Eloping in Colorado is about more than skipping the long guest list – it’s about choosing intention, beauty, and adventure. Colorado’s downright magical – towering peaks, golden aspens, alpine lakes, desert canyons, and wildflower-filled meadows make this state one of the most incredible places to say your vows! Just picture the wind catching your hair on a mountaintop, or the glow of a desert sunset behind you – whatever your dream day looks like, it can be yours. Colorado offers an unmatched variety of landscapes for couples who want their day to reflect a love that’s deeply personal, wildly scenic, and fully their own. So whether you’re dreaming of a ceremony by an alpine lake, a snowy mountain adventure, or a cozy picnic among the aspens, this guide will walk you through exactly how to elope in Colorado. No stress, no guesswork, just a day that’s all about being completely and unapologetically yourselves.
Why Colorado is the Best Place to Elope
Not sold on Colorado yet? Here are just a few of my favorite things about it, and reasons to tie the knot here!
A Variety of Stunning Landscapes
One thing about Colorado – it’s absolutely beautiful. And the second thing about Colorado is that the scenery is incredibly diverse. You’ll find alpine lakes reflecting snow-capped peaks, colorful desert canons, peaceful evergreen forests, and even sand dunes that feel like another planet.
This also means that the options for adventures are pretty unlimited too. Eloping’s all about making the day your own, so you can plan a long hike in the mountains, a peaceful day in the forest, a day of rock climbing… remember, there are no rules!
Self Solemnization
This is probably one of the biggest reasons to elope in Colorado! The simplicity of getting married in Colorado is what really sets it apart. It’s one of the few states where you can self-solemnize without any additional paperwork and no restrictions. This means you don’t need an officiant, or any witnesses. It’s pretty much made for elopements – it can be just the two of you, no audience, and you sign your own paperwork! So instead of worrying about logistics and legal red tape, it can just be about marrying the love of your life, a beautiful place, and a day full of meaning.
The marriage license still has a space for an officiant to sign, but since the signature isn’t required, there are also some fun possibilities – like having a family member perform your ceremony without having to actually get ordained, or you can even have your dog stamp their paw print!
Year Round Adventures
The weather in Colorado definitely varies (and we’ll talk about that soon!), but there’s truly no bad time to be here, and no bad time to elope. Each season offers something unique, and the variety of adventures makes it perfect for just about any couple. There are also about 300 days of sunshine a year – so while the winters get cold, they’re not gray and depressing like a lot of other places might be! The odds of you getting that gorgeous golden light on your wedding day are pretty high.
The Best Time to Elope in Colorado
Now, let’s talk about the best time to elope in Colorado. This is definitely going to depend on the couple, since each season is so different! There’s no ultimate best time, but there probably is going to be a best time for you.
Summers are ideal for high elevation adventures in the mountains (unless you want to go ski or snowboard). In the mountains, snow usually sticks around until around mid July, so a lot of the trails and peaks will only be accessible starting then. Wildflowers bloom after the snow melts, and the long daylight hours give you some flexibility and more time for hiking, or whatever adventure you have planned. One thing to keep in mind about summer, though, is that afternoon storms are pretty common – so if you want to head up into the mountains, it’s best to start early.
Summer and fall are definitely the most popular times to elope, with September and October being especially so. The aspen trees turn a glowing gold, and the weather tends to be crisp and clear. Mountain passes are usually still open through September, but starting around mid October is when roads and trails might start to close. This is also a great time to elope if you’re thinking more desert vibes – places like Garden of the Gods, for example, are a little more comfortable this time of year.
If you love snow or are dreaming of a cozy cabin getaway, winter might be perfect. It’s the best time for skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and other winter adventures that can feel really magical. Colorado’s mountain towns, like Breckenridge or Telluride, are ideal for snowy escapes.
Spring can be a nice time to elope if you want some warmer weather, but fewer crowds! This is the best time to see waterfalls, since the snowmelt makes them pretty dramatic, and it’s a great time to hike some lower elevation trails. Just keep in mind that trails might be muddy, and conditions can be a little more unpredictable, so you might still run into snow. It’s also another great time for desert elopements!
For a more detailed breakdown of each season and what it can bring to your Colorado elopement, check out this guide!
How to Find the Best Elopement Locations in Colorado
Colorado has a stunning view at every turn, so the options for places to elope are pretty endless. Before you start narrowing down locations, though, there are a few things that might be helpful to keep in mind first!
Guest Count Matters
Figuring out how many guests you want to invite – or if you want to invite guests at all – before you fall in love with a location is really important. Some places have limits for how many people can be there for a ceremony, so in general, the more people there are, the fewer options you’ll have. But, don’t let that discourage you! If having your people there is part of what would make your day perfect, there are still plenty of options – it’s just something you might have to plan ahead for.
Typically, if you have 0-5 guests, you have the most options, with the fewest restrictions. Many (but not all, and permit info is coming up) places won’t even require a permit for small ceremonies. With under 15 or so guests, you’ll still have a lot of options, but you might be limited to pre approved spots, and are more likely to need a permit. You might want to look for accessible overlooks rather than remote trails.
Usually, anything over around 15 people is where your options get more limited, and it’s best to reserve a space! Some parks have specific areas that can host more people, but it can also be a good idea to reserve a small venue so that you can have it to yourself. Colorado has some gorgeous micro wedding venues that are kind of the best of both worlds – they aren’t big, traditional ballrooms, but they’re more private than some public lands locations.
Want to Bring Your Pet?
Another thing to think about before deciding where you want to elope, is whether there’s a furry friend on your guest list! Colorado has plenty of dog friendly trails, but there are some things to note if you want to include your dog in your elopement. National parks tend to be the least dog friendly. There are some exceptions, but usually, dogs are only allowed on paved areas. So, I recommend looking for national forest locations instead – they’re often just as beautiful, but with fewer restrictions!
Crowds!
Eloping on public land means sharing the space with other people. And while that’s totally okay, it also can be a little unnerving to be exchanging vows while a ton of people walk by. Ditching the audience might be one of the reasons you decided to elope in the first place, and finding some lesser known locations is the best way to get a little more privacy. As an elopement photographer, location scouting is part of my job, so I’ll help you find some off the beaten path spots that fit your vision!
Some other things you can do to avoid crowds include eloping on a weekday, or planning a sunrise ceremony. Sunset can be great too, but this depends on the location, since easily accessible spots can be popular sunset spots. But, getting away from the really well known spots is one of the best things you can do!
The Best Places to Elope in Colorado
Here are just a few ideas for some of the best places to elope in Colorado! For a more complete list, check out this blog post next.
- Rocky Mountain National Park – incredible alpine views, beautiful lakes, and wildlife
- Maroon Bells – one of the most photogenic spots in Colorado!
- Crested Butte – a mountain town known for wildflowers in the summer and golden aspens in the fall
- Great Sand Dunes National Park – a unique landscape, with rolling sand dunes framed by mountains in the backdrop
- Ouray – a small mountain town (close to the bigger Telluride) that’s incredibly charming, and jaw droppingly beautiful
- Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks – trails and mountain views just outside of Boulder!
- Brainard Lake Recreation Area – a gorgeous area in a valley carved by glaciers, surrounded by subalpine forest
Adventures and Things to Do When You Elope in Colorado
One of the best things about eloping is that you get to do anything you want! And I really mean anything. The ceremony is the main event, but how you spend your day is just as much a part of your story. The options are endless, and you should do whatever it is that would make this day the best day of your life – but here are just a few possibilities.
- Picnic with your favorite snacks
- A Jeep tour through the mountains
- Paddleboarding at an alpine lake
- Getting matching tattoos
- Hiring a chef to cook dinner at your Airbnb
- Soaking in natural hot springs
- Stargazing to end the night
- Glamping in a luxury tent
- S’mores around the fire
How to Get Legally Married in Colorado
Colorado makes it pretty easy to get legally married! You’ll need a marriage license, which you can get by going to any county clerk’s office in the state. Choose one close to home if you live here, or one close to where you’ll be staying if you’re traveling! Some offices let you start the process online, which can save time when you go in person to pick up the marriage license. You and your partner both need to be there in person, with your photo ID. The fees can vary, but they’re usually around $30.
After your ceremony, you’ll sign the marriage license. In Colorado, you can self solemnize, which means the only required signatures are yours, and your partner’s! I can sign as your officiant if you want, but the signature isn’t required. If you want someone to perform the ceremony, I can help you find a kick ass officiant – or, you can have a friend or family member do it!
Afterwards, you’ll mail your signed marriage license back to the county clerk within 65 days, and they’ll make it official!
Permits for Eloping in Colorado
Depending on where you decide to elope, you might need a permit to elope in Colorado. The wedding permit, often called a special use permit, is what gives you permission to have a ceremony at that spot.
Permits are an important part of Leave No Trace, which is a set of principles that help minimize our impact on the outdoors. Parks limit permits or locations if they need to in order to reduce the impact that wedding ceremonies have on the land, and there are rules and regulations for each location. In general, make sure you pack out anything you bring in, stick to established trails, and leave it better than you found it!
Usually, places that are more popular, such as Rocky Mountain National Park, have stricter permit requirements – they require a permit for ceremonies of any size. National Forest land is usually less strict, so locations in National Forests, like Brainard Lake, only require a permit if your group is over a certain size. Generally, having 10 or less people usually doesn’t require a permit, but regulations vary, and they can change – so always make sure to check so that you’re up to date!
As an elopement photographer, part of my job is helping you with this! I’ll make sure you know whether you need to apply for a permit, and how that process works. I’ll have a blog post coming soon breaking down the permit process for different locations, so keep an eye out for that!
Sample Colorado Elopement Timeline
Your elopement isn’t just a ceremony – it deserves a full day! And by that, I mean that the entire day is dedicated to celebrating your love story, in whatever way feels right to you. From morning mimosas to sunset bonfires, it’s all a part of the day you get married, and it deserves to be documented!
Here’s an example of what a full day elopement could look like:
6:00 – Wake up, have breakfast and coffee together, and spend a slow morning at the cabin
8:00 – Your hair and makeup artist arrives, and you start getting ready
10:00 – You get dressed, then have your first look outside
11:00 – It’s time to head out, so you drive to the trailhead
12:00 – You start hiking to the alpine lake
1:00 – You get there, and have your ceremony with the peaks behind you
1:30 – You set up the picnic and pop some champagne to celebrate
2:00 – You take the pack raft out, and spend some time paddling on the lake
3:00 – You hike back down, and head back to the cabin
4:30 – You meet your family at the cabin, ready to celebrate with them
5:30 – You eat the dinner made by a private chef, then have cake and toasts
7:00 – You head outside for sunset photos
8:00 – You spend the rest of the evening by the fire, making s’mores, dancing, and stargazing
Tips & How to Prepare to Elope in Colorado
To make sure your elopement experience is a good one, you’ll need to be prepared for Colorado! That means acclimating to the altitude, wearing layers, and more. Here are a few tips!
Prepare for High Altitude
Altitude is no joke, so if you’re traveling from closer to sea level, be aware that being this high up can be tough! It gets harder to breathe as you get higher up, and some people might even experience altitude sickness. It’s best to arrive a few days early, so that you can acclimate. You’ll need more water than usual, so stay hydrated before, during, and after your elopement! If you’re planning a hike, keep in mind that even if you’re from Colorado, you might find it more difficult as you get higher. Don’t push yourself – take breaks when you need them, drink plenty of water, and eat plenty of snacks.
Packing for Your Elopement
Here are some essentials to bring with you for your elopement!
- Layers – it gets colder as you gain elevation, and layers are the best way to make sure you’re comfortable throughout the day
- Comfortable shoes – heels aren’t ideal for an elopement! If you’re hiking, make sure to bring sturdy hiking boots. And no matter what you have planned, wear shoes that are comfortable and broken in.
- Snacks – always have snacks with you! Everything’s better when you’re fed.
- Water – always bring more water than you think you need. It’s better to have too much than not enough!
- Marriage license – and your IDs if you haven’t picked it up yet, though you should always bring those anyway
- Permit – if you need one for your location, make sure to print your permit just in case you don’t have service
Your Colorado Elopement Checklist
Here’s an overview, and a checklist for planning your Colorado elopement!
- Start dreaming! Brainstorming is an important part of the process, and it’s never too soon to start thinking about what you want your day to look like.
- Choose your date and location – or at least have an idea of what you want! It doesn’t have to be set in stone yet
- Reach out to and book a photographer
- Book travel and lodging
- Book other vendors (like a florist, officiant, chef, or any other vendors)
- Secure your permits
- Get your elopement attire
- Make a timeline for the day
- Get your marriage license
- Write your vows
- Pack your things
- Elope!
It might seem like a lot, but as an elopement photographer, helping you plan is part of my job! I’ll be there throughout the process, including recommendations for vendors, places to stay, and more. I’ll work with you to make the perfect timeline, so all you have to worry about is getting married!
Ready to Elope in Colorado?
You deserve a wedding day that feels like you. One that’s meaningful, intentional, full of joy, and rooted in the kind of experience that brings you closer – not just to each other, but to what really matters.
Whether you’re planning something that’s just the two of you, or bringing a few loved ones along for the ride, eloping in Colorado means creating a day that reflects your relationship, your values, and your love. And you don’t have to do it alone!
I’m more than just your photographer – I’m your guide, planning partner, logistics wrangler, hype woman, and mountain trail snack provider. I’ll help you navigate permits, plan the timeline, find the perfect location, and make sure you have a day that’s everything you want it to be.
So if you’re dreaming up your own Colorado elopement and wondering where to start – this is it. Check out my pricing to find out more about what I offer, and contact me to book a call, and let’s talk about what your dream day looks like.
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