June 15, 2020 / TIPS & TRICKS
Where Can I Elope in Colorado?
Last Updated on January 24, 2021 by vowsandpeaks
You’ve made the decision to elope to Colorado, 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, and I’m lucky to share this place with all the couples that wish to elope in 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.
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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: eloping to Colorado is the best.
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 of where to elope in Colorado.
Below you’ll find some of my favorite Colorado elopement locations that would make a perfect backdrop for your elopement!
BEST PLACES TO ELOPE IN COLORADO
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 and off-roading routes. The renowned Colorado towns of Telluride, Silverton, Ouray or Durango make a perfect base for exploring this corner of the state and is one of the best places to elope in Colorado!
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
- CLOSEST AIRPORTS: Montrose & Telluride
- LOCATION: https://goo.gl/maps/CDBngm7aGK3Lk78Q9
ASPEN
“Some place warm, a place where the beer flows like wine, where beautiful women instinctively flock like the salmon of Capistrano. I’m talking about a little place called Aspen.”
All jokes aside, Aspen is one of the crown jewels of Colorado and has plenty of levels of adventure of any couple. You have mountain passes, lakes and high alpine views of some of Colorado’s best peaks.
- SEASON: Summer – Fall
- ELEVATION: 8,000′
- PERMIT REQUIREMENTS: Some Places
- CLOSEST AIRPORTS: Apsen & Denver International
- LOCATION: https://goo.gl/maps/zxkyQDav7b51EwDZ9
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: Some Places
- CLOSEST AIRPORTS: Eagle County & Denver International
- LOCATION: https://goo.gl/maps/LNuUcEEKxBNMNQSBA
“We would highly recommend Sean to anyone, especially if you are looking for an adventure wedding, the photos speak for themselves and I truly believe our day with Sean’s guidance was even more special than we initially planed.”
– Jen & Kyle
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: Some Places
- CLOSEST AIRPORT: Eagle County & Denver International
- LOCATION: https://goo.gl/maps/mzBhgz1GZFPjZ3NP8
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.
This is one of the best places to elope in Colorado if you’re bringing family members. It has the perfect amount of distance and elevation without sacrifices any epic views. 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
- CLOSEST AIRPORT: Denver International
- LOCATION: https://goo.gl/maps/2gJpn3D7A7AR3LEm9
BOULDER
Boulder is at the foothills of the Indian Peaks Wilderness where you’ll find over 45,000 acres of jagged peaks and plenty of alpine lakes to explore for your elopement in Colorado!
Not only are the hiking trails amazing but you can bike in the surrounding areas and even head up to Nederland or Eldora for some local bites after your big day. This area has some of the best places to eat, drink and adventure!
- SEASON: Year-Round
- ELEVATION: 5,328 to 11,000
- PERMIT REQUIREMENTS: Yes
- CLOSEST AIRPORT: Denver International
- LOCATION: https://goo.gl/maps/tH84PT3C7KGDyt5b9
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. Please note, Trail Ridge Road is closed during the winter because the roads aren’t maintained at that elevation.
- SEASON: Year-Round
- ELEVATION: 7,860 to 14,259′
- PERMIT REQUIREMENTS – Yes
- MAX GROUP SIZE: In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, RMNP has set a limit of a total of 30 people for all wedding ceremonies.
- CLOSEST AIRPORT: Denver International
- 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 location 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!
Please note that you must apply and pay $100 for the wedding permit.
- SEASON: Year-Round
- ELEVATION: 7,520′
- PERMIT REQUIREMENTS – Yes
- MAX GROUP SIZE: 50
- CLOSEST AIRPORT: San Luis Valley & Denver International
- 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. It’s by far one of my favorite locations and a true Colorado town through and through!
- SEASON: Year-Round
- ELEVATION: 8,750′
- PERMIT REQUIREMENTS – None
- CLOSEST AIRPORTS: Montrose & Telluride
- LOCATION: https://goo.gl/maps/vWURAqkiUZaR2DcM6
“Sean was more like a photographer and elopement planner, as he gave suggestions for what to do for the day, handled some logistics and gave us a timeline for the day after we filled out a questionnaire. He made the experience really memorable by suggesting the location to make it possible to rock climb on our wedding day in Telluride!”
– Emma & Jacob
GRANBY
The less traveled and explored side of the Indian Peaks Wilderness resides near Granby, Colorado. This is by far one of my favorite areas for couples eloping in Colorado with the rugged peaks and secluded alpine lakes. You better have some good endurance because the hiking and backpacking trails here aren’t for the faint of heart!
- SEASON: Summer – Fall
- ELEVATION: Trails starting at 7,935′
- PERMIT REQUIREMENTS – Yes
- CLOSEST AIRPORT: Denver International
- LOCATION: https://goo.gl/maps/QfbdPPQmotbbLLMW7
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 couples eloping in Colorado.
- SEASON: Summer – Fall
- ELEVATION: 11,991′
- PERMIT REQUIREMENTS – None
- CLOSEST AIRPORT: Denver International
- LOCATION: https://goo.gl/maps/NEa2gu7cFtfzXSq79
SAN SOPHIA OVERLOOK
Best part about San Sophia? You get to combine your wedding and honeymoon into one big adventure in one of the most scenic areas of Colorado! Take a free gondola ride up to this gorgeous overlook where you can show off the San Juan mountains to friends and family for your ceremony. You can even ski or snowboard down the mountain right after your ceremony in the winter!
- SEASON: Year-Round
- ELEVATION: 10,540′
- PERMIT REQUIREMENTS – Yes
- MAX GROUP SIZE: 250
- CLOSEST AIRPORTS: Montrose & Telluride
- LOCATION: https://goo.gl/maps/aVBG7aci8uYWGu5V8
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 those eloping in Colorado that are wanting convenient services, good food, and big views.
- SEASON: Year-Round
- ELEVATION: 7,522′
- PERMIT REQUIREMENTS – Yes
- CLOSEST AIRPORT: Denver International
- LOCATION: https://goo.gl/maps/rJse5H4jiC6fc9FDA
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 in Colorado. 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
- CLOSEST AIRPORT: Denver International
- LOCATION: https://goo.gl/maps/R9s3T1HnycJkVo1o7
SAPPHIRE POINT OVERLOOK
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 in Colorado because you can drive up to the location and rent out two-hour blocks for your ceremony. This is a great choice for couples wanting to include family members! You can make your reservations here.
*COVID-19 UPDATES FOR 2021* According to Dillon Ranger District, Sapphire Point is closed for weddings until further notice.
- SEASON: Year-Round
- ELEVATION: 9,500′
- PERMIT REQUIREMENTS – Yes
- MAX GROUP SIZE: 35
- CLOSEST AIRPORT: Denver International
- LOCATION: https://goo.gl/maps/3rEEEGZGDojNBQxCA
BRAINARD LAKE
Brainard Lake is situated right at the front of 10 different hiking trails. You want some big views? This lake is accessible by car and has stunning views of the peaks and forests in the surrounding area. This is great location for couples that are having family join them on their elopement in Colorado!
- SEASON: Summer – Fall
- ELEVATION: 10,300‘
- PERMIT REQUIREMENTS – None
- CLOSEST AIRPORT: Denver International
- LOCATION: https://goo.gl/maps/btq5cN4LN8mE6gFu7
GEORGETOWN
Georgetown perfectly encompasses what eloping in Colorado is all about—adventurous, intimate and small town charm. This little town right off 70 is tucked between two peaks and offers limitless locations for those seeking big views and tons of adventure for those eloping in Colorado. Thirsty elopers can cap off their day at one of the local breweries!
- SEASON: Summer – Fall
- ELEVATION: 8,530′
- PERMIT REQUIREMENTS – No
- CLOSEST AIRPORT: Denver International
- LOCATION: https://goo.gl/maps/XgxcGctVGBgRszfW7
MAROON BELLS AMPHITHEATER
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 Colorado elopement location. The Bells are stunning in all seasons, especially in fall when the quaking aspens burn gold and yellow.
Please note that the shuttle does not open until June 28th and there is a $200 application fee to elope in Maroon Bells. 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
- MAX GROUP SIZE: 50
- CLOSEST AIRPORTS: Apsen & Denver International
- LOCATION: https://goo.gl/maps/5jpHPjNDVvwQkg9o9
ELOPING AT RENTAL PROPERTIES
Colorado is one of the best locations for epic vacation homes. Some areas have homes that are big enough to host your entire wedding at. This makes it super easy for friends and family to join, while also keeping your travel to a minimum. Make sure to scour the photos from each place and keep an eye out for open spaces with big mountain views for the ceremony or reception!
- SEASON: Year-Round
- PERMIT REQUIREMENTS – Check with your hosts to make sure that holding an event is OK with them. Some places might require an additional fee!
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 the state and makes for an absolutely stunning backdrop for those eloping in Colorado.
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 locations in Colorado are quite as beautiful to exchange your vows.
UPADES FOR 2021: Hanging Lake currently is only accessible with a day permit. No weddings can be taken place at Hanging Lake.
- ELEVATION: 7,323′
- PERMIT REQUIREMENTS – Yes
- LOCATION: https://goo.gl/maps/5PVek1kRaqf4B8ud8
HOW DO YOU ELOPE IN COLORADO?
1) GET INSPIRED & START PLANNING
Choose a date and a general area of where you want to elope in Colorado and then start dreaming up your big day. What kind of scenery are you going for? Do you want guests? What kind of activities do you want to include? Do you want to hike or go off-roading?
It’s important to not box yourselves into the thoughts of what an elopement should look like. There are NO RULES! Throw out your craziest and funnest ideas and see what sticks. This is your big adventure, so make it epic!
2) HIRE YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER
This is the person that is going to be guiding and capturing your elopement. I recommend teaming up with someone that has helped others elope in Colorado. This person should be able to provide a great vendor list and be familiar with different locations, so they can give you a good idea of where to elope in Colorado.
It’s also super important to find someone that you can trust, knowing that this person will help relieve the stress that goes into everything. Your photographer should be the person that helps you plan, coordinate and photograph your elopement! Maybe an elopement Ninja?!
3) WORK TOGETHER TO CREATE AWESOME
All good relationships start with good communication, and for me, that starts the minute you get in touch with me to talk about your elopement. Building a real connection with my couples is a big part of what I do—we’re going to be adventuring together, after all!
I get to know all my couples with a questionnaire and send over a customized location list and timeline based on their answers. Finding where to elope in Colorado is super important and unique to you, so I want to hear about your story as a couple and your vision for eloping in Colorado.
4) BOOK YOUR VENDORS & TRAVEL
After you guys settle on your elopement location, you can start to book your travel, lodging and choose your vendors. Don’t put this off because eloping in Colorado is popular, and things book quickly!
PRO TIPS: I would highly recommend coming to Colorado a few days before your elopement, so you can acclimate to the altitude and chill out a bit before the big day. It also gives you a little time to wrap up those last-minute details without being rushed.
As for the lodging location, think outside the box. Colorado has a ton of awesome places you can stay, including cabins tucked into the woods, epic A-frame homes, or if you want to really go balls out, then we’ve got some killer mansions you can rent for everyone to stay at with unbelievable mountain views.
5) FINALIZE THE TIMELINE
It’s time to put your vision all together and work with your photographer on putting together a timeline for your elopement. Are you doing a first look? Are you doing getting ready photos? Are you hiking at sunrise or sunset? Are you sharing vows? These are some of the details that you should consider when putting together a timeline.
The most important thing is that your day is everything you want it to be. I work with couples to make sure that the timeline includes everything you want to experience on your elopement. This is an experience about YOU and I want your day to match that.
6) MAKE IT OFFICIAL
Remember to make it official before eloping in Colorado. Making appointments online beforehand is always the suggested route and check in with your planner about any new laws. I also suggest looking at courthouses in close proximity to your elopement location to cut down on travel time. When all of this is taken care of, your’e ready to elope in Colorado!
7) IT’S YOUR BIG DAY!
This is it, and we’re going to make the absolute best of it. What you can expect; hiking, laughing, singing (yep, I do it!), and taking in the landscape of one of the prettiest places on the planet! I really do have the most incredible job, being able to capture this day that you’ve made your own.
After you say your vows in this little piece of paradise, the cork will pop, and the champagne will spray (heck yeah, I’ll pack some in for you!), and you’ll fall into each other’s arms. YOU did it! You did the thing, and I’ll take photos of the most EPIC day ever.
There’s really nothing like saying your vows in nature’s heaven. Eloping in Colorado is the perfect beginning of your adventure as a married couple.
WHY SHOULD YOU ELOPE TO COLORADO?
Eloping in 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?
But beyond those details, Colorado is one of the few states where you can legally marry yourselves. In short, that means you don’t need a witness to legally elope to 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 60 days of your elopement date!
WHAT TO DO ON YOUR ELOPEMENT DAY?
One thing I get asked all the time: What do couples do on their elopement day? And the answer is pretty simple. Whatever you want! There are so many cool elopement activities in Colorado for couples looking to make their day extra memorable. If you’re happiest outside in epic spots, why wouldn’t you want to find the perfect outdoor activity?
Here are a couple of my favorite elopement day activities for you to check out. This list is specific to activities for couples eloping in Colorado.
• TAKE A HIKE
This is the most popular activity and my favorite as well! Why? Because Colorado is a hiker’s paradise! You can climb a 14er, wonder through fields of wildflowers, or find yourself a secluded alpine lake.
Some of my favorite places are within an hour of Denver all the way to the western slopes. I help all of my couples eloping in Colorado find the perfect location based on their preference of scenery, miles, altitude amongst other things. You can’t go wrong with choosing this activity on your elopement day!
• HIT THE ROAD
You aren’t going to find better off-roading locations than the ones in Colorado. Hitting epic 4×4 spots is the perfect elopement day activity for those thrill seekers on the hunt for big scenic views. The big draw is covering lots of distance away from the crowds while chasing those big views.
PRO TIP: The BEST places for 4×4 elopements is in the western part of Colorado.
• EXPLORE THE BACKCOUNTRY
Ready for a life changing experience on your wedding day? Go conquer some of Colorado best overnight trails. There is something magical about spending your wedding night under the stars of the rockies.
This is a super unique elopement activity and will be sure to leave you satisfied, sore and possibly full of S’mores!
Check out this backpacking elopement for inspiration
• ROCK CLIMB
Why hike to the top when you can climb? Some adrenaline couples love to push the limits and I’m here for it! Every couple should have a day that is unique to them and if rock climbing is your jam, then you should absolutely include this activity on your big day!
Check out this rock climbing elopement for inspiration
• WINTER ACTIVITIES
With more than 300 days of sunshine a year, you’ll enjoy plenty of opportunities for your winter elopement. Winter elopers will find plenty to do, including snowshoeing, snowcat tours, snowmobiling or even ice fishing!
• PEAK BAGGING
Depending on how crazy you are, you can tackle one of Colorado’s many 14ers. I haven’t done a 14er for an elopement yet, but I’m sure this option will resonate with a couple one day!
WHAT IS THE BEST MONTH TO ELOPE IN COLORADO?
Every season brings something spectacular to Colorado. The winter months are perfect for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, and you can expect plenty of blue bird days. September and October bring peak fall colors, where you can warm up with locally roasted coffee and wander through valleys alive with orange and yellow aspen trees.
But the real draw is the summer months. It’s the distilled Colorado experience, made complete with 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!
Colorado is truly the state of many seasons, which gives you infinite choices depending on your vision. Even better, we’re a state boasting 300 days of sunshine, so there’s always someplace beautiful for those eloping in Colorado!
| MONTH | AVERAGE TEMP | AVERAGE RAIN |
| JANUARY | 42.0 °F | 0.7 cm |
| FEBRUARY | 45.0 °F | 0.9 cm |
| MARCH | 52.0 °F | 2.7 cm |
| APRIL | 59.0 °F | 4.1 cm |
| MAY | 68.0 °F | 6.1 cm |
| JUNE | 79.0 °F | 5.9 cm |
| JULY | 84.0 °F | 7.2 cm |
| AUGUST | 82.0 °F | 8.8 cm |
| SEPTEMBER | 74.0 °F | 3.1 cm |
| OCTOBER | 63.0 °F | 2.2 cm |
| NOVEMBER | 50.0 °F | 1.3 cm |
| DECEMBER | 42.0 °F | 1.1 cm |
A FEW MORE IDEAS
- Boulder Open Space & Mountain Parks
- The Paint Mines
- Silver Dollar Lake
- Garden of the Gods
- Golden Gazebo
- Lost Gulch Overlook
- Black Canyon of the Gunnison
- Rifle Falls State Park
- Crested Butte
- Colorado Ski Resorts
- Dunton Hot Springs
TEAM
My name is Sean, and I can’t wait to help you elope in Colorado! 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 if you’re ready to elope in Colorado!
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.
