Here is everything you need to know about planning your wedding at Shrine of St. Anne Catholic Church in Arvada, Colorado, one of the most beautiful Catholic churches in Denver and Colorado for weddings.
The sanctuary features a shallow apse framed by round arches, flanked by statue niches, with a central white reredos and crucifix above the altar. Vaulted ceilings and rows of round-arched stained-glass windows bring even light to the nave. The church itself as a few blocks from Olde Town Arvada at the corner of Webster Street and Grant Place.
Quick Facts
- Address: 7555 Grant Pl, Arvada, CO 80002
- Pastor: Fr. Peter Wojda
- Parking: A parking lot across the church entrance at Webster Street
- Portrait Spots Nearby: Majestic View Park
Photography Rules and Regulations
Observing reverence and deference in the sacred space of a church is essential. As faithful, practicing Catholics and Catholic wedding photographers, we take this responsibility seriously. Shrine of St. Anne Catholic Church in Arvada underwent a remodel several years ago, and its new sanctuary, including the altar, is stunning.
In our experience photographing at Shrine of St. Anne Arvada, we have access along the edges of the aisles on the left and right sides of the church, the choir loft, the center aisle during vows and consecration and the front of the church at the start of the procession. As with all churches, we are not permitted to step into the sanctuary.
Lighting and Gear
Shrine of St. Anne Arvada features white walls and bright floors that make photographing inside relatively easy without flash during the ceremony (we never use flash during Catholic marriage ceremonies). For family photos, as the example above shows, we typically use flash to ensure that the wedding party, family and friends are evenly lit and don’t have harsh shadows underneath the eyes while allowing us to properly expose the crucifix and altar.
Where to Go for Photos Before the Ceremony
McIlvoy Park
A few blocks from the church is McIllvoy Park, a long space of green gras between an apartment complex and Upham Street featuring a playground and basketball courts. It’s an ideal location during the summer time for quick pictures with the groom and groomsmen while the bride and her bridal party get ready in the bridal suite. The walk over from church takes just a few minutes and allows us to get some photos of groomsmen walking toward the park and back to church, too. The park itself has a large tree that offers ample shade to ensure that photos aren’t washed out by mid-day or late afternoon sun.
Where to Go for Photos After the Ceremony
After taking family and wedding party photos inside Shrine of St. Anne Catholic Church in Arvada, couples usually want to venture outside for photos together or with their wedding party. While many will want to head closer to their reception venue, there are options along the way or near the church. Here are some of our favorites.
Majestic View Park
Majestic View Park in Arvada is so-named because of it’s incredible views of the foothills. It’s a little less than 10 minutes away from Shrine of St. Anne and includes some 80 acres of trails, basketball and tennis courts, concrete trails, and a nature center. It also contains fields with talk grasses
Booking Shrine of St. Anne Catholic Church for a Wedding
Shrine of St. Anne generally reserves wedding dates for church parishioners, which is defined as those who are registered and “contributing to its support for a minimum six-month period” before marriage preparation, according to the church website.
Once the bride or groom — or both — have been registered for six months, then the couple can contact the parish office to discuss wedding dates and preparation. Couples who are already engaged and want to be married at Shrine of St. Anne’s Catholic Church in Arvada should contact the pastor — Fr. Peter Wojda — at least nine months before the wedding date to set up an individual meeting by email or calling 303-420-1280, extension 1201.
If you’re ready to plan your own wedding at Shrine of St. Anne Catholic Church in Arvada, we would love to photograph this incredible sacrament. Get in touch to schedule a no-obligation call to learn more about our work.