The Maroon Bells are one of the most photographed mountain ranges in North America, and for good reason. This blog post includes everything you need to know for how to get married at Maroon Bells in Aspen Colorado. Keep reading if you want to know the best ceremony locations, best time of year to elope, permit information, pricing, how to plan your day and Maroon Bells wedding photography packages.

Where are the best ceremony locations in the Maroon Bells?

1. Maroon Bells Amphitheater

The Maroon Bells Amphitheater is the most well-known and structured ceremony location in the area. It sits just above Maroon Lake and offers a sweeping, unobstructed view of the Bells rising dramatically behind you. This is the location most couples picture when they think of a Maroon Bells wedding.

Maximum Guests Allowed: Typically up to 50 guests depending on permit restrictions for your date
Landscapes: Alpine lake views, towering peaks, open sky, and symmetrical mountain framing
Accessibility: Very accessible with nearby parking and paved walkways
What makes Maroon Bells Amphitheater unique for your wedding experience: This location is ideal for couples who want a classic, iconic ceremony setting with minimal hiking. The amphitheater layout naturally creates an intimate ceremony space while still showcasing the full scale of the mountains. Sunrise ceremonies here are especially beautiful, with soft alpenglow hitting the peaks and fewer visitors in the area.

2. Maroon Bells Scenic Trail

The Maroon Bells Scenic Trail runs alongside Maroon Lake and continues deeper into the wilderness, offering quieter ceremony options away from the main viewing area. This is a great option for couples who want something more secluded while still keeping the mountains front and center.

Maximum Guests Allowed: Small groups, typically under 10–15 depending on permit guidelines
Landscapes: Aspen groves, mountain reflections, forested paths, and lake views
Accessibility: Easy, mostly flat walking trail
What makes Maroon Bells Scenic Trail unique for your wedding experience: This location feels more private and immersive. You’ll hear the wind through the trees, birds overhead, and water moving nearby. It’s ideal for couples who want a peaceful, slow-paced ceremony experience without sacrificing views.

3. Maroon Lake

Maroon Lake itself can be used as a backdrop for intimate ceremonies or vow exchanges, particularly early in the morning when the water is still and reflective. The mountains mirrored in the lake create one of the most striking visuals in all of Colorado.

Maximum Guests Allowed: Very small groups only
Landscapes: Crystal-clear alpine lake, mountain reflections, shoreline foliage
Accessibility: Easy access near parking areas
What makes Maroon Lake unique for your wedding experience: This spot offers a more organic, free-flowing ceremony feel. It’s perfect for couples who want something simple and emotional, with the focus entirely on the landscape and the moment.

When is the best time of year to get married at Maroon Bells?

Timing is everything at the Maroon Bells, both for permits and for the overall experience. Because this is a highly protected and highly trafficked area, choosing the right season, day, and time can dramatically impact how your elopement feels.

1. May – October

The Maroon Bells are accessible from late May through mid-to-late October, depending on snowfall. Reservations for the Maroon Bells Amphitheater become available the first week of June. June and July bring lush greenery, wildflowers, and flowing water, while September and early October are famous for peak fall foliage. Aspen trees turn brilliant shades of gold, creating a completely different visual experience than summer. I personally would recommend June as the best month.

2. Pick a Weekday

Weekdays are always recommended for Maroon Bells elopements. Visitor traffic is significantly lighter, permit availability is better, and the overall experience feels calmer and more intimate. Tuesdays through Thursdays are ideal if you have flexibility.

3. Sunrise vs. Sunset

Sunrise or sunset is the best time of day to elope for the most privacy and best lighting.

What permits do you need to elope in the Maroon Bells?

All ceremonies in the Maroon Bells require permits, regardless of guest count. This helps protect the landscape and ensures that ceremonies don’t interfere with public access.

Maroon Bells Amphitheater Reservation

The amphitheater requires a specific reservation through reservation.gov. These dates book quickly, especially for peak season weekends. Permits are typically released months in advance, and availability can change year to year. I help all of my couples navigate this process and ensure they’re applying correctly and on time.

How much does it cost to get married in the Maroon Bells?

How to Plan your Maroon Bells Wedding

1. Decide on your preferred season and date range
   Be sure to check reservation.gov to ensure the amphitheater is not already reserved on your desired date!
2. Book your Aspen Wedding Photographer (that’s me!)
3. Get Inspiration
   I’ll send over my comprehensive elopement questionnaire for you to get inspired, link your Pinterest board of ideas, and think through what an intentional, meaningful day looks like for you. From there, I’ll create a fully custom elopement guide with ceremony locations, portrait ideas, a draft timeline, vendor recommendations, and travel logistics.
4. Apply for your permits
   I help with alllll of this, from selecting the correct permit to ensuring everything is submitted properly.
5. Finalize travel logistics
   This includes lodging, transportation, shuttle reservations, and timing.
6. Apply for a marriage license
   You can either legally marry in Colorado or complete the paperwork in your home state.
7. Get married
   You’ll have the most adventurous, true to you day ever

Maroon Bells Wedding Photos & Super 8 Film

Vintage film looks incredible in the Maroon Bells landscape. The texture, color, and softness of 35mm film pair beautifully with alpine scenery, while Super 8 film brings movement and emotion to moments photography can’t fully capture. From wind moving through the trees to reflections on the lake, film preserves the feeling of the day in a timeless way.

Aspen Wedding Photographer Packages

• Choose between 4, 6, 8, & 10 Hours of Photography Coverage
• Full Service Planning, logistics, and permitting assistance
• Polaroids & Vintage Film Photos & Super 8 Film Add-on
• Custom Timeline specifically made for you & your love
• Vendor Recommendations to help make your day perfect
• High Resolution Images for printing all your photos
• Web Size Images for sharing on social media
• Custom Online Gallery with a personalized store
• Full Printing Rights
• Luxury Heirloom Printed Albums made completely custom to you
• All TRAVEL INCLUDED anywhere in Aspen, Colorado & in between locations on the day of!
• Starting at $6500

Click HERE to contact me to start planning your Maroon Bells elopement!

Looking for more wedding and elopement inspiration? 

Check out more inspo below!

The 8 Best National Parks for Adventure Weddings

Summer Maroon Bells Elopement Colorado

Grand Teton Elopement at Jenny Lake

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