How to Get Married at Dillon Reservoir in 2025

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Dillon Reservoir is perfectly situated in the Rocky Mountains between the towns of Dillon, Silverthorne, and Frisco, making it a perfect destination for any elopement in the area and one of my favorite spots in the state.

This reservoir is a beautiful destination for sailing, paddleboarding, or just gazing from raised scenic overlooks around the water! This is a great spot for eloping couples looking for mountains, water, and lots of great amenities around.

I grew up not far from this area, so I’ve been going to Dillon Reservoir for decades! And I’ve been photographing weddings & elopements here since 2015. This guide has all my best insider tips to know about the area!

How do you get married at Dillon Reservoir?

Getting married at Dillon Reservoir is a simple and inexpensive process! I’ve photographed over 150+ couples right here in Colorado alone, so I’m here to help you every step of the way.

All you’ll need to do is:

Choose a wedding date and determine your guest count
This matters a lot for the second and third steps of the process! The best months to get married here are June through September, which I’ll elaborate on below.
Get a permit
The town of Dillon requires a permit in order to get married there. You’ll need to submit it between 55-365 days before your wedding. Note that this is different from their Special Event Permit! You’ll need to email the town at info@townofdillon.com

Pro Tip: Technically, permits can be received up to 60 days before the event, but give it a few extra days to allow for office hours, holidays, weekends, or anything else that may slow down the process.
Hire a photographer and any other vendors
Hiring a local photographer (like me) will give you access to all of the best hidden spots, personal vendor connections, and local insider knowledge! Don’t forget to apply for your marriage license in Colorado if you need to and make a plan to stop by before your wedding. The cost is $30 and you typically make an appointment online.

Pro Tip: If you need help with step #2, I’m here for you! You can switch these steps if you want a little extra guidance from a permit pro.
Plan your timeline and where you’ll have your ceremony
Start with where you want to have your ceremony and when and build out from there! Make sure you’re leaving enough time for yourself at each stop—the last thing you want to feel is rushed around on your wedding day. When you book with me, I’ll design a custom itinerary just for you and refine it until it’s perfect.
Get married!
You did it! Say your vows around beautiful Dillon Reservoir and get ready for an epic wedding day.

Photographer Tip: The sun at midday here can get pretty harsh and there isn’t much tree cover around the reservoir itself. If you want to say your vows right by the water, opt for sunrise or sunset for the best light.

When’s the best time to visit Dillon Reservoir?

The best time to visit Dillon Reservoir is between the months of June and September. You’ll find daily highs hovering between 65-75, greenery, wildflowers starting in July, and tons of activity options.

This is also when the reservoir is at its busiest, so plan on avoiding holidays weekends. Getting married on a weekday at sunrise will give you gorgeous light and low crowds.

Dillon sits at just over 9,000 feet in elevation, so any time after that, you may find snow or inclement weather. But if that’s your vibe, the reservoir is reliably frozen in the months of January and February! March is usually one of the snowiest months, so travel may be tricky after that.

Dillon Reservoir Summer Wedding

Two women wearing light dresses stand together at the bow of a small sailboat on a calm lake, smiling and enjoying the scenery; forested hills and blue sky are visible in the background.

Summer elopements at Dillon Reservoir are full of boat trips, wide open trails, and clear summits. Come in July for wildflowers!

Dillon Reservoir Winter Elopement

A bride and groom walk hand in hand on a snowy, rocky lake shore surrounded by mountains, with the groom holding a small dog and the bride carrying a bouquet. The sky is cloudy and soft light fills the scene.

How do you get to Dillon Reservoir?

Dillon Reservoir is locatable by any common map app! The area is large though, so you’ll need to look around for the closest place to park depending on where you want to go. The starting point for most water excursions is from the Dillon Marina, whereas other scenic stops like Sapphire Point are pull-offs from local roads (in this case, Swan Mountain Road).

Dillon is located right along I-70, so it’s easy to get to no matter which direction you’re traveling from! Look for the Dillon, Silverthorne, Frisco exit from I-70 and follow directional signs to the reservoir. The coordinates for the Marina are 39°37’34.4″N 106°02’34.0″W.

How much does it cost to get married at Dillon Reservoir?

Depending on where you say your vows, the cost to get married here can be as low as $30—just the marriage license and nothing else!

Which means the rest of your wedding or elopement allotted budget can go to activities, other vendors, guests, catering, etc.! You have a lot more freedom than you do with a traditional wedding. Most of the couples that I work with want to emphasize their adventures and knowing the day has been documented for them, so they invest heavily into photography.

I have a full cost of eloping guide here!

Are dogs allowed at Dillon Reservoir?

Yes, dogs are allowed on-leash at Dillon Reservoir, so this is a great place to elope if you’re looking to bring your pup with you!

Dillon Reservoir Wedding & Elopement Photos

I’ve been photographing in this area since 2015, and it never gets old! It’s one of my favorite places to take couples eloping in my home state.

Dillon Reservoir Summer Elopement – Lauren & Kelly

After getting ready together at their lodge, Lauren & Kelly headed to the Dillon Marina and went for a scenic sailboat ride around Dillon Reservoir! They were personally escorted around the area by a badass experienced female captain while they got to relax and take in the views of 14ers stretching above them. It was such a romantic activity and the perfect chance for them to connect and get to relax together before heading off to their ceremony!

Aerial view of a white sailboat with sail number 344 gliding across calm, dark blue water under clear skies.

An oval tray on a wooden surface holds two "Her Vows" books, gold jewelry, a brown leather watch, earrings, and sprigs of greenery and flowers arranged neatly.

A silver ring with a single round diamond displayed on top of delicate, reddish-brown flowers with fine, lacy petals.

Two pairs of hiking boots, one tan with white laces and one brown with dark laces, sit on a dark round table. Behind them are two glass vases filled with colorful wildflowers. A brown couch is in the background.

Two white dresses hang on a light-colored wall near a window. Below the window, a wooden table holds two vases with assorted flowers, and soft daylight streams into the room.

A person with long brown hair, wearing a blue shirt, reaches up to adjust a white dress hanging on a wall next to another white dress on a hanger.

Two women smile as one helps the other adjust her white dress. Both wear white; one is in a dress, the other in a vest and shorts. White garments hang on the wall behind them in a softly lit room.

Two women stand barefoot indoors, smiling at each other. One wears a white dress, the other wears a white suit with shorts and vest. A long white dress hangs on the wall behind them.

A marina filled with sailboats docked side by side, with hills and scattered trees in the background under a clear blue sky.

Two people wearing sunglasses relax together on the deck of a sailboat, enjoying the sunny weather and peaceful water surrounding them. The sailboat is positioned on a calm, open body of water.

Two people sit at the front of a sailboat on a lake, looking towards distant mountains under a blue sky with scattered clouds.

Two women in white dresses sit closely together on the edge of a boat, looking out over a lake. One points towards the water, while both smile and relax under a sunny sky with mountains in the background.

Two people sit closely together at the edge of a boat, with their bare legs and feet extended over the water. Sunlight creates a warm, relaxed atmosphere, and a blanket is draped nearby.

Two women in white outfits relax on a sailboat, smiling and holding hands. They are surrounded by water with mountains and blue sky in the background, enjoying a sunny day.

Two women in white outfits and sunglasses relax, holding hands and smiling, while lying on a blanket at the bow of a sailboat under bright sunlight.

Two women in white dresses sit barefoot on the deck of a sailboat, sharing a kiss and holding hands, surrounded by water on a sunny day.

A small sailboat with two people glides across a calm lake under a sunny sky, with another sailboat in the distance and mountains and trees in the background.

A couple stands embracing and kissing on a small sailboat named "Sweet Wind" on a lake, with mountains and a partly cloudy sky in the background.

A woman in a white dress helps another woman, also in a white dress, fasten or adjust the back of her gown in a softly lit room with neutral walls and wooden flooring.

Two women in white dresses sit side by side at a wooden table in a sunlit room, facing large windows with sheer curtains. The mood is calm and contemplative.

A woman in a white lace top sits at a wooden table, writing in a lined notebook with a pen. The photo is taken from above and behind, showing her hand and part of her handwritten note.

A person with long hair writes in a notebook using a pen, with one hand holding the notebook open. The text on the page begins with “I Will…” and is partially obscured. The surface is a dark wooden table.

Two women in white dresses stand by an SUV with open doors on a sunny day. One is placing a bag inside the vehicle while the other stands nearby. Trees and a rocky area are in the background.

View from inside a moving car, focusing on a person’s hands on the steering wheel with a dirt road and grassy hills stretching into the distance under a blue sky with scattered clouds.

A woman with long brown hair and sunglasses smiles while sitting in the passenger seat of a car, looking toward the driver on a sunny day. The dashboard and a travel mug are visible.

Two mountain goats with shaggy white fur stand on a grassy, rocky slope with a forested mountain backdrop.

Two people in white clothes stand together on a grassy hill under a blue sky with scattered clouds, creating a peaceful and open atmosphere.

Two women in white dresses embrace on a grassy hillside with mountains in the background. One holds a bouquet of wildflowers, and their hair and dresses are gently blowing in the wind.

Two women in white dresses embrace and smile at each other outdoors on a grassy hillside, with sunlight shining on them and mountains in the background.

Two women in white dresses embrace each other lovingly outdoors on a sunlit grassy hillside, with mountains in the background and a bouquet of flowers at their feet.

A woman in a flowing white dress stands on a rocky hillside, holding a bouquet of flowers. She faces the sun with eyes closed and arms out, as wind blows her dress and hair. Mountains and a blue sky are in the background.

A woman in a white dress holds a bouquet and twirls on a grassy mountain slope at sunset, with rolling hills and mountains in the background.

Two women in white dresses walk hand in hand on a rocky hill at sunset, holding bouquets, with a white SUV parked nearby under a partly cloudy sky.

Two people in white outfits stand on a hilltop at sunset, each holding up a bouquet of flowers. The sky behind them is expansive with scattered clouds and a warm, golden light.

Two women in white dresses holding hands and carrying bouquets walk up a rocky hill toward a parked off-road vehicle under a blue sky with clouds at sunset.

Two women in white dresses stand facing each other on a rocky mountain top at sunset, sharing a heartfelt moment with a bouquet of flowers at their feet and a scenic view of mountains in the background.

Two women in white dresses stand facing each other outdoors. One reads from a notebook, smiling and wiping away a tear, while the other listens and smiles warmly. They appear to be in an emotional, joyful moment.

Two women in white dresses stand facing each other outdoors, one smiling and holding a small book, possibly reciting vows, with mountains softly blurred in the background.

Two women stand outdoors on a mountain at sunset. One is placing a ring on the other's finger, while the other looks at her with a surprised, joyful expression. Both are dressed in white and smiling.

Two people in white clothing gently hold hands, one wearing a diamond ring and gold bracelets. The scene suggests tenderness and connection, possibly during a wedding or special moment.

Two women in white dresses stand arm in arm on a mountain, holding bouquets up, facing a scenic view of mountain ranges at sunset. The sky is pastel with soft clouds, creating a peaceful, celebratory atmosphere.

Two women in white dresses embrace and hold flower bouquets aloft, standing on a mountain at sunset with dramatic peaks and a pastel sky in the background.

Two people sit closely together on a blanket outdoors, wrapped in blankets, facing a mountain landscape at sunset. Lanterns are lit beside them, creating a cozy and intimate atmosphere.

Two women sit on a blanket outdoors at dusk, surrounded by lanterns and flowers. They appear to be reading a letter together, dressed warmly in coats and blankets, sharing a cozy and intimate moment.

A person wearing white pants and lace-up boots sits outdoors, holding a printed letter or document. The image is softly focused, with another person's blurred head visible in the foreground.

Two women sit close together on a blanket outdoors, wrapped in cozy layers. One woman gently touches her face while the other looks at her with concern. They are sitting on grass, sharing an emotional moment in soft evening light.

Two women sit on a blanket outdoors at dusk, smiling and holding drinks. They are dressed warmly in boots and light dresses, with flowers nearby, sharing a cozy, intimate moment on a grassy hillside.

Two women in long white dresses hold lanterns and hands as they walk across a dark hillside at dusk, with a colorful sunset and mountain silhouette in the background.

Two women holding hands and hiking with a black and white dog on a leash along a rocky trail overlooking a scenic lake and mountains.

Two women smile and hug a happy, fluffy dog outdoors, with one woman kissing the dog's head and scenic mountains blurred in the background.

Two women sitting closely together outdoors, smiling and looking down at a black and white dog sitting between them. The dog has its tongue out and appears happy.

Two women crouch on rocky terrain, smiling at each other with a happy black and white dog sitting between them; mountains and sunlight create a scenic backdrop.

Two women kneel on rocky ground, kissing each other on the lips, while a black and white dog on a leash stands between them, looking at the camera with its tongue out. Mountains are visible in the blurred background.

Two women and a black-and-white dog stand on a rocky cliff overlooking a wide river or lake, surrounded by hills and trees under a partly cloudy sky at dusk.

Two women sit together on a rocky ledge overlooking a lake at sunset, with one gently touching the other's hair. A black and white dog sits beside them, facing the water and scenic mountain landscape.

Hey I’m Maddie Mae

Dillon Reservoir Elopement Photographer

I’m a Colorado born-and-raised elopement photographer, but I travel all over the world! For over a decade I’ve been designing, planning, & photographing adventure elopements across the state of Colorado and anywhere else on the planet that you can dream up.

A woman with long brown hair and glasses smiles at the camera. She wears a black blazer, a black top, and a pendant necklace. The background is a plain light gray wall.

Dillon Reservoir Elopement Packages

If you’re ready to stop endlessly searching and start brainstorming in the hands of a pro, get in touch with me! No matter how vague your idea is now, we’ll plan the trip of a lifetime together. That’s exactly what your love story deserves.

includes:

4+ Hours of guided, fun photography coverage by Maddie Mae

The Adventure Instead Elopement Experience™

Unique & secluded locations, bespoke activity ideas with pre-vetted guides, fun & luxurious lodging options, an experience-focused timeline, mood board & personalized styling suggestions, travel advice, VIP Planning Guide, and customized packing checklists

Free initial planning consultation call, direct access to Maddie Mae via text & email, unlimited planning consultations, unlimited collaboration & revisions, pre-vetted local vendor recommendations, and advice &and help with permits & marriage licenses

Guided + FUN photography experience, empathetic posing & directing, creative GIFS &and drone photography, hand-crafted editing, full-resolution image files with printing rights, digital gallery to view, download, & print, complementary album design, and convenient print ordering

My travel costs are covered and included to anywhere in Colorado

Starting at $6,000 for 4-hours of coverage.

Full-day, multi-day, and custom packages available.

No added travel costs. No hidden fees of any kind.

INQUIRE FOR AVAILABILITY & MORE INFO

Hey there!

I’m Maddie Mae

Your Elopement Photographer, Experience Designer & Planning Consultant  

For the last 14 years I’ve traveled to 40 countries, all 7 continents, and planned & photographed over 300 elopements all over the world.

About Maddie Mae Elopement
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How to Get Married at Dillon Reservoir in 2025 – Weddings & Elopements