Rocky Mountain Elopement
Winter Elopement in The Rocky Mountains
Lael & Nick’s
Estes Park Colorado Elopement
Lael & Nick reached out to us only two short weeks before their elopement day. They originally had a date picked in April but quickly realized they didn’t want to wait until then to get married.
Lael & Nick wanted a day that was spontaneous and full of adventure. They weren’t set on a location. They weren’t set on certain experiences to fill their day. All they knew is that they wanted to celebrate their love and each other
We mapped out the perfect day for these two adventurous souls. We had a road trip planned into the mountains, through Idaho Springs, Evergreen, and back to Denver. As Lael & Nick’s elopement day approached we were faced with frigid temperatures that ultimately had us shift their plans to an entirely new location and a different day.
Lael & Nick shifted their plans two days before their elopement day. They picked an entirely different location, Estes Park just right outside of Rocky Mountain National Park, and postponed to the following day when it was less windy and the temperature was a bit warmer. Estes Park is a very special place for Lael & Nick. It’s where Nick proposed to Lael. They shared their proposal story while we adventured through Estes Park on their elopement day. Nick had a grand proposal planned in Estes Park that involved their families, their dog Oden and a jump into Estes Lake to retrieve Lael’s engagement ring. Although it didn’t go as planned, it all worked out and they were engaged.
Sometimes your plan B is even better than your plan A. Lael & Nick’s elopement day was spontaneous just like they wanted. On their elopement day, they booked a cozy cabin where they got ready together, along with their dog Oden. We jumped in our cars and adventured to a couple of locations. They picked a spot that they connected with and exchanged their vows. We ended their adventurous day at a local brewery where we celebrated Lael & Nick!
Four things to keep in mind when planning your winter wedding in Colorado
Weather can be unpredictable: When planning your winter elopement the first thing to understand is that the weather in Colorado can be unpredictable. When it’s rainy or perfectly sunny in the front range (Denver, Colorado Springs & Boulder), it could be snowing in the mountains. And while it’s incredibly beautiful in the mountains during a fresh snowfall, sometimes it can snow so much causing avalanches & for major roads and highways to shut down completely. We tell all of our couples - especially couples that want to elope in the winter, to keep an open mind about the weather. It’s always good to have multiple backup plans in place just in case your original plan falls through.
Road closures & limited parking: If you are heading to Rocky Mountain National Park during the winter, the most popular spot - Trail Ridge Road, will be closed. In addition, many trailhead parking lots throughout Colorado might not be easily accessible and you will need to hike additional miles to get to the trailhead. There are plenty of other ways to get around if you don’t want to hike additional miles. Consider renting a snowmobile to get to your elopement destination!
Bring the proper cold weather gear: Having good cold weather gear will make for a more comfortable and enjoyable elopement experience. Below is a list of must-have gear for your Colorado Winter Elopement:
Wool Socks: Darn Tough & REI Co-op Brand
Base Layers: Having warm base layers under your suit or dress will help keep you stay nice and toasty: REI Base Layers
Jacket: Patagonia Parka & REI Jackets
Hat & Gloves: Beanies & REI Gloves/Mittens
Microspikes: Kahtooka Microspikes
Don’t forget to apply for a wedding permit: If you are planning on getting married in a National Park you will need a wedding permit. If you are having guests, there are designated areas that allow you to get married in the park. Permit research is something we help all of our couples, so if you are considering a National Park Elopement, reach out!
Winter experiences to plan for your
Colorado elopement
Snowshoeing Adventure Through A Winter Wonderland: This is a great activity for all levels of adventure and can make for great photo ops of you and your partner!
Rent A Snowmobile: If you really want to send it on your adventure wedding day, rent a snowmobile and ride to your epic ceremony location. As mentioned above, some trailheads are easily accessible by vehicle. Renting a snowmobile will get you to your destination quicker, and it’ll be a fun experience. Imagine riding to Maroon Bells by snowmobile! Epic, right?!
Spend the morning or afternoon snowboarding or skiing: If you are anything like us and making it first chair after a fresh snowfall, spend the morning snowboarding or skiing before your ceremony. Colorado offers some of the best skiing. Check out places like Aspen Snowmass, Breckenridge & Steamboat Springs.
Have a snowy picnic & cozy fire at your Airbnb: Either a bonfire paired with S’mores outside or cozy fire inside, both are great options for your winter elopement in Colorado. There are tons of aesthetically pleasing Airbnb’s that would be the perfect place to get ready in the morning and cuddle up in the evening!
Soak in a hot spring or hot tub: What’s better than waking up and soaking in a hot spring before your elopement day?! Colorado offers some of the best hot springs. We included our favorites below!
Channel your inner child and go sledding!: Pack some hot cocoa (paired with Bailey’s if you are in to that!) and go sledding or have a snowball fight. You could also plan a snowy picnic in addition to your sledding adventure. Remember, there are no limits. Just have fun!
Best Colorado mountain towns to
elope in during the winter
Telluride: It’s no secret that Telluride is one of the best locations in Colorado for your winter elopement. The town itself is nestled in the San Juan Mountains, and offers activities that you can experience all year round.
Breckenridge: Breckenridge is one of the most popular locations couples adventure to for their winter elopement. You can easily access Breckenridge and it’s a short drive from Denver.
Steamboat Springs: Fun fact - Steamboat Springs is the only place in the world that has trademarked their snow. They call their snow Champagne Powder because it is so light, dry and smooth. It’s the perfect snow to ski and snowshoe, making for a great location for your snowy winter elopement! Plus, it has one of the BEST hot springs, Strawberry Hot Springs.
Aspen: Although Aspen gets pretty dang cold in the winter, it’s incredibly beautiful and a great place to elope. It offers places like Maroon Bells and Independence Pass where you can rent snowmobiles and adventure to your ceremony location!
Estes Park: Of course we couldn’t leave Estes Park out. This little town is nestled just outside of Rocky Mountain National Park making it one of the most popular destinations for eloping couples!
The beauty of eloping is that there are no rules or strict timelines. Let your day unfold as you want, not by what others are telling you to do. If you’re thinking about eloping in Colorado, check out some of our other winter adventure weddings and elopements!