*Photo Credit: Aubrey Fletcher
This week’s guest's blog comes from Susan Berg, featuring tips for planning a wedding in Aspen. Read the original article here.
If you're planning a destination wedding in the mountains, Aspen provides a beautiful Colorado setting. Aspen, Colorado is home to several different ski resorts, excellent mountain lodges and a historic downtown, all nestled in the scenic Rocky Mountains.
STEP 1
Decide on a date. The ski season at Aspen typically lasts from late November to mid-April. If you're snow bunnies, by all means choose a date during ski season, but realize that the area will be quite crowded. This means that lodging may be difficult (and more expensive) to procure for your guests. If you'd like to get married up in the mountains or outdoors, a date in late summer or early fall may be best.
STEP 2
Choose a location. Research wedding locations in Aspen using the Internet. Consider mountain resorts, lodges, clubs and museums. Other popular wedding locations in Aspen include the Aspen Chapel, Aspen Historical Society, The Sundeck, Snowmass Club, Lynn Britt Cabin and Bumps.
STEP 3
Consider hiring a local Aspen wedding planner. Especially if you're planning a destination wedding, with you and your guests traveling to Aspen, an Aspen local can help reduce the headaches of wedding planning. She can deal with the details, and use her Aspen expertise to help you plan the perfect wedding event. The resources below provide a few Aspen wedding planners.
STEP 4
Pick a caterer. Consider what type of event you're having—be it a casual breakfast brunch or a formal sit-down dinner. Select a menu that complements your theme.
STEP 5
Choose a photographer. You may opt to hire a photographer from your area who's willing to travel, or hire an Aspen/Colorado regional photographer. Look through photographers' portfolios to determine if their style is what you're looking for. Some couples prefer a more traditional photographer, while others prefer a photo-journalistic style.
STEP 6
Decide on guest accommodations. The Aspen area features a number of different mountain resorts and lodges. Determine how much you're willing to have your guests pay for accommodations. Contact hotels directly to see if they can put together a discounted group rate for you.
STEP 7
Choose your wedding invitations. Consider using the invitations to convey your wedding's theme (if you have one). If you're planning a Western-themed wedding, you may want to use an invitation featuring cowboy boots, horseshoes or lassos. If you're going with a natural theme, you could use an invitation featuring mountains, trees or leaves. Or have custom invitations made to showcase the location in Aspen, Colorado.
STEP 8
Get a Colorado marriage license prior to your wedding day. The marriage license must be used within 30 days of issuance and can be used immediately after it is issued. You may obtain a marriage license at a county clerk's office anywhere in Colorado. Both members should be present to get the license. Each of you must show a photo ID, and provide your social security number. The fee for a Colorado marriage license is $10 and must be paid in cash.
STEP 9
Enjoy your perfectly planned destination wedding in Aspen, Colorado.
Ready to start the planning process? Click here to allow us to help you get started or follow us on social @WeddingsAspen for more inspiration!
*Photo Credit: The Little Nell
