This guest blog and photos come from Authentic Collective, Colorado proposal and elopement photographers, videographers and planners.
How to plan a surprise proposal in Aspen, Colorado
If you’re thinking about proposing in Aspen, you’re already off to a great start! Between the epic mountain views, luxe town, and endless activities- it’s one of the most romantic places to pop the question - and it’s guaranteed to be unforgettable.
Planning a surprise proposal here doesn’t have to be complicated, but a little intention goes a long way. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best locations, Aspen proposal ideas, and how to celebrate after.
Best Places To Propose In Aspen
The first step to planning your proposal is to decide where in Aspen to pop the question! Aspen is one of the best places to propose in Colorado because it’s filled with gorgeous locations for you to choose from.
Here are a few of the best proposal locations in Aspen, Colorado:
Maroon Bells Proposal
Maroon Bells is the most iconic place to propose in Aspen! These are the most photographed mountains in the state, and for good reason. We’d recommend proposing at the Maroon Bells amphitheater, as it doesn’t require any hiking, and is off the beaten path. Keep in mind you’ll need to get a parking pass if you’re visiting mid-May through October. Choose sunrise or sunset for best lighting and for the least crowds!
The Little Nell Proposal
Looking for something secluded and elevated? Propose at the wedding deck at The Little Nell! We recommend planning your proposal for sunset, after the gondolas close, and hiring a jeep to take you to the top of Aspen Mountain. This will provide a stunning and private moment for your proposal- and the journey up the mountain is a memorable experience in itself!
Independence Pass Proposal
Want to propose at 12,000ft? Independence Pass gives you that “top of the world” feeling for your proposal, without having to hike! Just a short scenic drive from Aspen, you’ll reach the top of Independence Pass, featuring stunning mountain views for as far as you can see. Independence Pass closes in the winter (typically Nov - May), so plan accordingly.
Twin Lakes Proposal
Just past Independence Pass is Twin Lakes, one of the most beautiful lakes in Colorado. Twin Lakes is beautiful year round, and has countless viewpoints to choose from for your proposal.
John Denver Sanctuary
One of Aspen’s most underrated proposal spots- John Denver Sanctuary is a scenic area offering an easily accessible location right in Aspen. There are little ponds, stone bridges, and river views, all framed by the mountains in the background.
Aspen Proposal Ideas
Once you’ve chosen the location, it’s time to think about how you want the moment to unfold. The most important part is knowing your partner - do they want to be dressed to the nines, or cozy and casual? Something private, or a big, celebratory moment? Aspen gives you room to do it all, so you can shape the proposal around what feels most true to you two. Here are a few ideas to help bring it all together:
- Plan a nice dinner in town and stop at a scenic overlook for the proposal. This way, your partner is all dressed up and ready for the moment (and photos)!
- Go for a scenic hike to a quiet alpine lake or overlook and propose once you reach the top. This is perfect for more adventurous couples.
- Set up a cozy picnic with champagne, flowers, and a mountain backdrop and propose once everything is in place. It’s romantic, thoughtful, and gives you time to soak in the moment together afterward.
- Plan a weekend getaway in Aspen and choose a meaningful moment from your trip to ask the big question. Whether it’s after a hike, during a gondola ride, or on a quiet stroll through town, it ties the proposal into your story.
- Plan a winter proposal in Aspen. You could book a snowmobile tour and propose surrounded by snowy peaks, go skiing and propose on top of a run, or even go snowshoeing or on a winter hike. A winter proposal is adventurous, unique, and feels straight out of a Hallmark movie!
How To Celebrate Your Proposal In Aspen
Once you’re engaged- it’s time to celebrate! There are endless ways to celebrate your engagement in Aspen- here are our favorites:
- Book a reservation at one of Aspen’s iconic restaurants such as Pine Creek Cookhouse or Toro at Viceroy Snowmass, and go all out on a just-got-engaged dinner. Champagne, great food, candlelight, mountain views - it’s the perfect way to actually sit back and let the “we’re engaged” feeling sink in.
- If you really want to make a night of it, book a luxury hotel or spa stay such as Hotel Jerome. A soak in a hot tub, a couples massage, or room service with a view is pretty much the dream way to celebrate your engagement!
- And if you’re staying for more than one night, keep the celebration going with everything Aspen does best - skiing and snowboarding in winter, hiking and biking in summer, and plenty of great food, wine, and unforgettable views in between!
Don’t forget to hire a photographer (and videographer) to document the “yes”!
You’re going to want photos of this - not just because you’re getting engaged, but because you’re doing it in one of the most beautiful places in the world! Having your Aspen proposal captured means you get stunning, professional photos to look back on, to send to friends and family, and to share when you finally get to say, “we’re engaged”!
To learn more about planning your Aspen wedding after saying 'yes' visit our Aspen Wedding page, reach out to us at [email protected], or connect with us on Instagram at @WeddingsAspen. Discover how unforgettable saying "I do" can be at 7,908 feet.
