Woods Walk Wedding & Elopement Guide – Top Tips for 2026

Posted On | April 25, 2026

Woods Walk in Crested Butte is a reservable outdoor wedding ceremony site owned by the Crested Butte Land Trust, offering an aspen grove setting with a jaw-dropping backdrop of Mt. Crested Butte. Woods Walk is a wedding venue available year-round, steps from downtown, and one of the most photogenic and affordable ceremony venues in all of Colorado. Whether you’re eloping just the two of you or having a micro wedding with up to 100 guests, it’s accessible, genuinely beautiful, and the kind of place that feels special before a single flower gets unboxed.

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Woods Walk Wedding FAQs

Just west of downtown Crested Butte on Kebler Pass Road – less than a mile from Elk Avenue. The exact coordinates for Woods Walk are 38°52’16.5″N 106°59’37.1″W.

Yes, you must make a reservation directly through the Crested Butte Land Trust at least 7 days in advance.

Yes, though winter guests must arrive by snowshoes or cross-country skis and notify CB Nordic in advance since the route crosses a groomed trail.

Yes! It’s a dedicated wedding ceremony venue reservable through the Crested Butte Land Trust for elopements and weddings up to 100 guests.

Up to 100!

Up to 3 hours, including setup and teardown.

$2,000 for your reservation ($500 of which is a refundable damage deposit).

Fairly private. The site is exclusively yours on your date, though it sits within a public open space, so the occasional passerby is possible, especially in summer and early fall.

Leashed dogs are generally welcome, but confirm the current policy with the Crested Butte Land Trust when you book.

No food, alcohol, amplified sound, live bands, or drones are allowed. Your officiant can speak freely, just without a mic.

Parking is extremely limited and cannot be reserved, so walking, biking, or a shuttle is required. The Land Trust contract actually requires a shuttle plan!

Start Here To Plan Your Woods Walk Wedding

Cost & Permits

How to Book Your Woods Walk Wedding

The reservation process is straightforward — here’s what to know before you reach out.

What it costs: The total reservation fee is $2,000, broken down as follows:

  • $500 refundable deposit (returned if you leave the site clean and natural)
  • $1,000 tax-deductible donation to the Crested Butte Land Trust
  • $500 non-refundable administrative fee

Reservations are first-come, first-served and must be submitted at least 7 days before your date. The Land Trust books one event per site per day, so once it’s yours, it’s yours.

Reserve Your Woods Walk Wedding

Deep Dive Into Planning Your Woods Walk Wedding

Rules & Regulations for A Woods Walk Wedding

Woods Walk is conserved land and the Crested Butte Land Trust takes that seriously. Here’s what you actually need to know:

What’s allowed:

  • Temporary decor: chairs, benches, rugs, floral arrangements
  • Photography and videography
  • Up to 100 guests
  • 3-hour ceremony window including setup and teardown
  • Leashed pets 

What’s not allowed:

  • No food or alcohol served at the site
  • No amplified sound systems or live bands
  • No tents or structures of any kind
  • No drones
  • No portable toilets
  • No flower petals, confetti, rice, hay, or anything non-native introduced into the landscape
  • No altering the natural land: no trimming grass or plants, no moving rocks, no planting or removing vegetation
  • No receptions on Land Trust property

Transportation: You must submit a shuttle plan with your reservation. Parking is extremely limited and shared with the public. Plan for most guests to walk, bike, or be shuttled from downtown. It’s located within a mile of Elk Avenue, which actually makes this easier than most people expect!

Looking for a shuttle company in Crested Butte? Here are a few local options: 

When To Get Married At Woods Walk

Best Time Of Year To Get Married At Woods Walk

Woods Walk is genuinely beautiful in every season. It’s one of the rare Colorado outdoor ceremony spots that doesn’t force you into a narrow window. Here’s what each season actually looks like:

🌡️ Highs in the low-to-mid 70s / Lows in the 40s.

✅ Best for: Wildflowers peaking mid-July through August, long daylight hours, warmest temps for guests.

⚠️ Watch for: Afternoon thunderstorms in July and August. Have a weather plan (no tents permitted on site).

💡 Pro tip: This is peak season and the most popular booking window, so reserve early.

🌡️ Highs in the mid-50s / Lows in the 30s.

✅ Best for: Peak aspen color, golden light, fewer tourists, photos that look like a painting.

⚠️ Watch for: Snow possible by late September. Pack layers and have a rain plan.

💡 Pro tip: Our personal favorite window! The season is short, so plan around it.

🌡️ Highs in the mid-50s to low 60s / Lows in the 30s.

✅ Best for: Soft green aspens, early wildflowers, fewer crowds, a quieter and more intimate feel.

⚠️ Watch for: Unpredictable weather and lingering snow on the peaks.

💡 Pro tip: Often gorgeous and underbooked. A great option if you want the place mostly to yourselves.

🌡️ Highs in the low-to-mid 30s / Lows in the single digits.

✅ Best for: Snow-covered aspens, fresh powder, Mt. Crested Butte in the background. A winter wonderland! 

⚠️ Watch for: Getting there requires snowshoes or cross-country skis, and the approach crosses a groomed CB Nordic trail.

💡 Pro tip: Notify CB Nordic when booking and consider a small donation.

When’s the best time to elope in Colorado?

Best Time of Day To Get Married at Woods Walk

Sunset Elopement at Woods Walk
  • The ceremony field faces west toward Mt. Crested Butte — afternoon light hits the mountain and reflects back into the aspen grove
  • Sunset timing is the top recommendation here and what this location is naturally built for
  • If you can plan your vows for the 1–2 hours before sunset, your photos will show it
Sunrise Elopement at Woods Walk
  • Softer light and fewer people on the trail
  • A great option if you want privacy and a quieter feel before the rest of town wakes up
  • The aspens catch early sun beautifully in fall especially
How Does Time of Day Impact Your Photos?

Where to Take Wedding Photos Near Woods Walk

The ceremony site itself is stunning, but the area around Crested Butte is genuinely one of the most diverse and beautiful landscapes in all of Colorado. If you’re working with us, we’ll build you a custom timeline that layers adventure portraits into your day. Here are the spots we love most near Woods Walk:

Snodgrass Mountain

 A short hike from Woods Walk area takes you into open meadows above the aspens. In summer, wildflowers everywhere. In fall, the gold goes on forever. This is the one.

Learn more

Gothic Road

The drive toward Gothic is quietly jaw-dropping. Peaks, meadows, the ghost-town energy of the old Gothic research station. Great for intimate walking scenes and wide landscape moments.

Kebler Pass Road

The same road that leads to Woods Walk goes on to become one of the most scenic autumn drives in Colorado, lined with massive aspen groves. In early October, the color is unreal.

Emerald Lake

Requires a 4×4 vehicle with high clearance to get to! Bright teal water, alpine shoreline, mountain reflections. Completely different energy than the aspen grove and a beautiful contrast for an adventure session before or after your ceremony.

Planning Tips

Get Your Marriage License
Colorado makes this easy. No waiting period, no residency requirement. Visit any county clerk’s office in Colroado with your IDs and $35 within 35 days of your ceremony. Colorado allows self-solemnization, so you don’t even need an officiant if you don’t want one. How to Self-Solemnize in Colorado →

Plan for a Weekday
If privacy matters to you, aim for Monday through Thursday. Weekends get busy, especially in summer. Weekday mornings are the quietest.

Check Weather Forecasts
Mountain weather changes fast. Check the forecast the morning of your ceremony and bring layers. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer but usually pass quickly.

Book Early
The Land Trust only allows one event per site per day and availability goes fast, especially for summer Saturdays and fall dates in the third and fourth weeks of September. If you have a date in mind, don’t sit on it.

Plan Your Transportation
Parking is limited. For groups of 15 or more, a shuttle from town is basically required. The free Mountain Express bus doesn’t serve this trailhead, so you’ll need a private plan. Vans, carpools, and a designated meeting spot in town work well.

Know The No-Reception Rule
The Land Trust is clear: no receptions on property. Your ceremony ends, everyone picks up, and you head somewhere else to celebrate. Crested Butte has great reception options nearby to keep the party going! 

Arrive Early
Arrive at least 30–45 minutes before guests to set up within your 3-hour window.

Prepare for High Altitude
At 8,900 feet, you might feel slightly off if you’re coming from sea level. Drink more water than you think you need, take it slow, and give yourself time to adjust.

Pack Smart
☀️ Sunscreen – The sun is intense at elevation
🦟 Bug spray – Can be needed depending on season
🧥 Layers – Temperature can drop 10-15°F after sunset
💧 Water – Stay hydrated at altitude
🗑️ Trash bag – Pack out everything you bring in

Respect Wildlife
You might see elk, deer, or other animals. Keep your distance, don’t feed them, and let them do their thing.

Woods Walk is less than a mile from Elk Avenue, which means walking to a reception dinner is genuinely a realistic option. Here’s a few options nearby:

Bonez  The iconic Mexican restaurant on Elk Avenue. Great energy, full buyout options for 44–150 guests, and a menu that works for a party. Loud and fun in the best way.

Breadery Upstairs Creekside Event Room seats up to 36. Perfect for an intimate dinner after an intimate ceremony. The food is excellent.

Scarp Ridge Lodge Boutique luxury lodge in the heart of town. Full buyout for up to 18 overnight guests and 50 for seated dinner. If your group is small and you want something polished and private, this is it.

Sunflower  A beautiful farm-to-table restaurant in Crested Butte known for multi-course dinners and a more elevated experience. Great for smaller groups wanting something special after a smaller ceremony.

Private Chef / Vacation Rental  Many couples book a large Airbnb or VRBO in town and hire a private chef for the reception. This is often the most cost-effective option for groups of 12–30 and gives you total flexibility with the timeline.

The best part about getting married in Crested Butte is that there’s never a shortage of ways to fill the rest of the trip.

Hiking: Snodgrass Mountain, Judd Falls, Gothic Valley, Lake Irwin, and Emerald Lake all offer something different. There’s genuinely something for every ability level.

Mountain Biking: Crested Butte is widely considered one of the mountain biking capitals of Colorado. If you and your partner ride, this is a non-negotiable addition to the weekend.

Wildflower Festival: Held in mid-July, this is one of the most celebrated events in the Gunnison Valley. If your wedding date overlaps, lean into it.

Kebler Pass Drive: One of the great Colorado fall drives. Time it for early October and you’ll have one of the most spectacular backdrops you’ve ever seen.

Kayaking and Paddleboarding: Lake Irwin is down the road and makes for a mellow afternoon. The Gunnison River is about 30 minutes south for something with more current.

Downtown Crested Butte: Walk Elk Avenue. Get coffee at Camp4Coffee. Grab a beer at the Eldo or the Brick. Eat at Secret Stash. Wander into the boutique shops. The town is genuinely charming and the locals are always friendly! 

Stargazing: Low light pollution, high altitude, summer skies that stretch forever. Pack a blanket and make a night of it.

This place gets a lot of love, which means it needs a lot of care:


✓ Pack out everything you bring in
✓ Stay on established trails
✓ Don’t move or stack rocks
✓ Take only photos, leave only footprints
✓ Keep noise levels reasonable (it’s a public park)

Following Leave No Trace principles helps keep this spot beautiful for everyone.

View Crested Butte Wedding & Elopement Packages

Inspiration

Real Woods Walk Photos

Real Created Butte Elopements

The Proof Is In The Pudding! Check out a few of the Crested Butte elopements We’ve Photographed

Caitlin & Michael

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Dave & Val

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Kayla & Tori

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Taylor & Marc

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Emilie & Jacob

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Karen & Brad

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View more of our Crested Butte elopements

Let Us Plan It For You

Woods Walk Elopement Photographers & Planners

Larissa and Bailey, Colorado elopement photographers, standing on rocky outcropping with backpacks and camera gear

Who We Are

We’re two born and raised Coloradoans who have spent our whole lives exploring every corner of this state. Crested Butte has been a favorite of ours for backpacking, camping, hiking and kayaking.

Larissa (left) is the person who always chimes a smiley “hi!” on the hiking trail.

Bailey (right) is the person who will absolutely cry at your wedding.

Together we’ve planned and photographed 400+ elopements and small weddings in Colorado, collectively been to 46 countries, and agree that cracking a local beer around a campfire is the best way to end a day.

Learn About What We Stand For

We’re More Than Just Photographers

We’re here to make this process easier than “accidentally” binge-watching the newest season of your favorite show.

Every single elopement package includes:

  • Adventure Elopement Planning Guide with step-by-step plans, insider tips and resources.
  • A custom location guide with hidden gems.
  • Email us anytime, anywhere, about anything.
  • Recommended, LGBTQ+ affirming elopement vendors.
  • A custom, stress-free timeline for the elopement of your dreams.
  • Local knowledge about Colorado’s quirky features (because we’re locals).
  • A built-in back up photographer you know you can trust (because we’re a team).

Woods Walk Elopement Packages

What’s Included

1+ Hours of Photography Coverage With A Crested Butte wedding Photographer

We intentionally document your day with both digital and film. Includes high-resolution digital images, printing rights, a shareable online gallery, and free album design.

Full Small WEdding Planning Assistance

When we say we help with it all, we mean it. Location scouting and ideas. Vetted, LGBTQ+ allied, Crested Butte wedding vendors who know elopements. Recs for activities to do on your elopement day. Stress-free timeline planning. Planning resources and ideas. Unlimited communication because we never leave you high and dry.

Woods Walk Elopement Packages

Overwhelmed with How To Plan A Colorado Elopement?

Download Our Free Colorado Elopement Planning Guide & Checklist

40+ pages of ideas, tips, and a step-by-step checklist to make your dream elopement come to life.

Download Your Free Planning Guide
wedding couple in the mountains on cover of We, The Light Photography's Colorado Elopement Planning Guide and Checklist

Are You Freakin’ REady?

We’re 100% here for whatever day you’re dreaming up. Fill out our contact form to start chatting.

Are You Freakin’ REady?

We’re 100% here for whatever day you’re dreaming up. Fill out our contact form to start chatting.

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