Aspen is one of my favorite places to produce a destination wedding. The town is bustling with excitement in ski season and blooming with nature in spring and fall and so fun and filled with summer activities when kids are out of school. Aspen as a town is intimate, relaxed yet sophisticated with something for everyone – whether that’s white water rafting or fine dining. If you’re considering getting married in Aspen, take a look at what you need to know before you go. Planning a wedding in Aspen is a dream come true, you’ll fall in love not only with the nature around you but the venue options, the cuisine and the people too!
Keep in mind the altitude. Guests, especially older guests, who may not be avid skiers like you are often impacted by the high altitude in certain Colorado destinations. We like to encourage our guests to be informed and take part in their health so this isn’t a factor. Staying hydrated throughout the stay, not consuming too much alcohol (it effects you faster here) and even partaking in oxygen bar treatments that we set up at an after party or individuals enjoy at their hotels or in town are all great ways to protect guests from the effects of the high altitude in Aspen.
Look for ceremony settings out of the ordinary – like the top of Aspen Mountain! Did you know your guests can ride up a gondola to get to your wedding? Aspen is home to some spectacular ranches, unique event spaces, clubs and even mountain slope ceremony sites (like The Little Nell’s 11,000 ft+ high wedding location). Don’t just shop the posh hotel’s you’ve heard of (though they are great too), but consider getting your guests outside as well, even if only for the rehearsal dinner.
Remember that with special spots can come special pricing. If your guests ride up the gondola to get to your wedding, then so does the cake, the florist and the entertainment. This comes at a premium because of the time, staffing and logistics the setup and install require to get it right. If budget is a concern, consider one of the wonderful hotels or venues down in town instead.
Seasonality can impact price – for you and your guests. You may have dreams of a snowy winter wedding and that is a dream come true! However, before you book it, make sure your guests can afford it. Getting married in a ski town during peak ski season will mean high hotel room rates and you don’t want your wedding to be cost prohibitive for the ones you love to attend. The nice thing about Aspen is even the shoulder season is pretty! You can say “I do” in slower months of the year and see more competitive pricing if you’re flexible on your date.
Aspen is a magical place to tie the knot! With so many different venue choices to consider, great restaurants, spas and shopping to indulge in and of course outdoor sports and adventure, there’s truly something for every wedding guest here. You won’t regret getting married in Aspen!
Image by Ashley Sawtelle.
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