Baby Bumps & Elopement Fun: A Guide to Eloping While Pregnant

So, you’ve got a little plus one on the way, but the call of adventure wedding is still ringing in your hearts. Well, buckle up because here is the ultimate guide for eloping while pregnant. In this guide, we’re diving headfirst into the wild world of eloping when you’re pregnant, because, let’s face it, life’s greatest adventures often come in twos – or should I say, threes? So, grab your partner’s hand, cradle that bump, and let’s turn your elopement into a tale of love, laughter, and a little one on the way and and dive into all the tips of getting married while pregnant.

Where Should You Elope If You’re Pregnant?

Pick a spot with a short walk in, not a summit push. I look for drive-up lakes and easy overlooks so you’re not gassed before you say I do.

To kick things off, let’s delve into the enchanting canvas for your special day. When you elope while pregnant, nature becomes your most cherished ally. However, it’s crucial to navigate this natural haven with an extra person in mind, avoiding hiking beyond your usual boundaries. There are dozens of spots across Colorado that deliver the same big-mountain feel without a mile of climbing to get there. Places like Loveland Pass, Officers Gulch, or Brainard Lake are great elopement spots for pregnant brides. If you are looking for a general area, Breckenridge and Telluride also have a lot of super accessible places nearby. Check out the full list of best places to elope in Colorado and I’ll help you narrow it down to the ones that fit where you’re at!

What Should You Wear to a Pregnant Elopement?

Who says you can’t get married while pregnant and rock that stunning wedding dress? While you might not be sporting the traditional princess ball gown, a whole world of stunning maternity wedding dresses awaits. Embrace that baby bump, and choose a dress that makes you feel like the Queen you are. Flowing fabrics, empire waists, and intricate lace can accentuate your curves in all the right ways. Remember, it’s all about feeling comfortable and looking dope when getting married pregnant!

You also don’t need a traditional ball gown to have your dress moment. An empire waist sits above the bump and flows from there, so it moves with you instead of pulling. A wrap dress does the same thing, with the added bonus that you can adjust it day-of if you’re feeling bigger or smaller than expected. Flowing, lightweight fabric also matters more than usual, since you’ll run warmer than you’re used to. Whatever style you land on, comfort and movement should come first. You’ll be walking on real ground, not a runway, and it still looks dope in the photos.

What Activities are Safe for a Pregnancy Elopement?

Keep it short and flat. A picnic, a short hike, or a scenic drive-up spot beats a long hike when you’re pregnant at altitude.

This day is still about celebrating the two of you, plus the one on the way. Stick to activities that don’t put extra strain on your body: a picnic at your ceremony spot, a short and gentle walk, or a scenic chairlift ride if the location has one. Save the all-day elopement activity ideas for your next anniversary trip. Right now, the goal is a day you’ll remember for being easy, not exhausting.

Is it Safe to Hike at Altitude While Pregnant?

Talk to your doctor first. Above 8,000 feet your body works harder for oxygen, so I plan shorter routes and lower elevations for pregnant couples.

Places like the San Juan mountains often mean elevation, and that’s the one thing pregnancy actually changes about the planning. Above roughly 8,000 feet, your body is working harder to get the same amount of oxygen, and that effect is bigger when you’re pregnant. It’s not a reason to cancel the mountain elopement, but it is a reason to talk to your doctor before you book flights and to let me know early so I can steer you toward lower-elevation locations and shorter routes with real shade and real places to sit down. I’d rather build in an extra 20 minutes of rest than have you pushing through something you don’t need to push through on your wedding day.

Read more in my Colorado hiking elopement guide.

When is the Best Time to Elope While Pregnant?

The second trimester, roughly 14 to 27 weeks, usually works best. Energy is back, the bump isn’t huge yet, and travel is easier on you.

Beyond the trimester question, think about weather and travel restrictions together. Many airlines get stricter about flying in the third trimester, so if travel is part of your plan, earlier is safer. I also see a real bump in winter elopements from couples who want to get married before the baby arrives, so don’t rule out a snowy ceremony just because you’re pregnant. It just means picking a location with an easy walk-up.

How Many Guests Should You Invite?

Keep the guest list small on purpose when eloping pregnant. Fewer people means shorter days, less standing around, and more built-in rest.

Eloping pregnant is really about the three of you. If you want a couple of witnesses there, keep it to a few close people rather than a full guest list; that way, the day stays as low-key as you need it to be. And if you’d rather it just be the two of you, Colorado elopements are great because it is one of the few states that lets you self-solemnize.

Read more about how to include your family in your elopement.

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