Over the past decade, weddings have transformed from classic ceremonies to once-in-a-lifetime experiences, and we wouldn’t have it any other way.
Instead of traditional weddings followed by dinner and dancing, why not create an experience for your guests? One that will make the day as special to them as it is to you.
One of the ways to do this, of course, is to travel to a romantic or remote location, reach your wedding venue in style, and wine and dine your guests with help from a Master Sommelier.
This wedding experience sounds almost too good to be true, but it isn’t. We’d like to share with you how you can give your wedding guests the experience of a lifetime in Aspen.
Entice Them
Photo: Scott Clark
Image courtesy of Jet Fete
Before the weekend begins, entice your guests with A Wedding on Top of the World. Aspen Mountain is one of the highest wedding venues in the world at 11,212 feet, and you can show this in your invitations. The invitations above give guests a look into the Aspen Experience before they arrive, creating elevated excitement around the weekend.
A Grand Entrance
Arriving in Aspen, either by plane or car, is a surreal experience, no matter the time of year. Either snow-capped peaks or lush forest greet you and your guests as you arrive into town. At The Nell, your guests are pampered upon arrival and get a taste of what to expect on the wedding day.
Before the ceremony can get started, guests of Aspen Mountain weddings ascend to the top via private gondola ride, complete with champagne. For weddings and private events that take place outside of regular operating hours, the gondola may be open exclusively for guests’ use, which adds a unique and exclusive feeling to any wedding. Depending on weather, you can replace champagne with custom blankets and hot beverages.
Photo Opportunities
The backdrop of Colorado’s most photographed peaks greets guests as they exit the gondola and makes for absolutely stunning wedding photos. Custom arches made of Colorado wildflowers and other bespoke floral designs make photos even more breathtaking. Ceremonies take place on Aspen Mountain’s wedding deck and feature views of Highland Bowl and the Elk Mountains.
Your Story
On Aspen Mountain, you can make your ceremony your own. This includes special selections of music, vows, shared stories, and whatever else you can dream up. Sharing this moment with your guests is something they won’t forget.
Unreal Food & Drink
A wedding on Aspen Mountain doesn’t need to be limited to two choices; our team offers complete custom menus based on family heritage, dietary preferences, or farm-to-table flare. Anything you request will be carefully planned and executed by the most talented chefs in Aspen.
As for paired beverages, The Little Nell’s wine program is widely renowned. One of just 150+ Master Sommeliers nationwide, Carlton McCoy, oversees a cellar with more than 20,000 wines. McCoy’s relationships with wineries throughout the world means that you have your pick of a diverse selection of rare bottles and varietals, including selections from sentimental years or countries.
Unique Experiences for Guests
Celebrations on top of Aspen Mountain are a special occasion for the guests as much as the bride and groom. During your wedding, your guests will be charmed with the gondola ride, views behind the vows, and the divine food. Once the wedding winds down, they’ll ride the Silver Queen Gondola down, an intimate nighttime experience that ends at The Nell.
Post-wedding Adventures
Before and after the big day, there are plenty of options for wedding parties, families, and guests alike. Some brides plan private yoga classes or spa sessions. Grooms are known to take their friends on fly fishing trips or golf outings. Wedding guests of all ages can take part in whitewater rafting trips and Jeep tours. And of course there are no shortage of local hikes, shops, and restaurants to experience while in Aspen. Rest-assured that your guests will leave wishing that the weekend could last forever.
Aspen is a small mountain town with big city amenities. This unique combination bridges the gap between chic and rustic, giving brides and planners limitless options for planning a dream wedding filled with memorable experiences.
If you’ve never been to a wedding on top of the world, we invite you to plan yours in Aspen, with help from The Little Nell’s specialized wedding team. Learn more about wedding possibilities in Aspen here.
