Telluride Elopement Guide
locations, packages & more
HOW TO ELOPE IN Telluride: UPDATED FOR 2024
If you’re looking for an epic location to exchange your vows, Telluride, Colorado should be at the top of your list. Nestled in the San Juan Mountains, Telluride offers rugged mountain, alpine likes and hidden waterfalls. It’s easy to see why Telluride is one of the best places to elope in Colorado!
As elopement photographers, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know while planning your Telluride elopement. Discover the best locations for your ceremony and photos, where to stay, the best time of year to visit, elopement packages, pricing and more. So let’s dive in and start planning your dream elopement in this beautiful mountain town!
Table Of Contents
Pros & Cons Of Eloping In Telluride
When deciding where to elope, it’s important to look into the pros and cons of each location to find what’s right for you! Here are the pros and cons of a Telluride elopement.
Best Mountain Views
When it comes to the most epic mountain views, Telluride is one of the best locations in Colorado. They are sure to give you the “wow” factor you’re looking for. Plus, it tends to be less busy than popular locations closer to Denver like RMNP.
Epic hikes
Telluride has tons of hikes, from short and easy strolls to 8+ mile hikes with thousands of feet of elevation! There’s something for everyone in Telluride.
Off roading adventures
This could be seen as a pro or con depending how you feel about it! A high clearance 4×4 is required to get to some of the best viewpoints. However, this allows for epic views without hiking required!
difficult / More expensive to get to
Telluride does have an airport, but it’s much more expensive to fly into than Denver. Telluride is about a 6+ hour drive from Denver, so it’s not as easily accessible compared to other locations in Colorado.
How To Plan A Telluride Colorado Elopement
A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE
Is this your first time trying to plan an elopement? 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 Telluride:
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
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.
3 Plan Out The Details
After you’ve set a date with us you’ll gain access to our exclusive Telluride 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.
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!
“Authentic Collective gave us all that we could have asked for! They were able to get us our dream venue and helped us with all that we needed to make our wedding day what we wanted.”
When To Elope In Telluride
Best Time Of Year To Elope In Telluride
Summer is the best time to elope in Telluride for the most comfortable conditions, accessibility and activities. July, August and September are our personal favorite times of the year to photograph in Telluride as the snow is melted making roads and trails accessible.
Fall can also be a great time for a wedding, with cooler temperatures and stunning fall colors. Fall colors vary by location and year by year, however you can plan for the end of September to mid-October to catch fall in Telluride. Early snowfall can make mountain passes inaccessible, so be sure to have a backup plan.
Keep in mind that many locations become inaccessible in the winter until spring and sometimes even early summer due to snow. If you want to enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, skiing, or river rafting, consider planning your wedding during a season when those activities are available and conditions are optimal!
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 Telluride Film Festival, Bluegrass Festival, Telluride Yoga Festival and more. You can view their full events list here.
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WHERE TO ELOPE IN Telluride, Colorado
Best Places To Elope In Telluride
Telluride elopement locations
Telluride is known for its stunning and diverse mountain scenery, including snow-capped peaks, rugged ridges, alpine forests, cascading waterfalls, and crystal-clear lakes and streams. The town is surrounded by the San Juan Mountains, which offer a range of terrain and elevations, providing endless opportunities for outdoor recreation and exploration. The area is also known for its stunning fall foliage, with vibrant displays of golden aspen trees covering the mountainsides each autumn.
Here are some of the most popular and scenic places to elope in Telluride:
Elope at an alpine lake
Eloping at a lake in Telluride offers a stunning and serene setting for your special day, surrounded by the natural beauty of the San Juan Mountains. The peacefulness and tranquility of the water and surrounding landscape can create a romantic and intimate atmosphere that is perfect for an elopement.
ISLAND LAKE & Ice Lakes, BLUE LAKEs, TROUT LAKE, WOODS LAKE, PRIEST LAKE, SILVER LAKE, HOPE LAKE, ALTA LAKES AND HIDDEN GEMS
Telluride Waterfall Elopements
A Telluride waterfall elopement can be a magical and romantic experience. The sound of the rushing water, the mist in the air, and the surrounding natural scenery can create an unforgettable backdrop for your elopement ceremony and photographs.
BRIDAL VEIL FALLS, CORNET FALLS, INGRAM FALLS, SILVER FALLS, WOODS LAKE FALLS, ALTA FALLS, AMES FALLS, KEYSTONE GORGE FALLS, BLUE LAKE FALLS, AND BEAR CREEK FALLs
Telluride Mountain elopements
Eloping at a mountain pass in Telluride can be a unique and adventurous experience. Hike or off-road to stunning panoramic vistas to serve as a stunning natural backdrop for your elopement.
BRIDAL VEIL PEAK, MOUNT SNEFFELS, WILSON PEAK, AJAX PEAK, LONE CONE, MOUNT WILSON, WILSON RANGE, SAN SOPHIA RIDGE, AND BEAR CREEK SPIRE
Off roading Elopements
A 4×4 Jeep adventure for your Telluride elopement can take you off the beaten path and into the heart of the rugged terrain of the San Juan Mountains!
Imogene Pass, Ophir Pass Road, Black Bear Pass, Yankee Boy Basin, Engineer Pass, Last Dollar RoaD
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 Telluride elopement.
We provide our couples with exclusive Telluride elopement location guide, custom timeline, vendor recommendations and even lodging ideas!
Small Wedding Venues in Telluride
If you’re planning a wedding with 30+ guests, a small wedding venue may be better suited for your event. Telluride offers a variety of unique and stunning wedding venues for couples seeking a memorable and picturesque backdrop for their special day. Here are some popular wedding venues in Telluride:
Alta Lakes Observatory
Alta Lakes Observatory is a stunning wedding venue that offers an intimate and secluded setting for your special day. This off-the-grid venue offers breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks and can accommodate up to 50 guests. Alta Lakes Observatory is available from June through September and includes a range of amenities, such as a private chef, housekeeping, and more.
Cost: Starts at $2500
Capacity: 50
How Much Does It Cost To Elope In Telluride, Colorado?
The cost to get married in Telluride starts at $30 which covers your marriage license from San Miguel 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.
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.
Telluride 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.
Hey, we’re Savannah & Greg!
Telluride Elopement Photographers
We’re a husband and wife team specializing in elopement photography and videography in Telluride, 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!
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
Colorado Elopement Planning Guide
Planning guide
Small Wedding Venues in Colorado
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Colorado Elopement
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