Maroon Bells Amphitheater Wedding & Elopement Guide for 2026
Hey there! My name’s Iver Marjerison.
I’m a professional micro-wedding planner in Colorado, and over the years I’ve planned hundreds of small weddings and elopements. Here’s everything you need to know about getting married at Maroon Bells Amphitheater, in Aspen, Colorado.
Maroon Bells Amphitheater is one of the most iconic wedding locations in Colorado—and one of the most photographed mountain backdrops in the entire United States. Located just outside Aspen in the White River National Forest, this intimate ceremony site offers unbeatable views of the Maroon Bells peaks reflecting over Maroon Lake. In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to plan your Maroon Bells elopement or micro-wedding, including permit rules, booking tips, best months and times of day, weather expectations, photography advice, parking and shuttle info, and local recommendations around Aspen and Snowmass.
What The Internet Won’t Tell You…
Aspen is one of the most expensive areas of Colorado.
The amphitheater has very limited parking
For good photos you have to do an early morning wedding.
Securing a permit for Maroon Bells Amphitheater is just short of impossible, with thousands of people trying, and only about 75 being issued per year.
If Maroon Bells doesn’t work for you—don’t worry!
There are lots of beautiful places in Colorado to get married.
Text or Email me the word “info” for my full list of Colorado wedding spots!
Iver@ColoradoMicroWeddings.com
720-598-2862
Everything you need to know about getting married at Maroon Bells Amphitheater
How-To Reserve the Maroon Bells Amphitheater
How-To Plan a Wedding at Maroon Bells
How-To Reserve the Maroon Bells Amphitheater
Maroon Bells Amphitheater wedding reservations can be made June 7 - October 4, reservations are not accepted for Fridays and Saturdays in June, July and August. Reservations are not accepted for Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays in September and October. Click here to see the Maroon Bells booking calendar.
Here’s the trick: the reservations for this location open up at 8am Mtn time, exactly one calendar year in advance to the day. When the date opens, the first person to “click” the reservation gets it. Generally speaking this happens within second. This process can be a bit frustrating and makes it difficult to plan on a specific date more than a year in advance. While couples can get lucky and get their top date, my advice is generally:
If your getting married more than a year in advance, pick a month for your wedding (example July of next year) then July of this year, go on every morning and try to get a permit for each day when it opens up until you get lucky. Option 2
If your getting married less than a year in advance, simply go on their website and click “Next available” there will usually be a couple random dates that have opened up due to cancelations. If there aren’t—just keep checking!
How-To Plan a Wedding at Maroon Bells Amphitheater
Secure Your Maroon Bells Amphitheater Permit
Info above!
Find Your Wedding Vendors
This is optional technically, but many couples like to have a wedding officiant and/or photographer for their day. Click here for our All-Inclusive Maroon Bells Elopement Package.
Get the Marriage License
Colorado makes getting a marriage license simple! You and your fiance simply need to go into a Colorado County Clerk during business hours to pick up the license. Here’s my full Colorado Marriage License Guide.
Get Married!
On the day of the wedding, you and your guests will meet your wedding vendors at the amphitheater. You’ll have the ceremony, sign the license, take photos, and then (generally) head to a local restaurant to celebrate!
Want some help?
Colorado MicroWeddings
All-Inclusive Maroon Bells Elopement Packages
Starting at $1,750
Click Here for More Info on Colorado MicroWeddings Maroon Bells Package
Maroon Bells Amphitheater Wedding FAQs
Is a Permit Required to Get Married at Maroon Bells Amphitheater?
To have a wedding at the Maroon Bells Amphitheater, you are required to secure the site via the designated online portal (here). However, you can “elope” on the trails nearby with no permit, as long as you don’t have any guests.
What is the Travel Time?
Maroon Bells Amphitheater is located in Aspen, on the Eastern side of Colorado, making it a bit of a trek for wedding groups that are flying in to Denver, or driving from the Midwest. Google may tell you it’s 3.5 hours, but the route goes through the mountains where traffic and conditions can radically effect the travel time, which can often be closer to 5 hours.
How Much Does it Cost to Get Married at Maroon Bells?
The wedding permit for Maroon Bells Amphitheater is $200, the only additional cost is any wedding vendors that you need for your day, like photographer or officiant. Click here to learn about Colorado MicroWeddings’ All-Inclusive Maroon Bells Elopement Package.
What is the Best Maroon Bells Wedding Day-of Timeline?
The permit allows you to use the ceremony site from 9am to 3pm. The problem is that in order to have optimal lighting for photos, you need to do your photos as close to sunrise or sunset as possible, since sunset isn’t an option, you’re stuck with an early morning if you want to ensure you get the best light (keep in mind if it’s overcast then the lighting will be good all day, but I don’t recommend counting on that to happen). I recommend a ceremony time of 9:00am, with the couple and the photographer doing the “first look” and portrait session prior to the ceremony (8am).
Is Aspen a Good Area for a Small Wedding?
Aspen is one of the most expensive areas of Colorado, while of course there can be exceptions, you should expect to find significantly more expensive options in terms of dining and lodging. The area also doesn’t have any sort of a “budget” minded culture, so small groups who are looking for rental homes or restaurants to be flexible with their budget and preferences may not find many options.
How Many Guest Can I Have at Maroon Bells Amphitheater?
Maroon Bells Amphitheater technically allows up to 50 people, but I strongly discourage it for groups of larger then 20. The primary reason for this is the logistical conflicts that can come with the parking/shuttle system for large groups, and also difficulty in finding a place to take a larger group afterwards for the “reception” lunch/dinner.
How Private is a Wedding at Maroon Bells?
The amphitheater offers a private designated ceremony space, but Maroon Bells is one of the most visited locations in all of Colorado. You should expect other visitors in the area—especially around the lake.
What’s the Weather Like at Maroon Bells?
Weather changes rapidly at high elevation. Expect cooler temperatures, sudden rain, and afternoon thunderstorms, especially in July and August. Even in summer, mornings can be 35–45°F. Snow is possible as early as September and as late as June.
Is Maroon Bells Amphitheater Wheelchair Accessible?
Yes. Maroon Bells Amphitheater is one of the most accessible mountain wedding locations in Colorado. The amphitheater has a paved path, nearby parking area (when accessible), and a short, flat walk to the ceremony site.
Can We Take Photos Anywhere Around Maroon Bells?
Yes, but remain on designated trails and follow wilderness regulations. The most popular photo spots include Maroon Lake’s shoreline, the Scenic Loop Trail (no dogs), the bridge area, and the meadow near the amphitheater.
How Early Should We Arrive for Our Maroon Bells Wedding?
Plan to arrive at least 45–60 minutes early to manage shuttle logistics, parking, walking time, weather delays, and tourist crowding—especially during peak season.
Are Dogs Allowed at Maroon Bells Weddings?
Yes—dogs are allowed at Maroon Bells on leash and are permitted at the amphitheater ceremony site. However, dogs are not allowed on the Scenic Loop Trail around the lake.
How Much Does a Maroon Bells Wedding Permit Cost?
Reserving the amphitheater requires a reservation to be made and a $200 payment for the permit.
Colorado Micro-Wedding & Elopement Packages
Starting at $1,300
—Officiant (starting at $300)
—Photography (starting at $500)
—Videography (starting at $900)
—Flowers (starting at $100)
—Wedding Planner (starting at $500)
Everything you need for a beautiful and stress-free small wedding!
All-Inclusive | 100% Customizable | 0 - 80 Guests
Vendors | Venues | Marriage License | Permits | Dining | Lodging
