How To Plan Your Colorado Elopement

An adventurous elopement is in your future. While doing your early stages of research, Colorado continues to pop up as a great destination for your elopement. The beauty is unmatched, and you are finding that most any time of year is beautiful. Yes, it is true. Colorado is beautiful all year round! While it is mostly known for the iconic mountain range, the Rocky Mountains, Colorado has tons of unique landscapes to offer adventurous couples.

Hey! We are Lauren & Travis
Adventure Wedding & Elopement Photographers

In 2017, we hit the road and lived in our self-converted Sprinter Van. We spent 4 years visiting many different locations throughout the US, but we always seemed to make our way back to Colorado. We now call Colorado our home!

In 2018, we photographed our first official elopement and haven’t looked back ever since. It wasn’t until 2019 that we had a complete shift within our business and decided to rebrand and pursue Adventure Weddings & Elopements primarily.

We built upon our process as elopement photographers and realized if we used our knowledge and expertise of living on the road full time, and our love for adventuring and photographing couples, we could create an unforgettable experience for couples who want to celebrate their marriage in a unique way.

We are more than just photographers, we are your elopement planners and adventure buds. We will help you plan the most unique day by providing you with all of the resources and guides and celebrate with you like old friends on your elopement day.

If you’re ready to plan your Colorado Elopement, inquire with us today!

 Loveland Pass

Colorado has many beautiful passes that are worth experiencing. The beautiful vista views combined with a perfect sunset always make for a great end to an adventurous day in the mountains. Loveland Pass offers an alpine lake, mountain views, and an abundance of different terrain to explore. With easy accessibility and natural beauty, Loveland Pass is high on the list of top locations in Colorado.

 Garden Of The Gods

Easy accessibility with all the jaw dropping beauty of a national park, Garden of the Gods provides a circus of unique red rock structures making for a great day of adventure. As a backdrop for your elopement, this area provides some super unique landscapes, including Pike’s Peak in the distance.

Lost Gulch Overlook

Not far from downtown Boulder lies this quaint lookout. While there can be crowds, Lost Gulch provides incredible views of the distant mountains and the tree-lined foothills. The view looking back towards Boulder is great, too!

San Juan Mountains

This high and rugged mountain range is located in Southwest Colorado. Check out towns like Ouray, Telluride, and Silverton for views of these incredible mountains. Want to feel like you are out in the middle of nowhere? These small mountain towns provide tons of charm for how far they are from the next major city. Also worth checking out is Durango, just before getting to the New Mexico border. The San Juan Mountains serve as a great backdrop to an adventure elopement. The charming mountain towns are a huge bonus!

Mount Evans

Up a long, winding road from Idaho Springs, Mt. Evans is host to the highest paved road in North America. The drive up is stunning. Leave the civilization behind for raw, alpine beauty. Some of our favorite spots up here are truly hidden gems worth adventuring to. Most commonly visited by tourists for its famed status, it still makes for a stunning backdrop for an elopement with plenty of opportunities to avoid the crowds.

Great Sand Dunes National Park

Great Sand Dunes National Park is probably the most underrated location here in Colorado. While most people probably don’t even know that Great Sand Dunes National Park exists in Colorado, we think it’s the perfect hidden gem for your elopement. Not only do you get to experience the tallest sand dune in the country, but you also get gorgeous views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. If you’re dying to elope during sunrise, Great Sand Dunes National Park is one of the most magical places during sunrise! AND, it’s dog-friendly!

 Rocky Mountain National Park

Colorado is an epic place to elope, and Rocky Mountain National Park is the first destination that comes to mind when we talk about getting married in CO. There are so many great locations within the park and endless views of all different kinds. A hiking adventure can take you to 3 alpine lakes in just a few short miles. Experience the meadows with jaw dropping mountain views. Or, drive Trail Ridge Road from Estes Park to Grand Lake in the summertime.

Breckenridge

Yes, it’s everything that it’s hyped up to be; a fully built up mountain town with something for everyone of all ages to enjoy. With a bustling downtown area right at the base of the ski resort, Breckenridge provides the perfect apres ski experience. Hiking and mountain biking adventures are the king of the summer months. In the winter, you can snowshoe or cross country ski for miles on end. Check out this beautiful winter elopement at Sapphire Point in Breckenridge, Colorado.

Best Time To Elope in Colorado

The weather in Colorado can be wildly unpredictable. It’s quite difficult to predict, but you can expect beautiful Colorado sunshine one day and an outright blizzard the next… sometimes these events can happen on the same day! In the wintertime, it is common to experience snow in the mountains and sun in the front range around Boulder & Denver, with the temperature significantly warmer.

Our favorite time for elopements in Colorado is anytime between June and October. As summer begins, most trails and roads at elevation have been fully cleared and are easily accessible. The fall is a good time of year to beat the heat and of course, you can experience the beautiful fall foliage! If skiing or snowboarding is more your thing, consider planning your epic winter elopement in a mountain town like Breckenridge or Ouray. Colorado’s famous mountain towns provide access to some of the best winter resorts in the country! Here’s a quick list of mountain towns great for elopements:

Summer Elopement in Colorado

• Hiking trails will be the easiest to follow, especially the ones at higher elevations.

• Mountain passes are open and trailheads are much more accessible.

• Wildflower fields are in bloom which makes for an amazing backdrop. The best time to experience wildflowers will be in the months of July & August.

• Alpine lakes are no longer frozen, so you can experience the beautiful clear blue water.

• The only true downfall of eloping in the summer is the afternoon thunderstorms and the potential crowds.

Fall Elopement in Colorado

• The fall colors in Colorado are incredible, the Aspen leaves turn bright yellow!

• Fall weather in Colorado can be unpredictable and you could experience snowy weather, which can make for a beautiful collection of photos!

• Book an off-roading adventure out of one of the many mountain towns and experience Colorado’s remote destinations highlighting the mountains and the fall foliage.

Winter Elopement in Colorado

• Frozen alpine lakes.

• Popular destinations and trailheads will be less crowded than in the summer.

• Despite the chilly temperatures and snow, you can add to your Colorado winter elopement experience by booking a cozy cabin in a Colorado mountain town.

• You can go skiing/snowboarding, book an epic snowmobile tour, or plan a relaxing hot springs soak.

• Some trails and mountain passes might not be accessible.

Spring Elopement in Colorado

• During early Spring, you may still experience some snowy weather. If you want to avoid snowy weather, aim for late spring!

• For outdoor recreation, Spring will be the shoulder season and will be less crowded. Tourists typically travel for snow sports or for outdoor recreation, and Spring time weather is the in between of both season’s sweet spots.

• Things are slowly melting which causes the trails to be wet and muddy, which could make them less accessible but also means fewer crowds!

How to acquire a permit and marriage license
for your Colorado Elopement

Colorado Marriage License Information

Colorado is one of the top destinations couples choose for their elopement because of how easy it is to get married. Whether you’re traveling from out of state or living in Colorado, the process is simple and you can easily acquire, fill out, and sign your marriage license.

Things you need to know about your Colorado Marriage License

1. If you are picking up your Colorado Marriage License in person, check your local Clerk & Recorder’s business hours. You’ll need to pick up your marriage license during the week, so make sure you do this prior to your elopement day. 

2. You will need to bring your photo IDs & $30 to pick up your Colorado marriage license.

3. Your Colorado marriage license can be used within 35 days of when your marriage license was issued.

4. Your Colorado marriage license needs to be returned to the Clerk and Recorder for recording within 63 days after solemnization.

Did you know that you can self-solemnize your wedding ceremony?! You might be wondering “What does self-solemnization marriage mean?” It means you and your partner can get married without the presence of a third-party officiant. Colorado allows self-solemnization without requiring a special form of application or witnesses.

This is one of the reasons why couples choose Colorado for their elopement. You get to marry your best friend in a location that is away from the crowds and the civilization, with epic views for miles. Imagine that!

Self-solemnizing marriages are just as legit as a traditional ceremony and marriage. Self-uniting marriages give you flexibility and freedom to get married whenever you want during your elopement day.

Tips for planning your self-solemnizing marriage:

• Write your own intimate vows

• You can get married at any point during your elopement day

• Although you don’t need any witnesses, your family, friends, even your dog can sign your marriage license

• Have a plan to file your paperwork

Colorado Ceremony Permits

When eloping in Colorado, chances are you’ll need a wedding permit. Permits are based on location and can vary in price. You can expect to pay anywhere between $0 and $700 for a permit. If you were planning a big party at a venue in Colorado, you could spend much, much more! The money spent on your permit goes towards keeping our public lands safe, clean, and enjoyable for all.

How much does it cost to elope in Colorado?

We have truly seen it all when it comes to eloping in Colorado. On average, our couple’s spend anywhere from $7,500 - $15,000 on their elopement. Some spend as little as $5,000, others get over $15,000 in a hurry! It all depends on how you want your day to look, what you want to experience and if guests will be attending.

• Photographer $5,000 - $10,000

• Hair & Makeup $600 - 1000

• Flowers $400 - 800

• Marriage License $30

• Special Use Permit $300

• Lodging $400 - 1200 

• Flights & Car Rental $500 - 800

What to wear to your Colorado Elopement

Preparing for your Colorado elopement is different than preparing for a traditional wedding day. Yes, you’ll need all of the necessities: a dress, a suit, shoes, socks, rings, etc. but you’ll also need a few extra items and you’ll want to consider some important details!

Most of the couples we work with spend a good amount hiking on their elopement day. Some couples choose to hike up in their hiking clothes and change at the top. Some prefer to hike in their wedding attire. We recommend wearing your hiking clothes but it’s totally up to you and what you’re comfortable with!

Remember, you do not have to hike to experience great views or an epic wedding adventure!

How to find the perfect dress for your
Colorado Elopement

How To Find The Perfect Suit For Your
Colorado Elopement

Experiences to plan during your Colorado Elopement

Just because you are choosing to elope doesn’t mean that you have to hike. We encourage all of our couples to dive deep when planning their adventurous elopement, and write down all of the things that they like to do together and what experiences they may want to plan on their wedding day!

There are many ways you can add a touch of adventure to your Colorado Elopement. We listed some of our favorite experiences below to spark inspiration when dreaming up your Colorado elopement!

ATV Rentals:

• Aspen: https://www.allaspen.com/summer_recreation/atv_offroad.php

• Ouray: http://www.ride-n.com/

• Estes Park: https://www.estesparkatvrentals.com/

Jeep Rentals:

• Ouray/Telluride: https://coloradowestjeeps.com/

Snowmobile Rentals & Tours:

• Breckenridge: https://goodtimesadventures.com/

• Vail: https://sageoutdooradventures.com/

• Aspen: https://www.tlazy7.com/

Mountain Biking

Hiking

Camping

Have a Picnic

• Denver Picnic Co.

• Aspen Picnic Company

Rent a cabin in one of the many Colorado Mountain towns

• Vail: Cozy Mid Mod Cabin House 

• Grand Lake: A-Frame Cabin

• Crested Butte: Horse Ranch Cabin Home

Rent a unique Airbnb, or stay in a Retro Airstream!

• Rocky Mountain Treehouse

• Breckenridge Hideaway

• Canyon Cliff House

Soak in a natural hot spring

• Dunton Hot Springs

• Strawberry Hot Springs

• Mt. Princeton Hot Springs

Horseback Riding

• Rocky Mountain National Park

• Maroon Bells

Rock Climbing

Skydiving

Snowboarding

Skiing

Snowshoeing

Gondola Ride to the top of a mountain

• Aspen

• Telluride

• Vail

Adventure to a Brewery

• Coors Brewery Tour

• Outer Range Brewery

• Ouray Brewery

Rent a camper van and explore multiple locations throughout Colorado: (this also gives you a place to get ready before your elopement - and it makes for a great photo opportunity!)

• Outdoorsy

Here are a few specific ideas to spark some inspiration!

1. After your epic 4x4 Jeep Adventure through the San Juan Mountains, hire a private chef to cook your meal for you (and any guests present) right in your Airbnb/VRBO rental.

2. Once you’ve tied the knot overlooking an alpine lake, enjoy a picnic that was handcrafted and designed for you and your partner.

3. Catch the first chair and enjoy the morning with your partner at your favorite Colorado Ski Resort. Later, get ready and head to your secluded ceremony location just before sunset. Enjoy a celebratory beer as you two toast to your greatest adventure!

4. Enjoy a hot spring soak at your favorite Colorado Hot Springs before getting ready. Hop in your 4x4 rental for an epic adventure through the mountains.

Packing Checklists For Your Colorado Elopement

Wedding Basics Checklist:

• Adventure Elopement Dress, Suit or Jumpsuit: If you missed the section on finding the perfect dress or suit, make sure to check it out – here!
  

• Comfortable Shoes: Make sure to know the terrain where you are eloping and choose shoes that are appropriate.
  

• Accessories:

  • Veil

  • Hair Piece

  • Jewelry

  • Tie/Bowtie

  • Socks
    

• Wedding Essentials: 

  • Vow Books / Love Notes

  • Rings

  • Marriage License & Pen

Hiking Basics Checklist:

Planning to hike on your elopement day? Here is a list of things that you might want to consider when planning and preparing for your hiking elopement!

• Hiking Boots or shoes with good tread are a necessity when you’re planning a hiking elopement. Along with finding the perfect dress and suit that is comfortable and suitable for your Colorado elopement, finding the best footwear is just as important. Wearing the proper footwear outside, especially on trails and in rugged terrain, will help your stability on trail and you’ll be way more comfortable and confident no matter how far you are hiking.

You might think that wearing a dress or a suit and hiking boots is unflattering, but for your hike up & down we think it’s a necessity. There are plenty of brands that offer stylish boot options that you can pack and swap out when you arrive at your location. Wearing stiletto heels and uncomfortable dress shoes isn’t recommended, so we’ve provided some of our favorite boots that have great traction and can complete your adventurous look!

• Blundstones (our personal favorite!) https://www.blundstone.com/

• Kodiak Boots https://www.kodiakboots.com/

• Danner Boots https://www.danner.com/

We also recommend going barefoot (if the terrain allows it!)

• Hiking Backpacks: Finding the perfect hiking backpack is essential to a successful hiking elopement. Not only will a good fitted backpack prevent sore backs and shoulders, you’ll be able to carry your wedding attire easily. Some couples like to deck out their backpacks with “just eloped” signs and their bouquet, which make for great photos and really helps tell the story of your adventurous elopement! Fun Fact: We help all of our couples coordinate how to organize and prepare for their hiking elopement. We will provide you with tips on how to pack your wedding attire to avoid wrinkles, and how to best secure your wedding bouquet to your backpack!
  

• Water Bottles & Reservoirs: Water is essential to a successful day - no matter if you are adventuring or not! If you are hiking, the amount of water you’ll need to bring will depend on how long your hike is. Here’s a helpful guide all about staying hydrated during your hike - How To Stay Hydrated.
  

• Trekking Poles: Trekking poles can be a nice addition to your hike, especially if the hike you are choosing to go on is particularly steep!
  

• Headlamps: Headlamps will come in handy if you are choosing to elope during sunrise or sunset and if you are including a hike on your elopement day.
  

• Snacks

Safety Essentials Checklist:

Leave No Trace is a big part of our business. If you aren’t familiar with Leave No Trace, it’s a set of 7 Principles that are commonly practiced while using our public lands. You probably practice these principles already, especially Leave No Trace Principle #1 - Plan & Prepare! 

Having a fully built plan and the right preparation is key to ensuring your safety on your adventure. Below are must-have items to pack when gearing up for your adventure elopement.

• First Aid Kit: We always carry a first aid kit on all of our elopements. We recommend a compact and lightweight kit that you can throw into your pack easily. You can find these at REI or your local camping store!
  

• Bear Spray & Bug Spray: Two essentials that we highly recommend you pack for your hiking elopement are good bug spray and bear spray. Although we’ve never encountered a bear during a hiking elopement, having bear spray with you in case of an emergency is a must!
  

• Sunscreen: Sun protection is a must, especially in Colorado. We are at a higher elevation, which means the sun is much more intense. No matter where you are, we highly recommend protecting your skin. 
  

• Portable Oxygen: If you live at a lower elevation and are eloping at a higher elevation, grab a can of portable oxygen to help you feel instant relief. You can find these cans almost anywhere in Colorado.

Dog Elopement Checklist:

When it comes to everything you need to pack for your pup, we like to find the balance between necessities and niceties. If there is something that you know you can bring that will bring your dog comfort or keep them attentive and well behaved, please bring it along for the adventure! 

Fun Fact: In the state of Colorado your dog can “sign” your marriage certificate with their paw print!

• Water and Dog Bowl (APC bowl)

• Food & Treats

• Poop Bags (Compostable)

• Leash & Collar (APC Lifetime)

• Harness or Dog Pack (Ruffwear)

• Toy (for down time - something quiet, but entertaining, i.e. a Benebone or a silent squeak toy)

• Blanket for them to lay on (you can also use this for a picnic!)

• Something fun to wear! (i.e. a bandana from Sugarsky)

• Paw protection: boots or paw protective balm/wax (Ruffwear)

• Dog First Aid Kit // DIY Version // Outside Mag Article

• Packable towel & brush

Winter Elopement Checklist:

In addition to the hiking essential checklist above, if you are eloping during the winter months you’ll need a few extra items to ensure that you are safe and comfortable during your winter elopement.

• Hand Warmers

• Base Layers

• Insulated Jacket

• Snowshoes

• Micro Spikes

• Hats

• Gloves

Miscellaneous Adventure Elopement Checklist:

Just because you are eloping doesn’t mean that you can’t have a first dance, a picnic or a celebration after your ceremony! We listed a few items below to consider when packing for your elopement day!

• Picnic Blanket: We recommend choosing a blanket that compliments the landscape and one that can be easily packed in your backpack or strapped to the outside of your pack. 
  

• Portable Speaker: Dreaming of a first dance at the summit of the mountain? Make sure to pack a speaker so you can experience a first dance together!
  

• Hammock: Relax on your elopement day! 
  

• Celebratory beverages and/or food: Summit beers are our favorite, but you can celebrate anyway you want. Don’t forget to pack your favorite beverage, dessert or charcuterie board!