Under the towering peaks of the most photographed landscape in all of Colorado, Paige and Zach’s Maroon Bells micro wedding unfolded like a dream. As mist rolled through the mountains, their day became a celebration of not just love, but the beauty of embracing the unexpected. Their vows echoed through the mountains, and as the skies shifted from moody clouds to a soft, glowing sunset, they gathered with loved ones for a cozy, family-style dinner.
Their celebration was topped off by an incredible Airbnb with a stunning view and a seamless blend of quick planning and thoughtful touches. The mix of live music, the presence of their two beloved pups, and the intimate atmosphere made their day a true reflection of their vibrant personalities and deep connection. I’m deeply honored to have not only witnessed their special day but to be able to share it.
The Couple + The Pups
Paige and Zach first connected with me through Instagram, and their story immediately resonated. Zach, a dedicated cardiac ICU nurse, recently returned to school to become a nurse anesthetist. Meanwhile, Paige just completed her degree as a nurse practitioner—taking her final exam one day before her wedding! It was clear from the start that they were extremely hard workers who deserved a wedding day as remarkable as their story.
Originally from St. Louis, Paige and Zach chose to travel to Colorado for their nuptials at one of the state’s most iconic locations. Their adventurous spirit and appreciation for stunning landscapes led them to Maroon Bells for their special day.
Adding to the wedding day crew were their two beautiful huskies, Portland and Letty. I was thrilled because I adore when couples choose to include their dogs in their wedding celebrations. If you too are considering including your four-legged bestie in your micro wedding or elopement, check out my blog for some great ideas to make your day even more special.
Planning a Maroon Bells Micro Wedding
Planning Paige and Zach’s Maroon Bells micro wedding was a breeze. From the start, they knew exactly what they wanted, making the entire process remarkably smooth. Despite their busy schedules—balancing school and work—their approach to planning was low-maintenance and straightforward. Their ability to make quick decisions and their flexibility with both the date and the unpredictable mountain weather worked greatly in their favor.
Just a couple of months before their wedding, Paige and Zach managed to secure a last-minute reservation at Maroon Bells for their August micro wedding. Their excitement for getting married at such an iconic location was contagious. They embraced the spontaneity with grace, knowing that flexibility was key. Additionally, they searched for an Airbnb that would allow receptions and discovered the Sky High Lodge in Glenwood Springs. It was the perfect spot to celebrate their evening with their nearest and dearest.
One of the things I enjoyed most from planning together was that every time I spoke with them—whether over the phone or on Zoom— I was always greeted by both Paige and Zach. Their mutual dedication to ensuring each other’s wishes were heard, even if one of them joined the call bleary-eyed from writing a term paper, was truly heartwarming. Their teamwork not only made the planning process enjoyable but also significantly reduced stress, highlighting how collaboration can enhance the experience.
If you’re looking for inspiration to get your partner more involved in wedding planning, check out my blog linked below for tips and ideas to make your planning journey a shared adventure.
Preparing for the Big Day
As their wedding day approached, the weather forecast for Glenwood Springs and Aspen Snowmass started to look a bit uncertain. Knowing how unpredictable mountain weather can be, I reached out to Paige and Zach to see if they had a backup plan in place—things like umbrellas, tents, or any other preparations for the day.
Fortunately, they were well-prepared. They had a tent on hand for their dinner reception and umbrellas ready for their Maroon Bells ceremony. Their readiness for any weather scenario showed just how thoughtful and prepared they were, ensuring that nothing would dampen their special day.
Sky High Lodge – An Intimate Mountaintop Venue
When searching for an Airbnb that allows events, Paige and Zach struck gold with the Sky High Lodge. The name says it all! Perched atop a mountain on 35 private acres in Glenwood Springs, this luxury retreat offers breathtaking views of the Elk Mountain Range and Mt. Sopris. The lodge’s high vaulted ceilings and three-story windows showcase 180-degree panoramic views of the Roaring Fork Valley and mountains beyond. It’s a hidden gem, ideal for micro weddings and intimate celebrations, with a capacity of up to 50 guests and 12 vehicles.
Sky High Lodge provides complete seclusion surrounded by Colorado’s stunning landscapes. The expansive views create a serene and elegant atmosphere, perfect for setting up a long rustic table outside to capture that timeless, provincial charm.
Beyond its beauty, the lodge offers easy access to some of the best outdoor activities in the USA, including hiking, biking, whitewater rafting, skiing, hunting, and fly fishing. The property also backs up to 4,000 acres of national forest, making it an outdoor lover’s dream. But for those who prefer to stay indoors, Sky High Lodge is just as appealing, with two fully equipped kitchens, an outdoor grill, and a spa-like hot tub where you can soak under the starry night sky.
Getting to the lodge is part of the adventure, but don’t worry! While one route is a bit more intense—a single-lane dirt road up a steep cliffside—there’s also a calmer, albeit unpaved, route to the property. In the winter, it’s recommended that guests have a 4-wheel drive vehicle, as the unpaved road can get quite snowy. The journey is well worth it, though, as Sky High Lodge’s beauty is truly unparalleled.
Sky High Lodge offers a range of packages from $5K to $15K, depending on your length of stay, season, number of guests, and days of the week. The property is a photographer’s dream, filled with spots that make every moment even more memorable. And with the famous Glenwood Hot Springs and downtown Glenwood Springs just 25 minutes away, and Aspen only an hour’s drive, it’s also the perfect base for exploring the area. To discuss exact pricing and availability, inquire on their website. Whether you’re envisioning an elegant mountain escape or a cozy, secluded celebration, this venue is a perfect choice.
The Aspen Micro Wedding Begins
Paige and Zach’s micro wedding began bright and early around 10 AM. I stayed in Glenwood Springs the night before to make the most of the day. Glenwood Springs is such a charming town, so I grabbed some pizza at Rocky Mountain Pizza Co. and indulged in ice cream from Sundae. A stroll around downtown was a great way to unwind and get ready for the wedding. The town was a perfect home base, with plenty to do and great places to eat, which Paige and Zach also appreciated.
Getting Ready Moments + Photographing the Details
One of the morning’s highlights was photographing Paige’s dress. Its classic cut looked stunning hanging on the barn with the mountains in the background—definitely one of the property’s photographic gems. I also loved capturing her great-grandmother’s ring, which came in the original box from a shop that was both the town’s optometrist and jewelry store. How fun is that?! The ring and its unique packaging added such a sentimental touch. Letty, the ever-curious pup, also found the details intriguing and couldn’t resist sneaking in a few sniffs while I was setting up the flatlays. My friendly, furry companion gave me a chuckle.
Paige and Zach got their Colorado marriage license in Pitkin County. I usually recommend couples get their marriage license in Denver and then drive to the mountains since smaller mountain towns sometimes do not serve non-residents. However, in this case, Paige and Zach found the process in Pitkin County to be straightforward. This was a great reminder to explore all your options and be prepared.
I captured some photos of Zach as he completed his final getting ready touches, followed by getting ready photos of Paige. Since they weren’t doing a private first look, we saved some of Paige’s solo portraits for later in the day when we wouldn’t risk Zach accidentally seeing her in her wedding attire.
With everything in place, we were ready to head to their Maroon Bells ceremony and start the next chapter of their special day!
The Maroon Bells Micro Wedding Ceremony
The journey from Sky High Lodge to Maroon Bells took about 90 minutes, and Paige and Zach made the trip in style. Zach and their guests enjoyed the ride in a party bus, which was a fun choice and a great way to both reduce their carbon footprint and simplify logistics. Paige, her family, and I drove separately to make sure Zach wouldn’t get a peek at Paige in her wedding dress.
The drive was beautiful, surrounded by stunning red canyon walls, but in the midst of all the preparations, a few small things can easily be forgotten. They realized they were missing mints, a quick snack, eyedrops, and a glasses lens wipe. Luckily, I’m always prepared with my wedding day ‘oh snap’ kit—my secret Mary Poppins bag that can fit just about anything needed for these moments! While it’s common to forget small items (and you know I’ve got your back!), checkout my in-depth micro wedding and elopement day packing list to help you prepare with ease.
The Maroon Bells Amphitheater
Maroon Bells Amphitheater, where Paige and Zach exchanged vows, is one of Colorado’s most sought-after micro wedding venues, offering an intimate space for up to 50 guests. As the most photographed location in the state, it features breathtaking views of the Maroon Bells and the lake below, providing a jaw-dropping backdrop for your special day.
Planning your wedding here is shockingly affordable, with reservations costing only $200—an incredible deal for such an iconic location. Reservations can be made up to one year in advance, but they are unavailable on Fridays and Saturdays during the peak summer months of June, July, and August, as well as Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays in September and October.
Due to vehicle restrictions on Maroon Creek Road, only five vehicle passes are issued per event. These passes allow motorized access past the Maroon Bells Welcome Station. Other guests can take the Maroon Bells shuttle bus from Aspen Highlands Ski Area, which costs $16 per adult and $10 for seniors and children under 12. Shuttle reservations are essential, and pets are welcome on board. Alternatively, you might find inspiration from Paige and Zach and consider renting a party bus or arranging other group transportation.
While receptions aren’t allowed at the amphitheater, the nearby East Maroon Portal Picnic site offers a charming option for gatherings of up to 75 people. This small, developed area along Maroon Creek is perfect for a casual reception. However, I absolutely loved Paige and Zach’s choice to rent a private property for their post-ceremony celebration. It was a brilliant idea that provided comfort, privacy, and a beautiful setting to continue their festivities.
Even though the stars aligned for Paige and Zach to secure a last-minute reservation, early planning is typically necessary due to the popularity of Maroon Bells and its logistical details. Whether you’re drawn by the natural beauty, its bucket-list reputation, or the serene atmosphere, Maroon Bells Amphitheater offers a picture-perfect setting for a memorable micro wedding.
Weathering the Elements for the Mountain Ceremony
When we arrived at Maroon Bells, the weather presented a small challenge. The skies were threatening, and it soon started raining quite heavily! Paige and Zach sought shelter, and I was thankful for the rain protection I had for my gear and the little raincoats for my cameras. It was a bit of a spectacle, and I managed to capture some humorous moments of guests huddled under umbrellas.
As the rain turned to a light drizzle, we took advantage of the break and proceeded with their ceremony. Despite the weather delays and inconveniences, the rain created a magical atmosphere. The cloudy sky provided soft, even light, making every shot a photographer’s dream.
Musicians from the Aspen School of Music played pre-ceremony, processional, and recessional music, adding a lovely touch to the romantic setting. Paige and Zach chose to self-officiate their wedding, which allowed them to create a ceremony that was uniquely theirs.
In Colorado, self-solemnization is permitted, offering couples the flexibility to design their ceremony without a traditional officiant or witnesses. I provided them with resources for self-officiation, and they followed the outline beautifully with an introduction, self-written vows, proclamation, ring exchange, and presentation. It was incredibly charming!
If you are interested in self-solemnizing your Colorado wedding, check out my guide for all the legal requirements and tips for planning a personalized self-officiated ceremony.
After their ceremony, we made sure to take a few family photos at Maroon Bells. And as the weather started to clear, Paige, Zach, and I spent more time at the amphitheater and headed down to the lake for some portraits. We of course, kept umbrellas handy for any lingering drizzles and were even rewarded with some fleeting sunlight.
Once their portraits were wrapped up, I hopped on the party bus with the couple and their loved ones for the ride back to Sky High Lodge, ready to celebrate the rest of their special day with dinner and a stunning view.
The Micro Wedding Reception in Glenwood Springs
Arriving back at Sky High Lodge marked the start of their reception festivities. Paige and Zach took a moment to sign their marriage license at a table with a breathtaking view of the mountain range—such a gorgeous spot for such an important task.
The dinner table was set up beautifully near the edge of the hill, overlooking the valley. A few farm tables were lined up to create a long, family-style table, complete with a gorgeous runner, plenty of candles (battery-operated given the drought conditions), lush greenery, and flowers. String lights overhead added an ethereal touch as the soft sunset bathed everything in a warm glow. It was absolutely stunning, and I made sure to capture every detail.
Paige and Zach decided to enjoy dinner before moving on to speeches and dances. The setting was perfect for a memorable evening and an incredibly tasty dinner.
A Dinner with a View and Golden Hour Portraits
Dinner at Sky High Lodge was catered by The Rolling Fork, offering delicious pasta, bread, and salad. Paige and Zach also had a wedding cake and donuts from Coloradough—those donuts were absolutely phenomenal, and I couldn’t help but fangirl a bit over them!
As a light rain started to fall, everyone moved under the deck to finish their meal. After dinner, we headed back up to the deck for speeches and dances. Paige’s dad delivered a very thoughtful speech, adding a heartfelt touch to the evening’s celebration.
Paige and Zach then enjoyed their first dance to “Acoustic” by Billy Raffoul, sharing a beautifully intimate moment. Zach and his mom then shared a heartfelt mother-son dance, followed by Paige’s father-daughter dance. Capturing these emotional moments was incredibly sweet, and they will be thrilled to relive them with their loved ones for years to come.
Afterward, we wrapped up their family photos on the deck. As golden hour approached, we took advantage of the beautiful light for couples portraits around the property. We enjoyed a scenic walk up the road with Letty and Portland, soaking in the stunning golden hour light and quality time for the new family.
After returning from their portraits, Paige and Zach joined their loved ones in a lively game of cornhole, set against the most spectacular alpenglow. Laughing and enjoying a stress-free gathering was the perfect way to end such a magical day.
Let’s Plan Your Maroon Bells Micro Wedding or Elopement
Weddings, especially in the picturesque mountains of Colorado, can bring unexpected weather challenges, as we saw at Maroon Bells. But it’s all part of the adventure, and embracing these moments can lead to some of the most memorable and unique experiences. From the stunning views at Maroon Bells to the charming setup at Sky High Lodge, Paige and Zach’s day was a beautiful testament to making the most of every single moment. Flexibility and a positive outlook allowed them to enjoy their special day to the fullest, despite any weather hiccups.
Whether you’re dreaming of a mountain backdrop in Aspen, the beauty of Glenwood Springs, or another epic Colorado location, the planning process for your micro wedding or elopement is the first step toward an unforgettable celebration. If you’re ready to capture your own once-in-a-lifetime moments in Colorado, get in touch, and let’s make your dream day a reality.
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