Ultimate Aspen Elopement Guide: Everything You Need to Know
View from the top of Aspen Mountain
Why Aspen, CO is the Perfect Location for Elopements
Iconic Mountain Beauty That's Actually Accessible
Aspen offers some of the most breathtaking mountain scenery in Colorado. The world-famous Maroon Bells, golden aspen groves, and dramatic 14,000-foot peaks. But here's what sets it apart: you don't need to be an extreme athlete to experience it. The iconic Maroon Lake, with its postcard-perfect reflection of the twin peaks, is reached via a short, mostly paved path from the parking area. Independence Pass offers multiple pullout viewpoints where you can literally step out of your car and be surrounded by alpine beauty. The Grottos Trail is an easy half-mile walk to stunning waterfalls and ice caves. Even locations that do require a bit of hiking (like Cathedral Lake or Crater Lake) are moderate, well-maintained trails that won't leave you exhausted before your ceremony. You get that epic Colorado mountain elopement experience without needing hiking boots, technical skills, or a 4am wake-up call. Beautiful doesn't have to mean difficult, and in Aspen, it never does.
When to Elope in Aspen
One of the best things about Aspen? It's absolutely stunning year-round. While fall gets most of the attention (and for good reason), each season brings its own magic. Here's what to expect:
Fall (September-October)
Best for: Couples who want that classic golden Colorado mountain wedding look
Fall in Aspen is iconic for a reason as this is when the town's namesake aspen trees turn brilliant gold, creating one of the most breathtaking natural displays in North America. Late September through early October is peak color season, and the mountainsides literally glow. Maroon Bells with golden aspens in the foreground is the Colorado elopement image couples dream about.
Pros:
Stunning golden foliage (usually peaks late September)
Comfortable temperatures (50s-60s during the day)
Clear, crisp mountain air and blue skies
Incredible photo opportunities
Cons:
Peak season = more crowds (especially at Maroon Bells on weekends)
Higher lodging prices
Weather can be unpredictable (possible early snow)
Maroon Bells requires advance reservations
Summer (June - August)
Best for: Couples who want lush greenery, wildflowers, and warm weather
Summer in Aspen means wildflower-filled meadows, lush greenery, and the warmest weather of the year. The mountains are alive with color—vibrant greens, purple lupines, yellow sunflowers, and pink fireweed. Trails are fully accessible, waterfalls are flowing from snowmelt, and you'll have long daylight hours (sunset around 8:30pm in June).
Pros:
Warmest weather (60s-70s, perfect for outdoor ceremonies)
Wildflowers at lower elevations (July is peak)
Long daylight hours for extended coverage
All trails and roads fully open
Cons:
Peak tourist season (busiest time in Aspen)
Afternoon thunderstorms are common (plan morning ceremonies)
Higher prices for everything
Maroon Bells can be very crowded
Winter(November - March)
Best for: Couples who love winter, want privacy and intimacy, or want to incorporate skiing into their elopement
Winter transforms Aspen into a snowy wonderland and here's a secret: it's one of the most underrated times to elope. The mountains are draped in white, the light is soft and magical, and you'll have many locations almost entirely to yourselves. Plus, if you're into skiing, you can incorporate that into your elopement day! I've photographed couples who skied to their ceremony spot, said their vows on the mountain, then celebrated with a cozy dinner by the fire. It's intimate, romantic, and completely unique.
Pros:
Stunning snowy landscapes and dramatic winter light
Far fewer crowds (you might have Maroon Bells to yourselves!)
No reservation needed for Maroon Bells or other popular spots
Cozy, romantic vibe
Option to incorporate skiing into your day
Lower lodging prices (outside of Christmas/New Year's)
Cons:
Cold temperatures (20s-40s, sometimes below zero)
Shorter daylight hours (sunset around 5pm in December)
Some high-elevation locations inaccessible due to snow
Independence Pass closes mid-October through May
Need to dress in warm layers
Spring (April - May)
Best for: Budget-conscious couples, those who want solitude, or flexible adventurers
Spring in Aspen is the quietest season and that's exactly why some couples love it. You'll catch the transition from snow-covered peaks to blooming wildflowers at lower elevations. Waterfalls are at their most powerful from snowmelt, and you get that fresh, awakening-mountain energy. Just know that weather can be highly variable (snow one day, sunshine the next), so flexibility is key.
Pros:
Fewest crowds of any season
Rushing waterfalls and creeks from snowmelt
Lower prices on lodging and vendors
Possibility of both snow-capped peaks AND spring blooms
Intimate, quiet atmosphere
Cons:
Unpredictable weather (could be 30° or 60° on any given day)
"Mud season" (late April-May can be slushy/muddy on trails)
Some high-elevation locations still snowed in
Independence Pass typically closed until late May
Not as visually dramatic as other seasons
Best Aspen Elopement Locations
Aspen offers an incredible variety of stunning locations. From iconic, world-famous spots to hidden gems where you'll feel like you have the mountains all to yourselves. Here are my favorite places to photograph elopements:
Maroon Bells
The most photographed mountains in North America, and for good reason. These twin 14,000-foot peaks reflected in Maroon Lake create the iconic Colorado elopement image. The shoreline is accessible via a short, mostly paved path, making it perfect for couples who want dramatic mountain beauty without a strenuous hike. I’ve written a detailed guide for eloping at the Maroon Bells here.
Best for: Couples who want that classic, jaw-dropping Aspen backdrop
Difficulty: Easy (short paved path from parking)
Crowds: High in summer/fall, minimal in winter
Permit: Required for professional photography
Best time: Sunrise (6-7am) or winter for fewer crowds
Ashcroft
A historic silver mining town nestled in a stunning valley surrounded by peaks. The weathered wooden buildings and mountain backdrop create a unique, rustic-romantic vibe. It's quieter than Maroon Bells but equally beautiful in a completely different way.
Best for: Couples who want something unique and off-the-beaten-path
Difficulty: Easy (flat, minimal walking)
Crowds: Low
Best time: Fall for golden aspens framing the historic buildings, or winter for a snowy ghost-town feel
Top of Aspen Mountain
Take the gondola up to 11,212 feet for panoramic views of the Elk Mountains and Roaring Fork Valley. You can have your ceremony at the summit, surrounded by peaks in every direction, then celebrate at one of the mountaintop restaurants. No hiking required—just ride up in style.
Best for: Couples who want big views with accessibility (and maybe a celebratory cocktail after!)
Difficulty: None (gondola does the work)
Crowds: Moderate in summer, lower in shoulder seasons
Note: Check gondola schedule (summer and winter operations)
Best time: Summer or winter (closed in spring/fall)
Private Airbnbs & Luxury Vacation Rentals
Aspen (and nearby Snowmass, Carbondale, and Basalt) has incredible private properties. From modern mountain homes with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the peaks to charming cabins tucked in aspen groves. Having your ceremony at your rental means ultimate privacy, flexibility, and the ability to celebrate exactly how you want. Plus, you're already "home" for getting ready and your reception.
Best for: Couples who want total privacy, flexibility, and a home-base feel
Difficulty: None
Crowds: Just your guests
What to look for: Outdoor ceremony space, mountain views, natural light for getting-ready photos
Pro tip: I can help you evaluate properties for photo-friendliness before you book
Off-the-Beaten-Path: Hidden Forest & River Locations
Not every memorable elopement happens at a named landmark. Some of the most beautiful ceremonies I have ever seen took place somewhere that does not have a single Instagram tag or a permit process attached to it. A bend in the Roaring Fork River where the water catches the afternoon light just right. A clearing deep in the pines where the only sound is wind moving through the trees. A meadow above town that most visitors drive right past without ever knowing it exists.
If you want a location that feels completely and entirely yours, I love helping couples find exactly that. Tell me the feeling you are after and I will find you the spot.
Can't Decide? Let's Find Your Perfect Spot!
Every couple is different, and your elopement location should reflect what matters most to you. Whether that's iconic views, total privacy, accessibility, or something completely unique. I know these mountains intimately and can help you choose (or discover) the perfect location for your vision. Let's talk about what you're dreaming of and I'll make it happen.
Where to Stay for Your Aspen Elopement
Luxury Aspen Hotels
The Little Nell
Aspen's most iconic luxury hotel, steps from the gondola with world-class service and a Michelin-starred restaurant.
$$$$ | Best for: Luxury experience, walkable to everything
Hotel Jerome
Historic Victorian hotel in downtown Aspen with modern luxury and old-world charm.
$$$$ | Best for: Couples who love historic elegance
St. Regis Aspen Resort
Ski-in/ski-out luxury with a spa, fine dining, and impeccable service.
$$$$ | Best for: Ultimate pampering and convenience
The Sky Residences at W Aspen
Luxury condos with full kitchens, living spaces, and all the W hotel amenities. Perfect for small groups or extended stays.
$$$$ | Best for: Luxury with space and flexibility
Mid-Range Hotels
The Gant
Spacious condo-style accommodations with full kitchens and mountain views. Great for couples or small groups.
$$$ | Best for: More space and amenities at a reasonable price
The Limelight Hotel
Modern boutique hotel with a rooftop pool, free bikes, and cookies at check-in. Great value for Aspen.
$$$ | Best for: Couples who want upscale without breaking the bank
The Inn at Aspen
Comfortable, budget-friendly option with mountain views and easy access to downtown Aspen.
$$ | Best for: Couples looking for quality accommodations at a lower price point
Snowmass Hotels (10-15 min away)
Snowmass offers more affordable luxury options and is just a quick drive from Aspen's best elopement locations.
Viceroy Snowmass
Ski-in/ski-out luxury resort with a spa, heated outdoor pool, and mountain views.
$$$$ | Best for: Luxury at a slightly lower price than downtown Aspen
Viewline Resort Snowmass
Upscale hotel with spacious rooms, multiple restaurants, and family-friendly amenities.
$$$ | Best for: Comfortable, reliable luxury
Basalt, CO (20 min away)
The Hoffman Hotel
Charming boutique inn with excellent service and a cozy vibe.
$$ | Best for: Budget-conscious couples who want character and comfort
Intimate Ceremony Spaces in the Aspen Area
These spaces can accommodate a range of group sizes, but each one shines brightest for intimate celebrations of 50 guests or fewer. If you are looking for somewhere that feels personal rather than like a production, this list is a good place to start.
Maroon Bells Amphitheater
An actual amphitheater with tiered seating carved into the hillside, offering unobstructed views of the Maroon Bells. This is a reservation-only space through the Forest Service, and it's one of the most iconic ceremony spots in Colorado. You can read all about eloping at the Maroon Bells in my blog post The Complete Guide to Your Maroon Bells Elopement
Capacity: Up to 50 guests
Vibe: Natural, dramatic, unforgettable
Note: Requires advance reservation and permit
The Sundeck on Aspen Mountain
Getting married at 11,212 feet above sea level is exactly as dramatic as it sounds. The Sundeck sits at the top of Aspen Mountain, accessible by gondola, with panoramic views of the Elk Mountains stretching in every direction. The space features soaring 30-foot ceilings, a massive stone fireplace, and floor to ceiling windows that frame the Rocky Mountains like a painting. It is part of The Little Nell, Aspen's only Five-Star Five-Diamond hotel, which means the food, service, and overall experience are in a category of their own. Capacity: Up to 250 seated, 500 for a reception Vibe: Elevated luxury, quite literally
T-Lazy 7 Ranch
A stunning working ranch operating since 1938, sitting just 12 minutes from downtown Aspen and surrounded entirely by National Forest. The Mountain Meadow ceremony site is the standout for intimate elopements, tucked at the base of dramatic red cliffs with a wildflower path leading up to a secluded space overlooking Pyramid Peak. The ranch also sits at the gateway to the Maroon Bells road, making it a natural pairing with an Amphitheater ceremony. Capacity: Up to 500 total, Mountain Meadow best for intimate gatherings Vibe: Authentic Colorado ranch, wildflowers, zero pretension
Capacity: Up to 500 guests for a tented reception in the meadow, 220 for the lodge
Vibe: Colorado ranch, 360 mountain views
The Cabin at Snowmass (formerly Lynn Britt Cabin)
Tucked mid-mountain on Snowmass among towering aspen trees, The Cabin is one of the most genuinely intimate venue options in the area. In summer, the adjacent wildflower meadow opens up for outdoor ceremonies with sweeping valley views as your backdrop. In winter, guests arrive by snowcat which makes for one of the most memorable venue arrivals imaginable. The cabin itself seats up to 60 inside for a reception dinner, with the meadow accommodating up to 200 for the ceremony.
Capacity: 60 inside, up to 200 outside in summer
Vibe: Rustic mountain romance, completely secluded
Pine Creek Cookhouse
Located in the Ashcroft Valley about 12 miles outside Aspen, Pine Creek Cookhouse might be the most underrated venue option in the entire area. The ceremony meadow is sheltered by aspen trees on one side, peaceful wetlands on another, and 13,500-foot peaks serving as the backdrop. After the ceremony, guests walk 400 yards to the cozy log restaurant for a four-course dinner with views of the Elk Mountain Range. It also happens to be 15 minutes from the Maroon Bells Amphitheater, making it a natural reception choice after a ceremony at the Bells.
Capacity: Up to 140 seated inside, expandable with tenting
Vibe: Secluded valley, wildflowers, warm candlelit dining
The Best Aspen Elopement Vendors
Just because you're eloping doesn't mean you have to DIY everything and honestly, you shouldn't have to. Your elopement is still your wedding day, and bringing in a few key vendors can elevate the experience while taking stress off your plate. Here's what's worth considering:
Officiant (you can self solemnize!)
Colorado allows self-solemnization, which means you can legally marry yourselves without an officiant! No friend needs to get ordained, no stranger needs to stand with you. It's intimate, personal, and perfect for couples who want it to be just the two of you. That said, some couples love having an officiant to guide the ceremony, help with vow structure, or add a spiritual or cultural element. It's completely up to you, and both options are beautiful.
Florist
Fresh flowers instantly elevate your elopement—whether it's a simple bridal bouquet, a floral arrangement for your ceremony space, or a stunning arch backdrop. Aspen has talented florists who understand mountain weddings and can create arrangements that complement (not compete with) the natural beauty around you. Even just a bouquet gives you something beautiful to hold, adds color to your photos, and makes the day feel more special.
Hair & Makeup
This is one of those things that feels like a splurge but makes such a difference. Professional hair and makeup means you'll feel confident, polished, and like your best self in photos—without the stress of doing it yourself on your wedding day. Many Aspen artists will travel to your Airbnb or hotel, so you can get ready in comfort. Plus, it's one less thing to worry about so you can actually relax and enjoy the morning.
Elopement Planner
Even though elopements are smaller and simpler than traditional weddings, that doesn't mean you have to figure everything out alone. An elopement planner can help you navigate permits, scout locations, create a timeline, coordinate vendors, and handle all the logistics so you can focus on the experience. This is especially helpful if you're traveling to Aspen from out of state and don't know the area. A good planner knows the best hidden spots, which vendors are reliable, and how to make your day run smoothly so you can just show up and celebrate.
Caterers & Private Chefs
One of the best parts of eloping? You get to celebrate however you want. Some couples grab pizza in town, others book a private chef to prepare a gourmet meal at their Airbnb, and some reserve a table at one of Aspen's incredible restaurants. If you want something truly special (and intimate), hiring a private chef means you can enjoy an elevated meal in the comfort of your rental. No driving, no crowds, just you two (or your small group) celebrating with amazing food, wine, and mountain views. It's an unforgettable way to end your elopement day.
What to Do Before/After Your Elopement
Getting married in Aspen is not a one day event. It is a full destination experience, and the couples who lean into that tend to look back on the entire trip as one of the best things they have ever done. Here are some of the best ways to make the most of your time in the valley.
Build a Custom Hat at Kemo Sabe: Kemo Sabe on East Cooper Avenue is an Aspen institution. Pick your base, your color, your band, and your embellishments and walk out wearing something completely yours. Hats start around $395 and the process often comes with a pour of their private label tequila upstairs while your hat is finished. For couples eloping in Aspen, it is the kind of celebratory detail that makes the whole trip feel like an experience rather than just a wedding day.
Hike to Cathedral Lake: One of the most stunning alpine lakes in the Aspen area, Cathedral Lake sits at nearly 12,000 feet and rewards the effort with views of a jagged granite cirque that genuinely looks like it was designed for a wedding photo. The hike is 5.6 miles round trip with about 2,000 feet of elevation gain, so it is best suited for couples who enjoy a solid challenge. Start early to beat afternoon thunderstorms and bring layers regardless of the forecast.
Explore Ashcroft Ghost Town: Just 12 miles outside Aspen on Castle Creek Road, Ashcroft is a preserved silver mining ghost town from the 1880s sitting in one of the most peaceful valleys in Colorado. It is free to visit, almost always quiet, and the weathered wooden buildings against the surrounding peaks create a completely unique and beautiful backdrop. Worth an hour of your day in any season.
Soak at Glenwood Hot Springs: About 45 minutes down valley from Aspen sits Glenwood Hot Springs, home to the world's largest hot springs pool. After a full day of hiking, ceremonies, and portraits, soaking in mineral rich water with Glenwood Canyon rising around you is about as perfect a way to end a trip as you can imagine. The Grand Pool sits between 90 and 93 degrees and the smaller Therapy Pool runs at 104 degrees. Day passes are available without reservations.
For something more intimate, Iron Mountain Hot Springs in Glenwood Springs has 16 smaller mineral pools along the banks of the Colorado River with views of the canyon walls and far fewer people than the main pool.
Drive Independence Pass: If you are visiting between late May and mid October, driving Independence Pass on Highway 82 between Aspen and Twin Lakes is one of the most spectacular drives in Colorado. The summit sits at 12,095 feet and the views stretch across multiple mountain ranges in every direction. Pull over at the top and just stand there for a few minutes. It is worth it.
Spend Time in Downtown Aspen: Aspen's downtown core is genuinely worth an afternoon. Gallery Row on Hopkins Avenue, the Wheeler Opera House, the Hotel Jerome bar for a celebratory cocktail, and some of the best independent restaurants in Colorado all within easy walking distance of each other. It does not have to feel like a resort town if you approach it like a local.
Penny Hot Springs Near Carbondale: For something completely off the beaten path, Penny Hot Springs sits along the Crystal River near Carbondale, about 30 minutes from Aspen. These are free, naturally occurring roadside hot springs tucked into the river canyon. They are clothing optional, completely free, and about as far from a tourist experience as you can get while still being easily accessible. Best visited on a quiet weekday morning.
Ready to Start Planning Your Aspen Elopement?
Whether you're dreaming of sunrise vows at Maroon Bells, an intimate forest ceremony with just the two of you, or a celebration with your favorite people at a stunning mountain venue, I'm here to help you create a day that feels completely yours.
From scouting the perfect location to building a timeline that lets you actually enjoy every moment, I'll be there to support you every step of the way and capture it all exactly as it feels.
