Aspen Elopement Photographer
Aspen, Colorado is one of the most sought-after places in the world to elope, and for good reason. The landscape here shifts with every season: golden aspens in fall, wildflower meadows in summer, deep powder and frozen silence in winter. As an Aspen elopement photographer based in Colorado, I know these mountains intimately and I know where the light falls at every hour of the day.
My approach is quiet and unhurried, built around moving through the landscape with you rather than positioning you within it. I have spent years learning how Aspen's light shifts across the mountains at different hours and in different seasons, and that knowledge shapes every decision I make on your day. The result is a gallery that feels true, alive, and entirely your own.
Whether you are envisioning a sunrise ceremony at the Maroon Bells, a private exchange deep in the Castle Creek Valley, or a moment on a trail that only you two know about, I document your elopement as it naturally unfolds with an editorial eye and a genuine investment in your story.
Elopement Locations in Aspen
The Maroon Bells are the iconic choice, and for good reason. The two peaks reflected in Maroon Lake at sunrise are among the most photographed mountains in North America, and in the quiet early morning hours before the crowds arrive, they feel completely your own. Beyond the Bells, I also love the Castle Creek Valley for its privacy and raw mountain beauty, the Rio Grande Trail for couples who want something more accessible without sacrificing scenery, and private ranch properties in the Roaring Fork Valley for an intimate, unhurried feel. I am happy to work with you on any location, whether it is a spot you have already dreamed of or one we discover together in the planning process.
What Makes an Aspen Elopement Special
Aspen elopements tend to be deeply intentional. Couples who choose to elope here are drawn to the scale of the mountains, the privacy, and the idea of marking their commitment in a place that genuinely moves them. My approach matches that intention. I document the day quietly and closely, moving through the landscape with you rather than directing you through poses. The result is a gallery that feels like a true record of the day you had, not a performance of one.
Working Together
Because Aspen's most sought-after locations require permits and have limited access windows, especially in peak fall season, I recommend reaching out as early as possible to begin planning. We will connect to talk through your vision, discuss timing around golden hour and seasonal conditions, and lock in the details that make your elopement feel exactly right. Coverage can be paired with videography for couples who want both photo and film documentation of their day.
Recent Work.
Recent Work.
A selection of recent ELOPEMENTS, WEDDINGS, AND ENGAGEMENT SESSIONS.
-
THE LITTLE NELL ASPEN
A mountain top wedding day in Aspen, Colorado at the iconic Little Nell property.
-
ST REGIS ASPEN RESORT
A sunny summer wedding day at the St Regis hotel in Aspen, Colorado.
-
PINE CREEK COOKHOUSE
Rodeo Disco Wedding Reception at Pine Creek Cookhouse, featured in Rocky Mountain Bride Magazine
-
ASPEN ENGAGEMENT SESSION
A snowy winter engagement session at Maroon Bells and downtown locations around Aspen, Colorado
Meet Betsi Ewing
Hello, I'm Betsi! I tend to wear my heart on my sleeve, and believe there is nothing more compelling than real life and real love. Celebrating them both through the art of photography and film is truly a dream! The emotional connection I build with the people I work with drives me. This connection is always based on trust, compassion, and my ability to bring out the best in my couples and the ones they love. I honor those connections by combining documentary and editorial photography and videography to create meaningful and memorable work.
I photograph elopements and weddings throughout the U.S. and worldwide, with a focus on elopements and weddings in Aspen, Telluride, Vail, Snowmass, Breckenridge, and other Colorado destinations, as well as New York City.
Our work has been featured in…
“Best Aspen Elopement Photographer”
“We couldn’t be happier with Betsi as our Aspen elopement photographer. She made us feel completely at ease and captured our Little Nell mountain top wedding so beautifully. The photos are natural, emotional, and truly reflect the day. If you’re planning an Aspen wedding and want someone experienced, professional, and incredibly talented, Betsi Ewing Weddings is the best wedding photographer in Aspen! Thank you Betsi!!”
-Val & Chris C.
Aspen Elopement FAQs
Fall is the most requested season for Aspen elopements, particularly the last two weeks of September and first week of October when the aspen trees are at peak golden color. Summer offers lush green mountain scenery and wildflowers at elevation. Winter creates a dramatic and very private atmosphere with fewer visitors and snow-covered peaks. All seasons are beautiful and each brings something distinct. I photograph elopements in Aspen year-round.
What is the best time of year to elope in Aspen?
Do I need a permit to elope at the Maroon Bells?
Yes. The Maroon Bells Scenic Area is managed by the White River National Forest and requires a permit for commercial photography and wedding ceremonies. Permit availability is limited, especially in fall, and some dates fill months in advance. I can advise you on the permitting process and help you plan your timeline accordingly so the logistics do not get in the way of the experience.
There is no rule on guest count for an elopement, and many couples choose to include immediate family or a small group of close friends. For permit-restricted locations like the Maroon Bells, group size may be limited by the permit terms, but for most private or accessible locations in the area, you are free to include whoever you want. Some of my favorite Aspen elopements have been just two people, and some have been intimate gatherings of twenty.
How many guests can attend an Aspen elopement?
Do you offer elopement packages that include both photography and video?
Yes. I offer combined photography and videography packages for couples who want a complete record of their day in both still images and film. Aspen elopements in particular benefit from video coverage because the landscape, the movement through it, and the ambient sound of the mountains add so much to the experience of watching the film back. Reach out to ask about combined packages.
<div id="contact-form"></div>
Let's Plan Your Aspen Elopement
Please send us a message using the contact form below and share a few details about your elopement plans. I will be happy to send you my current packages and studio availability.
You’re also welcome to schedule a 30-minute discovery call.