Telluride Elopement Guide & Locations for 2026

TL;DR: Telluride is one of the most dramatic elopement destinations in Colorado, with 4×4 mountain passes, alpine lakes, and Colorado’s tallest waterfall. Best seasons run July through October, with September being peak for fall color and July for wild flowers. Marriage licenses cost $30 at the San Miguel County Clerk. This guide covers the real story on locations, seasonal timing, permits, lodging, and what local knowledge actually gets you.

---

Ask someone to name mountain towns in Colorado, and chances are Telluride comes up fast. Jagged volcanic peaks. A waterfall that drops 365 feet right at the edge of town. Jeep roads that climb into basins where you’re genuinely the only people for miles. A box canyon that somehow also has great restaurants and a free gondola. Telluride is one of the most visually wild places in Colorado, and it earns every bit of that reputation.

Ask someone to name mountain towns in Colorado and chances are Telluride comes up fast. Jagged volcanic peaks. A waterfall that drops 365 feet right at the edge of town. Jeep roads that climb into basins where you’re genuinely the only people for miles. A box canyon that somehow also has great restaurants and a free gondola. Telluride is one of the most visually wild places in Colorado and lives up to its reputation.

Here’s the thing, though: planning an elopement in Telluride is a different animal than just showing up for a weekend trip. Locations, jeep road conditions, afternoon monsoons, altitude, vendor connections, marriage licenses. There’s a real logistics layer to pulling off a Telluride elopement well. Most couples spend weeks researching and still feel like they’re guessing!

That’s where I come in. I live 40 minutes from Telluride in Ridgway and have been shooting elopements out here since 2018. I know which passes open in June and which ones don’t until July. Where the best aspen groves are at and those quite alpine lake basins littered in wild flowers. If you’re willing to travel deep and plan smart, Telluride delivers some of the most dramatic terrain in Colorado for an elopement. It’s my favorite area in the entire state to shoot and I don’t say that lightly!

Where Are the Best Telluride Elopement Locations?

The most popular Telluride elopement locations include Bridal Veil Falls (Colorado’s tallest free-falling waterfall at 365 feet), Imogene Pass (a 13,114-foot alpine pass with 360-degree views), Black Bear Pass (the most technically demanding 4×4 road in the area), Blue Lakes Basin (a 7-mile round-trip hike to three vivid alpine lakes), and Alta Lakes (private alpine lakes at 11,300 feet). Each varies by access type, 4WD requirement, hiking distance, and best season.

Here’s what nobody tells you: finding a location in Telluride is not the hard part. Everything out here is insane! And honestly, that’s what makes this part so fun. My couples don’t struggle to find a good spot. They struggle to choose between ten incredible ones! I don’t share my exact locations publicly, and that’s intentional. It’s how these places stay quiet, wild, and actually worth going to. When you book with me, you get access to spots that aren’t showing up on Google or getting geotagged into oblivion. That’s the difference between working with someone who actually lives here versus someone flying in for a weekend.

Below is a real breakdown of the main locations, what they’re actually like, and who they’re best for.

Imogene Pass: Best for High-Altitude 4×4 Adventure

Imogene Pass sits at 13,114 feet and connects Telluride to the broader San Juan backcountry. It doesn’t mess around. High-clearance 4×4, an experienced driver, and a stomach for rough terrain are all required. I can also drive you up there if you got a jeep! The views from the top are straight wild with views of the Cimmarons and Sneffels range: full alpine tundra, mountain ranges laid out in every direction, and almost nobody else around.

One thing most photographers won’t tell you: Imogene has a history of mid-season closures and plans can change fast. In summer 2024, a mudslide shut the pass down for the rest of the season. We pivoted fast to a backup location and that couple ended up loving it just as much. That’s the thing about shooting out here full-time: I build contingency plans the way other photographers build shot lists.

You need to be comfortable with a rough ride and genuinely okay with plans changing on short notice. But the payoff is real. At 13,114 feet with 360-degree ridgeline views and almost nobody else around, Imogene delivers images that look like nothing else I shoot in Telluride. Read more in my off-roading elopement guide.

• Access: 4×4 only
• 4WD Required: Yes, high-clearance
• Guest-Friendly: Limited, requires capable vehicles
• Permit: Not required for small groups
• Best Season: Mid July – September

Black Bear Pass: Best for Extreme Backcountry Couples

Black Bear technically ends in Telluride. One-way descent from Red Mountain Pass straight down into the canyon and rated one of the most technically difficult and dangerous 4×4 roads in Colorado. The switchbacks above Bridal Veil Falls are steep, narrow, and flat-out intimidating.

This one is for couples who want to go as deep as it gets. You don’t bring a group here. You don’t attempt it without someone who knows the road. I can drive couples up this pass and what you get on the other side are photos that look like nothing else being shot in Colorado right now.

• Access: 4×4 only, one-way descent
• 4WD Required: Yes, advanced driver required
• Guest-Friendly: No, technical terrain
• Permit: Not required for small groups
• Best Season: Mid-July – October

Blue Lakes Basin: Best for Hiking Elopements

Blue Lakes Basin near Telluride is a hiking elopement location that gets you into high alpine terrain that requires some serious hiking. The trail is about 7 miles round trip with significant elevation gain, but the payoff is three bright blue alpine lakes surrounded by 13,000-foot peaks. This is one of the best hiking elopement spots near Telluride if you’re willing to put in the miles and probably my favorite spot in the area. In fact, it was my first hike out near Telluride when I visited for the first time in 2012!

The water color up there is genuinely surreal, that blue-green that makes you wonder if the photo has been over edited. You are literally in a bowl surrounded by cirque walls, 3 alpine lakes, and wildflowers that go off in mid-summer. I always suggest elopements at the middle lake where you can find more privacy and get out of the bowl.

• Access: 7-mile round-trip hike
• 4WD Required: No
• Guest-Friendly: Would not suggest it
• Permit: A limited entry permit system starts at Blue Lakes in 2027 (June 1 through September 30). For 2026 dates, verify current access with Uncompahgre National Forest before locking anything in. Read more about permits.
• Best Season: Late June – September

Alta Lakes: Best for Private Alpine Lake Access

Alta Lakes sits at 11,300 feet above the ghost town of Ophir, reachable via a moderate 4WD road. It gives you the high-altitude lake experience without the technical difficulty of Black Bear or the crowds that Bridal Veil draws in peak season. The drive alone earns its place, winding up through aspen and spruce before opening into a wide basin with the lakes sitting right in the middle.

The Alta Lake Observatory takes it to another level entirely. Book the property and you get the whole place to yourselves: private lake, canoe, night sky at 11,000 feet looking out over the Wilson Range. One of the best elopement venue options I recommend consistently to couples eloping with family.

• Access: Moderate 4×4 road
• 4WD Required: Yes, but accessible
• Guest-Friendly: Yes, with capable vehicles or you can rent the Observatory
• Permit: Not required for small groups
• Best Season: July – October

Bridal Veil Falls: Best for Easy Access From Town

Walk down Main Street in Telluride and Bridal Veil Falls is right there at the end of the valley, dropping 365 feet straight off the canyon wall. You can drive to the base in a lifted 4WD or hike in about 2 miles one-way from the end of Pandora Road. Up close it’s dramatic, and the historic powerhouse at the top is still generating electricity for the town!

Early summer is peak season here. Snowmelt runs at full volume and the falls are at max drama. By late August the flow slows down considerably. If you want the full waterfall experience, aim for June or July. Fall turns the entire valley gold, and you can jump on the Via Ferrata from the trailhead if you want to add adrenaline to the day.

• Access: Moderate 4×4 road or hike up
• 4WD Required: No, but accessible
• Guest-Friendly: Yes, but with small groups
• Permit: Not required for small groups
• Best Season: May – October

Hidden Aspen Groves: Best for Couples Who Want Solitude

Fall in Telluride lives in the spots nobody talks about. I don’t share exact GPS coordinates publicly and that’s how they stay worth going to! After 450-plus elopements and years of solo backpacking out here, I’ve found groves that most photographers have never heard of. Aspen groves that catch side light perfectly at sunset. Those spots are for my couples eloping in Telluride!

• Access: Varies, shared with booked couples
• 4WD Required: No
• Guest-Friendly: Depends on location
• Permit: Not required for small groups
• Best Season: Mid-September – early October for aspens

Secret Spots & Hidden Gems

There’s a version of a Telluride elopement where you show up, go to Bridal Veil Falls, and leave with photos that look like everyone else’s. Sure, we could do that. But when you book with me you’re not getting a list of GPS coordinates. You’re getting someone who has spent years in these mountains learning them the way you learn a place you actually live in. That’s the difference between flying someone in for a weekend and hiring someone whose backyard this actually is.

I’ve been solo backpacking this range since before I shot my first elopement out here. Every spring before the season opens I’m out scouting, usually alone, sometimes with Deebo, checking which roads are clear, which groves have come in the way I remembered, and which spots I found the year before are worth protecting for another season.

What that looks like in practice: I know the angle of light at 7am in mid-September on a specific ridgeline that no drone shot has ever mapped. I know which 4WD approach has the better pullout for portraits that most guides don’t even list as a location. I know which week each aspen grove peaks and which one holds color two weeks longer than everything else at the same elevation.

What Are The Best Family Locations For Telluride Elopements?

Best family elopement venues near Telluride include Alta Lake Observatory, Telluride Sleighs and Wagons, San Sophia Overlook (from $5,000), and Top of the Pines (from $1,000).

Telluride has a handful of dedicated venue options for couples bringing family or wanting a more defined ceremony space. These aren’t public land spots you just show up to. They have reserved time windows, which actually makes the day run smoother because you’re not competing with other hikers for your ceremony spot. Here’s what I actually recommend and why.

Keep reading to get the lowdown on my favorite family locations in Telluride!

Alta Lake Observatory

Why not combine your elopement with one of the coolest lodging experiences in Telluride. This private cabin is tucked away from the crowds and is nestled below some of Telluride’s popular ski runs and makes for an awesome spot to have a Telluride micro wedding. The observatory sits right above 11,000 feet and has its own private lake for you to explore via canoe!

Alta Lake Observatory does an amazing job of combining the uniqueness of the San Juan’s with a luxury and old twist at a private cabin for you to share with your loved ones or by yourselves. You can’t go wrong booking this spot for your wedding day!

• Best For: Couples Who Want Lodging and Ceremony Location
• Pro Tip: You have to book the Alta Lake Observatory online for your lodging and to take photos here.
• Must Do: Use the canoe provided at the observatory for a nice sunset cap!

Telluride Sleighs and Wagons

One of my favorite spots in Telluride is Telluride Sleighs and Wagons, which is a full-on experience that combines incredible food, a stunning venue, and jaw-dropping views! These folks are amazing, shuttling you up from town in a van or wagon and cooking up some truly unforgettable meals. They offer two different venue options, both with insane views. But the real showstopper? Fall, when the aspen trees perfectly frame Mount Wilson in the background. It’s a vibe you won’t want to miss!

You can go all-in with the full experience: Food, venue, the whole vibe or just snag a time slot at one of their ceremony spots if you’re keeping it simple. Totally depends on how you want to build your day.

• Best For: Couples Who Want Dining and Ceremony Location
• Pro Tip: Telluride Sleighs and Wagons might be a little slow to hit you back, but trust me, the views of the Telluride valley and Wilson Peaks are next level and 100% worth the wait.

San Sophia Overlook

The most iconic ceremony site in Telluride. Accessed via the gondola or resort shuttle, the overlook sits above the ski terrain with a full panoramic view of the town below and the surrounding peaks. This is a resort venue, so it requires coordination with Telluride Ski Resort for commercial use. Full weddings here are expensive, but weekday options exist at more accessible price points. The view is flat-out exceptional and requires zero hiking.

• Best For: Couples that want iconic Telluride views
• San Sophia wedding costs start at $5,000.
• For venue availability, you can reach out to their weddings & events team at (970) 728-7447 

Top Of The Pines

You honestly will not find better views of Mount Sneffels than at Top of the Pines. It’s only about a 30 minute drive outside of Ridgway and an hour from Telluride, this spot feels like one of those places that makes you stop mid sentence and just stare. It is wildly beautiful and surprisingly flexible, with a range of rental options including a small grounds option for $1,000. That includes access to the meadow and pavilion from 8am to 6pm, with all setup and cleanup happening within that window so your day stays simple and easy with massive views.

Best For: Couples Looking For Affordable Option

What’s the Best Time to Elope in Telluride?

The best time to elope in Telluride is July through October, with September being the sweet spot for fall color and stable weather. High alpine passes like Imogene and Black Bear typically open late June or early July and close around November 1 due to snowpack. Summer brings wildflowers and full trail access. September brings peak aspen color but more people.

Real talk: if you want your day to feel like the Telluride postcards, pick July through early October and call it. Everything else works, but those are the months that deliver the way you’re picturing it.

Summer Elopements in Telluride (July – August)

Summer is the peak window in Telluride and my favorite time for elopements out here. The Jeep trails are clear, wildflowers are doing their thing, and the early sunrise light at altitude does something to photos that’s hard to replicate any other time of year. I’ve set my alarm for 3am more times than I can count for a Telluride summer shoot and I’d do it again every time.

• Pro Tip: One thing to keep in mind: Telluride hosts major festivals throughout summer. Plan around these if you want lower lodging costs and fewer crowds, or embrace them if you want that energy. Either way, book accommodations early for summer dates.

Fall Elopements in Telluride (September – October)

September is the most popular time for Telluride elopements. The aspen groves turn brilliant gold, usually peaking between mid-September and early October. I know exactly which groves catch the best light and which ones turn first based on elevation and aspect, and that’s knowledge that only comes from living here and chasing it year after year. The mornings are crisp, the afternoons warm, and you’ll have trails mostly to yourselves on weekdays.

• Pro Tip: For a standout fall drive, head over the Last Dollar Road, which connects Telluride and the Dallas Divide. The aspens line the valleys and the alpine lakes reflect the color. It’s the kind of drive that makes you pull over every five minutes!

Read more about fall elopements.

Winter Elopements in Telluride (November – March)

Winter in Telluride is a snow globe. The peaks are covered, the ski season is in full swing, and there’s plenty of adventure to build a day around. Winter elopements work best in town and at lower elevations since all the high passes are closed. If you want a snowy mountain vibe, stick to accessible spots near town or plan for snowshoeing.

• Pro Tip: Heliskiing in nearby Silverton is also an option for couples who want something bigger and more adventurous.

Spring Elopements in Telluride (April – June)

Spring is the trickiest season to plan around. This is the local rest period after a long ski season, and a lot of vendors and restaurants take time off. Your best bet is to wait for summer, or plan carefully with someone who knows which vendors are still operating. June brings wildflowers and green meadows, but expect afternoon thunderstorms and some trails that are still muddy or snow-covered.

Telluride Elopement Season Comparison

How Do You Get Married in Telluride?

To get married in Telluride, apply for a marriage license at the San Miguel County Clerk & Recorder at 305 W Colorado Ave, Monday through Thursday from 7:30am to 5:00pm. The fee is $30 cash or check. Both partners must appear with valid ID. Colorado allows self-solemnization, so no officiant or witnesses are required.

Marriage License Details

• Address. San Miguel County Clerk & Recorder, 305 W Colorado Ave, Telluride, CO.
• Hours. Monday through Thursday, 7:30am to 5:00pm. Walk-ins only. No appointments.
• Fee. $30, payable by cash or check only.
• ID requirement. Both partners must appear in person with valid ID.
• License window. Valid for 35 days from issue date. Must be returned within 63 days after the ceremony.
• Residency. No Colorado residency required.

Call ahead during peak summer season to confirm hours. The office is small and doesn’t schedule appointments.

Where Should You Stay for Your Telluride Elopement?

The best places to stay for a Telluride elopement include The Peaks Resort and Madeline Hotel for luxury, The Hotel Telluride and Camel’s Garden for downtown boutique, Mountain Village Airbnbs for space and gondola access, and Alta Lake Observatory for a one-of-a-kind off-grid experience. Downtown is walkable; Mountain Village offers more space with gondola access to town until midnight.

The main decision is simple: downtown Telluride puts you walking distance from everything. Mountain Village gives you more space and slopeside access with a free gondola connecting the two until midnight. Neither is wrong — it just depends on how you want your day to feel.

Luxury / Full Resort: Best for All-In Amenities

• The Peaks Resort and Spa: Ski-in/ski-out access in Mountain Village with a full spa, pools, and every amenity you could want. The most all-inclusive resort experience in the Telluride area. If you want to go full send on lodging, this is the call.
• Madeline Hotel and Residences:  Also in Mountain Village, recently earned a five-star Forbes Travel Guide rating. Heated outdoor pool, hot tubs, alpine-inspired spa, and panoramic views of the backside of Sneffels. One of the nicest properties in the range.

PRO TIP: Both The Peaks and Madeline are Mountain Village properties. You get gondola access to downtown Telluride but you’re not walking out your front door onto Colorado Ave.

Boutique / Downtown Telluride: Best for Walkable Charm

• The Hotel Telluride: Downtown boutique hotel with personalized service, pet-friendly rooms, and a 9.4 rating on Expedia. Consistently well-reviewed for walkability and mountain charm. One of the best all-around stays in town.
• Camel’s Garden Hotel:  Right next to the free gondola with an outdoor hot tub, fireplaces, private balconies, and on-site equipment rentals. One of the best-positioned properties in Telluride for an elopement day.
• Hotel Columbia:  Doubles, suites, and penthouses with a clean, elegant feel near the gondola. Best rooms have private terraces and whirlpool tubs. Great option if you want something upscale without full resort pricing.
• Dunton Town House: A heritage B&B with serious character and interiors inspired by the town’s history. More intimate than the big resorts. Good pick for couples who want character over amenities.

Any of these four works. Pick based on whether you want a hot tub after a 6-mile hike (Camel’s Garden) or a quieter, more design-forward stay (Dunton).

Mountain Village: Best for Space and Gondola Access

• Mountain Village Airbnbs:  Tons of rental options at various price points with a direct gondola line to downtown Telluride. The gondola runs 6:30am to midnight so you’re genuinely connected to town. Great for couples who want more space and kitchen access without paying downtown prices.
• Fairmont Heritage Place / Element 52:  Higher-end multi-bedroom residences in Mountain Village with full kitchens, large terraces, spa access, and pool. Best for groups or couples staying multiple nights who want a home base with real space.

Off-Grid / Unique: Best for a One-of-a-Kind Experience

• Alta Lake Observatory: Private cabin at 11,000 feet with its own lake and canoe. Book via VRBO. One of the most unique lodging-plus-venue experiences in Telluride and one I recommend constantly to couples who want something nobody else is doing.

Budget / Practical: Best for Cost-Conscious Couples

• The Victorian Inn: The Victorian Inn sits right on West Pacific Avenue, a two-minute walk from the gondola base station and close enough to the San Miguel County Clerk that you could grab your license on foot. No frills, but the location means you’re not burning time or money on shuttles to get anywhere.
• Ridgway: 40 minutes from Telluride, 20 minutes from Ouray, 45 minutes from Silverton. The most affordable base camp in the region. You’re not in town, but you’re central to the entire Telluride range. I actually rent my own home in Ridgway to couples during summer months.

How Do Couples Get to Telluride for Their Elopements?

Telluride is remote but reachable. Most couples fly into Montrose Regional Airport (65 miles, 1.5 hours away). Telluride Regional Airport is in town but flights are limited and expensive. Driving from Denver takes about 6.5 hours and includes the Million Dollar Highway between Ouray and Silverton. The remoteness keeps crowds low.

Airport Options

• Montrose Regional Airport (MTJ). 65 miles and about 1.5 hours from Telluride. Easier flights, better pricing, easy rental cars. Most couples fly here.
• Telluride Regional Airport (TEX). Literally in town. Expensive and flight-limited. Worth it if budget isn’t a concern.
• Denver International (DEN). 6.5-hour drive through the Million Dollar Highway. Gorgeous but long. Sketchy in snow.

The remoteness is a feature, not a bug. Telluride doesn’t get the same crowds as Breckenridge or Vail. You won’t find yourself fighting for parking at trailheads or sharing a ceremony spot with tour groups. The town has stayed relatively small and maintains that authentic mountain vibe.

What Are the Best Telluride Elopement Activities?

The best Telluride elopement activities include chasing fall colors on last dollar road, riding the free gondola, climbing the via ferrata, rooftop beers after the ceremony, chasing waterfalls, and wandering downtown in wedding clothes. Most couples build one or two of these into their day before or after vows.

Here’s the thing about a Telluride elopement day: the ceremony itself is maybe fifteen minutes. What you do before and after is what makes the whole thing feel like a real experience instead of just a photo shoot. Build in the stuff you’d actually want to do on any other adventure day together.

When Do Mountain Passes Close in Telluride?

High-elevation Telluride passes close because snowpack makes them impassable. Imogene Pass (13,114 feet) and Black Bear Pass (12,840 feet) typically close around November 1 and don’t reopen until late June or July. Passes also close mid-season from mudslides, rockfall, and vehicle incidents. Always check the San Miguel County road conditions page before your elopement date.

Primary Causes of Pass Closures

• Snowpack. Both Imogene and Black Bear close November 1 and reopen late June or July depending on snowmelt.
• Mudslides and rockfall. In August 2024, heavy rainfall closed both passes mid-season. Black Bear stayed closed the rest of the year.
• Vehicle incidents. Rollovers or breakdowns on narrow switchbacks shut the entire pass down until crews can clear the scene.

This matters for elopement planning because you cannot count on pass access even in summer. Always have a backup location plan. I keep multiple options ready for every elopement because weather, closures, and road conditions shift fast in Telluride. Knowing how to pivot when things change — that’s what local knowledge gets you for a Telluride elopement.

Check current pass status on the San Miguel County Sheriff Facebook page or the county road conditions page before your elopement date. Don’t rely on outdated trip reports or assume passes are open just because it’s August.

What’s Included in My Telluride Elopement Photography and Planning Packages?

• Starting at $4,700 with payment plans available – Check out my pricing guide!
• Local, adaptive expertise: I know when ski gondolas are accessible, how to navigate remote jeep or hiking routes—elements like weather-aware planning and terrain expertise set me apart
• Full day coverage: Your day doesn’t stop at the vows. We’ll hike to waterfalls, share beers at a local brewery, jeep up rugged passes, or watch the stars over Sneffels—your Telluride elopement is a whole experience, not a two-hour photo op.
• Telluride Elopement Guides & Resources: Every Telluride elopement I do is fully customized to you. I offer unlimited consultations, share scouted locations, create a personalized timeline, and provide packing lists and vendor recommendations. After hundreds of Telluride elopements, I know when the gondola’s open, which alpine lakes glow at sunrise, and how to dodge the tourist traps. I’ll create a timeline, pack list, and maps so you can just show up and soak it in.
• Online Photo Gallery: You receive fully edited, full-resolution photos with a sharable link and unlimited downloads.
• Telluride Maps & Permit Information: From permits to vendors, I’ve got the hookups. You’ll get consultations, planning calls, and access to my “Telluride Rolodex” of trusted, adventure-friendly vendors.
• Next Day Teasers: You’ll relive the magic fast with sneak peeks in your inbox the very next day. And when it’s all said and done, you’ll have a custom leather photo album to hold in your hands, not just scroll through on your phone.
• Photo Album: Ready to get your dope images all printed and ready to show off in a beautiful leather book? I got you covered! I offer custom made albums for your Telluride wedding.

---

---

Telluride Elopement FAQ

Real Telluride Elopement Galleries: See What Your Day Could Look Like!

Ready to take the next step in your Telluride elopement? Take a look at these insane galleries for inspiration into what your special day could look like at Telluride!