The Ultimate Guide To Eloping In The San Juan Mountains

Why You Should Elope In the San Juan Mountain Range 

If you asked us what our favorite location to photograph elopements is, we are going to say the San Juans. Here are a few of our top reasons why you should elope there:

• It’s less crowded than popular locations in Colorado, like Estes Park for example. 
• It’s home to some of the best mountain towns in Colorado.
• It’s full of adventurous activities for all skill levels and interests.
• You’ll find most of the BLUE alpine lakes here and amazing waterfalls around every corner. It’s probably the only place with cool waterfalls in Colorado to be honest (this is not Hawaii)
• There are TONS of scenic and intimate elopement locations.
• There are over a dozen 14ers, not that we like to hike them but they really add to the space.
• Fall foliage is bright and beautiful in Autumn. Telluride especially.
• Lush wildflower meadows bring life to the mountains in Summer.

When Is The Best Time To Elope In The San Juan Mountains?

Time Of Year

It’s no secret that the weather in Colorado is COLD and unpredictable in Winter and Early Spring, especially in the mountains. While the state’s dense snowfall in the Rockies is great for skiing, snowboarding, and other Winter activities, snowy weather conditions can make planning elopements unnecessarily stressful. For a stress-free elopement experience, we recommend eloping in the San Juan Mountains during Summer or Fall!

Summer | Late June – August

From late June – August, temperatures can range from 65°F to 80°F. One thing you’ll learn right away is that it’s always sunny in Colorado, but in the summer there is a chance for pop-up afternoon showers here and there. Summer is our favorite time for elopements in the San Juan Mountains because almost everywhere, from hiking routes to off-roading trails, is accessible. Wildflower meadows are one of the mountain’s main attractions in Summer, blooming in late June and lasting through mid-August! Any of the towns are ideal to visit in the summer.

Fall | September – October

During Fall, temperatures can range from 35°F to 65°F. This time of year also brings the colorful Fall foliage to the San Juan Mountains. Peak foliage happens the last week of September and the first week of October so if you want to catch leaves still on the trees those are usually safe time frames. Fall is less crowded, cooler, and the best for star photos because the sun sets a little earlier meaning you don’t have to stay up until 11pm. Telluride is probably the best fall spot in our opinion.

Winter & Spring | Late October- Early May

We like to joke around that spring doesn’t really exist in the mountains. But for this exercise we’re going to pretend that it does. We are also going to pretend “winter” starts late October because that is when it start snowing in the mountains typically. Winter and Spring in the mountains = lots of snow. The temperatures do tend to fluctuate and typically the coldest months will include December through February. You’ll find the most snow in February and March, But you’ll notice within this timeframe Colorado looks pretty similar the entire 6+ months. unless you are looking to elope in the wintertime or you love activities like snowshoeing and skiing we would personally not recommend this area during this timeframe. Also, if you want it to look green, wait until at least late May.

Elope On A Weekday

We highly recommend choosing a weekday for your adventure elopement. Although this area tends to be less busy, the weekend can be super busy, especially during the warm Summer months. Weekdays tend to see lower crowd levels, even during peak seasons. More reasons to pick a weekday are:

• More vendors are available during the week, especially during the busy season.
• Making reservations at popular locations such as accommodations and restaurants is easier. 
• Less busy locations = a more intimate elopement experience!
• Areas like hiking trails, hot springs and 4×4 routes will be less crowded and quieter.

Elope At Sunrise or Sunset

In general from a photographer standpoint the best times of the day for an elopement is Sunrise or Sunset! Temperatures and lighting are more favorable during these times of day in the summer, and crowd levels tend to be lower. If you’re planning a full-day elopement that includes adventurous activities throughout the day, consider holding the actual vow ceremony at the start or end of your day! We usually allow our couples to split their day and this is especially great if you want to visit multiple locations or you are having a hybrid elopement. 

Traveling to the San Juan Mountains

If you’re not from Colorado and planning on traveling to the San Juan Mountains from out-of-state, Denver International Airport (DIA) is an excellent option for your air travel needs. DIA has on-site rental car access, some of which rent out 4×4 vehicles! We recommend securing a vehicle that drives well on mountain roads.  If you want to plan an off-roading adventure, consider renting a Jeep or Bronco or booking a 4×4 tour guide. You can also fly into the Montrose Airport,  Grand Junction Airport,  or the Durango Airport.  Keep in mind that those  airports are very tiny so flights might be very limited/more expensive.

Top San Juan Mountain Elopement Locations

Telluride 

A beautiful scenic 6.5-hour drive from Denver, Telluride is one of the top ski towns in Colorado. Home to some of the state’s most epic scenery and activities, Telluride is a top elopement location contender for us when it comes to tying the knot in the San Juan Mountains. While there are many breathtaking outdoor locations in Telluride, some of our favorites include Bridal Veil Falls, San Sophia Overlook, Hope Lake, Last Dollar Road, Imogene Pass, and Alta Lakes. Even outside of ski season, Telluride is full of fun activities in Summer and Fall. Couples can enjoy local shopping on Main Street, a free gondola ride up to Mountain Village, a day rafting trip along the San Miguel River, an afternoon spent exploring one of the area’s many waterfalls, 4×4 adventures on remote mountain trails in a Jeep, and more! 

Silverton

If you and your partner are looking for off-roading adventures, Silverton is the ceremony location for you! One of the highest towns in the U.S., Silverton sits at a little over 9,300 feet above sea level. This quaint mountain town is the perfect base camp to relax and unwind before embarking on an epic 4×4 adventure. While there are a wide variety of ceremony locations to choose from, some of our favorites include Animas Forks Ghost Town OHV Route, Red Mountain Mining Area OHV Trail, Corkscrew Gulch, Black Bear Pass OHV Trail, and Alpine Loop National Back Country Byway.

Durango

Home to some of the state’s most beautiful backpacking routes, hiking trails, and waterways in Southwestern Colorado, Durango is rich in culture and activities. From horseback riding to hiking, mountain biking, fly fishing, rock climbing, off-roading, paddle boarding, and whitewater rafting, Durango is an adventure hub for all types of outdoor activities. While there are many ceremony locations to choose from, some of our top choices include Mesa Verde National Park, Falls Creek, and Blue Lake Ranch. Couples can enjoy various activities in and around Durango, like hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, whitewater rafting, fly fishing, hot springs, ATV tours, and more!

Some Of Our Favorite Adventures In The San Juans

Places To Stay In The San Juan Mountains

Where you relax and unwind during your adventure elopement is just as important as where you celebrate. Here’s a list of some of our favorite accommodations in the San Juan Mountains!

How To Legally Get Married in Colorado

Getting legally married in Colorado is super easy! Colorado is one of the few states in the U.S. where self-solemnization is legal. This means you and your partner don’t need an officiant to make the marriage official! Your dog or kids can even sign your marriage license. 

To get your marriage license, visit any County Clerk’s office in Colorado or apply online. If you’re visiting a location in person, choose an office near your elopement location for convenience! Next, be sure you and your partner provide your birth certificates, social security numbers, a form of payment, and two valid forms of government-issued identification each. The license is valid upon issue and must be used in Colorado within 35 days. The fee is $30.00 across the state! After your official ceremony, be sure the license is signed before returning it to the County Clerk within 63 days of the ceremony for recording! 

San Juan Mountain Permit Guidelines

Permit requirements in the San Juan Mountains are on a location-to-location basis, so a permit may be required for your ceremony, all depending on the area! Most outdoor areas in Colorado have a special use or commercial permit requirement – meaning you must apply and pay a small fee for land use. Permit fees can range from 0$-500. It can feel overwhelming sometimes, which is why research on permits is a part of our elopement service! 

Eloping With Family In The San Juan Mountains 

Eloping with a few family and friends can be an incredibly memorable experience! Here are a few things you should consider when inviting guests to your elopement in the San Juan Mountains:

• Most outdoor locations are only suitable for ten people or less. This includes vendors, guests, and the couple.
• The best option for elopements with larger guest counts is to reserve an outdoor location. Most State and National Parks have areas that are reserved for outdoor ceremonies!
• If you want an indoor elopement ceremony, consider micro wedding venues like A-Frame Cabins, Bed & Breakfasts, and Airbnbs!
• Make sure your guests don’t limit your adventure! If you’re dreaming of making a hard hike or adrenaline-filled adventure a part of your elopement day, you can always invite guests to an accessible reception or ceremony space before or after your adventure. 

Activity Ideas for Your Elopement In The San Juan Mountains

If you and your partner want an unforgettable elopement experience in the San Juan Mountains, consider planning one of the following adventures:

• Go Off-Roading In A Jeep
• Hike Through Aspens And Evergreens
• Spend An Afternoon Paddle Boarding
• Camp Under The Stars
• Share A Craft Beer At A Brewery
• Explore Waterfalls
• Take A Ride On The Durango/Silverton Train
• Discover Mesa Verde National Park
• Experience The Thrill Of Whitewater Rafting
• Have A Picnic Along The Shores Of An Alpine Lake

San Juan Mountains Adventure Elopement Packing Checklist

Being prepared during your adventure elopement in the San Juan Mountains will make your trip a breeze! Here’s a list of things you should pack when eloping in the San Juan Mountains!

Sample San Juan Mountain Range Elopement Timeline

Tips For Eloping In The San Juan Mountains

Eloping is a totally different experience compared to traditional weddings, especially if you’re saying “I Do” in the mountains! Here are some of our top tips to help make sure your adventure elopement in the San Juan Mountains is the absolute best!

Altitude Sickness

Elevation gain can vary depending on where you are staying and what activities you’ll be doing in the San Juan Mountains. While Durango is around 6,500 feet, Silverton is over 9,300 feet. If you’re not used to high-altitude environments, a difference in 3,000 feet can make a HUGE difference. Take it easy for the first day or two during your elopement trip, and give yourself plenty of time to acclimate before your ceremony.

Traffic & Parking 

Mountain traffic can be unpredictable and parking is sometimes limited, even during shoulder seasons. Be sure to monitor traffic conditions ahead of your ceremony!

Busy Weekends

Weekends are often busy in Colorado, even during shoulder seasons. The weather is usually nice, and locals love to be outdoors! We highly suggest choosing a weekday for your elopement instead!

Dog-Friendly

The San Juan Mountains are very dog-friendly! Many restaurants, hiking trails, and accommodations allow dogs, but check ahead of your arrival just to be sure!

Fire Bans

Colorado is pretty dry year-round, and fire bans are often in place. If you decide to have a cozy fire during your celebration, check for fire bans at that location!

Sunscreen and Bug Spray 

The Sun is more intense at higher elevations, which means you can still get a sunburn even when it’s cold outside! Be sure to pack and wear sunscreen to avoid getting burnt before elopement pictures. If you’re eloping in Summer, packing and applying bug spray often is a must, especially if you’ll be near lakes or rivers.

How to Leave No Trace In The San Juan Mountains

To keep the San Juan Mountains wild, clean, and pristine, be sure to follow the 7 Principles of Leave No Trace during your adventure elopement: 

1. Plan Ahead & Prepare 
2. Travel & Camp on Durable Surfaces
3. Dispose of Waste Properly 
4. Leave What You Find 
5. Minimize Campfire Impacts 
6. Respect Wildlife
7. Be Considerate of Others

Let’s Start Planning Your Elopement In The San Juan Mountains!