A Joyful Wedding Ceremony at the Chapel at Beaver Creek: Flute, Viola, Cello Trio

On a vibrant day in late May, I had my first mountain wedding for 2023. My drive up to the mountains was a mix of sunshine, rain, and even some snow over the continental divide. The ceremony took place in Beaver Creek, Colorado, and the town was brimming with energy because it was hosting a lively Blues, Brews & BBQ Festival for Memorial Day Weekend.

Just on the outskirts of the festival's buzz, the Chapel at Beaver Creek offered a secluded haven. The quaint chapel, cozily situated amidst a forest of spring trees was a nostalgic and peaceful setting. A cool mountain breeze and sounds of the rushing river water whispered throughout the chapel through the open windows.

Flute and Strings Trio (flute, viola, cello) Wedding Ceremony Music at Beaver Creek Chapel in Beaver Creek Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Autumn Cutaia

Flute and Strings Trio (flute, viola, cello) Wedding Ceremony Music at Beaver Creek Chapel in Beaver Creek Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Autumn Cutaia

The preparation leading to the ceremony was spent in collaboration with the mother of the bride. She requested traditional classical music for the prelude, and she specifically wanted to hear the Hornpipe Finale from Handel’s Water Music. I chose a mix of upbeat and slow classical pieces, befitting the solemn, yet joyous, ceremony.

As the ceremony concluded, we played the lively Rigaudon from Handel’s Water Music to send the couple joyously on their way.

Flute and Strings Trio (flute, viola, cello) Wedding Ceremony Music at Beaver Creek Chapel in Beaver Creek Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Autumn Cutaia

Flute and Strings Trio (flute, viola, cello) Wedding Ceremony Music at Beaver Creek Chapel in Beaver Creek Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Autumn Cutaia

Flute and Strings Trio (flute, viola, cello) Wedding Ceremony Music at Beaver Creek Chapel in Beaver Creek Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Autumn Cutaia

Sample Music from the Prelude:
Prelude from Te Deum (Charpentier, Marc-Antoine)
Intermezzo Sinfonico from Cavalleria rusticana (Mascagni)
Alleluja from Exultate Jubilate (Mozart)
St. Anthony’s Chorale (Brahms)

Ceremony Music:
Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring (Bach) - Wedding Party
Air from Handel’s Water Music - Bride
Rigaudon from Handel’s Water Music - Recessional

Wedding Vendors:
Venue: The Chapel at Beaver Creek
Wedding Planner: Gemini Planning and Design
Ceremony Music: Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens - Flute and String Trio
Photographer: Autumn Cutaia
Floral: Amy Lauren Floral Design

Flute and Strings Trio (flute, viola, cello) Wedding Ceremony Music at Beaver Creek Chapel in Beaver Creek Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Autumn Cutaia

Flute and Strings Trio (flute, viola, cello) Wedding Ceremony Music at Beaver Creek Chapel in Beaver Creek Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Autumn Cutaia

Experience the Elegance of our Flute and Strings Trio.

Flute and Strings Trio (flute, viola, cello) Wedding Ceremony Music at Beaver Creek Chapel in Beaver Creek Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Autumn Cutaia

Flute and Strings Trio (flute, viola, cello) Wedding Ceremony Music at Beaver Creek Chapel in Beaver Creek Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Autumn Cutaia

Flute and Strings Trio (flute, viola, cello) Wedding Ceremony Music at Beaver Creek Chapel in Beaver Creek Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Autumn Cutaia

Flute and Strings Trio (flute, viola, cello) Wedding Ceremony Music at Beaver Creek Chapel in Beaver Creek Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Autumn Cutaia

Flute and Strings Trio (flute, viola, cello) Wedding Ceremony Music at Beaver Creek Chapel in Beaver Creek Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Autumn Cutaia

Flute and Cello Duo at the Chapel at Beaver Creek in Colorado

Flute and Cello Wedding Ceremony Music at the Chapel at Beaver Creek, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens

Celebrate your wedding day with the joyful sounds of the flute, accompanied by the rich beauty of the cello.

I played flute along with my cellist at the charming Chapel at Beaver Creek for a Christmas day wedding ceremony this year. The couple was from Washington state, but they had their first date in Vail, so they wanted to have their wedding ceremony nearby in the beautiful Colorado mountains. The chapel was postcard perfect, and the Christmas decorations doubled as wedding decorations.

Our music added a special touch and celebratory feeling to the picturesque setting. The wedding had only four guests, and the celebration was sweet and intimate. While the bride prepared to walk down the aisle, we played a mix of classical, traditional wedding music, and Beatles songs. We had to leave quickly after the ceremony to make way for a Christmas day service, but the arriving guests greatly expanded our audience for just a few minutes!

Wedding Ceremony Music:
Canon in D (Pachelbel) - Bride
Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring (Bach) - Unity Ceremony
Hornpipe Finale (Handel) - Recessional

Flute and Cello Wedding Ceremony Music at the Chapel at Beaver Creek, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens

Flute and Cello Wedding Ceremony Music at the Chapel at Beaver Creek, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens

String Trio Wedding Ceremony Music at the Chapel at Beaver Creek, Colorado

String Trio Wedding Ceremony Music at the Chapel at Beaver Creek, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Laura Murray

String Trio Wedding Ceremony Music at the Chapel at Beaver Creek, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Laura Murray

String Trio Wedding Ceremony Music at the Chapel at Beaver Creek, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Laura Murray

String Trio Wedding Ceremony Music at the Chapel at Beaver Creek, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Laura Murray

I enjoyed playing cello with my string trio for a wedding ceremony at the idyllic Chapel at Beaver Creek, in the Colorado mountains. The aspens were in their full glory, and the sunshine was warm and inviting. The autumn day and charming chapel gave me deep sense of nostalgia, looking forward to cool autumn nights, days full of golden sunshine, hot chai tea, sweaters, apple pie, and soft blankets.

String Trio Wedding Ceremony Music at the Chapel at Beaver Creek, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Laura Murray

This couple had postponed their 2021 wedding to 2022 and the long-awaited day had finally arrived! There were gale force winds in Beaver Creek on their old date, so the change worked to give them perfect wedding day weather.

String Trio Wedding Ceremony Music at the Chapel at Beaver Creek, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Laura Murray

The couple chose live music that would set a light and joyful mood as their guests arrived, for the processionals, and then after the ceremony to send their guests on to the next portion of the festivities. Our music filled the chapel with warmth and joy to match the sun drenched Aspen trees outside.

String Trio Wedding Ceremony Music at the Chapel at Beaver Creek, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Laura Murray

Wedding Prelude Music (sample selections):
What a Wonderful World (Louis Armstrong), Wedding Song – There is Love (Peter, Paul, and Mary), Reign of Love (Coldplay), Make You Feel My Love (Adele)

Wedding Ceremony Music:
Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring (Bach) - Parents and Wedding Party
Canon in D (Pachelbel) - Bride
Hornpipe Finale (Handel) - Recessional

Wedding Vendors:
Venue - The Chapel at Beaver Creek
String Trio Wedding Ceremony Music - Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens
Wedding Planner: Kelly Karli Weddings and Events
Photographer: Laura Murray Photography
Florist: Vintage Magnolia
Cake: Cornerstone Chocolates
Makeup: Carrie Stockert Makeup

Experience the Elegance of our String Trio.

String Trio Wedding Ceremony Music at the Chapel at Beaver Creek, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Laura Murray

String Trio Wedding Ceremony Music at the Chapel at Beaver Creek, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Laura Murray

String Trio Wedding Ceremony Music at the Chapel at Beaver Creek, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Laura Murray

String Trio Wedding Ceremony Music at the Chapel at Beaver Creek, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Laura Murray

String Trio Wedding Ceremony Music at the Chapel at Beaver Creek, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Laura Murray

String Trio Wedding Ceremony Music at the Chapel at Beaver Creek, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Laura Murray

String Trio Wedding Ceremony Music at the Chapel at Beaver Creek, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Laura Murray

String Trio Wedding Ceremony Music at the Chapel at Beaver Creek and the Park Hyatt Beaver Creek

Our string trio played elegant and fun music for a wedding ceremony at the charming Beaver Creek Chapel, followed by cocktail hour music at the Park Hyatt Beaver Creek. We played classic prelude music that the bride selected, and then played a mix of upbeat classical, pop, and rock songs for the cocktail hour.

String Trio Wedding Ceremony Music at the Chapel at Beaver Creek, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Kimi D Photography

Wedding Prelude Music (Sample Selections):
All Creatures of Our God and King, Arioso (Bach), Serenade (Schubert), Nocturne from a Midsummer Night’s Dream (Mendelssohn), Come Thou Fount

Wedding Ceremony Music:
Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring (Bach) - Parents and Groomsmen
Anne’s Theme from Anne of Green Gables - Bridesmaid’s, Ringbearers, Flower Girls
Canon in D (Pachelbel) - Bride
Be Thou My Vision - Communion
Doxology - accompany congregation
Wedding March (Mendelssohn) - Recessional

“Best Live Wedding Music of All Time”

“We were so incredibly fortunate to have Christen and her flutist and strings trio to play for our wedding recently at the Beaver Creek Chapel.

In the weeks leading up to our big day, Christen was incredibly supportive of my wife and I's decisions in terms of tailoring our dream playlist. They could not have set a better mood in the chapel that day, and there were tears of joy a'plenty.

Thank you so much to Christen Wedding Music and co. for their amazing work! Would definitely recommend to a friend, family, or stranger.” - Harry K., Groom

Listen to Music Samples Recorded Live from the Wedding:

String Trio Wedding Ceremony Music at the Chapel at Beaver Creek, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Kimi D Photography

String Trio Wedding Ceremony Music at the Chapel at Beaver Creek, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Kimi D Photography

String Trio Wedding Ceremony Music at the Chapel at Beaver Creek, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Kimi D Photography

String Trio Wedding Ceremony Music at the Chapel at Beaver Creek, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Kimi D Photography

String Trio Wedding Ceremony Music at the Chapel at Beaver Creek, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Kimi D Photography

Wedding Vendors:
Wedding Ceremony Venue: The Chapel at Beaver Creek
Wedding Reception Venue: Park Hyatt Beaver Creek
Wedding Planner: A Touch of Bliss
Photographer: Kimi D Photography
Videographer: Van Buren Photography

String Trio Wedding Ceremony Music at the Chapel at Beaver Creek, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Kimi D Photography

String Trio Wedding Ceremony Music at the Chapel at Beaver Creek, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Kimi D Photography

Cocktail Hour Music (sample selections):
Romanza from Eine Kline Nachkmusik, Scheherazade Theme (Rimsky-Korsakov), Fughette in C (Handel), Moon River from Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Feel Pretty from Westside Story, Alleluja from Exultate Jubilate (Mozart), I’ve Got You Under my Skin (Cole Porter), Just One of Those Things (Cole Porter), Chasing Cars (Snow Patrol), At Last (Etta James)

String Trio Wedding Ceremony Music at the Chapel at Beaver Creek, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Kimi D Photography

Enjoy Music from Our Very Popular String Trio.

String Trio Wedding Ceremony Music at the Chapel at Beaver Creek, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Kimi D Photography

String Trio Wedding Ceremony Music at the Chapel at Beaver Creek, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Kimi D Photography

String Trio Wedding Ceremony Music at the Chapel at Beaver Creek, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Kimi D Photography

String Trio Wedding Ceremony Music at the Chapel at Beaver Creek, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Kimi D Photography

String Trio Wedding Ceremony Music at the Chapel at Beaver Creek, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Kimi D Photography

Flute and Strings Trio Wedding Ceremony Music at the Chapel at Beaver Creek

Flute and String Trio Wedding Ceremony Music at the Chapel at Beaver Creek, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Christen Stephens

This July, our flute and string trio played for an emotional and joyful wedding ceremony at the Chapel at Beaver Creek.

Our trio played prelude music as guests arrived, and our music set list was one I worked with the bride to create. She wanted modern and recognizable tunes with some more traditional classical selections in the mix.

The ceremony was incredibly joyful and heartfelt, and the music selections really reflected the personality of the couple. After we played the recessional song, and at the couple’s request, we launched into a rousing rendition of the Star Wars main theme, much to the delight of a few of the guests!

Flute and String Trio Wedding Ceremony Music at the Chapel at Beaver Creek, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Christen Stephens

From the Groom:

“Best Live Wedding Music of All Time”

“We were so incredibly fortunate to have Christen and her flute and strings trio to play for our wedding recently at the Beaver Creek Chapel.

In the weeks leading up to our big day, Christen was incredibly supportive of my wife and I's decisions in terms of tailoring our dream playlist. They could not have set a better mood in the chapel that day, and there were tears of joy a'plenty.

Thank you so much to Christen Wedding Music and co. for their amazing work! Would definitely recommend to a friend, family, or stranger.”

Listen to Live Music Samples from the Wedding:

Experience the vibrant sound of flute with strings.

Sample Prelude Music
Over the Rainbow from Wizard of Oz, At Last (Etta James), Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring from Cantata #147, Handel’s Hornpipe, A Sky Full of Stars (Coldplay). Marry You (Bruno Mars)

Wedding Ceremony Music:
Imagine (Beatles) - Parents
Make You Feel My Love (Adele) - Wedding Party
Celtic Dawn (Roy Todd) - Bride
Clocks (Coldplay) - Recessional

Wedding Vendors:
Wedding Ceremony Music - Flute and Strings Trio by Christen Stephens
Venue: The Chapel at Beaver Creek
Photographer: Nate and Jenny Weddings
Wedding Planner: Glitter and Bliss Weddings and Events

Solo Flute Wedding Ceremony Music at the Chapel at Beaver Creek, Colorado

Solo Flute Wedding Ceremony Music at the Chapel at Beaver Creek in Beaver Creek Colorado, Music by Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by David Gillette Photography

Every year has at least one wedding that stands out as exceptionally special, and for me, this wedding was one of those treasured moments. The bride hired me to play solo flute for her Beaver Creek wedding ceremony when the pandemic was still a vague idea somewhere off in China. When things began to get crazy, we kept checking in with each other - Are you staying healthy? Is everything still good on your end with the wedding?

Solo Flute Wedding Ceremony Music at the Chapel at Beaver Creek in Beaver Creek Colorado, Music by Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by David Gillette Photography

Solo Flute Wedding Ceremony Music at the Chapel at Beaver Creek in Beaver Creek Colorado, Music by Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by David Gillette Photography

In the end, and after much hesitation, the wedding went forward as planned. The music stayed the same, but the guests list became a lot smaller. The bride selected her entire song list, and I enjoyed learning several new songs and revisiting some old favorites. The ceremony was full of music, and I played prelude music as guests arrived, and also played for the processional, communion, signing of the marriage license, benediction, recessional, and first dance.

Solo Flute Wedding Ceremony Music at the Chapel at Beaver Creek in Beaver Creek Colorado, Music by Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by David Gillette Photography

Solo Flute Wedding Ceremony Music at the Chapel at Beaver Creek in Beaver Creek Colorado, Music by Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by David Gillette Photography

Solo Flute Wedding Ceremony Music at the Chapel at Beaver Creek in Beaver Creek Colorado, Music by Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by David Gillette Photography

The first dance was a special moment in a storybook setting, with the stone church and vibrant fall foliage as a backdrop. The couple danced to a recording of Annie’s Song, and I improvised over the recording on my flute.

Prelude Music: Canon in D Major (Pachelbel), Wedding Song (There Is Love) (Peter Paul and Mary), Perhaps Love (John Denver), Sunshine on My Shoulders (John Denver), Longer (Dan Folgerberg), Can't Help Falling in Love (Elvis), Have I Told You Lately (Rod Stewart), You Are so Beautiful (Joe Cocker), For the Beauty of the Earth, The Wedding Song (Kenny G)

From the Bride:

“Christen’s Flute Playing Was Amazing and Special”

“We had a beautiful mountain ceremony. Her flute playing was amazing and special. She went above and beyond by learning a few new songs I specifically requested. If you want quality and a true professional go with Christen for your wedding music... I’m sure glad we did!”

Solo Flute Wedding Ceremony Music at the Chapel at Beaver Creek in Beaver Creek Colorado, Music by Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by David Gillette Photography

Wedding Vendors:
Venue - Beaver Creek Chapel
Ceremony Music - Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens - Solo Flute
Photographer - David Gillette Photography
Videographer - Capture the Action
Officiant - Scott Bebee

Solo Flute Wedding Ceremony Music at the Chapel at Beaver Creek in Beaver Creek Colorado, Music by Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by David Gillette Photography

Ceremony Music:
Annie’s Song (John Denver) - Wedding Party
Bridal Chorus (Wagner) - Bride
Sunshine on my Shoulders (John Denver) - Signing of the marriage license and communion
Edelweiss (tune only) - Accompany sung benediction
Wedding March (Mendelssohn) - Recessional

Solo Flute Wedding Ceremony Music at the Chapel at Beaver Creek in Beaver Creek Colorado, Music by Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by David Gillette Photography

Experience the timeless beauty of the flute for your wedding ceremony or event.

Cello and Piano Duo Wedding Ceremony Music in Beaver Creek

Photos courtesy of Irving Photography

In June, my cello and piano duo played for a beautiful wedding ceremony at Beaver Creek Chapel. The bride made romantic music selections and a couple of her special requests included "Hymn by the O'Neill Brothers" and "For the Love of a Princess" from Braveheart. Beaver Creek Chapel is a wonderful acoustical space for live music and they also have a quality piano onsite, a perfect complement to the elegant classical music, love songs and hymns that the bride chose for her ceremony.

Prelude Music: Hymn (O'Neill Brothers), Arioso (Bach), Trumpet Voluntary (Clarke), Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring (Bach), Laudate Dominum (Mozart), A Thousand Years (Christina Perri)

Processional Music: For the Love of a Princess from Braveheart ~ Seating of the Parents The Ludlows from Legends of the Fall ~ Wedding Party Processional The Swan (Saint-Seans) ~ Bridal Processional Guide Me, Oh Thou Great Redeemer ~ Unity Candle Simple Gifts ~ Recessional

Wedding Ceremony Vendors: 
Wedding Planner ~ Party Girl Events
Photographer ~ Irving Photography
Wedding Ceremony Music ~ Christen Stephens (Flute and Cello Duo)
Venue ~ The Chapel at Beaver Creek
Officiant ~ Tim Wilbanks

Flute Quartet Wedding Ceremony Music at the Chapel at Beaver Creek

Photos Courtesy of Preston Utley Photography

On a Saturday in mid-December, my flute quartet (flute, violin, viola, cello) left Denver and headed up to Beaver Creek, Colorado to play for a holiday wedding ceremony. A blizzard was forecast to hit the Colorado mountains that evening and we left very early and were prepared to face the worst. When we left Denver it was sunny and in the 50's but the weather quickly became worse as we drove further into the mountains. We drove for five hours over dark and icy roads thought the blizzard. Accidents and stranded vehicles were everywhere but I drove carefully and we enjoyed each other's company inside our cozy car.

We arrived safely at the Chapel at Beaver Creek and it was such a welcoming sight after our long drive. Colored lights and greenery were everywhere and the sanctuary was bright, warm and charmingly decorated for the season. As we waited to play, we enjoyed listening to prelude music played by Michael Lancaster on the bagpipes. To conclude the prelude, our quartet played "All I Want is You" by U2.

Prelude Music: Michael Lancaster on bagpipes All I Want is You (U2) by Christen Stephens flute quartet

Wedding Ceremony Music: The Ludlows from Legends of the Fall ~ Wedding Party Reign of Love (Coldplay) ~ Bride's Processional Glasgow City Police Pipers by Michael Lancaster - Recessional

Wedding Ceremony Vendors:
Wedding Planner ~ Meg Stepanek of Gemini Event Planning
Ceremony Quartet ~ Christen Stephens - Flute Quartet
Ceremony Bagpiper ~ Michael Lancaster
Photographer ~ Preston Utley
Videographer ~ Kyle Hodge

Make your wedding magical and hire my Flute Quartet

Flute and Cello Duo Wedding Ceremony Music at Beaver Creek Chapel

This mid-September mountain wedding ceremony came complete with gorgeous autumn-yellow aspens framing a charming stone chapel, accompanied by ringing church bells and beautiful flute and cello music. I might have stepped into a Norman Rockwell drawing, or it might just be another day at my job. For the prelude, our flute and cello duo played a list of contemporary music specially selected by the bride. The bride chose traditional wedding ceremony music for her processional. During the ceremony, we played Largo from Vivaldi's Four Seasons while the bride and groom lit the unity candle and then signed the marriage certificate. Our music echoed beautifully in this open church building. All photos with a watermark are courtesy of Rachel Olsen Photography.

Ceremony Music:
Mothers light unity candle ~ Ode to Joy (Beethoven)
Groom, Pastor, Bridesmaids and Groomsmen ~ Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring (Bach) Bride ~ Canon in D (Pachelbel)
Unity Candle and Marriage Certificate ~ Largo from Vivaldi's Four Seasons
Recessional and Postlude ~ La Rejouissance, Bourree, and Hornpipe from Handel's Water Music

Sample Wedding Prelude Music:
Can't Help Falling in Love (Elvis), Wildflowers (Tom Petty), I Want to Hold Your Hand (Beatles), The Wedding from Legends of the Fall, Can You Feel the Love Tonight (Elton John), Over the Rainbow

Wedding Ceremony Vendors:
Venue - The Chapel at Beaver Creek
Photographer - Rachel Olsen Photography
Ceremony Musicians - Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Flute and Cello Duo