So, you’re starting to plan your Colorado elopement and could use a little help. First off, congratulations! You are truly about to embark on one of the greatest adventures out there, and there’s no better place to do it than this gorgeous state. Whether you want to hike the Rockies for your vows or prefer a quiet spot in the city, Colorado is guaranteed to have the perfect spot for you, and I would love to be the one to help you find it! As an elopement photographer and an adventure-seeker myself, I love getting to help people plan their next journey. That’s why I have prepared the ultimate guide for your Colorado elopement. Keep reading if you could use a friend to help you along the way!
The Ultimate Guide for Having Your Dream Colorado Elopement
How Much Do Colorado Elopements Cost?
Okay, so first off, let’s chat about the cost. While, yes, the potential low cost of an elopement is one of the many draws, there are a few things that you have to keep in mind while planning. The very first thing you’ll want to figure out is where you plan on eloping. There’s a pretty good chance that, no matter where you choose, you will need a Special Use Permit. If you plan on getting married in a place like the National Parks, you can expect around a $100-$400 fee. Once you have that figured out, you’ll have to pay for your marriage license, which will cost $30 (I’ll talk about that one in a bit).
While most states require you to have an officiant, Colorado is one of the few places that lets you self-solemnize, so you can save some fees here if you’d choose. From there, it’s time to think about what else you want for your wedding, such as your dress, your hair and makeup, flowers, lodging, and whether you’re going to do a reception.
A quick note: I know I’m a little biased, but I would highly recommend booking a professional photographer. This is a once-in-a-lifetime moment, and you don’t want to look back and realize you missed out on some pretty amazing photographs!
What Time of Year Should You Consider for Your Colorado Elopement
Again, you’ll want to pick out where you get eloped before you decide on the time of year. If we’re talking about a place in the city, the weather probably isn’t too big of a concern. The winters in the main parts of Colorado dip down to averages of 45 degrees in the winter, and the summers are around 87 degrees. If you would prefer one of the more scenic spots, the temps are going to be a larger factor. In spots like Rocky Mountain National Park, you’re dealing with winter highs of 27 degrees (brrrr!) and peak summer highs around 69 degrees. It also helps to think about what views you want. If snow is your thing, plan from mid-October through mid-June so you can capture the snow-capped mountains.
If you prefer waterfalls, try early summer in June and July. Want vibrant colors in your Colorado elopement? You can find wildflowers in late July and colorful aspens in late September. While the warmer summer months might guarantee a more comfortable wedding, the winter will give you fewer crowds. Decide what you want, and keep that in mind as you select your date. Also, remember that the weather can be pretty unpredictable. Always be prepared, especially in the mountainous regions. Keep that weather app refreshed and a stylish coat handy. Watch out for road closures and have a backup plan just in case. While dressing, remember: layers are always key. If you’d like, you can find nude base layers that will keep you warm while ensuring your pictures look nothing short of fabulous.
Obtaining a Colorado Marriage License
Colorado makes it pretty easy to take care of all the legal stuff for your elopement. There’s no waiting period to get married after getting your marriage license, meaning you can exchange vows in the parking lot if you really want to (then again, where’s the fun in that?). Of course, if you are the type of person who loves having everything in order, you can get it ahead of time. After you receive it, you will have 35 days to get hitched, followed by 63 days to return it for processing.
To get your license, you will have to have a valid ID, such as a driver’s license or passport. You’ll also have to have your social security number. There are a few basic questions you’ll need to answer, such as the date and the location of your wedding, whether you’ve been married before, and the city and state where both parties were born. They also do not require any witnesses. In fact, some people like to use that as their chance to involve their pets in the wedding day fun by letting them serve this important role.
Colorado Elopement Locations
Now that we have the technical Colorado elopement aspects out of the way, let’s talk about some of the favorite places Colorado has for elopements. Seriously, no matter what you have in mind for your wedding, the state has the perfect place for you. Here are some of the best.
Rocky Mountain National Park
If you have a spirit of wanderlust, Rocky Mountain National Park is going to be your Colorado elopement spot. This is the wild, untamed west at its best. The first thing to realize before you plan your elopement here is just how massive this park is. Rocky Mountain National Park has over 415 square miles with a wide diversity in landscaping. Throughout the winter months, the park is snowy and stoic, and throughout the warmer months, it comes alive with vivid colors.
The most popular spots for your elopement would be Dream Lake, Bear Lake, and Sprague Lake. Just know that you aren’t going to be the only couple vying for your wedding here. Because this park has become a favorite for couples, the National Park Service limits how many Special Use Permits they give out each year. From May through October, they give out 60 per month on a first-serve basis. From November through April, they give out 40 per month. The parks do not allow groups with more than 30 people.
Great Sand Dunes
The Great Sand Dunes has the largest sand dunes in all of North America. These hills look like you’re just one turn away from a Timothee Chalamet film, offering views with nothing but the sand in sight. And while these dunes look impressive during the daytime, just wait until it’s night. Because there is so little light pollution in this area, it’s one of the best places for astrophotography. If you choose an evening Colorado elopement, you will exchange vows beneath the most impressive starry sky you’ve ever seen. This area will provide you with room for up to 50 guests. On top of the dunes, you can find views of mountains, wildflowers, and waterfalls.
Crested Butte
Located four hours outside of Denver, Crested Butte is a small town that is well worth the drive. The downtown itself is charming, with fabulous food and activities you can enjoy throughout your wedding weekend. They have several options that you can use for your ceremony. If you want some mountain views, try out Ten Peaks. Everywhere you turn, you’ll be able to see the slopes. For a lawn wedding, you can try the Mountain Wedding Garden. There is a covered pavilion you can add to your package. Finally, the Crested Butte Land Trust wedding sites give you several nature-filled options where you can exchange vows.
Breckenridge
Breckenridge has become one of the favorite elopement spots in Colorado. There are several reasons for this. The town provides you with all the raw beauty you’ve come to know and love within this state. There are steep mountains, scenic hikes, and gorgeous lakes. Secondly, this town is one of the most convenient to get to. It is just a short hour and a half drive from Denver. While you’re in town, you’ll have unlimited entertainment options, including restaurants, shops, horseback riding, and more.
There are also countless lodging options, including hotels and Airbnb. You will have a number of places you can use for your wedding. Sapphire Point provides you with majestic views while remaining pretty accessible. Windy Point Campground gives you flat space as well as a place to host a reception dinner afterward. You can also try out Beaver Run Resort, where you can choose from three ceremony locations.
Aspen
Over the years, Aspen has built up a reputation as a ski town where the wealthy go to get away. There’s a reason why people choose this town for their escape. Not only does it have some of the best skiing in the country, but it also provides you with views you really can’t find anywhere else. One of the best spots here for your ceremony is the Maroon Bells Amphitheater. This wooden platform gives you some of the best views of the namesake mountain and offers seating for up to 50 people. Just like with Rocky Mountain National Park, the Special Use Permits do get competitive. They open up 12 months in advance and are available on a first-come, first serve. If you aren’t able to secure one for your ceremony, you can still find countless other unique places in Aspen to exchange vows.
San Juan Mountains
The San Juan Mountains are a 6-hour drive outside of Denver. The thing about this area is that while it’s extremely remote, it’s also one of the most beautiful Colorado elopement sites out there. If you’re willing to deal with a bit of adventure, this location is well worth the hike! The mountains are massive, with sharp peaks covered with snow throughout most of the year. You will arrive at your wedding destination by a ski gondola. This ride will make the site more accessible to your guests while giving you positively divine views throughout your wedding. You will have several options for getting married. If you would like a smaller ceremony, try out the National Forest. If you want something a little more unique, you can rent out the ghost town of Dunton Hot Springs.
Vail
If you’re afraid of heights, Vail might not be the place for you. If you like epic backdrops and panoramic mountain views, stop looking because this is your place! Vail has an elevation of over 11,000 feet and gives you some of the best views of the Rockies. The area has several spots you can use for your elopement, though most couples stick with the Holy Cross Event Deck. Here, you will feel as though you are on top of the world as you exchange vows on a borderless paved path. Afterward, for your portraits, you can wander through the untamed wilderness or try out some of the nearby trails. With this spot, you will have some seriously impressive wedding photos!
Boulder
Boulder is another wonderful option for people who want a Colorado elopement that celebrates nature without having to give up too many accommodations. This city is so gorgeous it has been deemed the “Happiest Town in America.” It has pretty much everything you could need, from snow-capped mountains to towering trees. Your wedding weekend will be a dream, providing you with magnificent meals, tons of activities, and cozy lodging options.
There are several spots you will be able to use for your ceremony. If you want to stay close to town, you can try Chautauqua Park and exchange vows with the Flatirons in the background. If you prefer more dramatic views, Lost Gulch Overlook might be the spot for you. Sunrise Amphitheater will give you an accessible spot where all your friends and family can join you. Finally, Brainard Lake and the Indian Peaks Wilderness will give you lush wildflowers and mountain backdrops.
Telluride
Telluride is another Colorado elopement spot that’s pretty remote but also well worth the adventure. The town is famous for the annual Bluegrass Festival, and from the second you arrive, you’ll understand why it’s the premium place for rustic, downhome goodness. The area is home to the San Juan Mountains and provides you with unlimited adventures throughout your wedding day. You will be able to hike across rugged mountains, find shade beneath towering trees, and go off-roading on some of their many paths. Plus, there are multiple waterfalls you can use as the backdrop of your ceremony. There is a long list of places you can use for your wedding.
The San Sophia Overlook gives you a deck where you can exchange a kiss while the sun goes down. If you would prefer a one-of-a-kind indoor/outdoor venue, Alta Lakes Observatory will be your place. Bridal Veil Falls will let you incorporate the waterfalls that make this spot so special. You will also be able to find mountaintops and basins where you can exchange vows. Throughout your wedding day, you will be able to camp at the mountains or keep it a little more polished in some of their unlimited lodging options.
Getting Around Colorado
There are several airports you can use to get into the state. Most people choose to use the Denver International Airport. Not only is this a popular option for most major airlines, but it’s also going to put you close to the center of the state. You can always use a different airport if you’d prefer, but you’ll miss out on the legendary artwork at Denver International.
Your best bet for a car is to rent one. I highly suggest you go with one that has 4WD. There are plenty of spots that let you rent Jeeps for your stay. This way, you can have the best time ever on the Jeep trails across the mountains. If you are getting married on one of the peaks, you should be able to rent an ATV or use a ski gondola. They also have chartered helicopter rides for an unforgettable way to arrive in style!
Accommodations for Guests Attending Your Colorado Elopement
Over the years, places in Colorado have been drawing in more and more visitors and elopements. This is both good and bad. While you might now need to battle more crowds, you are also going to have plenty of places you can use for lodging. In areas like Vail and Breckenridge, you will be able to choose ski resorts where your guests can spend your wedding week hitting the slopes and snuggling close to the fire during the evenings. There are also plenty of private cabins and AirBNBs you can rent out. If you’re looking for unique ideas, look into the cabins at Dunton Hot Springs. This former ghost town has rustic cabins just outside of the San Juan Mountains. You will have plenty of activities, including sauna soaks and day hiking. I also love the idea of renting out a boutique hotel. If you’re looking for more options in the San Juan mountains, try out the Wyman Hotel in Silverton. This 1902 hotel has charming and luxurious rooms with plenty of space to get ready prior to your ceremony. Here, you can count on sunny get-ready portraits and spacious rooms for all your guests. Another historic option is the Western Hotel & Spa in Ouray, Colorado, near Telluride. This hotel blends Western decor with modern furniture to bring you a peaceful place to rest. The Grill will serve you all the food and drinks you could need for one of the best parties ever. The Surf Hotel in Buena Vista has refined mountainside villas and regular live music, and the Hotel Jerome in Aspen brings you moody vibes and some of the best cocktails around!
A Special Note To Consider For Colorado
No matter where you decide to stay, my biggest piece of advice is to book a day earlier than you plan to actually have your Colorado elopement. The majority of the state has a major shift in elevation, and your body likely needs some time to adjust. Plan one day to arrive, get settled in, and just relax. From there, you can start on your real adventure.
Things To Do in Colorado
Once you have all your major Colorado elopement arrangements, it’s time to get to the fun part: what the heck are you going to do once you get to Colorado?! In case you couldn’t tell from the rest of this blog, Colorado is a great place to get out and explore. You will find endless hiking trails, mountain biking paths, off-roading options, and horseback riding companies. You can rent out a kayak and get out on the water or wait until the winter and try out some of the best skiing in the entire country. If you are someone who fully embraces nature, you can drive up with your tent and camp out in the wilderness with your besties.
If you prefer to limit your adventure, you can find a premium hotel and spend your week getting pampered. There are also always plenty of events that happen in Colorado throughout the year. The Telluride Bluegrass Festival happens every June, and the Elevation Music Festival is hosted in Alma each August. You can also check the schedule at Red Rocks in Morrison and see a concert unlike any other. This outdoor amphitheater regularly brings in acts like Nas, Vampire Weekend, Manchester Orchestra, and Dierks Bentley.
Hiring a Colorado Elopement Photographer
Lastly, one of the best things you can do for your Colorado elopement is to hire a photographer who is familiar with the area and will ensure you have the best time ever! As an elopement photographer myself, I view it as my job to guide each of my couples. I’m not only going to be there throughout your wedding day; I will be there to tell you about local resources and recommendations so you don’t have to worry about a thing. As a Colorado photographer, I’ve gotten to know the area pretty well. I can give you more personalized recommendations and help you find the area that’s best for your celebration. And don’t worry. I’ll make sure you get some epic pictures along the way!
Let’s Capture Your Dream Colorado Elopement Together To Look Back On Forever
So, are you ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Then, let’s chat about your dream Colorado elopement! We can schedule a no-pressure phone call and tell you more about my sessions so you can decide if I’m the one to help you celebrate. Send me a message to find out more!
