Romance on the River

The SteamPlant Event Center is a stylish, urban wedding venue in downtown Salida, Colo. The renovated 1887 steam power plant retains its architectural beauty while exuding a chic atmosphere. For dining and receptions, the venue offers a spacious ballroom with century-old, exposed brick walls, natural hardwood floors and 30-foot ceilings. It seats up to 220 guests, has full banquet facilities and overlooks a picturesque outdoor cobblestone plaza and the Arkansas River. On warm evenings, many wedding receptions extend onto the plaza for drinks, dining and dancing under a canopy of stars. The grounds additionally include a 200-seat theater, several art galleries and boutique convention space with fully equipped conference rooms. Each is linked by a cobblestone walkway that stretches to the banks of the river and is surrounded by stunning views of the Rocky Mountains. Our on-site wedding coordinator has the expertise, taste and energy to create a custom event for any occasion, from small down-home affairs to elegant extravaganzas.

Our cobblestone plaza, on the banks of the Arkansas River, is our most popular ceremony site. The urban SteamPlant façade provides an interesting contrast to a natural backdrop of rushing water and cottonwood trees. Many brides make use of the adjacent Riverside Park, which is a short walk away. It is also nestled on the Arkansas River banks and guarded by an arsenal of century old-cottonwood trees. For more traditional ceremonies, downtown Salida’s historic churches are popular. Given the SteamPlant’s central location, many brides enjoy parading by bike or foot from the later ceremony sites to the SteamPlant. If bad weather arises, we can accommodate your wedding ceremony in our theater, ballroom or conference center. 

Inclusions & Amenities:

• Rental fee includes use of our outdoor plaza in conjunction with the ballroom
• Twelve hours access to the facility for decorating, set-up and break-down
• Bride and groom ready rooms
• An on-site wedding coordinator to work with you on executing the wedding of your dreams and assisting with all the details: seating arrangements, beverage recommendations, ceremony site selection, vendor and catering selection, etc.  
• Sound, lights, large screen and other audio-visual equipment
• Full service bar and bartender
• Tableware and flatware
• Basic centerpieces
• Round and square banquet tables; chairs
• Heat lamps and outdoor tents
• Outdoor ceremony site, including chairs
• Handicap accessibility
• Riverside location (raft to your wedding!)
• Your name on our marquee
• Close proximity to a variety of overnight accommodations: bed & breakfast inns, hotels, motels, private vacation homes & cabins
• Central location in the heart of Colorado. Easily accessed from the Front Range via Highway 285
• Access to a variety of outdoor attractions: horseback riding, hiking, fly fishing, hot springs, mountain biking, white water rafting
• Convenient downtown Salida location