August 21, 2025

How to Guide: Red Mountain Pass Elopement

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Red Mountain Pass is a section of the Million Dollar Highway that soars up to over 11,000 feet in elevation and provides breathtaking views of the gorge and mountain of the same name. If you’re looking for a non-4X4 option to see some serious sights on your wedding day, this is a stellar option in the Durango/Silverton/Ouray area! 

Even after being born and raised here and photographing weddings in the state for 10+ years, I still love taking eloping couples to this area. That’s why it’s in my guide to getting married in the San Juans! I’m here to share the best local tips for getting married here based off of insider knowledge and years of experience! 

Frequently asked questions about eloping on Red Mountain Pass

How do you get married at Red Mountain Pass?

I’ve photographed over 300 elopements (and 150+ of those have been right here in Colorado!), so you can trust me when I say the San Juans never get old when it comes to a beautiful elopement day location. And I know exactly how to make your wedding day here the best experience possible! 

Red Mountain Pass can be challenging to navigate, so it’s important to make sure you’re considering a handful of key things while you’re planning. Here are my best practice tips for eloping at Red Mountain Pass. 

  • Know your own comfort levels
    Red Mountain Pass is part of the Million Dollar Highway, AKA Highway 550. But don’t let the highway label lead you to underestimate this pass. Grades are steep here and there are switchbacks with no guardrails. The views along this pass are absolutely jaw-dropping and you can do it in any standard vehicle, no 4X4 required. But make sure you’re prepared for a daring road! 
  • Watch the weather
    This pass gets especially hard to navigate during winter weather, so it’s best to hit it early in the morning in the summer, when the risks of rain or snow are relatively low. Keep an eye on the forecast and make alternate plans in case the weather doesn’t hold. 
  • Allow enough time
    When you’re building your timeline, allow more time than you think you’ll need to drive over this pass. That will let you both drive it safely and stop for any scenic pulloffs you want to see along the way.
  • Consider a guide
    If you’re intimidated by the thought of driving it, you can always hire a local guide to help you navigate it. That way you know a local pro is behind the wheel and you can sit back to enjoy the breathtaking sights. 
  • Get a Colorado marriage license (if you need one)
    If you’re not handling the paperwork by your local home, you’ll need to get a marriage license from the state. You fill out an application online, stop by either the San Miguel County Clerk or the Ouray County Clerk, pay $30, and you’re done! One license ready to sign within 35 days of issuing and return within 63 days of signing. P.S.—in Colorado, you can have your dog sign your marriage certificate!

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

The best time to visit Red Mountain Pass is on a weekday morning in July! 

That may sound specific, but it’s with good reason! July is when the pass roads are at their best and the weather is at its most temperate. Weekdays help you avoid crowds. And coming for early morning/sunrise will give you excellent lighting for your ceremony or portraits! Sunset also works great for this, but will leave you driving down in the dark. The morning will keep you safely out of the afternoon thunderstorms that crop up quickly at this elevation. 

Red Mountain Pass is kept open in the winter whenever possible, but for the best elopement weather, it’s better in the summer and fall. This road has switchbacks and is best traveled on with no chance of ice or snow. 

How do you get to Red Mountain Pass?

Red Mountain Pass is a stretch of Highway 550 (AKA Million Dollar Highway) and is searchable on common map apps like Google and Apple! It is the 25 mile stretch of highway 550 that starts in Ouray and ends in Silverton. If you’re passing between the two towns, you can’t miss it… you’re on it! One of my favorite stops is Red Mountain Overlook located at 37°54’54.6″N 107°42’02.4″W (you can also usually find it on a map app if you type in the name!). There is an off-road version of this pass for even more adventure!

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

It only costs $30 to get married at Red Mountain Pass! That’s the cost of your marriage license—if you don’t need to sign paperwork, it’s totally free! 

With a free venue, you’re able to invest the rest of your budget wherever you want, which is one of the best parts about elopements. My couples prioritize photography and invest most of their budget into it so that they can have an experience designed for them and fully relax day-of!

You may also want to consider local 4X4 guides, food, lodging, and florals.

I wrote a blog post on the various costs of eloping that you can check out here!

Are dogs allowed at Red Mountain Pass? 

Yes, dogs are allowed on Red Mountain Pass! Just keep them on leash for everyone’s safety and make sure they’re appropriately secured in the vehicle. 

Red Mountain Pass Elopement Photos

Maddie & Chase’s Red Mountain Pass Elopement 

Maddie & Chase started their elopement exploring the San Juans by themselves, doing a private vow reading and getting time to connect. But they finished it with an intimate wedding up on Red Mountain Pass with their friends and family! They had Colorado West Jeeps take everybody up the Red Mountain 3,. The hills were a perfect shade of vivid gold from the aspens in October, and the peaks behind them had a gorgeous dusting of snow. At the end of their ceremony, everybody did a group champagne pop to celebrate them and then headed back down for their reception!

A bride and groom walk hand in hand across a snowy, grassy field in front of misty mountains and evergreen trees, creating a dramatic and romantic outdoor wedding scene.
A white off-road vehicle with headlights on is parked on snowy ground beneath dramatic, jagged mountains at dusk. The scene is moody with dark clouds and soft light reflecting off the snow.
A woman stands by a white off-road vehicle in a snowy mountain landscape, hanging a wedding dress on the truck beside her. Rocky peaks rise in the background under a cloudy sky.
A woman in a white wedding dress stands by an open Jeep in a snowy mountain landscape, adjusting her dress with her back to the camera.
A woman in a sleeveless white dress stands by an open car door, facing away, adjusting the back of her dress. Snow-covered mountains and rocky peaks are visible in the background.
A man in a white shirt stands beside a white vehicle, smiling as he adjusts his tie. Behind him, there are mountains and sleds attached to the car, suggesting an outdoor, chilly setting.
A bride in a white lace dress applies lipstick using a compact mirror while standing beside a vehicle, with soft waves in her blonde hair and a background of trees.
A rugged mountain peak partially covered in snow is illuminated by golden sunlight, rising above a forested slope and surrounded by low-lying clouds or mist in the early morning or evening.
A woman in a flowing, light-colored wedding dress with a long veil walks through a snowy field, surrounded by brown grass and pine trees, with mountains in the background.
A bride and groom stand together on a mountain meadow at sunrise, surrounded by rugged cliffs, pine trees, and low-hanging clouds, with a sunlit peak in the background.
A bride in a white gown gently touches the groom’s shoulder as they stand on a grassy, snowy field surrounded by mountains, with a dramatic, sunlit peak and misty clouds in the background.
A bride in a white gown gently touches the groom’s shoulder as they stand on a grassy, snowy field surrounded by mountains, with a dramatic, sunlit peak and misty clouds in the background.
A bride and groom embrace and kiss outdoors on a grassy field with patches of snow, with rocky cliffs and pine trees in the background under a cloudy sky. The bride wears a flowing white dress with a cape.
A bride and groom stand together outdoors, facing a dramatic mountain landscape partly covered in clouds, with the sun illuminating the mountain peak in the background.
A bride in a white dress and a groom in a suit stand on a grassy field, looking up, with a dramatic mountain and misty clouds in the background at sunset.
Snow-dusted rocky mountain cliffs glow with golden sunlight under a cloudy sky, creating a dramatic contrast between the illuminated rock face and the shaded areas.
A bride in a flowing white dress and a groom in a suit stand facing each other outdoors, with misty mountains, pine trees, and snow-covered ground in the background at sunset.
A bride in a lace wedding gown and a groom in a suit walk hand in hand on a snowy mountain meadow, smiling at each other, with a majestic, sunlit peak and misty clouds in the background.
A bride and groom hold hands and smile at each other while walking in a snowy mountain landscape at sunset, with mist and a tall, sunlit peak in the background.
A rugged mountain peak catches the warm light of sunrise, while misty clouds drift around its rocky slopes. Pine trees line the dark foreground at the base of the mountain.
A couple in wedding attire stands close together on a snowy mountainside at sunset, with dramatic rocky peaks and golden sunlight illuminating the landscape behind them.
A couple in wedding attire embraces outdoors on a snowy field with rugged mountains in the background, bathed in warm sunlight. The woman wears a white gown and shawl, while the man wears a gray suit.
A bride and groom walk hand in hand across a grassy, snow-dusted mountain landscape, with dramatic rocky cliffs and a cloudy sky in the background.
A bride in a white dress and a groom in a gray suit walk hand-in-hand on a snowy, grassy mountain landscape with rocky peaks and mist in the background.
A bride in a flowing white dress and a groom in a suit walk hand in hand through a snowy mountain meadow, with dramatic rocky peaks and misty clouds in the background.
A bride and groom walk hand in hand through a grassy, snowy field toward rugged, misty mountains covered with scattered trees and autumn foliage.
A couple in formal attire stands on a snowy patch in a mountainous landscape with pine trees and rocky cliffs under a cloudy sky.
A bride and groom hold hands and walk through a snowy field with tall grass, pine trees, and a rocky mountain backdrop under a cloudy sky.
A bride and groom stand holding hands, facing a scenic mountain landscape with snowy patches and rocky slopes. The focus is on the landscape, with the couple blurred in the foreground.
A bride in a flowing white dress and veil hugs a groom in a dark suit in a snowy mountain meadow, surrounded by brown grass and distant evergreen trees under a cloudy sky.
A couple stands outdoors on snowy ground; the woman in a flowing white dress and veil holds the man’s hand. Both smile joyfully, with mountains and a partly cloudy sky in the background.
A bride in a flowing white gown follows a groom in a suit across a snowy, mountainous landscape with mist and scattered pine trees in the background.
A couple holding hands walks outdoors; the woman wears a white lace dress, and the man wears a gray suit. They are seen from behind on a snowy, grassy landscape with evergreen trees in the background.
A bride in a flowing white dress and a groom in a suit walk hand-in-hand through a misty, mountainous landscape with autumn grass, scattered rocks, and pine trees. Snow patches dot the ground.
A bride in a flowing, sheer wedding gown and a groom in a suit stand holding hands in a misty, mountainous landscape with rocks, grass, and patches of snow, surrounded by pine trees.
A bride in a flowing white gown and a groom in a grey suit embrace outdoors on a snowy, grassy field with pine trees and fog in the background. The bride smiles as she holds out her sheer veil.
A bride in a flowing white dress and a groom in a gray suit embrace and smile in a snowy, grassy meadow with pine trees and misty mountains in the background.
A couple in formal attire, seen from behind, stands hand in hand facing a dramatic, misty mountain landscape with snow-covered peaks and rocky ridges.
A couple stands closely together, facing snow-covered mountains partially shrouded in mist, with their backs to the camera. The scene is serene and atmospheric.
A couple in wedding attire stands hand in hand, facing rugged, snow-dusted mountains partially covered in mist, with their backs to the camera.
A bride and groom walk hand in hand across a snowy meadow toward misty mountains, with the bride in a white dress and the groom in a suit, surrounded by dramatic, foggy scenery.
A bride in a white dress and a groom in a gray suit stand holding hands in a snowy mountain landscape, smiling as mist and sunlight create a dramatic, romantic backdrop.
A bride in a flowing white gown and shawl holds a bouquet of flowers while standing in a snowy mountain meadow, with rocky peaks and soft sunlight in the background.
A woman in a sleeveless, deep V-neck lace dress stands outdoors on snowy ground, holding a large bouquet of yellow and white flowers. She looks to the side, with her blonde hair loosely styled.
A man in a grey suit with a boutonniere stands outdoors in a snowy landscape, looking off to the side with a slight smile. The background is softly blurred with trees and snow.
A man in a gray suit stands in a snowy mountain meadow, with one hand in his pocket. Pine trees and foggy mountains are in the background. He is smiling and wearing a floral tie and boutonnière.
A bride and groom stand outdoors on patchy snow, linking pinkies and smiling at each other. The bride wears a white dress and cape, holding flowers; the groom is in a gray suit. Evergreen trees and misty mountains are in the background.
A couple, dressed in wedding attire, walks hand in hand through a snowy meadow with misty mountains and pine trees in the background. The bride wears a flowing dress with a cape and the groom is in a grey suit.
A bride and groom stand together on a snowy mountain slope, surrounded by evergreen trees and mist, with forested peaks in the background.
A bride and groom stand in snowy mountain terrain, holding hands and looking toward a misty, forested landscape under a cloudy sky. The bride holds a bouquet of flowers.
A bride in a flowing white dress and a groom in a green suit hold hands, standing on snowy ground amidst mountains and pine trees, with mist and clouds in the background.
A couple in wedding attire holds hands outdoors in a snowy landscape. The groom wears a gray suit and floral tie, looking at the bride, who has blonde hair and a lace dress. Pine trees and snow-covered ground are in the background.
A bride and groom stand hand in hand on a snowy, grassy hilltop, facing a misty forest filled with evergreen trees, surrounded by foggy, dramatic mountains.
A bride and groom walk hand-in-hand outdoors on a snowy mountain landscape, surrounded by evergreen trees and mist, with the bride in a white dress holding a bouquet.
A bride and groom walk hand in hand outdoors on a snowy, grassy mountain landscape, surrounded by evergreen trees and misty, overcast skies. The bride holds a bouquet and smiles at the groom.
A bride in a flowing dress holds a bouquet and smiles while holding hands with a groom in a suit, standing on snowy ground in a misty, mountainous landscape with evergreen trees.
A man in a suit smiles warmly at a woman in a wedding dress with a floral hair accessory, as they embrace outdoors near evergreen trees and snow.
A bride and groom walk hand in hand on a snowy, grassy mountain landscape. The bride’s veil flows in the wind, and the groom holds a bouquet. Pine trees and foggy mountains are in the background.
A bride and groom stand together on a snowy mountain slope, surrounded by pine trees and dramatic cliffs, with a misty, snow-capped peak rising in the background under cloudy skies.

Hey I’m Maddie Mae

Red Mountain Pass 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 Pass Elopement Packages

If you’re ready to stop searching and hand over your planning to a seasoned pro, I’m your gal! I’ve photographed elopements in 42 countries and it would be an honor to get to be there for yours, too. I’ll hand design you an experience that takes into account all of your wants and needs, my best tips from a decade of elopement photography, and more so that you have the best day possible. Reach out to me here to get started! I’ll do everything in my power to make your wedding day feel 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

$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.

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.

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.
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

    A hand-drawn illustration of a computer monitor displaying a grid layout with various rectangular boxes representing a digital interface or website design.

    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