Elope under the Rugged, Breathtaking Maroon Bells near Aspen, Colorado
Everything you need to plan your intimate wedding in The Maroon Bells Wilderness & Aspen, Colorado with Foster Creative
Let's Get Started →
The Maroon Bells are widely-regarded as one of the most beautiful wilderness areas in the Colorado Rockies, and its proximity to Aspen doesn’t hurt!
The mighty pines and white quakes of Aspen trees that cover the mountainsides and valleys below are criss-crossed with trails suited for any and all hikers. However, the Maroon Bells-Snowmass wilderness area is not the only outdoor attraction. There are a number of adventure excursion vendors that can give access to rivers, off road destinations, aerial views, and most importantly the experience to navigate them safely! The surrounding towns leave little to be desired elsewise, with their renowned dining, art, and retail offerings. All this comes together to make Maroon Bells one of the best places to plan your elopement.
We’d love to join you in Aspen and at The Maroon Bells,
and to help you plan the elopement experience of a lifetime! Below we’ve compiled a list of our favorite activities, lodges, airbnbs, restaurants, and more. Please use this guide as a resource as you plan your elopement, and when you’re ready to chat, you can reach us below!
Table of Contents
What Your Elopement Could Look Like
Getting to Aspen & The Maroon Bells
Local Activities
Scenic Hikes
Ceremony Locations
Lodging
Dining, Drinking, and Après
Elopement Essentials (florist, officiant, marriage license)
Elope with Foster Creative in Aspen, Colorado
What Your Elopement Could Look Like
The mountains along the Frying Pan river above Basalt, CO
Beginning at your Airbnb, you’ll get dressed and ready while we capture details
Then, we’ll drive about a half an hour to the town of Ashcroft, CO for an intimate ceremony with just yourselves and your 4 closest friends.
We’ll return to your Airbnb and share a meal with your friends. They’ll toast to you!
Waving goodbye, we’ll head out from 7:00-9:00 to shoot evening, sunset, and golden hour along independence pass and its summit.
We’ll depart down the pass for Aspen, wedding day complete.
A frame from Liz & Joe’s stunning first light first look near Crater Lake, Maroon Bells, CO
Getting to Aspen & The Maroon Bells
From the Aspen/Pitkin Airport, take a right on to CO 82 E. In about two miles, you will take the first right at a traffic circle, for Maroon Creek Road (CO 13). Carry on for about nine miles and you will arrive at the Maroon Bells Amphitheatre. You should know that there is a $10 entrance fee for Maroon Bells–Snowmass wilderness area. It is recommended to take the free shuttle that runs every 15 minutes from the Aspen Highlands (1.5-miles after the traffic circle) parking lot, as parking can also be hard to find.
Aspen/Pitkin Airport to Aspen: 3.7 mi / 6 km (8 min)
Grand Junction to Aspen: 127.5 mi /205 km (2h 9min)
Denver International Airport to Aspen: 229 mi / 369 km (4h 13min)
Local Activities
Make the most of your time in the Maroon Bells area by taking advantage of the many ways to explore! Guided wilderness, fly fishing and vehicle tours offer unique and up-close experiences of remote locations. Exploring the wonderful communities of Basalt and Carbondale, beyond Aspen, bring even more recreation opportunities and offer windows into the histories of these well-traveled mountain ranch towns. If you find yourself not knowing where to start, check out a few of the links below for some suggestions.
Ruedi Reservoir & The Frying Pan River
A camper’s & fly fisherman's paradise alike, Ruedi reservoir offers pristine Colorado camping.
Downstream from Ruedi 13 miles to Basalt, CO lies some of the best fly fishing waters in the lower 48.
Taylor Creek Fly Shop, Rental, and Tours
Located in Basalt near Aspen, Taylor Creek is your destination for all things fly fishing.
Buy some local flies, rent a pole, or even go on a fishing excursion with some guides!
Ski and Board Ajax, Highlands, Buttermilk and Snowmass
We may be a tad biased towards the mountain in the link.
All 4 Aspen mountains offer legendary skiing, boarding, apres and relaxation
Ski and Board Sunlight Mountain
Located between Aspen and Glenwood Springs, this longtime family-operated ski area is a local’s delight
For those skiers and boarders who are looking for something more tame than Aspen is known for, this area’s terrain serves all difficulties and tickets are quite a bit cheaper than Aspen’s.
Avalanche Ranch Hot Springs & Lodging
Truly a hidden gem, and is best experienced by staying on site.
Booking months out may be required.
Don’t tell anybody about this place shhh ;)
All Hail The Highland Bowl. Expert Skiers and Riders experience some of the best Colorado offers here.
Check out current exhibits and installations
Discover and support local artists
T-Lazy 7 Ranch Snowmobile Tours
Select one of four guided tours, two of which include lunch
Find pricing quotes on website
Sunrise flights along the Snowmass Brush Creek Valley
Roughly one-hour of fly time, depending on how the wind blows
Public flights run $395/person, private flights vary
Snowmass Gondola Rides (mid-June to early September)
Both options come with their own set of activities and dining options
One-ride tickets on either gondola are $29, three-day package tickets are $39
Purchase an experience package, or a custom trip
Options include rafting, hiking, biking, jeeping, horseback riding, and sunset dinners
Scenic Hikes
Taking advantage of all of the trails in the Maroon Bells area is a great way to dive into one of Colorado’s most beautiful destinations. Hikers of all levels will be able to find routes to reward them with fresh air, stunning views, and a moment to connect with nature. We’ve gathered a few options below that require no gear, passes, or special transportation. Find even more on AllTrails!
Maroon Bells Snowmass Wilderness
This area offers over 50 trails of various lengths and difficulty
Set in one of Colorado’s beautiful mountain ranges, this area offers lakes, meadows, passes, and peaks
Maroon Bells scenic loop is an easy 1.9-mile trail that also offers views of the amphitheatre
If you haven’t set one yet, this is a great area to find elopement locations
Summertime AWD access REQUIRED
Beautiful 7.1 mile half-all day hike that shows some of the best this area offers
Known for wildflowers and a wonderful lake
Open May - October
Miles of beautiful open tundra, flowers, snow-melt ponds and plenty of beautiful peaks
A few different trails of various length, no farther than you want to make it.
Crater Lake from below Maroon Peak
Lani White and Hunter Valley Loop Trail
5.2-mile trail that is rated moderate difficulty
This trail follows Hunter Creek and offers majestic views of Smuggler Mountain framing the Aspen Valley below
Spiral Point via Rim Trail South
2.7-mile heavily-trafficked out-and-back trail, rated easy
Features wildflowers, and you guessed it, gorgeous views!
2.7-mile heavily-trafficked out-and-back trail, rated moderate
Offers great night and daytime views of town from above Aspen
Ceremony Locations
If you’re struggling to find out where exactly to have your elopement, look no further! We’ve compiled a few options, highlighting some important info and resources to give you an idea of what you can find in the area. Pro tip: hike out to your location and change on site. One of our favorite parts about shooting elopements is capturing your vision, so if you don’t see it listed here below, include a location in your request!
The historic mining ghost town of Ashcroft, CO
Set in a mountain valley just north of the Maroon Bells Recreational Area
Open June 12 - October 2
Perfect for intimate weddings of groups under 12
Be sure to make a reservation
At $200 for the day, this location is notably affordable
T-Lazy 7 Ranch (Aspen)
3 of Aspen’s premiere venues are located on the grounds
Outdoor, indoor, and tented options available
Follow link for price inquiries
The Little Nell (Aspen Mountain, etc)
Hosts four different venues on site, both in and outdoor
All venues offer wide, sometimes panoramic, views of the mountains surrounding Aspen
This team can help organize catering and other aspects of your elopement
Be sure to check out their pricing guide and fill out a reservation request
Crater Lake (Maroon Bells)
Closer to the Maroon Bells peaks than the amphitheatre
Roughly 4 mile out-and-back trail
No reservations, so sunrise elopements are a popular solution to avoid outsiders
Lodging
The Aspen/Snowmass area has long been a tourist attraction, and the lodging definitely reflects that; options range from spare rooms to resorts! Below we’ve gathered a list of (mostly) airbnbs for you and your party.
Mountainside Guest Apartment in Resort-Style Complex (Snowmass Village)
2bd/2ba for 5 guests
Resort style, shared facilities include sauna, outdoor pool, hot tub
Designer Core Condo with Ajax Views- Summer Specials
2bd/2ba for 6 guests
Relax with crystal wine glasses, a wood-burning fire, and Aspen Mountain as your backdrop
★ Modern Luxury ★ Walk To Lifts ★ Jacuzzi ★
2bd/2ba for 5 guests
Ski from the resort right back to your door and enjoy the giant jacuzzi
Free bus to Aspen runs every 15 mins
Sunny 3 Bed/3 Bath/Office near Aspen
3bd/3ba for 6 guests
Deck and gardens and the night sky with the Milky Way
20 min to Aspen and Snowmass, 10 minutes to Basalt
Rooms & suites available
Each condo boasts a fireplace and a jetted tub
Dining, Drinking, and Après
Whether you’re staying in Aspen or Snowmass, memorable dining experiences are not hard to find. If visiting in the winter, it’s more than likely you’ll want to know where to eat after a long day’s ski/hike/etc, we’ve got you covered. However, dining and drinks are not the only things that can add to your wonderful getaway, be sure to check out local boutiques, thrift stores, and cafes to get a closer look! For what it’s worth, Clark’s Aspen & Hickory House are my favorites on this list, before finishing the evening at Hooch.
Food, Drink & Libations
Toro Kitchen (Snowmass Village)
Ingredients are locally-sourced, organic, sustainable, and grass fed if possible
Hand-crafted cocktails and barrel-aged spirits
Known for their seafood and oysters
Their happy hour SLAPS and their $12 burger is out of this world
The Edge Restaurant & Bar (Snowmass Village)
Features a meat & cheese board with a bottle of wine to go
European-influenced cuisine
Sundeck Restaurant (Aspen)
Another great option with outdoor patio seating
Views of Aspen highlands and the Highland bowl
Hooch Craft Cocktail Bar (Aspen)
Amazing handcrafted libations. About $18-20 per cocktail
Element 47 (Aspen)
Casual fine dining, rare wines, exceptional atmosphere
Ajax Tavern (Aspen)
Great après ski location with a sunny mountainside patio
A local’s secret, Hickory House boasts amazing bbq ribs & more
Affordable and portions are plenty!
Please do not judge this place by their website, ha!
Hooch Craft Cocktail Bar
Clark’s Oyster Bar
Coffee & Boutiques
Jour de Fête (Aspen)
SO Cafe (Aspen)
Fuel Cafe (Snowmass Village)
Maison Ullens (Aspen)
The Little Bird (Aspen)
Green Dragon REC Dispensary (Aspen)
Elopement Essentials
It’s easy for small details to slip through the cracks when planning a destination elopement, so we’ve gathered a few bits of info that you’ll want to plan in advance. The Aspen area has no shortage of florists, but Modern West Floral Company in Carbondale allows you to visit the actual farms where flowers are grown for consultations. In Colorado, you have the option to self-solemnize, but we’ve listed local officiants as well. Don’t forget to pick up and verify your marriage license in Aspen!
Florists
Modern West Floral Company (Carbondale - consultations by appt only/Silt - farm and studio)
Aspen Branch Design (Aspen)
Mountain Flowers of Aspen (Aspen)
Accent on Wildflowers (Snowmass Village/Aspen)
Sashae Floral Arts & Gifts (Aspen)
Modern West Floral Company
Heather Barron
Officiants
Heather Barron (Luminous Ceremonies)
Leslie Ross (Summit Celebrant)
Reverend Jill Pidcock (no known affiliation)
Julie Adriansen (no known affiliation)
County Courthouse
Pick up your marriage license before or after your elopement!
Pitkin County Courthouse
530 E Main St, Ste 104, Aspen, CO 81611
Elope with Foster Creative in Aspen, Colorado
Aspen and The Maroon Bells wilderness encapsulate everything that makes Colorado so damn incredible. The culture, the scenery, the food, the music, the activities. Year round, Aspen continues to draw people from every corner of the earth that crave adventure. It turns out a couple real guys named Steven and Seth compiled nearly all of the information in this guide, and we’d love to chat with you about planning your elopement. Foster Creative offers Elopement planning, photo, video, and even some decor rentals. When you’re ready to plan your elopement or intimate wedding, we’ll be ready to chat!