How to Elope in Aspen, Colorado
Why elope in Aspen
There are a few ways you can experience Aspen, like most Colorado towns, and it mostly depends on what your budget is. If you’re open to spending more on flights, lodging, car rentals, and food, then Aspen can be a very unique experience. However, you can also elope in Aspen if you’re looking for a bit more adventure and are open to driving in, staying in one of their breathtaking campsites, and prioritizing free outdoor experiences over restaurants and museums.
How to obtain a marriage license in Pitkin County
If you’re looking to obtain your marriage license in Pitkin County, wait at least 30 days out from your elopement. You’ll need to fill out an application online, schedule an appointment, bring $30, BOTH ID’s, and your application to their offices at 530 E Main St, Ste 104, Aspen, CO 81611. Click here for more information on how to obtain your marriage license in Pitkin County.
Aspen Weather
The weather in Aspen is beautiful year-round with summer temperatures staying warm at lower elevations and getting cooler the higher you go. Because of the proximity to the sun, hot days feel hotter, while cool days feel warmer as well.
Winters are typical for Colorado with lots of snowpack after a snowfall and warmer temperatures during the day when the sun is out, before dropping to freezing again as the sun sets behind the mountains.
It’s important to consider mud season when planning your spring or fall elopement around Aspen - a lot of snow is melted by May/June but forest service roads don’t open until around Memorial Day Weekend, limiting your options for locations and activities.
best months to elope in Aspen
June - most mountain passes are open by memorial day depending on snowpack, allowing you access to twice as many scenic locations.
July - if you’re down for a sunrise-centric elopement then July is hands down my favorite time in the mountains. The hills are great, lakes blue, and wildflowers are everywhere.
September - of course Aspen has a million aspen groves which makes it the perfect location for those wanting fall colors, especially if you’re up for a weekday when crowds will be a bit less crazy than on the weekend.
Flying into Aspen
The closest airport to Aspen is going to be Aspen/Pitkin County Airport (ASE) which is located just north out of town. Another option is Eagle (EGE) which is 70 miles from Aspen. If coming from Denver International Airport (DIA) the drive is 200 miles and takes about 4 hours when there is no traffic. Keep in mind that traffic coming from DIA through the front range and into the mountains is some of the worst, especially on Friday and Saturday, as well as return trips on Sunday.
Pricing Point
Aspen is one of the most expensive mountain towns in Colorado and hotels and short-term lodging will run anywhere from $250 to $500 on the low end (depending on the season) to $1300 and higher per night.
Activities to Do in Aspen
Drive Independence Pass
Take a day trip to Twin Lakes
Eat at any of the small restaurants
Take a trip to Maroon Bells
Pick up a charcuterie board from Meat + Cheese for a picnic
Visit ghost towns like Ashcroft
Hike through groves of aspen trees
Take a sleigh ride
Take a ride in the Silver Queen Gondola
Take a stroll around the John Denver Sanctuary
Ski or snowboard Buttermilk Mountain
Hike the grottos trail
Grab an elk burger at Pine Creek Cookhouse
Go on a winter snowcat tour
Intimate Wedding Venues in Aspen
Maroon Bells Amphitheater an outdoor space in Aspen, Colorado
Private Luxury Ranch an indoor/outdoor space in Snowmass, Colorado
T Lazy 7 Ranch an indoor/outdoor space in Aspen, Colorado
The Little Nell an indoor/outdoor space in Aspen, Colorado
Hotel Jerome an indoor/outdoor space in Aspen, Colorado
The Gant an indoor/outdoor reception space in Aspen, Colorado
Timeline Example
5:00 am
Wake up in your cozy little tent that you pitched up a four wheel drive road last night! Grab your headlamp, ask yourself why you thought it was a good idea to get up before sunrise on your wedding day - then realize that this is aobut to be the best day ever. Throw on some hiking clothes, grab your prepacked bags and drive to the trailhead you're camped near.
6:00 am
Arrive at the trailhead and begin your pre-sunrise hike up to an alpine lake. It's less than 1,000 feet of elevation gain and just a mile so it takes you about 45 minutes - an easy peasy hike for your wedding day.
6:45 am
Arrive at the most insane looking alpine lake that you have all to yourselves. Throw off your clothes and take a cooling dip in the alpine lake - clothing optional! Swim for .5 seconds because the water is freezing, so you grab your jetboil and make some coffee and warm water for oatmeal.
7:30 am
Oatmeal. Coffee. Tea. Shots? Wander around the lake, throw some lines if you're into fishing. Inflate your packraft if you want to venture out to the middle of the lake. Or just relax and bake in the sun because you're at 10,000+ feet and it is warming up quickly!
8:30 am
Pack up all your things, leaving the spot better than you found it :) Head back down to the trailhead.
9:15 am
Arrive back at your car at the trailhead, you did it! Head back to your campsite.
10:00 am
You're back at your campsite and you and your partner make a big ol' plate of breakfast together. Chilequiles. Banana pancakes. Cold pizza. The options are endless. Spend a few hours lounging around, take a nap or take the paddle board out on the lake you're camped by.
4:00 pm
Start getting ready for your wedding and vows! Hang your wedding clothes on either side of the truck as you get dressed. Do you own hair and makeup and then have a first look with your partner in front of the lake.
5:00 pm
Hop in the car and head to a new spot - maybe a super private overlook that you have all to yourselves. Get those tissues ready for the tears or laughter or tears of joy! Read your vows to each other, exchange rings, and celebrate your relationship in the incredible Colorado scenery.
6:00 pm
Celebrate! The options are endless for what this looks like for, so much so that you have a hard time narrowing it down. You pop some kombucha, crack open a loaf of sourdough bread you baked, and whip out the cold cheese from the cooler. You snack while you're photographer (that's me!) makes you dinner. Hot dogs? Pasta? Ramen? Sorry there's no 5 star chefs here but you can always invite one!
7:00 pm
Dance! Run around! Set up your hammock, hop in the car, roam around the area exploring and enjoying each others company. Explore the old mining roads and ruins nearby as your photographer gushes about how gorgeous the sunset light is.
8:30 pm
Head back to your campground, have a campfire with a few friends you've invited up for the evening. Eat all the food, share tales of your day.
10:00 pm
Take a few minutes away from campfire shenanigans to have your photographer take some photos of you and your partner in front of the stars.
Where to elope in Aspen, Colorado
Whether you've pictured your wedding since you were young or, like me, the thought never crossed your mind until "I do" was looming on the horizon, piecing it all together is one heck of an adventure -
That’s where I come in.
Learn More about the experience of working with me
Howdy hello I’m Kimberly
