Crested Butte Elopement
Locations, photos, cost & Tips
HOW TO ELOPE IN Crested Butte: UPDATED FOR 2024
Crested Butte is one of the best places to elope in Colorado featuring sweeping vistas of lush mountains, fields of wildflowers and endless rivers, lakes and waterfalls. Whether you’re looking for a private ceremony with just the two of you, or a small gathering of friends and family, Crested Butte offers the perfect setting for couples looking to exchange their vows.
As Crested Butte elopement photographers, we’ll explore the pros and cons to eloping in Crested Butte and the best tips and tricks to plan the perfect elopement in this stunning destination. So, if you’re considering a Crested Butte elopement, sit back, relax, and let us guide you on this exciting journey!
Table Of Contents
Reasons To Elope In Crested Butte
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!
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When To Elope In Crested Butte
Best Time Of Year To Elope In Crested Butte, Colorado
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 fine festivals and so much more. You can look at the Crested Butte event calendar to see the events!
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Best Places To Elope In Crested Butte
crested butte elopement locations
Crested Butte is a mountain town that’s about a 4 hour drive from Denver and sits at 8,909 ft of elevation. There are truly endless stunning locations to elope in Crested Butte, which we’ll dive into in this guide.
As elopement photographers, we’ve spent a lot of time searching for the perfect locations for our couples to get married. We’ve put together a Crested Butte elopement guide for our couples that outlines all of the most beautiful places to get married. In addition to locations, the guide includes local vendor recommendations, lodging inspiration, activity ideas and sample itineraries to make planning as easy as possible! We keep the best hidden gems secret to keep the privacy for our couples, but here are some ideas for your Crested Butte elopement!
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.
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!
Take A Ski Lift
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.
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.
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!
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 exclusive Crested Butte elopement location guide, custom timeline, vendor recommendations and even lodging ideas!
Crested Butte Wedding Venues
If you’re planning a wedding with 20+ 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 wedding venues in Crested Butte, Colorado:
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
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+
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+
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
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+
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
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
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 Club at Crested Butte is a golf club that offers both indoor and outdoor venues for weddings, with options to accommodate small groups.
The Wooden Nickel is a historic and rustic steakhouse, renowned for its high-quality steaks and classic Western ambiance.
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.
Jose Crested Butte is a restaurant right outside of Elevation Hotel & Spa which offers incredible views of the ski lifts and mountains.
The Breadery is a charming bakery and cafรฉ that’s ideal for a cozy, relaxed gathering. Its freshly baked bread, pastries, range of delicious dishes and artisan offerings make it a perfect place to celebrate in a more laid-back setting.
Elk Avenue Prime is an upscale steakhouse, known for its elegant atmosphere and exceptional menu featuring prime steaks and fresh seafood. The restaurant’s stylish setting and top-notch service create a memorable dining experience, allowing you and your guests to savor the occasion in a sophisticated environment.
AirBnB Elopements Crested Butte
Here are a few rentals in Crested Butte that allow events! Always contact the host and let them know about what you’re planning before booking to ensure your event is allowed. PS- events are not allowed at AirBnBs, but you can go to VRBO and filter by events allowed.
35 ACRE MOUNTAIN CHALET
GUESTS: 6 BEDROOMS, 10 BEDS, SLEEPS 18
MAXIMUM EVENT ATTENDEES: 30
COST: $1,500-$3,000/NIGHt
SPACIOUS HOME W/ MAJESTIC VIEWS
GUESTS: 4 BEDROOMS, CONVERTIBLE BEDS, SLEEPS 10
COST: $900/NIGHT.
THERE IS ALSO A SPECIAL EVENT FEE FOR EVENTS/WEDDINGS.
How Much Does It Cost To Elope In Crested Butte?
The cost to get married in Crested Butte starts at $30 which covers your marriage license from Gunnison County. At a minimum, you’ll likely want to purchase wedding attire, hire a photographer, videographer, florist, hair and makeup artist. You may also need to account for travel, transportation and lodging.
It’s free to elope on most public land in Crested Butte, but you may need a permit which can be a few hundred dollars depending on the location. You’ll save tens of thousands of dollars not renting a traditional venue with food and beverage minimums!
The total cost for your wedding will vary significantly depending on the style of wedding you choose to have. For example, a simple elopement with no guests will be much more affordable than a wedding with guests which you will then need a venue to host a reception, cater food, hire additional vendors, etc.
It’s important to note that elopements can be as simple or as extravagant as you desire, there is no set cost for this type of wedding!
The couples that hire us value their photos and experience more than anything, which is why they typically spend majority of their budget on their photography package.
Hey, we’re Savannah & Greg!
Crested Butte Elopement Photographers
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!
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.
“Authentic Collective gave us all that we could have asked for! They were able to get us our dream venue, Maroon Bells, and helped us with all that we needed to make our wedding day what we wanted.”
Crested Butte Elopement Photos
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Multi Day Elopement With Guests
Abby & Corino
Contact
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planning Resources
Planning guide
The Best Places To Elope In Colorado
Planning guide
Colorado Elopement Planning Guide
Planning guide
Small Wedding Venues in Colorado
