Bride and groom in wedding attire laugh and make snowballs in front of a wooden cabin on a sunny, snowy day during their Alta Lakes Observatory Elopement. There is a snowmobile in the background, epitomizing an adventure elopement and perfectly captured by a professional Colorado elopement photographer.

Alta Lakes Observatory Elopement & Wedding Guide

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Alta Lakes Observatory Elopement & Wedding Guide

Tucked away high within the mountainous backcountry of the San Juan Mountains is a secluded wilderness escape known as The Observatory at Alta Lakes. This hand built log cabin situated at 11,300 feet above sea level is an adventurers paradise complete with a private lake, mountain views of Palmyra & Silver Peak, and historic mining structures. If you are seeking to get married at a private mountain location where you, your partner, and up to 10 guests can stay overnight, then an Alta Lakes Observatory elopement is exactly what you’ve been looking for! Discover everything you need to know about getting married at The Observatory like venue details, pricing, information on bringing your pets, and plenty of photos for inspiration. 

A bride and groom stand close together on rocky ground at sunset, with mountains, trees, and the serene lake as the sun sets on their Alta Lakes Observatory elopement.
During their Alta Lakes Observatory elopement, a couple in formal attire stands in front of a snow-covered wooden cabin with a snowmobile parked nearby and trees in the background.
A small Alta Lakes Observatory Wedding unfolds beside a lake, surrounded by pine trees and mountains, with guests seated on wooden chairs facing the couple and officiant.
A bride and groom sit together on wooden stairs in a rustic setting at their Alta Lakes Observatory Elopement, surrounded by stone walls and wooden beams, smiling and looking at each other.
A red British-style telephone booth stands near a lake, surrounded by evergreen trees and mountains in the background at The Observatory at Alta Lakes
A bride and groom stand closely on a rock, surrounded by trees, mountains, and wooden ruins in an outdoor, rustic setting during their wedding at The Observatory at Alta Lakes.
A couple dressed in white kisses on a mountain overlook at sunset during their Alta Lakes elopement, surrounded by trees and distant peaks under a clear sky.

Alta Lakes Observatory Wedding Venue Details

Sleeps 12 all year long

Up to 75 guests from mid-June – early October

Private lake, hot tub, backcountry skiing
Starting Price $8,000

Telluride Micro Wedding Venue

If you are seeking to immerse yourself in a spectacular area within Mother Nature that includes the privacy of your very own mountain cabin & private lake, then The Observatory at Alta Lakes is the perfect Telluride micro wedding venue for you! Some of the features include watercraft like canoes and standup paddle boards on property that you can use to get on the lake, your own hot tub that’s perfect for relaxing after a day of exploration, a fire pit for roasting the perfect s’mores, and an unparalleled view of the night sky dotted with so many stars that you’ll forget that your on Earth for a moment.

A bride and groom in formal attire embrace on rocky terrain at sunset during their Alta Lakes Observatory Elopement with mountains and trees silhouetted against a colorful sky in the background.

How Many Guests can I have at Alta Lakes Observatory?

The Observatory at Alta Lakes can sleep up to 12 people in total (including yourselves). For an additional cost, you are allowed to host up to 75 people in total (excluding vendors) for your wedding or elopement. Again, these numbers do not include vendors so that is a total of up to a maximum of 73 guests if you count yourselves.

How much does an Alta Lakes Observatory Elopement Cost? 

The cost of an Alta Lakes Observatory elopement depends on how many total people you will include in your event. The pricing starts at $8,000 for a 3 day / 2 night stay with up to 12 total people in your group. If you plan on hosting 13-20 people, the cost is $11,000. If your party is between 21-50 people, the cost is $15,000. The cost of hosting between 51-75 total people increases incrementally and caps at $17,500, which includes an additional night stay (4 days / 3 nights).

Additionally, there is a refundable security deposit of $3000 that is due seven days before check in. For events with more than 12 people, event insurance is required for general liability and alcohol liability coverage. 

If you are planning to elope with just you and your partner, you may qualify for the base reservation rate of $2,000 per night with a two night minimum stay at the Observatory. This rate only applies if you book within a few months of your date, and it is strictly for only you and your partner with absolutely no other guests. 

A bride and groom stand on a large rock surrounded by scattered wooden debris and pine trees, with mountains and a blue sky in the background.

When to get Married at Alta Lakes Observatory

Alta Lakes Observatory most certainly has charm throughout the year! However, there are a few important factors to consider when deciding on your wedding date. First, if you are looking to have more than 12 guests, you must plan your date around the snow-free months, which have been defined by The Observatory as mid-June through early October. The exact start and end dates vary year to year depending on the weather.

Moreover, during the winter months, Alta Lake is a winter wonderland that requires snowmobile transportation for easiest access. You can also snowshoe up to the property, though that would be quite the trek to get up there. Alta Lakes Observatory has snowmobile rentals available upon request. Lastly, if you want to have a larger party, warmer weather, and want the water on the lake to be accessible by watercraft, you should plan for summer or early autumn. 

❄️ Check out this Snowmobile Elopement at Alta Lakes ❄️

How to get to Alta Lakes Observatory

The remoteness of The Observatory at Alta Lakes adds to the charm of getting married in such a secluded area of Colorado. In order to access The Observatory, it is highly recommended to drive a vehicle with 4 wheel drive for the most comfort and safety. The more lift your vehicle has, the better. The Observatory is located approximately 5 miles up a narrow, unpaved road that winds through trees and uneven surfaces. 

For larger parties, you can only have up to 6 vehicles parked in the driveway at any given time. For your guests not staying on the property, it is recommended to hire a shuttle service or carpool in a way that adheres to these rules. During snowy months, the Observatory is only accessible by snowmobile, skis, or snowshoes. Upon reserving the venue, they will provide all the information you need for how to access the property during your stay.

Alta Lakes Observatory Spaces

The Observatory at Alta Lakes is a unique space that offers so much for your elopement or micro wedding. The kitchen is well-stocked and features pots & pans of all sizes, a slow cooker, rice cooker, blender, and coffee maker. There is even a gas grill (propane included) that you can use as well. There are 2 full bathrooms and 2 additional half-baths. There are plenty of linens, shampoo, conditioner, and body wash for you to use. Of course, feel free to bring your own toiletries.

A bride in a lace dress stands smiling as another woman helps adjust her gown inside a rustic wooden cabin with large windows and stone walls.
A bride and groom walk down a rocky slope toward a rustic cabin at Alta Lakes Observatory, where guests are gathered for an elopement in a forested mountain setting.
A woman on a bed looks at a white wedding dress hanging in a wooden cabin with large windows and natural light.

The Lodge

The Observatory at Alta Lakes’ main feature is its log Lodge. The main floor consists of a spacious living area with a cozy fireplace and large kitchen. There are two main bedrooms, one with a king bed and the other with a queen bed, plus a loft with 2 twin beds and two twin pull out beds located throughout the Lodge. There is a full bathroom on the first and second floors and a half bath on the first and third floors. With floor to ceiling windows overlooking the mountains, the primary bedroom is the perfect space for getting ready photos! The rustic logs inside the Lodge seamlessly blend in with the surrounding Nature.

Private Lake

If you envision yourself saying your vows amongst a private majestic mountain lake, then the Observatory is perfect for you! One of the best perks of getting married at The Observatory at Alta Lakes is that the property has it’s own private lake located just a handful of steps from the Lodge. Alta Lake is surrounded by staggering mountain peaks and thousands of pine trees. The Observatory also provides canoes and standup paddle boards for you to get on the water. Let’s also not forget the bright red vintage London telephone booth that doubles as a photo booth! It’s perfect for a fun portrait session and for you to pick up the call when the mountains come ringing!  

A canoe with two people floats on a calm mountain lake, surrounded by pine trees and distant rocky peaks, with tree stumps visible in the water.
A small Alta Lakes Observatory Wedding unfolds beside a lake, surrounded by pine trees and mountains, with guests seated on wooden chairs facing the couple and officiant.
A bride and groom sit in a decorated canoe on a calm lake surrounded by trees; the groom is rowing while the bride sits beside him.
A bride and groom share their first dance outdoors at a rustic wedding reception, surrounded by guests, round tables, and string lights, with mountains in the background.
A round table with a white lace tablecloth and a floral centerpiece is set outdoors near a lake, with mountains and trees in the background.
Five round tables with white tablecloths and simple floral centerpieces are set up outdoors on a woodchip surface near a rustic log building and stacked firewood, surrounded by pine trees.

Reception Patio

Located to the left of the Lodge (when facing it) is the stone patio of the Alta Lakes Observatory, which is a great place for your reception. Whether you’re setting up an evening dinner with a natural dance floor or brunch the morning after, this cozy nook is a great space to spend quality time with your guests. The patio also features a hot tub, which can make for some great steamy photos as you wait for the stars to come out. Just around the corner, there is also a grill for all of your outdoor cooking needs.

Alta Lakes Campground + Ghost Town

The area around the Observatory is the historic and wild area of Alta Lakes campground and Ghost Town. Alta Lakes campground includes another lake, which is usually busy throughout the summer and fall seasons with campers, hikers, and fishermen (and fisherwomen). This lake features different mountains in the distance and lots of wooden areas to explore. Down the road a bit further towards the town of Telluride is the historic mining Ghost Town of Alta Lakes. There are many dilapidated structures to see. Be sure to stay behind the restoration barriers, as these structures are decaying and not safe to enter. The mountains from this area are also gorgeous and worth a trip down the road for sunset photos!

A bride and groom stand together at the edge of a mountain lake, surrounded by pine trees, with rocky cliffs rising in the background under a clear blue sky.
Two people in white clothing stand together on a rocky hilltop at sunset, surrounded by trees and mountains under a blue sky.
A bride and groom stand hand in hand on snowy ground, facing snow-covered mountains and pine trees under a partly cloudy sky.
During their Alta Lakes Observatory elopement, a bride and groom pose outside a snowy cabin with two large dogs. The cabin features a sign reading "Observatory" and colorful flags hanging above the entrance.

Is Alta Lakes Observatory pet friendly?

Yes, The Alta Lakes Observatory is pet friendly! Each pet is $75 per pet, per stay (not per night). You are expected to pick up after your pets. Also, they are not allowed on the furniture (but are loved all the same)! 

More about getting Married in Telluride, Colorado 

Your adventure can continue beyond The Observatory at Alta Lakes into Telluride, Colorado! This quaint mountain town features award winning restaurants, skiing, waterfalls, hiking trails, shops, breweries, and more! If you are getting married at the Alta Lakes Observatory, you definitely don’t want to miss out exploring the Telluride area during your stay. 

⛰️ Learn More about Eloping in Telluride, Colorado ⛰️

Alta Lakes Observatory Wedding Photos

The romance and adventure of your love will be mirrored by the inspiring landscapes and pure wonder of Alta Lakes. If you are looking for unique, colorful, and playful wedding photos, these Alta Lakes Observatory wedding photos are the perfect place to find inspiration. With nearly a decade of experience capturing love in the Colorado mountains, we are experts in helping you plan and create the day of your dreams. Please feel free to reach out below if you’d like to chat more about your adventure elopement!

💕 Let us Capture your Dream Day! 💕
An old, rusty truck sits on overgrown grass near The Observatory at Alta Lakes, with a lake surrounded by pine trees and mountains under a partly cloudy sky.
A couple stands outdoors exchanging vows beside a small lake at an Alta Lakes Observatory wedding, surrounded by guests on benches, with pine trees and mountains in the background.
A couple in wedding attire paddles a greenery-adorned canoe on a calm lake, surrounded by pine trees and mountains, capturing the magic of an Alta Lakes Observatory Elopement.
A bride and groom share a first dance outdoors at dusk during their Alta Lakes Observatory wedding, with a live band performing beside them near a rustic stone building adorned with string lights.
A couple in formal attire stands facing each other outdoors at sunset, surrounded by trees and mountains, with sunlight shining between them.
A couple stands with an officiant in a snowy mountain landscape, exchanging vows under a bright blue sky with scattered clouds and sunshine.
A bride and groom share a kiss outdoors on a rocky path at their Alta Lakes Observatory Elopement, surrounded by pine trees and yellow flowers, with mountains in the background.
A couple dressed in white stands on a mountain ledge, exchanging vows with forested hills and distant peaks visible under a clear blue sky—a picture-perfect Alta Lakes elopement.
A bride and groom stand on snow-covered ground, holding hands and facing a scenic mountain landscape at sunset during their Alta Lakes Telluride elopement.
A bride and groom kiss while standing in snow at their Alta Lakes Observatory Elopement, dressed in wedding attire, with pine trees and a snow-covered mountain in the background.
A bride and groom dance on a forest path while two musicians play a violin and double bass in the background during their Alta Lakes Observatory Micro Wedding.
A bride and groom stand at the altar by a lake at Alta Lakes Observatory, surrounded by guests, pine trees, and mountains—the perfect micro wedding backdrop.
A couple in wedding attire stands on a rocky slope overlooking a lake and pine trees at sunset, with mountains in the background—a magical Telluride elopement at The Observatory at Alta Lakes.
A couple dressed in white kisses on a mountain overlook at sunset during their Alta Lakes elopement, surrounded by trees and distant peaks under a clear sky.
A bride and groom ride a snowmobile on a snowy mountain landscape during their Alta Lakes Observatory Elopement, with the bride holding a bouquet and snow-covered peaks in the background.
Two people ride a snowmobile across snow in front of a rustic, slanted wooden cabin at Alta Lakes, surrounded by evergreen trees and mountains under a blue sky—a dreamy scene for an unforgettable elopement.
A bride and groom embrace and kiss outside a wooden cabin in a snowy mountain setting, capturing the magic of an Alta Lakes Telluride elopement.
A bride and groom stand on a rocky forest path with tall pine trees and a mountain in the background, capturing the enchanting spirit of an Observatory at Alta Lakes Wedding.
A bride and groom stand close together on a rocky slope at sunset during their Alta Lakes Telluride elopement, with a dramatic sky and distant mountains in the background.

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