Aspen Elopement Officiant for Luxury Mountain Ceremonies

Private Aspen Elopements at Maroon Bells, Independence Pass, and Alpine Lakes

Aspen, Colorado is one of the most iconic mountain elopement destinations in the United States. From the dramatic peaks of the Maroon Bells to the golden aspen groves of Independence Pass, the region offers unmatched alpine beauty for couples seeking an intentional, private wedding experience.

Michael Moody is a Colorado wedding officiant specializing in luxury Aspen elopements for couples who value discretion, refined ceremony design, and extraordinary natural landscapes.

Every ceremony is custom-written and tailored to the couple’s story, ensuring the experience feels intimate, elevated, and meaningful — never generic.

Best Aspen Elopement Locations

Whether you prefer a moderate scenic hike or a more rugged backcountry ascent, Colorado offers some of the most iconic elopement destinations in the United States:

Maroon Bells Elopement

One of the most photographed mountain ranges in North America, the Maroon Bells offers:

• Early morning ceremony access

• Dramatic alpine lake reflections

• Fall foliage in late September

• Strict permit regulations (essential to plan early)

Maroon Bells requires advance reservations and special use permits for wedding ceremonies. Planning typically begins 6–12 months in advance.

Independence Pass Elopement

At over 12,000 feet, Independence Pass provides:

• Panoramic ridge views

• Sunset alpine light

• Secluded ceremony spots

• Seasonal access (typically late May–October)

Ideal for couples comfortable with altitude and minimal hiking.

Aspen Mountain & Luxury Resort Elopements

For couples seeking a balance between wilderness and sophistication:

• The Little Nell

• Hotel Jerome

• Private mountain estates

• Snowmass scenic overlooks

This option pairs well with a curated elopement weekend experience.

Premium Colorado Elopement Packages

Designed for couples seeking a refined, guided, and meaningful ceremony in the Colorado mountains.

Aspen Elopement Packages

Starting at $1,495

Includes:

• Custom-written ceremony

• Personalized vow refinement

• Marriage license signing

• Permit guidance

• Vendor collaboration

• Travel within 2 hours of Denver

Aspen Adventure Elopement Experience

Starting at $2,400

Includes:

• Fully personalized ceremony

• Timeline creation (sunrise or sunset)

• Location strategy consultation

• Permit navigation support

• Trail and altitude planning

• Vendor coordination

• Travel within 4 hours of Denver

Destination Aspen Luxury Elopement

Starting at $3,800

Includes:

• Comprehensive planning calls

• Ceremony architecture and script development

• Coordination with planners and photographers

• Location scouting guidance

• Travel anywhere within 7 hours of Denver

• Priority booking

Videography services are not included but may be coordinated with preferred vendors.

Aspen Elopement Planning Considerations

Permits

Maroon Bells and many USFS areas require special use permits. Limited daily access means early booking is essential.

Altitude

Most Aspen ceremony locations range from 8,000–12,500 feet. Hydration and acclimation are critical for comfort and safety.

Seasonal Strategy

• Summer: Wildflowers and clear alpine lakes

• Fall: Golden aspen trees (late September peak)

• Winter: Snow-covered elopements with private lodge celebrations

Why Couples Choose Aspen for a Luxury Elopement

Aspen attracts discerning couples because it offers:

• World-class dining

• Private aviation access

• Luxury accommodations

• Dramatic alpine backdrops

• Privacy without sacrificing sophistication

An Aspen elopement is not a smaller wedding. It is a deliberate choice for intimacy and refinement.

Begin Planning Your Aspen Elopement

Seasonal availability is limited, especially for Maroon Bells and peak fall foliage dates.

Schedule a consultation to begin planning your Aspen mountain elopement.

Aspen Elopement Frequently Asked Questions

• Do you need a permit to elope at Maroon Bells?

  Yes. Maroon Bells requires a special use permit for wedding ceremonies, and vehicle reservations are mandatory during peak season (typically late May through October). Permit availability is limited, and high-demand dates—especially during fall foliage—book months in advance. Early planning is essential to secure your preferred date and time.

• What are the best Aspen elopement locations?

  Some of the most sought-after Aspen elopement locations include:

  -Maroon Bells (iconic alpine lake views)

  -Independence Pass (high-elevation mountain overlooks)

  -Ashcroft Ghost Town area (rustic mountain scenery)

  -Snowmass scenic overlooks

  -Private luxury estates and resort properties

  Each location varies in accessibility, privacy, and permit requirements.

• When is the best time to elope in Aspen?

  -Late June through early September offers wildflowers, clear alpine trails, and accessible mountain passes.

  -Late September is the peak aspen foliage season, with vibrant golden trees.

  -Winter elopements provide snow-covered peaks and intimate lodge celebrations but require additional planning.

  Sunrise ceremonies often provide the best lighting and the most privacy.

• How much does an Aspen elopement cost?

  Aspen elopement officiant services typically range from $1,495 to $3,800, depending on location, travel, and level of planning. Total elopement investment may also include photography, permits, florals, lodging, and celebratory dining. Aspen is a luxury destination, and overall budgets often range from $8,000 to $25,000+.

• Can we hike to an alpine lake for our Aspen elopement?

  Yes. Many couples choose moderate hikes to secluded alpine lakes or scenic overlooks for a private ceremony. Trail distance, elevation gain, and seasonal access are carefully evaluated during planning to ensure comfort and safety.

• What is the elevation of Aspen elopement locations?

  Most Aspen ceremony locations range from 8,000 to over 12,000 feet in elevation. Hydration, acclimation, and physical preparedness are important considerations when planning a high-altitude ceremony.

• How far is Aspen from Denver?

  Aspen is approximately 3.5 to 4.5 hours from Denver, depending on route and seasonal conditions. Winter travel may require additional time due to weather conditions across mountain passes.

• Is Aspen a good destination for a luxury elopement weekend?

  Yes. Aspen offers:

• Five-star accommodations

• Michelin-level dining

• Private aviation access

• Luxury mountain estates

• Exclusive seasonal experiences

  Many couples choose to extend their ceremony into a curated elopement weekend experience.

“Truly, a marriage based on a foundation of trust, faith, and commitment will make your marriage successful no matter what. Trust to keep you open and honest with each other. Faith in each other to allow you to overcome doubt and adversity. Perhaps most importantly, commitment to keep you true to the promises you make to each other today.”

“As you do these things, your love will continue to grow and flourish. Your burdens will seem lighter because you divide them; your joys will become more intense because you share them; Your marriage will make each of you stronger so you will have the energy and passion to do things you might not choose to do alone.”

Wedding Ceremonies in Colorado

Michael officiates wedding ceremonies in the Denver neighborhoods of LoDo, River North, Washington Park, Cherry Creek, City Park, Central Park, Capitol Hill, Cheesman Park, Park Hill, Highland, Platt Park, Lower Highlands, Sloan Lake as well as the zip codes 80215, 80214, 80204, 80203, 80205, 80207, 80218, 80219, 80222, 80223, 80224, 80246, 80238, 80221, 80022, 80230, 80231, 80202, 80209, 80247, and 80210. Michael also serves as an ordained minister in Littleton, Boulder, Breckenridge, Frisco, Vail, Aspen, Estes Park, Golden, and more. If your Denver neighborhood or Colorado town isn’t listed here, no worries! Please get in touch with Michael to propose a wedding ceremony location in a different area!

Wedding Officiant Reviews

"I am so happy we had Michael Moody officiate our wedding! He did an amazing job! From the outset, Michael was very professional and helpful. He sat down with us, helped us organize our entire wedding ceremony, and provided great advice on the order of everything. He even provided us with sample readings and vows, which were awesome! He was very responsive with all our emails and answered all our questions as well. And on our wedding day, Michael was phenomenal! He ensured that everything was in order and that everyone involved in the wedding ceremony knew their roles and responsibilities, making the whole process stress-free. He did a wonderful job tailoring the wedding ceremony to just what we wanted, and we couldn't have been any happier with the whole thing."

- Selina K.

Also Featured On:

Denver, Colorado Office (By Appointment Only)