How To Have a Stunning Wedding or Elopement at Alta Lakes

The Observatory originally gained its name due to the insane expanses of Milky Way that you can see outside, but it gained its popularity with locals due to its existence as a cabin with in-town amenities in the middle of backcountry nature.  This is the ultimate blend of romance and impeccable outdoor surroundings in the San Juans. 

I’ve photographed 150+ elopements in Colorado alone and was born and raised here, so I’ve spent my whole life exploring every corner I can. Which means you can trust me for first-hand knowledge of all the ins and outs of how to elope at Alta Lakes Observatory!

Frequently asked questions about having a wedding at the Alta Lakes

Do you need to stay at the Observatory to access Alta Lakes?

If you would like to access the third lake, yes, you will need to stay at the Observatory. There are three lakes that make up Alta Lakes, with two of them being publicly accessible. They even have their own campground! But if the idea of having a slice of an alpine lake all to yourself sounds appealing, you may be better off with the privately owned lake next to the Observatory. 

All of these lakes are over 11,000 feet in elevation and absolutely stunning. There’s no wrong answer in the area.

How do you get married at Alta Lakes?

I’ve been working in this area for over a decade professionally and have been visiting for much longer for personal trips! This is such a special spot for elopements, and I know how to make planning your visit as smooth as actually staying there. 

All you technically need to get married here is yourselves and your marriage license (if you’re doing the paperwork here). To get your marriage license, go by the San Miguel County Clerk’s office and follow the instructions to get the license. It’ll cost you $30 and must be signed within 35 days. After signing, you have another 63 to return it to the office you got it from. And because Colorado’s a self-solemnizing state, you don’t need any officiants or witnesses.

How do you get married at the Observatory at Alta Lakes?

The biggest variable for getting married here is, of course, the lodge itself. My #1 recommendation is to start figuring out the lodge’s availability, pause, go find a local photographer you want to work with, and then lock down both once you know everyone is free on your date!

To get a quote or get started planning, you’ll have to contact them directly. They also have a calendar on that page that shows you generally when check ins and check outs are available! 

Pro Tip: You’ll be staying right in front of the incredibly scenic Alta Lakes at the base of Bald Mountain and the Telluride Ski Resort, so many of my eloping couples choose to stay here but have their ceremony outdoors on the lake or other scenic passes nearby to get the best of both worlds!

When’s the best time to visit Alta Lakes?

The best time to visit Alta Lakes is during July and August, when the weather is mild, you can drive to the lodge if you’re heading there, and all the mountain passes around you are fully accessible!

But the Alta Lakes area is also stunning in the middle of winter! During the snowy season you have to snowmobile into the lodge, which adds to the winter wonderland vibe. The Observatory will provide this service for a fee if needed, or you can always ski in. 

The rest of the area is a paradise for backcountry skiing, snowshoeing, and fat tire biking. The lakes often freeze over and make perfect mirrors of the snowy peaks around them. It’s unreal.  

Pro Tip: If you’re staying at the Observatory, cut firewood is provided with your reservation so that you can keep a cozy (and romantic) fire going in the living room!

How do you get to Alta Lakes?

Alta Lakes is located about 35 minutes south of the Telluride airport. Travel south down Hwy 145 until you reach the exit for Alta Lakes Road, a dirt road that’s only open to cars in the summer. If you’re coming here in the winter, you’ll need to traverse the 5 mile road in either snowmobile, snowshoe, or ski. The lakes appear right along this road and there are a handful of small areas for parking. The first lake is located at 37°53’04.7″N 107°50’48.0″W. 

Note: If you are using a map app, do not follow directions to use Mountain Village Blvd/San Joaquin Road. This road will take you to the mountain behind the lakes and will NOT give you access. 

If you’re going to the Observatory, the instructions look a little different: in the summer, you can just travel down Alta Lakes Road in any car and it will take you straight to the lodge. Just keep going past the first lake. In the winter, though, you’ll likely want to be dropped off at the dirt road turnoff and recruit support from the Observatory team to give you a lift on a snowmobile to your destination. You can also ski or snowshoe the 5 mile path if you’d like to get your adventure started as soon as possible.

How long is the road to get to Alta Lakes?

The dirt road that leads up to the Alta Lakes is five miles long. In the summer this is drivable, and in the winter you’ll need to traverse it via snowmobile, skis, or snowshoes! If you’re staying at the Observatory, you can recruit help from their team for an additional fee. They will come pick you up in a snowmobile and take you back to the lodge.

How much does it cost to get married at Alta Lakes?

If you’re having your ceremony around Alta Lakes and not staying or getting married at the Observatory, the cost can be as low as just $30! The Upper and Lower Alta Lakes don’t require any permit, so all you technically have to pay for is your marriage license. Other costs you may want to factor in might include lodging, equipment rentals, photography, and anything else you want or need. 

If you’re getting married at the Observatory, it costs more for the venue, starting at $4230. That will cover your stay at the lodge (they have a 2 night minimum), your marriage license for a ceremony off-property, and any fees associated. 

If you’re getting married during March or July, the rate increases by a total of $1000, and if you’re getting married on the lodge property (as opposed to staying there and having your ceremony in nature), an event fee will apply. The event fee varies on timing and number of guests, so you’ll have to contact the property for a full quote! This event fee also applies if you are getting married elsewhere but have more than 12 people sleeping at the cabin.  

With an average venue cost of $12,200 in 2025, that means you have a lot of budget back and a way cooler place to stay! Most of my couples will invest in photography first, followed by lodging and activities for their wedding day. They prioritize the experience and want to know that they can fully relax and have it be documented on their behalf.

You can check out my blog post here about the cost of eloping to learn more!

Are dogs allowed at Alta Lakes?

Yes, dogs are allowed on the trails around Alta Lakes as well as at the Alta Lakes campground. Just keep them on a leash to abide by trail rules and keep everyone safe!

At the Observatory, you’ll just need to pay a $50 fee per pet. Make sure you let the team know that pets will be joining you ahead of time!

Best spots to get married around Alta Lakes

My favorite spot for photos around Alta Lakes is along the north side of the upper lake. It’s framed perfectly by pine trees and a huge rock shelf off of Silver Mountain. To get there, use the parking lot just off Alta Lakes Road by the first lake and hike up the trail about a 0.5 miles north. The trails stick close to the lakes and have tons of great views along the way!

Alta Lakes Observatory Wedding Photos

Alta Lakes Observatory Fall Wedding – Erica and Evan

Erica & Evan had their reception for their intimate wedding at Alta Lakes Observatory while they were staying there. It was complete with a gorgeous sugared berry cake and a meal prepared for them by a private chef, including roasted chicken, pizza, and salad. Their guests gathered over a meal with a cozy fire in the fireplace behind them. It made for the perfect warm & welcoming gathering place on a chilly autumn evening in the mountains.

Alta Lakes Elopement Photos

Alta Lakes Fall Wedding – Sarah & Ryan

Sarah & Ryan had their wedding ceremony at Alta Lakes in early October, surrounded by fall foliage and a light dusting of snow on Silver Mountain. They stood on a plaid blanket for their private vow reading, sealing the deal with a kiss and a champagne pop. They brought their marriage license with them to sign right then and there and put pen to paper against a nearby rock that they used as a table. Afterwards, they headed back to their Jeep to share a cupcake in the back and then grab a quick dance by headlight as the sky got darker.