So you’ve decided you want to elope in Colorado, but after some research, you’re left confused about where you would need a permit, what locations are accessible or not, and truly the best place for you because well, you just simply haven’t visited the locations for yourself. Maybe you just aren’t even sure what locations are available to you, that’s where I come in! Growing up in the mountains of Vail, Colorado and being an avid hiker/backpacker, believe me when I say I know some cool spots. Read below to learn about some potential options for your Colorado elopement and reach out to chat even more about what your day could look like at one of these beautiful spots!

1.) Rocky Mountain National Park | Estes Park, Colorado

Photography Permit: Yes! Click HERE for more information.

Hiking: Yes and No! There are many locations within RMNP to take photos. The designated ceremony locations are accessible by vehicle but you can hike further for bride and groom portraits if you obtain written permission from the park.

Season: Year Around (but many areas of the park are not accessible during the winter)

Rocky Mountain National Park is a varied, gorgeous, and memorable landscape for an elopement. It is also extremely popular, and you’ll want to ensure you’ve attained the correct permits and choose a date or time when fewer people are crowding the popular viewpoints. The park limits the amount of ceremonies to 6 per day, so the designated ceremony locations tend to book up quickly. Do not wait to obtain your permit if you plan to elope here!

2.) Great Sand Dunes National Park | Crestone, Colorado

Photography Permit: Yes! Click HERE for more information.

Hiking: Yes! While there aren’t many established trails in this park, you won’t want to miss the chance to hike out into the dunes.

Season: Year Around – but despite it looking like the desert, Winter is very cold and windy.

Great Sand Dunes is the least stereotypically “Colorado” destination on this list. Massive dunes are a far cry from the green forests and snowy peaks this state is known for. While the photos may look like a hot desert, the dunes get cold in the winter and you’ll want to prepare for the season as you would any Colorado elopement. It’s an incredibly unique environment, be prepared to find sand in all your nooks and crevices for days after! In my opinion, this is definitely one of the best places in Colorado to elope, and I highly suggest this location for the beautiful sunsets!

When it comes to diverse landscapes, this may be one of the best places to elope in Colorado – especially if you love desert landscapes and live in Colorado but don’t want to make the trek to Utah. The towering sand dunes in Great Sand Dunes National park make humans look very small if you take the photo just right.

3.) Lake Isabelle | Nederland, Colorado

NOTE: AS OF 2020 A RESERVATION SYSTEM HAS BEEN PUT IN PLACE. YOU MUST HAVE A RESERVATION IN ADVANCE TO ENTER THE PARK. More information can be found at this link.

Photography Permit: No! However, there is an entrance fee in order to make a reservation and park – read more HERE.

Hiking: Yes! This trail is 4.4 miles round-trip and rated as moderate difficulty. Be sure to park at the parking lot for Long Lake/Lake Isabelle. If you park at Brainard lake you will add a little bit of walking to your overall mileage.

Season: Mid-June to Mid-October (sometimes early November). There is a winter trail but it adds several miles.

Lake Isabelle is a perfect early/mid-summer hike to a mirror lake! If you’re looking for an elopement with a little more adventure, this is definitely one of the best places to elope in Colorado but it is a very popular area. The lake is framed by Niwot Ridge, which boasts two thirteen’r peaks in the background. The lake itself is actually a reservoir that gets drained in late August, so the water levels will be significantly lower in late-summer. The parking area at the trailheads tends to get VERY busy during the summer, and I highly recommend this spot for a sunrise elopement due to the lighting and amount of traffic. The parking lot tends to fill up before 730am on weekends.

4.) Maroon Bells | Aspen, Colorado

Photography Permit: Yes! Click HERE for more information.

Hiking: Yes and no! It is a very short walk from the parking lot to Maroon Lake where you have a stunning view of Maroon Peak. There are plenty of options for hiking no matter what your skill level is, like making the 3.5 RT miles out to Crater Lake.

Season: Typically Early June to October – depends on snow melt on the road.

Maroon Bells isn’t the place to go during peak season if you want privacy.. I kid you not, I’ve visited the Maroon Bells on a weekday in early October at 5:30am and shared the views with 50 other travelers. Fall is incredible here once the leaves turn. Obviously there is a reason this place is so popular – The views are stunning and very accessible by driving or shuttle. It is in fact one of the most photographed mountain ranges in Colorado! Those who want to go for a longer hike will be able to find some space for themselves even during the summer months. The US Forest Service manages a small amphitheater that you can reserve for $200, but plan ahead! These spots are typically reserved for at least a year in advance, are not rentable on Friday, Saturday or Sunday, and come with an additional fee. Unless you plan to drive up before 8am, you have to take the shuttle. IF you book the amphitheater, you will receive 5 driving passes that allow you to drive your own vehicle up at any time of the day- plus, you’re guaranteed a private ceremony site.

5.) Guanella Pass | Georgetown, Colorado

Photography Permit: No!

Hiking: Maybe! There are several hikes here that lead up to some beautiful alpine lakes- but also the option to park and walk in to a meadow, surrounded by some beautiful peaks. Depends how adventurous you want to get!

Season: Typically Memorial Day – November

Guanella Pass is beautiful in the summer, but fall is gorgeous when this place bursts with color! The drive up winds through bright gold forests and expansive fields. This location is multi-faceted and accessible for couples looking to view the mountains and expansive Colorado valleys during their elopement.

Guanella Pass is also one of the best places to elope in Colorado if you are looking for mountain views and the option to hike or just drive to the location. It’s also a great spot if you want to bring your fur babe!

6.) Mt. Evans | Idaho Springs, Colorado

Photography Permit: Yes! Click HERE for more information.

Hiking: Yes! While the view from the parking lot is also stunning, it is a .25 mile hike to the summit. It is rated as “easy” but consider the altitude before attempting.

Season: May – October

Mt. Evans is a fourteener (summit sits above 14,000 ft) and probably not the first choice for couples coming from sea level. However, it is one of the most accessible mountain peaks above 14 thousand feet, as it has a road that takes you only a few hundred feet from the summit! This is incredibly rare, which makes it awesome that people can still enjoy such amazing views if they aren’t equipped to hike a 14er like some. For those who can handle high elevations, this is an extremely accessible alpine location. Keep in mind the weather can be extremely unpredictable. I have seen it snow in the middle of July at the summit and even on the nicest day, it can be quite windy due to how high up you are. It can also be quite popular- and you will probably end up with a good handful of furry guests, yes, this is the place to go if you want to guarantee a Mountain Goat siting! If you aren’t sure about being at this high of elevation, you also have the option to visit Summit Lake, pictured above.

7.) Loveland Pass | Near Summit County

Photography Permit: No (however a wedding permit may be required, be sure to check with the White River National Forest – Dillon Ranger District. Email is best).

Hiking: Yes and no. There are 2 main locations on Loveland Pass to stop: Loveland Pass Lakes, pictured above and Loveland Pass Summit. Loveland Pass lakes will not be accessible during the winter as this area gets quite a good amount of snow and takes a bit to melt, while the top of the summit is open year round as long as the road is open (snow). There is a hike at the top of the summit that runs along the ridge. On a windier day it would be better to visit the lakes and explore the short hiking trail that runs along multiple small alpine lakes. Be sure to stay on trail!

Season: Summer recommended, but typically accessible year around.

Whether you want to hike to the summit of a thirteen’r, or simply marvel in the views a short walk from the car, Loveland Pass is one of the more accessible locations on this list. It is also very popular location, and you’ll want to either plan for a bit of hiking or arrive on a less popular day to find some space to yourselves. If you choose this as your Colorado elopement location, then I recommend choosing a backup location nearby in case of road closure, high winds or dangerous weather.

8.) Garden of the Gods | Colorado Springs, Colorado

Photography Permit: No!

Hiking: Yes and no! Wheelchair accessible areas are available such as Central trail. There are 6 hiking trails available for exploration at Garden of the Gods. The park is free to enter, but parking can be limited.

Season: Spring and summer recommended, but accessible year around – looks very cool in winter with the blend of red rock and snow!

This stunning park right outside of Colorado springs boasts unique mountain views of the nearby 14’er, Pike’s Peak. I highly suggest visiting this park around sunrise or sunset for best lighting. There are 6 ceremony locations within the park that you can get married at for absolutely free. Just note these spots are on a first come, first serve basis.

9.) Brainard Lake Recreation Area | Nederland, Colorado

Photography Permit: A photography/special use permit is not required, however you will need a reservation to enter Brainard Lake Recreation Area. As of 2021, the reservation costs $12 per vehicle, and I recommend making your reservations ASAP. More information can be found at this link

Hiking: You can access the shores of Brainard Lake with a short 4 to 5 minute walk from the parking lot. There is plenty of space to spread out and have an intimate ceremony, but it’s important you’re careful not to trample any foliage.

Season: You can only access Brainard Lake during the summer and fall months. Typically late June – October.

Brainard Lake is located in the Indian Peaks Wilderness, just like Lake Isabelle! Which makes the park even better, as you could spend multiple days just exploring the other nearby lakes. Boulder is just a 45 minute drive, and Nederland is about 25 minutes if you’re looking for closer lodging.

The lake itself sits at 10,300 feet, so it’s likely you may see snow on the mountains well into July. From the ceremony location you’ll have Brainard Lake in the background right at your feet with Mt. Audubon, a 13,200 foot mountain, in the background with multiple other 12,000 foot peaks! Parking has been plentiful since the reservation system was put into place, but I still highly recommend opting for a weekday at this location to avoid crowds.

10.) Cottonwood Pass | Buena Vista

Photography Permit: None

Hiking: Yes and no. At the top of Cottonwood Pass, there are options to walk out to a gorgeous tiny little lake that overlooks the surrounding pass and mountain ranges. There is also an option to walk a short 1.5 round trip hike to the Cottonwood Pass ‘Summit’. This spot offers amazing views, but has the potential for high winds. If you love the idea of this spot and want more ideas, reach out- I eloped here myself (above) and have some secret spots up my sleeve! 🙂

Season: Summer. The road is closed in Winter months (November – Late May)

11.) Independence Pass & Twin Lakes, Colorado | Aspen/Twin Lakes Area

Photography Permit: None if your total amount of people including vendors is less than 10. Just pay the daily park fee.

Hiking: Yes and no. Twin lakes has a great lake surrounded by mountain views! Twin Lakes is just outside of Buena Vista, which is the most saturated area in Colorado of 14er peaks. It is the perfect “Colorado beach” with mountains location. You can kayak and paddle board here to add a bit of adventure to your day, or even make the drive over Independence Pass (if Summer)! Most areas around the lake are walk-to but you can walk as far as you’d like for the perfect view.

Season: Year round but Winter months (November – May) you will encounter snow.

11.) Southern Colorado – Ouray | Silverton | Telluride

Photography Permit: Location Dependent

Hiking: Yes and no. The Ouray/Telluride area has several amazing places to choose from if you are wanting to elope. Southern Colorado is one of my favorite areas of the state for hiking and off-roading. If you are interested in learning more about this area, reach out and we can chat options! This is the perfect spot if you are looking to add an off-roading drive up to a mountain pass or a beautiful alpine lake to your day!

Season: Year round but Winter months (November – May) you will encounter snow and many locations are limited.

11.) Summit County, Colorado | Keystone & Breckenridge

Photography Permit: Location Dependant

Hiking: Yes and no. Summit County is one of my go to places for engagement sessions and elopements. There are so many routes to go here whether it be finding a beautiful mountain home airbnb that could offer the ability to have your ceremony on site, you can choose to elope on Lake Dillon with views of the Ten Mile range as your backdrop (pictured above), or elope with a little bit of hiking on the many beautiful trails in the area. If you are interested in this area, reach out and we can chat about your options!

Season: Year round but Winter months (November – May) you will encounter snow and some areas won’t be as accessible.

11.) Local Secrets & Backcountry Locations

My fav – Want to find the best spots to elope in Colorado? Hire a specialized elopement photographer (like me), to help you find the perfect location! There’s nothing like having the place all to yourself and not having to step around other people. Believe it or not, the trails in Colorado can get pretty busy depending on your location. I’m a huge hiker, backpacker and the like and grew up in Vail, Colorado. Believe me when I say I know some pretty cool areas. Come to me with your vision and elopement dreams and I will help you find the perfect location! Once we find the perfect spot, we’ll continue on with planning your custom elopement timeline and add in any fun activities etc.