Vail Elopement
HOW TO ELOPE IN VAIL: UPDATED FOR 2024
Vail is one of the best places to elope in Colorado. Tucked away in the Rocky Mountains, Vail boasts the most stunning scenery. From majestic mountain views to peaceful forests and babbling brooks, Vail is the ideal backdrop for elopements.
As Vail elopement photographers, we’ll be there to guide you through the planning process every step of the way. From selecting the best locations for your ceremony and photos, to recommending accommodations and providing elopement packages and pricing, we’ve got you covered.
Whether you’re in search of an adventurous outdoor experience or an intimate and romantic ceremony, Vail has something for everyone. So let us help you create your dream elopement in this breathtaking destination that you’ll cherish for years to come!
Table Of Contents
Pros & Cons To Eloping In Vail
Here are some of the top reasons to elope in Vail, Colorado:
Close to denver airport
Vail is only a 1.5 hour drive from Denver, making it quite accessible for those flying in from out of state.
Vail Is A Cute Mountain Town
Vail is a luxury mountain town that offers great restaurants and bars, accommodation and vendors.
It Can BE Expensive
Vail is known for being a luxury destination, which can make it expensive. Accommodation, dining, and activities can add up quickly.
Seasonal Locations
While you can elope in Vail during the winter (especially if you love winter sports), there are less location options as roads close due to snow making places inaccessible.
How To Plan A Vail Colorado Elopement
A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE
Is this your first time trying to plan an elopement? Don’t worry- as Vail 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 Vail:
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 Vail 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 Vail
Best Time Of Year To Elope In Vail, Colorado
We always recommend having your wedding on a weekday (Monday-Thursday) and eloping in the morning and/or evening for the most intimate experience. The best time to elope in Vail, Colorado depends on the type of experience you’re looking for. Here’s a breakdown of the different seasons to help you decide:
Spring Vail Elopement
April, May & June
Spring in Vail is a quieter time to elope, with cold to mild temperatures and fewer crowds than in the summer. The weather can be unpredictable, with snowstorms possible through May.
June is one of the best time to elope in Vail, as there’s typically still snow on the mountain peaks which creates beautiful photos. The mountains are green and wildflowers start coming to life!
Summer Vail Elopement
July & August to mid September
The summer months in Vail are warm and sunny, with temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to low 80s Fahrenheit during the day. This is a popular time for outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and golfing, as well as for weddings and elopements.
The landscape is lush and green, with wildflowers in bloom and picturesque mountain vistas. However, summer is also peak tourist season in Vail, so be prepared for crowds and higher prices.
Fall Vail Elopement
Mid-September To November
Fall in Vail is a beautiful time to elope, with the changing colors of the aspen trees creating a stunning backdrop for your photos. The weather is cooler, with temperatures ranging from the 40s to the 60s Fahrenheit. September is a particularly lovely time to visit, as the weather is still mild and you can catch fall colors if you’re lucky.
Winter Vail Elopement
November to march
If you’re looking for a winter wonderland for your elopement, Vail is a great choice. The ski resorts are in full swing, and there are plenty of opportunities for winter sports like skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing.
The snow-covered landscape is magical, and there are fewer tourists in the winter months. However, the weather can be quite cold, with temperatures ranging from the single digits to the 30s Fahrenheit.
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, there are races, hot air balloon festivals and so much more happening every year. You can look at the Vail event calendar to see the events!
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Best Places To Elope In Vail
vail elopement locations
The best locations are actually located a drive outside of Vail, or a gondola ride to the top of Vail Mountain for the views.
Here are some of the best places to elope in Vail:
Piney River Ranch
Located just a short drive from Vail, Piney River Ranch is a secluded and rustic venue situated on the edge of Piney Lake. This location offers sweeping views of the Gore Range, a serene lake, and lush forests.
Julia’s Deck
Julia’s Deck, AKA the Mount of The Holy Cross Overlook Observation Deck, is a small overlook accessible via a short gravel trail. Julia’s Deck can be reserved for your micro wedding up to 30 people.
Vail Mountain
For couples looking for a breathtaking and adventurous setting, Vail Mountain provides numerous spots with stunning vistas. You can take a scenic gondola ride up the mountain to exchange vows with a backdrop of the majestic Gore Range.
Shrine Mountain Inn
Near the trailhead for Shrine Mountain Ridge Trail is Shrine Mountain Inn, which are a series of huts you can book for your wedding. If you have more than 36 people you’ll need to rent all 3, but if you have less you can book just one or two.
Gore Lake
Up for a 12 mile hike? Gore Lake is an intense hike for rewarding views! Perfect for the adventurous couple planning an overnight, multi day camping elopement in the mountains.
Hidden Gems
There are countless majestic lakes and mountain views just a short drive outside of Vail. We keep these spots just for our booked clients to preserve the privacy and intimacy of the locations.
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 Vail elopement.
We provide our couples with exclusive Vail elopement location guide, custom timeline, vendor recommendations and even lodging ideas!
How Much Does It Cost To Elope In Vail?
The cost to get married in Vail starts at $30 which covers your marriage license from Eagle 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 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.
Hey, we’re Savannah & Greg!
Vail Elopement Photographers
We’re a husband and wife team specializing in elopement photography and videography in Aspen, 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!
Vail Elopement Videography
Having a videographer for your elopement allows you to relive the magic and emotions of your special day for years to come. While photography is important, a video can capture the nuances of your ceremony and the events surrounding it in a way that photos cannot. We’ll create film that captures the essence of your elopement, providing a lasting record of your memories and allowing you to share them with family and friends who couldn’t be there with you.
Vail 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
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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