Weddings
Welcome
We are pleased that you are considering the Aspen Chapel for one of the most significant occasions in your life. Each wedding is unique and we want to take the time to make your wedding an enjoyable and spiritual celebration-from preparation to reception.
Weddings Services
Click a link below to view examples of our wedding services:
- A Wedding from the Heart
- Marriage Service – A Modern Version
- Service of Marriage
- Ceremony of Marriage
- The Celebration of Blessing of Marriage
Spiritual Emphasis
The Aspen Chapel is an interfaith chapel. Our ceremonies are always spiritual in nature. This type of wedding includes an invocation of God’s spirit, scripture readings, homily, prayer and benediction along with the vows of marriage. To provide spiritual integrity at the Chapel, only ordained and full-time clergy may perform services. We can provide clergy or we will work with your own Chapel-approved clergy in planning your service.
Interfaith Marriage Ceremonies
Interfaith marriage services performed by an ordained priest, minister or rabbi are permitted at the Chapel, which consists of both a Christian and a Jewish community. The Chapel’s Christian ministers can provide guidance in structuring interfaith weddings. Such ceremonies are styled after similar beliefs or a combination of both traditions.
Pastoral Consultation
A more personal and meaningful wedding occurs when you meet with the minister. This meeting is not evaluative, but an opportunity to become acquainted, develop a rapport and discuss your marriage service. Most clergy have a variety of services from which to choose. You may wish to include your own readings, poems, scripture passages or personal vows.
Chapel Staff Support
We will schedule adequate time and space on either side of your wedding for floral arrangements, changing clothes, photography and the receiving line. We encourage planning the processional before the actual rehearsal.
Chapel Accommodations
Our staff wishes to serve you by providing suggestions and referrals on all aspects of a wedding in Aspen. We can direct you to help with lodging, receptions, photography, flowers, transportation and music.
Ceremony Locations
Wedding ceremonies are held in the Chapel Sanctuary. It is designed to feel comfortable with groups of any size-whether it is a wedding with only the bride and groom or with many guests. The Sanctuary comfortably seats 150 people in the pews and another 150 people in additional chairs. Maximum seating is 300 people. The Chapel provides dripless beeswax candles and two candelabras. A classroom is available for bridal dressing. Reception space is available in the Chapel Art Gallery or the Garden for an additional charge. Our kitchen is available for your caterer. Wine and champagne are permitted, but not an open bar.
If you prefer to have your service outside, the Chapel Garden offers a lovely private setting. And the Chapel Sanctuary is a convenient back-up in the event of inclement weather. The garden seats a maximum of 120 people and chair rental is necessary.
Weddings in Other Locations
Currently, our clergy does not perform weddings away from the Chapel. The Aspen Chapel accommodates spiritual weddings throughout the Aspen area by recommending the following clergy:
- Rev. Michael Abdo 970-544-6338
- Rev. Joan Lewis 970-963-8421
- Julie Paxton 970-920-1716
For outside weddings, a backup location is necessary in case of inclement weather. The Chapel can often be scheduled for this purpose. Please refer to the requested contribution list for reserving the Chapel in case of inclement weather.
Music
Our music director is an excellent resource for all music at your wedding. We can supply vocalists and instrumentalists for you. All selections of music, whether classical or contemporary, must be approved by our music director. The Chapel houses a 24-rank Moeller pipe organ and a 7-foot Baldwin grand piano. We have a carillon from which chimes can be heard inside and outside
Our Music Director is available to assist with coordinating musicians for weddings in other locations.
Restrictions
Due to the sacredness of the wedding service, as well as a courtesy to the couple and guests, photography is limited to two photographers and two videographers during the actual wedding ceremony. The designated photographers must stay clear of the altar area and must not obstruct the view of any guest.
Marriage License
All weddings coordinated by the Aspen Chapel require a marriage license issued by the State of Colorado. Please contact the Pitkin County Clerk and Recorder at 970.920.5180 or any other Colorado county clerk and recorder to obtain your license.
Deposit & Contributions
Wedding dates can be secured in person or over the phone. We require a deposit as well as a credit card number within one week of the reservation. If you cancel your reservation with at least four weeks’ notice, we will refund your deposit, less an administrative fee. If you cancel the wedding within four weeks of your reserved date, your deposit is non-refundable. Please see link at the bottom of this page regarding specific pricing.
The balance is due two weeks prior to your wedding. Only one payment to the Aspen Chapel (inclusive of Chapel, clergy and music) is necessary. If you have not submitted your full remittance by the time of your wedding, we will bill your credit card.
The Chapel is a non-profit religious organization. Requested contributions reflect the fact that we are not supported by a permanent membership.
As you consider the arrangements of your wedding, please don’t hesitate to phone us with any questions you might have regarding your Chapel ceremony. We wish you the best as you plan your wedding.