Driving down the Aspen valley from Glenwood Springs, I always love the view of Mt. Sopris, the rolling scenery, and just the energy of the area. Visiting the area for the last two decades, it’s amazing to see the growth. Chances are, you’ve come across Aspen Colorado weddings on your planning journey. It’s home to a few iconic Colorado spots, including the Maroon Bells and the Little Nell.
It makes for the perfect spot in Colorado to get married due to its accessibility. There a a variety of venues from luxury hotels, modern ranches, to intimate properties. The valley is full of activities from fly fishing, horseback riding and skiing.
Sharing a few of my Aspen Colorado wedding tips below.
*In this guide I’m diving into the Aspen Valley area (Glenwood Springs to Aspen and all the small lovely towns in between)*
Why Aspen Is One of Colorado Best Mountain Wedding Destinations
Aspen offers a great blend of luxury and wilderness. Within a 45 minute drive, you will encounter many resorts, amenities and a variety of viewpoints. I personally love the charm of the Carbondale area, and enjoy the spring and summer weather this area has.
Reasons to choose Aspen Colorado for your wedding:
- Aspen Pitkin County Airport – easy travel access for destination weddings
- Variety of hotels, airbnbs and stays within driving range
- Accessible mountain views without a hike
- Built in vacation – lots of activities in the area
The Roaring Fork/Aspen valley includes Aspen, Snowmass, Basalt, and Carbondale, each offering their own unique styles and scenery.
Pine Creek Cookhouse filmed by Kelly Miller Studios
Aspen Valley Wedding Venues
The Little Nell
A five-star, luxury hotel capable of hosting large scale events. Incredible service, iconic gondola access, and some of the best ceremony views in Colorado.
The Cliffhouse at Buttermilk Mountain
The views here are insane and provide an intimate feel immersed in the mountains.
Limelight Hotel Snowmass
Perfect for the flexibility of an indoor/outdoor wedding, with lots of space to transition your event and showcase the Snowmass area.
Pine Creek Cookhouse
The views at this venue in late summer are unmatched, for laid back couples leaning in the warm rustic ranch wedding, this spot is perfect.
Mollie Aspen
Modern hotel in Aspen with a elevated lodge feel. Perfect spot for an intimate micro-wedding or hosting a full scale wedding.
Maroon Bells Amphitheater
One of the most photographed mountain landscapes in Colorado. Requires permits and advanced planning. This spot is great for a intimate wedding group, or elopement.
T-Lazy-7 Ranch
A rustic venue with valley views, great for a couple leaning into a western elevated wedding.
Spring Creeks Ranch
With views of Mt. Sopris, this wedding venue in Carbondale, has a large barn for hosting, and a gorgeous mountain view ceremony spot.
River Valley Ranch
Another Carbondale gem, with golf course and Mt. Sopris views. If you’re imagining a warm outdoor cocktail with guests mingling in the mountain sun, this is perfect.
The Dunbar
An elevated ranch experience with lodging options on-site to create an immersive Aspen weekend wedding.
McCabe Ranch
Snowmass mountain ranch with great views and the flexibility to create a dreamy outdoor wedding.
Things to Note for your Aspen Colorado Wedding
Altitude Acclimation
Aspen sits at nearly 8,000 feet, and some of the mountain top ceremony sites, are considered in high elevation. I always recommend building buffer time into your schedule and flying in early. Take your time to acclimate to the altitude in Colorado. Plan for water and having accessible shade in the summer months as the UV index can be high.
Permits & Logistics
As the valley is spread across many miles, having a team that can navigate mountain weddings is so important. Having a photographer familiar with these systems prevents last-minute stress. Some of the things to consider:
- Buffer time for shuttles, transportation, parking and gondola
- Having a parking plan in place for the downtown or hotel areas
- Applying for necessary permits in advance for your event and photo/video
Seasonal Shifts
Each season in the valley has different weather and scenery. In the off-season months such as October, some restaurants and activities may close while they transition between the winter and summer season. Some of the amenities are open seasonally such as lift and gondola access. Accessibility of roadways and trails will be impacted in the winter.
Planning Your Wedding Weekend in the Roaring Fork Valley
While you’re in the area, immerse yourself in all the fun activities that the valley has to offer. Many couples plan:
- Welcome parties in downtown
- Photos on the lift/gondola for an extra adventure
- Send-off parties at the Hot Springs, or another fun spot nearby
- Guest excursions like hiking, fly fishing, or paddleboarding (or skiing in the winter months!)
Aspen Wedding Photographer & Videographer
My work blends candid storytelling inspired by nature and the surroundings.
Whether you’re hosting a full weekend in Aspen or planning an intimate elopement, my goal is to document your wedding in a way that feels both personal and natural. As a Colorado local, I’ve got lots of experience traveling this valley in all seasons, and navigating the nuances of mountain celebrations. I’d love to share the laid-back but elevated experience of this mountain town with you.
I’m deeply inspired by adventure, so part of capturing your time in Aspen, is all about the details of the experience, the views, the activities, and good company.
Let’s create imagery and video that feels candid and adventurous. If you’re planning your Aspen, Carbondale wedding, I would love to connect with you here.
POST COMMENTS