How To Elope In Colorado
Colorado Mountain Elopement Guide for 2025
ultimate guide to a colorado mountain elopement
Your roadmap to planning an intimate Rocky Mountain wedding
Dreaming of ditching the big wedding stress and saying your vows somewhere stunning? Colorado is the best place to elope for couples looking for epic mountain views (and the easiest!). No guest list drama, no rushed timelines—just the two of you (plus maybe your dog), soaking in every moment. If that sounds like your kind of wedding day, you’re in the right place.
Colorado Elopement Specialists
PHOTOGRAPHY – VIDEOGRAPHY – PLANNING
Hey, we’re Sav & Greg the husband and wife team behind Authentic Collective!
As Colorado elopement photographers, we’ve helped tons of couples plan unforgettable elopements, and we’re here to walk you through everything you need to know—from picking the perfect location to making it legal. Learn about the best time of year for your elopement, where to elope, Colorado elopement requirements, permits, pricing, packages and more!
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Reasons To Elope In Colorado
colorado is the best place to elope in the us
Colorado is the best and easiest place to elope. Here’s why!
How To Plan A Colorado Elopement
A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE
As Colorado elopement planners – most couples book us before they even know when and where they want to elope!
We help couples from the moment they decide to elope in Colorado- from choosing the right dates and locations, to providing local vendors and lodging ideas, navigating permits, timelines, activities, gearing up for the day and so much more. You don’t have to do it all yourself. As Colorado elopement photographers, videographers and planners, we’re here to make the planning a breeze so you can feel excited instead of overwhelmed!
Want to start planning your Colorado elopement? Here’s how!
1) Choose when you want to elope
2) Decide who’s invited
3) Choose your location
4) Book key vendors
5) Handle the legal detail
6) Plan travel & lodging
7) Choose your attire & gear
8) Plan activities
9) Create your timeline
10) Elope & celebrate!
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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 most popular and best time to elope in Colorado is mid-June to mid-October. The exact date will depend on if you’re envisioning a wildflower 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:
Summer Colorado Elopement
Mid-June 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.
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.
How To Choose An Elopement Date
01
Choose A Weekday
We always recommend having your wedding on a weekday (Monday-Thursday is best) 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! With our Colorado elopement packages you don’t have to choose just one- we offer sunrise and sunset packages so you can get multiple golden hours during your elopement.
02
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, especially on the hiking trails. 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.
03
Stay Flexible
Prior to locking in a date, we recommend reaching out to the photographer(s) you’re interested in—not just to check their availability, but also to get their expert guidance on the best timing for your vision. A local photographer can help you choose a date based on what you’re after, whether it’s peak fall colors, wildflowers in bloom, or the best time for waterfalls. Plus, some locations may be inaccessible at certain times of the year, so their insight can be invaluable in ensuring your elopement aligns with the best possible conditions.
“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!“
– Shelby & Kyle
Who to invite to your Colorado elopement
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. The key to having plenty of options is to keep your guest count low.
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 photo/video team. 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. Most public lands simply don’t have the infrastructure to support large groups, especially when it comes to trailhead parking. Keeping your guest list small ensures a smoother experience and helps preserve the beauty of the location for everyone.
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 and help you navigate any permits or restrictions for the location.
Eloping in Colorado with your dogs or other pets
Want to bring your pet as a guest? We LOVE dogs and are all for you bringing them along (they are family after all). However, keep in mind certain areas don’t allow pets or only allow them in certain areas.
For example, Rocky Mountain National Park only allows pets on paved surfaces due to the possibility of interactions between them and the local wildlife, which drastically restricts where you can go in the park. Maroon Bells is the same way- you can bring them to the amphitheater, but they are not allowed on hiking trails.
A local photographer will already have this knowledge and be able to guide you on what areas restrict pet access so you can choose the best locations for your furry friends to join the adventure.
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!
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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 an exclusive Colorado elopement location guide, a custom timeline, vendor recommendations and even lodging ideas!
Colorado Elopement Vendors
Elopement Photography, Videography & Planning
Authentic Collective – View our photos & elopement videos
We provide our clients with a curated list of elopement vendors based on their chosen location, ensuring they have access to local vendors without extra travel fees. But if you’re looking for a starting point, here are a few top vendors in Colorado (primarily around Denver) for elopements and micro weddings.
Food & Dessert
Hire a private chef or catering
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.
How to get a Colorado marriage license
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”.
If you’re local to Colorado, you can get your license mailed to you. If you’re coming from out of state, most offices will require you to make an appointment in advance, 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 all documentation requirements 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 which can be done in person or by mail.
That’s it- you’re legally married in Colorado!
Yes, your dog can sign your marriage license!
One of the coolest things about eloping in Colorado? Your dog can be your official witness! Colorado is one of the few states that allows self-solemnization, meaning you don’t need an officiant or witnesses to make your marriage legal. This means that after you and your partner sign your marriage license, your pup can leave their paw print as a witness!
All you need is a non-toxic ink pad and a steady paw. Imagine looking back at your marriage license and seeing your furry best friend’s signature right there alongside yours—it doesn’t get more special than that!
However, Denver County, Arapahoe County, and El Paso County are the exceptions—they do not allow pet paw prints as a witness signature. Policies can sometimes change, so we always recommend double-checking with the county clerk’s office when you pick up your marriage license to avoid any issues.
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 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.
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, Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado National Monument and Black Canyon Of The Gunnison.
State Parks
Permits may not be required at State Parks, but a reservation may be. Roxborough State Park for example, required a reservation for the ceremony overlooks.
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 has contacts in the area to get up to date permit information quickly.
How To Leave No Trace
One of the reasons you are considering Colorado is its natural beauty. Something to keep in mind when you visit is leaving no trace to ensure it’s just as stunning and untouched for the next person (or your next visit) as it was for your elopement. We encourage you to review the 7 principles of leave no trace, but specifically for elopements please keep in mind the following:
- Stay on the trail, especially in alpine areas. It can take years for trampled foliage to recover at elevation.
- Wildflowers are to be observed, not picked. Leave them for the next visitor to enjoy.
- Advise your florist to avoid non-native dried florals, to avoid introducing invasive species into Colorado.
And last, just generally be mindful that the areas you are visiting can be shut down should people mistreat them, so if you want to have the ability to revisit the locations you went to for an anniversary, treat them as such (:
Booking Lodging and Travel To Colorado
How to Plan Your Stay and travel for a Smooth Elopement
Planning your lodging and travel is a key part of your elopement experience. From choosing the best airport to booking a stay near your ceremony location, a little preparation goes a long way in making your day stress-free. Here’s what you need to know before booking your trip.
Where to fly into for your elopement
Denver International Airport (DEN) is the largest airport in Colorado and the best option for most travelers. It’s a major hub for United Airlines and the largest operating base for Frontier and Southwest Airlines. If you’re heading to Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park, Summit County, or most other mountain destinations within a couple hour drive of Denver, this is likely your best bet.
Regardless of where you fly into, a rental car will be necessary for your elopement. Check with your photographer if you’ll need a high clearance 4×4 vehicle for your selected elopement locations.
Airports Near Other Key Destinations
If you’re eloping farther from Denver than you’d like to drive, flying into a regional airport can save time. However, these can have limited flights and tend to be more expensive.
Eagle County Regional Airport
Best for Vail, Beaver Creek, and Eagle County
Aspen-Pitkin County Airport
Closest to Aspen and the Maroon Bells
Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional Airport
The closest airport to Crested Butte (30-minute drive)
San Luis Valley Regional Airport
Serves Alamosa and the Great Sand Dunes area
Telluride Regional Airport
The most convenient option for Telluride
Durango-La Plata County Airport
Best for access to the San Juan Mountains and Durango
Where to stay
Hold off on booking lodging until you’ve locked in your ceremony and photo locations with your photographer. This ensures you’re staying as close as possible to your chosen spots, minimizing unnecessary travel and maximizing time enjoying your elopement. Mountain towns can have limited accommodations, so once your location is set, book your stay as soon as possible to secure the best options.
When to arrive
Most elopement locations in Colorado sit at or above 9,000 feet, where altitude sickness can become a challenge—even for healthy travelers. To avoid feeling unwell on your big day, plan to arrive at least a day or two early. Take it easy, stay hydrated, and give your body time to adjust before jumping into high-altitude adventures.
Gearing Up For Your Elopement
Preparing for an adventure elopement means thinking beyond just your wedding attire. The right gear can make all the difference in keeping you comfortable, safe, and ready for whatever nature throws your way. Here’s what to consider when planning what to wear and bring.
Colorado Elopement Ideas
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!
Colorado Elopement Timelines
A Fun Filled Adventure, Not an All Day Photoshoot
Your Day Is 100% Customizable, But Here’s What This Can Look Like..
Your elopement should feel like an incredible experience, not just hours of posing for photos. Think of it as a once-in-a-lifetime adventure where we document all the special moments. Whether you’re celebrating your relationship by incorporating an activity that is deeply meaningful to your relationship or trying something new, your elopement should be an experience you’re excited about—not just a photoshoot.
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 are some real elopement timelines:
9 Hour Elopement
split for sunrise & sunset
Sunrise
5:00am – Meet at the trailhead and start the hike (1 mile each way)
5:30am – Arrive at the viewpoint and get dressed
6:00am – First look
6:15am – Ceremony (vows, exchange rings, sign marriage license)
6:45am – Explore the area and take photos
8:00am – Start heading back to the trailhead, photos along the way
9:00am – Drive to second location
9:10am – Explore and photos
10:00am – Break until evening
Sunset
6:00pm – Meet at the trailhead and start the hike (1 mile each way)
6:30pm – Detail photos (rings, florals, vow books, etc.)
7:00pm – Picnic along the river & pop champagne
7:30pm – First dance
7:45pm – Explore the area and take photos
8:30pm – Start heading back to the trailhead, photos along the way
9:00pm – Drive to second location
9:10pm – Lantern photos
10:00pm – End
Two Day Elopement
elopement day and adventure session
Elopement day
4:30am – Meet at trailhead and hike with headlamps to the lake
5:30am – Arrive at lake + get dressed
6:00am – First look as the sun rises
6:15am – Explore the lake + take photos
7:30am – Enjoy breakfast and coffee at the lake
8:00am – Hike back and take photos along the way
9:00am – Break until evening
2:30pm – Shoot details (rings, jewelry, invitations, bouquet, vow books)
3:30pm – Meet at parking lot near lake
3:40pm – First look with bride + parents
4:00pm – Walk to ceremony location + set up
4:30pm – Ceremony (officiant marries couple, ring exchange, sign marriage license)
5:00pm – Celebrate with guests, pop sparkling water!
5:15pm – Formal photos with guests
6:00pm – Newlywed sunset photos
7:00pm – Coverage ends / couple goes to dinner with guests
adventure session
6:00am – Meet at trailhead + walk up dunes
6:15am – Watch the sunrise
6:30am – Play around in the sand dunes + photos
7:30am – Walk back to trailhead + photos along the way
8:00am – End
Three Day Elopement
elopement day, hike day and adventure session
elopement day
6:00am – Meet at location and get dressed
6:30am – First look
6:45am – Explore area and photos/videos
7:30am – Offroad to second location
8:00am – Morning coffee and breakfast with a view
8:30am – Explore area and photos/videos
9:00am – Travel to ceremony location and get set up
9:30am – Ceremony (vows, exchange rings, kiss!)
9:45am – Celebrate! Pop champagne, enjoy a picnic and sign the marriage license. Dog cake for the dogs and paw prints on the marriage license
10:30am – Break until the evening
5:00pm – Meet at marina
5:15pm – Sailboat tour with picnic onboard
7:00pm – End
hike day
1:00pm – Meet at VRBO | Shoot details (vow books, rings, florals, attire, etc.)
2:00pm – Hair and makeup finishing touches
2:15pm – Help each other get ready (put on attire, accessories, etc.)
3:00pm – Drive to hike trailhead
4:00pm – Arrive at trailhead, gear up & start hike (5 miles roundtrip)
5:30pm – Arrive at summit, explore area & photos
7:00pm – First dance & spray sparkling water
7:30pm – Hike back & drive to summit
8:45pm – Star gazing
9:30pm – End
Adventure session
3:00pm – Meet at trailhead, pack up and hike to the lake
4:00pm – Arrive, hang out with dogs at the lake and explore area
5:00pm – Hike back
6:00pm – Drive to mountain summit
6:30pm – Arrive, explore summit and lake while watching sunset
8:00pm – End
colorado elopement photos
How Much Does It Cost To Elope In Colorado?
The cost to elope in Colorado starts at $30 which covers your marriage license. But for most couples, eloping isn’t just about making it legal—it’s about creating an unforgettable experience.
On average, couples spend around $18,500 on their Colorado elopement, with photography, videography and planning being the biggest investment. Micro weddings tend to be more expensive since venues, catering, and guest-related costs can quickly add up, depending on the location and headcount. That said, eloping gives you the flexibility to spend where it matters most—whether that’s on your photos and videos, an epic adventure, luxury lodging, etc.
THE AVERAGE COST OF A COLORADO ELOPEMENT IS $18,500
Location: Free (public land)
Officiant: Free (self-solemnizing)
Marriage license: $30
Hair & makeup: Free (DIY) or $800 (professional)
Wedding attire & accessories: $1000+
Food & drinks: $500
Travel & lodging: $1500+
Photography & planning: $11,500
Videography: $3500
The average cost of a Colorado micro wedding is $27,000
Location: $1000 to $5000+
Officiant: Free (family/friend) to $500 (professional)
Marriage license: $30
Hair & makeup: $2000+ (depends on how many people)
Wedding attire & accessories: $1000+
Food & drinks: $2000+
Travel & lodging: $1500+
Photography & planning: $11,500
Videography: $3500
Authentic Collective
colorado elopement packages
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Colorado Elopement FAQs
How To Choose A Colorado Elopement Photographer
It’s essential to remember that pricing is not the only consideration when choosing an elopement 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 specializes 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.
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10 Questions To Ask Elopement Photographers
before Your Hire them
Don’t hire a photographer before asking them these 10 essential questions!
planning Resources
Planning guide
The Best Places To Elope In Colorado
Planning guide
Self-Solemnization Guide
Planning guide
Small Wedding Venues in Colorado
