August 29, 2025

Your Red Mountain 3 Elopement Guide — Everything You Need to Know!

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striations of red rock. Because this mountain is privately owned, elopements here mean that you won’t see nearly as many people as you will on other public trails nearby! 

I love taking folks to Red Mountain 3 when they’re eloping in this area, and I’ve got a great relationship with a 4X4 company in Ouray that has access to it! So when it comes to hiking or driving up Red Mountain 3 on your wedding day, I’m here to tell you everything you need to know about gaining access to this beautiful spot. 

A dramatic mountain landscape with rust-colored ridges in the foreground, a deep valley with autumn-yellow trees in the middle, and snow-capped peaks under a cloudy sky in the background.

How do you get married at Red Mountain 3?

I was born and raised in Colorado, so I’ve been exploring here my entire life. And in the past 10 years, I’ve photographed over 150+ elopements in this state alone! So you can trust me as your local guide to getting married in this beautiful state, even at unique spots like Red Mountain 3!

Here’s how you can get married at Red Mountain 3: 

  1. Pick a date and clear it with Colorado West Jeeps

    Red Mountain 3 is a privately owned space that only one vendor has access to, so before you plan any further, you’ll need to make sure Colorado West Jeeps is available on the day you want! Make sure you know about how many people you’ll want to transport. 

    🛑 Don’t confirm anything until you’ve completed step #2!🛑
  2. Hire a local photographer

    Working with a photographer who’s experienced in the area gives you access to all sorts of insider info. I’ve photographed weddings at Red Mountain 3 numerous times, so I know exactly where to have you and when for the best lighting. 

    Pro Tip: If you need help with step #1, you can always contact me earlier and I’ll assist you through the process! I’ve been working with Colorado West Jeeps for years and I’m super familiar with their process. 

    Once you’ve made sure everyone’s available on your wedding date, you can book both Colorado West Jeeps and your photographer!
  1. Get your marriage license
    If you’re signing your paperwork in Colorado, be sure to apply online and set aside time to stop by the nearest county clerk’s office to pick up your license for $30. You’ll need to go less than 35 days before your wedding and return it in the 63 days following. 

    Pro Tip: In Colorado, you don’t need an officiant or witnesses. Your dog can even sign your certificate! I wrote a blog post breaking the process down here. 
  1. Hire any other vendors & plan activities
    Are there any activities you want to feature as part of your day (other than an epic 4X4 ride)? Any caterers or florists you want to work with? You have all the building blocks now, so you can start filling out your day! When you work with me, I’ll design your experience for you and refine it until it’s perfect—so that you never have to worry about timing!
  1. Say your vows and celebrate!
    That’s all you need to do to have an awesome wedding day on Red Mountain 3! All that’s left to do is enjoy the heck out of your unique elopement day. 

When’s the best time to visit Red Mountain 3?

July is the best time to visit Red Mountain 3. You will never have to worry about crowds here due to the privacy of the mountain and July provides the overall most comfortable temperatures, topping out in the mid-60’s. This also gives the snow a chance to melt off of the trails!

I would highly recommend booking a tour that will either take you up in the dark so that you’re already there at sunrise or a tour that lasts through sunset. Because of the bright colors in the mountain, there’s no better time of day to see them! The lighting on this particular path is usually the best at sunset. (And it’s usually a little warmer!)

How do you get to Red Mountain 3?

The only way to get to Red Mountain 3 is to take a tour with Colorado West Jeeps, who have negotiated access with the owner! They are based out of Ouray at 701 Main Street. All you need to do is meet them there and they will handle guiding you expertly up the mountain. They do rent Jeeps out as well, but you’ll need to go on one of their scenic tours to gain access to Red Mountain 3. 

How long is the trail to Red Mountain 3?

The 4X4 trail to get up Red Mountain 3 is about 5.5 miles long and the ride up and down is gorgeous! (it can also be hiked in about 5 hours – hiking is the only other way to access the top of the mountain).

A woman in a wedding dress faces a group of people bundled in winter clothing, sitting on an open-sides tour truck labeled "Colorado West" with muddy tires on a dirt road under a partly cloudy sky.

How much does it cost to get married at Red Mountain 3?

It costs $405 to get married at Red Mountain 3. That’s the cost of 3 tour tickets (you, your spouse, and your photographer) and your Colorado marriage license! 

If you’re bringing more guests, it’s billed as an additional $125 for every adult and $80 for every child. 

That means that the rest of your budget is wide open for whatever you want to do! If you want a private dinner after, a gorgeous cabin, or luxury florals, you can invest however you see fit. That’s the best part of having a non-traditional wedding! 

Most of the couples I work with primarily invest into photography. For them it’s vital that they get to relax into the adventure of their day, put it into expert hands, and know that it’s well-documented for them. That way they get to just live totally in the moment. 

You can read my full blog post about the cost of eloping here!

Why go to Red Mountain 3? 

There are two other mountains in this chain in the form of Red Mountain 1 and Red Mountain 2, both of which are not privately owned. Many of them are other 4X4 trails, which you can drive yourself on if you have a high-clearance AWD vehicle! This whole area is absolutely stunning and full of bright colors and great trails. 

The main thing that Red Mountain 3 has to offer is privacy. Because it’s privately owned and there’s only one company offering tours, you’re significantly less likely to see a single other soul while you’re out there. That means that your wedding will be as private as if you had rented an entire venue to yourself. The feeling of having a mountain to yourself is the main draw to booking a tour up here. 

Are dogs allowed at Red Mountain 3?

Yes! Just keep your pups on-leash. Colorado West Jeeps permits furry friends in the open air parts of the trucks, just not the cabs. Be sure to let them know if you’re anticipating any animal guests.

Red Mountain 3 Elopement Photos

Kayla & Ryan’s Summer Red Mountain 3 Elopement

Kayla & Ryan woke up early and got ready on the mountain, doing their first look on a ridge just as the sun was starting to warm up the sky. They spent time exploring the area and taking photos together, getting the chance to connect before moving into the rest of their day. They had an elopement on Red Mountain 3 complete with a gorgeous backdrop of the mountain and surrounding hills behind them! They held a small reception and family ceremony with live music and a patio that looked out even more mountains that was perfect for dancing. 

A man stands behind an open SUV in a rocky mountain landscape at dusk, adjusting his tie while wearing a white shirt and dark pants. Snowy peaks and a backpack are visible in the background.
A woman wearing a flower crown adjusts a man's tie outdoors at sunset. Both are smiling and dressed warmly, standing in front of a blurred natural landscape with hills and patches of snow.
A woman stands next to an off-road vehicle with the trunk open, holding up a white dress as she sorts through belongings. Mountains are visible in the background at dusk.
A woman wearing a flower crown stands beside an SUV with the back open, holding up a white lace dress in an outdoor, mountainous area with patches of snow.
A woman in a white lace dress and floral crown stands outdoors on rocky ground, holding her dress, with a black off-road vehicle behind her against a mountain backdrop at sunset.
Colorful, rugged mountains with reddish-brown slopes and patches of snow under a soft, pastel sky at sunset. Snow highlights the contours of the peaks, and distant mountains are visible in the background.
A bride in a white dress and floral crown walks uphill on a rocky mountain slope, holding a large bouquet of flowers, with patches of snow and greenery in the background.
A person stands on a rocky slope, facing a range of colorful, snow-patched mountains at sunset under a clear sky.
A bride in a white dress and a groom in a black suit stand on rocky terrain, facing snow-covered mountains at sunset, with the bride’s hand resting on the groom’s shoulder.
A bride and groom embrace on a rocky mountain ridge at sunset, surrounded by snow-capped peaks and colorful slopes. The bride wears a white dress and floral crown, while the groom is in a dark suit.
A bride and groom in wedding attire stand on a mountain with snow-capped peaks in the background, holding hands and smiling at each other during sunset.
A bride and groom smile at each other while holding hands on a rocky mountain ridge, surrounded by snow-capped peaks at sunset. The bride wears a white dress and the groom is in a dark suit.
A bride and groom stand together on rocky terrain, facing colorful snow-dusted mountains under a soft, pastel sky at sunset.
A bride and groom holding hands stand on rocky terrain with snow patches, surrounded by dramatic, colorful mountains at sunset. The bride wears a white dress and floral crown; the groom wears a dark suit and pink tie.
A bride and groom stand on a mountain ridge at sunset, facing each other with snow-capped peaks and rugged terrain in the background. The bride wears a flower crown and white dress; a bouquet lies on the ground nearby.
A groom reads vows from a book while holding hands with his bride, who wears a flower crown and a lace dress. They stand outdoors with blurred, snowy mountains in the background.
A groom in a dark suit reads vows to a bride in a white dress with long hair and a floral crown. The bride wipes a tear, appearing emotional, against a blurred outdoor mountain backdrop.
A bride and groom stand on a rocky mountaintop at sunset, holding hands and smiling at each other; the bride wears a white dress and flower crown, and snow-capped mountains are visible in the background.
A bride and groom embrace on a mountain top at sunset, with snow-capped peaks and dramatic shadows in the background.
A bride in a white dress and flower crown holds a bouquet while a groom stands behind her, embracing her. They are outdoors on rocky terrain with snow-capped mountains in the background.
A bride in a white dress and flower crown holds a bouquet, walking hand-in-hand with a groom in a dark suit and tie, with colorful mountains and patches of snow in the background.
A bride in a white dress and flower crown holds hands with a groom in a suit as they walk on a snowy mountain slope with colorful peaks in the background.
A bride and groom kiss on a snowy mountain slope at sunset, with snow flying around them and tall mountains in the background.
A bride and groom in formal attire stand on a snowy mountain slope, joyfully tossing snow into the air with mountains and patches of snow in the background.
A bride in a white dress and a groom in a suit joyfully throw snow into the air on a mountain slope, with snow-capped peaks and sunlight in the background.
A joyful bride and groom stand in the snow on a mountain, raising their arms as snow flies around them. Snow-capped peaks and sunlight fill the scenic background.
A bride and groom embrace on a rocky mountaintop with snow-capped peaks and sunlight in the background. The bride wears a white dress and flower crown, while the groom wears a dark suit.
A groom in a dark suit dips and kisses his bride, who wears a white dress and flower crown, against a backdrop of snow-capped mountains and soft sunlight.
A groom in a suit lifts and kisses a bride in a lace dress, holding a bouquet, with snow-capped mountains and sunlight in the background.
A bride and groom holding hands and smiling, walking on rocky terrain with snow-capped mountains in the background. The bride wears a white dress and floral crown; the groom wears a suit and carries a large bouquet.
A bride in a white lace gown and floral crown stands on a rocky mountain ledge, holding a bouquet of greenery and flowers. Snow patches and rugged peaks are visible in the background under clear skies.
A man in a suit holding a bouquet stands on rocky terrain with mountains and patches of snow in the background, looking to the side.
Snow-capped mountain peaks under a clear sky with sunlight illuminating grassy slopes and patches of snow in the foreground.
A bride and groom kiss as the groom dips the bride next to a gray Jeep with its rear door open, parked on a rocky landscape with mountains in the background.
A calm mountain lake reflects tall evergreen trees and snow-capped peaks under a clear blue sky, creating a symmetrical and tranquil landscape scene.
A bride and groom hold hands on a grassy ridge with snow-capped mountains in the background, their reflections visible in a still water pool below.
A couple embraces on a grassy hilltop with snow-capped mountains in the background, their reflection visible in a calm body of water below. The lighting is soft and warm, evoking a romantic atmosphere.
A couple in wedding attire stands by a calm mountain lake, with snow-capped peaks and trees in the background. Their reflection is visible in the water under a clear sky.
A bride and groom embrace by a calm lake, with colorful mountains and pine trees reflected in the water. The bride wears a flower crown and white dress; the groom is in a dark suit. The setting is serene and scenic.
A bride and groom embrace by a calm mountain lake, surrounded by evergreen trees and rugged, snow-patched orange mountains reflected in the water under a clear blue sky.
A bride and groom walk hand in hand by a calm mountain lake, their reflection visible in the water. Behind them are red-hued mountains, green grass, and tall pine trees under a clear sky.
A bride and groom walk hand in hand on grassy ground beside a pond, their reflections visible in the water. The bride wears a white dress and floral crown; the groom holds a bouquet and wears a dark suit.
A small, clear pond reflects evergreen trees and red-orange mountain peaks under a clear blue sky, with patches of snow visible on the slopes in the background.
A groom in a suit dips and kisses a bride in a white dress and floral crown, standing on grassy ground with a mountain and snow patches in the background, bathed in warm sunlight.
A bride and groom embrace outdoors on a grassy hill, with snowy mountains in the background. The bride wears a white dress and floral crown, and the groom is in a dark suit with a boutonniere.
A bride and groom sit closely together on grass, with the bride wearing a flower crown and the groom embracing her, against the backdrop of a sunlit, snow-capped mountain.
A close-up of a bride and groom embracing outdoors, touching foreheads and smiling softly. The bride wears a floral crown with peach flowers and has her hand on the groom’s face, showing her engagement ring.
A groom with a beard kisses his smiling bride on the cheek outdoors; she wears a floral crown and a white dress, holding his face with one hand, with mountains blurred in the background.
A black Jeep drives on a dirt mountain road surrounded by green grass and pine trees, with striking red and tan rocky hills in the background under a clear sky.
A dramatic mountain landscape with dense green forest in the foreground, rugged snow-dusted peaks under a cloudy sky, and patches of sunlight breaking through the clouds.
Rows of white chairs are set up outdoors on grass, facing a small platform with a potted plant and a scenic view of mountains and trees in the background under a partly cloudy sky.
A man in a navy suit with a boutonniere walks arm-in-arm with a woman in a hat and scarf at an outdoor ceremony, with guests seated on white chairs and a green, wooded background.
A bride in a white dress and flower crown walks down an outdoor aisle on grass, accompanied by a man in a suit. Guests in summer attire stand on either side, surrounded by trees and a rustic cabin in the background.
A man in a suit shakes hands with another man while a woman in a white dress and green flower crown, holding a bouquet, stands between them outdoors with trees and mountains in the background.
A woman in a hat and scarf smiles warmly while officiating an outdoor wedding ceremony for a couple holding hands, with bridesmaids and greenery in the background.
An outdoor wedding ceremony with guests seated on white chairs, a wedding party at the altar, and mountains and forest in the background under a cloudy sky.
A bride in a lace dress and floral crown smiles while holding hands with a bearded groom in a suit outdoors, with greenery and trees in the background.
A man in a suit and a woman in a navy dress sit closely together, smiling at each other, with another woman beside them. They wear corsages and are outdoors, with blurred greenery and a musician in the background.
A bride and groom share a kiss during an outdoor mountain wedding ceremony, surrounded by their wedding party and guests, with a scenic, rocky mountain in the background.
A bride and groom stand holding hands at an outdoor wedding ceremony with guests seated, bridesmaids and groomsmen standing, and a scenic mountain landscape in the background.
An outdoor wedding ceremony on a grassy hill with guests seated on white chairs, a couple exchanging vows, and a mountain range covered in greenery in the background under a cloudy sky.
A large wedding party poses outdoors on a stone patio with mountains, evergreen trees, and dramatic cloudy skies in the background. The group is dressed in formal and semi-formal attire, gathered around the bride and groom.
A man wearing a hat and sunglasses performs with a guitar and sings into a microphone, while several people in formal attire watch in the background.
A bride and groom share a first dance outdoors on a wooden deck, surrounded by a few guests. The bride wears a white lace dress and a flower crown, while the groom wears a suit. Trees and mountains are visible in the background.
A bride and groom dance closely outdoors, smiling and holding hands. The bride wears a white lace dress with a floral crown, and the groom is in a dark suit with a pink tie and boutonniere. People stand blurred in the background.
A bride and groom share their first dance on a wooden deck outdoors, surrounded by their wedding party and guests, with mountains and pine trees in the background.

Hey I’m Maddie Mae

Red Mountain 3 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.

Red Mountain 3 Elopement Packages

I’ve written guides on everything from the San Juans, to the state of Colorado, to my favorite elopement spots in the world… so you can trust that I’ve got your back on your wedding day and throughout the entire planning process! All you have to do is reach out to me to get started! I’ll be there for you every step of the way with everything you need for a stress-free, enjoyable elopement. You deserve a wedding day that feels like the best day of your honeymoon!

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.

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About Maddie Mae Elopement
Packages & Pricing Contact Me

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Ready to start planning your dream destination elopement?

Hey, I’m Maddie Mae

Your Elopement Photographer, Experience Designer & Planning Consultant

A person with long hair and glasses is sitting on sand, smiling at the camera. They are wearing a black lace cardigan over a beige top, with hoop earrings and a necklace. The background is a sandy expanse.

“The woman who sparked the adventure
elopement trend”  – Forbes

I don’t just photograph elopements –
I design and plan a curated, unique experience around the two of you—one you’ll enjoy every minute of.

I want to get to know what makes you two feel alive and create an experience worthy of this
incredible love you’ve found

about me
packages

“The woman who sparked the adventure elopement trend”  – Forbes

40

countries and 7 continents worth of travel experience and knowledge

13

years experience planning and photographing elopements & weddings

300

one-of-a-kind elopements & intimate weddings planned & photographed

2019

the year I eloped too (after planning my own destination elopement in just 6 weeks)

What makes my elopement packages different?

Every Adventure Instead elopement experience includes:

    A simple black and white drawing of a folded map with two location markers. A dotted line connects the markers, indicating a route.

    One-of-a-kind
    Experience Design

    A simple line drawing of a checklist with three items, each marked with a check. A large light bulb is depicted to the right of the checklist, symbolizing ideas or inspiration.

    Expert Planning
    Consulting

    Black and white line drawing of a rosette with a circular center and two ribbon tails hanging down.

    Award-Winning
    Photography

    A sketched illustration of a winding path with three map location pins. The pins are placed along the path, and the final pin features sun rays around it, signifying a destination or goal.

    Stunning & Secluded
    Location Ideas

    Line drawing of an A-frame cabin with a triangular shape. The structure features a chimney on the left side and a simple door at the bottom. The cabin is composed of horizontal panels, creating a minimalist and geometric look.

    Unique & relaxing
    lodging
    recommendations

    A black and white line drawing of a hot air balloon. The outline is simple with vertical segment lines and a small loop at the bottom representing the basket attachment.

    Personalized & Fun Activity Ideas

    A hand-drawn calendar with interconnected lines and a clock icon in the center, symbolizing time management or scheduling.

    Customized, Experience-Focused Timeline

    Line drawing of a clothes hanger with a fan of paint swatches hanging from it, symbolizing a blend of fashion and color selection.

    Personalized Mood Board & Styling Suggestions

    A simple black and white sketch shows a globe with continents outlined. A small airplane is flying around it, indicated by a dashed circular path. The airplane appears on the right side of the globe.

    No Additional Travel Fees

    A simple line drawing of overlapping speech bubbles containing ellipsis dots, suggesting an ongoing conversation or dialogue. The design is minimalistic and monochrome.

    Direct Access & Full
    Support by Maddie Mae

    A black and white illustration of an infinity symbol with four small, sparkling stars surrounding it. The design is simple and clean, emphasizing the concept of endlessness and continuity.

    Unlimited Planning
    Consultations & Revisions

    Line drawing of a bouquet featuring a large protea flower, surrounded by leaves and smaller flowers.

    Pre-Vetted Local
    Vendor
    Recommendations

    Illustration of a document with lines of text and a signature at the bottom. Next to it is a large checkmark inside a circle, indicating approval or completion.

    Expert Advice on Permits, Marriage Licenses & Safety

    Black and white illustration of a wheeled suitcase with a handle. A large tag is attached to the suitcase, featuring a checkmark symbol.

    Specific Gear Advice + Packing Checklists

    A simple black and white line drawing of an open book with multiple pages visible, giving a sense of depth.

    “How to Adventure Instead” VIP Planning Guide

    A hand-drawn calendar with interconnected lines and a clock icon in the center, symbolizing time management or scheduling.

    Customized, Experience-Focused Timeline

    Simple line drawing of two stick figures holding hands with arms raised, surrounded by lines suggesting movement or excitement.

    Guided & Fun
    Photography Experience

    A simple line drawing of an open hand with a heart above it, surrounded by small sparkles and lines radiating from the heart. The image conveys a sense of care and affection.

    Empathetic,
    Introvert-Friendly
    Posing & Directing

    Line drawing of a quadcopter drone with four propellers, viewed from above.

    Creative GIF’s &
    Drone Photography

    Line drawing of an artist's palette with five circles representing paint colors, accompanied by a paintbrush.

    Artistic, Hand-Crafted Editing

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    All Your Photos to
    Keep Forever

    Line drawing of an open photo album with three photo slots, one square on the left page and two rectangular on the right page.

    Complementary
    Album Design +
    Convenient Print
    Ordering

learn more about my elopement packages

Reach out & we’ll start planning your dream elopement

Don’t worry, most couples who inquire with me have no plans at all. 
Helping turn vague ideas into a thrilling plan is my specialty.

I can’t wait to hear your ideas and help bring them to life

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Note: I usually only photograph weddings with 25 guests or less
A laptop displaying a planning guide and checklist titled "How to Plan Your Elopement" sits next to a plant and mug, setting the scene for an inspired workspace. A smartphone with text rests on the desk, hinting at an adventure instead of tradition.

Not quite ready to reach out, but want help planning your elopement?

I created the ultimate destination elopement planning guide & checklist to help you get started

download the pdf guide