Planning / best places to elope in colorado / San Juan Mountains / Telluride
Telluride Elopement
Locations, photographers & packages
HOW TO ELOPE IN Telluride
Updated for 2026
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!
Savannah & Greg
the team behind authentic collective
Telluride Elopement Photographers
photo, video & planning
Hey, we’re Sav & Greg! As Telluride elopement photographers, videographers, and planners, we specialize in capturing the magic of this breathtaking mountain town. From alpine lakes to dramatic peaks, we know all the hidden gems and stunning backdrops that will make your elopement unforgettable.
We get it- planning an elopement can feel like a lot, but that’s where we come in. We’ll help you find the perfect location, create a relaxed timeline that flows naturally, and ensure your day is stress-free, fun, and filled with moments you’ll cherish forever.
100+ 5 star reviews
Why Elope 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!
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’s way 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.
unreal Waterfalls
Looking for a waterfall for your elopement? There is nowhere better than the San Juan Mountains in Colorado!
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!
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 Telluride 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!
When To Elope In Telluride
Telluride is stunning year-round, but your experience (and the scenery) will look totally different depending on the season. Because it sits at 8,750 feet- with many ceremony spots climbing above 10,000 feet- weather and road access change fast. Here’s a breakdown of what each season offers so you can choose the vibe that fits you best.
Spring Telluride Elopement
April, May & June
Spring in Telluride is a season of transition. Snow starts to melt, waterfalls are raging, and the mountains slowly come back to life – but there’s still a lot of snow lingering at higher elevations. Most 4×4 passes like Imogene and Ophir typically stay closed until mid-June, and many alpine lakes remain frozen well into early summer.
You can expect cooler temperatures, muddy trails, and unpredictable weather during spring. It’s also considered “mud season,” which means some restaurants and hotels close for a short window between ski season and summer.
Summer Telluride Elopement
July & August to mid September
Summer is the most popular time to elope in Telluride (and one of our personal favorites). The town comes alive, the weather is generally warm, and the high alpine terrain around Telluride is fully accessible. July and August bring peak wildflower season, especially above treeline and along mountain passes, making it an incredible time for scenic, adventurous elopements.
Afternoon thunderstorms are common in Telluride during the summer months, but they can often be avoided by planning sunrise or sunset elopements. Occasionally, weather can make certain locations unsafe – which is why we always include a weather backup day with our Telluride elopement packages, so you’re never forced to rush or compromise your day.
Fall Telluride Elopement
Mid-September To Mid-October
Fall in Telluride is straight-up magic. The mountains surrounding town explode with golden aspen groves, creating some of the most unreal fall color in Colorado and an incredible backdrop for an elopement. Temperatures are cooler this time of year, especially in the mornings and evenings at higher elevations, but on a sunny day it still feels really comfortable.
In Telluride, peak fall colors usually hit between the last week of September and the first week of October, though timing can shift a bit each year. Weather can be unpredictable in the fall, and snow can start showing up at higher elevations as early as late September, so having flexibility (and a solid backup plan) makes all the difference.
Winter Telluride Elopement
November to march
Winter completely transforms Telluride into a snowy wonderland. If you’re dreaming of a winter elopement with snow-covered peaks, quiet mountain scenery, and cozy alpine vibes, a winter Telluride elopement is it!
Many hiking trails and high mountain roads are closed in the winter, and cold temperatures and snowstorms are always a possibility. That said, winter elopements in Telluride offer incredible views.
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.
Best Places To Elope In Telluride
Elopement Locations
0 to 10 guests
Eloping just the two of you, or inviting up to 10 guests? You can elope outdoors on public land such as San Juan National Forest locations.
Small Wedding Venues
10+ guests
If you have more than 10 guests, a small venue or reservable ceremony location is more suitable for your group size.
AirBnB & VRBOs
elopements and small weddings
Consider a vacation rental for your venue, which varies depending on group size.
Best Places To Elope In Telluride
When it comes to eloping in Telluride, there isn’t one “best” spot- it completely depends on the kind of experience you want. Do you picture a quiet alpine lake reached by a sunrise hike, or a dramatic mountain pass only accessible by jeep? Are you inviting a few loved ones, or keeping it just the two of you? Would you rather have wildflowers in July, golden aspens in the fall or snow-dusted peaks in early winter?
That’s why we don’t believe in a “one-size-fits-all” list. When couples book with us, we create a custom Telluride location guide based on your priorities- including hidden gem places that you won’t find online. We’ve spent years exploring the San Juans to scout incredible ceremony spots that balance epic views, privacy, and accessibility.
And while Telluride itself is the heart of this region, it’s surrounded by other equally beautiful mountain towns- Ouray, Ridgway, Silverton, and Durango– all within a couple hours’ drive. Expanding your search beyond Telluride opens up dozens more secluded alpine lakes, off-the-radar meadows, and jaw-dropping 4×4 passes to choose from.
Here are some of the most popular and scenic places to elope in Telluride:
Telluride Ski Resort
Take the Telluride Gondola to the top of the ski resort for effortless 360 views! Unlike other gondolas in Colorado, this one is free AND it’s open from 6:30am to midnight- meaning you can catch sunrise or sunset at the mountain top.
Cost: Free
Accessibility: no hike required
Guest limit: 0 – elopements only
Alpine Lakes
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.
Cost: Free
Accessibility: no hike required
Guest limit: 15
Downtown telluride
We’d recommend a quick photo op downtown Telluride – the town itself is so cute! Venture up and down the Main Street, and you can even stop at the courthouse.
Cost: Free
Accessibility: no hike required
Guest limit: 0 – elopements only
Bridal Veil Falls
Bridal Veil Falls is Telluride’s iconic waterfall located just 15 minutes from town. This 365 foot waterfall can be accessed via a 2 mile roundtrip hike, or drive to it with a high clearance vehicle when the conditions allow.
Cost: Free
Accessibility: 2 mile hike or jeep ride
Guest limit: 15
Hidden Waterfalls
There are many hidden waterfalls around Telluride perfect for elopements. To keep these locations intimate and private, we only share the locations with our booked clients.
Cost: Free
Accessibility: Short hike
Guest limit: 0 – elopements only
Last Dollar Road
Last Dollar Road offers wide-open meadows, aspen forests, and mountain views in every direction. It’s especially gorgeous in late September when the aspens turn gold. It’s the perfect spot if you want epic mountain views without a big hike.
Cost: Free
Accessibility: high clearance vehicle required
Guest limit: 15
Telluride Hiking 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.
Cost: Free
Accessibility: varies
Guest limit: 15
Off roading Elopements
Don’t want to hike to your elopement location? Drive to it instead! There are tons of epic places you can access only with a high clearance vehicle, such as Imogene Pass, Ophir Pass and Black Bear Pass. Just be sure to hire a driver if you’re not experienced- the roads can be deadly.
Cost: Free
Accessibility: high clearance vehicle required
Guest limit: 15
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 15+ 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:
San Sophia Overlook
Telluride, Colorado
San Sophia Overlook in Telluride Ski Resort is accessible only by gondola. It is pricey for weekends, but they may allow micro-weddings for smaller groups on weekdays.
Group Size : 250 PERSON CAPACITY
availability : June-October and December-March
COST : $$ (STARTING AT $5,000, BUT REQUIRES BUY OUT)
Alta Lakes Observatory
Telluride, Colorado
Alta Lakes Observatory is an off-the-grid venue offers breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks. Alta Lakes Observatory is available from June through September and includes a range of amenities, such as a private chef, housekeeping, and more.
GROUP SIZE: 0-50
AVAILABILITY: YEAR ROUND
COST: $2500+
Palmyra Lookout
Telluride, Colorado
Palmyra Lookout is available for ceremonies only, the venue rental fee is $4,000 (Friday-Sunday) or $3,000 (Monday-Thursday), with the option to add a light cocktail hour or pair it with a reception venue.
Group Size : 150 PERSON CAPACITY
availability : mid-june through september
COST : $$ (STARTING AT $3000)
Telluride Ski Resort has a variety of stunning venues including:
Palmyra Lookout – A stunning mountain view ceremony site available mid-June through September. It’s more affordable than other Telluride venues, starting at only $4,000 Monday through Thursday.
Alpino Vino – The highest restaurant in North America at 11,966 ft! It seats up to 24 guests and is open December–March.
Aldosoro Ranch – A private ranch just outside Telluride offering stunning mountain views for weddings. It features meadow and pond ceremony sites, a rustic cabin, with rental options starting at $5,000.
Mountain Lodge Telluride – A resort offering both indoor and outdoor event spaces with mountain views. Known for exceptional service and customizable wedding packages.
The Peaks Resort & Spa – Features multiple event spaces, including the Crystal Room Combination. Offers stunning mountain views and modern amenities.
Madeline Hotel & Residences, Auberge Resorts Collection – Combines alpine charm with luxury, offering event spaces imbued with warmth and opulence. Ideal for couples seeking a refined mountain wedding experience.
Schmid Family Ranch – A historic 900-acre working ranch 10 miles from Telluride, offering stunning mountain views. Available for weddings with a three-day rental, featuring ceremony sites in an aspen grove or ridge line.
VRBO & AirBnB Weddings In Telluride
If you’re envisioning a breathtaking mountain retreat in Telluride for your intimate wedding or a cozy getaway to celebrate your elopement, there are a few important things to consider when booking a vacation rental.
For weddings with guests, VRBO is the better choice since they offer properties that explicitly allow events. If it’s just the two of you, Airbnb can be an option, but make sure to check for any restrictions. Want to find the perfect rental? Explore our guide to booking a VRBO or Airbnb wedding venue, or browse our favorite stays in Telluride below!
Best VRBOs In Telluride (Events allowed!)
- Splendid Home in the Heart of Telluride Town
- Family and Festival Fun…Events too!
- East End 5BR luxury home w/ Views
- SKI-IN/SKI-OUT 4BR+loft/4.5Bth private Hot tub, Deck, garage, Gorgeous VIEWS
- Beautiful Private Log Home With Ski-in, Ski-out
- Thoreau’s Cabin: Back to the Basics, Beautifully.
- The beautiful creekside Quakie Cabin
- Gold King Retreat
Telluride Elopement Activities
Activities & Fun Things To Do In Telluride during your wedding day or after
How To Get Legally Married In Telluride
To elope in Telluride, you’ll need a Colorado marriage license. You can get your marriage license from any county clerks office in Colorado, but the most convenient for Telluride elopements is the San Miguel County Clerk’s Office is located right downtown at 305 W Colorado Ave, Telluride, CO 81435.
You both will have to visit the Clerk & Recorder’s Office in person, Monday through Thursday, between 7:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Unlike some other locations, you don’t need to complete an application online before your appointment and you don’t need to schedule in advance.
Both partners must appear in person with a valid form of ID (driver’s license, passport, or birth certificate). The fee is $30, and you can get your license the same day. No waiting period means you can use it immediately!
One of the most unique things about getting married in Colorado is that you don’t need an officiant or witnesses—you can legally marry yourselves! This is called self-solemnization, and it’s perfect for couples who want a completely private and intimate ceremony.
Once you’ve tied the knot, you’ll need to return the signed license to the clerk’s office within 63 days for it to be officially recorded. If you want a certified copy for your records, you can request one for an additional fee.
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 Vendors
Photo, video & planning – Authentic Collective
Florists
bouquets & boutennieres
Hair & Makeup Artists
professional hair & makeup services
Private Chefs & Cake
Hire a private chef or catering
Jeep Tours
For off-roading adventures
Telluride Elopement Inspiration
Telluride, Colorado
Two Day Elopement
Laura & Thomas
Telluride, Colorado
Two Day Elopement
Ling & Jiayu
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!
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.
Contact
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Telluride Elopement FAQs
planning Resources
Planning guide
The Best Places To Elope In Colorado
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Colorado Elopement Planning Guide
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Small Wedding Venues in Colorado
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