Wedding Reception Patio Ideas to Elevate Your Moss Experience

When you book a wedding at Moss, you are usually booking it for the vibe inside: the soaring industrial ceilings, the massive factory windows, and the iconic moss wall that serves as the perfect ceremony backdrop. But many couples don’t realize until their tour that we also offer a unique outdoor component. 

While we are a historic wedding venue known for our indoor aesthetic, we have a secret weapon: our sidewalk patio. It isn’t a sprawling country club lawn, but that is exactly its charm. It is an intimate, urban “breakout space” that connects the energy of the ballroom to the cool Denver air outside. 

Whether you need a quiet spot for conversation or a place to park a dessert truck, here is why—and how—to use our outdoor space to maximize your wedding day flow. 

Why You Need Some Sort of Outdoor or Patio Space at Your Reception 

Even at an indoor-heavy venue, having an “indoor-outdoor flow” is crucial for guest comfort. The reality is that guests don’t want to be trapped in one room for five hours straight. They crave a change of scenery, a breath of fresh air, and a moment to cool down after hitting the dance floor. 

Guest Comfort is Priority: According to a 2024 study by The Knot, 55% of guests cited the “reception venue setup” as the top feature they noticed at weddings. This includes elements like comfortable seating and temperature control—two things a well-utilized patio can help manage perfectly! 

Opening up the large glass doors to the sidewalk gives your guests agency. It allows them to step out without leaving the party, making the entire event feel larger and more dynamic. 

10 Creative Wedding Reception Patio Ideas for Moss’ Outdoor Space

 

Because our patio is a linear sidewalk space right off the main room, it offers unique opportunities that large lawns don’t. It is accessible, paved (no heels sinking in grass!), and easy to style. Here are 10 ways our couples have gotten creative with Moss’ outdoor space. 

1. The Sweet Cow Ice Cream Truck

One of the best perks of our sidewalk setup is street-level accessibility. Since we are right on the curb, vendors can pull up right alongside the party. This is the perfect opportunity to book the famous Sweet Cow Ice Cream truck. Imagine the truck rolling up late-night, serving scoops to your guests under the market lights. It creates a fun, interactive moment that feels exclusive to your wedding. 

2. A Gentleman’s (or Lady’s) Cigar Bar

For a sophisticated touch, turn a corner of the patio into a cigar lounge. Since smoking isn’t allowed inside, this is the perfect designated area. Set up a small table with a humidor, cutters, and matches. It becomes a natural gathering spot for guests to bond over a stogie away from the loud music. 

3. Al Fresco Cocktail Hour

Who says you need a garden for cocktail hour? Kick off the festivities by opening the doors and letting guests mingle on the sidewalk. With a few high-top tables and bistro lighting, the space transforms into a chic, urban lounge. It’s the perfect transition space while the room is being flipped or just to enjoy the crisp evening air before dinner is served. 

4. The Late-Night Pizza Delivery

Just like the ice cream truck, the patio is the perfect drop-off point for late-night savory snacks. We’ve seen couples have local pizza joints deliver stacks of hot boxes right to the patio tables. Hungry dancers can grab a slice outside without clogging up the indoor tables or risking spills on the dance floor. 

5. A Sparkler Send-Off Lane

The patio area is often the safest and most photogenic spot for your final send-off. The linear shape of the sidewalk naturally encourages guests to line up on either side, creating a perfect tunnel. Whether you use sparklers (check with your planner on safety!) or bubbles, it creates a magical exit photo with the industrial building as your backdrop. 

6. Interactive Lawn Games

If you are worried about the “lull” during cocktail hour, use the patio for low-profile entertainment. While we might not have room for a game of flag football, there is plenty of space for cornhole boards (customized with your initials, of course) or giant Jenga. It keeps guests entertained and encourages mixing and mingling in a relaxed setting. 

7. A Breath of Fresh Air (Literally)

Sometimes, the best use of a patio is just… space. Weddings get hot. Dance floors get crowded. Having a designated “cool down” zone with a few benches or rented vintage furniture gives your older guests—or just those resting their feet—a place to sit that’s away from the booming music but still part of the action. 

8. The “Phone Call” Zone

It sounds simple, but in a loud one-of-a-kind Denver wedding reception venue, it can be hard to hear. The patio offers a quieter environment where guests can take a quick call from the babysitter or catch up with an old friend without shouting. 

9. Mobile Bar or Prosecco Van

If you want to keep the bar lines short inside, consider a satellite bar outside. Small mobile prosecco vans or tap trailers fit perfectly on the sidewalk. It acts as a second “watering hole” that draws people outside and relieves congestion at the main bar. 

10. Photo Booth Overflow

If you have a larger photo booth setup, like a vintage bus or a bulky 360-degree camera, the patio might be the perfect spot for it. It prevents the indoor space from feeling cluttered and gives guests a fun activity to do while getting some fresh air. 

Wedding Reception Patio Styling Ideas 

You don’t need to overcomplicate the decor. The urban setting is the vibe. However, a few touches can make it feel like a seamless extension of your indoor design. 

• Utilize the Archway: We already have a stylish Moss sign with an archway that frames the entrance perfectly. It’s a great spot for a welcome sign or a floral installation to greet guests as they arrive. 

• Lighting is Key: Cafe or market lights strung overhead instantly define the space and make it feel like a private VIP section rather than just a sidewalk. 

• Greenery: Add a few potted plants or floral arrangements to the high-top tables to tie the “Moss” theme from the inside out. Industrial wedding inspiration often relies on softening hard edges with plants, and the patio is no exception. 

• Temperature Control: If you are getting married in the fall or winter, renting a few standing heaters is a must. They act as “campfires” for guests to huddle around with a drink in hand, making the outdoor space usable year-round. 

The Magic of Moss Starts Before You Even Walk in the Doors 

The best weddings utilize the whole venue. Your reception doesn’t have to be contained within four walls. By opening up the doors and getting creative with our sidewalk patio, you create a dynamic flow that keeps guests comfortable, entertained, and well-fed. 

Whether you envision a food truck pulling up to the curb or a quiet cigar lounge under the stars, Moss offers the flexibility to make it happen. 

Ready to see how our space flows from the inside out? Book a wedding venue tour today and let’s walk the patio together to visualize your big day.