Aspen Elopement Guide: How to Elope in Aspen, Colorado
Nestled in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, Aspen really does have it all – stunning mountain scenery, a vibrant art scene, and a rich culture and history. The mountains tower all around, earning Aspen its reputation as an epic skiing destination in the winter and a hiker’s paradise in the summer. The town itself is fun too, with old Victorian buildings, funky boutiques, art galleries, and cafes. For couples who want to tie the knot in a unique way, and to have their own adventure, an Aspen elopement might be just the thing!
What’s in This Aspen Elopement Guide
The Best Time for an Aspen Elopement
Part of Aspen’s charm is that it’s an incredible destination any time of year. But, like most mountain towns, the weather will definitely affect the experience you have, and what you can do. As you’re deciding when to elope, here are some things to consider!
Summer is the most popular season for Aspen elopements, due to the warm weather and sunny days. This is a perfect time to hike in the mountains and enjoy the outdoors – snow in the mountains often sticks around until mid July, so if you plan to explore the peaks, an elopement later in the season might be best. July is also when the wildflowers bloom, so if you want to get married amongst the colorful displays, this is the season for you! One thing you should know about summers in Aspen is that afternoon thunderstorms are common – they usually pass quickly, so we recommend planning your adventures around this.
Fall is an incredible time for an Aspen elopement, as the aspen trees that the town is named for put on a vibrant display of autumn colors. September and early October can be a good time to elope because the weather is still warm, but there aren’t as many crowds as in summer or winter. Snow usually starts accumulating towards the end of October, so bring layers and remember that weather can be somewhat unpredictable – but don’t worry, we’ll always have a Plan B reay for you!
The town comes alive in a different way in the winter, with people flocking from all over to enjoy the slopes. Skiing and snowboarding is incredible in Aspen, so if you love winter sports, or you want to elope in the winter wonderland, this is the perfect time for you. Of course, be prepared for the cold, but there’s nothing better than cozying up by a fire after a day of adventures.
Spring offers a chance for some late season skiing, when fewer people are out and about, and you can also catch some wildflowers blooming in lower elevation areas. There will still be snow in the mountains, but it can be a good time for some adventures as the weather starts to warm up.
The Best Aspen Elopement Locations
Finding the perfect place to tie the knot is one of the most exciting things about an adventure elopement, and Aspen has plenty of scenic locations to choose from! Here are a few
Maroon Bells
The Maroon Bells are the most photographed peaks in Colorado – and it’s easy to see why. Two peaks tower over a landscape of alpine lakes and colorful aspen trees, and the scenery is truly breathtaking. You can reserve the amphitheater to elope here, or hike out to one of the more remote locations around the Maroon-Bells Snowmass Wilderness.
Independence Pass
Independence Pass is a route between Leadville and Aspen that traverses through the mountains, with incredible views all around. The summit is at 12,095 feet, with stunning scenery. There are so many places to stop along the way, so you’ll find your perfect Aspen elopement location here!
Hunter Creek Valley
The Hunter Creek Valley is a quieter part of Aspen, with fewer crowds – making it a great place to exchange your “I dos.” You’ll be surrounded by lush forests and babbling creeks, and mountains in the backdrop.
What to Do During Your Aspen Elopement
Rebelling against the wedding industry and deciding to get married your way means that you can have any adventure you want! Aspen is an incredible place to plan that one of a kind adventure, with plenty of options for outdoor activities. Here are a few ideas for things to do when you elope in Aspen.
Skiing and Snowboarding
The thing Aspen is most known for is its winter sports. There are four ski resorts to choose from, each one offering different experiences for different levels of skiers. Aspen also hosts a lot of events in the winter, so it’s the perfect elopement destination for fans of winter sports!
Hot Air Ballooning
Imagine floating over the mountains of Aspen, getting a bird’s eye view of the landscape. This can be your reality with a hot air balloon ride! This truly is a once in a lifetime experience, and a really unique way to celebrate your elopement day.
Hiking and Backpacking
Aspen has endless scenic trails, and gorgeous backcountry adventures. Hiking through the forests, alpine meadows, and rugged mountain terrain is a great way to get married, and you can even set up camp and turn it into a multi day adventure.
Where to Stay When You Elope in Aspen
During your Aspen elopement, you’ll need a home base to come back to after all of the adventures. Here are a few options!
Hotels & Inns
Aspen is home to a lot of historic hotels and inns, and these make for great places to stay. The Hotel Jerome has been around since 1889, and is a luxurious hotel in downtown Aspen. The Little Nell is another incredible option, located at the base of Aspen Mountain.
Airbnbs
You can also find a lot of options for places to stay in Aspen on Airbnb. There are rental homes in town, and small cabins in the mountains just outside of town!
Camping
If you really want to connect with the outdoors on your elopement day, there’s plenty of public land around Aspen where you can find dispersed camping, or backpacking trails for a true backcountry experience!
Aspen Elopement Packages
As a photography and videography team, we’re all about couples running away to the mountains to get married their way – and we’ll help you plan! We’ve got your back with location scouting, custom recommendations for every part of your day, and everything you need to plan your unique adventure. To learn more about Aspen elopement packages and start planning your day, contact us!