How to Plan an Ice Lake Elopement [with photos]

Ice Lake is a location that requires a pretty decent hike but is so worth it the second you lay eyes on it. With stunning bright turquoise water and tons of rocky peaks around, this spot always reminds me of my trips to Switzerland—and it helps that this basin gets totally covered with wildflowers every summer. 

This is a great elopement spot for folks who really want to feel accomplished with a gorgeous hike. There’s a reason the San Juan Mountains are so popular with tourists and locals (like me) alike. 

I’ve been photographing here for nearly a decade, so I know exactly what information to give you so that you can plan a great Ice Lakes elopement. Keep reading for all my best tips! 

FAQ about eloping at Ice Lake 

How do you elope at Ice Lake?

I’ve photographed over 300 elopements—and over half of those were right here in my home state of Colorado! I’m passionate about how epic Colorado looks as a backdrop for your elopement, so I’m happy to walk you through the basic steps to elope here. 

1. Determine when you want to go
   I have a section below about the best times to visit Ice Lake, but generally, this area is at its best in either late July, around the wildflower bloom, or mid-September, after the crowds have left. This is a high-altitude area for sure, so make sure you factor the long winter season into your plans. Unless you have a super specific date you want to get married on, I’d encourage you to narrow down your options to a general month or season in a given year. When you book your photographer, they can help you narrow it down! 
2. Research local photographers
   If you’re stuck on step #1, you can also start here! Local photographers (like me!) can help you determine the best time of year to go, make sure you’re fully prepped, and design an itinerary for the day that will have you in the best spots at the best times of day for the best lighting. Book early with a photographer so that they can help you along the way with expert tips and advice founded on their experience!
3. Choose your other vendors
   While working with your photographer, start thinking about & booking other vendors for your elopement day. Keep in mind that Ice Lake requires a long trail, so some things like decor may not be possible. Also keep in mind that you’ll have to pack out whatever you bring in, so make sure you have plans for things like food waste if you’re packing a picnic. Flowers will also have to be hardy enough to withstand the hike, so talk to your florist about what they should be built for. 
4. Get ready to Adventure!
   Pack your bags (I’ll give you a packing list), book your travel, and get ready to head out on the adventure of a lifetime to say your vows. I’ll give you recommendations for awesome stays in the area so that you have a great place to go back to at the end of the day! 

When’s the best time to visit Ice Lake?

The best time to visit Ice Lake is generally going to be July through September. That’s the sweet spot here between seasons of heavy snow and ice, making it a relatively short season unless you’re a serious winter backcountry hiker. There aren’t many fall colors along this trail, but during the last week in July, you can definitely find lots of wildflowers. There are a few lakes in this basin and they’re all at their best and brightest during late summer! 

Pro Tip: Ice Lake can be a pretty busy trail! It’s worth it to get a super early start in the morning on your elopement day to avoid peak crowds, especially during the months of July and August. Plan for a start in the dark to get to the best parts of the trail in the best lighting! 

How do you get to Ice Lake?

Ice Lake is located at 37°48’49.8″N 107°48’32.6″W and is accessible via the Ice Lake Basin trail, which I’ll talk more about below. The Ice Lake Basin trailhead is located at 37°48’24.0″N 107°46’26.5″W along Highway 585 just outside of Silverton. Highway 585 is a dirt road, so if you have an AWD vehicle, that’d be advised. The road is packed pretty flat, though, so most 2WD vehicles can also do it.  

How long is the hike to get to Ice Lake?

The easiest way to access Ice Lake is via a 7.3 mile loop that takes you past both Ice and Island lakes. This trail gains over 2,500 ft in elevation and is a pretty challenging trek! You can shave off about a mile if you don’t do Island Lake, but I’d recommend doing both while you’re up here. Plan for an early start time (think sunrise or earlier for the best lighting) and dedicate half a day to give yourself plenty of time to hike, enjoy, and snack (just pack in whatever you pack out!). 

How much does it cost to elope at Ice Lake?

It only costs $30 to elope at Ice Lake, which is just the cost of a marriage license! If you’re just doing your ceremony with no legal paperwork, then technically the cost is totally free. Ice Lake is a site that, at time of writing, requires no permits to enter or use for elopements. Permits have been considered for this site in previous years, so just make sure that you’re double checking before you head out. I can help you stay on top of any changes!

But that means… the rest of your budget is totally yours! 

You can make your day look however you want it to—including as elaborate or as simple as you’d like. Most of my couples primarily invest into photography, because it means that they can fully enjoy their grand adventure without having to worry about documenting it for themselves. 

The other two vendors my couples use most frequently are private dinners from chefs and florals! But it’s 100% up to you. Which is the best part of eloping. 

Check out my full guide on the cost of eloping here! 

Can you camp at Ice Lake? 

Yes, dogs are allowed on this trail as long as they’re on leash. However, this is a pretty challenging and long trail, so please keep your pup’s stamina in mind. If you bring them along, bring plenty of water for them and be prepared to pack out any dog waste. 

Are dogs allowed at Ice Lake?

Yes! South Mineral Campground is nearby along with a few options for dispersed camping in the area. So if waking up with the sun on your wedding day and sharing a cup of coffee tentside sounds like your dream, there are definitely options for that! And it’s a perfect place to do it. Just remember that in recent years these campgrounds have started filling up fast, so make a reservation in advance if you want to go! I’d recommend camping in September—it’ll be colder, but there will also be less crowds. 

Ice Lake elopement photos

Krina & Kenny’s Fall Ice Lake Elopement

Krina & Kenny met in medical school in Florida and quickly developed a love of hiking & traveling together. They were already thinking about eloping so that they could be out in nature doing what they love with no stress, but didn’t think it’d be possible for them with their families. When the pandemic hit, they made the best of it by seizing the chance to have their adventure elopement! They love challenging, all-day hikes, so Ice Lake was the perfect place for them. They had a private ceremony with just the two of them before joining their families for a reception that included elements of both of their cultures. They had time to roam more with just the two of them, exploring additional lakes, climbing on rocks, and having a great time together!

Krina & Kenny’s Reflections – In Their Own Words

“Thank you so much for making our wedding day so incredibly special. That day was seriously the best day of our lives, and I cannot believe how amazing all these photos turned out! We are probably just gonna spend this whole weekend flipping through the gallery. I’m so glad we got to take pictures at Ice Lake because the pictures are stunning/mesmerizing! We were also so in love with our experience that we are searching for jobs in Colorado!”