June 15, 2020 / TIPS & TRICKS
WHERE CAN I ELOPE IN COLORADO?
You’ve made the decision to elope, CONGRATS! Now comes the fun part—deciding where to exchange your vows. Picture the place that inspires you, that makes your couple heart go whoa. The world is a ...
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You’ve made the decision to elope, CONGRATS!
Now comes the fun part—deciding where to exchange your vows. Picture the place that inspires you, that makes your couple heart go whoa. The world is a big, amazing place, but I’m lucky to live in one of the most beautiful places to elope … Colorado.
In the seven years since I’ve called Colorado home, I’ve captured the most iconic and beautiful alpine lakes and snowcapped peaks the U.S. has to offer. Colorado is a place that embodies the freedom to make our own choices and the drive to discover what truly makes us happy.
COLORADO LANDSCAPE
Eloping in Colorado gives you access to epic views of 15 mountain ranges, 54 peaks over 10,000 feet, alpine lakes, meadows of wildflowers, and a vast variation of gorgeous backdrops. To me, there’s no question: Colorado is the place to elope.
Because Colorado has so many different landscapes, amazing hikes, and thousands of wild acres to roam, I’m here to inspire you and help you narrow down your options.
Below you’ll find some of my favorite places in Colorado that would make a perfect backdrop for your Colorado elopement!
ELOPEMENT LOCATIONS COLORADO
LAKE ISABELLE
Lake Isabelle is located just outside Boulder and is perfect for eloping couples looking for big alpine views. This out-and-back hike crosses over waterfalls, through deep forest, and among wildflowers before ending at a stunning alpine lake nearly completely surrounded by rugged mountain peaks.
According to AllTrails, this hike is 5.3 miles round trip and is open from June through October!
SEASON: Summer – Fall
ELEVATION: 10,505′
PERMIT REQUIREMENTS – None
LOCATION: https://goo.gl/maps/2gJpn3D7A7AR3LEm9
GUANELLA PASS
Guanella Pass is one of Colorado’s iconic mountain roads. Less than an hour from Denver, the road climbs along a tumbling river and up above the timberline. In this vast, high-elevation land, you’ll find epic views of Mount Bierstadt (a 14er) and plenty of open tundra to explore during your elopement day. The road descends past an alpine lake to historic Georgetown, where you can share a beer at a local brewery afterwards!
SEASON: Summer – Fall
ELEVATION: 11,670′
PERMIT REQUIREMENTS – None
LOCATION: https://goo.gl/maps/R9s3T1HnycJkVo1o7
SAN JUAN MOUNTAINS
The perfect spot for any adventure enthusiast, the San Juans are Colorado’s outdoor playground. These mountains are ancient volcanic peaks that cut through the heart of southwestern Colorado. Today, the jagged peaks are home to a summer carpet of wildflowers and a number of breathtaking turquoise alpine lakes that would be perfect for your Colorado elopement. The renowned Colorado towns of Telluride, Silverton, or Durango make a perfect base for exploring this corner of the state!
Our elopement in the San Juan Mountains in Colorado was epic, intimate, and absolutely loved the gorgeous pictures that Sean took!
Sofia & Chris
SEASON: Year-round
ELEVATION: 8,000 to 14,309′
PERMIT REQUIREMENTS – None
LOCATION: https://goo.gl/maps/CDBngm7aGK3Lk78Q9
ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK
There’s Colorado, then there’s Colorado.Rocky Mountain National Park is an ever-popular destination that distills the best of Colorado into 415 square miles of alpine visas, crashing waterfalls, stunning rock ledges, open meadows, and breathtaking alpine lakes. With more than 300 miles of hiking trails, this park is a favorite of out-of-towners and locals alike, which makes it one of the more popular places to elope in Colorado.
According to the National Park Service, the cost to getting married in the park is $250 and comes with a reserved ceremony location.
SEASON: Year-Round
ELEVATION: 7,860 to 14,259′
PERMIT REQUIREMENTS – Yes
LOCATION: https://goo.gl/maps/NzijRDuw7mM33y5s6
GREAT SAND DUNES NATIONAL PARK
Surprise! Did you know that Colorado is home to the tallest sand dunes in North America? The Great Sand Dunes are like something out of a dream, an otherworldly pocket of rippling sand bordered by mountains on one side and a vast valley (home to the other kind of otherworldly) on the other.
It makes the perfect backdrop for couples wanting an earthy, boho vibe. This national park is remote, meaning you’ll feel like you’re walking among the stars on moonless nights!
SEASON: Year-Round
ELEVATION: 7,520′
PERMIT REQUIREMENTS – Yes
LOCATION: https://goo.gl/maps/q5sx8w2UddfWJ7WW6
TELLURIDE
Ask someone to name towns in Colorado, and chances are they’ll mention Telluride. It’s remote, rugged, yet comfortable with luxury. Telluride sits at the head of a box canyon, where the state’s tallest waterfall—fittingly named Bridal Veil Falls—crashes 365 feet to the canyon floor.
This town is known for its skiing (and après ski) and annual festivals. This is a great location for couples to set up camp for hiking elopements in the area. A true Colorado town through and through!
SEASON: Year-Round
ELEVATION: 8,750′
PERMIT REQUIREMENTS – None
LOCATION: https://goo.gl/maps/vWURAqkiUZaR2DcM6
LOVELAND PASS
You don’t have to venture far from Colorado’s biggest city (that’d be Denver) to find epic landscapes. Loveland Pass climbs over 11,000 feet to wide-open tundra and is located along the Front Range of Colorado. This area is situated perfectly for couples looking for a high mountain, alpine feel for their Colorado elopement.
SEASON: Summer – Fall
ELEVATION: 11,991′
PERMIT REQUIREMENTS – None
LOCATION: https://goo.gl/maps/NEa2gu7cFtfzXSq79
ESTES PARK
Quaint, old school Estes Park is the base camp for all things in Rocky Mountain National Park. It’s known for its wildlife (check out elk bugling in the fall!) and is surrounded by miles of jagged peaks, secluded forests, open tundra, and beautiful lakes. This is the perfect spot for couples wanting convenient services, good food, and big views for their elopement!
SEASON: Year-Round
ELEVATION: 7,522′
PERMIT REQUIREMENTS – Yes
LOCATION: https://goo.gl/maps/rJse5H4jiC6fc9FDA
BRECKENRIDGE
Breckenridge is a laid back ski town full of western spirit. It sits against the base of one of Colorado’s most popular ski resorts, but wears every season well. It’s known for winter skiing, summer hiking, and year-round high alpine activities (including a roster of fun festivals). Breckenridge is particularly stunning in summer, when there are countless wildflowers and open vistas for you to explore! And if you know where to look, you can even spot a mountain troll!
SEASON: Year-Round
ELEVATION: 9,600′
PERMIT REQUIREMENTS – None
LOCATION: https://goo.gl/maps/mzBhgz1GZFPjZ3NP8
VAIL
Vail is renowned, and it’s rightfully earned that title. Located right inside the White River National Forest, Vail is situated perfectly for couples looking to head out on big hiking adventures, skiing, or snowboarding elopements. This is one of my favorite areas in Colorado and great for couples who are up for a bigger adventure.
SEASON: Year-Round
ELEVATION: 8,150‘
PERMIT REQUIREMENTS – None
LOCATION: https://goo.gl/maps/LNuUcEEKxBNMNQSBA
SAPPHIRE POINT
Sapphire Point Overlook perches at 9,500 feet and overlooks a stunning view of Dillon Reservoir, a large lake with a squiggly, forested coastline surrounded by the Gore Range. Sapphire Point is an ideal spot for year-round elopements because you can drive up to the location and rent out two-hour blocks for elopements. This is a great choice for couples wanting to include family members!
You can make your reservations here.
SEASON: Year-Round
ELEVATION: 9,500′
PERMIT REQUIREMENTS – Yes
LOCATION: https://goo.gl/maps/3rEEEGZGDojNBQxCA
MAROON BELLS
Maroon Bells, outside Aspen, is home to the two most iconic peaks in Colorado. This place is a mountain paradise, lined with aspen trees, dreamy lakes, and breathtaking views. It makes for the perfect postcard elopement location. The Bells are stunning in all seasons, especially in fall when the quaking aspens burn gold and yellow.
You can reserve your ceremony spot at recreation.gov and opt to do a 5.3-mile hike around Cathedral Lake after your ceremony!
SEASON: Summer – Fall
ELEVATION: 9,880′
PERMIT REQUIREMENTS – Yes
LOCATION: https://goo.gl/maps/5jpHPjNDVvwQkg9o9
HANGING LAKE
Hanging Lake in Glenwood Canyon is beautiful to the point of surreal. Ribbons of waterfalls feed into a vivid, crystal clear lake that appears to “hang” above the mountains. The hike up is one of the most popular in Colorado and makes for an absolutely stunning elopement.
Beyond the lake, this area is home to the canyon-carving path of the Colorado River and the hot springs in Glenwood Springs. Few other spots in Colorado are quite as beautiful to exchange your vows.
Be sure to look at the permit information here beforehand.
SEASON: Year-Round
ELEVATION: 7,323′
PERMIT REQUIREMENTS – Yes
LOCATION: https://goo.gl/maps/5PVek1kRaqf4B8ud8
COLORADO ELOPEMENT PLANNING CHECKLIST
- Choose an elopement date and general area in Colorado. Send me an inquiry, and we’ll set up a phone call or grab a beer. Contact me here!
- Building a real connection with my couples is a big part of what I do—we’re going to be adventuring together, after all! We’ll get to know each other and chat about dates and general locations. This process is unique to you, so I want to hear about your story as a couple and your vision for your elopement.
- Once you’ve reserved your date, I’m all yours! I’ll scout location options for you and start crafting your customized elopement.
- When your big day finally arrives, we’ll spend the day hiking, laughing, singing, and taking in the beautiful scenery. Say your vows with the world as your witness, spray champagne (yeah, I’ll pack some in for you), and fall into each other’s arms. MOST. EPIC. DAY. EVER!
WHY SHOULD YOU ELOPE IN COLORADO?
Colorado is one of the few states where you can legally marry yourselves. In short, that means you don’t need an officiant or even a witness to legally get married in Colorado. That right there is the definition of a stress-free elopement!
This is great for couples wanting an intimate ceremony with a guest list of two (as in, you and your partner) or for those who want to save money skipping the officiant. You’re only responsible for signing and completing the marriage license within 90 days of your elopement date!
But beyond those details, Colorado gives you amazing access to some of the most beautiful mountains in the world. Epic, unforgettable views to match your epic, unforgettable day are just a hike or drive away! What are you waiting for? Let’s start planning your next rad adventure!
WHAT TIME OF YEAR SHOULD WE ELOPE?
Outdoor elopements can look different by seasons and you aren’t going to have a place with better seasons than Colorado. And if you don’t like the weather, just wait 5 minutes because each season can bring you some kind of mixture of sun, snow, wild flowers, alpine lakes, foliage and crazy weather. It’s truly the state of many seasons, which gives you infinite choices depending on your vision.
My personal favorite is summer. It’s the long days filled with hiking and backpacking through wild flower filled valleys capped off at an epic alpine lake. You can top off your day with a draft beer at a local brewery or roam the open tundra on one of our many mountain passes. Your elopement will be a true epic adventure in the summer of Colorado!
A FEW MORE IDEAS
- Chautauqua Park, Boulder
- The Paint Mines
- Silver Dollar Lake
- Garden of the Gods
- Golden Gazebo
- Lost Gulch Overlook
- Black Canyon of the Gunnison
- Rifle Falls State Park
TEAM
My name is Sean, and I can’t wait to help create your Colorado adventure elopement! I’m a Colorado-based free spirit who has dedicated my life to exploring this wild world and connecting to the people in it.
I know firsthand what an important and personal decision this is—my wife and I eloped to Northern Ireland. You’re trusting me to capture this amazing day, and I make it my responsibility to make sure you have an incredible experience from start to finish.
My passion has led me here, where I can follow my heart and share my love for the outdoors with others on their wedding day. It’s truly an awesome experience, and I’m stoked every time I get to document your day.
When I’m not photographing couples, I love to go exploring with my wife and our corgi. Our dream is to own an Airstream and take Vows and Peaks on the road!
Sound like the perfect match? Reach out so we can get started on your epic elopement!
GRAB THE TRAIL MIX. CLIMB THE MOUNTAIN. SAY I DO.
I’M STOKED TO BE YOUR GUIDE ON THIS ADVENTURE AND LEND YOU MY PASSION, KNOWLEDGE, AND FRIENDSHIP TO CRAFT AN ALL-INCLUSIVE, TOTALLY CUSTOMIZED EXPERIENCE IN NATURE.