Planning / best places to elope in colorado / crested butte
Crested Butte Elopement
Locations, photos, cost & Tips
HOW TO ELOPE IN Crested Butte: UPDATED FOR 2025
Dreaming of saying your vows surrounded by wildflowers, at an alpine lake, secluded waterfall or overlooking epic mountains? The best part about eloping in Crested Butte is you don’t have to choose between these, you can get all of the most stunning scenery Colorado has to offer in one place.
As Crested butte elopement photographers and planners, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know to plan your Crested Butte elopement or micro wedding in the wildflower capital of Colorado. Crested Butte is truly our favorite location for elopements in Colorado, and we can’t wait to help you plan an epic adventure wedding here!
Savannah & Greg
the team behind authentic collective
Crested Butte Elopement Experts
photo, video & planning
Hey, we’re Sav & Greg! We are Crested Butte elopement photographers, videographers and planners who know the ins and outs of Crested Butte (and all the hidden gem locations). We take couples from “Where do we even start?” to “We have everything we need!”.
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
Why Plan A Crested Butte Elopement?
Wildflower capital
Crested Butte is one of the most beautiful mountain towns in Colorado. It is the wildflower capital of Colorado and hosts a wildflower festival every July!
Less Touristy
Crested Butte has a small town vibe and feels less touristy than other popular mountain towns like Aspen and Vail, but is equally if not more beautiful.
Epic camping
There are endless campgrounds and dispersed camping options in the mountains of Crested Butte that are absolutely stunning.
endless Off-roading Adventures
There are a lot of locations in Crested Butte that can only be accessed with a high clearance 4×4 vehicle (and some bravery of heights)!
Your Photos Will Be Stunning!
With its stunning landscapes and dramatic scenery, Crested Butte provides endless opportunities for breathtaking wedding photos.
How To Plan A Crested Butte Elopement
A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE
Is this your first time trying to plan an elopement? Don’t worry- as Crested Butte elopement photographers, we have quite a few of these under our belt and we’re here to help you through the whole process! Here’s a step by step guide on how to elope in Crested Butte, Colorado:
1 Hire A Photographer
Most couples hire us before they start planning anything! The reason for this is because we help our couples with logistics such as choosing the right date, which location(s) are perfect for them, navigating permits, finding local vendors, etc. You don’t have to do it all yourself, we’re here to help you.
2 Choose Your Location
After you’ve set a date with us you’ll gain access to our exclusive Crested Butte location guide. You’ll easily be able to see which location(s) perfectly fit what you’re looking for and have all the info you’ll need to obtain any reservations or permits needed.
3 Plan Out The Details
Next, you’ll book your lodging, transportation and any additional vendors such as hair and makeup, a florist, officiant, etc. (don’t worry, we’ll send you ideas for all of these). We’ll collaborate on a timeline to fit in all the locations and activities you want while getting the best photos throughout the day! You’ll also need to pick up your marriage license prior to the wedding.
4 Get Married!
You’ll have the best day ever and we’ll be there capturing every moment! Within a few days you’ll have sneak peek photos in your inbox, and the full gallery within 2-3 months. All that’s left is to choose which photos to print!
“If you’re looking for the perfect photographers for your special day, you’ve found them. Hiring them for your elopement or micro wedding will be the best decision you make.”
– Jodi & Robert | Crested Butte, Colorado
When To Elope In Crested Butte
The best time for a Crested Butte elopement is late June to early August for the best scenery and accessibility. Summer provides warm weather, flowing rivers and waterfalls and lush scenery. Wildflowers are typically present in late June to early August. Planning your elopement for the summer is our recommendation as you’ll have access to all locations, unlike the winter, early spring or late fall, when vehicle access can be limited due to snow.
Spring Crested Butte Elopement
April, May & June
Spring elopements in Crested Butte can be a bit unpredictable when it comes to weather. Depending on the previous winters snowfall, some of the 4×4 roads can still be covered in snow and impassable even into June. The trails can be very muddy as the snow begins to melt.
Late June is beautiful though, as the mountains are still capped with snow, the crowds are yet to form, providing more privacy, and the temperature is mild and perfect for elopements! There are also waterfalls EVERYWHERE!
Summer Crested Butte Elopement
July & August to mid September
Summer is our recommended time to elope in Crested Butte! Specifically, the entire month of July is absolutely perfect. It’s late enough that most of the snow is gone, the waterfalls are rushing, everything is LUSH and there’s wildflowers everywhere.
You’ll want to avoid the wildflower festival though, which is usually mid-July, for more privacy for your day.
Fall Crested Butte Elopement
Mid-September To Mid-October
Crested Butte is an incredible location for fall elopements in Colorado as it’s filled with aspen groves that turn bright yellow.
Trying to forecast when the leaves will change is nearly impossible as it changes every year and storms can come through that down all the leaves. However, typically late September/early October offers fall foliage.
Winter Crested Butte Elopement
November to march
Looking for snow covered mountains and winter activities like skiing or snowboarding? Winter could be the perfect time for your Crested Butte elopement!
However, be prepared for cold temperatures and snowy conditions. Additionally, be aware that some locations will be inaccessible due to the snow covered roads.
Choose A Weekday At Sunrise
We always recommend having your wedding on a weekday (Monday-Thursday) to minimize the amount of tourists that will be in the area. Sunrise or sunset is the best time of day to elope for the most privacy and best lighting!
Be Aware Of Important Dates
When selecting your wedding date, it’s also important to know of any events in the area that might impact your elopement. For example, the wild flower festival happens every summer which is very popular and the town will be much more busy. There are also arts festivals, food and wine festivals and so much more. You can look at the Crested Butte event calendar to see the events!
Best Places To Elope In Crested Butte
Elopement Locations
0 to 15 guests
Eloping just the two of you, or inviting up to 15 guests? You can elope outdoors on public land such as Gunnison National Forest locations.
Small Wedding Venues
15+ guests
If you have more than 15 guests, a small venue or reservable ceremony location is more suitable for your group size.
AirBnB & VRBOs
elopements and small weddings
Consider a vacation rental for your venue, which varies depending on group size.
Crested Butte Elopement Locations
We’ve spent countless hours scoping out every hidden gem in Crested Butte, from secret waterfalls to lesser-known alpine lakes that you won’t find on any travel blog. We want to keep these spots just as magical for our couples as they were for us when we first discovered them—so we won’t be sharing every location publicly. Think of it as our way of preserving the intimacy (and awe factor) of your day while helping you experience Crested Butte in the most authentic, off-the-beaten-path way possible.
Once you book with us, you’ll get full access to every epic location in Crested Butte, perfectly curated for you based on your preferences of scenery, accessibility, etc. We even offer custom location scouting, incase you’re for something specific! In the meantime, here are some areas to consider:
Alpine Lakes
There are plenty of lakes perfect for elopements in Crested Butte, whether you want to drive to a popular lake or hike to a hidden gem. Green Lake is a 5 mile trail to a stunning, lesser traveled lake. Beaver Ponds is a short hike perfect in the fall. Lake Irwin is great for water activities like swimming, kayaking, canoeing or paddle boarding!
Hiking Elopements
There are so many absolutely jaw dropping hiking trails around Crested Butte for those interested in a hiking elopement! We provide our couples with a custom location guide with hidden gem, in-person scouted and vetted, best of the best locations. However, some popular hikes are Snodgrass Mountain, Oh Be Joyful Trail, Rustlers Gulch and West Maroon Bells Pass.
Hidden Waterfalls
While there are some popular waterfalls in Crested Butte such as Judd Falls and along the Oh Be Joyful trail, the BEST waterfalls are not even marked on any maps. You’ll need to hire a photographer who is familiar with the area and has spent time finding these falls for you. We’ve spent countless hours finding multiple hidden gem waterfalls that nobody ever goes to!
Slate river
One of the most scenic rivers in Colorado, the Slate River, runs through Crested Butte. With its epic mountain backdrop, it’s one of the most beautiful places to get married in Crested Butte. Views like this are accessible on the side of the road, you don’t have to hike if you don’t want to!
You will need a permit if within CBLT property.
Kebler Pass
Kebler Pass is a stunning high-mountain route just west of Crested Butte, famous for its vast aspen groves and jaw-dropping fall colors. Whether you visit in summer or autumn, this scenic byway offers sweeping views and a quintessential Colorado mountain experience.
Mt. Crested Butte
Take the Silver Queen Express up to the top of Mount Crested Butte for a fun mid-day activity during your elopement! There is also a short but steep hike at the top you can take to the summit, for 360 degree mountain views.
Tickets are required and are $45 per person. Opening hours are between 9am-2pm, weather dependent. Red Lady is another option.
Campgrounds
If you love camping, consider a camping elopement! Crested Butte has some of the most scenic camp sites in the country. Recently, they changed the rules and you can only camp in designated sites.
Most of the campgrounds open in May/June and close in September/October. A couple popular options are Oh Be Joyful Campground and Mt.Crested Butte Campground.
Mountain Passes
Not into hiking on your wedding day? No worries. Choose from one of the many mountain passes around Crested Butte and drive to your location!
Some of the roads do require high clearance 4x4s, so ensure you have a suitable vehicle and are comfortable driving steep and precarious roads.
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 Crested Butte elopement.
We provide our couples with an exclusive Crested Butte elopement location guide, custom timeline, vendor recommendations and even lodging ideas!
Micro Wedding Venues In Crested Butte
If you’re planning a wedding with 15+ guests, a small wedding venue in Crested Butte may be better suited for your event. Crested Butte offers a variety of unique and stunning micro wedding venues, from affordable public park rentals to luxury mountain top resorts.
Here are the best venues for a micro wedding in Crested Butte, Colorado:
Mountain Wedding Garden
Mountain Wedding Garden is a stunning and affordable wedding venue in Crested Butte which offers both indoor and outdoor options with their ceremony garden and reception pavilion. View the full Mountain Wedding Garden guide here!
CAPACITY: UP TO 125 GUESTS
AVAILABILITY: YEAR-ROUND
ESTIMATED COST: $700-$2300+
Crested Butte Land Trust
Crested Butte Land Trust has a few different ceremony options that all offer stunning mountain views. Choose between Woods Walk, Peanut Lake and Gunsight Bridge. View the full Crested Butte Land Trust guide here!
CAPACITY: UP TO 100 GUESTS
AVAILABILITY: YEAR-ROUND
ESTIMATED COST: $500 REFUNDABLE DEPOSIT + $1500 DONATION
Ten Peaks at Crested Butte Mountain Resort
Ten Peaks and Umbrella Bar at Crested Butte Mountain Resort offers unmatched mountain views for your ceremony and reception options.
CAPACITY: UP TO 180 GUESTS
AVAILABILITY: JUNE TO SEPTEMBER
ESTIMATED COST: $15,000+
Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory
RMBL hosts events in the fall, depending on availability. If you have a small group (less than 30), they may be able to accommodate other times or year but are typically occupied late June to mid-August. From mid-November to mid-May, access is only possible by ski or snowshoe.
CAPACITY: UP TO 128 GUESTS
AVAILABILITY: LIMITED. FULL FOR 2024
ESTIMATED COST: $7500+
Cement Creek Ranch
Located about 30 mins from Crested Butte in nearby Almont, Cement Creek Ranch is a secluded, rustic cabin. What this location lacks in modern luxury lodging, it makes up for in views! Available for ceremonies and small receptions.
CAPACITY: UP TO 30 GUESTS
AVAILABILITY: YEAR-ROUND
ESTIMATED COST: $750+
Taylor River Lodge is located 30 mins outside of Crested Butte in Almont. It is a full resort with a $10,000 venue minimum as well as minimum 2 nights stay.
Hitched On The Taylor starts at $7000 and has a few different location options within the property.
Campfire Ranch On The Taylor for a more DIY (and more affordable) option, you can rent a group campsite.
Elk Mountain Lodge located in downtown CB offers lodging and reception options all in one. For groups or events larger than 10 people a full buyout of the lodge may be required with a 3 day minimum and space rental fee.
Almont Resort offers options for large groups as well as groups of 25 or less.
The Club at Crested Butte is a golf club that offers both indoor and outdoor venues for weddings, with options to accommodate small groups.
“You guys exceeded any and all expectations! Thank you thank you thank you so much for these perfect pictures. They are truly everything we wanted and more!”
– Abby & Corino | Crested Butte, Colorado
Crested Butte Wedding Reception Venues
Looking for a space for an intimate reception or dinner celebration after your micro wedding? Here are the best wedding reception venues in Crested Butte for you to celebrate with your friends and family after your wedding.
Town Ranch Event Area
This open space is the perfect blank canvas. You can set up an event tent at this location for dinner and dancing during your reception! Can be booked up to a year in advance. (Note- this is right beside a baseball field)
CAPACITY: UP TO 100 GUESTS
AVAILABILITY: YEAR-ROUND
ESTIMATED COST: $500 + $150 REFUNDABLE DEPOSIT
Scarp Ridge Lodge
Eleven Scarp Ridge Lodge is located right in the heart of downtown Crested Butte. They offer an intimate reception package which incudes on-site lodging, a private outdoor courtyard and amenities such as a sauna, cold plunge and hot tub.
CAPACITY: Varies
AVAILABILITY: YEAR-ROUND
ESTIMATED COST: $3000+
Crested Butte Museum
Located right on Elk Ave, the Crested Butte Museum includes tables, chairs, a small kitchen and other amenities for a small gathering. The outside garden is included in the summer months! Starting at just $250/hour.
CAPACITY: up to 80 seated
AVAILABILITY: YEAR-ROUND
ESTIMATED COST: $250/hour
CeNter For The Arts
Center for the Arts Crested Butte is located right on the main road in town. With outdoor and indoor spaces, it’s perfect for an artsy, creative vibe. The mountain views are stunning out on the lawn and patio, making it a memorable place for your wedding reception.
CAPACITY: Varies
AVAILABILITY: YEAR-ROUND
ESTIMATED COST: Varies
The Secret Stash
If you’re looking for something a bit more casual, consider The Secret Stash, a cozy pizzeria in downtown Crested Butte. Their pizza is some of the BEST we’ve ever had! Don’t miss out on the “big ass margaritas” too. They do not take reservations, though, unless you buy out the full restaurant.
CAPACITY: Varies
AVAILABILITY: YEAR-ROUND
ESTIMATED COST: Varies
The Breadery is a bakery and café that’s ideal for an elegant gathering. They offer delicious dishes- especially their bread (obviously) and pasta!
Bonez is an incredibly unique restaurant offering events for 25-200 people. Their margs are SO good (and strong).
Nordic Inn Mountain Retreat offers on-site lodging as well as a micro wedding reception option.
Irwin Brewing Company’s Public House is known for its craft beers and relaxed atmosphere. The menu features a variety of local and seasonal dishes, making it a great choice for an intimate, memorable gathering. We’ve had dinner here and it was delicious!
The Wooden Nickel is a historic and rustic steakhouse, renowned for its high-quality steaks and classic Western ambiance.
Jose Crested Butte is a restaurant right outside of Elevation Hotel & Spa which offers incredible views of the ski lifts and mountains.
Sunflower is a cozy, farm-to-table restaurant in downtown Crested Butte known for its fresh, locally sourced ingredients and intimate atmosphere.
Elk Avenue Prime is an upscale steakhouse, known for its elegant atmosphere and exceptional menu featuring prime steaks and fresh seafood.
Garlic Mikes is an Italian restaurant and on the Gunnison River that allows events.
I Bar Ranch is a wedding and event venue in Gunnison.
VRBO & AirBnB Weddings In Crested Butte
Whether you’re looking for a scenic estate in Crested Butte for your micro wedding ceremony, or an intimate house to host a post-elopement party, there are some things you should know about AirBnB and VRBO weddings.
We recommend finding VRBOs that allow events if you’re hosting guests, while AirBnBs are fine for just the two of you. Here’s the full guide for finding the perfect VRBO or AirBnB wedding venue, or check out our favorite vacation rentals in Crested Butte below!
Best VRBOs In Crested Butte
- 35 Acre Mountain View Luxury Chalet (events allowed, sleeps 23, $1500- $3000 per night)
- Endless Views (events allowed (max. 40), $1300+ per night, dogs allowed)
- Bend It By The Butte (events allowed, $450+ per night, no pets allowed)
- Cinnamon Mountain Getaway (events allowed, $325+ per night, no pets allowed)
- Beautiful home with mountain, valley and river views
- Ski In House 5 Min Walk To Gold Link
- Unique 40 AC Horse Friendly Ranch
- Academy Place
- Rustic Cabin
Lodging in crested butte
Just looking for lodging and wondering where to stay? Anywhere near Crested Butte or Mt.Crested Butte is perfect. You can also look out towards Gunnison, but that is a 30 min drive from town and the opposite direction of most elopement locations.
We recommend searching AirBnB & VRBO for your dates to find lodging, as most hotels and condos are a bit outdated. Don’t forget to filter by pets allowed if you’re bringing one along! However, here are a few additional ideas that may not be listed there:
Crested Butte Elopement Activities
Activities & Fun Things To Do In Crested Butte during your wedding day or after
Timeline Examples
The best part of eloping in Crested Butte is planning a day that feels like YOU and that you are beyond excited about! We’ll help you craft a timeline that fits all your locations and activities, while getting the best lighting, photos and experience.
Here are real timelines from Crested Butte elopements we’ve photographed!
Sunrise
5:00am – Meet at the trailhead and start the hike
5:30am – Arrive at viewpoint and get dressed
6:00am – First look
6:15am – Ceremony (vows, exchange rings, sign marriage license)
6:45am – Explore area + photos
8:00am – Start heading back to trailhead, photos along the way
9:00am – Drive to overlook
9:10am – Explore & photos
10:00am – Break
Sunset
6:00pm – Meet at trailhead and start the hike
6:30pm – Detail photos (rings, florals, vow books, etc.)
7:00pm – Picnic & pop champagne
8:00pm – First dance
8:30pm – Hike back to cars
9:00pm – Drive to viewpoint
9:15pm – Lantern night photos
10:00pm – End
Elopement Day
12:00pm – Photographer & videographer arrive at AirBnB | Capture details
12:45pm – Hair and makeup finishing shots
1:00pm – Get dressed + final details
1:45pm – Drive to first look location
2:00pm – First look and letter reading
3:00pm – Drive to venue
3:30pm – Prep for ceremony | Shoot ceremony details & guests arrive
4:00pm – Ceremony
4:30pm – Cocktail hour + guest photos
5:00pm – Newlywed photos
5:30pm – Reception introduction + first dance
5:45pm – Toasts
6:00pm – Dinner
7:20pm – Sneak couple out for sunset photos
8:20pm – Return to reception + party!
9:00pm – Reception Ends
Adventure Session
5:30pm – Meet at the trailhead & start the hike
6:15pm – Explore area and shoot
7:45pm – Hike back
8:30pm – Photo + video ends
Crested Butte Elopement Galleries
Crested Butte
Full-Day Elopement Without Guests
Ashley & Andrew
Crested Butte
Full-Day Elopement Without Guests
Jodi & Robert
Crested Butte
Multi Day Elopement With Guests
Abby & Corino
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how to get your
Crested Butte Marriage License
To officially and legally get married in Crested Butte, you’ll need to obtain a Colorado marriage license. The cost is only $30, and there’s no waiting period—you can get it the same day, or up to 35 days in advance.
The closest location to get your marriage license is the Gunnison County Clerk & Recorder’s Office, which is about a 30 min drive from Crested Butte. You must complete an application and make an appointment by calling (970) 641-2038. You can also pick up a marriage license from any county in Colorado; just remember you must return it to the same office where you got it (within 63 days).
You can elope in Crested Butte no matter where you live. Plus, Colorado allows self-solemnization, meaning no officiant or witnesses are required—you can even have your pet sign your marriage license if you like!
How much does A Crested Butte Elopement cost?
The cheapest you could elope in Crested Butte is just $30, covering your marriage license to make it legal. However, most couples prefer to make their elopement feel special by creating a full event around their day and really splurging on themselves and their experience.
The average cost of an elopement in Crested Butte is $15,000, with the biggest expense being photography and videography. Micro weddings can be more expensive as venues and food and drink minimums can be a large expense, depending on the location and guest count.
Elopement Cost
The average cost of a Crested Butte elopement is $15k
Micro Wedding Cost
The average cost of a Crested Butte Micro Wedding is $24k
Crested Butte Elopement Vendors
Florists
bouquets & boutennieres
Hair & Makeup Artists
professional hair & makeup services
Private Chefs & Cake
Hire a private chef or catering
Crested Butte Elopement Photographers
Savannah & Greg
We’re a husband and wife team specializing in elopement photography and videography in Crested Butte, 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!
“They are a great group to work with! They made everything go so smoothly and stress free could not have asked for better!”
– Ashley & Andrew | Crested Butte, Colorado
Crested Butte Elopement Packages
Photography Packages
It might seem counterintuitive to look for a photographer before you have an exact location and date set, but trust us on this one. If you’re looking for some help finding the perfect location, an elopement photographer who specializes in the area you’re considering will be a huge help to you.
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.
Contact
Submit the form below and we’ll email you back within 2 business days!
Crested Butte Elopement FAQs
planning Resources
Planning guide
The Best Places To Elope In Colorado
Planning guide
Colorado Elopement Planning Guide
Planning guide
Small Wedding Venues in Colorado
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