Experiences · Weddings
Getting married at the Maroon Bells
The most photographed mountains in North America, and a ceremony site with a permit, a short season and firm rules. How to secure it and plan around it.
The most photographed mountains in North America, and a ceremony site with a permit, a short season and firm rules. How to secure it and plan around it.
Ceremonies at the Maroon Bells use the Maroon Bells Amphitheater, booked on Recreation.gov for $200 a day, released one year ahead at 8 a.m. Mountain time on a rolling basis. Your reservation runs 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and includes five vehicle passes. It can't be booked on Fridays or Saturdays in June, July and August, or Friday to Sunday in September.
Details are from the Aspen Chamber's Maroon Bells wedding guide, checked September 2026. The Forest Service sets and can change the rules; confirm at booking.
Paul Montiel · Aspen · Updated September 2026
For a gathering afterwards, the East Maroon Portal picnic site on Maroon Creek Road takes up to 70 people, in a morning slot (10 a.m.–2 p.m.), an afternoon slot (3–7 p.m.) or both. Many couples hold the ceremony at the Bells and the dinner in town or at a private residence.
No arches, PA systems, hanging lights, floating lanterns, released animals, fireworks or aluminum cans, and every decoration leaves with you. The setting does the work; the plan should be about timing, transport and weather.
Everything else follows the permit. Set a reminder for exactly one year before your date, 8 a.m. Mountain time.
The famous reflection on Maroon Lake is best in the morning, which suits the 8 a.m. start. See Maroon Bells reservations for access rules for guests.
The lake sits at about 9,500 feet. Guests arriving from sea level should have two days in Aspen first; see the first 48 hours.
Summer afternoons bring thunderstorms; ceremonies are safest before noon, with a fallback in town.
Drivers for guests, a photographer who knows the light, dinner at a residence with a private chef, and the 2027 airport closure factored into everyone's travel. See Aspen in summer 2027.
The amphitheater is $200 a day, before taxes and fees, booked on Recreation.gov.
Up to one year ahead, released at 8 a.m. Mountain time on a rolling basis.
Not in June, July or August (Fridays and Saturdays are blocked), nor in September (Friday to Sunday are blocked).
The reservation includes five vehicle passes; the East Maroon Portal picnic site nearby takes up to 70 people for a reception.
Your reservation runs 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.; mornings give the best light and the least weather risk.
Guests met and driven, a photographer for first light, dinner at the house with a private chef, and everyone's travel planned around the airport.
A local Roaring Fork Valley photographer, English and Spanish speaking, for family portraits, couples, proposals, celebrations and private dinners, in town, at the house or out in the valley.
A car and driver on call for dinner and the night out, so nobody hunts for a taxi at midnight.
Dinner at the house, menu agreed in advance.
From Aspen's airport to the door in a private SUV, timed to your actual landing.
Aspen Chamber: Maroon Bells weddings — checked September 29, 2026.
Tell us your date and your guest count. We'll plan the weekend around the permit.
Plan the weekend