The Wedding Atlas · United States · Aspen
Getting Married in Aspen
Elk Mountain meadows in summer and ski-in snow ceremonies in winter. Aspen sits at 7,908 feet in the Elk Mountains of Colorado and works as a wedding destination in two distinct seasons. Summer, from June to September, brings wildflower meadows and evening temperatures in the 50s that keep outdoor dining comfortable late into the night. The Maroon Bells supply the backdrop: two 14,000-foot peaks reflected in a glacial lake. Winter, from December to March, brings fresh powder, ski-in ski-out ceremonies and apres-ski receptions.
Part of the Aspen destination guide.
- Best months
- June to September (summer) and December to March (winter)
Where to marry
Where to Get Married in Aspen
Downtown Aspen
Four blocks around Galena and Cooper Avenues hold retail, restaurants and hotels, with the mountain base close by. The whole area is walkable.
Maroon Bells
Reached through wilderness permit access. It serves as a photography backdrop and is not a ceremony venue.
Basalt and Roaring Fork Valley
Downvalley from town, with some estate properties for couples who want rural seclusion at lower price points.
Find your area
Aspen on the map
Aspen
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A Wedding in Aspen
Elk Mountain meadows in summer and ski-in snow ceremonies in winter
Three hotels carry the wedding calendar. One stands at the base of Ajax Mountain with direct mountain access and private event spaces, which suits couples who want the full Aspen experience without logistical compromise. A second, opened in 1889, is the historic social centre of the town. The third is the most formal product in the market. Each runs an established wedding programme with several event spaces.
The Maroon Bells lie south of downtown and are reached by shuttle or private permit through the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness. They are not a wedding venue in the conventional sense, but some planners have arranged photography-only access for first-look and portrait sessions that use the lake reflection as a backdrop.
Choosing a setting
Choosing a wedding setting in Aspen
Wildflower Meadow Ceremony
Summer ceremonies in high-altitude meadows above 9,000 feet, set against the Elk Mountains. Several outfitters coordinate access.
Apres-Ski Reception
Warming huts, fondue bars and the private ski lodge format for post-ceremony receptions. This is the characteristic Aspen winter format.
The season
When to get married
Both seasons are fully operational for weddings. Summer has the broader outdoor ceremony window, while winter offers the ski-in ski-out format, warming hut receptions and fireside dinners. June and September, the shoulder months of summer, bring lower rates with near-identical conditions.
Getting there
How guests arrive
Aspen/Pitkin County Airport (ASE) is close to downtown and has seasonal direct service from several cities, including LAX, DFW, ORD and DEN. Some routes need a connection through Denver. Eagle County Regional Airport (EGE) to the west serves as an overflow for high-demand weeks. Denver International reaches town by road over Independence Pass, which closes in winter, or by I-70 all year.
Aspen/Pitkin County (ASE). Direct connections from major US cities including LAX, DFW, ORD and DEN.
Denver International (DEN). International arrivals, with an onward connection to ASE or a ground transfer via I-70.
Where guests stay
Under one roof, or nearby
Aspen has a small number of large hotels and a few boutique options. Private chalet rentals matter for large groups.
Ski-in ski-out hotel
Stands on the mountain with direct ski access and carries the highest room rates in town.
Historic hotel
A property from 1889 with more character and personality than the modern hotels, and a social bar at its centre.
Large formal hotel
The largest and most formal of the group, with a full spa and formal event spaces.
Private chalet rental
Fully staffed rentals suit large groups and come with a private chef, housekeeping and butler service.
Food and drink
Eating and drinking in Aspen
Aspen has a strong mountain restaurant scene for a town of its size. The Aspen Food and Wine Classic, held in June, is a major culinary event.
Tasting menu dining
Contemporary American tasting menus with a strong wine list and private dining for wedding parties.
French bistro
A long-established bistro with a private room, and the classic rehearsal dinner choice.
Landmark brunch tavern
A nineteenth-century landmark building known for sandwiches and brunch, and popular with locals.
Good to know
Before you book
Altitude acclimatisation
Some guests feel altitude sickness, mainly in the first day, with headache, fatigue and shortness of breath. Guests do best arriving a day early, drinking plenty of water and going easy on alcohol on the first night. The town pharmacy stocks altitude medication.
Winter road access
Independence Pass on Highway 82 east of Aspen closes from November to May. In winter all ground access runs by I-70 and Highway 82 west from Glenwood Springs. Weather often delays flights at ASE, so travel plans need slack.
Aspen Food and Wine Classic
A June wedding needs its date checked against the Classic, typically held on the third weekend of the month. Hotel rates spike and availability drops to near zero during the event. The choice is to build it into the weekend or pick another date.
Private chalet staffing
Staffed chalet rentals are arranged through a dedicated Aspen concierge company, and well ahead of the date.
People who work in the United States
Planners, photographers and other wedding professionals based in the United States.
Samuel LippkeLead Photographer, Samuel Lippke Studios
Preston BaileyEvent designer, producer and director, Preston Bailey
Edgardo ZamoraFounder and Award-Winning Event Designer, Revelry Event Designers
Mindy WeissFounder and lead planner, Mindy Weiss Party Consultants
Rev. Dr. Benita LivingstonFounder, wedding officiant and ordained minister, Living Ceremonies
Duke KhodaverdianFounder and principal photographer, Duke Photography
Despina CraigOwner and Event Designer, Despina Craig Events
Cristina VergerFounder and event planner, Cristina Verger Event Planning and Production
Sarah Glick RomashkoCo-owner and Creative Director, Boston, Brilliant Event Planning
Aliana RubinsCEO and Creative Director, Aliana Events
Jeannie Young SavageFounder, About Details Details
Bronson PateLead photographer, Duke Photography
Chelsea LaFolletteCo-owner and Lead Planner, New York City, Brilliant Event Planning
Mimi RichardsonEvent Coordinator, Aliana Events
Art OsaProduction Manager, Aliana Events
Natalie BorgesEvent coordinator, About Details Details
Christine Danielle TranPlanner, About Details Details
Kristi LeeEvent planner, About Details Details
Sarah StowellEvent planner, About Details DetailsQuestions couples ask
Before you decide
Is winter or summer better for an Aspen wedding?
Both work, and the choice comes down to vision. Winter offers ski-in ski-out ceremonies, powder days and warming hut receptions. Summer suits guests who do not ski, has longer days and brings the wildflower meadows. Most couples who choose Aspen already lean one way.
How do guests reach the Maroon Bells from town?
The route runs south by Maroon Creek Road. Private vehicles need a permit in peak season, May to September. A Roaring Fork Transportation Authority bus leaves from the Aspen Highlands parking area. A licensed guide can arrange photography sessions at the lake.
Can international guests reach Aspen easily?
Denver International is the main international gateway, with direct flights from London all year. From there guests either take a connecting flight to ASE or drive the scenic route by road.
Where do wedding guests stay in Aspen?
Aspen has a small number of large hotels and a few boutique options. One hotel stands on the mountain with direct ski access, a historic hotel dates from 1889, and the largest and most formal has a full spa and formal event spaces. Private chalet rentals matter for large groups, and come fully staffed with a private chef, housekeeping and butler service.
How should guests prepare for the altitude at an Aspen wedding?
Some guests feel altitude sickness, mainly in the first day, with headache, fatigue and shortness of breath. Guests do best arriving a day early, drinking plenty of water and going easy on alcohol on the first night. The town pharmacy stocks altitude medication.
Meet Aura
A planner who has read every venue in Aspen
Tell Aura the setting, the season and the size of your day. She shortlists the venues and professionals that fit, and explains why.
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This guide draws on the venues' own published details, official sources and the knowledge of our editors. Entry and legal information can change, so confirm it with the authority that will marry you before you book.