Beaver Creek & Vail Wedding Photographer
Beaver Creek & Vail Weddings
The most iconic resort wedding destinations in Colorado. World-class luxury venues, ski-in mountain ceremonies, and the sweeping views of the Gore Range and Vail Valley.
Why Beaver Creek & Vail
Ritz-Carlton, Park Hyatt, and the Vail Valley
Beaver Creek and Vail anchor the Vail Valley — one of the most polished, logistically perfect wedding destinations in the Rocky Mountain West. Unlike more remote destinations, everything here runs on resort-level hospitality: direct-flight access to Eagle County Airport, luxury hotels walking distance from venues, and wedding teams that have executed hundreds of high-end events.
I've photographed Vail Valley weddings at every major property — Ritz-Carlton Beaver Creek, Park Hyatt Beaver Creek, The Lodge at Vail, Arrabelle, Four Seasons, and Vail Chapel for intimate ceremonies. Each has its own aesthetic: Beaver Creek's Bachelor Gulch feels like a European alpine resort, Vail Village has that old-world pedestrian charm, and the on-mountain venues above 10,000 feet deliver ceremony views that don't feel real.
For couples who want Colorado mountain drama without the planning complexity of backcountry or permit-heavy locations, the Vail Valley is the answer. Full-service, well-practiced, and visually spectacular.
Selected Work
Beaver Creek & Vail Moments
Top Venues & Locations
Best Places to Get Married in Beaver Creek & Vail
The venues and ceremony sites I've shot at most often, and why each one is worth considering for your day.
The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch
The flagship luxury property at Beaver Creek. European alpine architecture, multiple outdoor ceremony spaces, and full on-site catering. The Mountain Terrace offers Gore Range views as your ceremony backdrop.
Park Hyatt Beaver Creek
At the base of Beaver Creek Village. Outdoor terrace ceremonies with direct views up the mountain, plus indoor options for all weather. Walking distance to Beaver Creek Chapel.
Beaver Creek Chapel
A non-denominational chapel at the heart of Beaver Creek Village. Intimate stained-glass ceremony space for 50-100 guests. Available for couples whether or not they're staying at Beaver Creek properties.
The Lodge at Vail
Vail's oldest luxury hotel, right on Gore Creek in the heart of Vail Village. Classic European charm, excellent outdoor ceremony options, and the most walkable reception logistics in town.
Vail Chapel (Vail Interfaith Chapel)
A dramatic alpine chapel in Vail Village with timber beams, stone walls, and the Gore Range directly outside. Iconic for intimate ceremonies. Seats up to 160.
Four Seasons Resort Vail
Ski-in/ski-out luxury at the base of Vail Mountain. Multiple ceremony locations on-property, full wedding coordination, and catering team that handles weddings of every size up to 200+.
Allie's Cabin (Beaver Creek on-mountain)
A historic log cabin accessed by snowcat or sleigh ride on Beaver Creek Mountain. 11,400-foot elevation. Unmatched winter setting for intimate mountaintop ceremonies.
Piney River Ranch
A working mountain ranch 45 minutes from Vail with a lake, cabins, and a historic ranch house. For couples wanting a more rustic, less resort-polished alternative in the same region.
When to Visit
Best Time of Year for Beaver Creek & Vail Weddings
Live Conditions
Beaver Creek & Vail, Colorado
Live conditions update every time the page loads. Check this widget close to your date for real-time planning.
Summer
June – August
Peak wedding season. Wildflowers, temperate weather, and long golden-hour windows. Outdoor ceremony options are fully open. Busiest time at the resorts.
Fall
September – October
Golden aspens cover the hillsides in late September. My favorite season for Vail Valley weddings — cooler weather, incredible light, and peak color. Peak color typically falls in the last week of September.
Winter
December – March
Both Beaver Creek and Vail are ski destinations in winter. Snow-covered mountains, fireplace lodge aesthetic, and on-mountain ceremony options accessible by snowcat. Magical for couples who love winter.
Spring
April – May
Shoulder season. Ski season ends in April, summer season doesn't fully start until June. Great value if you don't mind potentially variable weather and reduced outdoor options.
Permits & Logistics
Getting Married in Beaver Creek & Vail: What You Need to Know
Almost every Beaver Creek and Vail wedding venue is privately operated, which means their events teams handle all permitting on-site. Outdoor ceremonies on resort property don't typically require additional permits from the town or White River National Forest unless you're extending into backcountry areas. For couples planning an on-mountain portrait session accessing US Forest Service land, a standard commercial-use permit may apply — I coordinate that with the property's events team as part of planning.
Common Questions
Beaver Creek & Vail Wedding & Elopement FAQ
How much does a Beaver Creek or Vail wedding photographer cost?
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Vail Valley wedding packages start at $5,995 for 6 hours of coverage. Full-day weddings typically run $7,000-$10,000+ for 8-10 hours with a second shooter. Every package includes planning consultation, color-enhanced digital files, and a private online gallery.
How do guests get to Beaver Creek or Vail?
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Eagle County Regional Airport (EGE) is about 30-45 minutes by shuttle and has direct flights from major hubs including Dallas, Chicago, New York, and LA (seasonal). Denver International (DEN) is 2.5 hours by car but has far more flight options. Most guests use EGE if possible.
Can we do a winter ski-in ceremony?
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Yes, and it's extraordinary. Beaver Creek offers on-mountain ceremony sites at Beano's Cabin, Allie's Cabin, and the top of Centennial Express. Vail has similar on-mountain options. Access is typically by snowcat or sleigh, which becomes part of the wedding experience itself.
Which is better for a wedding — Beaver Creek or Vail?
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Depends on your vibe. Beaver Creek is more intimate, more polished, and generally quieter. Vail Village has more pedestrian energy, more nightlife for guests, and more venue variety. Both are excellent. I've shot weddings at virtually every major property in the valley and can help you decide based on your priorities.
What's the best time of year for a Vail Valley wedding?
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Late September is my personal favorite — fall aspens, cooler temperatures, and incredible light. July and August offer the most reliable summer weather. December through February is spectacular for winter ski-destination weddings. Avoid early October through late November and mid-April through mid-June — these are 'mud seasons' with the least reliable weather.
Free Planning Tools
Plan Your Day
Planning your Beaver Creek & Vail 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 Beaver Creek & Vail Adventure
Planning a Beaver Creek & Vail Wedding or Elopement?
Tell us your date, your vision, and what draws you to Beaver Creek & Vail. We'll get back to you with location recommendations, availability, and a custom proposal.