The Complete Guide to Your Maroon Bells Elopement (2026)
You already know. The moment you saw that first photo of two mountain peaks reflected in an impossibly still alpine lake, something clicked. Maroon Bells is where you want to get married.
And you are not wrong. The Maroon Bells are widely considered the most photographed mountains in North America, and if you have ever seen them at golden hour with the aspen trees glowing gold around the water, you understand why couples fly in from all over the world to say their vows here.
The good news: eloping at Maroon Bells is more accessible than you might think. You do not need to hike ten miles into the backcountry. You do not need a massive budget. You do not need to be an extreme outdoors person.
What you do need is a solid plan. Permits, parking, timing, lodging, legal requirements.. there is a lot to sort out. This guide covers every single piece of it so you can stop Googling and start actually planning the most beautiful day of your life.
What Makes Maroon Bells So Special for Elopements
Most scenic locations in Colorado are either breathtaking or accessible. Maroon Bells is both. That is genuinely rare.
Located in the White River National Forest just outside Aspen, the Maroon Bells are two peaks (North Maroon Peak at 14,019 feet and Maroon Peak at 14,163 feet) that rise dramatically above Maroon Lake. The peaks are made of maroon colored mudstone, which gives them their distinctive wine red color, especially at sunrise when the alpenglow lights them up from behind the horizon.
What makes this place feel different from other iconic Colorado spots is the combination of things happening at once: the mountains, the lake reflection, the aspen groves, the wildflower meadows, the crisp alpine air. It does not feel like you are posing in front of a backdrop. It feels like you stepped into a painting.
And because the Amphitheater is tucked just off the main trail with its own seating and views, you can have a ceremony here with real privacy even though hundreds of people visit the lake nearby.
For couples who want stunning Colorado mountain beauty without a grueling approach hike, Maroon Bells is about as close to perfect as it gets.
The Two Ways to Elope at Maroon Bells
How you elope at Maroon Bells depends on one thing: how many people you are bringing.
Option 1: Just the Two of You (No Reservation Required)
If you are eloping with six or fewer people total, including your photographer and any other vendors, you do not need an Amphitheater reservation. You can get married on the nearby trails and in the surrounding Maroon Bells area without a formal permit. This gives you more flexibility on date and location, and opens up some genuinely stunning and less crowded spots to exchange vows.
This is a great option if you want something intimate, spontaneous, and fully focused on just the two of you. No seating arrangements, no formal setup, just you and the mountains.
Option 2: The Maroon Bells Amphitheater (Up to 50 Guests)
If you want to host a micro wedding at the iconic Amphitheater with family and friends, you will need to reserve the space through Recreation.gov. The Amphitheater accommodates up to 50 people total, including the couple, guests, and any vendors.
The Amphitheater is a paved pavilion with built in bench seating, framed by views of both Maroon Bells peaks, Maroon Lake, and the surrounding wildflower meadows. It is one of the only affordable, reservable outdoor ceremony sites in Colorado at this caliber of scenery.
Cost: $200 for the day, which includes parking passes for up to five vehicles.
Receptions are not permitted at the Amphitheater itself, but the East Maroon Portal Picnic Site about four miles away can accommodate up to 75 people for a post ceremony gathering. Most couples head into Aspen or Snowmass for dinner and celebration.
How to Get the Amphitheater Permit (And Actually Secure It)
Here is the truth about the Amphitheater reservation: it is competitive, and you need to be ready. Only one wedding is allowed per day, and reservations open exactly one year in advance on a rolling basis at 8am Mountain Time through Recreation.gov.
That means if you want September 20th, 2027, you need to be logged in and refreshing Recreation.gov at 8am on September 20th, 2026.
What You Need to Know About Availability:
The Amphitheater is only available during peak season, which runs June through September. For 2026, that window is June 6 through September 30.
Reservations are not accepted on Fridays and Saturdays in June, July, and August, and not accepted on Fridays, Saturdays, or Sundays in September. This means your ceremony will be on a weekday, which is actually a benefit — fewer crowds, more privacy, and often better availability for Aspen restaurants and lodging.
Tips for Actually Getting Your Date:
Have a few backup dates in mind. Going in flexible significantly improves your chances.
Enlist help. Having multiple people logged in and refreshing at 8am on the release date increases your odds.
Set a calendar reminder the year before. Missing the release window by even a few minutes can mean losing your date.
Check for cancellations. If you are booking less than a year out, go to Recreation.gov and click the next available option. Dates do open up.
PRO TIP: If you cannot secure the Amphitheater, do not give up on Maroon Bells entirely. There are incredible ceremony spots in the surrounding area that require no reservation and offer even more privacy. This is one of the things I help my couples navigate.
Getting to Maroon Bells: Parking, Shuttles, and What to Expect
Getting to Maroon Bells requires a reservation no matter how you arrive. The area is protected wilderness with limited infrastructure, and the reservation system exists to make sure your experience is actually enjoyable rather than a crowded mess.
The Shuttle (Most Common Option)
The RFTA shuttle departs from the Maroon Bells Welcome Center at Aspen Highlands Ski Area and takes about 15 minutes each way. It runs every 15 minutes and is genuinely the easiest way to get up there.
Round trip shuttle tickets are $16 for adults, $10 for seniors and children. The shuttle is dog friendly as well, so your pup can come along.
Between approximately May 22nd and October 18th, the road to Maroon Bells is closed to private vehicles from 8am to 5pm. The shuttle is your only option during those hours unless you have an Amphitheater reservation with parking passes.
Private Vehicle Access (Amphitheater Couples)
If you have an Amphitheater reservation, your $200 permit includes parking passes for up to five vehicles. This means you can drive directly to the Amphitheater rather than taking the shuttle. Anyone in your group beyond what fits in five vehicles will need to take the shuttle and park at Aspen Highlands.
You can also drive up before 8am or after 5pm with a $10 parking reservation, which is worth considering if you want sunrise photos or a golden hour ceremony.
Getting to Aspen Highlands from Aspen
If you are staying in downtown Aspen, the free Castle/Maroon bus runs from Rubey Park Transit Center in downtown Aspen to Aspen Highlands every 20 minutes. It is free and easy.
The Best Time of Year to Elope at Maroon Bells
Every season at Maroon Bells offers something different. Here is an honest breakdown of what to expect.
Summer: June, July, August
Lush green meadows, wildflowers in bloom, and long days with plenty of shooting light. This is peak visitor season, which means more people on the trail but also the most flexibility with timing and logistics.
If you are bringing guests and need the Amphitheater, summer offers the most available dates (weekdays only). The wildflowers typically peak in July and create a stunning natural frame around ceremonies.
Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, so morning ceremonies are generally more reliable for weather.
Fall: Late September to Early October (The Most Coveted Season)
This is when the magic happens. The aspen trees turn gold, amber, and orange, reflecting in Maroon Lake alongside the burgundy peaks. Peak fall foliage is typically the third week of September, though it varies year to year.
Fall also brings slightly thinner crowds than peak summer, crisp air, and the kind of light that makes every photo feel like it belongs in a magazine. It is no coincidence that fall dates are the hardest to secure.
Note: Amphitheater reservations are not available on Fridays, Saturdays, or Sundays in September, so plan for a Monday through Thursday ceremony if you want the Amphitheater.
Spring: May
Spring at Maroon Bells is quieter and more private, with snow still lingering on the peaks and a fresh, clean quality to the landscape. It can be muddy from snowmelt, and some areas may still be inaccessible, but couples who want fewer people and do not mind unpredictable conditions can find real beauty here.
The road to Maroon Bells typically opens around May 15th, so late May is your earliest realistic option.
Winter: November through April
The road closes to vehicles in mid to late November. Winter access to Maroon Bells means snowmobiling or skiing in, which is an entirely different kind of adventure. If you are drawn to a snowy, remote, intimate experience, winter is worth exploring — but it requires significantly more planning and a guide.
The Best Time of Day for Maroon Bells Elopement Photos
This might be the most practically important section in this entire guide.
Sunrise
Sunrise at Maroon Bells is legendary. The alpenglow on the peaks, the stillness of the lake before the crowds arrive, the soft pink and gold light spreading across the water — photographers specifically plan around catching this. If you can get up early, a sunrise ceremony or sunrise photo session is genuinely worth it.
Because the road is closed from 8am during peak season, you will need to either have a parking reservation or arrive before the road closes if you want sunrise access with a private vehicle. Alternatively, you can come down on the shuttle after sunrise and transition into your ceremony at the Amphitheater.
Golden Hour Before Sunset
Sunset light at Maroon Bells is also beautiful and often underrated. The peaks catch warm light in the late afternoon, and if you have an Amphitheater permit, the ceremony window of 9am to 3pm technically means you cannot stay for sunset — but you can absolutely do a late afternoon portrait session around the lake before or after.
Midday
Midday light in summer can be harsh and flat. If you are shooting midday, look for shade from the aspen groves or position near the lake for softer reflected light. It is workable but not ideal.
PRO TIP:If you are flexible on timing, I always recommend building your day around the light rather than a fixed clock. The best elopement days start with logistics and end with golden hour portraits.
What Your Maroon Bells Elopement Day Could Look Like
Every elopement day is different, but here is a sample timeline that works well for a Maroon Bells ceremony with an intimate guest list.
Sample Full Day Timeline
6:00am Wake up at your Aspen or Snowmass accommodation. Get ready in the quiet of the morning. Hair, makeup, getting dressed.
7:30am Head to Aspen Highlands to catch an early shuttle or drive up before the road closes. Arrive at Maroon Lake before the morning crowds.
8:00am Portraits at Maroon Lake as the light comes up over the peaks. The lake reflection photos happen here.
9:00am Ceremony at the Amphitheater. Say your vows with the Maroon Bells as your witness.
10:00am Post ceremony portraits. Walk the Maroon Lake Scenic Loop, explore the aspen groves, take your time.
12:00pm Take the shuttle back down. Head into Aspen or Snowmass for a celebratory lunch or brunch.
4:00pm Optional golden hour portraits at a nearby location. Ashcroft meadows, Independence Pass, or anywhere around Aspen that speaks to you.
7:00pm Dinner in Aspen to close out one of the best days of your life.
This is just one version of how a day could flow. If you are eloping with just the two of you and want to spend four hours hiking deeper into the wilderness, we can build a timeline around that. If you want a leisurely morning with a late ceremony and afternoon portraits, we can do that too.
Where to Stay Near Maroon Bells
Aspen is one of the most expensive places to stay in Colorado, full stop. But you have options at every budget level.
Staying in Aspen
If budget is not a concern, staying in downtown Aspen is the experience. Walking distance to restaurants, galleries, and the historic core of one of Colorado's most iconic towns. The St. Regis Aspen is a landmark luxury option. The Limelight Aspen is a popular choice for couples who want a boutique feel with easy access to everything.
Keep in mind that Aspen lodging can be extremely expensive, especially during peak fall foliage season.
Snowmass Village
Snowmass is about 9 miles from Aspen and significantly more affordable for accommodations. You get beautiful mountain scenery, easy access to the free RFTA bus to Aspen Highlands, and a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere. Viceroy Snowmass and the Stonebridge Inn are popular options.
Basalt and Carbondale
If you want to keep costs down without sacrificing the experience, Basalt (about 20 minutes from Aspen) and Carbondale (about 30 minutes) offer vacation rentals and smaller hotels at a fraction of Aspen prices. Both are charming towns with good food options.
Vacation Rentals
For elopements with a small group of guests, renting a house or cabin through VRBO or Airbnb is often the best value. You get space to get ready, a kitchen for morning coffee, and a place to gather after your ceremony. Search with the filter for properties that allow events to make sure your hosts are on board.
Colorado Marriage License Requirements
Colorado makes the legal side of eloping genuinely simple. Here is what you need to know.
The Marriage License
A Colorado marriage license costs $30 and is the only legally required element of your elopement. You do not need to be a Colorado resident, there is no waiting period, and no witnesses are required.
Get your license from the county clerk in the county where you plan to marry. For Maroon Bells elopements, that is Pitkin County in Aspen. You can apply in person at the Pitkin County Clerk and Recorder's office.
Self Solemnization (No Officiant Required)
Colorado is one of the few states in the US that allows self solemnization, which means you and your partner can legally marry each other without an officiant present. You simply sign the marriage license yourselves. This is a popular option for couples who want an intimate ceremony with no one else involved.
If you prefer to have an officiant, a friend or family member can be ordained online for free through organizations like the Universal Life Church, or you can hire a professional officiant.
PRO TIP: Get your marriage license a few days before your elopement so you are not scrambling the morning of. Also confirm current requirements with the Pitkin County Clerk directly, as policies can occasionally change.
Vendors to Consider for Your Maroon Bells Elopement
Beyond your photographer, here are the vendors worth thinking about for your day.
Officiant
If you are not self solemnizing, an officiant typically starts around $300 in the Aspen area. Look for someone who can travel to Maroon Bells and is comfortable with outdoor mountain settings.
Hair and Makeup
Aspen has a strong network of wedding hair and makeup artists given the volume of high end weddings in the area. Look for artists with experience doing outdoor bridal looks as you want something that will hold up in mountain air and wind.
Florist
A simple bridal bouquet from a local Aspen florist typically starts around $100 and adds a beautiful personal touch to your ceremony and portraits. Some couples opt for dried or pressed florals for a more low maintenance option.
Videographer
If there is ever a day worth having on video, it is this one. Maroon Bells offers incredible cinematic landscape footage in addition to the intimacy of your ceremony. Colorado videographers familiar with the Aspen area are worth seeking out.
Celebratory Dinner
Aspen has some genuinely spectacular restaurants. For a celebratory dinner after your ceremony, the Aspen area offers everything from laid back mountain pub vibes to full white tablecloth dining. Make a reservation in advance, especially during peak fall season.
Important Things to Know Before You Go
Drones Are Not Allowed
Drones are prohibited at Maroon Bells and within most Colorado wilderness areas. Your photographer will need to capture those epic wide angles from the ground using composition and hiking to higher viewpoints.
Dogs Are Welcome (With Conditions)
Dogs are allowed at Maroon Bells on leash and can even ride the shuttle with you. However, dogs are not permitted on the Scenic Loop Trail around Maroon Lake. Plenty of other areas around the lake are dog friendly.
Weather Changes Fast
Mountain weather in Colorado is notoriously unpredictable. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer. Even on a sunny morning, be prepared with layers. Your photographer should have a weather contingency plan and so should you.
Elevation
Maroon Lake sits at 9,580 feet above sea level. If you are coming from lower elevation, give yourself a day or two to acclimate before your elopement. Headaches, fatigue, and shortness of breath are common altitude symptoms. Stay hydrated and take it easy the day before.
No Receptions at the Amphitheater
The Amphitheater permit covers your ceremony and photos only. Receptions are not permitted at the site. Plan to head to Aspen, Snowmass, or the East Maroon Portal Picnic Site for any post ceremony gathering.
Seasonal Road Closure
The road to Maroon Bells typically closes mid to late November and reopens around May 15th. Plan accordingly if your elopement is near those shoulder dates.
Frequently Asked Questions About Maroon Bells Elopements
Do we need a permit to elope at Maroon Bells?
It depends on your group size. If you are eloping with six or fewer people including your photographer and any vendors, you do not need an Amphitheater reservation and can get married in the surrounding area. For ceremonies at the Amphitheater with any number of guests, you need a reservation through Recreation.gov ($200).
How hard is it to get an Amphitheater reservation?
Genuinely competitive, especially for fall dates. Reservations open one year in advance at 8am Mountain Time on Recreation.gov. The best strategy is to be ready the moment they release and to have multiple backup dates in mind.
Can we have a reception at Maroon Bells?
Receptions are not permitted at the Amphitheater itself. The East Maroon Portal Picnic Site about four miles away can accommodate up to 75 people and is a popular alternative. Most couples celebrate in Aspen or Snowmass afterward.
When is the best time of year to elope at Maroon Bells?
Late September to early October for fall foliage is the most coveted season. Summer (June through August) offers wildflowers and long days. Spring is quieter and more private. Each season has its own character.
Do we need an officiant in Colorado?
No. Colorado allows self solemnization, meaning you can legally marry each other without a third party officiant. You simply sign your marriage license together.
Can we bring our dog?
Yes! Dogs are welcome at Maroon Bells on leash and can ride the shuttle. They are not permitted on the Scenic Loop Trail but are welcome in many other areas.
How far is Maroon Bells from Fort Collins?
Maroon Bells is approximately 3.5 hours from Fort Collins depending on the route. Independence Pass (Highway 82) is the scenic route and typically open from Memorial Day through mid October.
Ready to Start Planning Your Maroon Bells Elopement?
Maroon Bells is one of those places that earns every bit of its reputation. The photos that come from a well planned elopement here are the kind that hang on walls for generations.
As a Colorado photographer who specializes in accessible mountain elopements, I believe your location should feel as intentional as your vows. Maroon Bells is breathtaking without being extreme, iconic without being overcrowded, and close enough to Aspen that your whole elopement experience can be as luxurious as you want it to be.
If you are thinking about eloping at Maroon Bells, I would love to help you plan it. I know this area, I understand the logistics, and I will show up ready to document every single moment of it.
