Where Is The Maroon Bells Amphitheater?

The Maroon Bells Amphitheater is located within the White River National Forest just outside of Aspen, Colorado. If you’re planning on flying into Colorado for your elopement, we recommend flying into Denver International Airport and driving the four hour drive to Aspen, Colorado. The drive is so pretty and you’ll be able to pass through some of Colorado’s most gorgeous mountain towns!

The Maroon Bells themselves are actually two Colorado 14ers (mountains in Colorado that are over 14,000ft). Not only do you get to enjoy and easily accessible, private area for your elopement but you’ll also revel in the majesty of the iconic 14ers as your backdrop. We literally cannot think of a more perfect place for your Colorado elopement!

So that’s great and all, but where is the *actual* amphitheater? This is a great question as this area is such a big recreation area! The actual amphitheater is just a quick five(ish) minute walk from the parking lot to the designated ceremony spot. The amphitheater itself cannot be blocked off, but I’ve found that most people are very respectful of weddings that take place there.

How Much Does It Cost To Reserve The Maroon Bells Amphitheater?

The Maroon Bells Amphitheater can be booked one year in advance on the day you want to elope. For instance, if you want to elope at the Maroon Bells Amphitheater on July 23rd, 2025, you will need to have all hands on deck on July 23rd, 2024 for a chance to snag the reservation for that date. Most, if not all, of our couples had multiple people on the site at once trying to get the date. It is extremely popular and they only allow one wedding per day. The Maroon Bells Amphitheater is open June 7th – October 4th (subject to change) and is not available for Fridays and Saturdays in June, July, and August and is unavailable Friday-Sunday in September.

The Maroon Bells Amphitheater costs $200 to reserve. Yup, you heard that right! Just $200 and you can have your elopement in one of the most gorgeous outdoor venues in Colorado!

How To Reserve The Maroon Bells Amphitheater For Your Elopement

To reserve this space for your mountain wedding, you’ll have to go to Recreation.gov, create an account, type in Maroon Bells Amphitheater in the search bar, and scroll through until you find the date you want. Like I mentioned above, you can reserve this space one year in advance on the day that you want to elope. But just know that there will likely be multiple people looking to reserve the Maroon Bells Amphitheater for their elopement on the same day that you are. I recommend, in addition to the two of you, having multiple people trying at the same time to get the slot for you. This will increase your chances exponentially!

Important Information

One of the (many) cool things about this venue is that it is wheelchair accessible. We are always on the hunt for outdoor venues that are gorgeous, easily accessible, can fit a lot of people, and are wheelchair accessible. Luckily, this venue checks all of those boxes!

In addition to being wheelchair accessible, this venue also has accessible vaulted toilets, can seat 50 people, and has a water fountain in case you forget your water!

Although decorations are allowed within the amphitheater, it is important to note that you cannot have arches or large structures, items that are thrown or animals released (doves, flower petals, rice, confetti, etc.), collecting of any items from the surrounding area, PA system or loud music, hanging lights from trees, floating lanterns or fireworks, aluminum cans dragging from cars.

I also want to make a special note that there are areas that are roped off around the are. We will absolutely not go into these roped off areas under any circumstances. Being a steward to these incredibly special outdoor spaces and practicing the seven Leave No Trace Principles is what allows us to access them. To learn more about the seven principles of Leave No Trace, click here.

Are Dogs Allowed?

Yes! Your furry friends are allowed at the Maroon Bells Amphitheater, however, they must be on a leash at all times. They can even ride on the shuttle bus!

What Is The Parking Situation?

Amphitheater reservations include five vehicle passes (we will need one for our vehicle, so this means you’ll have four) to the Maroon Bells Scenic Area, available for pickup at the Welcome Station five days prior to the event.

Guests that cannot be accommodated with the included vehicle passes will have to either purchase a vehicle pass or reserve a seat on the shuttle bus well ahead of time at Aspenchamber.org. Operating hours for the shuttle bus are 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Dogs are permitted on the Maroon Bells Shuttle.

Vehicle traffic is restricted on Maroon Creek Road past the Forest Service Welcome Station from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. so guests with vehicle passes must come through the Welcome Station before 8:00 am. Handicapped individuals and vehicles with children under 2 years old in a restraining car seat are exempt from needing prior reservations and from road restrictions.

Parking for the amphitheater is available at the day use parking area, 200 yards from the site. Park all vehicles in the day use parking area. No vehicles are allowed in the bus loop for any reason. The shuttle bus drops guests off just 25 yards from the Amphitheater. 

Lodging Near Aspen, Colorado

When you elope at Maroon Bells Amphitheater, you don’t have to stay in Aspen. Yes, Aspen is the closest town to the amphitheater but you you can also stay in Carbondale, Basalt, or even Snowmass Village.

Why We Love The Maroon Bells Amphitheater

There are so many reasons to love this mountain venue! We love that it is easily accessible, has gorgeous views, and it is an affordable mountain venue in Colorado. Plus, it is a great jumping off point for so many amazing hikes to incorporate into your wedding day! All in all, if you can snag the day that you want, it is literally the most perfect place for your Colorado elopement!

Ready To Elope at Maroon Bells Amphitheater?

We are here and ready to help! We cannot wait to connect with you to learn all about your love story and hear everything that you are envisioning for your wedding day! Click here to reach out and start planning your dream elopement in Aspen, Colorado.