Loveland Pass Elopement
ultimate location guide
Loveland Pass Elopement Guide: UPDATED FOR 2024
Loveland Pass, perched high in the Colorado Rockies at an elevation of 11,990 feet, offers a breathtaking backdrop for couples seeking a unique and intimate elopement experience. This scenic mountain pass known for its stunning views, alpine meadows and snow-capped peaks, provides a romantic and adventurous setting that is perfect for couples who want to escape the traditional wedding route and elope in Colorado.
As local Colorado elopement photographers and planners, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know to plan your Loveland Pass elopement!
Table Of Contents
How To Plan A Loveland Pass Elopement
First, take a look at our ultimate guide of the best places to elope in Colorado to decide if Loveland Pass is the right choice for you!
Then, you’ll want to choose when you want to elope. Later in this article we’ll explain the different seasons at Loveland Pass- but be sure to choose a weekday at sunrise or sunset for the most privacy and best lighting. Wait to set a firm date until you talk with your photographer!
Next, you’ll want to hire a local Colorado elopement photographer that’s familiar with the location. There’s actually multiple trails around Loveland Pass, so hiring someone that knows the area will ensure you go to the best spots and get the best photos.
Lastly, you’ll want to book your lodging and any additional vendors such as a hair and makeup artist and florist.
Reasons To Elope At Loveland Pass
Considering eloping at Loveland Pass in Colorado? Here are some pros and cons to a Loveland Pass elopement!
Accessibility
Loveland Pass is located only an hour drive from Denver, making it a very easy place to get to for out of state couples. It’s also close to other popular destinations like Dillon and Breckenridge that you can explore after. There’s little to no hiking required to access the location!
Stunning views
There are a variety of absolutely jaw-dropping locations at Loveland Pass! There are multiple lakes and vistas that allow for epic mountain elopement photos.
your photos will be stunning!
With its stunning landscapes and dramatic scenery, Loveland Pass provides endless opportunities for breathtaking elopement photos.
It can be busy
Because the location is close to Denver, has beautiful views AND doesn’t require hiking to access, it can be busy. Choose a weekday at sunrise to avoid crowds.
Looking for the best places to elope in Colorado?
There’s many more stunning locations for your elopement.
Check out this comprehensive guide we created for you, which breaks down each area of Colorado to help you decide what the best location is for what you’re planning!
Loveland Pass Elopement Cost
It’s free to elope at Loveland Pass! The biggest expenses you’ll have for your elopement are your photo/video team, travel, lodging and any additional vendors such as hair and makeup and a florist.
To legally complete the elopement you’ll need to get a Colorado marriage license which is just $30 from Summit County. Then, you can decide if you want to self-solemnize or hire an officiant.
Loveland Pass Wedding Permit
Generally no permit is required to elope at Loveland Pass as long as you have a small guest count (less than 15) and the only vendor you are bringing is your photographer/videographer.
If you are planning a Loveland Pass wedding with a large guest count, bringing in third-party vendors or setting up any type of props you may need a permit for your event, and you should contact the National Forest Service.
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When To Elope At Loveland Pass
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! We personally LOVE sunrise at Loveland Pass as the sun rises over the nearby peaks, casting beautiful golden light. Sunrise is colder and typically has nobody around, while sunset is also beautiful, warmer, and can have a few more hikers and photoshoots happening in the area.
Best Time Of Year To Elope at Loveland Pass, Colorado
While Loveland Pass is open year-round (weather permitting), the best time for an elopement is from late spring to early fall. During these months, the weather is more predictable and the trails are typically clear of snow. Plan your elopement from mid-June to the first week of October for the best chances of accessibility.
Spring Loveland Pass Elopement
April, May & June
Since Loveland Pass is at almost 12,000ft, April and May are still winter. You can expect LOTS of snow and cold temperatures. Spring in Colorado is also known to be quite unpredictable, so it’s not the best time of year to elope.
Things begin to warm up in June, but snow is still possible! The start of June is likely to have a decent amount of snow lingering still. Mid to late June, the snow is likely to be gone in most places but the trails may be a bit muddy still.
Summer Loveland Pass Elopement
July & August to mid September
Summer is our personal favorite time of year to photograph elopements at Loveland Pass as it offers warmer weather (yet still chilly in the mornings and evenings) and snow-free trails. There can be wildflowers present in July and 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 Loveland Pass Elopement
Mid-September To mid-October
If you’re looking for fall colors, it’s best to plan your elopement in nearby locations such as Dillon, Breckenridge or Guanella Pass. While the ground cover does turn an orange tint, there are no aspens at Loveland Pass for a true “fall” elopement.
It’s also important to note that it can be very cold and even snowy this time of year, so plan accordingly and have a back-up location incase of closures.
Winter Loveland Pass Elopement
Mid-October to march
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.
Be aware that the Loveland Pass DOES close due to weather occasionally, so it’s very important to have a back-up location nearby you can pivot to if need be.
Hey, we’re Savannah & Greg!
Loveland Pass 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!
Loveland Pass 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.
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