Aspen, CO Wedding Guide
everything you need to know about getting married in the most iconic mountain town in the USA
If you’re dreaming up a luxury wedding in Aspen, this is the guide for you.
From the best venues, to the best time of year to get married, my favorite hotels, and everything you need to know about getting married in Aspen, Colorado — I’m here for you. Scroll for all the details!
Meet the Photographer
Meet the Photographer
“like having another friend at your wedding day”
I began photographing weddings after experiencing my own wedding. Seeing things through the lens of a bride changes everything. I’m here to hang out while capturing moments candidly with intention. Nothing makes me happier than seeing you two come together and soak in the experience of beginning your life together.
When you open your wedding album years down the road, I hope you say “that’s exactly how we felt.”
Wedding photos that make you feel something.
Luxury Aspen Wedding Venues
The st regis
Get married with Aspen Mountain views in the background, year-round.
The St. Regis Aspen Resort, nestled in the heart of downtown Aspen, Colorado is the perfect canvas for your dream wedding.This luxurious oasis effortlessly combines the excitement of city life with the serenity of mountain landscapes. From beautiful ballrooms to an luxurious courtyard, The St. Regis is the perfect place for large wedding celebrations.
The Little nell
Aspen’s Premier Wedding Venue on top of the Mountain
The Little Nell in Aspen is a beloved destination where luxury meets the stunning Rockies to provide the perfect backdrop. Located in the heart of Aspen, it's a place of elegance and natural beauty. With luxurious rooms, fantastic dining, and breathtaking mountain vistas, The Little Nell offers unforgettable experiences in the heart of the Colorado mountains.
& THE Aspen Sundeck
Hosted by The Little Nell, Aspen Sundeck is not just a venue; it's an elevated experience. With breathtaking mountain views, delectable cuisine, and impeccable service, your celebration will reach new heights of excellence. Whether you're planning an intimate gathering or a grand affair, Aspen Sundeck promises an unforgettable event that captures the essence of mountain luxury and natural beauty.
Dunbar ranch
Kevin Costner’s Luxury Ranch Home
In the heart of Aspen, Dunbar Ranch stands as a hidden gem for couples seeking an unforgettable wedding experience. The property is graced with flourishing trees, three enchanting homes, and a serene lake, providing a picturesque setting for your special day complimenting it as nature intended.
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T-lazy 7
The perfect location for ranch-wedding meets luxury wedding day.
T-Lazy-7 Ranch, located a little outside of downtown Aspen, Colorado, offers a unique and picturesque setting for weddings and special events, which can be fully customized with your decor and style. From its serene mountain backdrop to versatile venue options, it sets the stage for unforgettable celebrations that blend natural beauty with rustic charm.
PATAK ranch
An Italian-style villa in Snowmass
Closest to Snowmass Village, but minutes away from all four Aspen mountains, Patak Ranch offers a stunning property than can accommodate up to 22 guests on-site, and can host more guests for an intimate wedding celebration. The ceremony space offers stunning views of Snowmass Mountain, and the property is the perfect place to have a luxurious intimate dinner party to celebrate your nuptials.
“One of our favorite parts of our wedding was our venue, and she captured the beauty and charm of it in such an incredible way.”
KELSEY & KODY
Best Time of Year to Get Married in Aspen
Summer
My favorite time of year to photograph weddings in Aspen, is from June to September. If you choose to tie the knot during these months, you can expect pleasant, warmer temperatures, occasional afternoon rain showers that usually clear by the evening, and lush green landscapes teeming with wildlife.
Winter
For couples planning weddings between December and March, Aspen becomes a winter wonderland. Expect abundant snowfall, chilly temperatures, and the need for an indoor venue, whether it's a heated tent, 5-Star Hotel, or a cozy mountain lodge.
Avoid Shoulder Season
I do not recommend weddings in Aspen during the months of April, May, October, and November. These periods fall into the 'shoulder season' category, and the weather is typically wet, muddy, and the natural scenery tends to be less vibrant. While indoor ceremonies and receptions are still an option, if you have your heart set on iconic wedding photos against Aspen's beautiful backdrop, it's advisable to choose a different time of year.
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“I CANNOT RECOMMEND HALEY ENOUGH! I’m so happy we went with her- she is so easy to work with, she acts like another friend who is at the wedding, you can tell she genuinely cares about her couples and every aspect of her work.”
SAM & AARON 2022
Best Wedding Photo Locations in Aspen
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Castle Creek
Tucked away in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, Castle Creek offers a picturesque backdrop for your wedding photos. This location is known for its serene beauty, with meandering streams, dense forests, and towering peaks. Whether you're capturing candid moments along the creek, surrounded by vibrant wildflowers in the summer, or amidst the golden aspens in the fall, Castle Creek provides a tranquil and natural setting that exudes mountain charm.
MAroon Bells
The Maroon Bells are perhaps the most iconic natural landmark in Aspen, and for good reason. Towering peaks, reflected in the crystal-clear waters of Maroon Lake, create a breathtaking and awe-inspiring setting for wedding photos. This location is especially stunning during the fall when the aspen trees turn golden, but it's equally captivating year-round. Whether you're exchanging private vows with the Maroon Bells as your backdrop or capturing candid moments along the lake's shoreline, the Maroon Bells offer a truly iconic Aspen wedding photo experience.
Hunter Creek
Hunter Creek is a hidden gem for wedding photos in Aspen. This location provides a diverse range of natural settings, from forests to cascading waterfalls. Hunter Creek winds through a picturesque valley, offering opportunities for photos amidst Aspen's beautiful natural landscapes. It's an ideal spot for couples seeking a more secluded and intimate setting away from the crowds, surrounded by the sounds of nature, your photos will capture the serenity of the setting.
Top of aspen mountain
Of course one of the best places to take your photos in Aspen is at the very top of the mountain. The gondola ride to the top takes about 15 minutes, which is perfect time to take in the scenery of the mountain and get some down time in between the chaos of your wedding day. For more information about the gondola, you can visit the Aspen Ski website here.
East of aspen trail
The East of Aspen trail is the perfect, easily accessible location for couples photos, bridal portraits, wedding party photos, and family photos. I love this location because you can drive right up, and easily walk to a beautiful grassy area (or snowy area in the winter!) for photos with sweeping mountains in the background. You can find this location by driving east out of town on Highway 82 towards Independence Pass.
Independence pass & the continental divide
Depending on how much time you have on your wedding day, driving up Independence Pass could be an amazing option for photos. To get the to top of the pass where the continental divide is, it’s about a 45 minute drive each way. It can also be much chillier at the top, often 10-20 degrees cooler than the town of Aspen, so make sure to bring a warm layer just in case!
“Haley captured the most beautiful moments, and truly put us at ease in front of the camera. She is AMAZING”
KATIE + ANDY in Aspen, CO
Things to do in Aspen — Year Round
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Aspen's diverse range of activities and attractions ensures that there's something for wedding guests to enjoy year-round, whether you're wanting to explore the mountains, visit a michelin star restaurant, or relax in world renown 5 star spas.
Outdoor Adventures
Skiing and Snowboarding (Winter): Hit the slopes at world-renowned ski resorts like Aspen Mountain and Snowmass during the winter months.
Hiking and Biking (Spring, Summer, Fall): Explore scenic trails and bike paths surrounded by breathtaking mountain vistas.
Fly Fishing (Spring, Summer, Fall): Cast your line into pristine rivers and streams teeming with trout.
Snowshoeing and Cross-Country Skiing (Winter): Enjoy peaceful winter walks or cross-country skiing on groomed trails.
Hot Air Ballooning (Year-Round): Soar above Aspen's natural beauty for stunning aerial views.
Dining Experience
Gourmet Dining: Savor exquisite meals at Aspen's fine dining establishments, offering a variety of cuisines from around the world.
Farm-to-Table Experiences: Explore local flavors at farm-to-table restaurants that highlight the region's fresh produce.
Après-Ski: Enjoy après-ski cocktails and bites at cozy mountain lodges and upscale lounges.
Relaxation and Wellness
Spa Retreats: Unwind at luxurious spas and wellness centers, indulging in massages, hot tubs, and rejuvenating treatments.
Scenic Drives: Take leisurely drives along picturesque routes, including Independence Pass, to soak in the mountain scenery.
Picnics and Stargazing: Enjoy picnics amidst Aspen's natural beauty and experience mesmerizing stargazing in the clear mountain skies.
“Haley managed everything leading up to wedding day with ease and she did an outstanding job of getting to know us and understand what would be important to us on wedding day and it showed up in our photos.”
TAYLOR & SAM
Best Hotels & Resorts in Aspen
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The Little Nell
The Little Nell is located at the base of Aspen Mountain, this 5 star luxury hotel offers ski-in/ski-out access and is just steps away from downtown Aspen. It is renowned for its exceptional service, world-class dining at Element 47, and luxurious accommodations. Guests can enjoy amenities such as stunning mountain views, a rooftop pool and hot tubs, and easy access to Aspen's vibrant scene.
The St Regis
The St. Regis Aspen Resort combines timeless luxury with mountain elegance. Situated in the heart of Aspen, this upscale resort offers proximity to the slopes and downtown shopping and dining. Guests can indulge in gourmet dining at Velvet Buck, unwind at the spa, and enjoy the outdoor heated pool and hot tubs. The resort is known for its impeccable service.
Limelight Hotel
Centrally located in downtown Aspen, the Limelight Hotel is within walking distance of shops, restaurants, and the mountain.
The Limelight Hotel offers a vibrant and contemporary atmosphere. Guests can relax in spacious rooms, enjoy complimentary breakfast, and unwind in the lounge area with live music. The hotel also boasts a stunning rooftop terrace with mountain views.
W Hotel
The W Aspen is located at the base of Aspen Mountain, offering ski-in/ski-out access and close proximity to Aspen's nightlife.
The W Hotel trendy hotel combines modern design with alpine charm. Guests can enjoy the rooftop bar, modern amenities, and vibrant nightlife. The W Aspen offers a lively and stylish experience for guests seeking a blend of luxury and excitement.
Aspen Meadows Resort
Nestled along the Roaring Fork River, this Resort offers a peaceful setting while still being close to downtown Aspen.
Aspen Meadows Resort is known for its serene ambiance and Bauhaus-style architecture. Guests can unwind in spacious suites, enjoy on-site art galleries, and explore scenic trails. It's a tranquil retreat with easy access to both nature and culture.
If we could save moments in a bottle to experience again, we would. Photos are the next best thing.
Best Restaurants for Wedding Guests in Aspen
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Bosq
Bosq was recently awarded ONE MICHELIN Star for it’s seasonal tasting menu focused fine dining experience. The Chef and Owner Barclay Dodge and his wife Molly cultivate a personal sense of welcoming to their guests as Bosq is an extension of their home.
Element 47 (The Little Nell): American Contemporary
Element 47 is a 5 star restaurant offering an exquisite dining experience with a focus on locally sourced ingredients. The elegant atmosphere and an extensive wine list (which has been nominated for awards) make it a top choice for special occasions.
Matsuhisa Aspen: Japanese Sushi
Matsuhisa Aspen, by renowned chef Nobu Matsuhisa, offers a fusion of Japanese and Peruvian flavors. Guests can savor creative sushi and signature dishes in a sleek and stylish setting.
Cache Cache: French, American
Cache Cache, celebrating 35 years in Aspen, is a long-standing favorite known for its blend of French and American cuisine. The cozy and intimate atmosphere is perfect for celebrating special occasions.
Casa Tua: Italian, mediterranean
Casa Tua combines Italian and Mediterranean flavors in an elegant and romantic atmosphere. The intimate dining area and exceptional service create a memorable dining experience.
Are you looking for an Aspen Wedding Photographer?
let’s talk
Haley is a documentary & editorial focused wedding photographer based in Colorado.
