In modern days, elopements tend to be for the adventurers. These smaller weddings are the perfect option for couples who crave jaw-dropping experiences and intimate moments with their loved ones. They allow you to travel to an unknown location as you embark on the greatest adventure yet! As a Colorado elopement photographer, I have gotten the chance to pair up with tons of couples as they said their I-dos. If you have been considering a Colorado elopement, I would love to tell you everything you need to know about having your Crested Butte elopement.
Tips For Planning Your Dream Crested Butte Elopement
Why You Should Elope in Crested Butte
Crested Butte is a ski town that has become a favorite destination for people looking for a way to tear down the slopes. While they provide all the accommodations you could need for a ski retreat, they also have plenty of ways that you can escape from the chaos of the bustling crowds. Crested Butte is truly a choose-your-own-adventure kind of elopement location. You can make things as sophisticated as you want (ski villas and luxury chalets, hello!), or you can keep it simple with a rustic cabin in the midst of the wilderness. Here at Crested Butte, these two worlds are able to peacefully coexist.
Crested Butte has pretty much everything you could need for your elopement, and because Colorado gives you a chance to self-solemnize your wedding (more on that in a second), you really don’t have to seek out established venues for your day. Seriously, in this town, you can have your wedding in a parking lot if you really want, but where’s the fun in that? If you are the type of person who is constantly looking for ways to get out in nature, you will have no shortage of spots for your ceremony.
All The Options In Crested Butte For Your Elopement
For people who prefer quiet, positively picturesque meadows, you can head out in the summertime and get married amidst the wildflowers. For those who prefer getting up in the mountains, the ski lodges offer plenty of ways to journey up the slopes so you can be at your ideal place for your ceremony. You can find views of dreamy lakes, moody woods, and towering mountains. As a wedding photographer, I can tell you firsthand that your pictures are going to be positively epic!
The town of Crested Butte is a small space that feels reminiscent of the Wild West. You can find colorful storefronts and saloons that you can use to celebrate your big day. You will have the chance to exchange vows in the midst of nature before heading into the town with your closest friends and toasting to the next chapter. From small receptions at exceptional restaurants to dive bar crawls, you really will have the chance to cap off the night however you’d like.
When to Have Your Crested Butte Elopement
One of the most important things to keep in mind when you are planning your elopement is the weather. As you might have imagined from a ski town, this area can get pretty darn frigid, especially in the middle of winter. While some couples might prefer a snow-filled wedding, each season is still going to have its fair share of obstacles. Here is everything you need to keep in mind throughout the seasons.
Winter
Throughout this month, you are going to be dealing with some downright chilly weather. If you want to complement your ring with some heavy-duty gloves and underclothes, then this might just be the season for you. During the middle of winter, you will see temperature highs in the mid-twenties and lows in the negatives. You can expect lots of snow–and road closures. But you can also look forward to snowy slopes and some really excellent skiing.
Spring
While spring might be a magical time in other places around the country, it can be a little bit of a mess in Crested Butte. Sometimes, you are going to get clear, sunny skies and warm temps. Other times, you are going to get a huge snowfall right in the middle of April. Because it can be so hard to predict, it can be hard to plan for. Roads close down, the grounds get muddy, and things just become a general disaster. I would advise you to wait a few months for your elopement.
Summer
During the summertime, Crested Butte becomes a total dream. The snow thaws, the mud dries, and the wildflowers start to bloom. Temps stay in the 70s for your average high. If you are looking for nature-rich flowers and an outdoor ceremony, summer is going to be the time for you!
Fall
Fall in Crested Butte is positively perfect. The weather improves, the mountains start to put on a show, and the aspens turn brilliant shades of yellow. If you are looking for your perfect fall getaway, you really can’t do any better than here. My one recommendation is to book all your vendors early. Fall and summer are some of the busiest times for elopements here, so you really don’t want to put off planning until the last minute only to realize none of your preferred dates are available.
Day of the Week
One thing I will recommend for your elopement is to look at booking on a weekday. The fact that Crested Butte is so small has both its perks and its disadvantages. You will be battling fewer crowds while you are actually on location, but while you are trying to get everything planned, you might face some hurdles while calling vendors. This can especially be tricky during the summer months when schools are out of session and families are planning their vacations. By sticking with a weekday, you get less of the weekend crowds. As far as the actual time of your wedding, your location and your wedding date will be a huge factor. Sunrises tend to be far less crowded–and way chillier. Just let your photographer know what you have in mind, and you can work together to nail down a time.
How Much Do Crested Butte Weddings Cost?
Regarding the costs, there are a few things you need to factor in. To begin with, you need a Colorado marriage license. We’ll go into all those super fun technicalities in just a second, but for the license itself, expect to pay $30. Next, it’s time to think about locations. Different locations require different permits. One of the most popular places for your wedding will come from the Crested Butte Land Trust, and with this, you can expect to pay $2,000. If you keep the space clean, you can get a tax donation receipt letter for a $1,000 donation. Find out where you want to get married and see what the permit costs to get a proper gauge.
Next up is lodging. Some people love to book high-end ski resorts, and others like to get an Airbnb where all their friends can stay with them. There are options that will fit pretty much any budget. Most likely, you will be looking at anywhere from $300-$2000 a night. From there, you can look at what you want your experience to look like. Do you want a designer gown or something a little cheaper? Are you going to stop by a florist or build your own bouquet with Trader Joe’s options? What about food? The one expense I would suggest you don’t skimp on is your photographer. I know I sound biased, but this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Trust me, you want to make sure you get portraits that capture this area in all of its glory!
Where to Elope in Crested Butte
As I’ve mentioned earlier, picking out your location is one of the first major steps. Not only will this determine things like when you want to book and how much to budget, but it will also be crucial when you are getting ready to go. Believe me, there are some places in this area where gorgeous shoes are going to become a muddied mess! If you need a little bit of help, here is a quick rundown of the top locations.
Crested Butte Land Trust
By using the Crested Butte Land Trust, you will have access to a variety of stunning spots for your elopement. They have three different sports that they have available for weddings.
- Gunsight Bridge: this location looks as though it has just stepped off the canvas of a Bob Ross Painting. Right by the bridge, you will find a clearing. From here, you will see the mountains as well as the Slate River. This location is not available during the winter season.
- Peanut Lake: Talk about your wide open spaces! Right alongside the lake, you will find a grassy space where you can see the blue waters and the towering mountains stretching on for miles. This spot has quite a few advantages. First, it is located right off the road, meaning you will get an amazing payoff for very little work. Secondly, they give you the ability to host micro weddings here, allowing you to invite up to 100 guests. Just like with Gunsight Bridge, this space is not available during the winter season.
- Woods Walk: This area is fairly secluded, with towering trees surrounding you. Crested Butte Mountain is fully on display here, giving you an iconic backdrop for your pictures. During the fall, you can exchange vows beneath the yellow leaves of the aspens. While this location is available during winter, you and any guests will need either snowshoes or cross-country skis to reach it.
Tower Ranch Event Area
This area gives you a grassy expanse with the mountain on full display. Cattle gates and lakes add to the charm of this spot. If you do want to bring guests, you will be able to host up to 100 people. They allow you to set up an event tent if you really want to go all out!
Mountain Wedding Garden
This area was solely established to give couples a place to exchange vows! They give you a chance to invite up to 125 guests, and they have accommodations, including pavilions. The garden itself offers perennial landscaping. The plants are strategically planted to add to the atmosphere without taking the attention away from the surrounding nature.
Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory
If you want to make things a little more formal, this will be your perfect spot. Inside this space, you will have an open room with rustic wooden ceilings and large windows that show off the mountains. You can accommodate up to 128 guests. For your actual ceremony, you will have the landing in front of the building, where you can exchange vows amidst the views.
Ten Peaks at Crested Butte Mountain Resort
This resort has a paved area that they reserve for weddings. Here, you are going to pay a little more, but in exchange, you are going to get some of the best views around. You will be on a field overlooking the valleys of the mountains with evergreen trees as your backdrop. You will be able to accommodate up to 180 guests, and you will have premium lodging!
Gothic Road
This area can get pretty busy during peak season, but I promise it’s for a reason! The road leads you across the ski resort into the historic site of Gothic. Along the way, you are going to get plenty of unbelievable views.
Aspen Groves
If you want to get some of the best wildflowers, check out the aspen groves for your summer wedding. You might need a little help from the locals to find the best spots, but they are absolutely worth seeking out!
Washington Gulch
This is going to be another place that takes you through the wildflowers. With this option, be prepared for a long, slightly difficult hike. If you are in the mood for the adventure, you will get some absolutely epic views as a result.
If you need more ideas, you can use sites such as VRBOs and AirBNBs. Your ability to self-solemnize your wedding will really open things up. Oh, on that note…
The Legalities of Eloping in Crested Butte
Let’s get all the legal things out of the way. Colorado actually makes it exceptionally easy to obtain your marriage license. For your license, there is absolutely no waiting period, though you will have 35 days to use it once you have. So, if you want to swing by and get it right when you blow through town, you have that ability. They allow both appointments and drop-ins, though the second option might come with a bit of a wait.
You do not need anyone to solemnize your wedding to formalize things, but if you do want it to be a little more official, you can use judges, clergy members, or a Native American Tribe official. You do not need any witnesses, and some people even choose to include their dog for this role! Lastly, as far as permits go, your location is going to determine whether you need one. Spots like the Crested Butte Land Trust and state parks will require it. Figure out where you are getting married first, and then it should be easy to figure out!
Accommodations for Elopement Guests in Crested Butte
Where to Stay
There are some really dreamy VRBOs, hotels, bed and breakfasts, and inns that you can use. Here are some of my favorite options:
- Scarp Ridge Lodge: Close your eyes and picture the Wild West, and you will know exactly what the exterior of the Scarp Ridge Lodge looks like. Inside, this spot is nothing short of luxurious! You will have access to five king rooms, an indoor saltwater pool, and a Peloton.
- Elevation Hotel and Spa: This area serves as a ski resort and has lifts that take you from the area up to the mountains. Inside, you will find delicious food, moody lounge areas, and cozy beds.
- Taylor River Lodge: This space is owned by the same company as Scarp Ridge. You can expect all the same luxuries, but only you will be right in the center of nature.
- Cristiana Guesthaus: This family-owned bed and breakfast provides you with premium views and hot tubs that overlook the snow-covered mountains.
- Vaquera House: This refined home gives you everything you could need for your wedding weekend. Enjoy great food, warm fire pits, and countless activities throughout your time!
Closest Airports
To get to your Crested Butte elopement, you can expect to do a fair amount of driving. The area is fairly remote, which helps thin out the crowds of fairweather travelers. The Denver Airport is going to be the closest international airport and has a drive time of about 4.5 hours. Is it far? Yes. But the drive isn’t bad, and you are going to get some jaw-dropping views along the way.
Local Food Locations to Try
For being so seemingly remote, Crested Butte actually has a pretty fabulous food scene available for your elopement. No matter what you are in the mood for, they are going to have food that will satisfy your appetite. Here are some of the best:
Yuki Hana: For top-notch sushi, this is going to be your spot. This restaurant serves up a fabulous combination of Korean and traditional Japanese food.
The Secret Stash: This pizza place is one of the most beloved spots in town. They have taken pizza to a brand new level thanks to their unique toppings you won’t find anywhere else!
Paradise Cafe: If you are in the mood for a down-home breakfast, this is your spot. Whether you are fueling up for a day of hiking or trying to get rid of the headache from the ahem antics of the night prior, this spot has you covered.
Bonez: This spot has all the makings of a dive bar as well as some of the freshest food. They offer Mexican food with tons of vegetarian options.
Soupcon: If you are in the mood for fine dining, Soupcon is your spot. They offer tasting menus, so you can sample some of their best offerings.
Things to Do in Crested Butte
If you are looking for ways to fill up your elopement week, Crested Butte has something you will adore. For those who prefer to get out in nature and experience it firsthand, there are plenty of trails you can hike that will take you up into the mountains. Prefer to move a little quicker? Then, you can rent a mountain bike through Big Al’s Bicycle Heaven and tear through the designated paths. Those who like to get out into the water can rent kayaks to journey around the streams or take on some of the rapids.
If the mountains are calling you, you will have several options. For starters, there are several chairlift rides that give you a comfortable seat so you can go from the valleys through the peaks without even moving a muscle. There are rental companies that let you borrow snowmobiles and ATVs. And, of course, there are ski resorts, so you can hit the slopes however you’d like.
There are several events that happen throughout the year if you’d like to plan your elopement around them. The Wildflower Festival takes place every July and lets you celebrate the thing that makes this area so beautiful. The Alley Loop Nordic Marathon is amazing, even if you don’t run. For this event, people put on costumes to participate in the wintertime race. The Chainless World Championships Bike Race gives people the chance to remove their bike chains, throw on a costume, and race down Kebler Pass.
Hiring a Crested Butte Elopement Photographer
One of the most important things for your Crested Butte elopement is to find a photographer who is familiar with the area. Every adventurer needs a guide, and your photographer is going to make sure you know about the top places and are able to get the best angles for your wedding day. This is an event that only happens once in a lifetime, and you are going to want to share the adventure forever. Treat your photographer as an investment so you can have pictures you can happily display.
As a Colorado elopement photographer, I love working with couples so they have memories of this time. I am down for every kind of adventure. Want to hike up a mountain for some epic pics? I am in! Want to have a relaxing weekend and get married by the fireside? I have just the recommendations. I specialize in unique weddings and can help you with creative ideas for a seamless day. Let me help you plan the party to celebrate the greatest love story ever told!
I Hope You Learned All You Need To Know For Your Dream Crested Butte Elopement
So, what do you think? Is a Crested Butte elopement right for you? If you want to learn more about my sessions, send me a message today. Let’s have a conversation so you can find out everything you need to know!
