Maroon Bells Wedding & Elopement Guide
Complete Guide to Getting Married at Maroon Bells
Having a wedding or elopement at Maroon Bells in Aspen, Colorado, offers couples a perfect blend of natural beauty, adventure, and romance. With its striking twin peaks, pristine Maroon Lake, and active wildlife, this iconic location in the Rockies is renowned for its breathtaking scenery. Whether you’re dreaming of a ceremony with the mountains as your backdrop, by the serene lakeside, or surrounded by the peaceful wilderness, this guide will walk you through the essentials for planning your wedding at Maroon Bells. From the best times of year to navigating permits and local tips, we’ll help you create an unforgettable experience in one of Colorado’s most spectacular destinations.
How To Get Married At Maroon Bells
What is the average cost for a wedding or elopement at Maroon Bells?
Costs can vary widely depending on the type of experience you’re looking for. Travel, lodging, food & entertainment, and vendors are some of the higher ticket items to consider.
The elopement itself is very affordable! A marriage license costs just $30 while the amphitheater reservation costs just $200 and includes 5 vehicle passes. You can also choose to keep it small (6 people or less) and go without the amphitheater reservation, in which case you’ll still need a shuttle or parking pass for each vehicle and a knowledgable media team that is familiar with all of the best spots.
When is the best time to visit the Maroon Bells?
This all depends on your preferences! The Maroon Bells can be accessed year-round, with a bit of determination in the winter months. Road access is closed off to vehicles typically from mid-November to mid-May depending on weather, but a snowmobile tour can offer a truly adventurous and more private setting for a winter elopement!
The more popular time to visit the Maroon Bells is June-October. With vibrant wildflowers in bloom during the summer and stunning golden aspens in the fall.
Wedding & Elopement Locations at Maroon Bells
Maroon Bells Amphitheater
The Maroon Bells Amphitheater is a stunning ceremony site offering unbeatable views of the iconic Maroon Bells and Maroon Lake. This intimate location can accommodate up to 50 guests, making it ideal for micro-weddings. However, due to its popularity, securing a reservation can be challenging, as spots are limited and must be booked one year in advance. If you’re able to secure this breathtaking location, it promises an unforgettable experience for your special day.
Permits: Required, Limited Accessibility: Easy walk, paved roads, restrooms, and parking lot nearby
Maroon Bells Scenic Trail
The Maroon Bells Scenic Trail offers a picturesque setting for couples looking to exchange vows amidst Colorado’s most iconic peaks. This trail, surrounded by breathtaking mountain views and alpine beauty, provides a more flexible option for elopements, requiring only a parking permit rather than a formal reservation. Though the trail requires some hiking it is rather short and the reward is a more secluded spot that’s perfect for an intimate ceremony. It’s an ideal choice for adventurous couples seeking a more natural and peaceful atmosphere for their special day.
Permits: Parking Permits or shuttle Accessibility: 1-2 miles of hiking
Want the Hidden Gems?
As experienced elopement photographers and videographers in Colorado we’ve spent time exploring on our own and scouting locations that you won’t find online.
We provide exclusive location guides for our couples, along with timeline assistance and recommendations for other vendors!
Maroon Lake
Maroon Lake offers a stunning setting for elopements, with the iconic Maroon Bells reflected in its crystal-clear waters. This easily accessible location requires only a parking permit, making it a flexible and convenient option for couples looking to exchange vows in one of Colorado’s most breathtaking spots. While popular with visitors, early morning or late evening ceremonies can provide a more intimate experience. Maroon Lake is perfect for couples seeking a majestic yet tranquil backdrop for their special day.
Permits: Parking Permits Or Shuttle
Accessibility: Short walk from parking
Crater Lake
Crater Lake, located just beyond Maroon Lake, offers a more secluded and adventurous setting for elopements. Accessible by a moderate hike, this alpine lake is surrounded by rugged peaks and pristine wilderness, providing a truly intimate and natural backdrop for your ceremony. While it requires some effort to reach, Crater Lake rewards couples with unmatched tranquility and breathtaking views. Like other locations in the area, a parking permit is needed, but the extra hike ensures a more private and peaceful experience for your special day.
Permits: Parking Permits Or Shuttle
Accessibility: 3.5 miles of moderate hiking
Maroon Bells Elopement Video
Check out this elopement video from Ellen & Austin’s day at the Maroon Bells
Planning Tip:
Friendly Reminders
These are some of the most important factors to keep in mind while planning your elopement and are often easy to forget!
Elevation
Colorado averages the highest elevation in the country and many of its attractions are above 10,000 feet, start hydrating well before your trip and continue throughout your stay. Give yourself time to acclimate by taking it easy the first day, and consider arriving a day or two early. Light meals, avoiding alcohol, and getting plenty of rest can also help your body adapt to the higher altitude.
Weather
When preparing for Colorado’s weather, be sure to layer your clothing. The weather can change quickly, with mornings and evenings often much cooler than midday, even in the summer. Pack a lightweight jacket or sweater, and don’t forget sunscreen, as the sun can be intense at higher elevations. Be prepared for anything from sunshine to a sudden shower, no matter the season!
Crowds
To avoid crowds in Colorado, plan your adventures early in the morning or later in the evening, especially at popular spots. Visiting on weekdays rather than weekends, and exploring less-known trails or off-the-beaten-path locations, can also help you enjoy the beauty of Colorado in peace and tranquility. Always practice Leave No Trace principles.
Permits
Before your Colorado adventure, check for any necessary permits and stay updated on local guidelines, as they can change frequently. Always verify the latest regulations for your location, whether it’s for a wedding, elopement, or outdoor activity, to ensure a smooth experience and to help preserve these beautiful areas for future visitors.
Hi, we’re the Rinis.
We’re a photo and video couple based in Colorado that specializes in mountain elopements and intimate weddings. We became engaged on one of Colorado’s 14,000′ peaks and are planning our own micro-wedding, so we have personal experience with the process!
We would be honored to hear about your vision and provide some location and vendor recommendations!
Elopement Packages
Check out some of our most popular packages here. More information is available on our Investment page and if you’d like a full pricing guide fill out our contact form below!
Elopement Photography
2 Hours of Photo Coverage
Online Gallery + Print Release
Elopement Photo & Video
2 Hours of Photo Coverage
2 Hours of Video Coverage
• Full-Length Ceremony Film
• Cinematic Highlight Video (1:30min+)
Online Gallery + Print Release
Photo & Video Simple Bundle
6 Hours of Photo Coverage
6 Hours of Video Coverage
• Full-Length Ceremony Film
• Cinematic Highlight Video (2:00min+)
• More coverage of your day!
Online Gallery + Print Release
Price includes $500 bundle credit
Set Up A Free Discovery Call!
We want everything to feel right for your day. Let’s make sure it’s a good fit, get all of your questions answered, and provide you with some more info.
Fill out our quick form and we’ll schedule a call, video chat, or coffee date if you’re local!
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If you connect with our work, we would love to talk to you.
