Aspen Wedding & Elopement Photographer
Aspen Weddings & Elopements
The most photographed mountain destination in Colorado. Maroon Bells at sunrise, golden aspen groves in October, and the entire Elk Mountain Range as your backdrop. World-class settings for world-class days.
Why Aspen
Maroon Bells, Golden Aspens, and the Elk Mountains
Aspen doesn't need much introduction. The Maroon Bells are the most photographed mountains in North America for a reason — that view, those colors, that reflection in Maroon Lake — and I've been shooting weddings and elopements in the Elk Mountains long enough to know every angle of it that doesn't show up in the tourist photos.
The Roaring Fork Valley has a dozen different moods depending on the season. Summer brings wildflowers and long golden-hour windows. Fall brings something else entirely — the aspen groves on Independence Pass, Castle Creek Road, and the Maroon Bells corridor turn a color that doesn't seem real until you're standing in it. October elopements in Aspen are some of the most requested sessions I do.
Whether you're planning an intimate ceremony at Maroon Lake, a resort wedding at the St. Regis or Little Nell, or a backcountry adventure above 12,000 feet, I know this valley inside and out.
Selected Work
Aspen Moments
Top Venues & Locations
Best Places to Get Married in Aspen
The venues and ceremony sites I've shot at most often, and why each one is worth considering for your day.
Maroon Bells
The iconic twin peaks above Maroon Lake. Possibly the most beautiful ceremony backdrop in Colorado. Aspen-lined road, pristine lake reflection, dramatic 14,000-foot peaks. Permit required — book early.
Castle Creek Valley
A quieter, more private alternative to Maroon Bells with equally stunning aspen groves and mountain views. Castle Creek Road is lined with golden trees in October and wildflowers in summer.
Independence Pass
12,095 feet above sea level at the Continental Divide. Alpine tundra, sweeping 360-degree views, and no trees in the way. Accessible July through October. One of the highest ceremony sites in Colorado.
The Little Nell
Aspen's only five-star, ski-in/ski-out hotel. Full wedding venue at the base of Aspen Mountain with mountain views, luxury catering, and exceptional service. Perfect for intimate weddings up to 120 guests.
St. Regis Aspen
World-class luxury at the base of Ajax Mountain. The outdoor Meadow Ceremony site offers mountain views in every direction. Indoor Grand Ballroom for receptions up to 220 guests.
Hotel Jerome
A historic Aspen landmark operating since 1889. Classic Colorado elegance with modern amenities. The courtyard is one of the most charming ceremony spaces in town, and the bar is legendary.
Ziegler Reservoir (Ruedi)
A hidden gem east of Aspen — turquoise reservoir water surrounded by canyon walls and aspen forest. Private, dramatic, and barely on anyone's radar. Available permit-free for small ceremonies.
Snowmass Base Village
Ski-in/ski-out resort with a more laid-back feel than Aspen proper. Multiple ceremony locations on-mountain and in the village. Stunning fall foliage visible right from the venue.
When to Visit
Best Time of Year for Aspen Weddings
Live Conditions
Aspen, Colorado
Live conditions update every time the page loads. Check this widget close to your date for real-time planning.
Summer
June – August
Wildflowers carpet the high alpine meadows. Warm days, cool nights, long golden-hour windows. Maroon Bells is busiest midday but magical at dawn. Excellent weather reliability.
Fall
September – October
Peak aspen color typically hits the second and third weeks of October. Absolutely unbeatable — bright gold leaves against deep blue Colorado sky. My most-requested season by far for Aspen elopements.
Winter
November – March
Aspen the ski town comes alive. Fresh powder on the mountains, cozy lodge vibes, and a completely different kind of beauty. Maroon Bells Snowmass Wilderness is quiet and stunning.
Spring
April – May
Late-season snow on the peaks, budding aspens below, and very few people around. Independence Pass doesn't open until late May, but the lower valley roads are beautiful in early spring.
Permits & Logistics
Getting Married in Aspen: What You Need to Know
Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness requires a Special Use Permit for commercial photography at the Bells themselves, and ceremonies at the lake need Pitkin County and/or White River National Forest approval. The specific requirements depend on your exact location and group size. Castle Creek, Ruedi Reservoir, and many other sites on National Forest land around Aspen have simpler permit processes. I help all Aspen couples identify the right location for their group size and budget, and walk through the permit process step by step.
Common Questions
Aspen Wedding & Elopement FAQ
How much does an Aspen wedding photographer cost?
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Aspen elopement packages start at $4,995 for 4 hours of coverage. Wedding packages start at $5,995 for 6 hours. Full-day and multi-day coverage is available from $7,500+. Every package includes planning consultation, location recommendations, color-enhanced digital files, and a private online gallery.
When do the aspens peak in Aspen?
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Aspen gold peak typically falls between September 25 and October 15, though it varies year to year with temperature and precipitation. Higher elevations (like Independence Pass) peak first, usually in late September. Lower valley roads like Castle Creek and Maroon Bells peak a week or two later. I check conditions in real time and can advise on timing as your date approaches.
Can we do a Maroon Bells elopement?
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Yes, and it's stunning. Maroon Lake reflects the Bells on calm mornings and the light is extraordinary at sunrise. You'll need to arrive before the shuttle starts running (early morning private car access is available) and have a permit in order. For ceremonies of just the two of you plus an officiant, the logistics are actually quite manageable. I'll walk you through everything.
Is Aspen accessible in winter for weddings?
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Absolutely. Aspen is a major ski destination with full resort infrastructure year-round. The Little Nell, St. Regis, and Hotel Jerome all host winter weddings. For outdoor winter elopements, snowshoe access to some lower-elevation spots is possible, and ski-in ceremony options on Aspen Mountain or Snowmass are genuinely spectacular.
What altitude is Aspen? Does it affect the wedding day?
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Aspen sits at 7,908 feet, and Maroon Bells is above 9,500 feet. Altitude affects people differently — some feel nothing, others feel mild effects for the first day or two. I recommend arriving a day early if possible, staying well hydrated, and building rest time into your day. I'm experienced shooting at altitude and pace ceremony days accordingly.
Also Serving
Nearby Destinations
Other places I shoot regularly that pair beautifully with Aspen.
Free Planning Tools
Plan Your Day
Planning your Aspen day? These free tools are built for couples doing exactly what you're doing.
Estimate your total elopement budget — photography, permits, travel, and more.
Open →✓Permit DatabaseCheck permit requirements for every national park and wilderness venue.
Open →◑Golden Hour TimelineBuild a photo-optimized wedding day timeline with local sunrise and sunset data.
Open →→Location QuizAnswer a few questions and find the destination that fits your style.
Open →Your Aspen Adventure
Planning a Aspen Wedding or Elopement?
Tell us your date, your vision, and what draws you to Aspen. We'll get back to you with location recommendations, availability, and a custom proposal.