Maroon Bells
Elopement Guide
everything You Need to Know About Eloping at Maroon Bells
Maroon Bells Amphitheater is one of Colorado's most iconic wedding and elopement venues! With views of multiple jaw-dropping 14ers, a mountain lake, and wildflower meadows, it's no wonder everyone wants to get married at Maroon Bells.
Because the Maroon Bells are so beautiful and popular, it's also one of the hardest venues to book. I'll go over everything you need to know about eloping at Maroon Bells – from the pros and cons, to tips and tricks for securing a reservation, to the best reception venues.
Why elope at Maroon Bells?
Maroon Bells is such a popular place to elope because it's absolutely gorgeous! The amphitheater is framed by the two Maroon Bells peaks, two 14ers that have been called the most photographed mountains in Colorado. And a colorful wildflower meadow, aspen groves, evergreen forests, and a crystal-clear lake complete the view.
Maroon Bells amphitheater is a stunning spot for a ceremony, whether you're eloping or bringing friends and family along. It's also close by the ski resort town of Aspen, and there are tons of opportunities in the area for outdoor adventures all year.
Not sure how to do this?
Howdy! I'm Sam, Your Maroon Bells Elopement
Photographer & Planner
I know there are so many options and things to consider when planning an elopement. I absolutely adore helping couples through this process + reducing stress! Maroon Bells is one of the many venues in Colorado I know like the back of my hand.
Hiring your elopement photographer + planner is the perfect first step in planning your Maroon Bells elopement – even if you aren't 100% sure of when or where yet! I’ll help you through every step of the process, from choosing a time of year and date for the perfect weather conditions, to securing a ceremony permit and sorting out logistics, to finding other vendors and planning wedding outfits that are perfect for adventuring.
We're gonna chat about all of this:
Pros + Cons of Maroon Bells Elopements
Is the Maroon Bells Amphitheater the right elopement venue for you?
Maroon Bells has some major pros as an elopement venue! But it also has a few drawbacks to consider before you commit, like how tricky it is to get a reservation there.
As your elopement photographer and planner, I'll help you weigh the options to figure out if Maroon Bells is the best fit for your elopement – and suggest some amazing alternatives if not!
But in the meantime, we'll go over some of the biggest pros and cons of eloping at Maroon Bells.
Pro:
Gorgeous views
Like I mentioned above, Maroon Bells Amphitheater has one of the most stunning backdrops of any wedding or elopement venue, with mountain peaks, wildflowers, and aspens.
Pro:
Reasonably priced
It only costs $200 to reserve Maroon Bells Amphitheater for the day – which is super reasonable for a ceremony venue near Aspen! The reservation includes five parking passes; extra parking passes are $10 per vehicle, or you can ride the shuttle for $16 per person.
Pro:
Accessible venue
The Maroon Bells Amphitheater and scenic area are very accessible, including for couples or their guests with limited mobility. The path to the Amphitheater is paved, and you can park close by or take the shuttle (which is wheelchair-accessible). There are accessible bathrooms and a water fountain near the parking lot. These amenities can be rare to find at an outdoor elopement venue!
Pro:
Seating for guests
Unlike a lot of outdoor venues in Colorado, the Maroon Bells Amphitheater already has seating for guests. The paved pavilion has benches that can seat up to 50 people (including the couple and any vendors).
Pro:
Dog-friendly
Dogs are allowed at the Maroon Bells Amphitheater (and on the shuttle!), so you can include your pup in your ceremony. Dogs just have to remain on-leash while at Maroon Bells.
Pro:
Great hikes right nearby
Maroon Bells is close by to lots of hiking trails where you can adventure before or after your ceremony! In fact, there are several trailheads right at Maroon Lake, including the Maroon Bells Scenic Loop and Crater Lake.
Con:
Difficult to reserve
Reservations for the Maroon Bells Amphitheater are really hard to nab. The amphitheater is only available during the peak season – for 2026, from June 6 to September 30 – and reservations go live on a rolling basis, one year in advance of the date. Only one group can reserve the amphitheater per day, so these reservations are snapped up extremely fast, especially for popular wedding dates.
Con:
Tricky parking logistics
Maroon Bells wedding reservations include parking passes for five vehicles. If you have more guests, you'll need to reserve extra parking passes – which are limited, so it can be tricky to secure enough parking for all your guests. Otherwise, guests will need to take the shuttle to the amphitheater, which is $16 per adult. All of these logistics can be a headache to coordinate!
Con:
No summer weekends
You can't reserve the Maroon Bells Amphitheater on Fridays or Saturdays in June, July, and August, or on Fridays, Saturdays, or Sundays in September. This means you'll have to choose a weekday if you want to elope at Maroon Bells in the summer – which can be inconvenient if you're including guests.
Con:
Aspen is expensive
While Maroon Bells itself is cheap to reserve, the closest town, Aspen, is an expensive place to stay and plan a reception. Aspen is one of Colorado's bougiest ski towns, and everything – from food to hotels to vendors – is pricey there.
The Best Time to Elope at Maroon Bells
When should you elope at Maroon Bells?
The Maroon Bells Amphitheater is only available to reserve during the peak season – for 2026, from June 6 to September 30 – and you can't reserve it on Fridays or Saturdays in June, July, and August, or on Fridays, Saturdays, or Sundays in September.
However, for elopements with six or fewer people – including the two of you and any vendors – you can get married at Maroon Bells without a reservation. There are a few caveats: you'll still need a parking pass, and you can't use the amphitheater space. But this opens up more days (and more seasons!) for your Maroon Bells elopement.
If you bring me on board as your Maroon Bells elopement photographer and planner, I'll help you figure out all the logistics!
Summer
Summer is the peak season at Maroon Bells. If you're planning to include more than six guests in your Maroon Bells elopement, you'll need to snag a reservation for a summer wedding at the amphitheater.
Mid-summer (July) is the ideal time to see wildflowers at Maroon Bells. It's also when the weather is nicest, with highs in the 60s and low 70s.
Of course, that means summer is the busiest time at Maroon Bells. Expect to encounter more visitors – which means it can be harder to find privacy and parking.
Fall
Maroon Bells has beautiful aspen groves that turn bright gold in the fall! The amphitheater is available to reserve through the end of September, and the shuttle runs until October 19.
Maroon Bells is usually still busy in September, but you'll see less and less visitors as it starts to get chilly, with highs in the 40s and 50s during October and November.
The road to Maroon Bells usually closes around mid-November, when snow makes it impassible. If you're hoping for an intimate Maroon Bells elopement, consider fall, with snow-capped mountains in the background.
Winter
After the road to Maroon Bells closes in November, you can't drive up to the lake. But there's another super fun and adventurous way to experience Maroon Bells – snowmobiling!
T-Lazy-7 Ranch in Aspen has guided snowmobile tours up to Maroon Bells during the winter. They offer private tours, so you (and your closest friends and family) can have an elopement ceremony in front of the frozen Maroon Lake.
And you don't need any snowmobiling experience for the tour – so you and your partner could try out a totally new adventure on your elopement day.
Spring
Because Maroon Bells is at such high elevation, spring comes late in the year. The road to Maroon Bells usually opens in mid-May, once the snow has melted.
Spring can be chilly and muddy, with highs in the 40s and 50s. But late May is a good time to consider if you're hoping for a more private Maroon Bells elopement, before the area hits peak season and wedding reservations open up.
Timing isn't just about the season. Consider weekdays and sunrises for your Maroon Bells elopement.
One of my biggest pieces of advice for couples choosing when to elope is to pick a weekday! Unlike with a traditional wedding, you don't have to worry about the schedules of 50+ guests, so there's no reason to limit yourself to weekends.
Especially during peak season, Maroon Bells has lots of visitors and limited parking. Weekdays are always less busy than weekends, which makes those annoying logistics easier.
And finally, the time of day makes a big difference. Sunrise and sunset have the best lighting, but sunrises are way less busy. So if you don’t mind an early morning, you can plan a private sunrise ceremony at Maroon Bells and enjoy the whole rest of your day being newly married.
Got a season in mind for
your elopement?
I'd love to chat about all the pros and cons and help you pick the perfect time of year for your Maroon Bells elopement!
How to Get a Maroon Bells Reservation
How do we reserve Maroon Bells for our elopement?
Reservations for Maroon Bells Amphitheater are available on a rolling basis, one year in advance of the reservation date at 8 a.m. MST.
All reservations for the amphitheater are made through Recreation.gov.
You can reserve parking passes and shuttle tickets through Visit Maroon Bells.
Tips + Tricks for Maroon Bells Reservations
Wedding and elopement reservations for the Maroon Bells Amphitheater are tricky to get – they're snapped up pretty much the second they go live.
If you choose me as your Maroon Bells elopement photographer and planner, I'll help you navigate the reservation process – and figure out alternatives if you don't get the reservation you wanted.
But here are some tips for the best chance at securing a Maroon Bells Amphitheater reservation!
01/
Set up an account in advance.
Set up your account with Recreation.gov and add a payment method ahead of time, so you can check out as quickly as possible when reservations go live.
02/
Be ready early.
Maroon Bells reservations become available on a rolling basis, one year in advance of the reservation date at 8 a.m. MST.
So set your alarms and be online at least a few minutes early. Then refresh the page exactly at 8 a.m., and click fast!
03/
Enlist help from friends & family.
One way to increase your chances of getting a reservation is to also have your friends and family create accounts, log on early, and try to be the first to reserve your desired date.
04/
Be flexible about dates.
Your chances of getting a reservation are better if you don't have your heart set on one specific date! Create a list of dates with your partner that would work for your elopement, and try to get a reservation on each of those mornings until you get lucky.
05/
Consider alternatives.
If you're 100% set on the Maroon Bells Amphitheater, you might get your heart broken. But there are some great Plan Bs!
If you're inviting more than six guests, but you love the Maroon Bells views, you can have your ceremony elsewhere and then take portraits at Maroon Bells, just the two of you.
Or you can elope privately at Maroon Bells without a reservation – and still plan a reception elsewhere to celebrate with friends and family if you want!
Maroon Bells Elopement Rules
Once you get a Maroon Bells Amphitheater reservation (or if you're eloping without one), there are some rules to keep in mind:
You can check out Recreation.gov and the Aspen Chamber of Commerce for all the rules about eloping at Maroon Bells.
Reception Venues Near Maroon Bells
You can't hold a reception at Maroon Bells – but there are plenty of venues in Aspen and the surrounding area to celebrate with friends and family after your elopement!
Top Of The Village
Top Of The Village is a resort in Snowmass Village, less than 30 minutes from Maroon Bells. They have a small reception space, on a covered deck surrounded by aspens.
The resort also has group lodging on-site, so your wedding party can stay and get ready at the venue. And in the winter, you can rent ski-in, ski-out cabins for the most unique elopement lodging!
T-Lazy-7 Ranch
T-Lazy-7 Ranch is not only the best place to take a snowmobile tour for your winter Maroon Bells elopement – it's also a really pretty venue with three event spaces. You can have a tented reception in the meadow, dinner and dancing in the rustic lodge, or a more casual event on the covered patio.
The ranch also has a meadow ceremony location with mountain views that's a great alternative if you don't get a Maroon Bells Amphitheater reservation – and you can still take portraits at Maroon Bells after!
The Cabin
The Cabin is one of several slope-side venues in the Aspen Snowmass ski resort. The Cabin is open year-round – you can take the lift up the mountain, or even ski in during the winter. The venue has a historic cabin that seats 60 guests, and in the summer, a meadow that can fit up to 200.
East Maroon Portal Picnic Site
The East Maroon Portal Picnic Site is the closest space to Maroon Bells for a casual reception. Located at Maroon Creek, the picnic area can hold up to 70 guests.
Like the amphitheater, you can reserve the East Maroon Portal Picnic Site through Recreation.gov, and the reservation includes five parking passes. You can reserve it for the morning (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.), the afternoon (3 p.m. to 7 p.m.), or both.
Vacation Rentals
Most vacation rentals don't allow large parties, but you can always check with the owner about hosting a microwedding reception dinner. Plus, booking an Airbnb for the weekend gives you a private place to stay and get ready with your loved ones.
If you're eloping just the two of you, there's even more options for quaint cabins and homes around Maroon Bells – and you could totally hire a private chef to cook you a post-elopement dinner at your Airbnb.
Did one of these venues
strike your fancy?
Reach out to me to start planning your ideal Maroon Bells elopement!
Other Ceremony Venues Near Maroon Bells
What do we do if we can't get a Maroon Bells reservation?
First of all, don't panic! One of the most important services I offer my couples is location matchmaking. When you hire me as your elopement photographer and planner, one of the first things I'll do is send you a custom location guide.
Your location guide will have personalized suggestions based on what you want your day to look like – whether that includes guests, and outdoor adventure, or a must-see view. And I'll even include some "secret spots" you won't find anywhere else!
In the meantime, here are some of my favorite alternative ceremony spots near Maroon Bells – and elsewhere in the Rocky Mountains!
Aspen Historical Society Rentals
The Aspen Historical Society has three super unique sites you can rent for weddings and elopements:
State Parks
There are several Colorado state parks in the mountains around Aspen with gorgeous views and opportunities to adventure. Some parks have amphitheaters you can rent for larger ceremonies – but if you're eloping just the two of you, you can get married anywhere in the park!
The closest state parks to Maroon Bells are Sylvan Lake and Harvey Gap – but there are 43 parks throughout Colorado to choose from!
Pine Creek Cookhouse
Pine Creek Cookhouse is a gourmet restaurant specializing in "alpine cuisine." They can host everything from wedding ceremonies and receptions in their meadow, to small private events in their private dining room. If delicious food and epic views are priorities for your Aspen elopement, I'd definitely consider Pine Creek Cookhouse!
Leadville
Just on the other side of the mountain, Leadville is another adorable mountain town that's significantly less touristy than Aspen. Leadville has similarly stunning views, but at a much lower price point for venues, food, and accommodations.
If that sounds like your vibe, I can provide lots of personalized suggestions in the Leadville area once you book with me!
San Juan Mountains
Southwest of Aspen, the San Juans are a mountain range with lots of quaint mountain towns, alpine lakes, and trails for hiking and off-roading. This mountain range is one of my favorite parts of Colorado for elopements! Check out my guide to eloping in the San Juans:
Secret Spots
My hot take: the best venue is sometimes no venue at all! Especially for elopements just the two of you, we can venture to an off-the-grid location along a trail or over a mountain pass. And if you're up for a little adventuring, we'll find a super unique, private spot for your Colorado elopement ceremony.
how to Plan Your
Maroon Bells Elopement
If this guide has convinced you that a Maroon Bells elopement might be right for you, but you’re not quite sure where to start and feeling overwhelmed by the options, don’t panic! I’ll break down the steps to planning your dream elopement and do my best to make the process as stress-free as possible for you and your partner.
Step One:
Contact Me
First things first, fill out my contact form! No worries if you don’t have all the details figured out yet – reach out to me with your ideas, and I can help walk you through the rest of the steps from inquiry to elopement day. I pride myself on being not just an elopement photographer, but also a local expert, planner, and my couples’ best friend and support as they navigate the elopement planning process.
Step two:
Pick a Time & Place
This is where I come in as your on-the-ground local expert. I'll help you choose the perfect ceremony spot based on your preferences and priorities – whether that's Maroon Bells Amphitheater, or somewhere else! And if Maroon Bells is your dream spot, I can help you secure a reservation, parking, and all the other logistics for a perfect Maroon Bells elopement.
Once we have the location nailed down, if you don't already have a date in mind, I'll help you choose the perfect timing for whatever activities and backdrop you're envisioning on your elopement day.
Step three:
Find Other Vendors
If your dream elopement includes florals, hair and makeup, dinner with friends and family, or even an outdoor adventure, I can provide tailored recommendations for vendors to make it all happen! I have great relationships with many local vendors and experience with many of the hotels, restaurants, and rental companies in the area.
I can also help you find accommodations for your Maroon Bells elopement, whether it's an Airbnb for cute getting-ready photos, or the perfect campground for a night under the stars.
Step four:
Get Your Marriage License
If you’re planning to apply for a marriage license in Colorado, make sure you’re familiar with all the rules and regulations! Aspen is located in Pitkin County, and the county clerk and recorder is right in downtown Aspen. You'll need to fill out an application and schedule an appointment online, and then both of you have to appear in person to pick up the license.
If you're traveling from out-of-state for your Maroon Bells elopement and stressed about getting a marriage license, you can also choose to apply for a marriage license in your home state, before or after your elopement. That way you can just focus on your partner, your vows, and your adventures together during your elopement day.
And because Colorado is a self-solemnization state, you don't need an officiant or witnesses to elope at Maroon Bells! (Your dog can even "sign" your marriage license as your witness if you want.) For more info on self-solemnization and rules for Colorado marriage licenses, check out my guide on How to Get Legally Married in Colorado.
Step five:
Elope!
With all the planning out of the way (and me on your team to tackle any last-minute emergencies), all that's left to do is have the adventure of your lifetime with your person.
Fill out my contact form below to start chatting – no matter where you are in the planning process!
Let's chat!
