18 Reasons Colorado Is The Best Place To Elope
With so many amazing places to choose from, why would you choose Colorado to elope? We are a tad bit biased because we are locals and have only lived here our entire lives, but we wrote up a list of very good reasons why eloping in Colorado best place to elope:
1. Easy access to the wilderness
The first thing you’ll have to note is how easily accessible it is to get to some of the most iconic places in nature. You’ll find beautiful mountain views within a 30 minute drive from the Denver Airport with a variety of accessibility levels.
Why it matters for an elopement: Whether you want to drive up, hike up, or off-road up there are options for every type of physical ability. This means anyone can find an epic spot to exchange vows
2. Dry climate
Colorado has a semi-arid climate meaning it’s pretty low humidity year-round unlike locations in the east coast or even the PNW.
Why it matters for an elopement: Since you are eloping outdoors, you won’t have to worry as much about rain storms because they come and go. Also, your hair won’t get frizzy, your makeup will stay in place, and your clothes won’t feel like they are sticking to your body. It’s also MUCH more comfortable hiking in this climate.
Pro tip: Lotion and chapstick will be your best friend
3. Highest concentration of tall peaks in the lower 48
Did you know that Colorado has over half of the fourteeners within the U.S.? There are 96 fourteeners in the U.S. and 53 reside in Colorado.
Why it matters for an elopement: Not only can you elope on top of one of these (which we will not be doing that with you, sorry lol) but with that many 14ers you can imagine the views we have throughout the state. Colorado has a great way of making you feel small and this contributes to it. We will hike with you to many other places for your elopement though. Places that have oxygen preferably.
4. Self Solemnization
Colorado is one of the few states that allow self- solemnization, meaning you do not require an officiant or witnesses to legally get married in Colorado.
Why this matters for an elopement: You don’t have to deal with hiring extra vendors and coordinating things with other people to be your witness. It allows you to have a more intimate “just us” experience without all the extra frills.
See how K & C self-solemnized next to a waterfall
Pro tip: If you want someone to “lead” your ceremony like a friend or family member, they can do so without signing the legal paperwork. It will be more of a personal touch for your ceremony vs. officiating.
5. Unique mountain peaks
Colorado has some of the most unique mountain peaks like Maroon Bells, Longs Peak, Mount Sneffels and one of our faves, Hallett Peak in Rocky Mountain National Park.
Why this matters for an elopement: You can get a unique experience eloping near or at these peaks! You can easily elope at Maroon Bells (one of the most iconic and photographed views in the state) or hike up to Dream Lake for an unmatched view of Hallett Peak.
6. Less crowded alternatives
Unlike other similar states, Colorado offers way more than just Rocky Mountain National Park. This means there is a huge span of locations you can elope at with less crowds because we all know National Parks are always busy.
Why this matters for an elopement: You can have a more intimate and secluded experience without other nature visitors watching.
Some of our favorites, less crowded areas are The San Juan Mountains, Leadville and Buenavista!
7. Ideal for destination elopements
Colorado has the Denver airport and many smaller airports within the state. DIA is a major airport offering direct flights to most of the U.S.
Why this matters for an elopement: Traveling here is easy and accessible
8. Elopement friendly culture
Elopements in Colorado are just part of the culture at this point. People will still freak out when they see you on the trail dressed in wedding clothes though (especially older people)
Why this matters for an elopement: You will be able to find elopement specialists (like us) for your elopement? Need a hair and makeup artist to hike up with you to fix your hair? That type of service exists here.
9. Year-round options
Colorado has things to do year-round even during shoulder season. We get all four seasons but they really are elevation based.
Why this matters for an elopement: You can visit Colorado anytime of the year and have an equally amazing experience.
10. Pets and children can sign as witnesses
We know this sounds crazy but it’s perfectly legal to have your pet or child sign your marriage license in Colorado. Since witnesses are not required to legalize a marriage this is a popular option. There are a few counties that no longer allow this though, and those are Denver, El Paso, Jefferson, and Arapahoe counties.
Why this matters for an elopement: This is such a unique and untraditional way you can include your fur babies or your actual babies.
See how Thor & Nova signed A & C’s marriage license
11. No waiting periods for legal paperwork
There’s tons of states that make you wait a few days or weeks to be able to receive your marriage license after you apply. In Colorado you can apply and receive your marriage license the same day. it’s only $30 and both of you need to be present with your legal identifications.
Why this matters for an elopement: This makes planning an elopement very easy and stress-free. You’re able to spend more time on fun planning things versus the legal paperwork and it makes it very easy to elope in a shorter timeline. We’ve helped couples plan their elopement within a two to three week timeline because of this.
12. Very dog-friendly
If you haven’t noticed already Colorado is very dog friendly. there’s tons of coffee shops and restaurants that allow your fur baby to hang out with you in their patio area and most outdoor areas and hikes allow dogs.
Why this matters for an elopement: If you bring your dog to sign your marriage license, you’ll have a great time the rest of your trip because you can bring your dog to most areas.
See how Lauren & Mack included their dog on their elopement day
13. 300 days of sunshine
This is our favorite part about living in Colorado! We love that even when it’s winter time the days are bright and sunny making it more enjoyable to be outside even when it’s cold. Summers are also very enjoyable because locations in high elevation areas (the mountains) are the perfect weather!
Why this matters for an elopement: The day won’t be gloomy and the chances of you having a beautiful sunset are going to be high.
14. Great place to honeymoon
Colorado is also a great place to honeymoon! there’s tons of bougie hotels and Airbnb’s in very scenic areas where you can have a relaxing but adventurous honeymoon.
Why this matters for an elopement: You can your elopement and have a Mini Moon as well while you’re here.
15. 420 Friendly
Although we don’t personally partake in this activity, a few of our couples have appreciated being able to include it in their elopement day.
Why this matters for an elopement: You can include it as part as your Unity ceremony after you read your vows for celebration.
16. Less bugs at high altitude
This is a random reason but I am not fond of bugs in the summer so we tend to spend a lot of time at high altitude for a more enjoyable time in the mountains.
Why this matters for an elopement: It only matters if you absolutely hate bugs lol
17. The snow here is dry
If you’re looking to have a winter elopement, the snow here is very dry and fluffy making it more enjoyable than other areas that are heavy and wet.
Why this matters for an elopement: It’s easier to walk in and it is so beautiful for photos!
See A & N snowshoeing in 3 ft of snow for their elopement
18. The weather is basically predictable
Colorado has pretty crazy weather sometimes, but it never lasts long. Typically the most chaotic time to elope is during the springtime, while the rest of the seasons stay pretty predictable in terms of weather patterns.
Why this matters for an elopement: It’s easier to plan your elopement date around this!
Are you ready to start planning your Colorado elopement?
Working with us means taking out the guesswork out of finding the perfect location for your adventure. Not only do we photograph and film your elopement, we also help you with some of the planning process. Sounds exactly like what you’re looking for? Check out our packages and contact us to get started!
Have questions? Drop them in the comments below!