Golden Days

If you’ve ever dreamed of a fall wedding framed by golden leaves, there’s no place quite like Blackstone Rivers Ranch in early October. Courtney and Mike’s wedding was proof—an awe-inspiring celebration surrounded by shimmering yellow aspens that looked like something out of a dream.

Aspens are the showstoppers of the fall season here in Colorado. Unlike most trees, aspen leaves turn a brilliant yellow due to the natural process of chlorophyll breaking down as temperatures drop and daylight decreases. Beneath the green is a hidden gold pigment—carotenoids—that bursts forward in the fall, painting the landscape in sunshine tones. It’s a transformation that never ceases to amaze.

What makes aspens especially unique is the way their leaves flutter in the breeze, catching the light and reflecting it like coins in the sun. This coin-like shimmer comes from their flat, flexible stems, which allow the leaves to twist and turn with the wind—a phenomenon so enchanting it’s often called “quaking aspens.”

At Blackstone Rivers Ranch, aspens are woven into the landscape. They don’t all turn at once, thanks to subtle differences in sun exposure and water levels across the property. That means golden leaves can be seen from mid-to-late September all the way through mid-October—and occasionally even into the end of the month. This natural staggering of color is a hidden gift, creating a long, luxurious window for peak fall beauty.

Courtney and Mike’s wedding captured the magic perfectly—each photo wrapped in soft, golden light and trees that felt like they were glowing just for them. If you’re planning a fall wedding, Blackstone’s aspens promise an unforgettable, golden-hued backdrop for every moment.