The best places to elope in colorado
awe inspiring landscapes for your mountain wedding
Looking for an epic place to elope in the mountains?
you’re in the right place!
You truly have endless options when it comes to where to elope in Colorado! The are so many locations in Colorado for your small wedding or adventure elopement. The state has everything from epic mountain views, sand dunes, red rocks, alpine lakes, aspen forests and everything in between. The best thing about eloping in Colorado is the diverse scenery you can experience all in one state- AND most elopement locations are FREE! Whether you’re dreaming of an adventurous hiking elopement in the mountains or looking for an accessible ceremony location that your guests can easily get to, Colorado has what you’re looking for.
One of the very first steps to planning your Colorado elopement is deciding where you want to elope. As local Colorado elopement experts, we’ve spent countless hours researching, exploring and hiking through the Colorado mountains to bring you this ultimate list of the best Colorado elopement locations for your small wedding.
Savannah & Greg
the team behind authentic collective
Colorado Elopement Location Experts
photo, video & planning
Hey, we’re Sav & Greg! We are Colorado elopement photographers, videographers and planners who have a passion for finding big places for small weddings. Want to elope in the mountains, but not sure where? We’ve got you covered.
We specialize in creating and documenting one-of-a-kind mountain elopements in epic destinations, with a focus on unforgettable experiences. When you book with us, we’ll handle location scouting, craft a timeline for the best lighting (and the most fun), and take care of all those little logistical details—so you can simply show up and enjoy your day.
100+ 5 star reviews
Best Places To Elope In Colorado
mountain elopement locations
Colorado is massive—spanning over 104,000 square miles, making it the 8th largest state in the U.S. To put that into perspective, driving from one side of the state to the other can take over 8 hours, and in that time, the landscape can shift dramatically. The state is home to some of the most diverse scenery in the country. It offers everything from jagged 14,000-foot peaks to wildflower covered mountains, blue alpine lakes, aspen forests, waterfalls and even sand dunes!
With so much variety, deciding where to elope starts with figuring out what type of scenery speaks to you. This guide will help you get a feel for the different regions of Colorado so you can narrow down the best fit for your vision. From there, a local Colorado elopement photographer can help you find the perfect, lesser-known locations that fits your vision!
Not sure yet? That’s okay! You don’t need to pick just one spot now—this guide will help you figure out what areas you love (or don’t). You also don’t have to limit yourself to just one area—multi-day elopements allow you to visit multiple locations and experience a wide variety of scenery.
Below is a summary of the best areas of Colorado that are perfect for elopements:
Rocky Mountain National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the most iconic places to elope in Colorado. Located only a 2 hour drive from Denver, the park offers extremely accessible views for elopements and micro weddings in the Rocky Mountains. RMNP is one of the most visited National parks in the US, so it can be busy on popular trails like Dream Lake and Emerald Lake.
You will need a wedding permit to hold a ceremony inside the park, regardless of guest count, and there are designated ceremony areas to choose from such as 3M Curve and Sprague Lake. However, you can also just elope in Estes Park and then take photos in RMNP without a permit required.
Unfortunately, RMNP is one of the few areas of Colorado that is not dog friendly. Pets are not allowed on trails or at most ceremony locations.
Rocky Mountain National Park
Ultimate How To & Location Guide
RMNP, Boulder & sand dunes
Multi-Day Elopement With Guests
Sabryna & Donovan
Rocky Mountain National Park
Multi-Day Elopement Without Guests
Shelby & Jeff
Rocky Mountain National Park
Multi Day Elopement With Guests
Sydney & Joe
Boulder
Boulder has some unique elopement location options within it such as the iconic Flatirons found in Chautauqua Park, easily accessible mountain vistas like Lost Gulch Overlook, and micro wedding venues such as Flagstaff House and Sunrise Amphitheater atop Flagstaff Mountain.
However, the most epic mountain view elopement locations are about an hour drive from Boulder. If having easy access to a large town with lots of food, drinks and lodging is important to you, you could use Boulder as your homebase and drive into the mountains for your elopement. Nederland and Blackhawk are smaller nearby towns that are a bit closer to the mountain locations.
Boulder is a popular option for micro weddings, as it offers a great mix of nature and city life for those who want to have a ceremony in the mountains and a fancy dinner to celebrate afterwards. Plus, it’s very close to Denver (only 40 mins from the airport) making it a great location for those flying in from out of state. It’s proximity to Denver also means you’ll have endless vendor options.
Boulder
Ultimate How To & Location Guide
boulder, colorado
Full Day Elopements With Guests
Alexis & Travis
BOULDER, COLORADO
Full Day Elopement With Guests
Haley & Jon
BOULDER, COLORADO
Multi Day Elopement With Guests
Sarah & Matt
Summit County
Summit County is hands down one of the best places to elope in Colorado! There are so many epic spots packed into one area, which means you can hit multiple stunning locations in a single day. Imagine starting your morning with a first look on a ridgeline, saying your vows with lake views, and then chasing the sunset on a mountain pass—all without spending hours driving. Plus, with Breckenridge, Frisco, and Dillon right there, you’ve got plenty of cute mountain towns for a post-elopement celebration or a cozy place to crash after your adventure.
There are various micro wedding venues around Dillon Reservoir such as Sapphire Point and Windy Point Campground. However, we know some secret spots just for elopements! On top of the incredible variety in the area, Summit county is only 1.5 hours from Denver, making it one of the most accessible mountainous areas.
Whether you stay in Breckenridge, Dillon, Frisco, Silverthorne, or Keystone, there are tons of great lodging options (including cute A-Frames and AirBnBs with epic views) and great restaurants all around.
Summit County
Ultimate How To & Location Guide
Summit County, Colorado
Three Day Elopement With Dogs
Amanda & Ian
Summit County, Colorado
Multi Day Micro Wedding With Guests
Maria & Michael
Summit County, Colorado
Full Day Elopement With No Guests
Casey & Drew
Clear Creek County
Whether you want to drive to the summit of Mt Blue Sky (one of the highest paved roads in North America), sightsee wildlife at Guanella Pass, off-road to a secluded lake or hike back to a glacier, Clear Creek County is a great place to elope in Colorado.
Clear Creek County is located between Denver and Summit County and includes the small, historic mining towns of Idaho Springs and Georgetown. It’s only about 40 mins from Denver and 30 mins to Dillon in Summit County, making the elopement locations in this area quite accessible regardless of where you want to stay. Most of our couples who choose to elope at a location in Clear Creek County often also choose locations in Summit County, since they’re so close together.
Clear Creek County
Ultimate How To & Location Guide
Summit & clear creek county
Three Day Elopement With Dogs
Amanda & Ian
summit, clear creek & rmnp
Multi Day Micro Wedding With Guests
Holly & Harrison
Aspen
For couples wanting both adventure and luxury, Aspen is the perfect Colorado elopement location. It offers world-class dining, upscale lodging, and vibrant nightlife, all while being surrounded by some of Colorado’s most dramatic landscapes. It comes with a price tag, though!
While Maroon Bells Amphitheater is the most iconic wedding location, it is difficult to obtain a permit. However, you can still get the epic views without the permit if you’re eloping just the two of you or with a few guests (ask us about this!). For those seeking a more intimate setting, Ashcroft Ghost Town provides epic mountain views for your elopement or micro wedding with fewer crowds and an easier permit system. Most other elopement locations around Aspen require a hike.
Aspen also has luxury micro-wedding venues such as The Little Nell and T-Lazy-7 Ranch, which offer private, high-end mountain experiences. Be aware that if you’re hoping for a reception/dinner with guest after your wedding, the options are more expensive and limited than other areas of Colorado.
Aspen is about a four hour drive from Denver, or you can fly into Aspen/Pitkin County Airport.
Aspen, Colorado
Ultimate How To & Location Guide
Aspen, Colorado
Half Day Elopement Without Guests
Sonal & Zach
Aspen, Colorado
Multi Day Micro Wedding With Guests
Megan & Brian
Aspen, Colorado
Half Day Micro Wedding With Guests
Erin & Derek
Vail, Colorado
Vail is a ski resort town located within the White River National Forest. Vail is a walkable downtown with a euro ski town feel with lots of restaurants and shops to explore. Surrounding Vail are other small towns such as Eagle-Vail, Avon, Edwards and Minturn which offer additional lodging options.
There are a couple micro wedding venues such as Julia’s Deck and Shrine Inn, but some of the best elopement locations near Vail do require a high clearance 4×4 vehicle to access, and 2+ miles of hiking.
Vail, Colorado
Ultimate How To & Location Guide
Vail, Colorado
Engagement Session
Kelsey & Kelly
Vail, Colorado
Engagement Session
Carli & Billy
Buena Vista & Lake County
Surrounded by the Collegiate Peaks, this area provides epic backdrops without the crowds of more touristy destinations. Buena Vista and Lake County have a combination of alpine lakes, mountain passes and peaks that are hard to beat. Whether you want a location that’s extremely accessible or to hike into your location, Buena Vista has it. Buena Vista and Lake County are about a 2+ hour drive from Denver.
Buena Vista & Lake County
Ultimate How To & Location Guide
Leadville Mountain Pass
Multi Day Micro Wedding With Guests
Liz & Jack
Leadville Lake
Half Day Micro Wedding With Guests
Hali & Adam
Summit & clear creek county
Three Day Elopement With Dogs
Amanda & Ian
Crested Butte
Looking for lush, wildflower covered mountains, alpine lakes, aspen groves and endless camp spots? Crested Butte is a quaint mountain town that is the best elopement location for the laid back, nature loving couple. This is our FAVORITE mountain town in Colorado. It’s so chill, not too busy, and there’s so much to see and do.
Crested Butte is a remote yet rewarding elopement destination, located about 4.5 hours from Denver by car or accessible by flying into Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional Airport (GUC), just 30 minutes away. Despite the distance- its seclusion, stunning landscapes, and lack of heavy crowds make it one of the most breathtaking places to elope in Colorado. The best locations require off-road driving, and the roads can be sketchy, making this destination not for the faint of heart—but absolutely worth it for couples who crave adventure and seclusion.
Crested Butte
Ultimate How To & Location Guide
Crested Butte
Full-Day Elopement Without Guests
Ashley & Andrew
Crested Butte
Full-Day Elopement Without Guests
Jodi & Robert
Crested Butte
Multi Day Wedding With Guests
Abby & Corino
San Juan Mountains
The San Juan Mountains, located in South West Colorado, feature some of the most picturesque mountains in the state. Known as the Switzerland of America, it’s a place where you can truly escape and get out in the wilderness. This remote region includes Telluride, Ouray, Silverton, and Ridgway. With fewer crowds than other mountain destinations and some of the best off-road access in the state, the San Juans are ideal for couples wanting an epic, adventurous elopement with jaw-dropping scenery.
The San Juan Mountains are perfect for adventurous couples, especially those ready for an off-road adventure. Some of the most scenic elopement locations require 4×4 access and can be challenging for inexperienced drivers. If you’d rather enjoy the views without the stress of driving, guided Jeep tours are a great option.
The San Juan Mountains are one of the most remote elopement destinations in Colorado, located 6 to 7 hours from Denver by car. For a quicker option, couples can fly into Montrose Regional Airport (MTJ), just an hour from Telluride and Ouray, or Durango-La Plata Airport (DRO), about 2 hours away. This area is more remote and spread out, so vendors may charge additional travel fees. However, for couples seeking Colorado’s most epic mountain views, the San Juans are hard to beat.
San Juan Mountains
Ultimate How To & Location Guide
Great Sand Dunes National Park
Great Sand Dunes National Park is one of the most unique and otherworldly elopement locations in Colorado, featuring towering sand dunes, the Medano River, and the Sangre de Cristo Mountains all in one breathtaking setting. What makes this one of the best places to elope in Colorado is the contrast between the tallest sand dunes in North America and the rugged peaks behind them- creating an epic, one-of-a-kind backdrop.
A special use permit is required to elope in the park, costing $200, with only two weddings allowed per day. Couples with fewer than 15 guests can exchange vows directly on the dune field, while groups larger than that must use the amphitheater.
Great Sand Dunes is far from Denver (about a 4-hour drive) with limited lodging, restaurants, and vendors nearby, so couples should plan accordingly.
Great Sand Dunes
Ultimate How To & Location Guide
Great Sand Dunes
Multi-Day Elopement With Guests
Sabryna & Donovan
Colorado Springs
Just an hour from Denver, Colorado Springs sits at the base of Pikes Peak, offering both big-city amenities and stunning mountain scenery. It’s perfect for couples who want easy access to hotels, restaurants, and bars while still being close to breathtaking outdoor locations. The most popular elopement location in Colorado Springs is Garden Of The Gods, which is a free small wedding venue that doesn’t require a permit.
Colorado Springs
Ultimate How To & Location Guide
Colorado National Monument
Colorado National Monument offers breathtaking desert landscapes, towering red rock cliffs, and expansive canyon views, making it a stunning elopement location for couples seeking a southwestern, high-desert vibe. Located near Grand Junction, this hidden gem features dramatic rock formations, winding scenic drives, and epic overlooks, perfect for a sunrise or sunset ceremony.
There is a special use permit required to get married at the Colorado National Monument with a fee of $150. Permits can be applied for well in advance but there are only four locations where ceremonies can be held. If you have less than 15 guests you can get married at Book Cliffs Shelter. If you have less than 25 guests you can get married at Book Cliffs View. If you plan on bringing more than 25 guests, you can choose from either the Saddlehorn Picnic Area or Devils Kitchen Picnic Area. Currently the Amphitheater is under construction and unavailable.
Colorado National Monument
Ultimate How To & Location Guide
Preserving the untouched wilderness & an intimate experience
If we listed all the hidden gem locations we’ve found from years of exploring Colorado, those spots would quickly become overcrowded, overrun, and in some cases, even closed—just like what’s happened to many locations that have gone viral on social media. A crowded, tourist-filled overlook is probably not what you’re envisioning for saying your vows.
That’s why we share reservable locations, but don’t publicly share the names of all of our favorite trails. We want to keep these hidden gems as secluded as possible so that when you elope, it actually feels intimate and magical, not like you’re just another couple at a busy scenic overlook.
However, when you book us as your photo, video, and planning team, you’ll receive our exclusive location guide. You’ll receive a curated guide of all the most stunning Colorado elopement locations customized to your preferences- including scenery, guest count, accessibility, time of year, accessibility needs, pet friendly, etc. Because finding a beautiful spot online is one thing—making sure it’s actually suitable for your elopement is another.
How To Choose Where To Elope In Colorado
a step by step guide
STEP
01
Decide On Scenery
First, decide on the type of scenery you want for your elopement! Colorado has such diverse scenery- from rugged 14,000+ ft mountains, alpine tundra, aspen forests, desert canyons, red rocks and alpine lakes, there are endless landscapes to choose from.
One of the great things about choosing Colorado as your elopement location is that most places in Colorado offer mountain vistas, lakes and forests all in one! You can get a wide variety of scenery for your Colorado elopement photos.
While there are definitely some beautiful waterfalls scattered throughout the state, the best ones are not even marked on a map. You’ll need to hire a local photographer who knows the hidden gems!
Consider Accessibility
When deciding on your elopement destination, it’s crucial to consider three key factors: the scenery, accessibility, and privacy. Typically, you’ll need to prioritize two of these elements since it’s challenging to find a location that excels in all three!
For instance, a beautiful spot that’s easily accessible is likely to be crowded, compromising your privacy. Alternatively, hiking to a secluded area offers breathtaking views without the interference of crowds.
This doesn’t mean you have to be a hardcore hiking couple to elope in Colorado- most of the hikes we recommend to our couples are between 2-6 miles roundtrip (1-3 hours of hiking total). But for those who are looking for an epic hiking elopement, we LOVE hiking and are definitely down for the adventure.
There are ways to achieve magnificent vistas without strenuous hikes or large crowds. For instance, remote locations accessible by 4×4 vehicles, opting for a sunrise or sunset ceremony, or choosing a weekday can provide privacy and stunning scenery.
STEP
02
STEP
03
Consider Guest Count
How many guests you plan to bring has the biggest impact on which locations are available to you. The more guests you have, the more limited you are with where you can elope in Colorado. Keep your guest count under 8 to have access to the most spots.
Wilderness areas typically limit the group size to 12, which means you could invite up to 8 guests after accounting for you and your photographers. On National Forest land, most areas are suitable for up to 15 guests.
If you plan to have more than 15 guests, you should consider booking a ceremony location or small wedding venue that can accommodate your group size.
Each location in Colorado has different rules when it comes to the group size that is allowed, which is why it’s important to hire a local photographer that can provide location guidance for you. We specialize in elopements (just the couple with no guests) or micro weddings with up to 15 guests. The reason for this is because this provides the most location options on public land such as National Forests with no permit required.
Decide The Time Of Year
The time of year you choose for your elopement is important as it impacts the available locations, weather, and your experience/activities.
Keep in mind that most mountain passes close from November to May each year due to snow. This can limit the number of accessible locations available to you.
Each season has pros and cons. Spring is the most unpredictable. Summer is peak season for elopements and our favorite season, but can have afternoon thunderstorms. Fall is stunning but short lived. Winter is magical, but is obviously very cold!
PS – Colorado is NOT a place where you can “tough it out” in the winter without jackets so keep this in mind when planning your elopement.
STEP
04
STEP
05
Hire A Local Elopement Photographer
It’s SO important to hire a local Colorado elopement photographer for multiple reasons. We highly recommend hiring a local photographer that provides location assistance for your elopement. It will be so much easier to plan your elopement having someone that is on the ground and can provide insider information on locations for you.
It’s also important to keep in mind that elopements are very different than traditional weddings, and we can’t stress enough how important it is to hire a photographer who specializes in what you’re planning for a seamless experience.
Personally, we create custom location guides for each couple we work with that outlines all the most stunning places in Colorado that fits what they’re looking for in terms of scenery, accessibility, guest count, dog friendly, etc! Once you have your location(s) chosen, we assist with co-creating your elopement day. This includes building your itinerary to include all the places you want to see and things you want to do, local vendor suggestions for hair + makeup, florals, etc. and even unique lodging ideas.
Be sure to grab our free guide below of the most important questions to ask elopement photographers before hiring them!
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WE’LL SHOW YOU THE BEST LOCATIONS
You won’t find the best locations online. You need a photographer who has spent time hiking around and scouting these locations in person to help you plan your Colorado elopement.
We provide our couples with exclusive Colorado elopement location guide, custom timeline, vendor recommendations and even lodging ideas!
Colorado Elopement Packages
Photography Packages
Looking for a Colorado elopement package from photographers who are familiar with the state and can guarantee you stunning photos? We’ve photographed countless Colorado elopements and would love to shoot yours next!
Photography & Videography
Professional photography and optional videography services from an experienced husband/wife team who’ve photographed over 150 weddings together. Posing guidance and direction to make you feel and look great in front of the camera, no experience necessary.
Planning Guide
A 50+ page digital planning guide to help you through the whole elopement planning process. Including tips on booking travel and lodging, buying your attire, activity ideas, packing checklists, including family and more.
Custom Location Guide
A list of all the most beautiful locations in the area you choose based on scenery, accessibility, permits and logistics. We do the work so you don’t have to!
Timeline Creation
We’ll craft a timeline that fits all the locations, activities, and moments you have planned for your day as well as consider ideal lighting and making sure your whole experience is relaxed and stress free.
Vendor Recommendations
Looking for a florist, hair and makeup artist, or other vendors? We’ve got you covered with local recommendations.
Hey, we’re Savannah & Greg!
Colorado Elopement Photographers
We’re a husband and wife team specializing in elopement photography and videography in Colorado. We believe eloping is the best way to get married, so much so that we did it ourselves! We know it can feel overwhelming not knowing where to start, which is why we help couples set a date, pick a location, make a timeline, etc!
Contact
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Colorado Elopement
planning checklist
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