When To Elope In Colorado : A Weather Planning Guide

After living in Colorado our entire lives we can attest that the weather patterns here can seem crazy. When planning your elopement in the high country, there is no specific guide that will tell you what to bring for what season. You need to prepare for everything, or take what the day brings to you! In this guide you will find tips, checklists and general weather information for your awesome Colorado elopement!

Colorado Weather Patterns By Season 

Weather in Colorado is measured in seasons just like any other location. The main difference is that the weather changes depending on altitude, so make sure you check how high above sea level you will be because that will affect the weather you will get! 

The best months to elope in Colorado in our opinion are mid June through early October because they are the months when Colorado looks the most colorful. Most locations are accessible during this time frame, and the temperatures are more wedding/elopement clothes friendly. 

Although we do get all seasons in Colorado, the springtime and wintertime are very similar in weather in the mountains. This means you can find snow through the end of May in most high elevation areas.  

Monsoon Season 

In Colorado we have a season where afternoon rains can be pretty common. The months June through August are most likely to be affected by the monsoon season, although it can vary from around May- Sept. Monsoon season can be dangerous depending on altitude because storms bring lightning and possible floods. But just like anything else, it is not guaranteed to happen and this should be known just  as a precaution. 

With that being said, don’t let that scare you when planning your mountain elopement in the summer. From our experience in photographing and planning elopements outdoors the last few years, the chances of this affecting your day are very small. A few tips that are helpful in dealing with Monsoon season are:

• Avoiding it all together by planning a sunrise elopement
• Staying flexible with your timeline. Sometimes a 1-2 hour shift is all you need to avoid storms. 
• Booking with vendors that are flexible. We know that weather is not something we can control so we are very flexible when it comes to the couples that we work with. 
• Being prepared for any weather. Sometimes being extra prepared keeps the rain away! 

Mountain Weather Patterns By Altitudinal Zones

Our beautiful state has thousands of acres with different ecosystems and elevations. As many of you may know, the higher the elevation–the cooler it can get. Each altitudinal zone practically has its own weather forecast and it does not follow the same seasons that your typical city would.

Understanding how the weather changes in different altitudes can help with planning your mountain wedding adventures. Weather at 12,000 ft above sea level can look drastically different than 6,000 ft above sea level. It is always important to have your plan B at different zones in altitude or you can possibly run into the same weather on all of them! A prime example of this is experiencing weather in Denver and then driving to the mountains and experiencing a 20-30 degree temperature drop!

High Wind + Sun

A lot of amazing mountain views in Colorado are above the tree line, meaning areas that are exposed with no trees. High alpine areas like that can feel a bit more windy and the sun my feel a bit harsher. Having a wind breaker in hand, sunscreen and wind proof hair do’s are always a great idea if you plan to get married in a super exposed area. 

Best Times to Elope in Colorado (Month-by-Month)

Colorado truly has something for everyone whether you’re dreaming of a snowy escape, wildflower meadows, or golden aspens. The best time to elope really comes down to the kind of vibe you’re going for. Here’s what each season brings so you can find your perfect time to elope:

Summer Elopements

Best months: Late June to mid-September

If you want warm days, wildflowers, and green landscapes, summer is your season. It’s arguably the best time to elope in Colorado thanks to how accessible it is getting to remote trails and mountain passes.

What to expect:

• Clear skies and lush landscapes
• High-altitude temps: 60–75°F (much cooler than Denver!)
• Peak wildflower blooms late July
• Longer days 
• More accessible trails and photo spots

Cons of summertime:

• Popular areas can be a lot more busy than usual
• Afternoon rain can be common in some areas

What to pack:

• Sunscreen + lip balm (it’s dry and sunny up here!)
• Water & snacks
• Cooling towel
• Sweat-wicking socks (no blisters!)
• Antiperspirants
• Light layers like a jacket because it can still be cool in areas
• Breathable clothing and trail-friendly shoes

Fall Elopements

Best months: Mid-September to early October

Fall in Colorado is short but amazing. The golden aspen color change only lasts a few weeks, but it still makes it a favorite time to elope. It’s also less rainy and still has relatively warm temps.

What to expect:

• Temps range from 50–70°F
• Peak foliage: late September (can vary by year & elevation)
• Quieter mornings, chilly evenings
• The days are a bit shorter, but it makes it a great time for star photos

Cons of fall:

• The leaves can disappear fast
• It can be VERY busy during peak foliage weeks in accessible areas

What to pack for fall:

• Warm layers for changing temps
• Durable hiking boots
• Hand warmers
• Water
• Lip balm & moisturizer
• Headlamps (shorter days!)

Winter Elopements

Best months: December to April (or even into May)

Winter starts a little earlier in the high elevations (around late October) and can stick around through May, sometimes even June. There are tons of closures due to avalanche danger and just driving danger. If you want to elope in the winter there are some awesome places to elope to avoid unsuitable areas and still have a great time. 

What to expect:

• Snowy scenes from Dec–April
• Temps between 0–35°F
• Sunshine even in winter (bring sunglasses!)
• The sunny days may make it feel warmer than it is
• Less crowded spots

Cons of winter:

• Very cold, especially early morning
• Weather can shift fast
• Lip balm & moisturizer
• Possible road closures + avalanche risks in some areas
• Lots of awesome locations that are usually open will not be accessible

Winter Elopement Packing List:

• Base layers (nude or dark-colored)
• Wool socks + gloves
• Waterproof boots
• Fashionable but functional warm jacket
• Ice cleats
• Hot drinks & hand warmers

Spring Elopements

Best months: Late April to early June

Spring in Colorado is the most unpredictable season—and the most overlooked. You’ll find melting snow, budding greenery, and the start of hiking season. But it’s also muddy, and some trails or mountain passes may still be closed.

What to expect:

• Temps from 40–65°F
• A mix of snow, sun, and mud
• Lower elevations close to Denver bloom first; high country stays snowy until late May
• Snow capped mountains 
• Fewer crowds

Cons of spring:

• Muddy trails
• Unpredictable weather
• Road closures and sleepy mountain towns

Spring Elopement Packing List:

• Waterproof shoes
• Layered clothing (warm-to-cool swings)
• Umbrella or rain jacket
• Extra socks

Questions To Ask Yourself  Before Choosing A Season For Your Colorado Elopement

• How much cold can you handle in wedding clothes?
• What type of location are you looking for? Some locations are not accessible year round.
• What scenery do you envision on your day?
• How busy do you imagine your location being?
• What kind of attire do you already have? (Some couples buy their attire first) And is it suitable for your location?
• Do you envision carrying or wearing extra things on your elopement day?
• Do you care if it’s extra hot?
• Will you be hiking and have to carry things? or will a car be nearby to hold extra weather items?

Knowing these things and hiring an expert to help you with location will be a crucial next step in your planning process. That is why we help steer couples towards areas and seasons that fit them best when they work with us. If you want to elope in Colorado and need some help, check out our elopement packages to see if we have what you’re looking for.

Picking Your Elopement Attire For The Changing Weather

We would love to tell you that you can get away with only your elopement attire on your special day but that is simply not the case! Colorado is notorious to experience every season at once and it is always better to be over prepared than to be surprised and miserable. 

Expect to bring the following items for your elopement in Colorado ( This is why most hiking elopements require backpacks!):

• Nude leggings to wear under your dress if it’s cold!
• A clear umbrella in case it rains
• Jackets/blankets to keep warm- make sure they are fashionable!
• Base layers for under tuxedos/suits
• Hand warmers ready for your cold hands
• Make sure you wear appropriate footwear- warm boots or nice comfy sandals. It can go both ways depending on the weather.

If you are wearing a dress:

A flowy dress is recommended, but not required. Flowy dresses allow you to move easier and you can get away wearing leggings with boots under. It also allows for more airflow in the summer. 

If you are wearing a suit:

Wearing a base layer under your attire will keep you warm and dry. Wearing dark colors can help attract light and keep you warm as well! Lighter colors can help keep you cool and so can lighter materials!

Shoes:

Boots with good tread are preferred. If you don’t want to be bothered by your feet, wear comfortable shoes! Trust us this is a life saver.

Ready to Choose Your Perfect Elopement Season?

No matter when you choose to elope in Colorado, t’s going to be stunning. This state offers so many beautiful landscapes and dreamy backdrops year-round, from sun-soaked trails to snow-covered peaks. The most important thing is choosing a season that feels aligned with your vision, comfort, and priorities.

And remember: you don’t have to figure it all out alone.

Let Us Help You Plan the Easiest, Most Intentional Elopement Day

We’re a photo and video duo based in Colorado who specialize in helping couples plan laid-back, adventurous, and true-to-them elopements. Our elopement packages go beyond just documenting your day: we guide you through choosing the right season, location scouting, timeline planning, permits, and all the little details in between.

Whether you’re drawn to a wildflower hike, a snowy mountain town, or something totally offbeat– We got you covered! 

Inquire with us and let’s start planning your awesome Colorado adventure!