The Best Places To Elope In Colorado
You’ve started planning your Colorado elopement, and it’s time to pick an epic location! Colorado is home to a variety of landscapes. From high alpine lakes to mountain views, forests, and deserts — the best places to elope in Colorado are full of natural beauty. We know that choosing an elopement location in Colorado is not an easy task because the options are endless. So that’s where we come in! Hugo and I are lucky enough to call Colorado our home. We’ve spent so much time exploring here over the years and have stumbled upon a lot of the hidden gems this state has to offer. I want to share them with you! If you need help choosing that perfect spot, contact us, and let us help you narrow down the perfect spot!
Best Places To Elope In Colorado In The Mountains
Rocky Mountain National Park
Rocky Mountain has to be one of our favorite locations for elopements! Although they have only 12 designated locations where you can legally have your ceremony, the park offers an array of picture-worthy options. Some of our favorite spots are alpine lakes. In Summer and Fall, Dream Lake and Lake Haiyaha are beautiful!
Another great location is Trail Ridge Road — a high mountain pass that offers 360-degree views of the Rocky Mountains (and Wyoming on a clear day). Although you can’t get married on Trail Ridge Road – It’s totally worth the daring drive. Imagine being 12,183 feet high with the love of your life on your elopement day!
Permit Required: Yes. The cost of a commercial use permit for elopements, weddings, and vow exchanges is $300. A single session permit is only needed if you’re doing a portrait session. Both can be applied for online.
Best Time To Visit: Year-Round
Lake Isabelle
The hike to Lake Isabelle starts by Brainard Lake. It’s an 8.6-mile trail rated as moderate. This hike features 3 lakes: Brainard Lake, Long Lake, and Lake Isabelle. If you and your partner are up for a longer hike, Isabelle Glacier is just down the trail from Lake Isabelle. Although the hike is rated as moderate, we would say it’s more on the easy side! Couples have also agreed after they’ve eloped here with us!
Permit Required: It depends. Make sure you contact the Boulder Ranger District before any elopement takes place at this location.
Best Times To Visit June – October. You can snowshoe to this trail in Winter, but you do add the mileage from the road closure to Brainard Lake.
Brainard Lake Recreation Area
Brainard Lake is a super accessible area that can accommodate guests with wheelchairs and other accessibility needs. A parking lot is conveniently located right next to Brainard Lake, so it can get very busy at times. The lake is a gorgeous spot for Fall colors and Summer sunsets.
Permit Required: It depends. Make sure you contact the correct Forest Service District for more information.
Best Times To Visit: June – Mid-October. You can hike down the road from the Winter lot when the main road is closed.
Silver Dollar Lake
Silver Dollar Lake is a moderate 4.1-mile trail that features three lakes and amazing, high alpine scenery. It’s also another dog-friendly location on my list of best places to elope in Colorado. So, you and your partner can bring your furry friends along for your elopement! If you’re not used to high altitudes, it may be worth noting that this hike starts at over 11,000ft. Silver Dollar Lake is at 11,950ft once you reach the top. While it’s an amazing place suitable for any adventure elopement, make sure you’re acclimatized first!
Permit Required: It depends. You can find more info by contacting the forest service office for more details.
Best Time To Visit: May – October
St. Mary’s Glacier
Located near Idaho Springs, this trail is a 1.5-mile out-and-back trail that passes by a beautiful alpine lake! If you choose to hike up to the glacier, you’ll see incredible views of the Rocky Mountains.
Permit Required: Yes. $5 parking permit paid on-site (bring cash & a pen)!
Best Time To Visit: Year-round. You may need snowshoes in the Winter months and spikes in Spring.
Mount Evans
The road up to Mount Evans is the highest paved road in North America! Mount Evans is a famous Colorado 14er with amazing 360-degree views. Since the highway reaches the summit of 14,130ft, no hike is required for the epic views!
Permit Required Yes. The Mount Evans Highway (Colorado Hwy. 5, from Echo Lake to the summit) requires timed-entry reservations during Summer. Visit recreation.gov for more information! Additional permits may be needed depending on the ceremony site. You can read more here.
Best Time To Visit: June – September. The road up to Mount Evans closes in Fall due to snowfall.
Crested Butte
Crested Butte is a cute mountain town with so many location options for your elopement. While Mount Crested Butte has great views, we love capturing the beauty of the wildflowers in Summer here. If you’re looking to experience Colorado wildflowers, this is the place. Each year Crested Butte hosts a wildflower festival in July which is right at peak wildflower season!
Permit Required: It depends on the location. Make sure you contact local authorities for the location you choose to elope in.
Best Time To Visit: Year-Round
Independence Pass
Midway between Aspen and Twin Lakes, this is another great highway pass elopement location. At 12,905ft, it’s 32 miles long with scenic views of aspen trees, mountains, rivers, and valleys. There are many hiking trails to pull off at along this pass, as well as camping spots and a ghost town!
Permit Required: It depends. Make sure you contact local authorities for the location you choose to elope in.
Best Time To Visit: May – October
San Sophia Overlook
Ride the Gondola up to this epic spot that overlooks Telluride and Wilson Peak!
Near the top of Lift 7, this beautiful mountain-top outdoor elopement and intimate wedding site are surrounded by evergreens and endless views. The ceremony location offers a wooden deck for wedding parties and a grass amphitheater that can accommodate seating for up to 200 guests.
Permit Required: Yes. For a quote, availability, and any further pricing information, contact: TSG Events Coordinator at 970-728-7447 or weddings@tellurideskiresort.com.
Best Times To Visit: Year-Round
Maroon Bells
If you haven’t heard about Maroon Bells, do yourself a favor and google it! This spot is a seriously amazing elopement spot nestled in Aspen. It’s the most photographed mountain spot in North America, so it can get very crowded during peak times. We recommend eloping on a weekday, so your elopement ceremony in the glacial Maroon Creek Valley is intimate!
Permit Required: Yes. You can reserve a slot on recreation.gov. As a heads up, it’s very hard to get a wedding permit here due to popularity, so planning an elopement date for a weekday well in advance will ensure you secure a spot!
Best Time To Visit: June – October. You can snowmobile your way there during Winter months!
Loveland Pass
This high mountain pass is 11,990ft above sea level, accessible year round, and offers views of the Continental Divide. We wrote a whole guide on eloping at Loveland Pass, which you can read here.
Permit Required: It depends. Call the Clear Creek Ranger Office for more information. Be sure to tell them what you will be doing, how many people will be present (including vendors), how long it will take, and if you are bringing “props” like chairs, florals, etc…
Best Times To Visit: Year-Round. Weather conditions can be unpredictable at times at Loveland Pass, especially in Winter, so always check the weather beforehand.
San Juan Mountain Range
The San Juan is high on our list of favorite mountain ranges in Colorado! Located in southwestern Colorado, the San Juan Mountain range runs through popular mountain towns like Ouray and Telluride. There are endless ceremony location possibilities in San Juan, like Red Mountain Pass, Bridal Veil Falls, and more!
Permit Required: It depends on the location. You can learn more here!
Best Times To Visit: Year-Round
Twin Lakes
Twin Lakes is one of the coolest hikes in Colorado. You and your partner can hike along the first lake amongst an evergreen and aspen forest. After a few miles, you’ll stumble upon a second lake that has breathtaking mountain views. Both lakes have perfect “Colorado beach” areas, great for picnics. Couples can also kayak or paddleboard to add some more adventure to this elopement location!
Permit Required: No permit is required as long as the elopement is limited to the couple, elopement photographer & elopement videographer.
Best Time To Visit: Year-round
Turquoise Lake
Turquoise Lake is another beautiful spot on my list of best places to elope in Colorado near Leadville. It features a fresh glacial that was once home to large Turquoise deposits and Turquoise mining. The lake is surrounded by amazing mountain views, great campsites, and endless recreational activities.
Permit Required: None if the ceremony is under ten people.
Best Time To Visit: Year-Round
Best Places To Elope In Colorado Near Denver
Lost Gulch
Lost Gulch is an amazing overlook and is easily accessible via a nearby parking lot. It’s also dog friendly! Although elopements and intimate wedding ceremonies aren’t technically allowed here, Lost Gulch can be used as a portrait location. Sunsets here are breathtaking, with sweeping, stunning panoramic views.
Permit Required: Yes. A special event permit may be required. The photography permit is $50 for a single-use session, and you can apply for it online. You can find
info here!
Best Time To Visit: Year-Round
Chautauqua Park
Featuring the famous Flatirons of Boulder — Chautauqua Park is a great accessible ceremony site that’s beautiful in Summer. This location is also dog-friendly and offers 15 connecting hiking trails. I recommend eloping here on a weekday, as it can get VERY crowded on weekends, especially in Summer. I love this spot because it’s perfect for a hiking elopement with your dog!
Permit Required: Yes. Couples can elope on the trails at Chautauqua without guests. as long as their photographer has a Boulder OSMP Commercial Use Permit. Elopements and intimate weddings that include guests must also pay to reserve a ceremony site. Costs vary depending on the site. You can learn more here.
Best Time To Visit: Year-Round
Paint Mines Interpretive Park
If you’re looking for one of Colorado’s most unique elopement places, look no further! Paint Mines is comprised of colorful clays that create an artful and natural landscape unlike any other. You and your partner will feel like you’re on another planet when you visit here!
Permit Required: Yes. There is a $100 Special Facility Use Permit for Commercial Photography. However, wedding ceremonies are not allowed here as of 2021. Only wedding and elopement photos are allowed. Click here to learn more.
Best Time To Visit: Year-Round
Mount Falcon West
Mount Falcon West is a hiking loop located in Indian Hills, just 40 minutes from Denver! The trail is 3.6 miles long with just under 700 ft of elevation gain. This moderately challenging route offers views of Denver and surrounding mountain peaks.
Permit Required: Yes. You can visit the Jefferson County website for more details!
Best Times To Visit: Year-Round. This location can get very muddy in Late Winter and Spring and sometimes closes due to trail conditions.
Lookout Mountain
This is the perfect spot for couples staying in Denver! Lookout Mountain is a short commute and features one of the best views of Denver and the Rocky Mountains. It’s also the city of Golden’s highest peak, with hiking and biking trails to the top. You can also drive to the peak!
Permit Required: Yes. Permits may be obtained online here.
Best Times To Visit: Year-Round
Horsetooth Reservoir
If you are into big lakes with awesome views, Horsetooth Reservoir may be the best location for you. Located near Fort Collins, you and your partner can enjoy activities like kayaking, paddle boarding, and other water sports! It’s a great Summer location if you’re looking to combine activities with your elopement experience. It’s also beautiful year-round and easily accessible.
Permit Required: Yes. Permits may be obtained online here. Daily car passes also cost $9.
Best Times To Visit: Year-Round
Red Rocks Park In Denver
Roxborough State Park
If you want epic red rock structures without high crowd levels that come with places like Red Rocks Park & Amphitheater, this is the place! While it can get crowded in summer, Roxborough State Park has two designated areas for elopements and weddings that are intimate and private! Both sites offer incredible red rock views.
Permit Required: Yes. Photography permits are required and cost $30. The permit process to elope at a designated site like Fountain Valley Overlook and Lyons Overlook, can be started here. The cost depends on location and day of the week. A parking pass of $10 per car must also be purchased. If you’d like to elope anywhere else in the park, you must obtain a Special Activity Permit 90 days before your desired date. More information about how to start this process may be found here.
Best Times To Visit: Year-Round
Garden of The Gods
If you and your partner are looking to elope in Colorado Springs, look no further than Garden of the Gods! It’s another unique and popular location on my list of best places to elope in Colorado. We highly recommend eloping here on a weekday because it can get crowded, especially in the Summer months. Incredible red rock formations have created structures such as Balanced Rock, Three Graces, Siamese Twins, and more! You’ll also have a view of Pikes Peak!
Permit Required: No.
Best Time To Visit: Year-Round
Golden Gate Canyon State Park
Hugo and I actually had a small, intimate wedding celebration here! After eloping, we decided to have a nice BBQ-style get-together at Golden Gate Canyon State Park! We hiked to a cute overlook at Sunset to read our vows. It was really private and intimate, with epic views of Colorado’s beautiful mountainous, red rock landscape.
Permit Required: Yes. Golden Gate has two designated spots for elopements or small weddings: Red Barn Picnic Area and Panorama Point. Here is a list of permit costs and here is the link to reserve your desired ceremony area!
Best Times To Visit: May – October
Other Epic Colorado Elopement Spots
The locations mentioned above are some of the most popular spots to elope here in Colorado. Colorado truly has something for everyone. Although we could write a book full of all the best places to elope in Colorado, we decided to come up with a more convenient and efficient way to share our favorite places with couples instead. We’re excited to offer location scouting for couples that hire us to adventure and capture their dream elopement day. We will find beautiful, off-the-beaten-path locations that are suitable for whatever elopement you envision. Contact us here to get started on your dream day today!
Planning Tips For Your Colorado Elopement Location Search
When To Elope
It’s very important that you consider the time of the year, time of the week, and time of day when planning your Colorado Elopement. Some locations are not accessible year-round and some popular locations can become very crowded on weekends. Depending on the type of scenery you are looking for, what season you want to elope in, and if you want a Sunrise or Sunset elopement, you may be restricted on what locations will work.
Check out our weather planning guide to learn more about when to elope in Colorado!
Guests
Not all locations in Colorado can accommodate guests unless the location has a reservation system in place. If your celebration includes less than 10 people total, including vendors (photographer, videographer, officiant, etc…) accommodation shouldn’t be a problem.
If you are looking to have more than 10 people present at your celebration, we highly recommend you look into small wedding venues that can accommodate the number of guests you plan to have.
Leave No Trace
When you choose to elope outdoors, it is so so important that you follow Leave No Trace principles on your special day. We want to leave locations better than we found them and that is a small price to pay for a practically free venue. Leave no trace means:
- Plan ahead and prepare.
- Travel and camp on durable surfaces.
- Dispose of waste properly.
- Leave what you find.
- Minimize campfire impacts.
- Respect wildlife.
- Be considerate of other visitors.
You can learn more at LNT.ORG
Permits
Most Colorado locations, whether on National Forest, public, or state land, may require a commercial use permit. This is something that Hugo and I can help you navigate through! Commercial use permits can run anywhere from $0-300 and are usually required for elopements and intimate weddings.
Your vendors should also be aware of any permits that they may need as well, such as photography permits, filming permits, etc… Don’t let your day be ruined because you failed to obtain proper permits. Once you have decided on a place, day, and time, start working on your permit(s). It’ll make the planning process more stress-free down the line!
Colorado Marriage Laws
Colorado is a self-solemnization state which means you don’t need an officiant or witnesses to get married. You can get married anywhere in the state, and it only costs $30 to obtain your marriage license. Your dogs or kids can even sign the certificate as witnesses! To get your marriage license, visit any County Clerk’s office in Colorado near your elopement location, and bring your birth certificate, social security number, a form of payment, and two valid forms of government-issued identification.
Need Help Looking For The Perfect Location & Epic Photos/Video To Remember It?
We’re Laura + Hugo, a Colorado elopement photographer and elopement videographer team at Together We Roam. We help couples find the perfect place to elope in Colorado while also documenting the entire experience with photos and video. Hugo and I love spending most of our time outdoors and casually discovering some of the best spots to elope in Colorado. We help our roaming buddies find the perfect elopement location that is unique to them. Let us help you plan and document your ultimate adventure! Check out our pricing and contact us now to get started.
Impressive! Thanks for the post.
King regards,
Harrell Cannon