Aspen, CO is easily one of the most beautiful places on earth.
There’s simply no end to the stunning views only this part of the world can offer. As an Aspen wedding photographer, I know more than most that the majestic mountains offer some of the most beautiful photos to tourists and couples alike. I love this area of Colorado and it’s always a privilege to help engaged couples share their relationship through visual storytelling.
There are a lot of reasons to have an Aspen wedding, but if you’re here, you already know that. Instead, I want to help you narrow down on selecting your Aspen wedding photographer. Your big day will be elegant and memorable—you need a photographer who knows how to get the most incredible photos possible.
So here are three questions to ask an Aspen wedding photographer!
What Are The Best Luxury Wedding Venues in Aspen, CO?
This is one of the most common questions engaged couples have. Of course, many of them come to me after choosing their dream wedding venue, but in case you’re still in the early stages, here are some beautiful wedding venues that will fit into your luxury vision!
Little Nell
Every Aspen wedding isn’t complete without natural beauty, day or night, and The Little Nell is one of my absolute favorite venues in Aspen. Five-star through and through, this boutique hotel offers not only a picturesque background but also amenities everyone will enjoy.
Located 12 minutes from the Aspen airport (making it easy for family and friends that will travel from elsewhere), The Little Nell has 92 guest rooms and suites, perfect for any size celebration, from 25-500 guests.
Location
675 E Durant Ave, Aspen Colorado
Pine Creek Cookhouse
When people imagine a Colorado wedding venue, with the kinds of photos worth preserving, Pine Creek Cookhouse is the space they didn’t know they were dreaming of. Nestled in the Ashcroft Valley, it’s surrounded by 13,500-foot mountain peaks, and easily the most stunning setting you can imagine.
I’ve captured some of the most stunning shots for each special day I’ve been privileged to photograph. The Pine Creek Cookhouse can host 160 guests (more with additional tenting) and offers in-house catering—one less thing to worry about!
Location
12500 Castle Creek Rd, Aspen, Colorado 81611
Hotel Jerome
Voted as the #1 resort in Colorado, Hotel Jerome is what skiing (and winter weddings) dreams are made of! Ten minutes from the Aspen airport, it offers 99 guest rooms and can host up to 500 guests. It’s surrounded by beautiful mountains and truly, not a single room here has a bad view! You can get ready for your wedding day by looking at a view that will leave you speechless.
While it’s surrounded by the great outdoors, Hotel Jerome offers a ballroom for chilly weddings as well. Couples love having this option and my clients have always been impressed with the professional dedication of the staff, making weddings feel absolutely flawless.
Location
330 E Main St, Aspen, Colorado 81611
Chaparral Ranch
Tucked into the mountains of Roaring Fork Valle, Chaparral Ranch is a beautiful venue offering year-round accommodations for weddings. Just 15 minutes from downtown Aspen, this exclusive ranch boasts panoramic mountain views as well as indoor and outdoor space so you can enjoy a memorable event rain or shine.
As a photographer, I can’t express enough how stunning the mountain views are for weddings. This venue is perfect for couples with a rustic, yet upscale style.
Location
291 Chaparral Dr, Woody Creek, Colorado 81656
The Best Rehearsal Dinner Locations in Aspen, CO
Caribou Club
Before every big day, there’s a rehearsal dinner with friends and family. For my clients, this moment kicks off their wedding weekend (where I’m there for every moment!) and only a luxury private club will do. The Caribou Club has expertise in a 5-star experience, dedicated to the finer details of an experience.
Your wedding weekend will be filled with moments that are fleeting and starting off those moments at The Caribou Club’s luxurious service will make any event a memorable (and delicious) experience.
Location
411 E Hopkins Ave, Aspen, Colorado 81611
Holden/Marolt Mining Museum
This Aspen, CO museum is a unique way to begin your wedding weekend experience, weaving history into your rehearsal dinner night. Once a silver mill, then a working family ranch, it offers a beautiful, but casual, way to begin celebrations. While your rehearsal can’t be actually inside the mill, the surrounding spaces can accommodate up to 200 guests.
Location
40180 CO-82, Aspen, Colorado 81611
What Are The Best Locations For Engagement Photos In Aspen, CO?
All Aspen wedding photographers can tell you that all one has to do is toss a stone and it’ll land in a location that will make engagement photos breathtaking. From the mountains to the meadows, Aspen, CO has it all! So let me share with you some of my favorite locations for engagement photos in Aspen!
Aspen Meadows
I mean, spring and summer in Colorado are just as beautiful as the winters. Capturing legacy-worthy images is as easy as the love you have for your partner. One of my favorite places in Aspen for engagement photos is, well, Aspen meadows! All meadows in Aspen offer a natural backdrop to connect with your partner, even if you’re nervous. I’ve delivered many-a-gallery that show real emotions, paired with bright flowers and green grass.
Maroon Bells
I recently did a proposal at Maroon Bells and if you go visit that blog, you’ll see what I mean when I say Maroon Bells is beautiful (and also see the exciting moments!). It’s always fun to take photos along the trails and lake, with the mountains in the background. As an Aspen wedding photographer, I love taking my couples here to begin their engagement experience and help them feel comfortable before their wedding.
Aspen Valley
You’re probably sensing a pattern here—Aspen (and Colorado in general) offers backdrops for any engagement style. But nothing compares to Aspen Valley. You’ll be impressed with the iconic setting, making any candid photo of you and your honey worth putting into a legacy-worthy album.
Is It Better To Hire A Destination Wedding Photographer Or Invest In An Aspen Wedding Photographer?
Oh, hey, this is one of my favorite questions! Of course, you know not all wedding photographers are made the same—you’re far more discerning than that. But there are definitely benefits to hiring wedding photographers who know the area.
- Their Expertise. Just like you probably know some of the best spots in your city, photographers in Aspen know the best spots for capturing the most epic shots. Not only that, but they can help you connect to some of the best wedding vendors in Aspen.
- The Details. Hiring a wedding photographer in Aspen means you’ll be investing in someone who will specialize in what it means to have a wedding in Aspen. They’ll help guide your event to be the best it can be and will capture the best photos because they’re familiar with the venues and vendors.
- Their Accessibility. In the winter and summer, the weather can cause road closures due to flooding or snow storms. As a Coloradoan myself, I’m always prepared and I know my way around our crazy weather and closers!
Extra Tips For Hiring A Wedding Photographer in Aspen
Alright, here’s a little bonus content There are thousands, maybe millions, of wedding photographers in the world, so how do you make sure you’re picking the best?
Ask To See A Full Gallery
This is vital! Let’s be real—a lot of wedding photography websites show “hero shots.” So you need to make sure that you ask to see full wedding days to ensure they’re able to bring their talent to every second of your day. Weddings are a lot of work and not every photographer is a professional and up to the task.
Ask About Turnaround Times
This is just as important as looking at full galleries. I’m sure you’ve heard the horror stories of couples not having their gallery delivered until over a year later! Most newlyweds hope to see the captured moments of their day ASAP—and if they don’t ask about this very important detail.
Make Sure You Like Their Photography Style
Your eyes might grow blurry from looking at dozens of wedding photography websites, but it’s important to find a professional photographer whose style matches your vision. For example, I specialize in a high-end luxury experience. However, other photographers might specialize in film. Or bring high energy to the wedding day to make things fun and exciting. It’s all about how you want your event vibe to not only be on the wedding day but what you want your final gallery to look like.
Final Thoughts
My passion for wedding photography urges me to help my clients make the best decisions for their events. Even if you don’t go with me (although I’d love to chat over coffee!), I want everyone to have wedding photography that makes their heart happy.
If you’re looking for one of the best Aspen wedding photographers, I’d be delighted to connect with you and see if your date is available. I’m excited to hear from you!
