for you and your wedding guests
Crested Butte is a truly magical place to have your wedding. From the scenic backcountry vistas and epic outdoor activities to the colorful, historic buildings and small-town, quirky vibes, a Crested Butte wedding provides the ultimate mountain getaway experience that adds icing to the cake of your main event. You’ve picked your Crested Butte wedding venue, your friends and family came here to celebrate with you, and we at Mountain Magic Media understand how important it is for your guests to enjoy the entire destination experience.
Luckily, there are so many fun things to do in Crested Butte, no matter your guests’ interests. Check out some of our favorite activities to leave a lasting impression and memorable experience for your special love story celebration.
Explore Around Town
Take the free Mountain Express bus up to the mountain, or ride a townie bike through the town’s eclectic alleyways. Crested Butte loves any excuse for a festival no matter what time of year – from the Farmer’s Market, Crested Butte Arts Festival, free outdoor concerts, Wildflower Festival, and race events – wander around town long enough and you’re bound to stumble upon an event full of costumed locals and colorful characters. In the summer, you can even ride the chairlift to the top of the mountain and take a short hike for 360-degree views of the town and the surrounding Elk Mountains.
Drinks & Dining
For a small town, there are some fantastic places to eat and drink in Crested Butte, and it wouldn’t be a trip here without partaking in the Elk Avenue dining experience! From farm-to-table, to fine-dining French, to classic American steakhouse, to Thai, to flatbreads, to Mexican to Asian to Nepalese cuisine, the restaurants in Crested Butte deliver great food, fun atmosphere, and local character that you’ll enjoy any day of the week. Did we mention the best pizza in Colorado?
Looking for a good brewski or cocktail? Crested Butte’s very own rum distillery has over 30 rum concoctions to choose from, and the best cocktails in town are just down the block. The historic (or haunted?!) Kochevar’s Saloon is where you’ll find the locals hanging, and the gritty Talk of the Town closes down the night for last call.
Shopping
Take a stroll down Elk Avenue and it’s hard not to stop in one of the quirky shops or charming boutiques. You won’t find chain stores in the colorful buildings of downtown Crested Butte, guaranteeing unique gifts, souvenirs, or “just because” purchases. Pick yourself out some self-care goodies and a cute new outfit for that upcoming photoshoot with your Crested Butte photographer, or treat yourself at one of the spas or salons in Crested Butte, like Creekside Spa or Studio One Eleven, before the big day or after a big hike!
Live Music
Music rings sweeter in the mountains, and Crested Butte attracts a wide variety of musicians. Many of the restaurants and bars offer live music to showcase the local talent, and Public House and the Center for the Arts are the larger venues in town that bring in traveling musicians. The Alpenglow and Music on the Mountain free outdoor concert series in the summer are a favorite tradition for locals and visitors alike.
Recreation
Oh, where to start?! It’s no secret that Crested Butte is home to incredible year-round recreation. Likely, you’ve heard about the skiing in Crested Butte or the epic mountain biking trails. Chances are you and your guests are here to play in addition to the celebration!
With Crested Butte Mountain Resort settled at the base of Mt. Crested Butte, this town shines in winter. Crested Butte’s extreme terrain is renowned and highly sought-after when the powder pours in. But whether you’re a skier or snowboarder, beginner or thrill-seeker, there’s terrain for everyone here to enjoy!
If Nordic skiing is more your speed, the Crested Butte Nordic Center maintains more than 50 kilometers of cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trails. Or hop on a snowmobile and explore some untouched backcountry terrain away from the crowds (responsibly, of course – make sure to know your avalanche safety before venturing out!)
Come spring and summer, the trails offer both adventure and solace for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and jeeping/off-roading trips. Did we mention there are wildflowers?! For water lovers, the rivers and alpine lakes around town are the perfect vessels for stand-up paddle boarding, rafting, kayaking, and fishing.
Many summer activities can continue into fall as the aspen leaves change. Driving up Kebler Pass is the perfect way to take in the autumn color. It is the location of the largest aspen grove in the U.S.! Fall is also a great time for camping once the crowds have died down.
Bonus: Have a photoshoot!
Crested Butte is beautiful year-round, and what better way to capture the moment than with a photo session with your friendly Crested Butte photographer! We specialize in love stories – weddings, engagements, elopements, proposals, adventure shoots, and all things in the great outdoors. The Gunnison Valley is our home and we love sharing this special place and some of its hidden gems to help you create cherished memories for years to come!
Remember we’re high up no matter what activity you find yourself doing here! Nine thousand feet brings so much beauty and adventure to this town, but it also means the altitude, dry climate, and sun exposure are no joke any time of the year. Make sure to stay hydrated and lather on that sun protection!
This list of things to do in Crested Butte is endless – as Crested Butte wedding photographers we still surprise ourselves with new activities and adventures! For more recommendations, reach out! We’d love to share more of our favorites and hear about yours too!
XOXO,
Lydia + T
Mountain Magic Media
