Maroon Bells is one of the most picturesque locations in Colorado, known for its stunning twin peaks and clear alpine lakes. When you have your adventure elopement here, you’ll be surrounded by breathtaking mountain views, meadows, and crystal-clear waters. The beauty of this place is simply unmatched, and it is the most ICONIC Colorado landscape.

Let’s talk about everything you need to know to make your Maroon Bells elopement happen!

Why Elope in Maroon Bells

I could go on and on about the beautiful landscapes, with the mountains, meadows, forests, and lakes. But there’s also more to this place than beauty! It’s one of the best Colorado elopement locations if you’d like to include your dog because it’s so dog-friendly.

And if you’re adventurous like me, you’ll LOVE the hiking trails! If you want something a bit more accessible and easy to get to, especially if your guests aren’t as adventurous as you both, there are great spots for that as well.

Maroon Bells Elopement Locations

Maroon Lake

Maroon Lake is perhaps the most iconic spot within Maroon Bells, known for its stunning reflections of the twin peaks in the crystal-clear waters. The still waters create a mirror-like reflection of the Maroon Bells, providing a picture-perfect backdrop for your ceremony and photos. This location is easily accessible, making it a great option if you have guests who may not be up for a hike, as the short walk from the parking area to the lake is manageable for most people.

Maroon Lake is particularly gorgeous at sunrise and sunset, so I recommend planning your elopement during that golden hour.

Crater Lake Trail

If you’re looking for a more secluded spot, Crater Lake offers a serene and intimate setting for your elopement. Accessible via a moderate hike (about 3.6 miles round trip) from Maroon Lake, the journey ensures that the location is less crowded, providing a more private atmosphere for your ceremony.

This spot is surrounded by rugged mountain peaks and dense forests, which really make for a breathtaking backdrop for your vows and photos. 

Maroon Creek Trail

For those who love the idea of a forest setting, the Maroon Creek Trail offers beautiful aspen scenery and, as the name gives away, creekside spots. The trail winds through the forests and alpine meadows, which are so lovely for your adventure elopement. The trail offers multiple scenic spots to choose from for your ceremony and your elopement photos along the way!

Maroon Bells Amphitheater

The Maroon Bells Amphitheater is a beautiful and accessible location for your elopement day. It’s the only “official” venue in the area. The Amphitheater’s scenic backdrop, featuring the iconic Maroon Bells reflected in the clear waters of Maroon Lake, creates an unforgettable setting for exchanging your vows.

Do You Need a Permit to Elope at Maroon Bells?

You don’t need an official permit to elope at Maroon Bells; however, you need to make a reservation like you’d book a campsite. It’s a really straightforward process, and it’s the same whether you’d like to elope at the Amphitheater or another location.

If you want to elope at the Maroon Bells Amphitheater, you can choose your date a year in advance, but the dates book up very quickly! The fee to reserve this location is $200, and with that, you get five parking permits for you and your guests. 

The Amphitheater allows up to 50 guests. But if you want to go elsewhere at Maroon Bells and bring guests, you can only bring up to 10 people on a hike with you, and you’ll need to sign your party at the trail log.

If you have any questions about the reservation process, don’t hesitate to call the Aspen Ranger Station at 970-963-2266. If you choose to have me as your Colorado elopement photographer, I will take care of all these little things for you! 

Best Time of Year to Get Married at Maroon Bells

Spring

Early spring at Maroon Bells can still feel like winter, with temperatures ranging from 20°F to 50°F and lingering snow until late April. Things get a bit more green and Spring-y in May. Roads may be closed until mid to late May, and trails can be muddy from snowmelt. It’s quieter here during spring, but the weather can be very unpredictable, and accessibility is limited.

Summer

Summer brings mild temperatures between 40°F and 80°F, with July and August being the warmest months. It also brings more of the lush meadows and wildflowers you’re probably wanting for your elopement day. Roads and trails are fully open, and shuttle buses manage the high volume of visitors. You can read about the shuttle system here! (The shuttles are dog friendly!)

If you want to elope here in summer, be prepared for larger crowds! To get the most private experience, try to aim for a weekday and/or sunrise elopement!

Fall

Early fall features mild temperatures from 30°F to 70°F, with the golden aspens peaking in late September to early October. By late October, temperatures drop significantly, and you can already expect some snowfall. Roads are generally open through early October, and shuttle service also ends around that time. Remember, though, that the window for best fall colors is somewhat limited, and the weather becomes more unpredictable overall.

Winter

Winter transforms Maroon Bells into a snowy wonderland, with temperatures ranging from 0°F to 30°F and heavy snowfall common. Maroon Creek Road is closed beyond T-Lazy-7 Ranch, requiring snowmobiles, cross-country skis, or snowshoes to access the area. If you’re really wanting to elope here during winter, the challenging accessibility will require thorough preparation.

However, if you’d like to get the winter wonderland vibes, I’d recommend choosing a spring date for better accessibility and more daylight hours for photos! During the spring, you will snow capped mountains to give you the feeling of winter without the need for snowmobiles or cross country skis.

Let’s Plan Your Maroon Bells Elopement Next!

I hope that this Maroon Bells elopement guide has given you some ideas for your special day in Colorado and maybe helped you jump off the fence and decide that Maroon Bells is the PERFECT place to elope!

If you’re planning your elopement day, you may be on the lookout for your dream Colorado elopement photographer and adventure buddy! If so, I’d LOVE to meet you! You can learn more about me here!

And if you’re looking for more elopement planning resources or inspiration for what your day could look like, check out the rest of my blogs here!