Best Places to Elope in Colorado
Colorado elopement guide
Colorado Is Full Of Beauty
Where will you choose?
There are so many places to elope in Colorado, it is really hard to choose just one! Good thing we know all the best places, the best seasons and the secret just-us spots perfect for your wedding celebration.
Keep reading to learn more about Colorado’s marriage laws, the best time of year to elope in Colorado, a list of our favorite elopement locations, and advice on how to plan your own unique elopement in Colorful Colorado. Get inspired to elope in one of our favorite places on Earth!
Your Questions Answered here
why you should elope in colorado
Imagine this: You and your love wake up on the morning of your wedding in a unique and incredibly gorgeous rental in a small mountain town. You make coffee and get dressed in your wedding attire by the light of a couple old lanterns – the sun hasn’t yet made its appearance.
Your photographer arrives with a bag of local pastries they picked up the night before at the best bakery in Colorado, and you all excitedly express your gratitude for the perfect weather that looks like it’s going to hold. After taking photos of you lacing up hiking boots that somehow go perfectly with your formal attire, the three of you climb into a jeep waiting outside. It’s still dark, but the night sky is beginning to turn from deep blue to a lighter purple – the stars are beginning to fade out one by one. Just as the jeep crests a hill revealing an alpine lake in a valley, accessible only by 4×4 roads, the western peaks begin to turn the warmest shade of orange you’ve ever seen! You get out of the jeep as the cool night breeze hangs around for a few more minutes, and you hold the hands of your partner on the shores of this pristine lake.
They reach into their pocket and pull out the handwritten vows you finalized last minute, and you take a deep breath before beginning to speak. You look into the eyes of your lover, which are glistening, and you gasp at the colors suddenly erupting all around you! The first light of day immediately warms the air as you speak truths to your partner in an attempt to express what a lifetime commitment means to you. You’ve almost forgotten a photographer is standing by capturing every intimate moment. You and your partner must be the only people awake in this vast wilderness, in what must be the most beautiful place on earth – how could there be anywhere else so perfect?
You deserve this experience – you deserve to celebrate your marriage with an adventurous elopement in a beautiful place that inspires your love for nature, and each other.
We can help make this happen.
Benefits of eloping in colorado
SCENERY
Yes, Colorado has gorgeous mountains. It also has stunning sand dunes, blue alpine lakes, red rock desert vibes, moss-covered waterfalls, and golden aspen groves. There’s a little something here for everyone, and we know all the best spots!
ADVENTURE
Whatever your favorite activity is, you can do that on your elopement daty in Colorado! Would your perfect wedding include a bike ride, top rope climb, sky drive, or hike? How about lunch at a brewery and picnic in the park? Whatever kind of adventure is your ideal, Colorado provides.
A “JUST US” EXPERIENCE
Colorado allows self-solemnizing, which means you don’t have to invite anyone to your elopement day, say your personalized vows for the ears of your partner only, and still get legally married in one of the most beautiful places on earth!
How to:
plan a colorado elopement
First, do some research.
Below, we’ve answered frequently asked questions about elopements, and provided advice on choosing a location!
Second, connect with a photographer or planner who knows the area.
Two of the photographers on our team (Maddie + Amber) live in Colorado full-time and know this area incredibly well – we can find just about any kind of environment, at any time of year, to fit whatever it is you’re currently imaging.
Third, narrow down the details of what you want.
Choose your ideal environment, time of day, season, activities, guest count, etc. We can absolutely help you out at this stage and give you our best advice to plan a stress-free wedding experience!
The good news is, we’ve been in your shoes. Not only have we helped hundreds of couples plan authentic, truly unique elopement adventures – each of us at Adventure Instead eloped ourselves! We know first hand how good it feels to get married by planning a day true-to-you, centered on your love for each other, and without the stress and chaos of a big wedding.
Frequently Asked Questions About eloping in colorado
All the questions you’ve ever wanted to ask about how to elope – answered by us.
How Much Does it Cost to Elope in Colorado?
Short answer—As little or as much as you budget for!
Long answer—To get legally married in Colorado, you only need to get your hands on the $30 marriage certificate. However—assuming you want to celebrate a bit—you’re also going to want to budget for attire, activities, and any vendors you involve. We’ve spoken to hundreds of couples over the years, and helped plan hundreds of elopements—we’ve found that the average elopement costs between $5000-$15000.
The biggest factor to the cost of your elopement has to do with who you involve—which vendors, who you invite, and how elaborate your plans are. One of the benefits of working with an elopement photographer is that we wear a lot of hats—by that we mean that you don’t need a lot of the traditional wedding vendors (planner, venue, etc.) because the size of your event combined with the services we offer will naturally limit the size of your group. Please don’t misunderstand—vendors of all kinds do amazing work, and whether you want to hire anyone for your elopement celebration is 100% your choice. There is no one way to elope!
Who Should You Invite To Your Elopement?
Anyone you want!
We have plenty of ideas to help you plan an inclusive family wedding celebration.
We also have advice if you want to include your dog in your elopement, or if you’ll be bringing along children.
Eloping isn’t about NOT including loved ones in your celebration. In fact, we’d argue that eloping is the best way to include loved ones in an authentic celebration that is stress-free, and where you get to spend genuine time with those present.
In fact, we disliked that elopements get so often mischaracterized so much that we wrote our own definition: An elopement is an intentionally small, intimate, meaningful, and authentic wedding experience that is a true reflection of your relationship where the focus of the day is really about the two of you.
You see, choosing to elope isn’t just about avoiding big-wedding stress or saving money—eloping is about intentionally choosing to craft a safe space to celebrate a huge milestone in your relationship with your partner. Whoever you want to stand beside you when this happens should feel welcome!
How Do I Get Permits?
Not every location requires permits in Colorado—but some of the most loved and well-known spots to elope require permits that need to be acquired well in advance.
Each of Colorado’s national parks, some wilderness areas, and other protected spaces require permits.
If you’re unsure if your location requires a permit—reach out! We’d love to offer our insight. Or, you can reach out to the local ranger district for more information. If you’re unsure how to find that information, Google “[NAME OF PLACE YOU WANT TO ELOPE] Ranger District Contact.”
How Do I Pack for My Colorado Elopement?
Something we get asked a lot is what the weather is like in Colorado, and how that affects elopements.
Many couples who travel here aren’t coming from mountainous regions and have never encountered a climate quite like this one.
Here’s a fun fact: It’s common to see snow in the mountains into JUNE!
That’s right—the spring season you’re used to actually doesn’t happen until summer here. So, because of this wild weather, it’s important that you’re prepared for the experience. Depending on the location and date you choose, we can offer location-specific advice. If you have a flexible date, we’ll also discuss with you the best time to be at your dream destination.
The weather here is also unpredictable, and pretty extreme. Because of this, no matter the time of year, we suggest that couples plan for the worst and hope for the best.
Some things you should pack for your Colorado elopement:
- Sunscreen
- Bug Spray
- Handwarmers
- Fleece-lined leggings (to wear under your attire)
- Sturdy footwear
- Gloves, hats, extra socks & items for staying warm/dry
- Medicine for altitude sickness
Colorado Marriage Laws & Legalities
A few must-know details about eloping in Colorado
There’s so much to love about eloping in Colorado—especially how easy it is to get married here. Because every state (and country) has different rules about getting married, it’s helpful to know before you decide on your location!
That’s right—you can marry yourselves in Colorado, no extra help needed. All you need to do is sign your own marriage license as an officiant—the rest is up to you.
In Colorado, you’re legally allowed to marry yourselves! That means you don’t need a witness, you don’t need an officiant—all you need is you, your partner, and your marriage license!
According to Colorado State Law, couples are legally allowed to officiate and act as their own witnesses for their wedding or elopement ceremonies. The best part? It’s all legal! All your responsible for is acquiring, completing, and returning the license to the appropriate county office of the clerk and recorder.
Want to be legally married on your elopement day in the wilderness in Colorado? Don’t stress about finding an officiant or witnesses—you don’t need ‘em. Sign as your own witnesses and your own officiant, have your friends do it, or have your pup sign with their pawprints (couples do it, you guys, and it rules!)
This is hands-down one of the most adorable ways to include your furbaby in your special day— we’ve seen it done!
Pick up a marriage license m-f at a nearby county clerk office, mail it back or drop it off in person after your ceremony
There is no waiting period for getting married in Colorado. That means you can apply for your license, get married, and turn it back in all in the same day if you want—there are no time issues to get in your way.
The license fee is only $30. Know that it might cost additional $$ if you plan to get married in an area that requires a permit.
Choosing Your Colorado Elopement Location
Choosing your elopement location is one of the most important decisions after deciding to get married. The only more important decision is your photographer! (Kidding, sort of). We have photographed and guided couples through hundreds of elopements in dozens of countries, and two of our team members live full-time in Colorado. So, you could say we know a few things about choosing the best elopement location!
Colorado is absolutely overflowing with best places to elope, no matter what kind of adventure you’re looking for. We could fill up infinite pages in endless books with all the breathtaking locations that live within Colorado, but for now, we’ll start with the best time of year to elope in Colorado.
Landscape & Seasonality
The Best Time of Year to Elope in Colorado
Colorado has a full four seasons, and the mountain ranges that cover the state mean you can anticipate quickly-changing weather at any time of year. Depending on the kind of landscape and terrain you want, you’ll need to consider the season for accessibility & comfort. Many places in Colorado are accessible year-round, others are not. And those that are accessible through multiple seasons will have very different vibes depending on the time of year – all of these considerations will be part of the planning process as we narrow down the place for your elopement!
1
Autumn
If you’ve never seen a Colorado fall, do yourself a favor and click here. Colorado aspen trees famously changes into magical shades of yellow and orange during the fall months. Want to see it in full swing? Head up into the mountains for a display of jaw-dropping fall colors. Color changing varies every year, but you can typically start seeing leaves change colors by mid-September through the beginning of October, depending where in the state you are.
Months: September – November
Activities: Hiking, mountain biking, aspen grove hunting
2
Spring
Though it technically begins at the end of March, you can anticipate winter weather lasting through April. Trails at higher elevations will likely still be snow packed through June— there’s something fun about snowshoeing in T-shirts at this time of year. Many of the high alpine passes aim to open the last weekend in May. When the snow melts in the spring, though, be ready for stunning wildflowers meadows everywhere you turn.
Months: March – June
Activities: Hiking, skiing, biking
3
Winter
Fresh powder, snowy sports, and all the winter wonderland magic you’ve been dreaming of. Colorado is a beautiful place to get married in the winter, especially if you’re adventurous! Be warned, though, it can get pretty chilly!
Months: November – April
Activities: Skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing
4
Summer
Think bright, sunshiney, perfect weather for all the outdoor activites you’re dreaming of—hiking, backpacking, horseback riding, offroading, rock climbing (the list goes on and on). July and August are the warmest months in Colorado, but at high elevations it’s the most perfect temperature you could imagine!
Months: June – September
Activities: Hiking, kayaking, paddle boarding, peak-bagging
How to:
Find Your Perfect
Colorado Elopement Location
To find your perfect Colorado elopement location, go through this tactile exercise
We promise it works! Start by grabbing a pen and piece of paper to write down notes as you go, because creating a list (as simple as it sounds) will always be our favorite way to plan! Then, follow these steps:
- Close your eyes and let your mind picture what you think of when someone says “elopement.” Maybe these images are inspired by pictures you’ve seen, or maybe you’re imagining places you’ve been or want to go!
- Write down the things you see that feel right and align with your elopement goals. Be as simple or specific as you want! (Example: mountains, trees, ocean. Or, sunset in a rocky desert with a warm breeze). This is about imagining paradise!
- Test out each of these places – imagine saying your vows in any location that might seem right. If there are one or more, create separate spaces to brainstorm on your piece of paper. Get as specific now as you can – let the mountaintop become a time of day, a season, or bring in details like plant life, smells, and guests.
- You’ve probably created lists for a couple options that seem great! But maybe only one works perfectly with the date you’ve chosen, or maybe logistically you can narrow down the list for other reasons. Even if this place doesn’t have a name, describe it to us! We’ll try and find the perfect place on Earth to turn this vision into a reality!
Finding the perfect elopement location requires a bit of soul searching, and maybe you already have a place in mind! Most of the time, choosing a location takes a few brainstorming sessions – we’ll talk about your favorite environments, the time of year you’d like to elope, what activities you want to do, and if you plan to invite any guests.
We’ve photographed elopements anywhere from Colorado to Namibia, and we’re down to go wherever you’re determined to say “I do.” Each of us has extensive travel experience and we always love seeing a new part of the world, so don’t hold back when we begin narrowing down your location! This is truly the perfect time to be honest when we ask, “if you could get married anywhere in the world, where would it be?”
If you want some detailed inspiration about eloping in some of our most popular destinations, check out these elopement guides to Colorado, Oregon, Washington, California, Utah, and Arizona.
Welcome to
OUR BEST PLACES
TO ELOPE IN COLORADO DATABASE
Snow-capped mountain peaks, rugged 4×4 roads, endless wildflower meadows, alpine lakes so blue they take your breath away—this is Colorado, and it’s the perfect place for adventurous couples who seek a captivating and jaw-dropping elopement experience. Colorado is an ideal elopement location for folks who love epic springtime blooms or frosty winter-coated mountains. Colorado is packed with a never-ending supply of outdoor activities—perfect for couples looking for a little adventure on their just us day, but Colorado is also known for its epic vistas, accessibility, and surprisingly diverse landscapes, from desert sand dunes to snowy 14ers all within the bounds of one state. Looking for adventure? Craving beautiful scenery? Love distinctive seasons? Colorado might be the perfect place for you and your love to commit your lives to each other.
Here, you’ll find everything you need to know about eloping in this magical state. From marriage laws and legalities (extra bonus: you can self-solemnize here!) to a seasonal weather breakdown, this page has all the Colorado knowledge you need to decide if this epic and beautiful state is perfect for your wildly different wedding experience
Best Places to
Elope in Colorado
Rocky Mountain National Park
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.
Maroon Bells / Aspen
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!
Loveland Pass
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.
San Juan Mountains
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.
Great Sand Dunes National Park
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.
Colorado National Monument
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.
Garden of the Gods
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.
Sapphire Point
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.
Denver
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.
Lost Gulch Overlook
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.
Chautauqua
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!
Sunrise Amphitheater
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.
Mount Blue Sky
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).
Brainard Lake
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.
Breckenridge
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.
Dunton Hot Springs
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!
Crested Butte
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.
Black Canyon of Gunnison National Park
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.
Curecanti National Recreation Area
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.
Vail
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!
Telluride
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.
Horsetooth Reservoir
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.
Ready to begin
planning your
own adventure
elopement?
You can Download The Ultimate Guide to Planning Your Elopement to begin digging deep into your own goals for your wedding celebration, or contact us so we can help you narrow down your options!
If you’re looking for further information on elopements, check out this blog all about the cost of elopements & how you can budget for an epic day!
Or, check out this blog full of small wedding ideas!
We firmly believe you deserve to celebrate your marriage in whatever way feels perfectly you – maybe you’ve found inspiration here that’s pointed you in the right direction, or maybe you vision something else entirely!
Whatever your goals, reach out! We can’t wait to hear all about your dream elopement adventure!
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