Best Aspen Colorado Wedding Venues
Aspen wedding venues offer some of the most breathtaking backdrops in Colorado—from intimate mountain lodges to luxury resort settings framed by the Elk Mountains. Over my 18 years photographing weddings across Colorado, I've captured nearly 500 celebrations, and Aspen remains one of the most stunning locations for couples seeking elevated, authentic imagery in a natural setting. Whether you're drawn to the rustic charm of Pine Creek Cookhouse, the sophisticated elegance of The Little Nell, or the historic character of Hotel Jerome, each venue brings its own distinct atmosphere and photographic possibilities. The best Aspen wedding venues blend dramatic mountain views with refined service, creating spaces where couples can stay present while I document the real, unguarded moments that matter. This guide features the top 10 Aspen Colorado wedding venues I recommend based on firsthand experience-venues where the light, the landscape, and the logistics all come together to create something unforgettable.
1. Pine Creek Cookhouse - Pine Creek Cookhouse is one of Aspen's most romantic wedding venues, nestled in Castle Creek Valley just 12 miles from downtown Aspen. This rustic mountain venue accommodates 50-120 guests and offers both summer and winter wedding options. As an Aspen wedding photographer, I've captured multiple weddings here and love the natural light in the main dining room and the dramatic mountain backdrop for outdoor ceremonies. The venue is accessible by cross-country skiing or horse-drawn sleigh in winter, creating a truly unique arrival experience. Best for: Couples seeking an intimate, adventurous mountain wedding with gourmet dining
Capacity: 50-120 guests
Season: Year-round (winter weddings are especially magical)
Photography highlights: Golden hour portraits on the deck, candlelit dinner ambiance, mountain ceremony backdrops
2. The Little Nell Hotel - The Little Nell stands at the base of Aspen Mountain as one of Colorado's most prestigious wedding venues, offering refined luxury without pretension. This five-star hotel accommodates intimate gatherings of 20 guests up to grand celebrations of 200+, with multiple event spaces that showcase floor-to-ceiling mountain views. The rooftop terrace provides one of Aspen's most dramatic ceremony backdrops, framed by the Elk Mountains. The Little Nell's in-house coordination team ensures seamless logistics, allowing couples to stay present while every detail unfolds perfectly. Their culinary program is exceptional, and the convenience of on-site luxury accommodations means your guests never have to leave.
Best for: Couples seeking sophisticated luxury with impeccable service and world-class amenities
Capacity: 20-200+ guests
Season: Year-round (summer and winter are equally stunning)
Photography highlights: Rooftop terrace ceremonies at golden hour, elegant ballroom receptions, intimate courtyard moments, mountain backdrop portraits
3. St Regis Hotel - The St. Regis Aspen Resort embodies timeless elegance in the heart of Aspen, offering a wedding experience defined by sophistication and refined mountain luxury. This iconic resort accommodates 50-300 guests across multiple elegant event spaces, from intimate salons to the grand Aspen Ballroom with its crystal chandeliers and mountain-view windows. The St. Regis signature butler service and meticulous attention to detail create an atmosphere where couples can trust every moment will unfold flawlessly. Their outdoor terrace overlooking Aspen Mountain provides a breathtaking ceremony setting, while the resort's spa and luxury accommodations make it ideal for multi-day wedding celebrations.
Best for: Couples wanting classic luxury with impeccable service and elegant mountain sophistication
Capacity: 50-300 guests
Season: Year-round (winter transforms the property into a snow-covered wonderland)
Photography highlights: Ballroom chandeliers and natural window light, terrace ceremonies with mountain views, refined portrait opportunities throughout the property, dramatic architectural details
4. Hotel Jerome - Hotel Jerome exudes authentic Aspen history, having stood in the heart of downtown since 1889. This Auberge Resort combines Victorian-era charm with modern luxury, accommodating 30-150 guests in spaces that feel both historic and refined. As a photographer, I love the character here, exposed brick, original architectural details, and the way afternoon sun lights up the ballroom. The intimate courtyard offers a romantic ceremony setting surrounded by historic architecture, while the ballroom's high ceilings and elegant simplicity provide a timeless backdrop for receptions. Hotel Jerome's location puts you steps from Aspen's best restaurants and shops, and their experienced event team understands how to honor the building's history while creating contemporary celebrations. The property feels distinctly Aspen, rooted, authentic, and unpretentious despite its luxury positioning.
Best for: Couples drawn to historic charm, downtown convenience, and authentic Aspen character
Capacity: 30-150 guests
Season: Year-round (fall brings particularly beautiful light)
Photography highlights: Historic architectural details, courtyard ceremonies with brick and greenery, ballroom's natural light and high ceilings, downtown Aspen street portraits
5. T Lazy 7 Ranch - T Lazy 7 Ranch offers one of Aspen's most authentic mountain wedding experiences, set on a working guest ranch in Maroon Creek Valley with unobstructed views of the Maroon Bells. This rustic venue accommodates 50-200 guests and provides the rare combination of dramatic wilderness setting with comfortable amenities. I've photographed multiple weddings here and consistently find myself drawn to the golden hour light across the meadow and the way the Maroon Bells create a natural cathedral backdrop for outdoor ceremonies. The ranch's log cabin aesthetic feels genuine rather than styled, and the open meadow allows for flexible ceremony and reception layouts. Couples who choose T Lazy 7 tend to value adventure and natural beauty over formal elegance, this is a venue for those who want their wedding to feel like an authentic Colorado mountain experience. The ranch provides on-site accommodations, creating an intimate multi-day celebration atmosphere.
Best for: Adventurous couples seeking authentic ranch atmosphere with iconic Colorado mountain views
Capacity: 50-200 guests
Season: Late spring through early fall (summer offers the most reliable weather)
Photography highlights: Maroon Bells backdrop, golden hour meadow portraits, rustic ranch details, authentic Western atmosphere, dramatic mountain ceremony settings
6. The Viceroy (Snowmass) - The Viceroy Snowmass brings contemporary luxury to Aspen's neighboring Snowmass Village, offering modern design and sweeping mountain views just 20 minutes from downtown Aspen. This upscale resort accommodates 50-250 guests with multiple event spaces that showcase floor-to-ceiling windows and clean, sophisticated interiors. As a photographer, I appreciate the Viceroy's modern aesthetic, the clean lines and neutral palette allow couples and their surroundings to remain the focus, while the expansive windows provide consistent natural light throughout the day. The outdoor terrace offers dramatic ceremony views of the Elk Mountains, and the resort's ski-in/ski-out location makes it ideal for winter weddings. The Viceroy's full-service spa, multiple restaurants, and luxury accommodations create a self-contained wedding weekend experience where guests never need to leave the property.
Best for: Couples wanting modern luxury with mountain views and resort convenience
Capacity: 50-250 guests
Season: Year-round (winter ski season and summer mountain season are equally popular)
Photography highlights: Modern interiors with mountain views, terrace ceremonies with dramatic backdrops, clean architectural lines, consistent natural light
7. Viewline Resort (Snowmass) - Viewline Resort Snowmass offers contemporary mountain elegance with panoramic views and sophisticated design in Snowmass Village. This modern resort accommodates up to 150 guests with versatile event spaces that blend indoor comfort with outdoor mountain drama. The resort's rooftop venue provides one of the area's most impressive ceremony settings, with 360-degree views of the surrounding peaks. Viewline's design feels intentionally understated, allowing the mountains to remain the focal point while providing refined comfort and service. The resort's location offers easy access to both Snowmass and Aspen, and their culinary program emphasizes locally sourced Colorado ingredients.
Best for: Couples seeking modern design with dramatic mountain views and intimate guest count
Capacity: Up to 150 guests
Season: Year-round (shoulder seasons offer beautiful light and fewer crowds)
Photography highlights: Rooftop ceremonies with panoramic mountain views, modern architectural details, golden hour rooftop portraits, clean contemporary interiors
8. Lynn Britt Cabin - Lynn Britt Cabin provides one of Aspen's most intimate and charming wedding settings, perched mid-mountain on Aspen Mountain with sweeping valley views. This rustic log cabin accommodates up to 80 guests, making it ideal for couples seeking a cozy, authentic mountain atmosphere. Accessible by gondola in summer or snowcat in winter, the journey to Lynn Britt becomes part of the wedding experience itself. As a photographer, I love the cabin's genuine character, exposed log walls, intimate scale, and the way the deck overlooks the entire Roaring Fork Valley. The venue's size naturally creates an intimate atmosphere where every guest feels connected to the celebration. Lynn Britt works best for couples who value authenticity and closeness over grand scale, and who want their wedding to feel like a true mountain retreat rather than a formal hotel event.
Best for: Intimate celebrations valuing authentic cabin atmosphere and dramatic valley views
Capacity: Up to 80 guests
Season: Summer and early fall (winter access requires snowcat transportation)
Photography highlights: Log cabin interiors with natural character, deck ceremonies overlooking the valley, intimate scale creates authentic moments, gondola arrival photos
9. Aspen Meadows - Aspen Meadows Resort offers a unique blend of modern architecture and natural surroundings, set on 40 acres along the Roaring Fork River. This Bauhaus-inspired property accommodates up to 300 guests with multiple indoor and outdoor event spaces that showcase clean architectural lines and mountain views. The resort's design, created by architect Herbert Bayer, provides a distinctive aesthetic that appeals to couples drawn to mid-century modern style. I appreciate the way the property's architecture plays with natural light. Aspen Meadows feels more relaxed than traditional luxury hotels, with a focus on art, nature, and thoughtful design. The expansive grounds allow for flexible ceremony and reception layouts, and the property's conference center roots mean logistics and service run seamlessly.
Best for: Couples drawn to modern architecture, art, and spacious natural grounds with river access
Capacity: Up to 300 guests
Season: Late spring through early fall (outdoor spaces are the main draw)
Photography highlights: Bauhaus architecture with mountain backdrop, riverside ceremony settings, geometric architectural details, meadow portraits, unique mid-century modern aesthetic
10. The Gant - The Gant offers a versatile and approachable wedding venue with classic mountain lodge ambiance and convenient location between downtown Aspen and Aspen Highlands. This condominium resort accommodates up to 250 guests with multiple event spaces that provide alpine views. The Gant appeals to couples seeking quality and convenience without the formality of luxury resort pricing. The outdoor spaces provide beautiful mountain backdrops for ceremonies, while the indoor event spaces offer comfortable settings for receptions. The Gant's condominium-style accommodations make it particularly practical for families and groups who want to stay together, and the location provides easy access to Aspen's hiking, skiing, and downtown attractions.
Best for: Couples seeking quality mountain venue with practical pricing and convenient location
Capacity: Up to 250 guests
Season: Year-round (summer and winter both offer distinct mountain experiences)
Photography highlights: Mountain lodge atmosphere, alpine views, outdoor ceremony settings, comfortable unpretentious interiors, natural mountain light
Aspen Wedding Venue FAQs
How much do Aspen wedding venues cost?
Aspen wedding venues range from $5,000 to $75,000+ depending on the venue, season, and guest count. Luxury venues like The Little Nell and St. Regis typically start at $75,000+. Peak summer season (June-September) commands premium pricing, while shoulder seasons may offer more flexibility.
What is the best time of year for an Aspen wedding?
The best time for an Aspen wedding depends on your vision. Summer (June-August) offers warm weather, wildflowers, and outdoor ceremony options with average temperatures of 70-80°F. Fall (September-October) brings golden aspens and fewer crowds—one of the most photogenic times of year. Winter (December-February) creates a magical snowy backdrop perfect for luxury ski resort weddings. Book 12-18 months in advance for peak season dates.
Can I have an outdoor ceremony at Aspen wedding venues?
Yes, most Aspen wedding venues offer outdoor ceremony options with stunning mountain views. Venues like Pine Creek Cookhouse, T Lazy 7 Ranch, and The Little Nell have dedicated outdoor ceremony spaces that showcase the Elk Mountains. However, always have a weather backup plan, as mountain weather can be unpredictable even in summer. Most venues provide elegant indoor alternatives with equally beautiful settings.
How far in advance should I book an Aspen wedding venue?
For peak summer season (June-September), book 12-18 months in advance. Popular venues like The Little Nell and Pine Creek Cookhouse often book out 18-24 months ahead for Saturday summer dates. Fall and winter weddings may have more availability with 8-12 months' notice. If you're flexible on dates or considering a weekday wedding, you may find availability with shorter lead times.
What should I ask Aspen wedding venues before booking?
Ask about vendor restrictions (some venues have preferred vendor lists), weather backup plans for outdoor ceremonies, guest accommodation options nearby, photography timeline flexibility, setup and breakdown times, what's included in the venue fee, seasonal accessibility, and whether they provide coordination services. Also confirm if they allow both ceremony and reception on-site, and what their cancellation and rescheduling policies are.
Can out-of-town guests easily access Aspen?
Aspen is accessible via Aspen/Pitkin County Airport (ASE) with direct flights from major cities, or via Eagle County Airport (EGE) about 70 miles away, or Denver International Airport (DEN) about 200 miles away. Most venues are within 15 minutes of downtown Aspen. Consider arranging shuttle services for guests, especially for mountain venues or winter weddings. Many hotels offer airport transportation, and the town itself is walkable.
