Named after an aerie, a large nest of a bird of prey such as an eagle, the Aerie at Copper Mountain is a relatively new beautiful, relatively new mountainside venue in Colorado. Opening in 2023, the Aerie is a mid-mountain lodge that sits at approximately 11,500 feet in elevation.
I photographed Rachel and Alex’s wedding day here earlier this year and instantly fell in love with this venue. From the guest experience to the gorgeous views, there is so much to love about this mountainside wedding venue.
Traveling to The Aerie at Copper Mountain
Just 75 miles west of Denver, near Frisco Colorado, Aerie at Copper Mountain sits on the side of the Rocky Mountains. Once they arrive in Denver, guests make the beautiful drive into the mountains, where they can see some of the best views Colorado has to offer. Once they arrive at the venue, guests will ride the gondola up the mountain for both the ceremony and reception. When they arrive, they look out at 270-degree mountain views through the large windows in the reception space.
A Colorado Wedding Venue with Mountain Views
Copper Mountain Resort has a few venue options. The Aerie is located at the top of the American Eagle lift up the mountain. The Aerie Lodge sits beside the Aerie Gazebo. The gazebo features a beautifully rustic design, mimicking the feel of the trees and the mountains that make up the views. The Aerie Dining Hall is where your reception takes place. This reception space has multiple dining arrangements that can accommodate up to 180 guests.
About this Mountain Wedding Venue
How Much Does it Cost to Get Married at the Copper Mountain Resort?
When it comes to host your wedding at the Copper Mountain Resort, The Knot describes the starting price to be around $9,500 for 151 to 200 guests. The cost includes catering and venue operations to ensure your day runs smoothly. I do recommend reaching out for updated pricing directly from the venue itself. Because the logistics of traveling to the venue are a little more adventurous, it’s important to have a great staff on your team to ensure your day runs smoothly.
Planning for the Weather
Colorado weather can be unpredictable, especially in the mountains. Weather can change extremely quickly, which is why couples should plan for a lot of wind and potentially cooler weather. If you do plan to get host your wedding here, summer and fall offer the most consistent conditions. There is also winter availability if you’re a die-hard winter fan or have a passion for skiing.
Planning for the Elevation
When it comes to the elevation, if you’re bringing in guests from out of town, I recommend communicating with your guests about how they can prepare for your wedding day. Staying hydrated, limiting alcohol, and looking out for elderly guests and young children are just a few of the ways you can look out for your loved ones.
The Gondola
One of the coolest parts of this wedding venue is the gondola ride up to the venue. The American Eagle gondola is easily one of the most memorable aspects of the guests' experience. That being said, if you have guests that need mobility accommodations, I do recommend speaking with the venue directly before booking.
If you’re in love with the Colorado mountains and want to create an amazing experience for your wedding day and your guests, The Aerie might be the venue for you. For more information on how to book and what the next steps are, head to their website here.
If you’re looking for a true-to-color candid wedding photographer with TONS of experience photographing mountain weddings, you’re in the right place! Let’s start planning your wedding.
