Why Are Crested Butte Weddings Unique?

Crested Butte is a tiny town nestled on the valley floor surrounded by a panoramic view of snow-capped mountains. The endless wildflower meadows and golden fall aspen trees are the perfect backdrop for any couple wanting a mountain wedding. The town’s historic charm and relaxed community make for an easy place to have an epic wedding event.

Wedding season runs from June to October in Crested Butte, with the occasional winter wedding on the slopes of the iconic ski mountain.

• July: lupine fields and afternoon rainbows
• September: golden aspens and cool temps
• December thru March: snow, snow and more snow

Wondering how to plan your epic mountain in Crested Butte? Check out this post:
8 Tips on How to Have an Epic Wedding in Crested Butte

How Much Does Crested Butte Wedding Photography Cost?

Wedding photography pricing in Crested Butte ranges from $4000-$9500+ depending on coverage time, the experience of the pro, number of photographers and included photo products.

There are several factors affecting the pricing of a wedding photographer, some are specific to Crested Butte like local knowledge of the mountains and the unpredictable weather patterns and the best (and worst) photo locations in the valley.

• Experience & Reliability: Established photographers with extensive portfolios are more expensive then photographers just starting out
• Hours of coverage: 8+ hours are a full-day of coverage with more hours being more pricey
• Multiple photographers: More photographers can add cost but also add coverage and variety
• Products & albums: High-end studios will provide albums and printed products from reputable printing companies and stand by their products with lifetime warranties

Need more details about wedding photography price in Crested Butte? I break that down here: How Much Does Wedding Photography Cost in Crested Butte?

Building the Perfect Wedding Day Timeline

Building the perfect timeline for your wedding day can be confusing without a wedding planner or a professional photographer to guide you. If you are not hiring a wedding planner use your photographer to help you with the day’s timeline. Here are some parts of the day to include:

• Getting ready
• First look
• Ceremony time
• Family photos
• Sunset portraits
• Toasts
• Cake cutting
• Frist dance/ parent dance
• Party

The Best Crested Butte Wedding Locations

Crested Butte is full of wedding location options. You can chose to find your own location in the National forest (great for micro-weddings) or chose from one of the many venues. Venues include:

• Ten Peaks on Crested Butte mountain- panoramic views and wildflower fields
• the Woods Walk in town- wildflower meadow with a view of Mt. Crested Butte
• Town Ranch on the southside of town- view of Mt. Crested Butte and easy access
• The Mountain Wedding Garden at the top of Gothic Road- panoramic views
• the Club at Crested Butte for club members only

These locations require booking in advance and rental fees. They book over a year in advance for weekend dates so don’t delay!

Want more info about the best wedding venues in Crested Butte? Check out my post: The Best Wedding Photo Locations in Crested Butte

Engagement Sessions (Why Do They Matter?)

Engagement sessions are great for getting to know your photographer and getting use to his/her style. It is also a great way to get professional photos as a couple, perhaps in a season that is different from your wedding. Use this opportunity to have pro photos in a more casual look and get comfortable being in front of the camera.

Have more questions about engagement session in Crested Butte? Check out my posts:

• What to Wear for Engagement Photos
• How to Feel Relaxed in Your Engagement Photos
• Where to Take Stunning Engagement Photos in Crested Butte

Guest Info is Important!

The town of Crested Butte sits at 8885 feet above sea level, some of the wedding venues on the mountain are even higher! This elevation can bring unique conditions for your guests, including:

• stronger sun-rays
• less oxygen
• thinner air

Mountainous terrain for your venues also brings conditions that need to be addressed with your guests. Weather patterns are different in the mountains, with summer thunderstorms rolling in during the afternoons. Venues are often on rocky, dirt ground and will bring cooler temps eve in the summer months.

Prepare your guests correctly and get planning tips here: 8 Tips for Your Guests

What Happens After the Wedding?

Most wedding photographers will plan a in-studio or virtual meeting after your wedding to discuss your included products and the possible purchase of additional products. They will often provide a slideshow of their best images as well as a gallery of all the images.

The gallery of the best of images should be delivered within a week with the remaining gallery of images within a month.

How to Choose the Right Crested Butte Wedding Photographer

Choosing the right photographer for your wedding is important. Your photos are going to be the only thing left after the day is over and your memories start to fade. It is also a very intimate relationship during the wedding day, as well as before and after. Find the best fit for your vibe, your guests and your future generations to enjoy.

FAQ — Why hire a local photographer for your wedding?

How many weddings should your photographer have photographed in Crested Butte?

A professional wedding photographer in Crested Butte will on average photograph 10 wedding a year. Some veterans will take less to really give each wedding client a lot of attention and energy. Look for photographers who have been working in Crested Butte for over 10 years.

Do photographers help choose photo locations based on season?

Yes! Local photographers in Crested Butte will know all the best locations in each season, and locations that are not accessible at different times of the year.

Is there a backup indoor locations if it storms?

There are several locations with indoor access. The Mountain Wedding Garden has a pavilion often used for the reception. Ten Peaks on Mt. Crested Butte has a large tent. Outdoor locations such as the Town Ranch often will include a tent for the reception.

Will a local photographer help plan our timeline around light?

Yes local photographers will make suggestions depending on the time of year when the best light is for your wedding location.

Do local photographers know the best wildflower and fall color spots?

Yes! Locals know all the best spots for views, foliage and wildflower fields.

• June- lupine fields at the CB Campground
• July- sunflower fields
• August- wildfire flowers up Slate River Rd
• September- fall foliage out Kebler Pass

Will photographers help with permits?

Yes Crested Butte photographers can help with local site permits as well as visiting the USDA website for forest service permits.

How early should a photographer arrive on the wedding day?

The photographer will arrive in the morning to get the getting ready photos. This is usually an hour to two hours before the first event, like the first look or ceremony.

Do local photographers coordinate with other local vendors?

Yes! Many of the local photographers in Crested Butte have been working with local vendors for years. They can make suggestions on who to hire for your event!

Find out the best questions to ask during your interview with photographers:
Questions to Ask Before Hiring Your Wedding Photographer

Enjoy Crested Butte and all it has to offer for your wedding event.