Say I Do to Aspen for a Wedding To Remember
ASPEN, Colo. — Weddings in Aspen run the gamut from casual and rustic to elegant and over-the-top. A wedding set amidst Aspen’s natural beauty coupled with the fun of an adventure vacation and numerous activities to keep family and guests entertained days throughout makes for an unforgettable destination wedding.
The Backdrop
From celebrating at night (wedding receptions, rehearsal dinners, bachelor or bachelorette parties) to recovering the next day (breakfasts, brunches, luncheons), Aspen’s diverse venues have what you’ll need.
Elegant Options. Aspen’s hotels offer the exquisite facilities and experienced personnel essential to a seamless celebration. One of Aspen’s favorite wedding venues is the Victorian-era Hotel Jerome boasts a a beautiful ballroom in graceful cream tones. Nestled at the foot of Aspen Mountain, five-star, five-diamond The Little Nell hotel is the place for an Aspen mountaintop or mountain base affair. The majestic St. Regis Aspen Resort has the largest ballroom in Aspen, an outdoor courtyard that can be tented and a smaller courtyard surrounded by Aspen trees perfect for a ceremony. For more intimate affairs, the Caribou Club, Aspen’s exclusive private venue, is available for special events.
Mountain Venues. Mountain venues combine the refinement of Aspen with the rugged beauty of the surrounding peaks for an unforgettable wedding. Perched atop Aspen Mountain looking out over Aspen Highlands’ Bowl, the Wedding Deck is accessible by the Silver Queen Gondola, and is designed specifically for wedding ceremonies. After the ceremony, guests can celebrate at The Sundeck restaurant. The lodge atmosphere features high ceilings, rough-hewn timbers, and a wrap-around deck overlooking miles of Rocky Mountain wilderness. In the same building, the elegant AspenX Mountain Club is available for smaller affairs. On Buttermilk Mountain, Buttermilk Mountain Lodge (at the base) and the Cliffhouse (on top, with breathtaking views) are great options for the outdoorsy couple. T-Lazy-7 Ranch is set in the gorgeous Maroon Creek Valley and features a Western log lodge and outdoor grounds for parties. And for the ultimate adventure, the Pine Creek Cookhouse combines stunning views of the Ashcroft Valley and Star Peak with gourmet mountain cuisine in an impeccable log cabin setting.
Cultural Alternatives. Looking for something different? Bask in the beauty of wildflowers and quiet paths at Theatre Aspen's Hurst Theatre. Both the theater and lobby are available during late spring, summer and fall. Or make history at Aspen Historical Society’s Wheeler-Stallard Museum, the large, authentic Victorian house that hosts the Aspen Historical Society and weddings and other events on its shady lawn from July to late September. The Aspen Meadows Resort is located on the world-famous, Bauhaus-inspired campus of the Aspen Institute and can accommodate groups and weddings of any size, boasting gourmet catering services and sweeping, panoramic views of the surrounding slopes.
Barefoot in the Park. For an affordable and beautiful wedding venue, reserve one of Aspen’s public parks. All one needs is a written Parks Use Permit, granted by the City of Aspen. (970.920.5120)
Here Comes the Bride (and Groom)
In Aspen, soon-to-be couples have been known to show up on their big day in kayaks, motorcycles, paragliders, and even hot-air balloons.
- Horse Around. There are few things more romantic than an old-fashioned horse-and-carriage ride to and from your wedding through Aspen’s downtown streets. Aspen Carriage Company will customize a ride for the big day.
- Rolling Start. Aspen’s bike shops are happy to outfit the bride and groom with wheels, from a romantic tandem cycle, stylish beach cruisers or a four-wheeled, covered buggy – the latter being a great option for the wedding party.
Pre-Nup Primp and Pamper
- Remède Spa at St. Regis Aspen Resort. The 15,000-square-foot resort spa offers customized treatments and Remède signature treatments incorporating Aspen’s alpine and mineral environment. Remède Spa offers complimentary oxygen in the post-treatment oxygen room, as well as luxurious treats including chilled champagne and truffles.
Activities for the Crowd
No matter how adventurous your entourage, they will have the vacation of their lives in Aspen. Here are just a few ways guests can spend their days.
- Golf at one of the area’s world-class courses such as The Aspen Golf Club, ranked as the 21st Best U.S. Municipal Golf Course and the No.1 Municipal Course in Colorado by Golfweek Magazine.
- Whitewater Rafting on the nearby Colorado, Roaring Fork and Arkansas rivers. Local adventure company Blazing Adventures specializes in a wide array of adventure activities including whitewater rating for individuals or groups.
- Hiking a casual nature trail to summiting a “fourteener” (a peak more than 14,000 feet tall). Hire Aspen Center for Environmental Studies guides for mellow to difficult hikes or local outfitter Aspen Expeditions for more adventurous guided trips.
- Off-Road Excursion in a guided Jeep tour on the backside of Aspen Mountain. Enjoy stunning mountains from a comfortable Jeep with Blazing Adventures’ Colorado Jeep Tours.
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