A Colorado elopement may be for you if you’re interested in getting married in an area with vast and endless mountain views, beautiful weather where you can enjoy all four seasons, and plenty of outdoor adventures. With incredible geographic diversity ranging from mountain peaks taking you to elevations of 14,000 feet, dreamy and wildly blue alpine lakes, and deep green pine forests to unique desert landscapes and National Parks- Colorado truly has something for everybody.

Colorado Elopement Planning Checklist

1. Choose a Time of Year
2. Hire a Colorado Elopement Photographer (ah, ehm- ME!)
3. Pick an Epic Colorado Elopement Location
4. Book your Colorado Lodging
5. Choose Adventures for your Colorado Elopement
6. Apply for an Colorado Marriage License
7. Get Married & Celebrate!

Why You Should Elope in Colorado

Eloping in Colorado offers access to breathtaking views of 15 different mountain ranges, 54 peaks over 10,000 feet, magical alpine lakes, meadows of wildflowers, and ultimately a vast variety of gorgeous backdrops. Colorado is also a preferred hub for outdoor enthusiasts. I truly can’t think of an activity you can’t do here!

Aside from being beautiful and adventurous, choosing to elope in Colorado comes with one MAJOR perk- it is one of the few states where you can legally marry yourselves (self-solemnize)! Yes, you read that right. It is easier than ever to get married in Colorado. This means you and your loved one can run into the mountains, say your vows to one another, exchange rings, sign the license, and be married. It’s super cool! Keep reading below for more info on getting married in Colorado.

TOP COLORADO ELOPEMENT LOCATIONS:

1. Southern Colorado (Telluride, Ouray & Silverton
2. Crested Butte
3. Breckenridge + Frisco Area
4. Buena Vista
5. Aspen – Maroon Bells
6. Steamboat
7. Estes Park – Rocky Mountain National Park
8. Colorado National Monument
9. Great Sand Dunes National Park
10. Garden of the Gods

Depending on where you choose to elope in Colorado, it is important to be aware of permits you may need to conduct a ceremony or have photography coverage. Don’t stress. It’s quite simple, and something I will talk and guide you through! Not every location requires permits in Colorado—but some of the most loved and well-known locations require permits that should be acquired well in advance. All of Colorado’s national parks, various wilderness areas/county parks, and other protected spaces require permits.

If you’re unsure if your location requires a permit, reach out so we can chat. We will address the pros and cons and ultimately decide if a location requiring a permit is best for you OR if I know a better (and more secret) location for us! You can also reach out to the local ranger district for more information.

Best Time of Year to Elope in Colorado

When is the best time to elope in the Colorado mountains? Truly any time of year in Colorado is stunning, so it depends on you and what you envision your day to look and feel like!

Looking for those picturesque views high in elevation and above the tree line? Have no restrictions regarding off-road trails and frolicking amongst the wildflowers and alpine lakes!? Summer is for you! (Late June/July-Early Sept). Late May and early June are great for temps (although we don’t get into the 70s until later in June in the mountain areas, so for some, it’s still chilly), we’re still waiting for the snow to melt, and forest service roads to open— which greatly affects being able to access some of the popular, and scenic locations. July + August are prime months.

Hoping to get some chilly mornings + evenings, but the perfect temperature during the day AND peek fall colors? Late September-Mid October is your jam!

April-May is an interesting time in Colorado (specifically in the mountains). You’ll likely encounter mud/snow and just really iffy weather.

If you’re looking to do a ‘winter’ wedding but don’t want to be frigidly cold? March is a super fun time to have something like a ski wedding where you don’t have to bundle up completely… and you can totally count me in!

For those looking for a full-on winter wonderland of a wedding, December-February is a great option, with so many fun ideas that don’t require you to suffer in the cold but still get those dreamy + winter wonderland portraits.

Colorado Elopement Laws and How to Get Married in Colorado

So you’ve planned your big day, but now we need the official docs. Good news: It is easy to get your marriage license in Colorado. Here is a step-by-step guide:

• Go to a county clerk and recorder’s office, preferably the county you’ll be having your ceremony in
• You both must bring your driver’s license, passport, birth certificate, and social security numbers to apply for a marriage license. The fee is $30.00
• Complete your marriage license within 35 days.
• Once married, you will need to file your marriage license back at the same county clerk and recorder’s office within 63 days of your elopement date. You will receive a late fee if you file it late.
• Here is an example of how to fill out your marriage license for reference.

Learn more about Self Solemnization here.

Getting to Colorado and Where to Eat, Play and Stay

If you’re flying into Colorado, you’ll likely be coming through Denver International Airport BUT depending on where you’ve chosen to elope, there are several smaller regional airports closer to mountain towns that will reduce your travel (I’ll help you with this!) Hot Tip: be sure to check Google Flights for Colorado flight deals. They have a cool feature that allows you to see flight prices based on the day, and you can easily choose the cheapest dates to fly by looking at the monthly view.

Depending on your elopement location, I highly recommend renting a car that is 4WD & high clearance so that your access to locations isn’t limited. Some of the best spots are trickier to access and require travel on dirt roads. When deciding on a location, know your comfort level with off-roading and make decisions accordingly– don’t worry, I’ve got you! I won’t take us on any roads that you don’t feel comfortable on or where we’d get into any dicey situations.

WHERE TO STAY FOR YOUR COLORADO ELOPEMENT

I will always recommend staying somewhere nearby your chosen elopement destination to reduce travel times on the day of. Plus, if you want getting ready photos (which I also always encourage), it is best to be as close to our location as possible to optimize our time together. I love finding cute and unique cabins or Airbnb’s while traveling instead of hotels. It just feels more like home. Here are some suggestions to consider when planning your Colorado elopement:

Breckenridge
Airbnbs

• Large cabin near Quandary
• The Fox A-Frame
• Modern A-Frame cabin
• VRBO in Silverthorne: sleeps 12
• VRBO near Keystone: sleeps 14
• VRBO in Breckenridge: sleeps 14

Camping

• Windy Point Campground
• Blue River Campground
• Cataract Creek Campground

Southern Colorado (Ouray & Telluride)
AirBnbs

• Dunton Town House
• Secluded Mountain Getaway
• Alta Lake Observatory
• Bear Creek Boutique
• Fox Farm Retreat

Hotels

• New Sheridan Hotel
• The Hotel Telluride
• Mountain Lodge Telluride
• Madeline Hotel
• The Peaks Resort & Spa

Camping

• Sunshine Campground
• Alta Lakes Campground
• Matterhorn Campground
• Priest Lake Campground
• Telluride Town Park Campground

Crested Butte
AirBnbs

• Bear Scratch Chalet
• Modern Rustic Lodge
• Mountain View Home
• Whetstone Wonder

Hotels

• Scrap Ridge Lodge
• Sopris House
• Vaquera House

Camping

• Mt Crested Butte Campground
• Lake Irwin Campground
• Washington Gulch Dispersed Camping

Buena Vista
AirBnbs

• Downtown BV Garden Apartment
• Buena Vista Ranch
• Casa Del Rio

Hotels

• Surf Hotel 
• Mount Princeton Hot Spring Resort

Camping

• Arkansas River Rim Campground
• Chalk Creek Campground
• Cottonwood Lake Campground
• BV Overlook

Estes Park – Rocky Mountain National Park
AirBnbs

• Riverside Cabin
• Cabin Near Estes Park
• Cozy Home in Estes Park
• Grand Moose Manor
• Lake Shore Drive Lodge

Hotels

• Inn on Fall River
• Estes Park Condos
• The Estes Park Resort
• The Stanley

Camping

• Aspenglen Campground
• Glacier Basin Campground
• Longs Peak Campground
• Timber Creek Campground

WHERE TO DINE & DRINK DURING YOUR COLORADO ELOPEMENT

If you know me, you know I love a good drink craft beer and small tasty bites- and luckily, my favorite Colorado locations have no shortage of delicious food + drink. Bonus?! Many Colorado dines + drinks are super pet friendly for Fido! Here are some of my favorites throughout the places listed above:

• Outer Range Brewing Co (Frisco)
  If you’re a fan of IPAs, this is a must! There is also a great restaurant inside called Bird Craft, so you can snack as you drink!
• Vail Brewing Co & Rocky Mountain Taco (Vail)
  Shameless plug for my favorite local hometown brewery and the World’s Most Best Taco (truck)
• Blue Stag Saloon (Breckenridge)
  Your fun mountain town Saloon right off Breck’s super cute main street
• The Secret Stash (Crested Butte)
  Quite literally the best pizza I’ve had and fun decor + vibes
• Bonez Tequila Bar and Grill (Crested Butte)
  A sister joint to The Secret Stash that has amazing tequila flights and even yummier tacos.
• Eddyline Restaurant & Brewpub (Buena Vista)
  Suuuuper yummy pizza + American eats along one of the most popular rivers in the state.
• The Simple Eatery (Buena Vista)
  If you pop by, do not leave without a loaf (or five) of their famous Pretzel Bread, you’ll thank me!
• House Rock Kitchen (Buena Vista)
  Great for vegetarians out there. Their bowls make for a refreshing meal on a summer day.
• Brickhouse 737 (Ouray)
• The Imogene Hotel and Rooftop Bar (Ouray)
• Ouray Brewing
  Who doesn’t love a good craft beer while enjoying stunning views from a rooftop?

…and so many more!

WHAT TO DO DURING YOUR COLORADO ELOPEMENT

For those who are looking to add a little extra adventure or activity for your Colorado elopement, I’ve collected a list of some of the thrilling, unique, and just some good ol’ fun things to consider doing on your wedding day:

• Hiking
• Get Ready Together at a Cozy Airbnb
• Drive to the top of a 14,000 ft peak
• 4×4 Jeep Off-Roading Tour
• Stand Up Paddle Board, Kayak or Canoe on an Alpine Lake
• Helicopter + Airplane Tour
• Wine or Craft Beer Tasting
• Hire a Private Chef to Cook For You

If any of these interest you, you can count on me to help you find the right rental/tour company! After all, Colorado is a great place to consider for your adventure wedding or elopement, and I would be more than honored to be your Colorado wedding sherpa!

WHAT TO PACK FOR YOUR ADVENTURE WEDDING OR ELOPEMENT

• Wedding Attire
• Marriage license
• Layers to keep warm (jacket, leggings, wool socks) + Hand warmers
• Good hiking boots with traction to change in to
• A good backpack to carry your stuff
• Bluetooth speaker + wedding playlist
• Water + Snacks
• Champagne or craft beer from a local brewery
• Blanket for a picnic or for keeping warm
• The dog, of course!
• Headlamps or flashlights

Learn more about the ultimate Colorado Adventure Wedding and Elopement Packing List here.

Colorado Elopement Packages

WHITNEY RAE PHOTOGRAPHY | COLORADO ADVENTURE ELOPEMENT PHOTOGRAPHER

Can’t quite figure out what you want to do for your elopement? Check out my blog for 5 Unique Elopement Ideas to gain some inspiration for your Colorado elopement. Find more intimate weddings and adventure elopements here!