Earlier this season, I had the privilege of joining a private FAM trip to Aspen — an immersive, behind-the-scenes experience designed to introduce top planners to the best of what this iconic mountain town has to offer. And let me tell you: Aspen is more than a destination. It’s a lifestyle, one that’s tailored, elevated, and unforgettable.

From mountaintop yoga to courtyard breakfasts at the St. Regis, every moment of the trip was a reminder that Aspen is built for full weekend wedding experiences. If you’re looking to offer your guests more than just a ceremony, but rather a full escape rooted in luxury, connection, and beauty then this is the place.

Why Aspen Makes Sense for a Luxury Destination Wedding

Aspen blends raw natural beauty with world-class hospitality. It’s not just about snow-covered slopes (though the winter weddings here are magic), it’s about experiences that feel rare, personalized, and intentional. The kind of weddings that we love to create!

Whether your guests are flying in for a snowy December celebration or a golden summer weekend, Aspen offers:

• Accessibility from major U.S. cities with a charming, small-town welcome
• Elevated accommodations, from iconic five-star hotels to private ranches
• Exceptional guest experiences like mountaintop dining, wellness events, and après-ski soirées

It’s where laid-back luxury meets effortless sophistication.

A Look Inside the Venues

During our time in Aspen, we toured some of the most coveted properties and each had its own story to tell:

The Little Nell

Aspen’s only five-star, five-diamond hotel, and the only venue where guests can ride a gondola to a mountaintop ceremony. The views are as awe-inspiring as you’d imagine, with a sense of intimacy that still feels grand.

Hotel Jerome, Auberge Resorts Collection

A blend of historic charm and bold modernity, Hotel Jerome is a dream for couples who want heritage with a twist. Its interiors, bar spaces, and courtyard feel bespoke and editorial-ready.

St. Regis Aspen

Here, we enjoyed breakfast in the courtyard, surrounded by fresh alpine air and five-star service. With multiple event spaces (indoor and out), this property can host welcome cocktails, rehearsal dinners, and the main event, all in one elegant setting.

Aspen Meadows Resort

Architecturally striking with Bauhaus design influences, this resort is ideal for modern couples. Expansive lawns and a peaceful riverside location make it feel private, even in the heart of Aspen.

Dunbar Ranch

For a more exclusive, estate-style celebration, Dunbar Ranch offers seclusion, space, and mountain views that go on for miles. It’s Aspen luxury with an off-the-grid edge.

Weekend Event Hotspots

One of the biggest takeaways from this trip? Aspen is perfect for multi-day wedding weekends. Guests want to travel for the experience, and this town delivers.

Caribou Club

A private members-only club known for its moody interiors and exceptional cuisine. Ideal for an after-party or rehearsal dinner that feels intimate, exclusive, and wildly fun.

Hotel Mollie 

A fresh boutique hotel with stunning views and beautifully styled interiors. Perfect for welcome cocktails, a relaxed Sunday brunch, or curated small gatherings with design-forward vibes.

Unique Experiences That Elevate the Weekend

• Yoga on top of a mountain (yes, it’s just as dreamy as it sounds)
• Private gondola rides for welcome events or rehearsal dinners
• Curated guest activities like fly-fishing, horseback riding, or custom ski sessions
• Courtyard brunches at the St. Regis or private chef dinners at a ranch estate

Your guests won’t just attend your wedding, they’ll remember every moment of the weekend.

Planning Considerations for Aspen

If Aspen is calling to you, here are a few planning notes to keep in mind:

• Book early — prime dates go fast, especially for summer and ski-season weekends.
• Altitude awareness — give guests time to adjust and consider oxygen stations or hydration boosts as part of your hospitality.
• Transportation logistics — direct flights are limited, so arrival coordination is key.
• Vendor access — Aspen has an incredibly talented creative community, but many venues maintain exclusive or preferred vendor lists, so working with a planner is essential to navigate options.

Why I’m Inspired to Plan in Aspen

This trip reminded me of what I love most about destination weddings: they’re immersive, intentional, and unforgettable. Aspen isn’t for everyone: it’s for couples who want something more than just a beautiful venue. It’s for those who value experience, who want every guest to feel like they’ve stepped into something special.

And that’s exactly what Aspen delivers.

Let’s Plan Something Extraordinary

Whether you’re just starting to imagine your wedding weekend or already know Aspen is the one, I’d love to help bring it to life. As a luxury destination wedding planner with deep ties to venues across the country, I’ll help you craft an experience that’s both elevated and deeply personal, from mountaintop vows to the very last toast.

Let’s connect and start dreaming.

Nicole is a destination wedding planner specializing in refined, full-weekend celebrations for modern luxury couples. If you’re dreaming of an unforgettable experience in the mountains, here’s her expert take on why Aspen is the ultimate wedding weekend destination, complete with the best venues, elevated guest experiences, and must-know planning tips.

Photography by Nathan George and Ariana Nicole