Planning a Maroon Bells wedding? Read our guest blog from Tamara Susa, owner of Be The Experience, to learn all the insider tips and discover how to make your wedding day truly unforgettable!
Eloping at Maroon Bells, Colorado, offers you a stunning, intimate and most memorable experience of your life at one of the most beautiful locations in the USA. Its twin peaks and serene lakes make the spot perfect for couples looking for a magnificent and peaceful location for their wedding. Ready to turn your dream wedding at Maroon Bells into reality? Dive into our complete guide for everything you need to know about securing your date, planning the perfect ceremony, and making your special day unforgettable.
How to reserve the Maroon Bells Amphitheater?
The Maroon Bells Amphitheater is a famous elopement location; you can make a reservation through Recreation.gov. Reservations open up to a year in advance and are first-come and first-served. Due to its popularity, especially during peak seasons, securing your date as early as possible is crucial. Reservations are not available on Friday and Saturdays in June, July, and August and on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays in September and October.
Cost of reserving Maroon Bells Amphitheater
The cost of a two-hour slot is only $200, and it also includes 5 five parking passes, providing a convenient and private setting for your ceremony.
Amphitheater Capacity
The venue can hold up to 50 people, making it ideal for small, intimate weddings.
Parking and Shuttle
There are restrictions on access to Maroon Bells; cars are usually not permitted past the Welcome Station between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. On the other hand, you will receive up to five parking passes with your reservation. These provide parking around 200 yards from the amphitheater, with handicapped parking only 50 yards away. Visitors without parking privileges can take the Aspen Highlands shuttle bus during certain hours.
Facilities at Maroon Bells
The region around Maroon Bells is very primitive. Be prepared for the lack of drinking water and electrical outlets, as only vault toilets are available. You can appreciate the surrounding natural beauty more because of its simplicity, although preparation is still necessary.
Getting Married Without a Reservation
Don't worry if the amphitheater is reserved. Hiking elopement couples can still have a stunning ceremony at Maroon Bells. There are several beautiful locations for a ceremony among the nearby trails. I highly recommend having an early morning ceremony before the buses start running at 8am. This will give you a seclusion from the crowds and plenty of options for your ceremony location. You will still need to make a parking reservation that costs $10 and you can make those on Aspen Chamber's website. The reservations usually go on sale mid April and those sell out quickly as well.
Choosing the Best Time to Elope
You must keep the following things in mind to choose the best time to get married at Maroon Bells:
Season
Usually, Maroon Bells Road opens in the middle of May and shuts in the middle of November. June to August is a great time to see wildflowers and lush greenery; September and October are known for their breathtaking autumn beauty. Keep in mind that weather can be quite unpredictable in the fall. Snowstorms are possible at this time of the year, and usually only happen overnight, so you might be greeted by snow covered peaks on the morning of your wedding!
WINTER ELOPEMENTS
The road to Maroon Bells is closed in the winter, but why not consider a snowmobile journey to Maroon Bells for a winter wonderland wedding! The lake freezes over in the winter so you cannot get too close to it, but you can exchange your vows against a mystical backdrop of snow-capped peaks. Snowmobile tours are available at T Lazy 7 Ranch, making it an exciting choice for winter elopements.
Best time of the day to get married at Maroon Bells
Maroon Bells are famous for the sunrise views. As the sun hits the peaks, they turn golden and provide spectacular views. The timing of sunrise ranges from 4am in June to 7am in the fall.
If you're not feeling that adventurous, late afternoons are also a great time for photos at Maroon Bells. Keep in mind the amphitheater can only be reserved for two hours between 8am-5pm.
High Altitude Considerations
Because of its elevation of 9,585 feet above sea level, the Maroon Bells Amphitheater requires special preparation. If you're traveling from a lower altitude, make sure you acclimatize, drink plenty of water, and be mindful of the possibility of altitude sickness.
Respecting Wildlife and Environment
Bears, deer, and elk can all be found in the Maroon Bells wilderness. Foxes are known to make an appearance in the photos, and if you're lucky you might get to see a moose in the lake! It's essential to respect the wildlife, give them plenty of space and abide by the Leave No Trace philosophy. It would be best if you also made plans for the lack of cell phone reception in the area.
Bringing Your Dogs
You may celebrate your big day with your animal companions because Maroon Bells is dog-friendly. Just be careful to pick up after them and keep them on a leash so that the area's natural beauty is preserved.
Reception Options
The amphitheater reservation does not allow for hosting a reception. Aspen, which is nearby, has a range of reception venues following your wedding, from classy restaurants to quaint mountain cabins. T Lazy 7 is just a short 10 minute drive from Maroon Bells. Some of my other favorites are Hotel Jerome Courtyard or Limelight Snowmass. Alternatively, consider organizing a picnic - East Maroon portal is a 4 mile drive down the road from the amphitheater.
Self-Solemnizing in Colorado
One unique feature of getting married in Colorado is the ability to self-solemnize. This means you can marry yourselves without needing an officiant of witnesses. You can obtain a marriage license and get married on the same day. Just visit any county clerk's office with the necessary identification, and you’re set. If you are obtaining Pitkin County marriage license, you can pick it up up to 30 days before your planned ceremony, and you have to return it within 60 days of signing it. Find more information about obtain your marriage license here.
Fun fact: your dog can be a witness on your marriage license in Colorado!
Not ready to elope but want to do a portrait session or engagement photos?
This is a gorgeous area for any type of photo session! Just make sure you reserve the parking permits for the days you want to organize your session! Remember that cars are only allowed to enter the area before 8am and after 5pm.
Final Tips
Eloping at Maroon Bells is a unique and memorable experience. With proper planning and consideration of the logistics, you can create an unforgettable day surrounded by some of Colorado’s most breathtaking landscapes.
Looking for a photographer to document your special day? I've photographed many elopements and small weddings at Maroon Bells and I'd be stoked to photograph and help you with the logistics of organizing yours! Fill out my contact form and let's chat details!
Planning your wedding at Maroon Bells? Reach out to us at [email protected] to begin organizing your special day. Whether you need details on elopements, marriage requirements, wedding inspiration, or vendors, we've got you covered!
