Updated for the 2024-2025 Wedding Season
Everything You Need to Know to Pull Off
Your Epic Colorado Elopement
Big white weddings may have been the go-to in years past, but more modern couples are ditching the drama of lavish traditional affairs in favor of an authentic, stress-free ceremony.
Small Ceremonies Are HUGE These Days.
Outside of saving time and money, an elopement is a great way to celebrate your big commitment with an experience that’s 100% yours. Let’s face it: traditional weddings just aren’t for everyone. There’s a good chance that a trailing guest list and excruciating details aren’t exactly your cup of tea.
If exchanging your vows on a pristine mountaintop sounds more your style, this Colorado Elopement Guidebook is for you! In it, you’ll find out what you need to elope in Colorado as well as tons of resources to help you plan.
If I’m getting ahead of you, and you are asking yourself, “What is eloping exactly?” then read this article first!
And of course reach out at any time!
Table of Contents
Why Choose an Intimate Wedding (like a Colorado Elopement)?
The idea of elopements used to bring to mind images of Las Vegas drive-thru weddings and shotgun ceremonies officiated by low-budget Elvis impersonators. Not anymore!
These days, elopement weddings are about crafting an intimate, unforgettable wedding experience. Regardless, you have the options of inviting along your close friends and family or keeping it intimate with a ceremony for just the two of you. And amidst COVID-19, elopement offers an excellent alternative for eager couples who want to tie the knot now and plan a celebration with friends a little further down the line.
Plus, intimate elopement ceremonies cost a fraction of what you’d spend on a traditional wedding, meaning you and your honey will have a little extra money to throw at an extravagant honeymoon or something else entirely.
While many Colorado elopements involve dramatic mountainous backdrops, the true beauty of an elopement is that it can happen literally anywhere: a small town just outside your city, a secret trail in the neighborhood park, the lakefront of your family vacation home, your favorite brewery, the rooftop of a local building, or even your own backyard.
Elopement offers a stress-free celebration as well as breathtaking photos that can be shared with your family and friends. That way, you get the best of both worlds: the wedding experience you want and memories that you and your loved ones can cherish for the rest of your lives.
How Much Does It Cost to Elope in Colorado?
It’s pretty widely known that an elopement costs a fraction of the price of a traditional wedding, but exactly how much can you save by choosing an intimate ceremony over a large event?
Mandatory Elopement Costs — the Bare Minimum
When it comes down to it, all you really need to elope in Colorado is your loved one and a marriage license. License fees vary by county, but generally cost around $45 - $100. If you’ve got that in your pocket, you’re technically good to go!
Optional Elopement Costs
Once you’ve covered the bare minimum everything else is optional. The following price estimates aren’t exact, but you can use them to start imagining how much it might cost to make your dream Colorado mountain elopement a reality. So, roughly how much is it to elope in this town?
Travel Expenses: In Colorado, VRBOs start at around $70 nightly, resort stays range between $200 and $1,000 nightly, and car rentals cost around $40-$70 per day. When flying to Denver from anywhere in the US, expect roundtrip economy seats to cost anywhere from $120 to $300.
Venue: Reserving a formal elopement venue will generally range between $100 and $1,500. Of course, venue costs can be as little as nothing if you choose to hold your elopement in your own backyard. Keep in mind, many state and national parks require special use permits, which are priced between $25 and $250.
Photographer: Elopement photographer prices vary based on experience, style, and offerings. My Colorado elopement packages include custom planning, location and permit research, timeline assistance, vendor recommendations, at least 4 hours of coverage, and fully edited, high-resolution images at the starting price of $5,400. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you’d like to request an exact quote for your elopement!
Flowers: A bridal bouquet from a local florist will generally set you back between $65 and $255.
Hair and Makeup: Bridal hair stylists cost between $70 and $500 depending on your geographic location, the style’s complexity, and the stylist’s experience. Hiring a professional makeup artist will likely fall in the $120 to $600 range. That said, plenty of eloping brides decide to fashion their own up-dos or enlist the help of a beauty-savvy friend in order to cut costs.
Catering: If you’re wanting an elopement that includes close friends and family, you might still have catering costs. Generally, plan around $100 a head for a more formal setup. Of course, nothing’s stopping you from going ultra-casual and ordering takeout or even pizza instead.
Cost of Eloping in Colorado vs. the Cost of a Traditional Wedding
Many choose elopement because it’s more affordable, but the bottom line is that yours can cost whatever you want. It might help to think about it in terms of trade-offs: a wedding cake for a party of 100 people runs around $500-$850—that’s likely enough for roundtrip flights to Colorado from pretty much anywhere in the United States. A DJ for a traditional wedding would set you back around $1,000, which could cover a long weekend at one of Colorado’s most luxurious resort spas.
In other words, elopements aren’t always about skimping and saving—they’re about cutting costs on things you don’t care about in order to splurge on what matters most.
That said, most elopements are significantly more affordable than traditional weddings—anywhere from $5,000 to $15,000 less after accounting for all necessary travel expenses, licensing fees, and the cost of hiring a professional photographer. Given that the average American wedding costs $29,000 in 2023 (with many racking up much, much more), opting to elope can save couples enough for a down payment on a new home!
Couples are Willing to Splurge for a Memorable Wedding
In 2022, many couples are willing to splurge a bit, particularly if those splurges will make their big day more fun, engaging, and memorable for them and their guests.
When asked as to which category they’d be willing to spend more in order to get exactly what they want, 73% of respondents cited the wedding photographer as their ultimate splurge.
— Zola.com
Why Choose Colorado for Your Elopement?
If you’re ready to ditch the chaos of a traditional wedding for the simplicity of an intimate ceremony, there’s really no better place than Colorado. The Great Mountain State is rich with jaw-dropping destinations and artisan vendors that will help you craft an experience which exceeds your wedding daydreams. When it comes to the complete elopement package, Colorado has you covered. Here are just a few of the countless reasons to elope in CO.
Colorado’s Natural Beauty
The Centennial State’s beauty is truly the stuff of fairy tales. With 4 national parks and a whopping 42 state parks, there’s certainly no shortage of stunning destinations to choose from. When it comes to places to elope in Colorado, have your pick of rushing waterfalls, rolling hills, snow-capped mountains, dramatic ravines, or something else entirely—the sky is quite literally the limit.
Colorado Offers Tons of Vendors
Despite their remote feel, many of Colorado’s most beautiful elopement destinations are just a stone’s throw from hubs like Denver and Boulder, which makes sourcing vendors, finding accommodation, and sorting out transportation an absolute breeze. Whether you need to rent outdoor furniture, hire a makeup artist, enlist the help of a florist, book a one-of-a-kind venue, or hire an elopement photographer like myself, Colorado has you covered. Just see Diana + Andrew’s Intimate Wedding + Dinner Party for proof! With everything at your fingertips, it’s easy to plan your Colorado elopement without any hassle or stress.
It’s Easy to Elope in Colorado
When it comes to planning a Colorado elopement, the state’s easy-going marriage process is the icing on the cake. There’s no required blood test, no long waiting periods, and no need for a witness or officiant. Some counties even allow marriage license applicants to submit a portion of their paperwork online, which helps streamline the application process. Now that you know how easy it is, check out my 101 Unique Elopement Ideas for inspiration!
Planning Your Colorado Elopement
Feeling sold on the Great Mountain State? Here’s everything you need to know about planning an intimate Colorado adventure elopement so you can hit the ground running.
Booking Your Trip
With 14 commercial airports and an international airport located in Denver, it’s pretty easy to get to Colorado from pretty much anywhere in the world. That said, the state’s popularity as a destination spot means you’ll want to book your trip pretty far in advance—especially if your heart is set on staying in a specific hotel or vacation rental. We’re talking around 9-12 months before the date. After all, it’s better safe than sorry!
You’ll also want to plan on booking a rental vehicle. Regardless of what season you choose, it’s best to spring for something with four-wheel drive, especially if you’re planning on traveling to any of the state’s more mountainous areas.
Colorado Elopement Laws: Applying for a Marriage License
In order to apply for a marriage license in the state of Colorado, you must be 18 years or older, have a Social Security number, and have a valid form of ID (i.e. passport, driver’s license, military ID, or birth certificate).
Once you’ve confirmed your eligibility and gathered all necessary documents, you’ll need to locate a county office of the clerk and complete a marriage application. The $30 application fee is payable by cash, credit, or debit.
Once your marriage license is approved it’s good for 35 days and can be used anywhere in the state. After performing your ceremony, simply sign and return the certificate to the County Recording Department within 63 days and it’s a done deal. Easy!
Permits and Fees
If you’re wanting to get married in one of Colorado’s beautiful state parks, you’ll likely need to apply for a permit and pay an application fee. Keep in mind that most state parks also charge entry fees, which you’ll need to pay (in addition to any application fees) on the day of your wedding ceremony. Information on permit processes, event costs, and entry fees are generally available on park websites, but I’ve compiled a lot of that info here for you.
Booking Vendors
Vendors are perfect for adding those little personal touches to your big day. Whether you’re looking for a baker, florist, makeup artist, or small venue, Colorado has plenty to offer.
To find providers to help make your vision for your wedding day a reality, I recommend browsing region-specific directories. Alternatively, after hiring me as your Colorado elopement photographer, I can connect you with experienced professionals that will help make your dream ceremony a reality.
Picking a Season for Your Colorado Mountain Elopement
The Centennial State is beautiful year-round, so when it comes to picking the best season for eloping in Colorado, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Regardless of what time of year you decide on, be warned that Colorado’s weather can be extremely unpredictable. So plan accordingly and be prepared!
For a more in-depth breakdown of each season, visit my blog “When to Elope in Colorado.” But here’s a snapshot of what you can expect.
A spring elopement in Colorado
Many brides will tell you spring is the best time of year to get married in Colorado because that’s when new life is popping everywhere. But spring is also the most unpredictable time to elope in Colorado because the weather can change from hour to hour.
That said, you can experience brilliant sunshine in a cloudless blue sky, when it’s neither too hot nor too cold, as you’re exchanging vows against gorgeous mountain scenery. As long as you’re prepared with the right clothing and gear (and a plan B, which I can help you with) then there’s no reason you can’t have your perfect spring wedding day!
View Tori + Bryan’s April Elopement in the Slopes
View Ghea + Justin’s May Elopement in the Mountains of Telluride
View Kaitlyn + Levi’s Late Spring Adventure Elopement in June
A summer elopement in Colorado
Elope in Colorado on a summer day and you’ll be treated to a beautiful, sun-drenched day. The weather can still be unpredictable, but typical Colorado summer days are sunny and mild.
If you want to capture the vibrance of the state’s famous wildflowers, shoot for late July or early August. In the mountains, Colorado summer festivals are popular so make hotel reservations early in your planning. Lastly, you’ll have to drink lots of water to stay hydrated and feel good, so imbibe at every opportunity and don’t forget the sunscreen.
View Kyla + Levi’s July Crested Butte Micro-Wedding
View Kathleen + Tom’s Sunrise Elopement in Boulder
View Osnaeley + Austin's July Wildflower Wedding
A fall elopement in Colorado
The best month for an outdoor wedding in Colorado might be September, when the aspens make the mountains shimmer with golden color. The days are cool but sunny with some occasional snow.
Before heading to the peaks, I will check road conditions with the Co. Dept. of Transportation and let you know about any blocked routes. (Snow and ice can close passes without much notice.) We also need to be aware that elk and other wildlife are active during the fall and herds will make some roads impassable.
View V+G’s September Elopement in the San Juan Mountains
View Jamie + Lucas’ Golden Autumn Elopement in September
View Danielle + James’ October Grand Lake Micro-Wedding
A winter elopement in Colorado
If you love a winter wonderland with lots of powder, your best month to elope in Colorado may be December, January or February. During winter, much of the high country is covered in glistening snow. Frigid temperatures may require some creative planning for an outdoor wedding. The results are so beautiful though, it’s worth the effort.
This season is a winter sports-lover’s paradise, so you’ll see a lot of traffic as you drive to the mountains for the weekend. As your guide, I’ll have double-checked routes to your ceremony location to ensure we won’t be affected by road closures. Blocked roads due to weather conditions are common in winter.
Picking a Day
Elopement appeals to so many couples because it’s so much more intimate than the traditional 300-person wedding—that’s why I always recommend scheduling your ceremony on a weekday rather than the weekend.
Many of Colorado’s top elopement destinations are busy on a year-round basis. Opting to hold your ceremony on a Monday morning or Wednesday afternoon instead of the weekend won’t guarantee complete privacy, but it will increase the chances of your wedding having a more secluded, intimate feel. It also means you’ll have less difficulty booking your dream VRBO and scoring your pick of Colorado’s top wedding vendors.
Self-Solemnizing Your Marriage: Colorado Elopement Laws
On top of its natural beauty and unique vendors, another reason why Colorado is the best destination for mountain elopements is the added convenience of self-solemnization. Basically, this means couples have the power to go the DIY route and legally marry themselves—no need for an officiant!
This is also the only state that doesn’t require a witness. In other words, as per the Colorado elopement laws, if you’re set on getting married in Colorado, all you need is yourself, your partner, and a marriage license.
The Best Places to Elope in Colorado:
Top Colorado Elopement Locations
Can’t decide on where to elope in Colorado? With so many unique venues and an expansive list of national parks, it’s almost impossible to craft a definitive list of the best places to elope in Colorado. That said, here are a few of the top elopement spots in CO. Keep in mind, they’ll each likely entail their own rental fees and permit requirements, so be sure to check location websites for specifics. (Compared to wedding costs, though, you can still elope in Colorado for a fraction of the cost!)
Crested Butte
Distance from DEN: 4.5 hours by car
Other nearby airports: Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional Airport (GUC), 40 mins by car; direct flights from Denver, Houston and Dallas during the winter months
Elevation: 9,115 feet (2,778 m); Top elevation: 12,170 feet (3,710 m)
Nestled away in the Rocky Mountains, Crested Butte is a truly rustic mountain town known for its scenic wilderness areas, colorful aspen trees, and downhill ski slopes. At 4.5 hours from the Denver International Airport, the area isn’t the most heavily trafficked or convenient to reach—but that’s exactly what some couples love about it.
A Crested Butte elopement is ideal for nature enthusiasts who want a simple, intimate Colorado mountain elopement with a truly rustic vibe. Despite the area’s remote feel, the town has a well-established wedding industry, so you’ll still have most of your needs within arm’s reach. Ten Peaks, Scarp Ridge Lodge, Peanut Lake, and Gothic Road are just a few of the Crested Butte’s most notable elopement spots. Personally, I feel like Crested Butte is one of the prettiest free places in Colorado to get married.
View this gallery of Jamie + Lucas’ fiery autumn Crested Butte elopement and Kyla + Levi’s colorful summer micro-wedding in the peak of wildflower season. Be sure to check out my complete Crested Butte elopement guide for vendors, venues, and everything else you need to know to get married in this gorgeous mountain town!
Sapphire Point Overlook
Distance from DEN: 1 hour 45 mins by car
Other nearby airports: Eagle/Vail Regional Airport (EGE), 1 hour 10 mins by car; direct flights from fourteen major domestic and international cities during the winter months
Elevation: 9,600 feet (2,926 m); Top elevation: 12,998 feet (3962 m)
Located within the White River National Forest near Breckenridge, Sapphire Point Overlook offers sweeping views of the Dillon Reservoir, a 3,233-acre body of fresh water. Flanked on both sides by the Gore and Tenmile mountain ranges, this site rests at 9,500 above sea level. Despite its high altitude and towering views, Sapphire Point Overlook is surprisingly accessible, though not recommended for wheelchair access.
Of course, White River National Forest is the country’s most visited national forest, so you’ll want to expect a little foot traffic during your ceremony. Keep in mind, reservations for Sapphire Point must be made at least 6 months in advance and only book out in 2-hour intervals, which is long enough for a brief ceremony and photos but won’t accommodate a reception. Reservations can be made for parties of up to 35 people. Chairs and minimalistic decor are permitted as long as you bring them yourselves and pack them up afterwards.
See the breathtaking vista that served as the backdrop for Ellen + Michael’s Sapphire Point vow ceremony (pictured above) or check out Kristy + Shannon’s winter wonderland elopement and see how a different season can completely transform the same location!
Brainard Lake
Distance from DEN: 1 hour 30 mins by car
Other nearby airports: DEN is the closest commercial airport
Elevation: 10,300 feet (3,139 m)
If you want a waterfront Colorado elopement with a mountainous backdrop, Brainard Lake just might fit the bill. Located just northwest of Boulder, this site is a glacially-carved valley surrounded by subalpine forest.
Brainard Lake is open year-round but is sometimes impacted by winter trail closures. Because of its high elevation, Brainard Lake is most ideal for summer weddings (think June through October) after the surrounding area’s snow has melted.
See how this beautiful lake ignites during Kathleen + Tom’s golden sunrise elopement.
Loveland Pass
Distance from DEN: 45 mins by car
Other nearby airports: Northern Colorado Regional Airport (FNL), in the town of Loveland; five round-trips a day, seven days a week to DEN
Elevation: 4,982 feet (1,519 m); Pass elevation: 11,991 feet (3,655 m)
Loveland Pass is probably one of the most popular elopement spots in the Rocky Mountains—if not one of the best places to get married in Colorado as a whole—and for good reason! This site is high reward and low effort; it offers panoramic mountain views without the hassle of a long trek. If you’re after a winter wedding, Loveland Pass is also one of the most likely to be open despite snowy weather.
Fair warning: the area is pretty high traffic. If you’re wanting a Colorado mountain elopement with a truly secluded vibe, this site might not match your needs. A special use permit is sometimes necessary and can be obtained through the National Forest Service. Bear in mind, the permit gives you permission to hold your elopement on the Pass, but it doesn’t guarantee you any reserved spaces.
View photos from Angie + Travis’ beautiful Loveland Pass elopement and check out Tori + Bryan's elopement in the slopes of Loveland Pass.
St. Mary’s Glacier
Distance from DEN: 1 hour 20 mins by car
Other nearby airports: DEN is the closest commercial airport
Elevation: 11,236 feet (3,425 m)
If you’re planning for a summer wedding but you’re dreaming of the snow, St. Mary’s Glacier might be the answer. Located near Idaho Springs, the glacier’s semi-permanent snowfall means you have a shot at a wintery wedding regardless of the season. While this spot might not be doable for small gatherings (unless everyone is down for a trek), it’s an ideal elopement site for hiking enthusiasts who want a special two-person adventure that incorporates their favorite activity. The hike is accessible on a year-round basis, with scenery that takes on a distinct personality in each of the four seasons.
Mesa Verde National Park
Distance from DEN: 7 hours by car
Other nearby airports: Cortez Municipal Airport (CEZ), 20 mins by car; Boutique Air provides commercial flights seven days a week to DEN and PHX
Elevation: 7,000 feet (2,134 m); Top elevation: 8,500 feet (2,591 m)
Located in the southwest portion of the state, Mesa Verde National Park is nestled away in a much quieter region of Colorado. Its landscapes are characterized by striking red rocks and jutted cliffs.
On top of its natural treasures, Mesa Verde is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the home to some of the best-preserved Ancestral Puebloan ruins and artifacts. It’s an ideal spot for couples who are equal parts nature enthusiasts and history buffs.
Wedding permits for the park cost $50. Additional fees (such as photography or videography permits) may also be necessary depending on the site you choose.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison
Distance from DEN: 5 hours 15 mins by car
Other nearby airports: Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional Airport (GUC), 1 hour 55 mins by car; direct flights from Denver, Houston and Dallas during the winter months
Elevation: 5,610 feet (1,710 m); South Rim elevation: 8,320 feet (2,536 m)
As far as Colorado elopement locations go, Black Canyon of the Gunnison is something of a hidden gem. It’s vast, secluded, and relatively unknown. Located about an hour and a half from Grand Junction, Black Canyon boasts some seriously cinematic landscapes. We’re talking dramatic gorges, boundless canyons, and vertical mountainside rivers.
Much of the park is closed during the winter, but its south rim is ideal for weddings between May and October. There are no designated elopement sites within Black Canyon, but plenty of observation decks with magnificent views. Keep in mind that besides the campgrounds there isn’t any accommodation within the park, but plenty of hotel options are available in the nearby town of Montrose.
Maroon Bells Amphitheater
Distance from DEN: 4 hours 30 mins by car
Other nearby airports: Aspen/Pitkin County Airport (ASE), 25 mins by car
Elevation: 9,500 feet (2,897 m); Top elevation: 14,163 feet (4,317 m)
Located just outside of Aspen, Maroon Bells boasts some of the most quintessentially “Colorado” vistas. We’re talking postcard-perfect landscapes: rolling hills, jagged mountains, and tranquil alpine lakes. Given that it’s known as one the most beautiful places to get married in Colorado, it’s an extremely popular elopement destination, so you’ll want to book in advance.
Maroon Bells is gorgeous year-round, but especially enchanting in the fall months when its aspen trees burst with electric reds and honey-tinted golds. Reservations for the site’s sloped amphitheater should be made at least one year before your desired date and costs $200. Local bus services make it easy to reach the spot, but private shuttle services are also available.
View Kailee + Brock’s intimate vows and elopement at the iconic Maroon Bells.
Rocky Mountain National Park
Distance from DEN: 1 hour 45 mins by car
Other nearby airports: Northern Colorado Regional Airport (FNL), 1 hour 10 mins by car; five round-trips a day, seven days a week to DEN
Elevation: 7,860 feet (2,396 m); Top elevation: 14,259 feet (4,346 m)
Located about two hours from Denver, Rocky Mountain National Park offers 415 square miles of pristine natural beauty. If you’re wanting the iconic Rockies as your wedding photo backdrop, there’s honestly no better spot. The park hosts 12 designated elopement sites; each has its own distinct charm. Pictured above is not a designated elopement site; however, I love this spot for a sunrise hike with my couples the morning of the ceremony! Check out the rest of Lois + Brandon’s Rocky Mountain engagement photos!
As with many of Colorado’s top elopement destinations, you'll need to obtain a Special Use permit and pay a $250 application fee in order to reserve your spot. The National Park Service caps the total number of elopements permitted per day, so apply sooner rather than later. For more in-depth information, check out my full guide: How to Elope in Rocky Mountain National Park.
Pikes Peak
Distance from DEN: 2 hours by car
Other nearby airports: Colorado Springs Airport (COS), 30 mins by car; non-stop flights to LAX, Chicago, SLC, DEN, Las Vegas, PHX, Dallas, HTX, and Orlando; and easy transfers to many US cities, including Honolulu
Elevation: 14,115 feet (4,302 m)
Pikes Peak is the highest summit on the Rocky Mountains Front Range. At a whopping 14,115 feet, it’s said that you can see clear to Kansas from its pinnacle on a clear day! This site is ideal for a true Colorado mountain elopement. Granted, Pike National Forest doesn’t allow couples to get hitched on the summit itself—but there are plenty of beautiful (and accessible) spots along the mountain’s highway that permit small ceremonies.
Great Sand Dunes National Park
Distance from DEN: 4 hours 30 mins by car
Other nearby airports: San Luis Valley Regional Airport (ALS), 45 mins by car; flights from Boutique Air flying in from Denver
Elevation: 7,520 feet (2,292 m); Top elevation: 13,604 feet (4,146 m)
When it comes to Colorado’s natural beauty, cinematic mountainscapes certainly aren't your only option. Located in Southern Colorado, the Great Sand Dunes National Park offers some beautifully chromatic backdrops featuring desert landscapes and awe-inspiring canyons. If you’re after wedding photos with an extra remote feel, there’s honestly no better place. Keep in mind, like most national parks you’ll be required to obtain a Special Use permit in order to hold your elopement at the dunes.
Estes Park
Distance from DEN: 1 hour 40 minutes by car
Other nearby airports: DEN is the closest airport, but make reservations for the Estes Park Shuttle for a hassle-free trip from the runway to your Estes Park hotel
Elevation: 7,522 feet (2,293 m)
Estes Park is a beautiful go-to spot for couples who want that natural, earthy vibe without giving up any comfort or convenience. This quaint mountain town is the heart of all things Rocky Mountain National Park, which means you’ll have some of the state’s most beautiful scenery right in your backyard. Plus, Estes Park is bursting with artisan shops, great restaurants, and resort-style inns. Venues range from rustic lodges and mountain chateaus to historic hotels and outdoor pavilions.
Garden of the Gods
Distance from DEN: 1 hour 45 mins by car
Other nearby airports: Colorado Springs Airport (COS), 30 mins by car
Elevation: 6,400 feet (1,951 m)
Garden of the Gods is an otherworldly paradise featuring distinct red rock formations and brilliant blue skies. With the snow-capped Pikes Peak in its distance, this spot delivers some seriously striking views. Unlike many of Colorado’s parks, it’s totally free to tie the knot in Garden of the Gods—no permit or fees necessary. Unfortunately, that also means no reservations. The site’s designated elopement sites are claimed on a “first come, first serve” basis, so you might luck out of your dream spot if someone else beats you to it.
San Juan Mountains
Distance from DEN: 6 hours 32 mins by car
Other nearby airports: Telluride Regional Airport (TEX), 1 to 3+ hours, depending on where you are lodging; flights daily from DEN
Elevation: 8,750 feet (2,667 m); Top elevation: 14,309 feet (4,361 m)
The tall, jagged peaks that make up the San Juan Mountain Range put western Colorado’s unique geological features on full display. The alpine lakes are also an aquamarine color that are borderline unreal. Whether it’s the waterfalls in the spring, the wildflowers in summer, the fiery foliage in the fall, or the dramatic snow-covered peaks in winter, each season offers a dramatically different view of the San Juans, so this location offers a stunning elopement setting no matter the time of year.
See more of this location in it’s fall glory during V+G’s sunrise elopement in the San Juan Mountains.
Ouray
Distance from DEN: 6 hours 15 mins by car
Other nearby airports: Montrose Regional Airport (MTJ), 50 mins by car; or Telluride Regional Airport (TEX), 1 hour 5 mins by car
Elevation: 8,000 feet (2,438 m); Top elevation: 13,000 feet (3,962 m)
Speaking of the San Juan Mountains, the town of Ouray established itself at the base of a scenic box canyon that’s proudly known as the Switzerland of the U.S.! While the mountain town of Ouray is certainly remote, the views are absolutely worth the travel time. Steep walls of dramatic rock face surround the town, 360°! It’s a photographer’s dream, and stunning wedding photos are a given in this beautiful part of western Colorado.
Ouray is a destination like no other. With waterfalls, alpine lakes, and world-class mountain biking, it’s the outdoorsy couple’s wonderland. Just be mindful that if you’re coming from out of state, the town center sits at nearly 8,000 feet above sea level, and the highest peaks reach 13,000, so you and your guests will need time to acclimate to the altitude if you’re planning an Ouray elopement. Again – 100% worth it, in my opinion.
Telluride
Distance from DEN: 6 hours 45 mins by car
Other nearby airports: Telluride Regional Airport (TEX); Montrose Regional Airport (MTJ), 1 hour 30 mins by car; Grand Junction Regional Airport (GJT), 2 hours 30 mins by car
Elevation: 8,750 feet (2,667 m)
Telluride is another mountain town that lives in the San Juans range. It is quite a drive from Denver Int’l Airport, but also has its own small airport which connects to Denver. You can alternatively look for flights to the Montrose or Grand Junction Regional Airports.
What makes Telluride different is it’s a world-class ski destination. (Ouray does not have skiing.) The amazing thing about both Ouray and Telluride is that they are perfect for year-round elopements. Each season is a wonder of its own. In the warmer months, Telluride boasts tons of hiking, biking, and the infamous Bridal Veil Falls. When snow turns the town into a winter wonderland, you can enjoy snow sports and soaks in outdoor hot tubs at any of the incredible VRBOs or local resorts.
View Ghea + Justin’s spring hiking elopement in the aspens of Telluride.
Horsetooth Reservoir
Distance from DEN: 1 hour 35 mins by car
Other nearby airports: Northern Colorado Regional Airport (FNL), 35 minutes by car
Elevation: 5,430 feet (1,655 m)
Horsetooth Reservoir is the large, man-made waterway that separates the town of Fort Collins from Horsetooth Mountain. A ten-minute hike gets you to this stunning clifftop vista.
Lory State Park’s South Eltuck picnic area can host up to 50 guests and overlooks Horsetooth Reservoir, making this a convenient spot for larger elopements and micro-weddings. Boating, swimming, kayaking, and fishing are popular activities in the area, and Fort Collins provides all the conveniences you might need for your wedding weekend.
Boulder OSMP (Open Space + Mountain Parks)
Distance from DEN: 50 mins by car; or an airport shuttle will run you about $45 per person
Other nearby airports: DEN is the closest commercial airport
Elevation: 5,328 feet (1,624 m)
The city of Boulder’s Open Space and Mountain Parks manages 155 miles of trails! You can feel completely immersed in nature while staying within the city limits. This is perfect for that courthouse wedding followed by incredible photos at a nearby park, hiking trail, or mountain overlook. Some of my favorite spots to take after-ceremony photos include the Lost Gulch Overlook and Chautauqua Park.
As far as ceremony locations themselves, the Sunrise Amphitheater can’t be beat. Keep in mind that most of Boulder’s OSMP locations require permits, but I’m here to help you navigate all that! See my complete Boulder Elopement Guide for more!
View Sindy + Gustavo’s micro-wedding at Sunrise Amphitheater in Boulder
Vail
Distance from DEN: 2 hours 40 mins by car
Other nearby airports: Eagle County/Vail Regional Airport (EGE); direct flights from fourteen major domestic and international cities during the winter months
Elevation: 8,150 feet (2,484 m)
Vail is a small town with a big reputation! World-renowned for its incredible skiing, Vail also offers year-round activities like stand-up paddle boarding, hiking, golfing, fly fishing (in Gore Creek which runs right through town!), fun festivals, and more.
Fun fact: The founders of the town, which was notably comparable to the European Alps, took design inspiration from mountain villages in Bavaria. Thus, the town of Vail is charmingly filled with hotels, inns, and shops showcasing classic Eastern European architecture. (And if craft beer is your thing, then Vail’s Oktoberfest in September should definitely be on your radar!)
View S+C’s sunrise snowshoeing elopement in Vail.
Steamboat Springs
Distance from DEN: 3 hours 55 mins by car (there are several picturesque route options you can choose to drive into the Yampa Valley)
Other nearby airports: Yampa Valley Regional Airport, 31 mins by car; nonstop flights from 12 major airports across the country during the winter months
Elevation: 6,732 feet (2,052 m)
Now, this list is by no means exhaustive, but I hope to show you the variety of elopement locations in Colorado. Steamboat Springs also offers winter activities galore for the ski bums, but it is also home to therapeutic hot springs in a gorgeous and rustic mountain setting, and I know there are some couples for whom this location checks all the boxes.
Strawberry Park is just one of Steamboat’s natural hot springs, tucked into the Yampa Valley and affectionately known as the town’s “natural treasure.” Ha! Located a short, but scenic, half-hour drive from Steamboat’s quaint downtown, Strawberry Park’s thermal pools reach temps of 106 degrees, and the warm, rejuvenating mineral waters may be the perfect ending to a day of adventure eloping.
Let’s Start Planning Your Colorado Elopement!
If you’re feeling a little overwhelmed at the thought of picking a spot and sorting out the details on how to elope in Colorado, don’t stress! After booking me as your Colorado elopement photographer, I’ll help you narrow it down and pick an elopement spot that perfectly matches your wedding daydreams—I’ll probably even know a few hidden gems you wouldn’t have otherwise considered! Here’s a fun blog that’ll help get the juices flowing for planning: Traditional and Non-Traditional Wedding Ceremony Ideas. And the button below will get you my planning toolkit jam-packed with info and inspo! What are you waiting for?
…and when you’re ready, please
…Still Planning?
No pressure! Trust me, I get it! I know this is a LOT of info to throw at you, but I’m here to help you wade through it all. If, after reviewing this guide to eloping, you still have questions or concerns, please reach out! With my help, we’ll start by making some broad decisions, followed by more detailed ones. No need for this to be stressful. Later down the line, I provide my clients with an Elopement Checklist as part of the planning process. You’ve got this.
Contact me to set up a no-commitment phone call and we can go from there. Besides, the first step is to see if we’re a good fit! And I would never rush you into making decisions as important as these.
I hope to chat with you soon!
XO,
Andrea
