As an Aspen wedding photographer, I’ve seen some incredible views—but few compare to Kelsey and Ben’s wedding at the Cliffhouse Wedding Deck on top of Buttermilk Mountain. Perched high above the valley and accessible only by chairlift, this ceremony site offers one of Colorado’s most breathtaking backdrops. With sweeping 180-degree views of Pyramid Peak and the Maroon Creek Valley, it’s a spot that leaves anyone in awe.
Not only was Kelsey and Ben’s wedding gorgeous, but it was especially memorable because of their unique focus on quality time together. They planned an early afternoon ceremony, followed by a relaxed break to explore downtown Aspen with a pizza date before cocktail hour. It was thoughtful, personal, and hands-down one of the most intentional weddings I’ve had the joy of photographing.
Kelsey & Ben’s Mountain Top Wedding in Aspen, Colorado
Vendors:
Photographer: Leah Lach Photography | Venue/Catering/Dessert: Aspen Cliffhouse Wedding Deck & Buttermilk Mountain Lodge | Wedding Planner: Urban Events | Hair & Makeup: Hair & Makeup by Chels | Band: Diamond Empire | Florist & Rentals: Floral Wild + Flintwood Floral | Rentals: Premier Party Rentals (Dance Floor) + Rly Rly (Candles) | Lodging: Viewline Resort | Transportation: Blazing Adventures | Pizza Restaurant: Aspen Brewing Company | Coffee Shop: Unravel
Getting Ready at Viewline Resort
We kicked off the day at Viewline Resort, a gorgeous mountainside hotel at the base of Snowmass. A calm, relaxing start can shape your whole wedding day—and Viewline delivered. The girls got ready in a bright, airy suite with huge windows and mountain views from the balcony. They popped champagne, passed around wellness shots, and wrapped up finishing touches of hair and makeup. The guys grabbed drinks at the sleek indoor bar, then hung out on the sunny outdoor patio. With its upscale mountain charm and cozy yet contemporary design, Viewline isn’t just a place to get ready. It’s the kind of place that makes your wedding day feel like a true Aspen experience from the very start.
Aspen Cliffhouse Wedding Ceremony on Top of Buttermilk Mountain
To get to the ceremony, we took the chairlift up Buttermilk Mountain, one of Aspen’s four iconic ski resorts. After much anticipation, Ben finally got to see his beautiful bride walk down the aisle, and his face instantly lit up with joy. The couple exchanged vows, and the guests all congratulated them by throwing aspen leaves up in the air – a perfect exit for a place named after it’s abundant tree species. To make their marriage official ~Aspen style~ they rang the famous mountain-top gong and everyone raised a toast with champagne.
Wedding Party Photos on Aspen Cliffhouse Wedding Deck
While the guests enjoyed a moment to mingle and take in the view, we grabbed the wedding party and close family for photos. Although their family photo list was long, Kelsey and Ben made it fun, using the time to catch up with their loved ones while keeping the photos playful and relaxed.
A Wedding Day Pizza Date in Downtown Aspen
Quality time with your partner can be hard to come by on wedding day, so Kelsey and Ben purposely set aside a few hours after the ceremony for just the two of them. We snapped a few pics at the top of the mountain and then headed to Aspen for an afternoon date. This was by far my favorite part of the day because it felt so authentic to their relationship.
Kelsey and Ben shared a beer and a slice of pizza from their favorite local brewery, and then enjoyed a stroll through Aspen’s streets, stopping wherever they pleased along the way. We popped into a cute little coffee shop, danced in an empty courtyard, and took a moment to just stop and smell the flowers, all the while laughing and making core memories.
A Wedding Day Centered Around Experience
Before heading to cocktail hour, Ben and Kelsey stopped at the hotel to freshen up. They had no idea a surprise waited for them. Viewline went above and beyond—covering their bed in rose petals. The moment they saw it, they burst into laughter and dove right in. They rolled around, giggling like kids. That spontaneous joy, tucked between the big moments, is what made their day so unforgettable.
Cocktail Hour at Buttermilk Mountain
While Kelsey and Ben were enjoying their wedding day date, their guests also had a few hours to explore town. This was a destination wedding, so having time to enjoy one of Colorado’s most famous mountain towns was a treat! Afterwards, everyone reconvened at The Backyard, a patio deck at the base of Buttermilk Mountain, for yard games and craft cocktails. Unlike most weddings where the couple typically spends cocktail hour taking formal photos, Kelsey and Ben got to spend the entire time with their guests.
Ending the Evening with a Cherry on Top
We ended the night with a cozy, candle-lit dinner inside the Buttermilk Mountain Lodge. Guests raised their glasses and shared heartfelt toasts. Then Diamond Empire kicked off the evening with a live music set that had everyone on their feet. If you want a packed, high-energy party, nothing beats a live band. Before I left, Kelsey and Ben shared their first scoop of ice cream together—sweet, simple, and so them. We said our goodbyes, and they danced the night away, the perfect ending to a perfect day.
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Hey, I’m Leah! A true to color, documentary style photographer and huge mountain girlie. I believe in wedding days centered around experience and making true lifelong memories. You live it up and spend your day present with each other, and I’ll be there documenting it every step of the way! I shoot weddings all across the state of Colorado, but Aspen has a special place in my heart. If you’re thinking of getting married at Aspen’s Cliffhouse Wedding Deck or you’re in need of advice when searching for the best Aspen wedding venues, let’s chat! I’d love to help bring your dream wedding vision to life!
