Aspen wedding venues attract couples globally by combining breathtaking natural scenery with the outstanding service for which the town is renowned. With options ranging from picturesque fields of wildflowers to elegant hotel terraces and local cultural centers, couples can effortlessly discover the ideal setting for their wedding ceremony.

Why is Aspen, Colorado Such a Popular Wedding Destination?

Aspen is a highly sought-after wedding destination due to its diverse range of exceptional venues set against breathtaking alpine scenery. The area boasts several luxury hotels that accommodate gatherings of various sizes, featuring spacious ballrooms and terraces. Couples can also opt for outdoor ceremonies with the stunning Maroon Bells as a backdrop. Additionally, many local resorts provide a combination of indoor and outdoor spaces, allowing couples to prepare for any weather conditions. The vibrant town offers year-round activities, giving couples the flexibility to select a winter, fall, spring, or summer wedding.

So, what are the best venues that you can have your dream wedding? We’ve curated a list of some o the top Aspen wedding venues for you to choose from:

1. The Little Nell
2. Aspen Meadows Resort
3. T-Lazy-7 Ranch
4. Hotel Jerome
5. The St. Regis Aspen Resort
6. Maroon Bells Amphitheater
7. The Gant
8. Pine Creek Cookhouse
9. Aspen Art Museum
10. Aspen Chapel

Keep reading to learn about which Aspen wedding venue is right for you or contact us now to find your perfect venue.

Come fall in love with our beautifu little mountain town as you commit to your beloved! Start planning your Aspen dream wedding with ALC’s expert guidance!

The Types of Wedding Venues in Aspen, Colorado

When you tie the knot in the Rocky Mountains, you have 4 options for Aspen wedding venues:

1. Mountain Resorts – This includes places like 7-Lazy-T Ranch and Aspen Meadows Resort. They offer spaces with an abundance of natural beauty, while being easy to get to, having on-site accommodations, and plenty of indoor spaces in the event of weather.

2. Boutique Hotels – The Little Nell, Hotel Jerome, St. Regis, and The Gant are the prime luxury hotels for ceremonies and receptions. They also offer special amenities, group accommodations, and plenty of different spaces for all the different festivities.

3. Private Estates – Vacation rentals, including estates and villas, can be rented for your ceremony and reception. Looking for an exclusive, private estate for your wedding? Contact Aspen Luxury Concierge for more information about your options for potential wedding rental properties.

4. Outdoor Venues – Places like the Maroon Bells Amphitheater, the Wedding Deck on Ajax, and Anderson Park are perfect for summer, spring, and fall weddings. Wildflower season is May through August, so if you time it right, your aisle will be a sea of colorful mountain flowers.

So, what Are the Best Aspen, CO Wedding Venues?

Aspen Luxury Concierge is a local service that specializes in event planning. Our team has planned weddings all over town, including at several of the local award winning venues and restaurants. Let us help you secure the perfect venue — Contact Aspen Luxury Concierge for personalized recommendations.

Here are the places that our team most highly recommends:

1. The Little Nell

As the premier luxury hotel in town, The Little Nell is an excellent place to have your wedding! The hotel has its own catering team as well as several on-site dining options for rehearsal dinners. Hotels are ideal for destination weddings because the couple can book nearby rooms to accommodate all the attendees.

You have a few options for Aspen, Colorado wedding venues within The Little Nell:

• The Wedding Deck – An outdoor location for summer and fall weddings at the top of Ajax. Can accommodate up to 250 guests.
• The Wedding Overlook – In the winter and spring, this location offers 360-degree mountain views. Accommodates 200 guests.
• Gondola Plaza – An event space at the base of Ajax that can accommodate 250 seated people and 500 guests for a reception.
• The Wine Bar – A lush indoor space with a terrace. Ideal for intimate events, it can fit 80 guests for dinner and 135 guests for a standing reception.
• Element 47 – Well-known for being one of the best restaurants in town, its private tables are perfect for rehearsal dinners.
• The Gallery – A private room wrapped in art with a view of the Element 47 wine collection. Can host 45 guests seated and 65 for a reception.

2. Aspen Meadows Resort

Whether you’re eloping, having an intimate gathering, or throwing a big, white wedding, this is the place to do it. Aspen Meadows Resort is a bauhaus-inspired property with on-site accommodations, restaurants, outdoor recreation space, tennis courts, art galleries, fitness centers, and research space.

Within the resort are 4 different places to host ceremonies and receptions:

• Anderson Park – An outdoor space with views of Capitol Creek Valley and Castle Creek Valley. Maximum capacity is 300 guests.
• McNulty Ballroom – An indoor space with mountain views and an included lobby. Can fit up to 250 guests.
• Albright Pavilion – Another indoor option with mountain views and climate control. Accommodates 75 guests.
• Bass Terrace – A rooftop patio with 360-degree mountain views; ideal for ceremonies taking place at sunset. The maximum capacity is 150 people.

3. T-Lazy-7 Ranch

This ranch is one of the most popular Aspen wedding venues for couples who want a rustic aesthetic. Operating since 1938, the ranch has ample space for tying the knot in all seasons. During the summer, fall, and spring months, couples opt to say “I do” under the big, blue Colorado sky in either the main meadow or the mountain meadow. The reception is then hosted It under a tent in the meadow or around a campfire at the Chuckwagon Grounds.

In the winter months, couples can host both the ceremony and the celebration inside the roomy event lodge. This space has a rustic-modern feel and can be decorated to suit the couples’ tastes.

4. Hotel Jerome

As a hotel in the Auberge Resorts Collection, this venue takes service and quality to a whole new level. Hotel Jerome is one of the 4-star resort hotels in the Roaring Fork Valley. Like The Little Nell, it has numerous spaces that make for the perfect Aspen wedding venue for both large and small gatherings.

When you have your special day at Hotel Jerome, these are the spaces that you can choose to utilize for each aspect of the celebration:

• Living Room Terrace – 24 to 80 guests. Has mountain views and turns into a romantic space for stargazing when the sun goes down. 
• Front Lawn – 20 to 75 guests. A sunny outdoor space just off Main Street. Can be equipped with fire pits for cooler fall and spring weddings.
• Antler Room – 30 to 200 guests. The most rustic room in the hotel with antler mounts, vintage rugs, and a 1889-style bar.
• Grand Ballroom – 60 to 500 guests. A great venue for larger weddings. The floor to ceiling windows have views of the Elk Mountain Range on clear days.

5. The St. Regis Aspen Resort

Everything about the St. Regis is larger than life and its Aspen wedding venues are no different. The St. Regis has the largest ballroom in town, with a maximum capacity of 800 guests. This is perfect for accommodating larger wedding receptions for couples with big families.

Fountain Courtyard is suitable for ceremonies in all seasons. During the cooler months, the resort staff can set up a heated event tent to keep everyone toasty. From the courtyard, you’ll be able to see Ajax on a clear day.

6. Maroon Bells Amphitheater

The Maroon Bells are one of the most photographed outdoor sites in all of Colorado. Of course they would make a stunning backdrop for your special day! The amphitheater can be easily reserved for private events; however, your guest list will need to stay under 50 people and only ceremonies are allowed in this space. The Maroon Bells area is typically open between May and November, depending on the weather.

If you have any questions about the logistics of hosting a ceremony at the Bells, get in touch with Aspen Luxury Concierge. Our services include group transportation, a single point of contact for all bookings, recommendations for local vendors, personal errand-running, and set up.

7. The Gant

Whereas the St. Regis is the perfect place to host a large gathering, The Gant is one of the best Aspen wedding venues for intimate weddings and elopements. The rooftop terrace is 1,500 square feet of fresh mountain air and rooftop views. This area has a 20 guest maximum, which is just big enough for a few friends, parents, and siblings to celebrate your love story. Please note that the terrace is only open from June through October (when weather permits).

8. Pine Creek Cookhouse

During the fall and summer months, it’s the perfect place to host a lively reception or rehearsal dinner. Event menus can be customized to the couples’ preferences, always with locally sourced ingredients. When you rent out the space, there is a maximum capacity of 140 guests.

If you wed in the winter, Pine Creek Cookhouse is a suitable location for proposals, rehearsal dinners, and small ceremonies. Adventurous couples may ski or snowshoe in for their dinner while family and friends can catch a ride on a cozy sleigh.

9. Aspen Art Museum

Museums are often overlooked as potential Aspen wedding venues. A place like the Art Museum has all the charm and luxury of a traditional indoor venue but with the unique backdrop of art. Couples who have hosted their special day at AAM have enjoyed the opportunities for artistic wedding photos around the building.

Swedish Hill Cafe is the main space for receptions and ceremonies. Designed by Shigeru Ban, the moving glass walls can be arranged according to the season and the weather, making it suitable for year-round events.

If you’re ready to say “I do,” contact Aspen Luxury Concierge! Our team provides a single point of contact for stress-free wedding planning, from the rehearsal dinner through the send-off.

10. Aspen Chapel

If you’re interested in a religious or inter-faith Aspen wedding venue, consider the local chapel. The space is 2,500 square feet and can fit up to 250 guests. During the warmer months, couples often opt to have their ceremony in the chapel garden. When it gets cold, the sanctuary is a beautiful place to tie the knot, under the gaze of God with the stained glass windows lighting the ceremony in color. 

Things to Consider When Choosing Between Aspen, Colorado Wedding Venues

Before you set your heart on a certain venue, make sure that it meets all your needs for your special day. As expert event planners, the ALC team often advises brides and grooms to consider these 6 things before settling on a venue:

1. Guest List – The most important aspect of a venue is that it can comfortably hold all your guests. Most spaces can fit more people for a standing reception than for a seated ceremony.
2. Wedding Style – Your wedding is all about you, so it should fit your style and tell your love story. Some couples may enjoy a more rustic venue, like T-Lazy-7 Ranch, whereas others may prefer an opulent setting such as The Little Nell.
3. Amenities and Services – Some venues come with certain services, like set-up, catering, music, and break down. If you forgo an all-inclusive venue, you may need to DIY some aspects of your wedding or arrange multiple extra vendors.
4. Location and Accessibility – Keep in mind that venues closer to downtown are easier for guests to get to than remote mountain locations. If all your guests are coming from out of town, a wedding at a hotel may be the best option.
5. Rehearsal Dinner – Some venues are better for rehearsal dinners than others. Couples can choose to do a rehearsal dinner at a restaurant in town or utilize their venue for the gathering.
6. Choose Local Vendors – The photographers, florists, and caterers in town have experience working at many of the major Aspen wedding venues. Their expertise will give you a smoother, easier wedding day.

Come Say “I Do” in Aspen!

Weddings are known for being stressful to plan, but they don’t have to be. Aspen Luxury Concierge takes all the stress out of planning your special day. Our team will handle all the details while you just get to enjoy this new phase of your life.

ALC wedding packages can be customized to your needs, but they typically include:

• Group travel coordination for the wedding party
• Private transportation between the hotel and the venue for all guests
• Easy bookings of everything from vendors to dinner reservations
• Accommodation coordination
• Set up and take down at the venue
• An on-site concierge to take care of all the wrinkles on the day of
• Activity planning and booking for bachelor/bachelorette parties and special events for the family
• Lending our expertise on Aspen wedding venues and booking the space

If you’re ready to start planning a beautiful, effortless wedding, contact ALC today to get started!

As more and more young couples choose to skip the wedding, there’s no better way to celebrate your love than with an Aspen elopement. This little town is wrapped in stunning mountains under a bright, blue Colorado sky. Whether it’s against a backdrop of golden leaves, fields of wildflowers, or silver, snowy peaks, there’s no better place to say “I do.”

Why is Aspen, Colorado Such a Popular Destination for Elopements?

Many couples opt to elope in Aspen due to its stunning outdoor venues, such as Maroon Bells, Crater Lake, and Independence Pass, which serve as picturesque backdrops for elopement photography. Under Colorado law, couples are not required to have an officiant to legally marry, making it an attractive option for those choosing to elope. Additionally, the high-quality local dining establishments appeal to visitors looking to celebrate special occasions or enjoy a romantic getaway. Known for its luxurious lifestyle, couples can expect unforgettable experiences at a fraction of the cost of a traditional wedding.

If you and your beloved are planning a runaway wedding, keep reading to learn all about the best locations for your special day.

What Are the Perks of Choosing an Aspen Elopement?

A prominent trend in wedding celebrations is for couples to travel to picturesque destinations to capture photographs, exchange their vows, and celebrate their union as newlyweds.

When you wed without witnesses, you and your beloved can make it all about you! Ski enthusiast couples have been known to exchange vows on the ski lift, then celebrate with drinks at Cloud 9. You may also enjoy a calm courthouse ceremony with a tour through Aspen’s most iconic spots in a whirlwind photoshoot. There have also been plenty of couples who arrived in the valley after a month-long road trip and spontaneously decided to wed amid the Rocky Mountains.

Every couple has different reasons for eloping, but the biggest benefits of having a runaway wedding are:

1. Your big day gets to be about you
2. More flexibility in the itinerary, location, cost, and venue than a traditional wedding
3. Eloping is more cost effective since catering takes up 28% of the wedding budget for most couples
4. You actually get to spend time with your beloved instead of running around to greet everyone
5. There’s no pressure to pick your wedding party or navigate family disputes
6. Elopements are an intimate, luxurious, exclusive experience
7. Couples may choose to put the money they saved by skipping the wedding towards investments, starting a business, or buying property
8. There is a certain joy to spontaneity that isn’t possible with big weddings

How to Choose the Best Aspen Elopement Locations

Venues are equally important for elopements as they are for traditional weddings. However, elopers won’t need to consider the guest capacity as much as they need to decide if this location brings them joy. If you follow any wedding photographers on social media, you’ve probably seen a lot of stunning, outdoor elopement photography.

If you want to embrace the natural beauty of Aspen Snowmass, here are the best outdoor locations for tying the knot:

Maroon Bells

The Maroon Bells is probably one of the most iconic locations in all of Colorado. It is available for elopements only during the spring, summer, and early fall months. On clear days, the lake forms a mirror that perfectly reflects the towering mountains. During the summer months, the entire area is covered in a lush, green blanket of moss and trees. As autumn rolls around, the gold and crimson leaves will bring warm touches of color to your couples photos.

When you plan an Aspen elopement at the Maroon Bells, you have a few options for how to arrange the proceedings. If you are having a micro-wedding, you may want to book the amphitheater. This area is located just off the trail and offers a perfect view of the bells. It’s the perfect place to say your vows with a small circle of family members.

Couples who don’t want a ceremony of any kind, may choose to say their vows in private and then take photos against the natural beauty of the bells.

John Denver Sanctuary

Couples who love music may choose to celebrate their nuptials at the John Denver Sanctuary. This is a free public park that is located in the heart of Aspen. It is within walking distance (even in a big dress) of both the Pitkin County Courthouse and several different churches. Couples often choose to make their marriage official at the courthouse or a church, then stroll over to the sanctuary for a romantic picnic.

The John Denver Sanctuary is home to a few unique attractions. At the center of the space is the memorial garden with a gently flowing stream and large stones carved with his lyrics. This is the most intimate, calming place to relax with your beloved.

Give Aspen Luxury Concierge a call for expert assistance booking local vendors, hiring an elopement photographer, and planning your special day.

Crater Lake

If you and your beloved are hiking enthusiasts, then this is the perfect Aspen elopement for you! Crater Lake is located in the Maroon Bells area. To get there, you’ll need to either take the shuttle or register your private vehicle. Crater Lake is a 3.5 mile hike from the Maroon Bells parking area. The hike is considered moderately difficult, so you may be able to do it in a wedding dress, or you can make the trek in hiking clothes and change at your destination.

Independence Pass

There’s nothing quite like celebrating your love at 12,000 feet! Independence Pass is a prime Colorado elopement destination, especially for couples who choose to forego any kind of small ceremony. The pass is a 32 mile stretch of Highway 82 that passes over the Continental Divide between Aspen and Leadville.

The winding route offers incredible mountain views that make the perfect backdrop for epic elopement pictures.

Please note that Independence Pass is closed in the winter months, so it is only suitable for eloping between May and early November.

Indoor Aspen, Colorado Elopement Locations for Winter Gatherings and Micro Weddings

Aspen, Colorado is a place of gorgeous natural beauty all year round. Each winter, the little mountain town transforms into a snowy wonderland of glittering lights and fluffy, fresh snow. This time of year is perfect for elopements because couples can snuggle up beside the fire with hot cocoa in hand.

If you want to experience winter in the Roaring Fork Valley, here are the venues you should consider:

Lynn Britt Cabin

Located at the base of Snowmass Mountain, you can ski there for lunch or take the snowcat for dinner. The cabin combines a Western ambiance with a cozy elegance. The menu features classic American fare with fine dining touches, grass-fed wagyu beef, and organic ingredients.

If you want to have a romantic dinner with your beloved, the ALC team recommends taking a snowcat up to the cabin for a hot dinner and a glass of wine. For couples who are interested in having a small ceremony or getting together, Lynn Britt Cabin is one of the best micro wedding venues in Aspen. In the summer, the cabin can host 65 guests. In the winter, the guest capacity is 50.

If you’re planning an elopement or a micro wedding, contact ALC to learn more about Aspen elopement packages and our event planning services.

Pine Creek Cookhouse

Pine Creek Cookhouse is most well known for the sleigh rides that carry visitors to its front doors. During the winter, there’s nothing more romantic and cozying up with your beloved in the blanket-filled sleigh as a horse pulls you through the alpine wonderland. Once you arrive, you’ll be greeted by an attentive staff and a roaring fire.

The menu expertly pairs hand-selected wines with each of the four courses. You and your beloved can indulge in ribeye, wagyu steak, and bison flank, then top it off with a delectable dark chocolate cheese cake.

During the winter season, Pine Creek Cookhouse is a popular dining experience for eloping couples. However, when summer comes to the valley, it is more desirable as a venue for gatherings under 160 people.

Aspen Meadows Resort

Whether you’re eloping, hosting a micro wedding, or sharing the special day with only close family, Aspen Meadows Resort is the perfect venue for visiting couples. You may enjoy saying your vows and taking elopement pictures in the stunning Marble Garden or Anderson Park. Then you can celebrate further by having dinner with your close family at the on-site West End Social.

If you want a micro wedding, the resort has plenty of spaces for the reception, such as Bass Terrance with its panoramic mountain views. The best part about choosing a resort for your elopement or micro wedding is that the special days roll seamlessly into a carefree honeymoon!

What Are the Marriage License Requirements in Pitkin County?

A necessary part of an Aspen elopement is the paperwork. Before you can officially announce your marriage to the world, you do need a marriage certificate. The Pitkin County courthouse has fairly straightforward guidelines for getting a marriage license:

1. You must complete the online marriage license application in the online kiosk. Be sure to take note of your transaction number.
2. Schedule an appointment at the courthouse. 
3. When you come to your appointment, both you and your beloved will need valid IDs, the transaction number or proof sheet, and you will need to pay the marriage license fee.
4. You can sign the marriage certificate at the courthouse or sign it at a ceremony and return it to the courthouse within 60 days.
5. Colorado is one of the few states that does not require an officiant to marry you. Couples are allowed to self-solemnize by signing the marriage certificate yourselves.

What is the Best Time of Year for an Aspen Elopement?

No matter when you and your beloved visit to tie the knot, you’ll be greeted by the natural beauty of the mountains. Couples often plan their visit for the time of year when they can best enjoy Aspen’s outdoor activities.

Here’s what you need to know about each season in the valley before you decide when to come elope:

• Spring and Summer – Warm, sunny weather that is ideal for couples who enjoy hiking, fishing, horseback riding, or mountain biking. The fields become lush with wildflowers and the lakes reflect clear, blue skies.

• Fall – Golden leaves provide a stunning backdrop for elopement photos. The crisp, moderate temperatures provide the perfect weather for classic wedding ensembles; no matter how big the dress or how thick the suit, you’re safe from overheating. In the fall, couples often enjoy romantic hot air balloon rides, taking the gondola up to the peaks, and sampling the various fall menus at the best restaurants in town.

• Winter – The winter season is when Aspen comes alive for skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling. Couples who ski will love to get unique photos on the slopes, say their vows at the top of the Highland bowl, and celebrate their nuptials at Cloud 9 après ski. Saying “I do” in this winter wonderland will make you feel like you stepped into the fantasy world of The Nutcracker.

FAQs

I. What is the best way to handle accommodations for an elopement?

For a luxury Aspen elopement, booking well in advance at a premium hotel or a private vacation rental is recommended, especially during peak seasons. Many venues offer elopement packages that include accommodations. Aspen Luxury Concierge can assist with selecting exclusive lodgings, ensuring your stay matches the high standards of your special day.

II. Can I have a religious ceremony for my elopement?

Yes, couples can choose to have a religious ceremony as part of their elopement. There are various churches and chapels in the Aspen area that accommodate intimate weddings. You can also bring your own officiant or work with local religious leaders who perform personalized ceremonies, depending on your faith tradition.

III. How far in advance should I start planning my elopement?

It’s ideal to start planning your elopement 6 to 12 months in advance, especially if you’re eloping during peak seasons like summer or winter. This timeline ensures you can secure your desired venue, accommodations, and vendors. For last-minute elopements, Aspen Luxury Concierge can help coordinate everything on a tighter schedule.

IV. What are the most romantic dining options for an elopement dinner?

Aspen offers a variety of romantic dining options, such as Cloud 9 Alpine Bistro for a scenic, elevated experience or Pine Creek Cookhouse for a cozy, winter sleigh ride and fine dining. The Little Nell and Element 47 also offer exquisite menus with elegant, intimate atmospheres perfect for celebrating an elopement in style.

V. What is the best way to manage transportation for guests or family attending a micro wedding in Aspen?

For managing transportation in Aspen, especially with guests attending a micro wedding, private car services or luxury shuttles are ideal. Aspen Luxury Concierge can assist in coordinating group transportation to and from venues, ensuring your guests travel in comfort. Additionally, many venues offer transportation packages for larger groups.

VI. What luxury spa services are available for couples eloping in Aspen?

Aspen is home to several high-end spas offering luxury services for couples. The Remède Spa at the St. Regis Aspen is known for its customized treatments, including couples’ massages, facials, and body therapies. Other top choices include the Auberge Spa at Hotel Jerome and the Aspen Meadows Resort, which offer wellness-focused treatments to relax before or after your elopement.

Do you have more questions?

If you have any additional questions about planning your Aspen elopement or need further assistance, feel free to reach out to Aspen Luxury Concierge.

We’re here to provide the expertise and guidance you need to make your elopement unforgettable. Contact us today, and let us help you create the perfect celebration in Aspen.

Why You Should Choose ALC for Your Aspen, Colorado Elopement

Everyone knows that it’s a lot of work planning a wedding; it can also be a lot of work when you plan to elope. This is where Aspen Luxury Concierge comes in. We are a local service that specializes in helping visitors fall in love with our little mountain town. When you plan your special day with ALC, we will handle every part of the process for a seamless, stress-free experience.

Our ALC concierges are all Aspenites, so we have relationships with all the major venues, local vendors, restaurants, and hotels. Plus, we know all the most beautiful spots for your couples photos.

All the ALC Aspen, Colorado elopement packages can be customized to your needs and wishes. Services typically include travel arrangements, dining reservations, accommodations (either a luxury hotel or vacation rental), activity recommendations, transportation around town, booking vendors, and access to exclusive events.

When you’re ready to say “I do,” contact Aspen Luxury Concierge for the ultimate elopement experience!