Ouray is known as the “Switzerland of America,” for good reason. Its alpine lakes are picturesque, the San Juan Mountains above them are majestic, and the small mountain town nestled in the heart of it all looks straight out of a fairytale. Whether you’re hiking to one of the many cascading waterfalls in the Ouray area, or just soaking in a hot spring, you’ll feel like you’re eloping somewhere truly magical!
I’ve been an elopement photographer for over a decade—photographing many in my home state of Colorado alone—and Ouray has never failed to impress me. It’s romantic, naturally beautiful, and perfect for an adventure elopement, so here’s a general breakdown of what you’ll need to know in order to have your own!
Frequently asked questions about eloping in Ouray:
What makes Ouray a great place to elope?
Whenever couples tell me they want to elope somewhere that blends charming small-town vibes with big-mountain energy, Ouray is high on my list of recommendations!
This city offers gorgeous alpine scenery and countless opportunities for adventure, making it perfect for an elopement that feels both intimate and exciting. Whether you’re driving down the Million Dollar Highway and taking in the sweeping views, courting danger on the Ouray Via Ferrata, or relaxing in the Ouray Hot Springs, you will find yourself enjoying every second of your big day in a way that is memorable and fulfilling.
How do you get to Ouray?
Luckily, you can find Ouray as a destination on most common navigation apps! Located at 38°01’21.6″N 107°40’17.4″W with US-550 (also known as the Million Dollar Highway) running right through the center of town, Ouray is just north of Silverton.
If you’re coming from out of state, the easiest place to fly into would be Denver International Airport, which is about a 6 hour drive from Ouray. If you’d like to save yourself some time in the car, you could also connect through Denver to the Montrose Regional Airport which is only 50 minutes north of Ouray instead. I will say that the drive from Denver to Ouray is stunning and the Million Dollar Highway offers unparalleled views of Colorado’s natural landscape, so it’s more than worth the journey if you want to see more of the beautiful state!
Pro Tip: If you’re planning on visiting in the winter, keep in mind that snow storms can impact driving conditions, so if you’re not comfortable with driving through switchbacks, up steep grades, or with potentially icy conditions, then I suggest looking into the flight to Montrose via Denver to make your experience as stress-free as possible!
When’s the best time to visit Ouray?
The best time to visit Ouray is during the late summer, early fall season, ideally September/October. That’s when the fall foliage is at its best and you can avoid the larger crowds from peak season months! That’s also when you’ll find the best conditions for the countless hikes available to you in and around Ouray, since the trails will be open and the weather will be decently mild.
The winter and summer months offer their own perks though! If you visit later in the fall/early winter, the temperatures drop enough for you to fully appreciate popular attractions like the Ouray Hot Springs or Ice Park—the alpine setting becomes truly magical with snow-covered peaks and frosted pines surrounding the charming town. Summer, on the other hand, brings warm weather and clear blue skies with late sunsets, giving you more time to enjoy all the outdoor recreation opportunities Ouray has to offer and the beautiful wildflowers that bloom in July, bringing the entire area to life!
Ouray Summer Elopement
If you’re looking to elope somewhere that combines natural beauty with small-town charm, then Ouray is the place for you! There are plenty of trails to explore and attractions to experience. Plus, summer brings warmer temperatures and longer days which would be perfect for an evening elopement, letting you take full advantage of that prime golden hour lighting and stunning alpine setting for photographs!
Best places to elope in Ouray:
Nestled in the San Juan Mountains, Ouray is a place where beauty and adventure meet. Most of the best elopement spots are tucked away in the wilderness, giving you the perfect opportunity to explore everything this town and the natural world around it has to offer.
Here are a few of my favorites:
- Ice Lake
- Cost: $30
- Marriage License: $30
- Permit: No permit required if your group is smaller than 75 people! If it’s larger, then you can apply for a Special Use Permit on the USDA Forest Service official website (I’ve linked the application here for your convenience).
- Cost: $30
- Red Mountain Pass
- Cost: $30
- Marriage License: $30
- Permit: Same as above!
- Cost: $30
- Cascade Falls
- Cost: $30–$330 (cost varies depending on the permit)
- Marriage License: $30
- Special Use Permit: $50–$300 (depends on guest count and site)
- Permit: The falls are located in the Uncompahgre National Forest, which means you’ll need a Special Use Permit or Authorization. You can download a permit application on the USDA Forest Service official website and email it to sm.fs.r2gmugspecialusepermits@usda.gov. If you’re elopement is smaller than 75 people you might not need a permit, so I suggest using that same email address to contact the Forest Service and double check before filling out your application!
- Cost: $30–$330 (cost varies depending on the permit)
- Box Canyon Falls Park
- Cost: $37
- Marriage License: $30
- Entrance Fee: $7
- Permit: No permit required—just be sure to practice Leave No Trace principles!
- Cost: $37
Best wedding venues in Ouray:
Whether you want an intimate ceremony or something more grand, you’ll have plenty of venues to choose from in Ouray! A venue is especially helpful if you’re expecting more than 15 guests and can make your life a whole lot easier when it comes to organizing everything.
These are some of the venue options in the Ouray area:
- Gold Mountain Ranch
- Cost: Starting at $6,500 (varies depending on your date and guest count—you can submit an inquiry for an exact quote on the venue’s official website here!)
- Guest Count: 40 max
- Top of the Pines
- Cost: $1,000–$3,500 (starting cost only and varies depending on your wedding package)
- Classic Wedding: Starting at $3,500
- Intimate Weekday Wedding: Starting at $1,000
- Guest Count: 100 max (depends on wedding package)
- Classic Wedding: 100 max
- Intimate Weekday Wedding: Less than 50
- Cost: $1,000–$3,500 (starting cost only and varies depending on your wedding package)
- Beaumont Hotel & Spa
- Cost: $5,199–$12,499 (depends on the wedding package—you can find a more in-depth breakdown of what exactly is offered in each package on the venue’s official website here!)
- Intimate Winter Wedding: $5,199
- Intimate Summer Wedding: $6,199
- Classic Summer/Fall Wedding: $7,599
- Classic Winter Wedding: $7,399
- Fairytale Wedding: $8,999
- Royal Wedding: $12,499
- Guest Count: 150 max (varies depending on the wedding package)
- Intimate Winter Wedding: 30 max
- Intimate Summer Wedding: 30 max
- Classic Summer/Fall Wedding: 150 max
- Classic Winter Wedding: 150 max
- Fairytale Wedding: 150 max
- Royal Wedding: 150 max
- Cost: $5,199–$12,499 (depends on the wedding package—you can find a more in-depth breakdown of what exactly is offered in each package on the venue’s official website here!)
- Wright Opera House
- Cost: $3,450–$7,450 (cost varies depending on the wedding package—you can find a more detailed breakdown of what each package offers on the venue’s official website here!)
- The Intimate Affair: $3,450
- The Classic Celebration: $4,800
- The Grand Romance: $7,450
- Guest Count: 100 max (varies depending on the wedding package)
- The Intimate Affair: 45 max
- The Classic Celebration: 75 max
- The Grand Romance: 100 max
- Cost: $3,450–$7,450 (cost varies depending on the wedding package—you can find a more detailed breakdown of what each package offers on the venue’s official website here!)
This information is accurate as of the writing of this guide in 2026, but I suggest double checking with the venue for confirmation before you book anything. I’m happy to share more recommendations and work with you to find the perfect wedding venue when we work together!
How much does it cost to elope in Ouray?
With plenty of gorgeous spots that are completely free, the cost of eloping in Ouray can be as low as $30, which is just the marriage license!
What’s so great about this city, though, is that even if you don’t end up liking any of the free locations, there is a wide range of options no matter what your budget is. So, whether you want something intimate or grand, you’ll be sure to find a place you love that works for you.
Beyond that, the total cost of your elopement will vary depending on your guest count, vendors, travel, etc. Most of the couples who hire me prioritize having an adventure in a stunning location, which is why they typically invest a lot of their budget in photography to ensure every moment is captured.
If you want to know more, you can check out my full cost of eloping guide here!
Activities to do during Ouray elopements:
Ouray perfectly blends natural beauty with adventure, which means there are plenty of activities to enjoy during your visit that will make your elopement feel even more exciting and fulfilling!
Here are some of my favorites in the Ouray area:
- Visiting the Ouray Hot Springs
- Hiking the Perimeter Trail
- Climbing the Ouray Via Ferrata
- Visiting Cascade Falls
- Driving the Million Dollar Highway
- Going on an underground tour of a historic mill
- Taking a jeep tour through the mountains
- Exploring downtown Ouray
Being located in the San Juan Mountains makes Ouray an ideal place to explore the outdoors at your own pace. Whether you just want to enjoy a picnic by a serene lake or test your limits on a thrilling climbing course, you have plenty of options to choose from. All you have to do is decide how you’d like to spend your time and we’ll make it happen!
Are dogs allowed in Ouray?
Yes, there are many dog-friendly spots in and around Ouray, including pet-friendly hotels and restaurants! As for trails and outdoor recreation areas, just double-check before visiting since some allow leashed dogs while others don’t.
Ouray Elopement & Wedding Photos
Katie & Logan’s Ouray Summer Elopement
Katie & Logan eloped in Ouray and had a gorgeous quintessential summer day in SW Colorado.
They had rented a house in the area that was super beautiful—big windows and great views—and got ready there in the morning. They did their first look outside right underneath one of the nearby peaks.
With the help of a local hired 4X4 driver, they headed out to one of the many, many insanely cool off-roading trails in this area. They soaked up the scenery and got to look out at the red mountains and ridges, telling the driver when they wanted to stop and pull off at lookouts or get out to frolic some.
There were SO many animals and wildflowers out. Pikas, marmots, chipmunks, and deer were everywhere in these super wildflower soaked fields. It was one of those moments that really felt like the best of the best of CO nature on full display.
Katie & Logan found a field under a ridge at sunset to say their vows and exchange rings. They watched the sun set and evening alpenglow light up the rocks. We took some more portraits of them and then they headed back to the car.
Back at their rental house, they hired a private chef to prepare an incredible wedding day dinner, including an insanely cool cocktail bar that doubled as a show with dry ice.
They got to dine, drink, and unwind from their day. It was the perfect way to cap off the celebration!
Hey I’m Maddie Mae
Ouray Elopement Photographer
As a Colorado born-and-raised elopement photographer, I have been designing, planning, & photographing adventure elopements worldwide for over a decade. I’ve done 150+ in my home state alone so, if you’re looking for an experienced elopement photographer who knows the ins and outs of planning a Colorado elopement, then you’re in the right place!
Ouray Elopement Packages
Just contact me here to check my availability and for a free planning consultation, and we can go from there!
includes:
4+ Hours of guided, fun photography coverage by Maddie Mae
The Adventure Instead Elopement Experience™
My travel costs are covered and included to anywhere in Colorado
$6,800 for all of the above including 4-hours of photography
$9,000 for all of the above including 8-hours of photography
Full-day, multi-day, and custom packages available.
No added travel costs. No hidden fees of any kind.
