Colorado Elopement Guide: How to Elope in Colorado
TL;DR: Eloping in Colorado is refreshingly simple and honestly one of the easiest parts of this whole process. You can legally marry yourselves with no waiting period, choose from endless mountain locations, and build a day that actually feels like you instead of following a script. It really comes down to a few core steps: get clear on your vision, hire a photographer who knows these mountains, pick a location, book your travel and vendors, shape a timeline that feels natural, and then go have the best day of your life. Most couples land somewhere between 8k and 20k, and the timing depends on what kind of scenery you’re drawn to whether that’s wildflowers, golden aspens, or snow covered peaks. Plan with intention, pack smart, and everything else tends to fall into place in the best way.
Learning how to elope in Colorado is honestly one of the easier parts of this whole process. The state basically built itself for it: a marriage license with no waiting period, the legal right to marry yourselves, and more stunning locations than you’ll ever run out of. If you’re searching for the best places to elope in Colorado or just trying to figure out how eloping in Colorado actually works, you’re in the right place.
The hard part isn’t the logistics. It’s narrowing down which mountain you want to get married on!
You’re not here because you need convincing. You already know a ballroom full of people and a $30,000+ price tag isn’t your thing. You want the mountains, a day that actually feels like you, and maybe a dog co-signing your marriage license. Good. This guide covers everything: timing, checklist, what to pack, when to go, and how to build a day that feels nothing like a traditional wedding. Because that’s the whole point!
Why do people elope in Colorado?
Colorado elopements are popular because the state allows self-solemnization (you legally marry yourselves with no officiant required), issues marriage licenses for around $30 with no waiting period, and offers 15 mountain ranges, 54 peaks above 14,000 feet, alpine lakes, wildflower meadows, and fall colors across every season. There is genuinely no other state that combines legal simplicity with this much scenery.
- Colorado is one of only a handful of states in the country that allows self-solemnizing, meaning you and your partner can legally marry each other without an officiant or anyone else officiating the ceremony. If you want to stand on a 13,000-foot ridge and say your vows to each other with no one else involved, Colorado law fully supports that. Check out the self-solemnizing elopement guide for a full breakdown of how it works.
- The scenery speaks for itself, but it’s worth saying out loud. Fifteen mountain ranges. Over 300 days of sunshine per year according to Visit Colorado. Serene alpine lakes, wildflower meadows that peak in July, golden aspens in September, and snow-dusted peaks from November through April. You can build a completely different elopement depending on when you go and what you’re after. Colorado isn’t just one backdrop. It’s dozens of them!
- And yes, it’s dog friendly, 420 friendly, and completely judgment free. Cold one at the summit? Dog as your witness? Nobody here is raising an eyebrow.
How Do You Elope In Colorado?
Eloping in Colorado comes down to six steps: define your vision, hire a photographer, pick a location, book your vendors, build a timeline, and get married. The state has straightforward marriage license requirements and one of the most flexible legal frameworks in the country, which makes the logistics far simpler than most couples expect.
Here’s exactly how to make it happen!
1) Map out your vision first
Before you pick a location, book a vendor, or do anything else, decide what kind of experience you actually want. Some couples want a full-send adventure: headlamps before sunrise, summit ceremony, champagne on the way down. Others want something relaxed and intentional: a short walk to a beautiful overlook, private vows, then a long dinner somewhere great. Both are valid.
Ask yourselves: Just the two of you, or do you want a small crew there? Are you ready to earn the views with a real hike, or do you need something more accessible? Sunrise, sunset, or make a whole day of it? What would actually make this day feel like you? Your answers shape every decision after this.
If you’re still figuring out the basics, what is an elopement is a good place to start, and the top reasons to elope might help you articulate what you’re actually after.
2) Hire an experienced elopement photographer
A good Colorado elopement photographer comes loaded with location knowledge, timeline planning, permit research, vendor recommendations, and the ability to problem-solve when weather rolls in and your original plan goes sideways. You’re hiring someone who knows the terrain, the seasons, and the logistics inside out.
This might be the most important booking you make, and not just for the photos. 90% of couples hire a wedding photographer and for elopements, that photographer is usually doing double duty as your planner, permit researcher, and logistics coordinator. It’s the most important booking you’ll make.
Check out my Colorado elopement packages if you want to see what that looks like in practice.
3) Choose your elopement location
Your location drives every other decision: your timeline, your vendors, your permit situation, even what shoes you wear. I spend more time on this with couples than any other part of the planning process, because getting it wrong is expensive and getting it right makes the whole day.
Popular starting points include Telluride, Breckenridge, Ouray, Rocky Mountain National Park, and spots like Maroon Lake, Ice Lakes, Alta Lakes, Blue Lakes, Lake Isabelle, and Yankee Boy Basin. The full best places to elope in Colorado guide breaks down what makes each location work and who it’s actually right for.
4) Book your vendors & travel
Once your location is locked, it’s time to sort out travel, lodging, and the rest of your vendor team. Book early, peak season in fills up fast, and the good vendors go first.
Pro Tip: arrive a few days early if you’re coming from out of state. Altitude is real and it will humble you if you show up the day before and expect to hike to 12,000 feet. Give your body time to adjust. For lodging, skip the standard hotel and go for something that matches the day. A cozy cabin, a secluded mountain retreat, a luxury home with a deck that looks straight at the peaks. The lodging is part of the experience.
5) Build your timeline & activities
Your day should look completely different from a traditional wedding, and that’s the whole point. Want a 4am trailhead start with headlamps and coffee? I’ll be there. First look photos, getting ready shots, a full day that ends with beers at a local brewery? All of it gets built into the timeline. The day should feel like yours from start to finish, not like you’re hitting checkboxes. I’ll handle the structure so you can show up and actually be present in it!
6) Shot up and experience your best day!
This is the part no planning guide can fully prepare you for, and in the best way. You’ve done the work. Location scouted, vendors booked, timeline set. Now you just get to be in it!
Hiking with your person through country that doesn’t look real. Saying your vows somewhere most people will never stand. Popping champagne on a summit. I’ve watched this moment happen hundreds of times and it exceeds expectations every single time. That never gets old!
How much does a Colorado elopement cost?
A Colorado elopement typically costs between $8,000 and $20,000 depending on photographer, vendors, and travel. For comparison, the average traditional wedding in the US costs around $35,000 according to The Knot’s 2024 Real Weddings Study. The marriage license itself is around $30, and many permit fees are free or low cost. Eloping in Colorado is significantly more affordable than a traditional wedding without sacrificing any of the meaning.
Here’s an honest breakdown of what the costs actually look like:
- PHOTOGRAPHER: $4,700 to $11,500 depending on package length and what’s included. For most couples this also covers planning, permit research, timeline building, and vendor coordination. It’s the most important booking you’ll make. Check out Colorado elopement packages to see what that looks like in practice.
- VIDEOGRAPHY: $2,000 to $5,000. A wide range of skill levels exist at every price point, so this is one area where you have real flexibility depending on your budget.
- MARRIAGE LICENSE: $30. No waiting period, issued same day.
- PERMIT: $0 to $250. Most public land locations in the San Juan National Forest require only a free or low cost permit. National Parks like Rocky Mountain can run up to $250.
- TRADITIONAL HAIR & MAKEUP: $250 to $350 for traditional. $500 to $1,000 for an adventure stylist who hikes up with you and does touchups on location. Most of my sunrise couples skip traditional hair and makeup to get the extra sleep.
- OFFICIANT FEES: $0 to $400. Most of my couples marry themselves or ask a friend or family member. Colorado law makes this easy. I also know some great officiants who are down to hike into your spot.
- LODGING: $500 to $3,000 depending on where you stay. Skip the standard hotel and go for something that matches the day. A cozy cabin, a secluded mountain retreat, a luxury home with a deck looking straight at the peaks. The lodging is part of the experience. The Airbnb elopement guide covers how to find the right place.
- PRIVATE CHEF: $250 to $400. Day rates start at $250 and go up depending on ingredients and courses. A great way to make your post ceremony celebration feel special.
- FLORAL ARRANGEMENTS: $350 to $1,500 depending on whether you want a single bouquet or the full setup. My all inclusive package includes a bouquet.
- PHOTO ALBUM: $500 – $1500 – I offer personalized photo albums that tell your unique story. But hey, if you’re looking to be budget-savvy, no worries! I’ve got options that won’t break the bank. It’s all about what works best for you as a couple and your budget.
- OTHER FACTORS TO CONSIDER: Some of the prices above shift depending on where you get married, your guest count, and the time of year.
Check out my Colorado elopement packages for my pricing!
When Is the Best Time of Year for a Colorado Elopement?
Colorado elopements work in every season, but the “best” time depends entirely on what you want. Summer (June through August) offers wildflower meadows and accessible trails. Fall (late September through October) brings golden aspens and cooler temps. Winter (November through March) delivers dramatic snow-covered peaks with far fewer people. Spring is unpredictable but has its own quiet beauty.
Summer (June through August)
Summer is the most popular window for good reason. Trails are open, wildflowers are peaking, and most alpine locations are at their most accessible. The trade-off is crowds, especially at well-known spots. Book early if you’re targeting July or August.
Fall (September and October)
Fall is genuinely spectacular in Colorado. The fall elopement guide covers the timing in detail, but the short version is: late September to mid-October for peak aspen color, particularly around Aspen and the San Juan mountains. Temperatures drop quickly after sunset so plan accordingly. A sunrise fall elopement during peak color season is one of the most stunning things you can do in this state.
Winter (November through March)
Winter elopements are wildly underrated. Fewer people, dramatic light, and a completely different version of the mountains. The winter elopement guide goes deep on what to expect, what to wear, and which locations still work when there’s snow on the ground.
What to Wear and Pack for a Colorado Elopement
For a Colorado elopement, hike in layers and trail boots and change into wedding attire on-site. Pack water, snacks, a headlamp, your marriage license, and your ring box.
You can experience multiple seasons, sometimes all in the same day, so packing thoughtfully is essential. Keep in mind that everything you bring needs to be carried on the hike, including wedding dresses, which can get heavy. But don’t stress, packing for your adventure can actually be simple. In my app, I provide practical gear guidance, from layers and hydration to headlamps and snacks, so you’re ready for whatever the mountains throw your way. My goal is simple: you show up relaxed, fully present, and free to make memories that last a lifetime.
Once we reach your elopement location, you’ll change into your wedding attire, and it’s time to exchange vows!
• Elopement dress
Elopement dresses are my ultimate favorite and the highlight of the day for me. I love how each dress mirrors the individuality of every bride and flow with Colorado’s breathtaking landscape. I always recommend dresses that allow for free movement and blend seamlessly with the outdoor environment, ideal for activities such as hiking or climbing. Embrace the charm of long trains and welcome the natural elements like dirt, mud, and branches adds character to your elopement tale!
• Suit
You’re free to break away from the traditional black-and-match suit mold if you wish. Mix and match colors and materials to express your personality. Consider corduroy pants, leather jackets, or patterned shirts to mix it up. Most importantly, just go for feeling good and comfortable for your elopement.
• Hiking boots
Make sure you’ve got a solid pair of hiking boots for your mountain adventure! Not only will they keep you safe on rugged trails, but they’ll also add some serious style to your photos. Invest in a quality pair and break them in before the big day and your feet will thank you. Pair them with comfy merino socks to keep blisters at bay. And here’s a pro tip: swap in some colorful laces to make your boots pop in photos!
• Backpack
A backpack is essential for carrying extra layers, water, snacks, vow books, and more. Opt for one with sturdy hip straps if you’re carrying a heavy load or embarking on a long trek to ease shoulder strain. And if you’re bringing your dress and suit, consider a backpacking backpack for added convenience and size.
• Food and snacks
Make sure you pack plenty of snacks to keep that energy pumping! For those early sunrise bangers when hunger’s not your buddy, runner’s gels or energy chews can be lifesavers, offering a quick calorie and energy boost. And hey, why not plan a little picnic to celebrate after exchanging your vows? It’s a great way to savor the moment. Just don’t forget to bring the celebration beers!
• Headlamp
You absolutely gotta have one of these if you’re hitting the trails at night! Plus, they’re perfect for capturing those stunning star photos. If you’re out and about before dawn or after sunset, trust me, you’ll want one of these and I love the rechargeable headlamps.
• Camelback
Couples forget you’re in high-elevation locations, which means hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! It’s crucial for warding off altitude sickness, which is no joke. Whether you’re trekking short or long distances, pack a CamelBak to keep the fluids flowing and keep you feeling good on your elopement.
• Skin protection
Sunscreen is an absolute must in these elevations, especially when you’re up high soaking in the rays or on snowy terrain. And let me tell you, depending on where you’re at, bug spray could be your life saver, too.
Check out this blog for things you should pack for your elopement.
Need help planning your Colorado elopement?
I’m Sean and I moved to Colorado 14 years ago and spent the first few years exploring every corner of the state. Eight years ago I started photographing elopements and it clicked immediately. Hundreds of couples later I am still going out before sunrise to scout hidden places, helping couples through every unexpected moment, and building days where couples say it felt completely natural and unscripted. My work has been featured in Authority Magazine, Business Insider, SLR Lounge, and Wedding Maps. Colorado is not a backdrop to me — it is home.
Get a breakdown of my Colorado elopement packages! Comparing mountain destinations? Check out my best places to elope in Colorado for the full picture. Need help with planning? Check out my how to elope in Colorado guide!
