The Little Nell Wedding in Aspen, Colorado: Everything You Need to Know Before You Book

If you’ve ever imagined saying your vows on top of a mountain with panoramic alpine views surrounding you, a The Little Nell wedding might be exactly what you’re looking for.

Located in the heart of Aspen, The Little Nell is one of the most iconic luxury wedding venues in Colorado. It combines five-star hospitality, exclusive mountaintop ceremony access, and refined interiors — all in one of the most beautiful mountain towns in the country.

If you’re considering hosting your wedding here, this guide will walk you through what a wedding at The Little Nell actually looks like, including guest capacity, accommodations, lighting considerations, pricing expectations, and whether it’s the right fit for your celebration.

What Makes The Little Nell So Unique?

The Little Nell is Aspen’s only five-star, five-diamond hotel with ski-in/ski-out access. What truly sets it apart from other Colorado mountain venues is that it offers private ceremony locations at the top of Aspen Mountain.

Yes — your guests ride a gondola to your ceremony.

There are very few wedding venues in the country that offer that kind of experience. It immediately elevates the day and makes it unforgettable for guests.

You’re not just booking a ballroom or a lawn. You’re booking an experience.

Ceremony Options at The Little Nell

One of the biggest draws of a The Little Nell wedding is the mountaintop ceremony site.

Aspen Mountain Club

This is the most iconic ceremony location. Guests take the Silver Queen Gondola up the mountain, where you’re greeted with sweeping views of the Elk Mountains.

Capacity
Up to approximately 250 guests.

What It Feels Like
Expansive. Dramatic. Elevated — literally and figuratively.

This location is ideal for couples who want that true Colorado mountain backdrop without hiking to a remote site.

Wedding Deck on Aspen Mountain

Another popular option is the mountaintop Wedding Deck, which offers panoramic alpine views in every direction.

This space works beautifully for ceremonies followed by cocktails overlooking the mountains before transitioning to a reception below.

Reception Spaces

After the ceremony, many couples host their reception at:

The Sundeck

A modern mountaintop reception space with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the mountains.

Capacity
Up to approximately 250 guests.

It offers the convenience of keeping your entire event at the top of the mountain.

The Little Nell Event Spaces (Base Level)

For couples who prefer hosting the reception at the base of the mountain, The Little Nell offers elegant ballroom and private dining spaces within the hotel itself.

These spaces are refined and neutral, allowing your design and florals to shine.

What Does a Wedding at The Little Nell Cost?

The Little Nell is considered a luxury wedding venue in Colorado.

Site fees often begin around $10,000–$20,000+ depending on the space and season. There are also required food and beverage minimums, which can be significant.

For most couples hosting 150–200 guests, total wedding investments typically start in the $150,000+ range and increase depending on design and guest experience.

This is not a budget venue — but it delivers a high-end, seamless experience.

Is The Little Nell All-Inclusive?

The Little Nell operates as a full-service luxury hotel.

Catering, bar service, staff, and coordination are handled in-house. This simplifies logistics significantly compared to venue-only properties.

You will still hire your own planner, florist, photographer, and entertainment, but the food and beverage experience is managed by their culinary team — which is known for exceptional quality.

Guest Accommodations

One of the biggest advantages of hosting a The Little Nell wedding is the convenience of on-site luxury accommodations.

The hotel features:

• Luxury guest rooms and suites
• Private residences
• Concierge service
• On-site spa and dining

Your guests can stay on property, enjoy Aspen’s restaurants and shopping, and turn your wedding into a full weekend getaway.

For destination weddings, this is a major benefit.

Best Time of Year for a The Little Nell Wedding

Aspen has distinct seasons, and each offers something unique.

Summer (June–September)
Lush green mountains, wildflowers, and warm alpine air. This is peak wedding season and ideal for mountaintop ceremonies.

Fall (Late September–Early October)
Golden aspens create a stunning backdrop. Lighting is soft and romantic, though weather can be unpredictable.

Winter
Snow-covered peaks offer a dramatic setting, but most ceremonies are held indoors due to cold temperatures.

Spring
Less common due to snow melt, but quieter and potentially more flexible with dates.

Best Time of Day for Ceremony Lighting

For mountaintop ceremonies, timing matters.

Midday ceremonies can be bright and high-contrast due to direct sun at elevation.

Late afternoon ceremonies (approximately 4:00–6:00 PM depending on season) provide softer, more flattering light and dramatic mountain shadows.

Golden hour on Aspen Mountain is breathtaking. If photography is a priority, plan your timeline to protect that window.

What a Wedding Day Could Look Like Here

Guests gather at the base of the mountain.
They board the gondola, laughing and taking in the views.
At the top, they step into a panoramic alpine ceremony setting.
Cocktails are served overlooking the mountains.
Dinner is enjoyed at the Sundeck or back at the hotel.
Dancing continues into the night in a refined, intimate setting.

It feels elevated and curated without feeling forced.

Who Is The Little Nell Perfect For?

A The Little Nell wedding is perfect for couples who:

• Love Aspen and the Colorado mountains
• Want luxury accommodations and five-star service
• Prioritize guest experience
• Want a mountaintop ceremony without rugged logistics
• Have a higher-end wedding budget

It may not be ideal for couples who:

• Want a rustic ranch aesthetic
• Prefer a fully outdoor reception under the stars
• Are planning under a $100,000 budget
• Want total vendor flexibility without in-house catering requirements

Final Thoughts

The Little Nell is not just a wedding venue. It’s an experience.

From the gondola ride to the mountaintop ceremony views to the impeccable service, it creates a celebration that feels elevated in every sense of the word.

If you’re dreaming of a luxury mountain wedding in Colorado with unforgettable views and seamless hospitality, The Little Nell may be exactly the right fit for your day.