Planning / How to elope in colorado
How to elope in Colorado
ultimate colorado elopement guide for 2025
As local Colorado elopement photographers and videographers specializing in mountain weddings, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know about how to elope in Colorado. Learn about the best time of year for your elopement, locations, Colorado elopement requirements, permits, pricing, packages and more.
With it’s epic mountains, alpine lakes, aspen forests and endless adventures – Colorado is the best place to elope in the US.
What Is An Elopement?
Meaning Of Eloping
an elopement is Not Just running away to get married in secret anymore
The idea that eloping is a just short, quick, cheap way to get married is no longer accurate. The meaning of eloping is a way of getting married that is completely crafted around what you value, getting married in a way that feels in alignment with you as a couple and ABOUT you (not the guests).
It has nothing to do with the length of the elopement, how much you spend on it or any other factor. Your elopement can be however extravagant or simple as you’d like it to be. It can be however long you want it to be. You can do whatever you want to do.. that’s the whole point!
There are lots of reasons to elope – from wanting an intimate experience for just the two of you, to exploring a bucket list destination and making an adventure out of your wedding, to avoiding the stress and planning overwhelm of a traditional wedding.
We eloped because it felt more authentic to us as a couple and we wanted to allocate our funds towards traveling somewhere new for our wedding and getting epic photos and videos.
Reasons To Elope In Colorado
colorado is the best place to elope in the us
If you’re looking for epic mountain views, a wide variety of scenery, a simple elopement process- Colorado is the perfect elopement location for you! Here are some of the top reasons to elope in Colorado:
Epic landscapes and a variety of scenery
Colorado offers stunning natural landscapes including the Rocky Mountains, alpine lakes, aspen forests, sand dunes and red rock formations.
Your pet can sign your marriage license
Since you can self solemnize in Colorado and you don’t need an officiant or witnesses, your dogs or other pets can sign your marriage license!
you can elope in colorado year-round
Whether you prefer a winter wonderland, a vibrant fall foliage backdrop, or a sunny summer ceremony, Colorado offers elopement options year-round.
your photos will be stunning!
If beautiful elopement photos are important to you, choose Colorado! You’re sure to have jaw-dropping wedding photos when you elope in Colorado.
How To Plan A Colorado Elopement
A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE
Is this your first time trying to plan an elopement in Colorado? Don’t worry- as Colorado 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 quick step by step guide on how to elope in 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 Colorado 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 get 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!
Download the FREE
Colorado Elopement
Planning checklist
Get instant access to the full Colorado planning checklist for insider information on everything you need to plan a successful Colorado elopement!
When To Elope In Colorado
Best Time Of Year To Elope In Colorado
The best time to elope in Colorado depends on if you’re envisioning a spring elopement with lush greenery, a summer elopement with warmer temperatures, a fall elopement with orange aspens, or a snowy winter elopement. Colorado is beautiful 365 days of the year, but the seasons can be a bit confusing if you’re from out of state.
It’s also important to note that the weather in Denver and the front range is much different than in the mountains. So while it’s going to vary depending where exactly in the state you decide to elope, here’s a general overview of what to expect from the different seasons in the mountains of Colorado:
Spring Colorado Elopement
April, May & June
While spring technically starts in March in the US, March is the snowiest month of the year in Colorado. Colorado’s winter often lingers into April and occasionally May. Depending where you are and the snowpack of the winter, there can be snow on the mountains even into June! June is when it truly starts feeling like spring in Colorado.
Late April to May is known as “mud season” because as the snow melts, the trails can get muddy. The weather can also be unpredictable during spring, it could be 70 and sunny or there could be a snowstorm!
June is one of our favorite months for Colorado elopements because it starts to warm up, everything is lush and green, and there is often still snow on the mountain peaks in the distance which is stunning for photos.
Summer Colorado Elopement
July & August to mid September
Summer is the most popular time of year to elope in Colorado! This is because the mountain passes are open, the trails are clear and conditions are perfect for an elopement. PLUS the days are long!
While it gets hot in the front range, the mountain stay comfortable. It can still be cold in the mountains during the summer, especially at sunrise and sunset. Wildflowers can be found in different places across Colorado commonly in July into August.
Afternoon thunderstorms are common in the Colorado mountains, especially during the summer months. However, these rain storms can mostly be avoided by opting for a sunrise or sunset event.
Fall Colorado Elopement
Mid-September To November
The leaves turn and the aspen groves turn into a vibrant yellowy orange! Fall can be hard to pin point, but generally mid-September to mid-October is a good bet in the mountains, and it lasts longer down in the front range.
Fall is incredibly temperamental. Peak season for leaves changes every single year and can literally go from peak to past peak with one storm. We LOVE fall colors but advise our couples who are hoping to capture it to keep in mind it’s a guessing game if we’ll manage to hit peak fall. The weather this time of year can be very random with rain/snowstorms.
Another consideration is that unless booking well in advance, vendors typically book up very fast for fall dates. Locations can be busier and prices can be higher as well.
Winter Colorado Elopement
November to march
Dreaming of a winter wonderland elopement in Colorado? Snow can start as early as late September to October in the mountains, but true winter is between November to March. The days are shorter, but locations are not as busy.
If you’re adventurous and enjoy winter sports like skiing or snowboarding, this could be the perfect time for your elopement. However, be prepared for cold temperatures and snowy conditions, which may limit outdoor activities.
When planning a winter elopement it’s important to be prepared for the elements and have an indoor location you can use as a back-up incase of storms.
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, in Crested Butte there is a wildflower festival in July that you’d want to avoid as there will be many more people in the area. In Leadville, they do the Leadville 100 in August which limits access to some locations during the race. Hire a local photographer that can help you avoid big events and have the best experience.
“Our wedding day went so smoothly and completely stress free and it’s all because of them. We would work with Savannah & Greg over and over again. 1000% recommend!“
Colorado Elopements With Guests
How guest count affects your elopement
Your guest count impacts the locations that 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 low to have access to the most spots.
Wilderness areas typically limit the group size limit 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.
Choose Your Location
One of the first steps of planning your elopement is deciding on WHERE! This is one of the most exciting parts, but it can also be overwhelming trying to find the best spot. That’s why we’ve created these location guides for you to browse through, depending on the type of event you’re planning.
Keep in mind that for elopements, you don’t need to find the exact location/trail as long as you hire a local elopement photographer. We provide our clients with a custom location guide with hidden gem spots you won’t find online, curated for you that fits what you’re envisioning perfectly (taking into account scenery, accessibility, guest count, season, etc.). However, we do recommend using our Colorado elopement location guide to look at the pros and cons of each area to narrow down which part of Colorado you’re most drawn to (since it’s the 8th biggest state in the US).
01
Elopement Locations
best places for elopements with no guests or very few (0-15)
For elopements with no guests, or less than 15, there are endless locations you can elope in Colorado on public land (usually with no permit or fee required). Here’s a guide to help you decide where in Colorado you’d like to elope!
02
Micro Wedding Venues
small Venues for micro weddings with guests (15+ guests)
Planning to invite your friends and family? If you have more than about 15 guests, a small wedding venue is more suitable for your event. But don’t worry- we’ve curated all the most stunning mountain micro venues for you!
03
VRBO & AirBnB Options
vacation rental options for small weddings or elopements
Vacation rental elopements are growing in popularity. Here’s a guide to see if this is right for you, and some of our favorite VRBOs and AirBnBs for weddings in Colorado.
A few of our favorite Places
Summit County
Crested Butte
Rocky Mountain NP
Boulder
Benefits Of A Hiking Elopement
You don’t have to hike
BUT HERE ARE SOME THINGS TO CONSIDER!
When you’re choosing your elopement location, there are three main aspects to consider: scenery, accessibility and privacy. Typically, you have to decide which two of these are most important to you as it’s difficult to get all three.
For example- if there’s an incredible beautiful location that is really easy to get to, it’s likely to be busy and not provide privacy for your elopement. Hiking allows you to get beautiful views for your elopement without the crowds.
There are ways to get epic views with no hiking required and not lots of people around- such as remote locations you can 4×4 to, choosing a sunrise or sunset experience and opting for a weekday. This is why we create custom location guides for our clients- we can curate the best locations for you that fit exactly what you’re looking for!
PIN TO PINTEREST
Save The Guide
On Pinterest
Bookmark this page to come back to later by saving it to Pinterest! This way, you can reference this planning guide whenever you need to.
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 Planning
Colorado Elopement Laws
To elope in Colorado, you’ll have to get a Colorado marriage license
Colorado is the easiest place to elope because you can self-solemnize, which means you don’t need an officiant or any witnesses to get married! However, you will still need to obtain a marriage license unless you’re planning a commitment ceremony. You can do this regardless of whether you live in Colorado or are traveling in from out of state.
You can get your marriage license from any county clerks office in Colorado, it doesn’t have to be in the county where you will be married. The easiest way to find an office close to your elopement location is to just Google “*city* county clerk and recorder”.
You will need to make an appointment, then both arrive in person with photo ID to obtain your license. Some counties require a copy of your birth certificate as well, so check into that before you leave home.
There is no waiting period, so you can get your marriage license just prior to your elopement. If you want to get your license early, you can up to 35 days before your ceremony.
Lastly, you will need to return the marriage license to the recorder’s office within 63 days of the ceremony. That’s it- you’re legally married!
Colorado Elopement Permits
Permits may be required for your wedding depending on the location you choose, how many guests you’re inviting and if you’re planning to have any props such as an arch, chairs, etc. You will need to check the permitting for the specific place you plan to elope, but here are some general guidelines of when permits are required:
- National Parks: National Parks almost always require a permit to hold a ceremony in the park, and often have restrictions of where you can hold the ceremony. This is the case for Rocky Mountain NP.
- National Forests: As of this writing, a permit is generally not required to elope on National Forest land if you don’t bring props or outside vendors other than a photographer/videographer.
- State Parks: While permits typically aren’t required at State Parks, a reservation for a group shelter usually is.
Sound confusing? This is why hiring a local Colorado elopement photographer is so important. A good photographer will have permit information built into their location guide, be knowledgeable on the requirements and help you along the way. Permit information isn’t the most straight-forward or easy to find which is another reason we highly recommend a local who not only has scouted the locations in person but have contacts in the area to get up to date permit information quickly.
Colorado Elopement Activities
Activities & ideas for your elopement
Your elopement deserves to be an experience, not just “a few photos”. Here are some elopement ideas and activities to make your day memorable!
- Hiking: Explore scenic trails together for epic views and more privacy than easily accessible locations.
- Stargazing: Spend a romantic evening under the stars in one of Colorado’s designated dark sky areas, such as Great Sand Dunes National Park or Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park.
- Rock Climbing: For adventurous couples, consider a rock climbing excursion in places like Eldorado Canyon State Park or Garden of the Gods.
- Skiing or Snowboarding: If you’re eloping in winter, hit the slopes at world-class ski resorts like Vail, Keystone or Breckenridge for an adrenaline-filled celebration.
- Scenic Drives: Embark on a scenic road trip along iconic routes like the Million Dollar Highway or Trail Ridge Road, stopping at picturesque viewpoints for your elopement ceremony.
- Hot Springs Soaking: Relax and unwind in natural hot springs like those in Glenwood Springs or Pagosa Springs, surrounded by the beauty of the Colorado wilderness.
- Wildlife Viewing: Observe Colorado’s diverse wildlife together in places like Rocky Mountain National Park, where you might spot elk, bighorn sheep, or moose.
- Picnic: Enjoy some snacks and drinks at a scenic overlook on your elopement day!
Colorado Elopement Timeline
We specialize in full day and multi-day elopements in Colorado, because your elopement day deserves as much coverage (or more!) as a traditional wedding. Here’s a real timeline from a recent multi-day elopement we did photo and video for:
Day 1
11:00am – Photographers arrive at AirBnB | Shoot details (Outfits, rings, vow books, etc.)
12:00pm – Getting ready (hair and makeup finishing, get dressed, write vows, etc.)
1:00pm – Drive to RMNP | First look + photos
2:30pm – Drive to ceremony location
3:00pm – Ceremony (read handwritten vows and exchange rings)
3:30pm – Drive to Visitor Center | Get National Park passport stamp
4:00pm – Drive to Moraine Park | Explore area + newlywed photos
5:00pm – Celebrate! Pop a bottle, picnic, first dance
6:00pm – Drive to Sprague Lake | Lantern/night photos
7:00pm – End
Day 2
2:00pm – Meet at Bear Lake trailhead | Start Hike
3:00pm – Arrive at Emerald Lake
3:30pm – Sun dips at Emerald lake
4:00pm – Start hike back | Shoot at Dream Lake along way
6:00pm – End
How Much Does It Cost To Elope In Colorado?
The cost to get married in Colorado starts at $30 which covers your marriage license. 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.
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 great thing about eloping is that you can allot your funds towards an experience and things that you value rather than an expensive venue and material items.
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.
Colorado Elopement FAQs
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.
How To Choose Your Photographer
It’s essential to remember that pricing is not the only consideration when choosing a wedding photographer. It’s crucial to find a photographer whose style, personality, quality of work and approach align with your vision for your wedding day.
Hire a local elopement photographer
It’s essential to hire a local photographer who specialize in elopements, so they can provide you with important information on locations, permits, vendors, weather, etc.
Read reviews from past clients
One of the best things you can do to ensure they are a trusted professional is to look at their reviews on platforms like Google, The Knot and Wedding Wire.
Look through full elopement galleries
The most important thing to do is to look through FULL wedding galleries they’ve photographed to understand what your gallery could look like. Don’t just go off of social media!
Set up a consultation
Before hiring anyone, be sure to set up a consultation call with them to get an idea of what they’re like and if you feel comfortable with them.
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!
BROWSE Colorado Elopement Photos
August 19th 2022
indian peaks wilderness
Sabryna & Donovan
October 16th 2023
estes park
Shelby & Jeff
November 19th 2023
rocky mountain national park
Sydney & Joe
Contact
Submit the form below and we’ll email you back within 2 business days!
planning Resources
Planning guide
The Best Places To Elope In Colorado
Planning guide
Self-Solemnization Guide
Planning guide
Small Wedding Venues in Colorado
