Aspen Fall Wedding- Planning Your Dream Mountain Wedding In Aspen
Whether you’re a city person or naturally drawn to the countryside, there’s just something magical about a mountain getaway. Surrounded by stunning nature, fresh air and breathtaking views of the Rocky Mountains, Aspen is the perfect place for an unforgettable outdoor wedding. We want to share a few Aspen fall weddings with you, and some reasons for getting married in Aspen in the summer and winter too.
While it’s famous for being among the country’s top skiing destinations, this charming resort town has a lot to offer for everyone — you don’t have to be a winter sports lover to enjoy Aspen’s quaint downtown, exclusive restaurants and shopping, and vast arts and culture scene.
Aspen is easily accessible from four different airports (ASE, EGE, DIA, GJT), with its own airport (ASE) conveniently located within three miles, while Denver International Airport (DIA/DEN) is a scenic three hour and 49 minute car ride away.
Here are some things to consider if you’re planning a destination wedding in Aspen, Colorado.
When Should I Get Married in Aspen? Mountain Summer vs. Winter Wedding vs. Aspen fall wedding
If you’re dreaming of a mountain wedding, chances are you’re not bothered by colder weather. But when it comes to Colorado’s climate, you can get different experiences depending on the time of year of your visit.
Summers in Aspen are generally dry with pleasant temperatures in the mid-70s. It’s the ideal spot for a summer wedding if you’re trying to avoid excessive heat and enjoy the occasional cool breeze.
While summers in Aspen are beautiful, the location is undoubtedly known and loved for its fairytale winters. If you’re planning to get married between December and March, you’ll likely get a full-on winter wonderland experience. So if you’re not afraid of facing the freezing temperatures (during winter months, on average, in the mid-40s), Aspen is the perfect place for your magical winter wedding.
Keep in mind: winters are the busiest months for tourism in Aspen, with ski season drawing in visitors from all over the world. A peak season wedding will require some planning ahead and might cost you a little extra money, as Aspen tends to be on the pricey side.
Seasonal Activities for You and Your Guests
A destination wedding is even more fun when you can make the most of what your location has to offer — both for you and your guests. Depending on your choice of season, Aspen provides a variety of activities for all ages. So if you and your loved ones have the opportunity, try to take a few extra days before or after your wedding to fully experience the beauty of Aspen.
Winter Fun in Aspen
Are your friends and family avid winter sports lovers? Then they will be thrilled about the opportunity of a built-in ski trip. From skiing and tubing to ice skating and alpine coasters, there’s no shortage of activities for some fun in the snow. For those who prefer to relax and enjoy the view from a safe distance, there are cozy indoor and outdoor options, including an exciting local culinary and music scene.
If you decide to get married during winter season and want to go skiing, don’t wait until the last minute to figure things out. Due to its popularity, accommodation in Aspen is oftentimes booked out way in advance, so make sure to plan ahead (especially if you invite a large group of people).
Adventurous Summers in Aspen
Summers will generally be less busy and therefore easier to arrange, both in terms of accommodation and activities. While winter is the most popular time to visit Aspen, there is an array of ways to enjoy summer in the Rockies. Enjoy the endless nature surrounding you with family-friendly activities such as guided hikes, biking trails, zip lines, gondola rides, fishing, golf and even hot-air balloon rides. In Aspen, there is something for everyone, year-round.
Aspen Fall Weddings
There is certainly no place in the USA better than Aspen in the fall. Fall weddings in Aspen are dreamy, with that perfect golden yellow and in the trees and crisp air all around you. If you’re looking for colorful foliage, consider and Aspen fall wedding. Let’s be real though, everyone wants to get married in Aspen in the fall. It’s their busiest time of year, so be sure to book at least a year out. Call your favorite Aspen wedding venue and ask about their availability today.
Picturesque Places to Get Married in Aspen
A wedding in the mountains isn’t complete without a scenic mountain view. Luckily, that won’t be an issue in Aspen. The town is surrounded by four main ski areas: Aspen Mountain, Snowmass, Buttermilk and the Aspen Highlands. So no matter where you are, you’re guaranteed to get a beautiful mountain backdrop with unbeatable views. The glistening lights and snow-covered mountain tops are the perfect setting for your special day, and make for an unforgettable romantic photo opportunity.
Here are just a few of the most picturesque places to get married in Aspen.
From cozy mountain lodges and cabins to luxury resorts and hotels, there are many options catering to different budgets. A local favorite, Hotel Jerome, is located in the middle of Aspen’s historic center and combines a charming downtown feel with spectacular views of Aspen Mountain. The hotel offers dedicated wedding packages that will help you create the event of your dreams.
If you’re looking for an all-around luxurious experience, look no further than Aspen’s only Five-Star, Five-Diamond hotel, The Little Nell. With a reception capacity of up to 500 guests, this venue can host your intimate gathering, international event, and everything in between.
Hosting up to 300 guests, Elk Camp on Snowmass Mountain is located at the top of Elk Camp Gondola, which means your guests will be able to enjoy a 9-minute scenic gondola ride on their way up. For those who are a little scared of heights, you might want to make sure the venue is accessible without the use of gondolas.
Do you want to indulge in Colorado’s endless nature without going all out with your venue? If you don’t mind doing most of the planning yourself, you can make use of Aspen’s open spaces and public parks — all you need for your ceremony is a reservation and a Parks Use Permit, granted by the City of Aspen. This way, you can control your budget, but still get a magical mountain experience.
No matter where you choose to get married, Aspen is the ultimate destination for a mountain-themed wedding.
To see more images from this beautiful wedding, shoot us an email – info@clanegessel.com.
If you’re getting married and want beautiful wedding photography like you see here, be sure to contact us today and we’d be honored to shoot your wedding! We are based in New York City and shoot all over the world, and would love to shoot your destination wedding in Aspen!
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