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Bride and Groom share their first look at Vail Weddign Deck prior to their wedding ceremony at Donovan Pavilion in Vail Colorado.

Donovan Pavilion Wedding: An Elegant Black Tie Event in Vail

About This Summer Wedding at Donovan Pavilion in Vail, Colorado

Donovan Pavilion Wedding | Vail Colorado

A Mountain Formal Donovan Pavilion Wedding–Emily and Blake envisioned an elegant black-tie wedding in Vail, Colorado, that seamlessly incorporated their personalized sense of adventure for the outdoors and encompassed the seasonal wildflowers. With planning and design by Privé Events, the couple shared an intimate first look at the top of Eagle Bahn Gondola near the Holy Cross Wedding Deck. The celebration unfolded at Donovan Pavilion, featuring a live band, exquisite fashion, and delightful delicacies it was a celebration to remember. Explore the gallery for inspiration from Emily and Blake’s unforgettable Vail celebration.

Scroll to see gallery & read more of their wedding day story at Donovan Pavilion.

Bride and Groom walk handing in had at Vail summit prior to their mountain formal black tie wedding ceremony at Donovan Pavilion.
Groom getting ready at Sonnenalp in Vail Colorado.

The Vail Weddign Day Vision

Emily and Blake started with a vision of a Black Tie Wedding amidst Vail’s scenic beauty. Their summer mountain formal wedding at Donovan Pavilion in Vail, Colorado, was perfection. Inspired by the Colorado’s natural beauty, they incorporated wildflowers and a vibrant summer color palette. The result was the perfect balance of formality with nature.

First Look at the summit of Vail Mountain

Prior to their ceremony and reception at Donovan Pavilion, Emily and Blake’s chose the summit of Vail Ski Resort for their private first look. To get there they took the Eagle-Bhan Gondola located in Lionhead Village to the top of the Eagles Nest. Meeting at the Vail Mountain wedding deck, also known as Holy Cross Event Deck, they shared a private first look amongst the wildflowers.

Groom ride up the Eagle Bahn Gondola ahead of his first look.

Donovan Pavilion Wedding Ceremony & Secret Announcement

After their breathtaking first look on Vail Mountain, they headed to Donovan Pavilion to get ready for the ceremony. Their formal mountain black-tie affair drew friends and family from near and far. What guests didn’t know was that Emily and Blake were already married! They had a secret elopement in Crested Butte earlier in the year, disguised as engagement photos. It was a joyous surprise filled with love.

Exterior of Donovan Pavilion in Vail Colorado. The perfect setting for a laid back mountain formal wedding.
Bride and Groom getting married at Donovan Pavilion enjoys quiet moment on Their weddign day near Gore Creek.
Wedding Ceremony set up at Donovan Pavilion.
Bride and Groom take couples portraits along Gore Creek just walking distance from Donovan Pavilion.

Fashion Forward Reception

Following their ceremony at Donovan Pavilion, the couple celebrated on the back patio with hors d’oeuvres and custom cocktails. Later, the doors to Donovan Pavilion opened to reveal a stunning reception space adorned with floral arrangements, candlelight, and live music. Guests enjoyed a delicious dinner, heartfelt toasts, and dancing, making for an unforgettable summer wedding in Vail.

A sophisticated cocktail hour outside of Donovan Pavilion.

Interested in having your own wildflower inspired mountain formal wedding along Gore Creek at Donovan Pavilion? You can learn more about me here, and If I sound like the perfect Vail Colorado wedding photographer or destination wedding photographer for you, then inquire with me here, because I can’t wait to hear from you!

Bride and Groom walk handing in had at Vail summit prior to their mountain formal black tie wedding ceremony at Donovan Pavilion.

“100/10 recommend Leah. She made this day so flawless and special”

–Emily G

Venue- Donovan Pavilion | Getting Ready Locations- Antlers Vail & Sonnenalp Vail | Planning & Design- Privé Events | Floral Design -Privé Events | Hair & Makeup- The Beauty Market | Catering- Biscuits & Berries | Cake & Desserts- Olivia Rose Cake Artistry | Band- Diamond Empire Band | Dress- Anais Anette from A&Be in Denver | Suit- Franco Ercole Bespoke  | Rehearsal Dinner- Ludwig’s Restaurant at the Sonnenalp Vail

About

Leah Black

Leah Black is a Colorado wedding photographer specializing in timeless, editorial, and documentary-style celebrations across Aspen, Vail, Telluride, Crested Butte, and destinations worldwide.

Blending film and digital, her work captures imagery that is both refined and true to life. With a calm and intentional presence, she creates space for couples to feel fully themselves, resulting in photographs that preserve not just how a wedding looked, but how it felt.

Her work has been featured in Rocky Mountain Bride, Wedding Chicks, Refined Co., and other leading publications. For couples planning weddings in Colorado or abroad, Leah brings a refined editorial perspective rooted in authenticity and connection.

About Leah Black

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Leah Black is a Colorado wedding photographer specializing in luxury, editorial weddings across Aspen, Vail, Telluride, and Crested Butte. Available for destination weddings worldwide.