How To Elope in Colorado
How To Plan Your Colorado Elopement
Colorado has so much to offer. And yes, it is known for the largest mountain range in North America, The Rocky Mountains. But did you know that Colorado offers more than just epic mountain views? Imagine saying “I DO!” in one of these dream locations:
Great Sand Dunes National Park
At the edge of a crystal blue mountain-top alpine lake
Surrounded by the beautiful red rocks at Garden of The Gods
In a charming mountain town with views of the San Juan Mountains
If you’re looking to elope in Colorado, you’ve come to the right place. We specialize in photographing adventure weddings and elopements all over the wild west, but most of our couples decide to elope in Colorado for many reasons.
We have outlined everything you need to know about planning your Colorado Elopement in this blog!
Planning Checklist For Your Colorado Elopement
Choose a time of year to get married
Hire your dream elopement vendors
Find the perfect location for your elopement & book your experiences
Apply for permits & get your marriage license
Send it and celebrate!
The best time of year 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:
Ouray
Telluride
Ridgway
Crested Butte
Aspen
Buena Vista
Estes Park
Breckenridge
Steamboat Springs
Summer Elopement in Colorado
Hiking trails will be 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!
Hire your dream Colorado Elopement Vendors
When searching for your dream vendors, make sure that they have experience with elopements. If you are hiking on your elopement day, make sure to hire a florist who can create a bouquet that can sustain the elements (wind, rain, etc.) When searching for a venue to host your closest friends and family, rather than investing in a traditional venue, consider booking a cozy Airbnb/VRBO to host everyone.
We might be biased, but booking a photographer is the most important task and it should be completed first. Not all wedding photographers are created equal! Some photographers specialize in traditional weddings and some photographers specialize in adventure elopements (like us!). We provide couples with more than just beautiful photos of their elopement. We will help you find an epic location for your ceremony & portraits. If you choose to work with Love, Lorraine, you will also receive a recommended vendors list and a list of experiences that you can plan based on the location you are getting married in. If you want to learn more about our services, inquire with us!
The best places to Elope in Colorado
Colorado is one of the top states couples choose for their elopement. Between the mountain vistas, alpine lakes, desert sand dunes, and wildflower fields, there’s never a shortage of amazing views for your adventure elopement. Colorado also offers plenty of experiences you can plan to add a touch of adventure to your elopement day.
Along with plenty of landscapes and epic adventures to plan, Colorado is one of the easiest places to elope. You can self-solemnize your elopement day, meaning you don’t need an officiant, and you don’t need any witnesses. Want to know the best part? Your dog can “sign” your marriage license (how awesome is that!)
Eloping in the San Juan Mountains
The San Juan Mountains are unique and rugged, unlike the mountains you see in the front range of Colorado. If you want to experience incredible fall foliage, epic off-roading trails, and picture-perfect mountain towns, this area perfect for you. Check out places like Telluride, Ouray, and Silverton to get an idea of how your Colorado elopement could look and feel!
Eloping in Rocky Mountain National Park
This is the most popular destination to elope, and it’s the most visited National Park in Colorado. While Rocky Mountain National Park has incredible mountain vistas, it can be incredibly crowded during the best months to elope. If you choose to elope during the winter, you’ll experience fewer hikers on trails and more seclusion! Just outside of Rocky Mountain National Park sits a mountain town called Estes Park. Estes offers a variety of lodging options, restaurants & breweries, and hidden gems that would be the perfect addition to your winter elopement in the Rocky Mountains!
Eloping in 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!
Eloping in one of the many Colorado mountain towns
Colorado is known for its many mountain towns. Places like Breckenridge, Aspen, and Steamboat Springs are great places to elope. Not only do they offer plenty of activities and beautiful views for your winter elopement, but they’re also just as gorgeous during the warmer months. You can find places like Sapphire Point and Maroon Bells to host your elopement, or adventure off and find off-the-beaten-path locations. Colorado’s mountain towns will give you access to some of the best hidden gems, simultaneously providing you with privacy and intimacy for your adventure elopement.
Eloping in Gunnison National Forest
If you are thinking about eloping anywhere near Buena Vista, Salida, or Crested Butte, chances are you’re going to be looking in the Gunnison National Forest area. Here you can experience incredible mountain views, wildflower fields, and even Black Canyon of The Gunnison National Park. When visiting this area, make sure to check out the epic views along the Continental Divide!
Eloping in the front range of Colorado
If you are looking for an easily accessible location for your Colorado elopement, the front range of The Rocky Mountains might be for you. The front range offers accessibility to mountain vistas, red rock structures, and views of the iconic flatirons!
What should we do on our elopement day?
Once you’ve picked the perfect location for your elopement, now it’s time to book your travel, lodging and experiences! A common question we get from couples is “What if we aren’t extreme adventurers... Can we still have an adventurous elopement day?”
The short answer is yes! You do not need to be an extreme adventurer to have an adventure elopement. That’s one of the many benefits to eloping in Colorado, there’s a location that works for any type of elopement you can imagine.
You can hike a 14er and experience the most breathtaking alpine lakes & mountain vistas. Or, you can rent a Jeep and explore the 4x4 roads of Telluride & Ouray that lead you to epic mountain vistas. You could explore the red rocks of Colorado Springs or the desert Sand Dunes in Sand Dunes National Park. Colorado offers plenty of trails and terrain for couples that may want a leisurely adventure. For those that want a bit more adrenaline, Colorado will have your fix!
Experiences to add to your Colorado Elopement
Consider these experiences when dreaming up things to do on your elopement day.
ATV Rentals
Jeep Rentals
Snowmobile Rentals & Tours
Mountain Biking
Hiking
Camping
Have A Picnic
Rent a cabin in one of the many Colorado Mountain Towns
Rent a unique Airbnb, VRBO, or stay in a Retro Airstream!
Soak in a natural hot spring (Dunton Hot Springs)
Horseback Riding
Rock Climbing
Skydiving
Snowboarding
Skiing
Snowshoeing
Gondola Ride to the top of a mountain
Brewery Tours
River Tubing, SUP, or Kayak Rentals
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!)
Here are a few specific ideas to spark some inspiration!
After your epic 4x4 Jeep adventure through the San Juan Mountains, hire a private chef to cook you a meal for you (and any guests present) right in your Aribnb/VRBO rental!
Once you’ve tied the knot overlooking an alpine lake in Gunnison National Forest, head back to your Airbnb for a cozy campfire and s’mores and have a movie night!
After a day of hiking and adventuring, meet your family and friends in town and celebrate. If you are looking for more of a city vibe, check out Denver or Boulder. If you want a more low-key mountain environment, places like Ouray, Aspen & Breckenridge will be perfect for your celebration!
How to acquire a permit and marriage license for your Colorado Elopement
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 $100 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.
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. We’ve provided information and links below so you can easily navigate through this process.
With the presence of COVID, the Recording and Marriages division will conduct online video appointments to process marriage license applications. As long as you both are present in the same room during your video call, have your IDs ready, you can apply for your marriage license. See the link below for more information about obtaining your Colorado marriage license.
https://www.denvergov.org/Government/Departments/Office-of-the-Clerk-Recorder/marriages-and-civil-unions
Things you need to know about your Colorado Marriage License
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.
You will need to bring your photo IDs & $30 to pick up your Colorado marriage license.
Your Colorado marriage license can be used within 35 days of when your marriage license was issued.
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
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!
How to find the perfect dress for your Colorado Elopement. Pro tip: Don’t plan your wedding day around your dress, plan your dress around your wedding day. Far too often brides plan their wedding day around their attire and are limited to what they can do on their wedding day!
Things to consider when searching for your dream elopement dress:
Mobility: Make sure that you can move, walk, run, jump, twirl, step-up, step-down, and sit down in your wedding dress.
Wind & Flow: Do you want a dress that is snug to your body? Or, do you want a dress that flows beautifully in the wind? We think the more fabric and flow it has, the better it will look in an epic outdoor environment. Plus, it’ll be way more comfortable if you are hiking and moving around a lot!
Forgiving Fabrics: If you plan to pack your wedding dress in your backpack, make sure the fabric is forgiving and doesn’t wrinkle or can easily be unwrinkled. Consider choosing fabrics that stretch, have some give, and that are lightweight.
How to find the perfect suit for your Colorado Elopement. Just like finding the perfect wedding dress, you should be consciously thinking about a few factors when finding the perfect suit for your Colorado elopement.
Mobility: Just like a wedding dress, you should make sure that you can move freely. Think about all of the activities that you could potentially do on your elopement day. Suits that are stretchy can give you flexibility and comfort so you can run, jump, squat, sit down, pick up your partner, and do awesome air kicks (sorry, we can’t be liable for ripped pants).
Breathability & Weight: Depending on the time of year, you’ll want a suit that is breathable. If you are planning a Colorado elopement in the winter, heavier blazers and jackets of wool may make for a nice insulator.
Packability: The heavier the fabric, the bulkier it’ll be and the more difficult it will be to pack. You want to consider how much you will be packing, and wedding attire takes up a lot of space! If you choose a lighter fabric that’s stretchy and breathable, it will result in a much lighter load. There are many ways you can pack your suit in your backpack or outside of your backpack. You can even explore using bungee cords to hold your suit bag in place on the front of your pack.
Don’t forget about footwear! Along with finding the perfect dress or 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 the trail and you’ll be much more comfortable and confident, no matter how long or short the hike may be.
You might think that wearing a dress or a suit and hiking boots is unflattering, but we absolutely love it! For your hike up & back down, we personally think hiking boots are a must. 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!
Lauren & Travis’ favorite adventure footwear!
We also advocate for sending it barefoot (post hike) — if the terrain & weather allows for it!
If you are planning a hiking elopement in Colorado, make sure to check out the blog on Planning for Your Hiking Elopement for more advice about gear and preparation!
Eloping in Colorado
The opportunities are truly endless when you choose to Elope in Colorado. Your dream wedding day is only an adventure of planning away from becoming a reality! Now that you have all of the information necessary for planning your epic adventure elopement, get started with the planning checklist and start brainstorming some awesome ideas for your day! When you are at the beginning stages of planning, pretend that anything is possible (because it is!). This strategy will allow you to focus on your values and your deepest desires for your day. This is a great place to start! And when you’re ready, find knowledgeable and resourceful photographers to help you along your planning adventure.
Meet Your Colorado Elopement Photographers
We spent three years living on the road full-time, exploring and adventuring throughout the United States. Colorado quickly became one of our favorite states, and we knew it was a place that we always wanted to come back to. Over the course of three years, we found ourselves back in Colorado time and time again. After selling our van in 2020 in response to the pandemic, we packed up all of our things back east and moved to Colorado. We quickly realized that house life wasn’t our thing, so we bought an Airstream and are now converting it into our second tiny home on wheels.
You can find us all over Colorado exploring and finding the next best elopement location for our couples. We have spent so much time in the beautiful states that we know it like the back of our hand. If you are ready to plan your epic Colorado Elopement, you’ve come to the right place! Inquire with us to start planning your dream Colorado Elopement!