How to Elope in Colorado: Your Ultimate Rocky Mountain Elopement Guide
Colorado is my favorite place in the world, and I’m so grateful to live here. Colorado has something for everyone: incredible mountain views, quaint mountain towns, world-class skiing, a wide range of outdoor pursuits, and an incredible wedding and elopement culture. Getting married in Colorado is easy, fun, and beautiful. After planning my own elopement, I knew I wanted to focus on helping couples plan and capture their dream wedding days in Colorado.
If you want to plan a Colorado elopement but don’t know where to start, I’m here to help! In this guide, I’ll share my step-by-step process for helping couples plan their Colorado elopements. We’ll dive into how to choose your perfect elopement location, the best seasons in Colorado, self-solemnizingand how to get your marriage license in Colorado, what to wear and pack, and much more. Buckle up, because we’re heading to the Rocky Mountains!
A beautiful summer elopement in Colorado’s San Juan Mountains
Why Elope in Colorado?
Though I might be biased here, I think Colorado offers a bit of everything, from diverse landscapes and picture-perfect towns to exciting outdoor adventures, amazing bars, restaurants, and breweries, and plenty of things to do. Here are just a few reasons to elope in Colorado.
Breathtaking Landscapes
From snow-capped peaks to meadows full of colorful wildflowers to North America’s tallest sand dunes, Colorado's diverse landscapes provide stunning backdrops for your elopement photos. Colorado is home to both incredible national and state parks, as well as millions of acres of national forest and BLM land, where you can elope for free (with groups under 15).
Accessible Locations
The question I’m asked most when I post a particular location is: “Do we have to hike to get there?” And the answer is 85% of the time: no. Many of Colorado’s most incredible views are accessible by car (or 4x4). I help couples find incredible locations that meet all of their criteria, including accessibility. I promise the only time you will hike is when you want to!
Intimate Wedding Experiences
Colorado's vast open spaces and intimate wedding venues let you escape the crowds and create a truly private wedding experience, whether it’s just the two of you or you have a few guests alongside for your big day. While there are popular destinations where crowds are abundant, there are just as many off-the-beaten-path spots where you can enjoy your wedding day in solitude.
Outdoor Adventure
Whether you and your partner are avid outdoor enthusiasts or simply want a relaxing experience in the mountains, Colorado offers endless activities, including hiking, skiing, exploring national parks, off-roading, picnicking, canoeing, fishing, sailing, and more.
You Can Marry Yourselves
Yes, you can literally marry yourselves in Colorado without a witness or officiant! It’s called self-solemnization and makes getting married here simple and stress-free. Simply pick up your marriage license from a local office (some offices may require appointments), then sign and return it by mail or in person within 63 days! Unlike other states with waiting periods, you can pick up your marriage license and sign it the same day. Your dog or cat can even sign with their paw print as a witness!
Couple eloping in Crested Butte during wildflower season
When to Elope in Colorado
Let’s chat about the best time to elope in Colorado. You can elope during any season in Colorado, but some seasons pose different challenges. Seasons in Colorado differ from those in other places, largely due to the amount of snow we receive in the mountains. Most mountain locations are snow-covered from mid-October through mid-June. Choosing your season is more than closing your eyes and picking a date—it’s selecting the setting you envision for your dream elopement.
When it comes to understanding the seasons in Colorado, I always recommend a local who can suggest incredible elopement locations based on the season and your vision, and also scout conditions in person before your big day so there are no surprises! Below is an overview of each season in Colorado and what you might expect during that time.
Spring
In the mountains, we call spring “mud season” because snowmelt runoff makes trails and dirt roads muddy. It’s also a slow season for mountain towns, and many restaurants and shops will take a brief hiatus and close to prepare for summer. If you do want to elope in the Spring, areas in the Front Range like Denver, Boulder, Colorado Springs, Golden, and Denver will have lush greenery and a more quintessential spring feel. Snow in the higher-elevation mountains will generally stick around until mid to late June and sometimes even July.
Summer
Summer is by far my favorite season in Colorado and the easiest time to elope in the mountains, given accessibility. From mid/late June to late August, temperatures are glorious (high 70s during the day and 50s or 60s at night), foliage is lush and green, wildflowers are popping up in meadows, and alpine lakes are finally melted. Most trails, dirt roads, and mountain passes are finally open and free of snow, making hiking and off-road driving to ceremony spots an option! Not to mention July-August are peak wildflower months in the mountains.
Fall
If you have your heart set on the golden Aspens and autumn colors, mid-September and early October are ideal times to elope for fall foliage. Colorado often sees snow as early as late October, so plan an earlier fall elopement to capture the changing Aspen leaves and avoid early-season snow. Towns like Aspen, Breckenridge, and Crested Butte are known for their incredible displays of changing leaves. While the timing varies slightly each year, the best time to see the Aspens change is generally mid-September through early October.
Winter
Winter elopements are an incredibly beautiful option if you love snowy mountaintops and freshly fallen snow. If you’re an avid ski couple, a winter skiing elopement at one of our world-famous ski resorts could be an amazing experience! There are plenty of activities in the winter, including horse-drawn sleigh rides, dog sledding, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, helicopter tours, and much more. Breckenridge, Steamboat, Crested Butte, Vail, and Telluride are incredible locations for winter elopements. I’ve even photographed a backcountry ski elopement that’s easily one of my favorite elopements ever!
Couple canoes on their fall wedding day in Telluride, Colorado.
Best Places to Elope in Colorado
Colorado is brimming with breathtaking locations for your elopement, and I could spend days rattling off incredible places, so this is by no means an exhaustive list. In fact, one of the hardest things you’ll have to do as a couple is choose just a few options from all of the amazing spots we have!
Every couple booked with me receives a customized location guide based on their unique vision, outdoor ability, preferences, and dream activities. By getting to know you both on a deeper level and asking the right questions, I can help you narrow down your locations to pick the perfect one for your elopement!
Here are just a few of the incredible places to exchange your vows. For many couples, I will even suggest multiple locations so we have time to see and do it all!
Rocky Mountain National Park
With its towering peaks, alpine lakes, and sweeping meadows, Rocky Mountain National Park provides a stunning backdrop for a mountain elopement. Permits are required to elope or get married anywhere in RMNP (regardless of the size of your group), and all ceremonies must occur in the designated location on your permit. RMNP accepts applications one year in advance of your desired wedding month, and the maximum wedding ceremony size is 30 people, unless the site's normal limit is lower. Permits cost $300, and sites are reserved for blocks of 2 hours. The park is extremely busy during summer and fall, and a permit does not keep park visitors from recreating at your ceremony site.
Maroon Bells Amphitheater
Considered one of the most photographed mountain ranges in North America, the Maroon Bells Amphitheater offers unparalleled beauty and tranquility. You can rent the amphitheater to have some of Colorado's most iconic peaks as your backdrop. This incredible ceremony site can be reserved up to 1 year in advance for $200. There is a maximum of 50 people for private events. The site books up quickly, so choose your date and book immediately when it becomes available (one year in advance). Note that you can take portraits on your wedding day at the Maroon Bells without a permit; you just cannot host a ceremony.
Great Sand Dunes National Park
Imagine saying "I do" amidst towering sand dunes against the backdrop of snow-capped mountains. Great Sand Dunes National Park is one of Colorado's most unique and incredible spots to visit, and it is the highest sand dunes in North America! And with a special use permit for $200, you can get married here! It’s also one of the few national parks where dogs are permitted (on leash) on the trails!
San Juan Mountains
Located in Southwest Colorado, the San Juan Mountain Range features some of the most incredible backdrops, including jagged mountain peaks, colorful alpine lakes, lush green fields of wildflowers, towering waterfalls, and 4x4 off-road trails. The San Juans also offer some of the most picturesque mountain towns with rich history, including Telluride, Ouray, Silverton, and Durango. Check out my full San Juan Elopement guide!
Garden of the Gods
Located near Colorado Springs, the iconic Garden of the Gods park showcases stunning red rock formations and dramatic vistas that will take your breath away. You can get married in the park at a designated ceremony spot for free (up to 30 guests), and no permit is required. There is plenty to do in Colorado Springs, including great lodging, restaurants, and outdoor adventures. And you can get married here for free!
Summit and Eagle County
Only about an hour from Denver is Summit County, which hosts some of Colorado’s best ski resorts and popular mountain towns, including Breckenridge, Copper Mountain, Frisco, and Keystone. Just half an hour over Vail Pass is Eagle County, home to the Vail and Beaver Creek Mountains. These are popular elopement and wedding destinations, whether you want to hike in summer or ski in the winter for your wedding day!
Aspen and Crested Butte
Both Aspen and Crested Butte are perfect elopement locations in any season. Both towns have renowned ski resorts, incredible trails and greenery in the summer, famous landmarks (hello, Maroon Bells), and are hot spots for leaf peeping in the fall, with fields of golden aspens! If you fly into Denver, you’ll need to rent a car to make the 4-hour drive, but you can also fly directly into the Aspen airport. Aspen and Crested Butte are two of the most picturesque mountain towns in Colorado, with plenty of lodging, restaurants, and things to do!
How to Elope in Colorado: Steps for Planning Your Dream Elopement
Now that you've chosen Colorado as your elopement destination, it's time to plan the logistics. Here are some essential steps to help you elope in Colorado:
Brainstorm Your Elopement Vision
Before booking anything, sit down as a couple and start discussing how you want your elopement to feel and what are some “non-negotiables” for your day. Think about where you picture saying your vows, whether you have guests there for some of it, or if it’s just the two of you adventuring together in the mountains.
Ask yourselves questions such as: What do you love doing together? Do you want your pets involved? Do you picture having guests? (If you plan to have guests, consider keeping the number under 15—it provides more flexibility and options for elopement locations!)
Next, determine your budget and what you’re willing to invest to create your dream elopement. Keep in mind that most elopement photographers who offer full-service planning and elopement expertise will charge more than photographers who intend to just show up and snap photos.
Choose Your Elopement Photographer
Oftentimes, the first step is booking an elopement photographer who can help you plan out your elopement from start to finish. It’s important to find a photographer who offers planning packages and specializes in elopements so they can take the stress off your plate. Elopement photographers should assist with locations, vendor recommendations, permit and regulatory requirements, timeline creation, and more.
It’s also important to find a photographer you vibe with, since this person will literally be spending your entire wedding day with you! Trust your gut and make sure you can picture your photographer third-wheeling your elopement day! Your wedding day is a private and personal event, so I like to make sure my couples think of me as a friend before I show up to take photos of them on their big day!
Choose a Date and Time
Generally, you can book your photographer without a specific date, and they can help you narrow it down. I’ve assisted over 60 couples with choosing their date and time based on their vision for their elopement. We will discuss the pros and cons of different seasons, weather, and timing to ensure your date aligns with your elopement vision!
Decide on Guests
Making the decision around whether or not you plan to invite guests and how many will influence what locations you’re able to choose, where you want to book lodging, and whether you need to consider transportation or other logistics for your guests, so making this decision up front will help you make other decisions down the road. Here are some unique ways you can include guests in your elopement.
Pick a Location
Once you’ve secured your photographer and they provide you with a customized location guide of potential locations to choose from, it’s time to pick the best elopement location for you. Everything from travel logistics to activity planning hinges on your chosen location. Many couples will even opt for multiple nearby locations to have multiple backdrops on their elopement day!
All of my couples receive a customized location guide tailored to the vision for their elopement setting. Oftentimes, choosing your location is the hardest part of your elopement planning journey, since there are just so many places to choose from, especially in Colorado! That’s why I help you narrow down the options based on my expertise and experience.
Book Travel
Next, it’s time to book your travel and lodging. Booking far enough in advance will help you secure the best deals on lodging, flights, and more. Colorado is a popular travel destination, and lodging fills up quickly and well in advance, so if you have a general location in mind, book your lodging right away!
Choose Your Vendors
Once you’ve decided on a location, work with your photographer to book other vendors for hair and makeup, flowers, catering, and more. I provide each of my couples with a preferred vendor list of folks who specialize in elopements. This helps remove the guesswork and Google searches from finding your perfect vendors.
Plan Activities, Timeline, and Details
Once you’ve chosen a location and date, I will help you put everything together to build your perfect elopement day timeline. I provide a list of potential activities for your elopement day, based on your location and your dream activities. This could be adventurous activities like hiking, horseback riding, skiing, or 4x4 driving, or something more relaxed like a picnic, scenic drive, cooking class, or sunset canoe paddle.
This is also when we’ll put together details that are specific to you. If there is a specific meal, snack, or beverage unique to your relationship, we will incorporate it. If there are activities you love doing together, we’ll build them into your timeline. If you’re looking for ways to include your pets or family members, we’ll decide just where they fit!
Get (and Sign) Your Marriage License
Getting married in Colorado is really as easy as picking up your marriage license, signing it, and returning it. However, different clerk and recorder offices have their own preferred processes, so it’s important to call ahead to confirm whether an appointment is required, whether to submit the application online or in person, etc. I will assist you with any information you need to obtain your Colorado marriage license.
Experience Your Best Day!
Now comes the fun part: committing your lives to each other and celebrating while experiencing an unforgettable day in Colorado. I strive to make every elopement fun and stress-free, so you can simply focus on the experience. Don’t forget to slow down and soak up every moment, because the day goes by quickly!
Colorado offers one of the most incredible locations for couples seeking an intimate and awe-inspiring elopement experience. From the majestic mountains to the charming towns, you won’t be disappointed by choosing Colorado for your elopement. Want to discuss your dream elopement? Contact me today for your free intro chat!
Activity Ideas for Your Colorado Elopement
We’ve covered why you should elope in Colorado, when to elope, and where you can elope, so now let’s discuss all of the incredible activities Colorado has to offer that you can include on your elopement day! Because there’s so much to see or do, I always recommend couples book at least 6 hours so there’s plenty of time for activities and soaking up the experience without feeling rushed! Here are just a few of the activities you can include on your elopement day.
Hiking
Colorado is a hiker's paradise, with countless trails that range from easy strolls to challenging treks. You can either plan a hike to a scenic location, such as a mountain summit or a picturesque alpine lake, to exchange your vows surrounded by nature's splendor, or hike together after the ceremony!
Scenic Drives
Colorado is known for its breathtaking scenic drives, offering panoramic views of mountains, valleys, and charming towns. Consider incorporating a scenic drive into your elopement itinerary, stopping at viewpoints for memorable photos. Some of my favorite scenic drives include: Mount Evans in Idaho Springs, Pike’s Peak in Colorado Springs, Cottonwood Pass in Buena Vista, and Independence Pass between Leadville and Aspen, just to name a few!
4x4 Driving/ Jeeping
Colorado is home to some of the most incredible off-road trails anywhere, so if you don’t want to hike but still want seclusion, consider renting a Jeep or other 4x4 vehicle to take to an off-the-beaten-path spot for your elopement! You can rent a Jeep to drive yourself or consider going through a tour company with plenty of experience driving high-alpine trails.
Hot Springs Soaking
Colorado boasts several natural hot springs that provide relaxation and rejuvenation. Take a dip in a hot spring either before or after your elopement ceremony to unwind and enjoy the therapeutic benefits of the warm mineral waters. Some of my favorites are in Glenwood Springs, Buena Vista, and Steamboat Springs.
Paddle Boarding, Kayaking or Canoeing
Colorado has plenty of gorgeous lakes for water-based adventures like kayaking, canoeing, or paddleboarding. Consider adding a mellow water adventure to your elopement plans, which is a fun way to explore a new area and makes for incredible photos!
Mountain Biking
For couples seeking an adrenaline-filled activity, Colorado offers excellent mountain biking trails. Rent bikes and explore scenic trails together, combining adventure with breathtaking views.
Rock Climbing
If you and your partner are experienced rock climbers or want to try something adventurous, Colorado's rocky landscapes provide ample opportunities for rock climbing and bouldering.
Skiing or Snowboarding
If you're eloping in the winter months, consider hitting the slopes for a memorable skiing or snowboarding adventure. Colorado is renowned for its world-class ski resorts, offering thrilling winter sports and some of the best views in all of the state! Ask me about backcountry ski elopements as well!
What to Wear and Pack for Your Colorado Elopement
Unpopular opinion: I believe your day and activities should dictate your attire, not the other way around. Choosing attire that is too restrictive or that you’re afraid to get a little dirty will definitely limit the things you’re able to do on your elopement day. So instead, choose attire that works with your elopement day instead of against it. Here are some key things for your elopement attire and how to choose the best for you!
Dress
When choosing your dress, find something you feel beautiful and comfortable in. Consider the way the dress moves and pick an option that moves with you rather than against you. If you plan to do any type of activities on your day, choose a wedding dress that you can move freely in. Avoid tight-fitting trumpet shaped dresses, extremely long trains, or dresses with uncomfortable corsets or itchy material.
Make sure you can comfortably sit, walk, and spend long periods of time in whichever dress you choose. And keep in mind that if you’re spending your elopement day outside, your dress might get a little dirty—and that’s okay! I like to say you’re taking bits of Colorado with you on your dress.
And consider having a seamstress make any alterations necessary to make sure your dress is comfortable for all day wear.
Suit
When trying on suits, make sure that you have full range of motion in it, including sitting, walking, hiking, or standing for a long day outside. Consider the type of fabric and make sure it’s appropriate for the season you’re eloping in (lighter fabrics for summer; heavier/ warmer fabrics for late fall and winter!)
Make any alterations to ensure comfortable wear like having pants hemmed.
Footwear
Footwear is one of the most important pieces of clothing you’ll wear on your elopement day. Make sure your shoes coincide with whatever activities you plan to do. Consider bringing multiple pairs of shoes with you to change into throughout the day and extra pairs of socks. Warm, dry feet can mean the difference between an awesome elopement day or complete misery, I promise!
Pack a sturdy, waterproof hiking boot or shoe for any hiking adventures, a waterproof sandal (like Chacos or Tevas) for any water activities, and any “cute” shoes you might want to throw on for portraits. High heels are best for indoor reception sites or for portraits on flat ground and men’s dress shoes should follow the same rule of thumb since they tend to slip and slide on wet surfaces or loose rock!
Layers
Pack plenty of layers since Colorado weather is notorious for changing from one minute to the next. Women can pack a casual jacket like a jean jacket or leather jacket for during the day. And both men and women should pack a warm jacket for early mornings and later evenings. Consider a coat you don’t mind being photographed in like a fuzzy white/ cream coat or a white puffy! You can also buy nude fleece-lined leggings to wear under your dress when temperatures drop!
Other layers for the day include hats/ beanies, gloves, rain jackets, extra socks, etc.
Gear
You’ll also want to consider any gear you might need throughout the day like backpacks, hand warmers, headlamps, snacks and water, pet accessories, and more. I also offer couples access to my “gear closet” to borrow things like paddle boards, canoes, backpacks, tents, etc. on their elopement day.
You can find more on my full Colorado Elopement Packing List to help you pack for your adventure elopement!
Ready to chat about your dream elopement?
If you’re interested in having me help you plan and capture the perfect adventure elopement in Colorado, I’d love to see if we’re a good fit! Contact me today so we can get to know each other better! So excited to hear from you :)