooth speaker as well as a karaoke system that has 2 blue tooth mics. Both can be utilized for ceremony and reception music, toast and speeches. Sound carries in the mountains so there is no need for larger systems. We ask couples to download playlists and have a friend/family member be “in charge” of connecting to our system and pressing the “play button” at the appropriate time during the ceremony, reception and dances.
What does the wedding director do on wedding day?
Your Wedding Director will set up your welcome table, dessert/cake table, any signage provided, table numbers & favors.
Outside of these areas, you are welcome to have friends/family members set the additional items to avoid additional fees. Keep in mind that anyone who sets these items will be responsible for cleaning and packing them up at the end of your wedding.
Outside of these areas, you are welcome to have friends/family members set the additional items to avoid additional fees. Keep in mind that anyone who sets these items will be responsible for cleaning and packing them up at the end of your wedding.
- At your rehearsal you are allowed to drop off your personal decor. At the end of rehearsal you will go over where you’d like this decor set up with your Wedding Director (limited to the welcome table, dessert table, any signage you are providing, table numbers & favors).
- You are also allowed to bring your alcohol at your rehearsal time slot to be stored in our storage area.
- If your alcohol is being delivered on the wedding day it must be between 10:00am - Noon
What happens if we have inclement weather?
Colorado is know for 300 days of sunshine a year as well as days that have all 4 seasons at once. Weather is always the unknown when deciding on an outdoor venue, but typically passing. We are prepared for every scenario. The arrival welcome center has a 10 x 20 white wedding tent always set with adirondacks, fire pit, spring water and snacks as folks are waiting to go up to the wedding deck ceremony. If weather looks "iffy" we bring our clear umbrellas for folks to use while on property. It's pretty unlikely that there isn't a 20-30 minutes. window to get a ceremony in without weather impacting us...fortunately, we have flexibility with the timeline if necessary. For the reception area, we are building a 20 x 20 permanent covered, but open structure alongside of our covered outdoor kitchen so that folks have a secure place to enjoy being outdoors for their time at the canoe cantina for cocktails/hors d'euovres and reception time. Of course, the Hummingbird for dinner is totally secure from weather even with the awnings up.
How far is RHIZE from overnight accommodations?
The little mining towns of Victor and Cripple Creek are about 20 minutes from RHIZE and have many options for housing.
What are the roads like to RHIZE?
Rhize is 75 minutes from Colorado Springs which is all paved roads until you reach Gold Camp Road. Gold Camp Road is a county maintained dirt road and once you turn onto the private entrance to Cow Mountain, the last mile of road is neighborhood maintained. Roads are dirt and can be pretty bumpy depending on rainfall, etc. but very drivable. We recommend higher clearance vehicles, all wheel and or 4-wheel drive if possible. We also have shuttle service recommendations if desired.
Is smoking allowed on site?
Yes, Smoking is allowed at the main fire pit area ONLY. Absolutely NO SMOKING or vaping is allowed inside any buildings.