How To Elope In Colorado : Planning, Places To Elope, Packages And More
Yes, you are going to LOVE Colorado for your elopement so here’s everything you need to know to start planning it. We cover everything from when to elope, the best places for your elopement, what to wear, activities and more!
What is an elopement?
It’s when you get married by Elvis…(haha not really). Now a day’s elopements are just tiny weddings that allow you to plan a day that is centered around the things that matter most to you!
They also allow for so much flexibility to add or remove any traditions that you want. For example in Colorado, you can choose to elope without an officiant or witnesses (yes it’s legal) in the mountains surrounded by epic scenery! Some couples choose to elope just them two, or they also include a few loved ones- it’s truly up to you.
Why Should You Elope In Colorado?
Because it’s cool AF… but really if you are looking to adventure on your elopement day, Colorado is the best place for that. Not only can you hike, drive, or off-road to breath-taking views, it’s super easy to get married here! You can also:
When Is The Best Time To Elope In Colorado?
I am biased because I am a SUMMER girl. Hugo says I should’ve been an island girl not a landlocked girl but here we are.
Choosing when to elope in Colorado is dependent on what you want on your elopement day. Each season brings a different experience, so here are our tips for choosing the best time to elope in Colorado as a pair that has lived here our entire lives.
Elope on a weekday
You will regret it if you don’t, we promise. If you don’t want like a bajillion guests (we’re being dramatic, but only a little bit) watching you get married, we highly recommend choosing a weekday for your elopement. Colorado weekends are super busy! We can’t blame the tourists – what better way to spend the weekend than outside in a beautiful place? We like Monday- Thursdays. Here are a few reasons why you should consider a weekday elopement:
- Weekdays in the mountains are less busy
- More vendors are available during the week, especially during busy seasons
- It is easier to make reservations at busy locations like restaurants or other experiences
- Less busy = a more intimate experience overall.
- You can elope at otherwise busy spots because everyone else is at work
Summertime In Colorado
Let’s talk about why this is the best time because everyone thinks they are going to melt away in the summertime but not in Colorado! The best warm weather months will be July through mid September. These are our FAVORITE because:
- More roads and trails are open which means more locations to choose from
- If you want BIG mountains, the weather is best at this time (60F-70F)
- Daylight will be longer during the summer months, making more room for a longer day of adventure ( no more winter sadness)
- You will have tons more options for activities outside your elopement day
- It will be GREEN and not crusty AF
- You can go off-road in the big mountains
- The lakes are not frozen
- You won’t freeze your limbs off
- I can keep going ….
Winter Elopements In Colorado
If you love snow, whether it be for skiing, throwing snowballs, or just freezing your *ss off- Colorado will be perfect for you! The best time for a winter elopement in Colorado will be December through April. If it is important for you to have more bearable weather for your winter elopement, March-May are the best months to find warmer temperatures but still find some snow in the mountains . Winter in Colorado can be unpredictable, so, make sure you’re prepared for inclement weather and plan your day accordingly. Things to look out for winter elopements are:
- Avalanche prone areas or areas that require snowshoes
- Road closures and proper vehicles
If you want to learn more about how you can plan a winter elopement, you can read our Winter Guide for all the tips and more!
Best Time To See Wildflowers or Fall Colors
We can’t tell you an exact date when peak times for wildflower and fall colors experiences will be because it changes each year! We do know that if you are looking for amazing mountain views and some colorful foliage, Colorado is the perfect location to get the best of both worlds.
Best time to catch fall colors: Mid September to Mid October. Our favorite places for fall foliage are Crested Butte, San Juan Mountains, Breckenridge
Best time to catch the wildflowers: Mid July. Our favorite places for wildflowers are Crested Butte and The San Juan Mountains
The Best Places To Elope In Colorado
One thing you need to know about Colorado is that it is a HUGE state and it can get overwhelming real quick. We can drive from the foothills in Denver all the way to the Southwest corner of Colorado and drive up to 7 hours passing by hundreds of epic locations. This is why you hire us- we spend all of our time exploring every crevice of this state. Think of us as your special filter that recommends the best places for you to elope. You’ll be able to find everything here: meadows, mountains, forests, lakes, rivers, desert, all of it.
Here are a few of our favorites, and the best places to elope in Colorado.
San Juan Mountains
Our home away from home! The San Juan Mountains have to be one of the most underrated locations to elope in Colorado. It is one of our favorite locations for a secluded, picturesque day full of adventure! There are tons of locations to elope here whether you want to hike, off-road, or simply pull off the side of a mountain pass. You will not go wrong if you choose to elope in The San Juan Mountains!
Rocky Mountain National Park
Of course, Rocky Mountain National Park has to be first on the list of best places to elope in Colorado. Eloping in RMNP is super popular. With ceremony spots that can accommodate guests and perfect backdrops to adventure in, it’s one of our favorite locations for elopements. The permit to elope at RMNP is $300 and they run out quickly – so if you are looking to elope here, make sure you secure your permit first!
Breckenridge
You’ve probably already come across Breckenridge when searching for Colorado elopement locations! Eloping in Breckenridge is a great option, as it’s accessible year round, and offers amazing mountain views. Whether you choose to elope at Sapphire point, Hoosier Pass or Lake Dillon – Breckenridge has an elopement location for everyone.
Crested Butte
Crested Butte is another underrated mountain town in Colorado! We think mainly because it is in the middle of the state as well, and nobody wants to drive 5 hours from the airport to get there. Surrounded by mountains and alpine lakes, Crested Butte can be the perfect elopement location, and a great place to spend your honeymoon.
Ouray
Ouray is your go to location if you are ready for an off-road adventure. You can skip the hike and get to the best spots without breaking a sweat! If this sounds like your vibe, then eloping in Ouray is the way to go.
Telluride
Okay, we know we keep saying that each place is our favorite, but the entire state is just so dang amazing! Telluride is a great location for your elopement if you plan on really adventuring. Think off-roading, backpacking, hiking! With the San Juan Mountains close by (which are home to some of Colorado’s best mountain peaks), eloping in Telluride is a no brainer!
Boulder
If you’re looking for an elopement location with close proximity to Denver, Boulder is one of our top picks! The city itself sits overlooking The Flatirons, providing the most incredible scenery. Boulder has many awesome ceremony spots that are both accessible and convenient. A few of our favorites are Chautauqua Park, Lost Gulch, and the Sunrise Amphitheater! There are tons of other “secret” locations that are more secluded, perfect for your Boulder Elopement!
Colorado Springs
While Colorado is best known for its mountains, there are also stunning red rock formations and desert landscapes! There’s a bit of everything in this state, and Colorado Springs is one of the best places to elope in Colorado. Colorado Springs is home to Garden of The Gods – a unique park with towering sandstone spires and rocky formations, with mountains in the backdrop.
Great Sand Dunes National Park
Imagine climbing 700 ft tall dunes of pure SAND? Did we mention they also have epic mountain views? Great Sand Dunes National Park makes you feel like you are in the Sahara desert. If you are looking for unique elopement experience in Colorado, check out how to elope at the Great Sand Dunes– You won’t regret it!
Aspen
Some of the most photographed mountains in the country live in Aspen! The Maroon Bells are gorgeous, with wine-colored peaks. And yes, you can get married here. There are other amazing locations around, like Crater Lake with a view of the Maroon Bells, or mountain passes where you can off-road to get the views
Leadville
Leadville is another location that made it into the underrated list. It is a small historic town located in the middle of the state with some of the most beautiful scenery. The best part is that it is only a short drive from Denver!
Buenavista
Next to Leadville, Buenavista offers the same small town vibes away from the crowds. We think it’s the perfect spot for an elopement and honeymoon wrapped in one.
How To Plan Your Colorado Elopement
Here are some planning tips, and things to keep in mind when you elope in Colorado:
01.
Decide On The Bigger Things First.
Planning an elopement is definitely easier than a big wedding shindig, but it still requires some planning. Making the bigger decisions first will help you narrow down the logistics. Think: Who will be present with you that day? What general areas will work for you? What kind of activities do you want included? Hiring help is never a bad idea. We can help you get the ball rolling! Eloping in Colorado is super simple when you know where to start. When you hire us, you get two personal elopement advisors. Contact us to get started!
02.
Pick Your Elopement Location + Lodging
Think about the overall experience you are trying to have with your partner. Are you hiking that day? Do you imagine an off the lot overlook with sweeping views and a picnic? Are you adventuring off-road to less traveled high alpine areas? Picking a location that fits all of your criteria is key to an unforgettable experience. A few things to also think about when choosing your location:
- Check if you need a permit to have an elopement ceremony
- Have a plan B just in case
- Make sure you Leave No Trace at all outdoor locations.
Lodging is also important to look into when picking an elopement location. Are you getting ready at this location? Is it a picture worthy spot? What is the lighting like? Can you have an intimate dinner there? What about the outside? Can it be used for a first look?
Part of our job as elopement photographers is to help you find the perfect location for your elopement! After you book with us, we send over a personalized planning guide and questionnaire to help you imagine the best day ever!
03.
Pick Your Vendors
We send our couples vendor recommendations, so you can have the best team to complete your day! Some vendors that you can hire include a videographer, florist, officiant, hair and makeup artist, and private chef. Some couples keep it simple, with just a photographer, so decide which vendors you’ll be looking into!
04.
Obtain Your Colorado Marriage License
You can get your marriage license and any of the state clerks and recording offices. Most offices are only open regular business hours Monday-Friday. You can receive your license the same day you apply for it, and here’s what you’ll need to bring:
- Proper Identification (State ID, Passport)
- $30
- Both you and your partner
In Colorado you don’t need an officiant or witnesses to solemnize your marriage. Once you pick up your marriage license, all you need to do is have you and your partner sign it! Your ceremony needs to take place in Colorado.
Most of our couples decide to only have an intimate vow reading as their ceremony, or they choose a close friend or family member to perform a personal “speech” for them before they self-somnize. Keep in mind that you cannot have a friend or family member solemnize your marriage if they are not ordained.
In Colorado, your dog can be your witness. Really! Colorado does not require witnesses on your marriage license, but there’s still a line for their signatures. So, your pup can stamp their paw print. It’s also open to other animal babies as well!
05.
Create The Perfect Timeline
After you pick your epic Colorado location, we help you create seamless timelines so that you can have a stress free and organized day. We like to go with the flow, but a timeline just helps everyone know what’s happening and keeps us on track. We’ll work with the lighting to plan your ceremony for the best time of day!
06.
Get Married!
This is it – time to tie the knot, with the adventurous wedding you’ve been dreaming about.
Planning Your Colorado Elopement Ceremony
A question we get a lot is, “What the heck do we do during a self solemnizing ceremony?” Getting married without an officiant is unique, and we know it can be hard to imagine! Most eloping couples read their private vows, exchange rings, and follow with a unity ceremony. Here are a few ideas that you can use when planning your elopement ceremony.
Plan a unity Ceremony
- Plant a Tree/Plant Together Ceremony
- Sand Ceremony
- Sage Smudging Ceremony
- Handfasting Ceremony
Checkout some unique ceremony ideas for you elopement.
Exchange Vows During Your Elopement Ceremony
Writing your own vows and reading them during your ceremony is meaningful! If you don’t have an officiant, you can just exchange vows, and make your promises to each other.
Here are a few tips for your elopement vows;
- Make them as long as you’d like, writing meaningful vows can be lengthy so your ceremony can last longer!
- Write your thoughts/feelings when you first met your partner (could be a funny anecdote)
- Write what/how you feel about your partner
- Write what those feelings mean to you today
- Tell them something you don’t say to them often, like something that you appreciate and want them to know it doesn’t go unnoticed.
- Reference relationship highlights
- Make your promises – I vow to…
What To Wear When You Elope In Colorado
our Colorado elopement is different from any traditional wedding – so what you wear will be different too! In higher elevations, the weather can change fast, even in the middle of summer. It’s important to be prepared for any season, and here are a few things to consider when you decide what to wear when you elope in Colorado.
- Wearing base layers if it’s cold – nudes close to your skin color are best!
- Wearing a flowy dress can help you keep cool
- Material is everything. Wearing lighter materials when it’s warm or thicker materials in the cold makes a difference
- Proper footwear is key to ensure a good time
- Carry extra layers to put on or peel off
- A wind or rain jacket is a must for high alpine elopements
- Bring a comfortable (and cute!) backpack to carry your gear
When it comes to finding your elopement attire, our favorite places are online! There are many online dress shops that offer a variety of styles. Most have great flexibility to try on the dresses in the comfort of your own home, and you can return them to find the perfect fit! Always check the shop’s policies for returns and exchanges.
Activities You Can Include On Your Day
The best thing about your elopement day is the potential for adventures! Colorado is a literal adult playground, and the activities you can include in your elopement day are endless. Here are just a few things you can do when you elope in Colorado:
- Paddle Boarding
- Kayaking
- Skiing
- Hiking
- Backpacking
- Sand boarding
- Climbing
- Off-Roading
- Taking a Scenic Drive
Tips For Your Colorado Elopement
Here are some tips for your adventure elopement! It’s a little different than a traditional wedding, especially if you tie the knot in the mountains.
Things To Know About Eloping In Colorado
- Altitude sickness – Denver itself sits a mile above sea level. Give yourself a day to acclimate to the elevation so that you don’t experience this!
- Permitting – Some elopement locations require a permit, while others don’t. Always double check with the county or ranger district before to make sure your elopement doesn’t get busted by park rangers!
- Traffic – If you are coming in or near the Denver area, beware of traffic! This can add up to 2 hours to your commute time. Be aware that heavy ski traffic off I-70 west is also a thing!
- Fire Bans – Colorado air is super dry, so there are usually some fire bans going on. If you decide to have a relaxing bonfire during your romantic mountain dinner, make sure you check for fire bans in that county!
- Sunscreen and Bug Spray – Colorado sun is very harsh, so wear sunscreen! Even in the winter, sunlight can reflect off the snow. When eloping outdoors, bring bug spray to keep yourself safe from pests!
Adventure Elopement Checklist
Being prepared will make or break your trip. Heres a list of things you should bring along whenever you’ll be eloping in the mountains!
- Location Permit (If required)
- Marriage License
- Vows
- Rings
- Snacks
- Water
- Tissue
- Backpack
- Light rain jacket
- Hand/body warmers
- Extra Socks
- Boots with tread ( preferably water resistant/proof)
- Warm layers just in case ( jackets, leggings, etc. )
- Headlamps
- Blanket
- Cute umbrella
Leave No Trace In Colorado
Colorado is beautiful – let’s keep it that way! Make sure your elopement follows the rules of LNT so we can keep it as environmentally friendly as possible. You can check out more information here.
Eloping With Family In Colorado?
Want to bring a few loved ones to your elopement? You can totally do that! There are a few things that you should consider when inviting guests:
- Most outdoor locations are only suitable for fewer than 10 people. That includes your vendors (photographers, officiant), guests, and the two of you.
- Reserving an outdoor location is the best option for elopements with a larger guest count. Most State Parks/National Parks have areas that are reservable for an outdoor ceremony!
- There are a few small wedding venues in Colorado suitable for small elopement weddings.
- Make sure your guests aren’t the reason you are limiting your adventure! If you’re dreaming of a hard hike or a certain view, you can invite guests to the ceremony in an accessible location, then head off to adventure on your own afterwards.
Sample Colorado Elopement Timeline
If you’re wondering how an elopement can last all day, here’s a sample timeline! You’d be surprised how time flies.
- 1:00 pm – Getting ready in cabin airbnb
- 2:00 – Meet in a secluded location outside the cabin for a first look!
- 3:30 – Drive to ceremony location
- 3:30 – Meet at alpine lake trail head + start hiking to ceremony spot
- 4:00 – Begin ceremony near beautiful alpine lake
- 4:30 – Congratulation hugs + toast with celebratory drink
- 5:00 – Family and friends portraits
- 5:00 – Hike to secluded spot to read vows
- 5:30 – Epic portraits at sunset
- 7:30 – Drive back to cabin
- 8:30-10:00 – Enjoy a private candlelit dinner with bonfire + s’mores !!
Real Colorado Elopement Galleries
Colorado Elopement Packages
With Together We Roam
Elopement Pricing Starts At : $5200
All 4+hour packages include:
- Breathtaking photos and video that tell the story of your day so that you can remember your elopement just they way it happened.
- Help finding the perfect location (and back up locations) for your elopement
- A custom list of other elopement vendors that service the area you will be eloping in.
- Virtual planning support from us through email, video recordings & zoom so that we can keep each other updated on your elopement
- Help putting together a realistic timeline that actually makes sense for the day, so we can get the best lighting for photos, and have enough time for activities.
- Sneak peek photos within 24 hours so that you can share online and with family!
- Friends (US LOL) that you can hang out with in Colorado when you come back to visit for your anniversary!
- Photo coverage by Laura or Hugo (or both if you hire us for photo and video)
- Online gallery delivery with high-resolution, unlimited photo downloads
- Photo sneak peeks within 24 hours
- Photo gallery delivery within 6 weeks
- Video delivery within 12 weeks
Also, there’s no travel fees within the state of Colorado.
Does This Sound Like What You’re Looking For? Check Out Our Colorado Elopement Packages!
FAQ. About Eloping In Colorado
No. You can self-solemnize in Colorado with just you and your partner present, and no officiant or witnesses are required.
Yes. If your friend or family member is ordained they can officiate your ceremony. You can also just self-solemnize and have your friend or family member perform a symbolic ceremony instead of a legal one!
Yes, self-solemnized marriages are legally recognized in every state even though self- solemnizing is only legally performed in some states.
Getting married in Colorado is legal within the U.S and you do not have to transfer your marriage license
Yes! We encourage you to get married in a location like that. Most national parks/forests do have fees, but none compared to a regular venue! Think from $0-500.
Yes! Colorado is one of the few states that lets you pick up your marriage license the same day. Make sure you check each clerk and recorder’s site to see if you need an appointment though, since many locations have different rules due to Covid-19. You do not need to be a Colorado resident to elope in Colorado.
It depends. Each location will have different requirements for permits. Hiring a professional elopement photographer or planner can help you navigate this.
Yes! However, we only offer this service for elopements under 12 people. If you are planning on eloping with more than 12 people, we highly advise that you have a reserved area or permitted areas that can accommodate your guests. We do have a few suggestions for small wedding venues that accommodate a higher guest count!
Ready to elope in Colorado? Fill out the form below and let’s make it happen!
Meet Your Colorado Elopement Photographers
Hey guys! We are Laura + Hugo Bertaud. We’re your elopement photographers and new friends!
We value experiences and simplicity, and we want to encourage confidence to couples who may be on the fence about doing something different. We truly believe that in the great outdoors you wholeheartedly become your true self, and that’s why we think it’s the best wedding venue anybody can have! Learn more about us here.
It is super important for us that we are a great fit. Fill out our contact form below so we can learn more about your awesome adventure! If you haven’t already, make sure you check out our pricing page to learn more about our Colorado elopement packages too.
OMG, what a thorough guide! Thanks so much for all the useful info!
All great information! Thanks for sharing. Also your photos are stunning!!
This is one of the most thorough guides on how to elope in Colorado that I’ve found. Seriously, a job well done!!
Wow! So well put together and informative for anyone who wants to elope in anywhere Colorado!
This guide is SO jam-packed with good information, I love it! Colorado has such a diverse amount of scenery, you literally couldn’t go wrong with anywhere in the state.
wow. Very thorough and Colorado is stunning!
Wow! This guide is so comprehensive! I’m inspired 🙂
I’m sold! Haha If I ever elope I’ll be in touch.
Colorado is such an incredible place for an elopement! I love all the info you shared and I’m dying to come explore the area soon!