Telluride Elopement Guide & Packages

HOW, WHERE AND WHEN TO ELOPE IN TELLURIDE IN 2025

There are plenty of places worth visiting in Colorado, but Telluride and the San Juan Mountains are hard to beat! This area makes your adventure sensations jump off the chart! This state has some of the most scenic areas to explore in the world, but in this Telluride elopement guide, you’ll find one area that’s more special than the rest.

The San Juan Mountains have become a trendy spot for influencers and Telluride elopement photographers in recent years. However, I’ve been creating memories and crafting elopements here long before TikTok was a thing, so you’re in the right place. Photographing Telluride elopements is my specialty – it’s not just a job, it’s my summer playground and passion! I’m all about those rad couples who tie the knot in the San Juan Mountains. They bring an infectious energy and a zest for life that matches my vibe. If you’re looking for a unique and unforgettable elopement in Telluride, I’m your guy!

Whether you choose to self-solemnize or opt for a micro wedding, eloping in Telluride is an excellent decision due to its breathtaking beauty and abundance of epic options. From its history in the discovery of gold to its allure for outdoor enthusiasts, Telluride elopements are epic and full of fun activities!

Check out this guide with some of my favorite elopement spots from your Telluride elopement photographer!!

“My husband & I had multiple ideas of what we wanted for our Telluride elopement – wildflowers, water, greenery, and the area, but had no idea what exact spot would have all of those things. Within our first phone call, Sean was in. He shortly emailed ideas of specific places & the time of year when the landscape would be the most epic in what we were looking for. He made sure that each of his suggestions checked every box of our requests. He also was open to all our crazy adventure ideas, but knew enough about the area to give solid advice about what was feasible!”

– Maddy & Walker

5 INSIDER TIPS FOR YOUR TELLURIDE ELOPEMENT

1. The San Juan Mountains are known for their high-altitude peaks. Formed by the collision of two continental plates, these mountains boast a unique volcanic and jagged look. You can take advantage of the biggest and most remote peaks the area has to offer via hiking, rock climbing, off-roading, or even backpacking.
2. Telluride is home to one of the cutest courthouses in the area. You can even get married on the same day as your appointment! Make sure to register for your in-person appointment.
3. The Telluride Gondola is the only free gondola in the united states and shows off some of the best views in the area. It also makes for some great wedding photos!
4. Telluride is notorious for monsoons from late June through July. Be sure to add some extra days to your trip to account for the weather. The area can see mudslides or flooding that might derail your itinerary, especially on the Million Dollar Highway. I’ve seen the entire road close down for a day or two in the past! Baking in an extra day gives you flexibility in case you need to shuffle things around.
5. The towns of Silverton, Ouray, and Telluride all look close on a map, only being separated by 16 miles in some places, but there is only one main road that connects each town, and it can take up to two hours to get from Silverton to Telluride.

“Once our Telluride elopement came & we met Sean, it felt like we were all old friends. He made us feel relaxed, joked with us, and we all cracked a beer at the end of the day. He captured the pure JOY we felt all day and the beauty of our surroundings so perfectly! We could not be more obsessed with every single one of our photos! We would recommend Sean a million times over! This dude is chill, professional, fun, relaxed, and the best stranger-become-friend to spend your special day with. Thank you for everything, Sean!”

– Jessica & Miles

WHAT’S INCLUDED IN MY TELLURIDE ELOPEMENT PACKAGES?

• Starting at $4,700 with payment plans available – Check out my pricing guide!
• FULL-DAY COVERAGE: Eloping in Telluride is so much more than a first look and a ceremony. We are going to explore those epic basins at sunrise while you share your vows near an iconic turquoise alpine lake. You can share the first dance near some wildflowers and cap it off with a fresh beer at a local brewery. My only requirement is? That you bask in every moment of your Telluride elopement!
• TELLURIDE ELOPEMENT GUIDES AND RESOURCES: When I say each Telluride elopement is totally customised to you, I mean it. Through unlimited consultations and planning assistance, I will share scouted locations, create a custom timeline, and share packing lists and preferred vendor recommendations. I have captured over 60 elopements in Telluride and explored this area in my free time as much as possible. You’ll be working with an expert!
• ONLINE PHOTO GALLERY: You receive fully edited, full-resolution photos with a sharable link and unlimited downloads.
• TELLURIDE MAPS AND PERMIT INFORMATION: I’ll handle the research so you’re well-prepared with all the necessary information.
• NEXT-DAY TEASERS: Who wants to show off the beautiful photos ASAP? You do! So you’ll receive next-day teasers to throw up on the gram for all your friends to see how cool you are.
• PHOTO ALBUMS: 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.

“We very can’t recommend Sean enough for your Telluride elopement! Not only were the resulting photos amazing, but the experiences preparing for the big day, hiking up and down the San Juan mountains, and getting married were all smooth and enjoyable thanks to Sean. We knew generally what we wanted out of our experience and Sean was incredibly helpful when discussing logistics and considering all of the relevant details (where to go, when we would need to get to the trailhead, what to bring, etc.”

– Arielle & Greg

WHAT ARE THE BEST TELLURIDE ELOPEMENT LOCATIONS?

Look, I’m not going to beat around the bush. Telluride elopements are every adventure junkie’s dream. This former mining area turned adventure hotspot attracts outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds. The peaks are massive, the lakes are turquoise, and you won’t find better off-roading or backpacking anywhere else. This area has it all!

So, how do you settle on one location in Telluride without feeling you’re missing out on something better? I’m here to match you with the perfect Telluride elopement location because it’s all about putting awesome couples in epic spots for their big day! Every couple is unique, so I personalize each elopement and craft your entire experience based on YOUR relationship!

This area has infinite options and is great for every type of couple! Keep reading below to check out my favorite Telluride elopement locations!

“The day of our Telluride elopement, it truly felt like we were with an old friend. Sean is so personable, kind, and easygoing. He did a FANTASTIC job of taking a ton of organic photos of us truly being in the moment and giving us suggestions of where to stand and different poses which are some of my top memories. On top of having literally the best wedding day we could have imagined, our photo album completely blew us away. His photos are a time capsule of our entire day from start to finish. There isn’t a single picture that doesn’t bring me so much joy.”

– Kenny & Mallory

• TELLURIDE JEEPING ELOPEMENTS

You can’t find better off roading elopements in the country than in the San Juan mountain range. Bold claim? I don’t think so. The roads are like stepping back in time to the gold mining days—bumpy, wild, and straight-up adventurous. Honestly, just getting there feels like part of the story you’ll tell for years. And let’s be real, what better way to kick off your wedding day than with a little adrenaline rush?

What’s rad about the San Juans is how diverse they are. One minute, you’re staring up at these massive black granite cliffs that feel like they go on forever, and the next, you’re surrounded by rolling green tundra and iron-red peaks that look like they’re straight out of Mars. Fun fact: This range was formed when a volcano collapsed and then was pushed back up and carved out by glaciers in the ice age!

You have to be cool with a bumpy ride up and be super flexible about the weather, but man, the photos you can get on this adventure are killer! And who doesn’t want epic views for their big day?

• PRO TIP: Hire a professional driver that is familiar with the area routes.
• MUST DO: Be sure to explore Black Bear Pass. Just don’t look down!

“Our memories from this day are so precious, and the pictures truly capture the beauty of our Telluride elopement. Our experience working with Sean was equally as incredible as the pictures he took. If you want a stress-free, laid-back, intimate, and incredibly fun elopement in Telluride, with amazing pictures to boot, you can’t go wrong with Vows and Peaks!”

– Jessika

• OURAY ELOPEMENTS

This tiny mountain gem is often called America’s Switzerland, and yeah, it totally lives up to the hype. Ouray elopements are an excellent choice if you want picturesque views, hot springs, great food, and nearby lodging for your guests. There are many epic places to hike to find the right place to get married. If you’re into ghost towns, there’s one nearby accessible by 4WD! Ouray elopements are super easy and practical for any couple and proves tons of opportunities for outdoor fun!

It’s also a great place to find because it’s central to the San Juan Skyway, which will take you across the four passes to Silverton, Durango, Cortez, and Telluride. This drive is one of the most amazing in the US, not that I am biased! Ouray elopements are also great for couples looking to hit the roads as the area is surrounded by a number of famous and beautiful alpine loops. Cap off your Ouray elopement at a local brewery or hot spring. You can thank me later!

• PRO TIP: The best nude hot springs in the area are Orvis. Do with that as you will!
• MUST DO: Don’t forget to explore the nearby Million Dollar Highway for sunset!

“When we first decided to elope in Telluride, we only had a brief idea of what we wanted. I found sean and reached out over a year in advance, organised everything so quickly and we’re in constant communication with each other. On the day of, despite the rain, we all had so many laughs. It made our day so so easy and special. Sean, we will never be able to thank you enough, and we recommend you to anyone looking for an adventurous, easygoing ceremony. You gave us the best day ever!

– Jess & Mike

• SILVERTON ELOPEMENTS

They say, “There’s gold in them their hills,” but what we can tell you for sure is that this little mining town has some of the most spectacular views of the surrounding area. The unique geography in Silverton means that you can get both vast wildflower fields and 9,300 feet soaring peaks in your photos. However, the elevation in this area is no joke and ain’t for the faint of heart. Keep in mind that Silverton is full of Type 3 fun!

Getting to Silverton is an adventure in itself; it’s a 24-mile scenic drive north of Durango. It’s a little more remote and rugged, and other than some gold mine tours, most of what there is to do in Silverton is to take advantage of the 8 different hiking trails and gorgeous lake basins. Tons of photo ops! This also might get my vote for the truest old-school mountain town.

• PRO TIP: Some of the best free dispersed camping in the area is right outside Silverton.
• MUST DO: Catch a scenic train ride on the Durango and Silverton scenic railroad.

“Looking for the most epic adventure in Telluride for your wedding day?! Look no further – Sean has got you covered! We were a huge ball of nerves thinking about where we wanted to go and what we wanted to do and then we found our magical elopement ninja! Sean make everything so seamless and even thought about things we never would have. Grateful is a huge understatement. I mean this dude straight up went diving for the perfect picture for us haha. I absolutely adored working with him. Hire Sean for your Telluride elopement – You won’t regret it.”

– Brittany

• BRIDAL VEIL FALLS ELOPEMENTS

A popular but really awesome spot to elope in Telluride is Bridal Veil Falls. It’s about a 2-mile hike, but not a rough one. With 365 continuous feet of waterfalls, you can imagine this place is a spectacular spot to get married. 

If you want to go to the top, it can be accessed by road, and a good 4WD or Jeep will do the job up the switchbacked roads. Once on top, the views are incredible, especially in the fall. Doing photos at the top for sunrise and then coming down to the falls is a great way to get the best of all worlds, photographically speaking! Also fun fact: Bridal Veil Falls is Colorado’s tallest waterfall!

• PRO TIP: Be sure to arrive early. Bridal Veil Falls is one of the most popular attractions in the Telluride area.
• MUST DO: Hike to the top of Bridal Veil from Telluride and get an awesome expansive view of Telluride from above.

“From the vendor suggestions to the timeline, to the feeling of just hanging out all day celebrating together, it was nothing short of a dream. He immediately made us feel comfortable on the day and by the end, we forgot we were being photographed. Sean knew of all of the gorgeous spots in Telluride to take breathtaking photos together while also giving us the space to allow us to enjoy our private vows and celebrate our marriage. We are in awe of our photos!”

– Amanda

• ALTA LAKE OBSERVATORY ELOPEMENTS

Why not combine your Telluride elopement with one of the coolest lodging experiences in the San Juan area? 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 Mountains 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!

• 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!

• SAN JUAN MOUNTAINS ALPINE LAKES

And let’s talk about those alpine lakes—serene, majestic, and oh-so Instagram-worthy. They’re not just for show, though. These lakes are the real deal, offering a playground for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike. Think canoe rides, gliding across the water in a paddle board, or simply taking a refreshing dip surrounded by towering mountains. Trust me, your wedding photos will be the envy of everyone who sees them!

PRO TIP: Cap off your elopement with a paddle-board session on an alpine lake!

• TELLURIDE SECRET SPOTS

The best part about hiring a local Telluride elopement photographer? I’ll show you some of my favorite, local, hidden spots that others can’t! Why settle for the ordinary when you can have the extraordinary? Let me whisk you away to secret spots nestled amidst these awe-inspiring mountains. Picture-perfect backdrops await, far from the tourist throngs, where you can truly feel the pulse of nature.

These mountains aren’t just scenery to me; they’re my playground. Each year, I rediscover their magic, and I can’t wait to share that epicness with you. I’m ready to share my secret spots with YOU!

• WATERFALLS NEAR TELLURIDE

Surprisingly, Colorado isn’t exactly famous for its waterfalls, but man, Telluride is totally the exception! This spot’s got more hidden gems than you’d expect. Ready to chase down some epic cascades? I’ll help you dive into the adventure of finding the most jaw-dropping waterfalls in the state. Not only is it a thrill, but it’s also the perfect chance to snag those breathtaking waterfall shots for your Telluride elopement! It’s gonna be an unforgettable journey, trust me!

WHAT ARE THE BEST MONTHS TO ELOPE IN TELLURIDE?

Choose from four seasons for your Telluride elopement, each offering its unique charm. If skiing and snow aren’t your thing, opt for summer or fall. Summer boasts scenic trails and blooming meadows in the San Juan mountains, while September and October showcase the aspen trees’ autumnal foliage along Telluride’s box canyon. Regardless of the season, your Telluride elopement promises unforgettable views of volcanic peaks and turquoise lakes.

Keep reading below for more tips on the best months to elope in the San Juan Mountains:

• SPRING ELOPEMENTS IN TELLURIDE

Spring can be tricky. This is generally the rest period for the locals as they recover from their busy snow season. You can have a hard time finding vendors and places to eat because the locals take their vacations seriously! Your best bet is to start your Telluride elopement is during summer months.

• SUMMER ELOPEMENTS IN TELLURIDE

You really can’t beat summer! The towns of Silverton, Ouray and Telluride are bustling every day, the wildflowers are going crazy, and the Jeep trails are clear of snow. The summer months of June through August are by far my favorite time to capture elopements out here. The crisp alpine air and early sunrise colors recapture my heart every summer!

• FALL ELOPEMENTS IN TELLURIDE

Fall in Telluride is truly something special. You’ll get your own personal slice of fall colors starting in September and ending in October. This time of year is incredibly popular for eloping in the Telluride area, with aspen trees surrounding Bridal Veil Falls lining the valley walls. The fall colors are breathtaking, making it an ideal time to capture elopements. For a magical fall drive, go from Silverton to Ouray, where valleys are ablaze with orange and yellow hues, and alpine lakes reflect the vibrant trees off the water. Sheer magic!

• WINTER ELOPEMENTS IN TELLURIDE

Telluride and Ouray in the winter are like a real-life snow globe. It’s full of adventure and the peaks are out of this world. There are plenty of things to do in December-April. You won’t be disappointed planning an elopement in places like Telluride all the way to Silverton! This is especially true for those big skiers who might want to do a heliskiing in Silverton!

HOW DO YOU GET MARRIED IN TELLURIDE?

Did you know that Telluride has the cutest county clerk’s office? Trust me, you won’t find a better place to officially get married than the historic San Miguel County courthouse right off the main street in downtown Telluride!

Here is the step-by-step process for how to get married in Telluride:

Other towns that you can officially tie into the area include Ouray, Silverton, Ridgeway, and Montrose.

IS IT BETTER TO ELOPE IN TELLURIDE AT SUNRISE OR SUNSET?

BEST LODGING FOR YOUR TELLURIDE ELOPEMENT

The quality of your Telluride elopement starts with some comfy accommodations. Fortunately, this area has a wide variety of accommodations for you! Ranging from camping under the stars to upscale lodging, you have it all!

I would recommend choosing your lodging based on your experience. Are you planning a solo elopement in Telluride? Or are you planning on making this a family elopement? There are plenty of accommodation choices in Telluride, Ouray, Silverton, and even Ridgeway. Pitch a tent under Mount Sneffels, find a cozy room in a historic hotel, or rent a yurt on the Uncompahgre River. No matter where you crash, you’ll be surrounded by the swiss alps of America!

Check out some of my favorite lodgings in the Telluride area:

• Beaumont Hotel – The Beaumont Hotel in Ouray has that old-school mountain town vibe mixed with modern luxury. You can cap off your Ouray elopement with a day at the on-site spa. This is the ultimate luxury stay in Ouray.
• The Wyman Hotel – The Wyman Hotel, right inside the town of Silverton, has the feel and amenities of a modern stay combined with that old Wild West feel. This is a charm and a great place to stay for your Silverton elopement!
• The Peaks Resort – If you are feeling extra boujee for your Telluride elopement, then there is no better place to call “home” than the Peaks Resort. This place has it all and can really elevate your elopement.
• The Imogene – This hotel is right inside downtown Ouray and brings luxury and views with its upscale rooftop bar. This is probably the nicest lodging in the Ouray area!
• Mountain Village – There are tons of Airbnb choices up in mountain village and it has a direct line to Telluride via the Gondola, which makes this spot not only beautiful but convenient as heck!
• Ridgeway – Looking to save some money and still be conveniently located in multiple areas? Check out, Ridgeway! This cute little town is 45 minutes from Telluride, 20 minutes from Ouray, and 45 minutes from Silverton.
• Bonnie Belle Cabin – Ready to get off-grid and soak in the views of the San Juans on your big day? Bonnie Bell Cabin is the perfect choice for couples looking for an adventure combined with lodging in the San Juans.

GETTING AROUND THE TELLURIDE FOR YOUR ELOPEMENT

If you’re traveling from outside of the state, then the best place to fly into would be Montrose or Telluride. Montrose will be less expensive and have more connecting flights, while Telluride will give you more views and a thrilling experience.

If you are traveling from Denver, you can drive the 6.5 hours to get to the Telluride area. You will know you are close to the San Juan mountains when you see Mount Sneffels in the distance.

Once you’re on concrete, you’ll want to look into renting a car for transportation to get around. I would highly recommend looking at four-wheel drive and lifted options when renting your car. This will give you the luxury to enjoy some of the nearby routes and mountain passes in the area. Once in town, you can walk or take the free gondola rides, but don’t miss out on the best way of enjoying the majestic San Juan mountains!

CAN I HAVE A MICRO WEDDING IN TELLURIDE?

Absolutely yes! Micro weddings are a great way to bring your families along for the ride. Choosing a venue that allows you to reserve a time slot ensures that your special day runs smoothly, without any unexpected surprises. Plus, there’s something inherently laid-back and relaxed about celebrating against the backdrop of majestic peaks and crisp mountain air. So kick back, sip on some craft brews, and let the breathtaking beauty of Telluride set the stage for your unforgettable celebration. Trust me, you won’t regret it!

MICRO WEDDING SPOTS IN TELLURIDE:

• Ouray Brewery – This three-story brewery in the heart of Ouray is the perfect place to hold your shindig. You will probably have to rent out the entire place but it will be so worth it after you cap off your big day with beers, burgers, and an awesome sunset on the rooftop.
• Telluride Sleighs and Wagons – One of my favorite spots in Telluride is a full-on experience that includes food, venue, and an epic view!
• The Observatory at Alta Lakes – Yes, I know Alta Lakes on this blog twice but this place is magical and a great place to host a micro wedding in Telluride! The venue can hold up to 45 guests for the micro wedding and up to 12 guests for overnight stays.
• AirBnB – The San Juan mountain area is littered with epic options that overlook some of the sickest peaks of Colorado. This is a super easy and convenient option if you want to have your ceremony and guests stay in the same place!”

PICK YOUR SAN JUAN MOUNTAINS ELOPEMENT EXPERIENCE!

You can pick your own adventure out in the San Juan mountains as there’s something for everyone. The most important thing is that your elopement is tailored to your vision for your day. It doesn’t matter if you are a hardcore backcountry hiker or just a nature enthusiast, I can help you find just the right place in the heart of the San Juan Mountains. Get in touch, and let’s do this!

Other things to do out in the San Juan mountains:

• Mine tours
• Box Canyon falls
• Explore the Million Dollar Highway
• Climb a San Juan 14er
• Off Roading

TELLURIDE ELOPEMENT PHOTOGRAPHERS

Howdy, I’m Sean, your Telluride elopement photographer! With over 350 couples under my belt, I’ve fine-tuned the art of crafting and capturing the perfect elopement in this slice of San Juan mountain paradise.

As a die-hard free spirit, I’ve made it my life’s mission to embrace the wild beauty of our world and forge connections with kindred souls along the way. Telluride stole my heart with its majestic peaks and untamed spirit, and I’m here to share that magic with you on your big day.

There’s nothing quite like the rush of excitement I feel each time I get to document a love story against the backdrop of these rugged peaks. It’s a privilege, an honor, and a whole lot of fun rolled into one unforgettable experience.

When I’m not behind the camera, you’ll likely find me out and about, exploring the great outdoors with my corgi Deebo by my side. Because let’s face it—life’s too short to stay cooped up indoors when adventure awaits just beyond your doorstep!

Get a breakdown of my Colorado elopement packages! And check out the best places to elope in Colorado!

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TELLURIDE ELOPEMENT GALLERY INSPIRATION

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!