How To Plan Your Ouray Elopement 

You’ll know if Ouray is for you if you are looking for Swiss Alps vibes without leaving the country. Ouray is one of the few awesome mountain towns that fall within the  San Juan Mountains of Colorado, and it’s literally nicknamed the “Switzerland of America” because of the resemblance to the Swiss Alps!

After helping 100+ couples plan and photograph their elopements in Colorado, we can confidently say that Ouray is a location for couples that are looking for epic views without having to really rough it by hiking up a mountain. In this guide we will cover everything you need to know about eloping here and if it’s the right fit for you.

Who Should (and Shouldn’t) Elope in Ouray

You might find some of the most epic views in the state within Ouray but that doesn’t mean it’s for everyone! There are tons of locations in Colorado to choose from and Ouray is just one of them. Here are a few reasons why you would or wouldn’t pick Ouray for your elopement:

Ouray is for you if you:

• Prefer small mountain towns over busy, touristy mountain towns
• Want to find more secluded options for your elopement
• Want to add adventure to your day without having to hike much
• Want to elope between mid June through late October

Skip Ouray if you:

• Love to have access to a lot of restaurants, nightlife, and non-nature things to do
• Are scared of bumpy shelf-roads or high mountain roads 
• Prefer to stay closer to the Denver Airport
• Are looking to elope within November through late May

The Best Time Of Year To Elope In Ouray

In Colorado, elevation tends to dictate weather patterns more than actual seasons. Although Ouray can be scenic year round, we want to be real– the absolute best times to elope in Ouray are going to be the summertime and fall. The sweet spot for eloping in Ouray is typically mid-June through late October. 

During this time, most locations are accessible, the trails are open, and the landscape is at its absolute best. The town is full of life, the mountains are lush and green, and everything looks like it’s straight out of a postcard. You can reach most spots by off-roading, and you’re less likely to run into closures or weather-related issues. That said, some higher-elevation areas can still hold snow into early July so if you’re looking at a spot above 11,000 feet, be sure to have a plan B!

Since Ouray isn’t a ski resort town, it tends to slow down a lot in the winter. Unless you’re into ice climbing, snowshoeing, or backcountry skiing, it can feel pretty quiet. Many shops and restaurants either close for the season or have unpredictable hours, which doesn’t make it ideal for vacationing or celebrating.

Spring isn’t much better. The scenery is usually dry, gray, and still waking up from winter and not the lush, colorful backdrop you probably have seen online. Plus, the drive into Ouray (especially from Denver) can be a little sketchy in bad weather.

In our experience, winter and spring just aren’t the best seasons for eloping in Ouray. Summer and fall are usually just a more enjoyable time to visit! 

The Best Places For A Ouray Elopement

Ouray has an incredible amount of scenery, and tons of really epic places to exchange vows. While you can certainly hike to some cool places, most elopement locations here can be reached by driving (specifically off-roading). Some of the most stunning locations are going to be tucked away in rugged mountain roads that are beginner friendly or may require you to hire a driver, but it’s totally worth it! Below you will find a few awesome ideas of the types of locations you can find in Ouray (please note that most of these areas will be best for elopements from 2-10 people total):

Yankee Boy Basin

Yankee Boy Basin is one of the many roads that will require a 4×4 vehicle to drive up to some of the most beautiful, sweeping mountain views in Ouray. You’ll be obsessed with the mountain peaks, meadows and water features along the entire route. There are tons of pull off spots to exchange your vows. If you are not sure about driving up yourself, booking a private jeep tour  is highly recommended and an easy way to enjoy the scenery on the way up! 

Million Dollar Highway

The Million Dollar Highway is a stunning scenic drive that goes from Silverton to Telluride, with Ouray along the way. It’s a beautiful drive, with tons of places to stop and exchange your vows. You don’t need a 4×4 car to drive down this road but there are a few steep drop offs on the route! 

Ouray Perimeter Trail

Amongst the many options for hiking is the Ouray Perimeter Trail, a 5.6 mile loop that goes around the town, through mountains, waterfalls, and bridges. It’s a unique hike that gives you views of both the town and the mountains, with lots of amazing places to stop for an elopement ceremony! 

Ouray County Clerk

You can also elope in town at the Ouray County Clerk and head out to a mountain location for photos if you’re looking to have a mix of victorian style town vibes with mountains! There are no rules on how to elope here 🙂 This is also where you will be picking up your marriage license. 

Local, Less Known Spots

There are tons of other areas we aren’t going to list here because it will make this blog extra long. After spending a lot of time exploring these mountains, we can tell you there’s no shortage of breathtaking places to elope. One of the ways we support our couples during their elopement planning process is giving them an inside look at those locations.

If you’re looking to have more of a small wedding with 10-15+ guests, or a hybrid elopement style day, we recommend reserving a venue in Ouray that can accommodate them comfortably. 

Traveling to Ouray, Colorado

The easiest way to get to Ouray will be by flying into the Montrose Airport and booking a 4×4 car rental during your stay. Since the Montrose airport is a smaller airport and flights are more limited or more expensive, the most common way couples travel to Ouray is by flying into Denver International Airport or roadtripping there. If you decide to fly into Denver, know that the scenic drive to Ouray is about 6 hours so make sure to plan some fun stops on the way! 

How To Make It Legal

Getting married in Colorado legally is the easiest part of the process when planning your Ouray Elopement. You can pick up your marriage license at Ouray County Clerk the day of your elopement or plan ahead and pick it up a few days before. You only need $30, Identification, and both of you present to pick it up. Once you sign it at your preferred spot, you can mail it back or take it in person. Keep in mind that most county clerks have weekday hours, so plan your pick up accordingly. 

If you want to elope and skip the legal part of it, you can always perform a commitment ceremony and skip picking up a marriage license.

What To Do During Your Ouray Elopement

If you want to make your elopement feel like a meaningful experience vs. a quick ceremony we highly recommend adding activities to your day. Ouray has tons of unique options like off-roading up high elevation mountain passes, exploring hot springs, hiking to alpine lakes, or excursions like the Ouray Via Ferrata.

It’s so easy to get lost in the variety of scenery Ouray has to offer and we always encourage the couples we work with to add in something new or fun that feels like them. 

Adventures We’ve Helped Couples Plan In Ouray 

Ready To Start Planning Your Elopement In Ouray?

Have any questions about eloping in Ouray? Drop them below!