Aspen, Colorado has been a favorite wedding destination due to its idyllic combination of pristine scenery, year-round beauty, and luxurious wedding venues. As experts on all things Aspen, the Aspen Chamber Resort Association has provided us with some extra insight on how to plan the perfect destination affair in this beloved hideaway.
GO: If you had to describe Aspen in three words, what would they be?
A: Serene, unique, and charming.
GO: What is the first thing a couple should do if they are interested in having a destination/weekend wedding in Aspen?
A: The couple should first decide on the season that they want to have their wedding. Aspen has a temperate climate, allowing us to experience four distinct seasons throughout the year. Spring, summer, fall and winter each offer unique opportunities for recreation, sight-seeing, and relaxation.
GO: What are some of the amenities/special activities/adventures that Aspen offers couples planning to have a destination/weekend wedding?
A: Luckily for wedding guests, hosting a wedding allows for endless activities before and after the festivities. Aspen is known as a hiker’s paradise with more than 150 trails in the area, and luckily, there are many that guests can easily walk to from anywhere in town. Aspen also offers many bike trails for the cycling enthusiast from mountain biking to road biking. Guests can also enjoy the surrounding rivers and lakes with a white-water rafting trip, stand up paddleboard, or kayaking lesson. Additional outdoor recreation activities include: paragliding, fly-fishing (offered year-round), golf, tennis, and of course, skiing and snowboarding on four world class mountains in the winter and spring.
GO: What are some of the iconic and “off the beaten path” locations where a couple can take images?
A: The Maroon Bells is a gorgeous and very popular site as they are the most photographed peaks in North America. However, Aspen and surrounding towns offer many other trails and locations that lead just as breathtaking views. For an adventurous couple, one recommendation would be American Lake. The hike leads guests to an emerald green lake after exploring through Aspen’s ridges and wildflower-filled fields. It should be noted that this hike is not for the faint of heart. If you’re looking for a picturesque hike that is a bit easier, try the Grottos Trail. Located just outside of Aspen up Independence Pass, this trail is a loop that offers views of ice caves and waterfalls. Lastly, the top of Aspen Mountain can be accessed via the Silver Queen Gondola. After a 12-minute beautiful gondola ride, guests can enjoy panoramic views of the great Continental Divide at 11,212 feet.
GO: Any other information that you would like to share with our readers that is related to destination/weekend weddings in Aspen?
A: Aspen, Colorado is home to four different mountains, a number of unique lodges and a historic downtown, all surrounded by beautiful nature. There are many different venues that provide a beautiful Colorado setting. It’s best to start planning with experts who know the area well, and can help the bride and groom to be as pleased as possible!
Reach out the Aspen Chamber Resort Association’s Wedding Maven, Liz Cluley, to start planning your wedding today.