As a born and raised Coloradan, love for this state runs in my veins. I’ve traveled through every nook and cranny here, from the peaks of 14ers, through hidden 4X4 trails, and every national park. I can tell you where to be and when for peak foliage, which passes are going to give you the exact views you’re looking for, and give you perfect timing to find great spots with no crowds.
If you’re looking for the best combination of accessibility and natural features, Rocky Mountain National Park is your answer. There’s no beating the variety and ease in this park! If you’re willing to go deeper into the state, though, I also truly love the San Juans around Telluride and Ouray.
If you’re looking for something other than mountain views, then keep reading! Colorado has so much more to offer than just high altitude views. From dunes to waterfalls to canyons, here are more of my personal favorite spots in the Centennial State.
(If you want to search with more details at once, I’ve made an interactive map for elopement locations across the globe! Click here to skip the list and go right to it.)
Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
Perhaps one of the first places that comes to mind when you think of Colorado. With over 265,000 acres, this vast area of wilderness has some of the most pristine views including Longs Peak (14er). There are endless hikes, alpine lakes, pine forests, rivers, streams and mountains for days. RMNP also had one of the longest and highest paved mountain roads in Colorado! Trail Ridge Road takes you between Estes Park and Grand Lake and is open during the summer season.
Best for: Mountains, Lakes and Wildflowers.
Best months to get married here: June to September
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking
Wedding permit details are available from the National Parks Service at Rocky Mountain National Park
Maroon Bells / Aspen, Colorado
Another iconic area in Colorado, Maroon Bells is famous for amazing sunrises amongst photographers from all over the world. “The Bells” have a unique red hue which is amplified at sunrise, and in the reflections of the lakes in front of the peaks. This area is popular for aspen trees, and just absolutely breathtaking. Though this is a popular spot, ask me how to best avoid crowds here! I have a few secret spots up my sleeves. In the wintertime, this area is accessible by snowmobiles too!
Best for: Mountains, Lakes, Wildflowers
Best months to get married here: Year round – the road to Maroon Bells typically closes in Mid-November.
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking
Maroon Bells Amphitheatre is booked through recreation.gov and Shuttle reservations and parking are available from Aspen Chamber of Commerce
Loveland Pass, Colorado
At nearly 12,000 ft. in elevation, this mountain pass is accessible by 2wd vehicle year-round. There are numerous trails to explore with 360 degree views. Pass Lake is another beautiful spot along this road that is accessible in the summer and fall.
Best for: Mountains, Lakes
Best months to get married here: Year round – this is the highest elevation road in the US with year round access.
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking
San Juan Mountains, Colorado
Some of my favorite mountains in Colorado! Think Switzerland— super unique & jagged peaks! This area is AMAZING for hiking and off-roading! Truly, you could spend months exploring this area and still not get enough.
Best for: Mountains, Lakes, Wildflowers, Forest, Hot Springs
Best months to get married here: June – October
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Jeep/4×4, Stargazing
Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado
Great Sand Dunes is a truly wild place – a heap of insanely tall mountains of sand right smack in the middle of snow-capped mountains. There is no place else like it. You can run/slide down them, go sandboarding, even set up camp in the middle of the dunes and stargaze.
Best for: Sand Dunes, Mountains
Best months to get married here: Year round
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Stargazing
Wedding permit details are available from the National Parks Service at Great Sand Dunes
Denver, Colorado
Denver is so much more than just the place you fly into to get to the mountains! For couples that love the city as much as they love 14ers, there’s no better city than Denver. Eat at Michelin Star restaurants, see concerts at Red Rocks, walk through Larimer Square, or go on a crawl of public art, breweries, or both! No matter what you’re into, there’s always something happening in Denver, and it can be totally stunning.
Best for: City, Mountains
Best months to get married here: June to September
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking
Wedding permit details are available from the City and County of Denver for their event facilities
Colorado National Monument, Colorado
All the Utah-desert feels but in Colorado! This little spot is often overlooked by other tourists, making it the perfect place to find your own spot to say your vows amongst the rocky cliff overlooks.
Best for: Desert, Mountains
Best months to get married here: June – October
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking
Wedding permit details are available from the National Parks Service at Colorado National Monument
Garden of the Gods, Colorado
Another iconic, yet super unique area in Colorado. Garden of the Gods is known for its towering red sandstone rock formations. There are beautiful trails you can hike, and numerous wedding ceremony locations like Sentinel Plaza, Three Graces Plaza, and Jaycee Plaza.
Best for: Mountains
Best months to get married here: May – October
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking
Wedding permit details are available from Garden of the Gods Visitor and Nature Center
Sapphire Point Overlook, Colorado
A beautiful overlook in Summit County that is the perfect spot for an elopement or intimate wedding. Sapphire Point sits above the Dillon Reservoir and is accessible year-round. It’s about a 3 minute flat walk from the parking area, so it’s great if you have elderly guests attending.
Best for: Mountains, Forest, Lake
Best months to get married here: Year round
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking
Sapphire Point Overlook is booked through recreation.gov
Lost Gulch Overlook, Colorado
On the backside of the Flatirons and not far out of the city of Boulder, Lost Gulch Overlook gives you epic sunsets and great views of the surrounding foothills. This is a pretty popular photo spot, but it’s for a good reason. You’ll find multiple wedding venues in this area to take advantage of the beauty in this area! Come early and not on a weekend for your best chance at avoiding crowds. There’s also TONS of hikes in this area, so you could start here and then head down any of the surrounding trails. Swing by nearby Boulder Falls and finish in the quirky mountain town of Nederland for a bite to eat.
Best for: Mountains, Forest
Best months to get married here: May – October
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking
Chautauqua, Colorado
Tucked at the edge of the city of Boulder, Chautauqua Park gives gorgeous views of the iconic Flatirons with zero hiking required. If you’re seeking a place with big views that’s also very accessible and would be easy for family/friends to get to as well, this is a great pick. Afterwards, you can head to the Chautauqua Trail for a short hike to wildflowers and an even better view of the Flatirons. There’s so much to this area that would make it great for a unique day, even if you’re a CO local!
Best for: Mountains, Wildflowers
Best months to get married here: May – October
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking
Wedding permit details are available from the City of Boulder
Estes Park, Colorado
Estes Park is worth considering for any couple looking to elope in Colorado. Estes has so much going for it–Lake Estes, access to both Fall River and the Big Thompson River, the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park, and an Aerial Tramway that will take you right to the top of Mount Prospect, just to name a few. This is a prime spot to spot aspens in the fall or head down any of the incredibly scenic trails available! And, of course, there’s always the Stanley Hotel if you need to add a little thrill to your elopement.
Best for: Mountains, Wildflowers, Forest, Lake, City
Best months to get married here: June – October
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking
Sunrise Amphitheater, Colorado
This is a venue that beautifully blends man-made and serious natural views. Sunrise Amphitheater is a great spot if you want to be able to reserve something and want to prioritize a ceremony spot where family and friends can attend (especially with its own parking lot and facilities). You can get married here on a stone stage framed by pine trees, overlooking the entire city of Boulder below you. This would be a great place to blend a more “traditional” wedding feel with exciting elopement vibes. Have your ceremony here… and then head out on your own with your partner to any of the incredible sights, trails, and peaks in the foothills for some alone time with nature and your new spouse.
Best for: Mountains, Forest
Best months to get married here: May – October
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking
Wedding permit details are available from the City of Boulder
Grand Lake, Colorado
If you want a town that’s just as close to Rocky Mountain National Park but with a slower and more peaceful pace than Estes, Grand Lake is a great option. This town lives on the west side of the park and sports the state’s largest natural lake. Swim beaches, horseback riding tours, and ATV tours are fun alternative ways to take in all of the beauty here and spend your day doing something fun.
Best for: Mountains, Forest, Lake, City
Best months to get married here: June – October
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Kayaking, Paddleboarding, Boating, Camping
Mount Blue Sky, Colorado
Mount Blue Sky (formerly Mount Evans) is a gorgeous 14er situated between Denver and Keystone. What makes this such an awesome elopement location is the Mount Blue Sky Scenic Byway, which is the highest paved road in North America and effectively means you can get epic mountain top views with none of the hiking. Due to the altitude, this road is only open in the warmer months, but it’s a view worth the drive to the top. It takes about two hours without stopping, but you’re likely going to want to, with lots of creeks, lakes, forests, and wildlife to see along the way. If you do want to get out for a quick hike, there are so many trails here to choose from! It would be so easy to plan an all-day elopement here. Afterwards, you can head back to the city or stay the night in nearby Idaho Springs to get a cute small mountain town visit out of your trip, too (complete with their own hot springs and breweries).
Best for: Mountains, Forest, Lakes
Best months to get married here: July – September
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Stargazing
Bridal Veil Falls, Colorado
At a whopping 365 feet, Bridal Veil Falls is Colorado’s tallest free-falling waterfall. Sitting just outside of the town of Telluride, this is a great pick for a multi-stop elopement in the area! Rent a 4×4 to take on the road up to the falls in the summer or catch a glimpse of it completely frozen over in the winter. Take Bridal Veil Falls trail to spot two more waterfalls while you’re out and about this way.
Best for: Mountains, Waterfall
Best months to get married here: May – October
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Jeep/4×4
Brainard Lake, Colorado
Located not far from the city of Boulder and in the shadow of Niwot Mountain sits Brainard Lake. Eloping here would find you by the water along the treeline, with towering evergreens and steep gray mountain ridges above them. There is a paved road that leads directly to this lake and a campground nearby, making it a super accessible spot! The waters here are calm and glassy, perfect for reflecting your ceremony or paddling around in afterwards. There’s tons of awesome hiking in this area that you can also head out on before or after, leading to even more lakes and rivers! For a spot that feels more remote than it is, this would make for a great elopement.
Best for: Lake, Mountains, Forest
Best months to get married here: June – September
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Camping
Breckenridge, Colorado
Breckenridge is truly a mountain town that has something for everybody. Whether you’re into skiing (or just aprés-ski), biking, strolling along rivers and aspens, or brewery hopping on a super scenic main street, Breck is a great multifaceted Colorado destination. Think chiller than Aspen and a higher altitude than Vail.
Best for: Lake, Mountains, Forest, City, Wildflowers
Best months to get married here: Year round
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Camping
Telluride, Colorado
This beautiful mountain town is amazing to visit year-round! From skiing and snowboarding at Telluride Resort in the winter, to hiking and off-roading in the summer. They also have their gondolas running year-round, which is a great way to get guests up to the top of the mountain for your intimate wedding. Nearby are some incredible lakes, a Via-Ferrata (if you’re looking for an activity that will get your adrenaline pumping), waterfalls, and some of the craziest 4×4 roads Colorado has to offer. I LOVE the mountains out here, and are so inspired by this area.
Best for: Mountains, Forest, City, Waterfall, Wildflowers
Best months to get married here: Year round
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Jeep/4×4, Rock Climbing
Trail Ridge Road, Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
Trail Ridge Road is a super unique main feature in Rocky Mountain National Park. May through October, you can start in the meadows and forests and drive up through every biome the park has to offer, topping out in the alpine tundra before slowly winding its way back down. This road has history as a Ute and Arapaho trail, crosses the Continental Divide, and is the highest continuous paved road in North America. Start on the side facing Estes Park and let the road deliver you in the most scenic fashion to Grand Lake, with tons of turn offs, trails, and truly incredible overlooks along the way.
Best for: Mountains and Wildflowers.
Best months to get married here: July to September (Trail ridge road opening and closure dates are snow dependent).
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Stargazing
Wedding permit details are available from the National Parks Service at Rocky Mountain National Park
Buena Vista, Colorado
This is an incredible little mountain town that’s situated amidst the truly breathtaking Collegiate Peaks. Buena Vista is only at about 7,000 feet and surrounded by a chain of 14ers, so these are some seriously hard to rival views. These are massive mountains! The Mount Princeton Hot Springs nearby are a luxury escape that’s well worth the stop to soak in natural hot springs in the river. This whole area is an A+ spot to feel truly immersed in Colorado’s natural landscape.
Best for: Mountains, Forest, City, Hot Springs, Lake, Wildflowers
Best months to get married here: June to September
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Stargazing, Kayaking, Canoeing, Camping
Imogene Pass, Colorado
This is another 4X4 favorite in SW Colorado! It’s the second highest driveable pass in the state at over 13,000 feet in elevation. This one can be tricky for folks who have never driven a 4X4 before, but don’t fret—there are so many local guides around here that know the pass by heart that can escort you to the best views along it so that you and your partner don’t have to worry about a thing on your elopement day. This is a pick for people who want to make sure they can get the best mountain views possible without strenuous, multi-hour hikes. Ceremonies up here are exceptionally epic.
Best for: Mountains
Best months to get married here: June to September
My favorite activities to do here: Jeep/4×4
Dunton Hot Springs, Colorado
Okay! If you’re looking for a more luxurious, yet still rustic and stunning area to stay or get married–this is your spot! Imagine yourself waking up, popping into your private hot spring outside of your cabin, and just taking in the mountain views and fresh air. It doesn’t get much better than this!
Best for: Hot Springs, Forest, Mountains
Best months to get married here: June to October
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking
More details are available from Dunton Destinations
Bear Lake, Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
Bear Lake is a GREAT option for alpine lake vibes without hiking! This is a half mile closed loop trail that only gains 20 feet in elevation and that you can drive right up to as you make your way through Rocky Mountain National Park. This is a wheelchair accessible trail and is filled with little nooks and crannies that you can look out at the lake from. This is a busy spot in the summer and early fall but deeply underrated in the spring and winter. If you’re feeling adventurous, there are also hikes available from here up to Sky Pond.
Best for: Lake, Mountains and Forest
Best months to get married here: June to October
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking
Wedding permit details are available from the National Parks Service at Rocky Mountain National Park
Vail, Colorado
Vail is known for its massive ski resort, but this area has so much more to offer than that year-round! A ridiculously fun idea is snowmobiles for winter elopements! You can zip through the mountains and pick a totally unique location for your ceremony. Fun will be had by all on these machines!
Best for: Mountains, Forest, Lakes, Wildflowers
Best months to get married here: June to October
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking
Black Canyon of Gunnison National Park, Colorado
While most of the CO national park attention goes to either Rocky Mountain or the Great Sand Dunes, Black Canyon of the Gunnison, one of their little siblings in the southwest corner of the state, should not be overlooked. Hikers, rock climbers, and stargazers are all going to be in paradise here. The canyon is stunning, with thick walls of dark stone that hold some of the world’s oldest exposed rock at 2 billion years old. Camping is great here, too. If you need your fill of water sporting, you can also stop at Curecanti National Recreation Area about two hours away but still along the Gunnison River for boating opportunities.
Best for: Canyon, Mountains and Forest
Best months to get married here: June to October
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Kayaking, Canoeing, Paddleboarding, Camping, Stargazing
Wedding permit details are available from the National Parks Service at Black Canyon of Gunnison National Park
Crested Butte, Colorado
Another one of Colorado’s most stunning mountain towns – perfect for the outdoor enthusiast and popular among athletes. In Crested Butte you can find tons of amazing aspen groves, wildflowers galore, and beautiful snow capped mountains. This area is popular for skiing, mountain biking, and hiking. It also offers top-notch restaurants and has free shuttle buses to get you around town.
Best for: Mountains, Forest and Wildflowers
Best months to get married here: June to October
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking
Beaver Meadows, Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
Besides sporting both one of the main entrances for the park and a great visitor center, Beaver Meadows is an underrated part of Rocky Mountain National Park. These areas of the park are part of a Montane ecosystem and provide accessible beauty, lots of great plant and wildlife spotting (you’ll see many elk here!) and great views of the mountains behind you.
Best for: Mountains and Wildflowers
Best months to get married here: June to October
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking
Wedding permit details are available from the National Parks Service at Rocky Mountain National Park
Curecanti National Recreation Area, Colorado
Curecanti National Recreation Area is along the Gunnison River and has three different reservoirs to explore. This includes the Blue Mesa Reservoir, which is the largest body of water in the state! If there’s a water sport that you and your partner are into, chances are you will find a spot to enjoy it here, including camping by boat. Or, take Pine Creek Trail into Morrow Point Reservoir, where you’ll find super neat geological features like Chipeta Falls and the Curecanti Needle. Or head towards Crystal Reservoir on Mesa Creek Trail for a scenic bridge that goes directly over the river. With over 40,000 acres in the park, there’s plenty of room to spread out, create your own adventure, and customize your elopement day.
Best for: Lakes, Forest, Canyon and Mountains
Best months to get married here: June to October
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Boating, Kayaking, Paddleboarding, Canoeing, Stargazing, Camping
Wedding permit details are available from the National Parks Service at Curecanti National Recreation Area
Alta Lakes, Colorado
Situated between the ghost town of Alta and the living town of Telluride, Alta Lakes is a series of lakes surrounded by trees and great views of nearby buttes and peaks. The camping in this area is totally undeveloped, leaving you immersed in nature entirely. A 4×4 or high clearance vehicle is needed to get back here, so you’ll be truly off the beaten path. If camping’s not your thing, there’s also the nearby luxury stay of The Observatory.
Best for: Lakes, Forest and Mountains
Best months to get married here: June to October
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Camping, Jeep/4×4, Stargazing
Berthoud Pass, Colorado
If you’re looking for birds-eye views of the Rockies without the crowds of Trail Ridge Road, Berthoud Pass (not to be confused with Berthoud, the town) may be for you! This scenic mountain drive in Grand County is steep but rewarding, connecting the nearby town of Winter Park back to the I-70 corridor. This area has cascades, beautiful picnic areas, backcountry skiing, and is located on the Continental Divide.
Best for: Forest, Mountains and Wildflowers
Best months to get married here: June to October
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Jeep/4×4, Stargazing
Horsetooth Reservoir, Colorado
Located near Fort Collins (a wonderful town filled with delicious restaurants, bars, fun shops, and *so many* breweries)! This large recreational reservoir has beautiful red rocks, stunning ridges and overlooks, and lots of campsites. Rocky Mountain National Park is only about an hour drive from here too, so it’s a great stop for a multi-location elopement day. Since Horsetooth Reservoir is at a lower elevation, there is typically a lot less snow during the winter months than you would see up at higher elevations. July and August are the hottest months here, but a perfect time to get out on the water too.
Best for: Lakes, Forest, Canyon and Mountains
Best months to get married here: June to October
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Boating, Kayaking, Paddleboarding, Canoeing, Stargazing, Camping
Permit details are available from Larimer County
Alpine Loop, Colorado
Southwest Colorado has some of the best 4X4 trails in the country due to the network of old gold mining trails through here, and the Alpine Loop is no exception. This is one of my favorite 4X4 roads of all time, and it will take you in and out of some truly stunning mountain passes, which makes it perfect for elopers who want big mountain views without hiking. You can pick up the loop from Silverton or just outside of Ouray all the way over to Lake City through the mountains in between them (a trek that, if you took it by normal roads, would be over double the number of miles).
Best for: Mountains, Alpine Lakes and Wildflowers
Best months to get married here: June to September
My favorite activities to do here: Jeep/4×4, Hiking, Stargazing
Pikes Peak, Colorado
I love Pikes Peak because it is somehow both the tallest summit in the Front Range and one of the most accessible 14ers I’ve ever seen. Not hiking is not a dealbreaker when it comes to seeing the summit–plan on making the two hour drive up to the top yourself or go by train and ride the cog railway to the peak! The Summit Visitor Center is waiting for you at the top with the only fresh donuts in the world made above 14,000 feet along with other food options. Garden of the Gods is also nearby for more sightseeing!
Best for: Mountains
Best months to get married here: July to October
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking
Dillon Reservoir, Colorado
Dillon Reservoir is an all natural reservoir sandwiched between the towns of Dillon, Silverthorne, and Frisco. This is a super accessible spot right along the I-70 corridor and provides seemingly endless overlooks, campgrounds, and trails that allow you to get the trees, the water, and the mountains all in one go. Sailboat rentals are popular here and make the perfect day-of activity!
Best for: Lake, Mountains, Forest
Best months to get married here: May to October
My favorite activities to do here: Sailboat, Boating, Kayaking, Canoeing, Paddleboarding
Red Rocks Amphitheater, Colorado
Red Rocks is synonymous with Denver culture. This natural amphitheater is known for hosting some of the world’s best musical acts framed by iconic red rock structures—called Ship Rock and Creation Rock—that are taller than Niagara Falls. But there’s even more here to see than just great music or the most scenic yoga classes of all time… the park surrounding the area is just as stunning. Think red rock formations, wide rolling valleys, great hiking and biking trails, and overlooks that would make for incredible ceremony spots. As far as Denver elopement spots go? This one is pretty quintessential.
Best for: Mountains, City
Best months to get married here: June to September
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, Music
This is just a taste of what Colorado has to offer! If a certain activity piqued your interest or you want to see what parts of the state would be best based on when you want to elope, check out my searchable map! It’s got nearly 600 locations from all over the world for you to filter through by season, scenery, and more.
You don’t have to do this alone. This state is my backyard, and I’m here to help! I can provide custom recommendations from my decades of experience here to give you a tailored list of only the spots that align with your vision for your wedding day.
Click here to reach out to me and let’s talk about what Colorado has in store for you!
