MAROON BELLS WEDDING AND ELOPEMENT GUIDE FROM A COLORADO WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER
- Stephanie
- Mar 24
- 9 min read
This Colorado elopement location does not disappoint! Beautiful bell-shaped mountains that glow purple and red from the iron deposits, picturesque lakes, Colorado wildflowers in the summer and golden Aspen trees in the Fall— it is one of the best places to get married in Colorado, if not the world!
As a Colorado photographer, I’ll guide you through everything you need to know to plan your perfect day at the Bells!
Dreaming of a Maroon Bells wedding?
Below are some details to consider:
BEAUTIFUL AND ACCESSIBLE WEDDING LOCATION
These mountains are not camera-shy! They are the most photographed mountains in all of Colorado and no matter the time of day, they make sure to serve face! This iconic mountain range is very accessible to hikers and outdoor lovers of all skill levels and abilities. The path to the amphitheater and Maroon Lake is wheelchair-friendly. Many stunning views along the surrounding trails and the amphitheater itself is tucked away on the northeast side of the scenic area.
MAROON BELLS MICRO-WEDDING
Dreaming of a 300-person wedding? Maroon Bells might not be the best place for your type of celebration. Looking for a wedding location with an epic Mountain View and space for your closest family and friends? This is the location for you! A Maroon Bells Amphitheater Wedding Permit is just $200 (cheaper than a Rocky Mountain National Park Wedding Permit), and you can celebrate with up to 50 of your favorite people.
MAROON BELLS ELOPEMENT
No permit is required to say “I-do” outside of the amphitheater, but is limited to elopements of just the couple with an officiant as long as you stay on the trails, avoid the designated ceremony site, and don't set up equipment. I’d say maximum 6 people for this kind of elopement.
IT IS A BUSY LOCATION
If privacy and intimacy is important to you on your wedding day, Maroon Bells isn’t the best. You do need to walk from the parking lot to your ceremony site in your wedding attire or carrying it. This is a VERY popular spot; but all of the visitors I’ve interacted with have been respectful and will even cheer “Congratulations” for the couples while taking photos. Visitors to the scenic area stay away from the amphitheater site when it’s reserved and there is a ceremony going on. (And I do a pretty good job taking out any stray hikers from your photos if they’re in the background )
A weekday at sunrise is best (Mon-Thursday) if you want to minimize tourists.
ASPEN
The surrounding area is one of the most expensive places in Colorado and the United States, so be prepared to pay quite a bit for your lodging, reception, food and drinks, and even vendors such as florists, music, hair/makeup, bakeries, etc.
ARE DOGS ALLOWED?
If you want to have your best friend at your side during your wedding, go for it! Dogs are allowed at the Maroon Bells Amphitheater. Pets must be on a leash at all times and are not allowed on the surrounding hiking trails because of local wildlife. Your dog can even sign your marriage license as a witness!
HOW TO GET A MAROON BELLS AMPHITHEATER WEDDING RESERVATION
If you’re planning to invite guests you’ll need to reserve the Maroon Bells Amphitheater for your ceremony. The Maroon Bells Amphitheater can be reserved for wedding ceremonies for up to 50 guests.Wedding reservation dates at the Amphitheater go from the first week of June to the last week of September and are open to the public one year in advance. The reservation is very competitive and tough to get, you have to be ready to reserve it the very minute it opens. To do this, create or sign in to your recreation.gov account and refresh the page until the permit releases at 8am MST one year prior to your desired date. Reservations release 1 year in advance of your desired wedding date at 8am MST and book IMMEDIATELY!
If eloping outside of the amphitheater (under 6 people in attendance), be sure to have parking passes in advance at this link,https://aspenchamber.org/plan-trip/trip-highlights/maroon-bells/reservations they are inexpensive, but the Aspen Rangers are VERY strict about parking passes, you need to enter before 8am regardless of your desired ‘I-do' Otherwise, you will need to park at the shuttle stop and take the 30min shuttle from there.
Cars need to be driven into the bells prior to 8am before they limit the gates. Or you can park at the shuttle stop and shuttle in from there.
NOTE: Parking passes or taking the shuttle is required to access Maroon Bells at all times. Your amphitheater reservation comes with 5 parking passes and are not limited to the 8am check in time as regular parking passes are. If you are eloping without an amphitheater reservation, you will need to reserve parking passes weeks/months in advance.
RESERVATION TIPS:
Create An Account & Log In Early
To make a Maroon Bells Amphitheater reservation, you’ll need to make an account with recreation.gov. To avoid any delays, be sure to do this well in advance and be signed in.
Reservation Tips: Keep Refreshing the Page, as with any ticket reservation, refreshing the page helps to keep the site active in real time. Reservations release 1 year in advance of the date at 8am MST and book IMMEDIATELY!
Set Up A Cancellation Alert
Didn’t get a reservation? When someone cancels, the date will become available again. You can now set cancellation alerts for up to three dates. You should also join the Maroon Bells Weddings group on Facebook, as people will post about cancellations in there, as well.
Details
After you reserve your date (and breathe a sigh of relief), you’ll want to secure the rest of your vendors, such as your photographer (me!), videographer, officiant (if you’re having one for your ceremony, we offer self-solemnizing in CO!), hair and makeup artists, florist, a planner or day-of coordinator, etc. You’ll also need to plan lodging and transportation. Depending on the amount of guests attending, you may want to hire a shuttle from your lodging to the venue, since your permit only comes with 5 parking passes.
*I have a list of preferred vendors for this area that I send to my clients upon booking.
Be sure to collaborate with your photographer on timelines, lighting, and photo spots. I recommend hiring a photographer that has worked at Maroon Bells before for the best lighting, locations, and photos throughout your day.
Whether you’re getting married at the Maroon Bells Amphitheater with family and friends, or eloping just the two of you in the Maroon Bells Wilderness, be sure to get your marriage license from Pitkin County ( at this website https://pitkincounty.com/281/Marriage-and-Civil-Union-Licenses )prior to the wedding!
What is the Best Time of Year to Get Married at Maroon Bells?
As a Colorado photographer, who loves living here and traveling in our state, below are some tips for choosing the best time of your for your dream day!
NOTE: There is no vehicle access to the Maroon Bells in the winter, as the road closes to avoid avalanches and other dangerous conditions.
Spring Maroon Bells Wedding
MAY & JUNE
While the road to Maroon Bells reopens around mid-May each year, reservations for the Maroon Bells Amphitheater become available the first week of June.June in Maroon Bells is one of the best times of year for an elopement as everything is lush and green, there are some wildflowers present and the mountains are still dusted with snow. The temperatures are quite mild and perfect for a mountain elopement!
Summer Maroon Bells Wedding
JULY & AUGUST
Do you love green foliage and wildflowers? Summer in Maroon Bells is gorgeous! It can get warm, but mornings and evenings are pleasant temperatures.Summer afternoon rainstorms are common in the Colorado mountains, especially during the summer months. However, they are usually short and fast-moving, they can also be mostly avoided by planning a sunrise or sunset event.
Fall Maroon Bells Wedding
SEPTEMBER & OCTOBER
Fall is the most popular time for visitors at Maroon Bells! The stunning Aspen trees, go from vibrant green to bright yellow and orange. Peak foliage is typically from mid-September to early October. Foliage depends on the weather specifics for that year (wind and frost), very often the Aspens lose their leaves by mid-October.
(We often get at least one snowstorm out here in Colorado around Halloween!)
Winter Maroon Bells Wedding
NOVEMBER - MID-MAY
Vehicle access closes to Maroon Bells from mid-November until about mid-May, weather dependent.Super adventurous couples can reserve a snowmobile tour to Maroon Bells for your winter elopement! Since that is the only way to access this area around this time, it is the most intimate and private this area will ever be!Make sure to be prepared for cold temperatures and snowy conditions. It is so important to be prepared for the elements and have back-up plans for outdoor winter elopements here, due to storms.
Maroon Bells Wedding & Elopement Locations
If you’re planning a micro-wedding with more than 6 guests (maximum 50 guests), you must reserve the Maroon Bells Amphitheater for your ceremony.
If you’re eloping just you two or with just a few guests, you may not need a reservation and
Should consider the options below—
Here are the some of the best Maroon Bells wedding photo and elopement locations (also all great spots for photos after!)
MAROON BELLS AMPHITHEATER
The Maroon Bells Amphitheater is a reservable space that you can book for micro weddings with up to 50 guests. You must book it one year in advance of your desired date, starting the first week of June each year. IT comes with a view of the Bells, Maroon Lake, and seating for guests. You can bring in and setup some decor and the trees surrounding the amphitheater can offer shade from the summer sun.
MAROON LAKE
Maroon Lake is a short walk from the parking lot and from the amphitheater, making it a popular location for photos. The downside of this location is it’s busy and there will be tourists wishing you ‘Congratulations!’
MAROON BELLS SCENIC TRAIL
This the easiest trail in the Maroon Bells Snowmass Wilderness. It is a 1.9mile loop and short walk around the side of the lake that brings you closest to the Maroon Bells before looping back. You can walk through an Aspen Grove and get different views of the mountains.
A continuation of this trail goes up to 3 miles and offers forest views and other lakes.
RECEPTION IDEAS:
EAST MAROON PORTAL PICNIC SITE
The most affordable reception option- this picnic site offers a private area nestled among the Aspen trees and vistas of Maroon Creek Valley. Need to reserve in advance. Entirely outdoors, so you are at the mercy of the elements. Expect lush greenery in the summer or yellow/orange Aspens in the Fall. Located on Maroon Creek Road after you pass the Maroon Bells Welcome Station. 3.2 miles from Maroon Lake.
Reservation link: https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/234588
CAPACITY: UP TO 75 PEOPLEAVAILABILITY: End of May to early OctoberCOST: $75
HIGHLANDS ALEHOUSE
Looking for a casual place to celebrate after your Maroon Bells wedding or elopement? Highlands Alehouse offers pizza and beer for your after party right next to the Aspen Highlands Ski slopes. They also have games and outdoor activities like cornhole available to entertain your guests. Call ahead for availability or drop-in!
CAPACITY: UP TO 130 PEOPLEAVAILABILITY: YEAR-ROUNDESTIMATED COST: $$$
VICEROY SNOWMASS
Viceroy Snowmass offers a private room at their restaurant, Toro, which is perfect for an upscale reception after a Maroon Bells wedding. Need to reserve in advance — website: https://www.viceroyhotelsandresorts.com/snowmass?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22494958443&gbraid=0AAAAA_TaQFAt2oRk3rgibSizNfa3E_Opy&gclid=CjwKCAiA4KfLBhB0EiwAUY7GAcrzyyILP6tBctC5j71pJQR1kt1erP7hbD8WRx3LxuekQFc0MIaryBoCdIIQAvD_BwE
CAPACITY: BASED ON AVAILABILITYAVAILABILITY: YEAR-ROUNDESTIMATED COST: $$$
St. Regis Aspen
St Regis properties in any city are always breathtaking and boast exceptional service. The St. Regis Aspen has several dining restaurant options (call ahead for availability) or go all out with The Fountain Courtyard or formal Grand Astor Ballroom venues. Inquire at their website for more details— https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/asexr-the-st-regis-aspen-resort/dining/
Capacity: Depending on site within the hotel
Ceremony Site: Yes
Outside Catering: No
In-House Catering: Yes
ESTIMATED COST: $$$$
PINE CREEK COOKHOUSE
Pine Creek Cookhouse is located about 30 minutes away and would make a stunning backdrop for your Colorado wedding. From small private events in their dining room, to larger events using the entire space and ceremony site, this venue can accommodate any size event. It has a cozy cabin vibe and the trees and Mountain View are breathtaking. Opt for passed hors d'oeuvres and/or a four-course dinner.
Capacity: 160 (Can seat more with additional tenting)
Ceremony Site: Yes
Outside Catering: No
In-House Catering: Yes
ESTIMATED COST: $$$$
BOSQ ASPEN
Located in downtown Aspen, it’s a beautiful restaurant for couples who would prefer a fine dining celebration. Inquire at their website for more details — https://www.bosqaspen.com/
CAPACITY: BASED ON AVAILABILITYAVAILABILITY: YEAR-ROUNDESTIMATED COST: $$$
T-LAZY-7 RANCH
T-Lazy-7 Event Lodge is a scenic wedding venue just 12 minutes from Maroon Bells, you literally pass it on the drive to Maroon Bells. With site fees starting at $5,000, it accommodates intimate gatherings under 50 guests at the Klondike Cabin and Mountain Meadow. The Aspens here are STUNNING in the Fall! Also a great place for you and your guests to stay!
CAPACITY: UP TO 50 GUESTSAVAILABILITY: YEAR-ROUNDESTIMATED COST: $5000
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