EVENT BAR PACKAGES AT VISTA VIEW EVENTS

Clear pricing. No guesswork. Built for budget control.

Because Vista View Events holds a Tavern Liquor License, our in-house bar service is required for all weddings. The good news: we’ve made it simple, all-in, and predictable—so you can choose a bar experience your guests will love without surprise costs.

STEP ONE: Choose the bar that fits your budget | Our Package Options:

1. Hosted Bar (Open Bar): You pay based on the number of 21+ drinking guests. Guests drink free.

2. Cashless Bar: Guests pay per drink (you pay a one-time setup fee).

3. Hybrid: Start Hosted, then switch to Cashless once you hit a set dollar amount that you’ve pre-determined.

Hosted packages start at $32 per 21+ guest
Hosted minimum spend: $2,800
Cashless Bar setup fee: $975
Colorado Sales Tax for any bar package (cashless or hosted): 3.9%

Why Bar Pricing Varies (and what drives totals up or down)

Couples often ask, “Why do totals look so different from wedding to wedding?” Here’s the honest answer.

What drives your bar total up

• More 21+ drinking guests

• Upgrading from Beer/Wine → Full Bar → Premium Full Bar

• Adding Signature Drinks and/or a Champagne Toast

• Requesting additional staffing beyond what’s included (when available)

What drives your bar total Down

• Fewer drinking guests

• Choosing Beer & Wine Only instead of Full Bar

• Choosing Cash Bar (or Hybrid)

• Hosting only part of the night (then switching to cash)

“Why are some venues cheaper (or more expensive) than you?”

This is where couples get burned - because many bar quotes aren’t apples-to-apples.

Some venues seem cheaper because…

• They don’t include cups/ice/mixers/garnishes/staffing in the quote

• They hide service fees until the end

• They allow BYOB or third-party bartenders (more coordination, more liability, more unknowns)

• They’re quoting a limited bar but calling it “full”

Some venues are more expensive because…

• They’re offering premium liquor by default

• They’re bundling higher staffing levels into every package

• They have higher operational costs (or a luxury positioning)

Our goal is simple: clear options + predictable totals + smooth execution.

Hidden Costs (what people miss)

We’d rather you know these up front:

• Hosted Bar has a $2,800 minimum

• 3.9% sales tax applies

• Final 21+ guest count and final invoice/payment are due 30 days before your event

• Bar payments are non-refundable after the 30-day mark

• You will need Host Liquor Liability Insurance (added to your event policy)

Deadlines + Process

Here’s how planning your bar works:

• 30 days before your event: Bar package + selections due. Final 21+ guest count + final invoice/payment due

• Once your event is less than 30 days out: bar payments are non-refundable

Bar Rules (Quick + Clear)

To keep guests safe and stay compliant with our liquor license:

• No outside alcohol / no personal alcohol

• No self-serve alcohol of any kind

• We ID anyone ordering alcohol

• Alcohol must stay inside the venue’s permitted areas

• No shots, liquor neat, or liquor-only on ice (liquor must be in a mixed drinks)

• We reserve the right to cut off guests and/or close the bar if needed (no refunds if service is ceased)
  

FAQs Couples Actually Ask

With a Hosted Bar Package, do we pay for all guests or only drinkers?

For Hosted Bar Packages, you pay the per-person rate based on your final count of guests 21 & up who will be drinking. This means you do not have to pay for 21+ guests who you know will not drink (examples include: people who are sober, abstinent, expectant mothers, etc). Your bar will always include soft drinks and water for under 21 and non-drinking guests.

What counts as a “drinking guest”?

Any guest age 21+ you expect will drink alcoholic beverages at your wedding. (Your final count is due 30 days prior.)

What if we don’t hit the $2,800 minimum?

If your per-person Hosted total is below $2,800, your bar invoice will be $2,800 + tax.

Can we bring our own alcohol or hire our own bartender?

No. Because we hold the liquor license, Vista View Events is the exclusive provider of alcohol and bar service.

What’s the biggest difference between Beer & Wine and Full Bar?

Full Bar includes liquor plus standard mixers and garnishes (and is typically the fastest/most flexible bar experience). Beer & Wine is simpler and often more budget-friendly.

Can we do signature drinks?

Yes - two ways:

• Choose Beer/Wine + (2) Signature Drinks package, or

• Add (2) Signature Drinks to Full Bar for $675

• Signature Drinks cannot be added to Beer & Wine Only.

Can we do a Hosted Bar for part of the night and then switch to Cash?

Yes. Many couples do Hosted for cocktail hour and switch to Cash later - either at a set time or once a set dollar amount is reached.

Are non-alcoholic drinks included?

• Hosted Bar: yes (complimentary)

• Cash Bar: priced per drink

• Water at the bar is always free and included in all packages

How many bartenders are included?

Professional bartender(s) are included in all packages. We include staffing based on your event needs (up to two included). If you want a third bartender, an additional fee may apply, and availability isn’t guaranteed.

When is payment due?

Final 21+ guest count and bar invoice/payment are due 30 days before your event. Bar payments are non-refundable after that point.

What taxes/fees should we plan for?

Colorado adds a 3.9% sales tax to all bar packages and drink sales. (Hosted includes the minimum; Cash includes the $975 setup fee.) Gratuity is

Are there bar restrictions we should know about?

Yes - no outside alcohol, no self-serve alcohol, and no shots/liquor neat / liquor-only on ice. We ID guests and can refuse service when needed.