Tips for Planning Your Maroon Bells Wedding | Colorado Lifestyle Photography

Maroon Bells in Aspen is one of the most iconic Colorado destinations for weddings and elopements. So I am here to give you some Tips for Planning Your Maroon Bells Wedding.

Permits and Reservations

Secure Permits: You’ll need to obtain a permit to reserve the Maroon Bells Amphitheater for your ceremony. Reservations can be made up to one year in advance on Recreation.gov. The cost is $200. Be ready to book exactly one year out at 8 am MST, as reservations are competitive, especially for weekends.
Limited Availability: Reservations are not accepted on Fridays and Saturdays in June, July, and August, and also not on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays in September and October.
Guest Limit: The maximum number of people allowed at the amphitheater is 50, including vendors.
Permit Includes: Your reservation includes five vehicle passes, allowing you to drive up to the amphitheater.

Best Time to Get Married

Summer (June-August): Offers comfortable temperatures and vibrant wildflowers.
Fall (Late September – Early October): Features stunning fall foliage. This is a popular time, so expect larger crowds.
Weekday Weddings: Consider a weekday wedding for more privacy.
Time of Day: Sunrise offers beautiful alpenglow on the mountains.

Transportation

Shuttle: The most common way to access the Maroon Bells is via the shuttle service, which operates from late May to mid-October. Reservations are required and can be made at VisitMaroonBells.com.
Parking: If you arrive before 8 am or after 5 pm, you can drive in and park without a shuttle reservation.
Vehicle Passes: Your amphitheater reservation includes five vehicle passes.
Private Transportation: Consider hiring a private shuttle for your guests.

Important Considerations

Altitude: The Maroon Bells Amphitheater sits at approximately 9,500 feet. Acclimate to the altitude and drink plenty of water.
No Receptions: Receptions are not allowed at the amphitheater itself, but the East Maroon Portal Picnic site is nearby and can be reserved.
No Drinkable Water: There is no drinkable water available at Maroon Bells, so bring plenty.
Cell Service: Cell phone reception is limited in the area.

You can find more information and start the reservation process at the Aspen Chamber of Commerce website HERE.

“This has been a long time coming but we wanted to let the world know how awesome and wonderful it was to work with Kristin! She shot our wedding in July including video and photos. She captured every detail and everything we could’ve hoped for. She was so understanding and thoughtful throughout the whole process from booking till now. The photos speak for itself how wonderful she was able to capture our day. She also went above and beyond with our wedding video where I am always brought to tears every time i watch it. You can tell she puts so much effort and time into her work. Kristin gives you everything when you work with her, even as far as carpool! We were a decent drive to our wedding site and she did not hesitate and let me and my husband carpool with her! Such an amazing gesture. An honorable mention to the other photographer who was assisting her who was so helpful and captured so many candid angles. We currently do not live in the same state where Kristin works, but if we were able, we would have her capture the rest of our big life moments if we near each other. You will not regret working with Kristin. I am so thankful that I was able to find her and have her capture one the most important days of our lives.” – Natalie and Ty