An Intimate Mountain Wedding at The Black Mountain Lodge, Arapahoe Basin
If you’re dreaming of a mountain wedding that feels both adventurous and deeply personal, The Black Mountain Lodge at Arapahoe Basin Ski Resort offers an unforgettable experience nestled high in the Colorado Rockies. With panoramic mountain views, crisp alpine air, and the charm of an intimate ski lodge, A-Basin is one of Colorado’s best-kept secrets for small destination weddings.
This is exactly where Maria and Luke chose to say “I do,” and their wedding day was nothing short of magical.
Thinking about getting married at a ski resort?
It’s a great idea! Even if skiing isn’t your main passion in life there’s still a lot the mountain can offer for a wedding. A ski resort is the perfect way to get those cascading mountain views without all the hiking, have ample parking, and be removed from a town or city for a more intimate day. Many of the people attending this wedding weren’t from Colorado, so it was the first time a lot of them got to ride a chair lift! If you’ve ever wondered what that feeling is like as an adult just ask the Dalai Lama.
Getting Ready
Maria began her morning inside The Black Mountain Lodge, a cozy venue perched at 11,500 feet atop A-Basin Ski Resort. The warm wooden interiors of the lodge offered the perfect mountain ambiance as she prepared for the big day. Meanwhile, the windows revealed sweeping views of the alpine peaks, setting the scene for what was to come.
Shortly after getting ready, Maria stepped outside for a first look with Luke—a quiet, emotional moment just outside the lodge, with the rugged peaks and alpine meadows creating a stunning natural backdrop. With no distractions, just mountain silence and love in the air, it was the perfect place to begin their wedding story.
Private Vows Among the Pines
Before the formal ceremony, Maria and Luke escaped into the woods surrounding the lodge for a private vow exchange. Tall pine trees, fresh mountain breezes, and the soft crunch of forest floor beneath their feet created an intimate and serene atmosphere. These heartfelt moments, spoken between them, were a beautiful testament to the quiet intimacy that a mountaintop elopement-style wedding can offer.
Not long after wrapping up the lift ride all of the friends and family started to arrive! Having a small guest count meant that Maria and Luke were able to greet everyone as they trickled off the lift. As everyone started to socialize and get comfortable, we were able to sneak away with the wedding party for a few group pictures.
A Ceremony with 360° Mountain Views
With guests gathered on the Black Mountain Lodge deck, Maria and Luke held their wedding ceremony under the open sky. The deck offers panoramic views of the ski resort, and in mid-summer, the surrounding slopes are scattered with wildflowers. Maria’s uncle officiated, making the moment all the more personal and heartfelt.
This is one of the biggest draws for brides choosing Arapahoe Basin: the ability to say your vows at one of Colorado’s highest elevation wedding venues, with unobstructed alpine scenery in every direction.
Small Plates, Drinks, and Big Celebration
After the ceremony, the celebration continued with small plates and drinks inside the lodge. The Black Mountain Lodge excels at creating a cozy yet elegant reception space, ideal for intimate weddings. With flickering candlelight, local craft beers, signature cocktails, and seasonal mountain cuisine, Maria and Luke shared laughter and stories with their closest friends and family.
Riding the Chairlift Down—With a Tequila Toast
One of the most iconic parts of a wedding at Arapahoe Basin? Riding the chairlift in your wedding attire. Maria, Luke, and their wedding party rode the Black Mountain Express down to the base of the mountain, where they celebrated with a round of tequila shots, echoing their fun-loving spirit and love for adventure.
Couple’s Portraits at Pass Lake, Loveland Pass
To close out their day, we drove just minutes up Loveland Pass to Pass Lake, a hidden gem ideal for Colorado mountain wedding portraits. With alpine reflections shimmering in the lake, soft golden light, and the dramatic peaks behind them, Maria and Luke’s love for each other and the outdoors was captured in truly breathtaking fashion.
Why Choose Arapahoe Basin for Your Wedding?
For brides looking for a small mountain wedding venue in Colorado that feels authentic, elevated, and intimate, The Black Mountain Lodge at Arapahoe Basin is a top-tier choice. Located just 30 minutes from Keystone, Breckenridge, and Silverthorne, and less than 90 minutes from Denver, it offers:
- Unmatched views of the Continental Divide
- Secluded, high-elevation setting at over 11,000 feet
- Unique guest experiences like chairlift rides
- Intimate indoor/outdoor spaces perfect for small weddings
- Easy access to scenic photo locations like Pass Lake
If you’re planning a Colorado mountain wedding with under 100 guests, and want your day to feel adventurous, soulful, and deeply connected to nature, Arapahoe Basin might just be your dream venue.
Ready to plan your mountain wedding? Reach out to me and let’s get the ball rolling! I’m here to help turn your picturesque visions into a reality!
