August 29, 2025

Guide to having a Ridgway wedding in 2025

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Ridgway is a historic mountain town just north of Ouray. This town has been a filming location for Hollywood and acts as a gateway to Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, the Uncompahgre National Forest, and all the beauty of the San Juan Mountains.

What keeps me coming back to Ridgway (as both a born-and-raised Coloradan and a photographer who has shot over 150+ elopements in this state alone) is the blend of next level nature and low crowds. I’m happy to share all the things you need to know about eloping in this area!

Why get married in Ridgway?

Ridgway is one of the smaller towns in the San Juan Mountains but it brings with it a rich legacy of art and views in every direction to inspire it. Ridgway is packed with art galleries sitting in the foothills, as well as special nods to its silver screen legacy as a filming location for True Grit and other star-studded westerns. Which honestly should tell you right away that this is a perfect cinematic getaway in southwest Colorado! 

Ridgway is the quieter little sister of Telluride and Ouray. This is a great elopement pick for folks who love the idea of going into the San Juan Mountains to get married but don’t necessarily want to stay at a bigger town like Telluride or Ouray. And as a bonus, with Ridgway resting on the outside of the tallest mountains, altitude sickness is a little less common here. 

There’s so much to do here and it’s especially gorgeous in the late summer through the fall. I’ll elaborate on the best things to do and the best times to travel here below!

A bride and groom dance on a rocky ledge in front of dramatic, snow-dotted mountain peaks under a clear sky. The bride's dress flows in the wind, and a bouquet rests on the ground nearby.

When’s the best time to visit Ridgway?

The best month to get married in Ridgway is July! That’s because you’ll get lots of flora & fauna, wide open mountain passes, and likely great weather for your wedding day. 

But the San Juans have something to offer every month of the year, especially in the fall, when all of the colors in the trees turn bright yellow and sunset golden hour lighting is more easily accessible. 

No matter when you visit, planning for either sunrise or sunset on a weekday (not a Monday holiday) will give you the best chance at having overlooks and mountain passes to yourself while having the best lighting possible! Ridgway tends to see its busiest season July 1 – Sept 1, so if you’re looking for wildflowers, going early on a weekday is extra important. 

How do you get to Ridgway?

Ridgway is located off of the Sherman Street exit for Highway 550 (the Million Dollar Highway) just north of Ouray and south of Montrose. The center of town is located at about 38°09’05.0″N 107°45’25.2″W. 

There is a regional airport in Montrose (~35 minutes north on Highway 550) that offers connections to cities like Denver, Los Angeles, New York, and Chicago. So you don’t have to fly into Denver and drive back across the state unless you want to. Which I have absolutely seen couples do for the epic roadtrip it makes. 

You can find Ridgway on your favorite map app as well, so directions are easy to come by. 

Best wedding ceremony spots in Ridgway

The best spot for a ceremony in Ridgway is Ridgway State Park, just north of town. This spot is perfect for weddings because it allows up to 100 people, has stunning views of lakes and mountains, and doesn’t allow receptions at all. So it’s a great spot for everyone from elopements to large wedding groups to gather together in nature before heading off for other activities or celebrations. 

It costs $210-$260 per day, depending on what day of the week you get married (it may also be more if you’re taking more than one vehicle into the park). To book, you can fill out the reservation form here and then email it to dnr_ridgway.reservations@state.co.us or call the park office at 970-626-5822. 

There are also tons of stunning trails and overlooks around Ridgway that require no permit and no fee at all. Sights on Baldy Peak, the 14er Mt. Sneffels, Whitehorse Mountain, and Cimarron Ridge are all nearby and accessible from the town. Permits vary through these areas, but I’m a pro at this and happy to help you navigate it! 

Best wedding venues in Ridgway

If you’re gathering with more than 15 or so folks, you’ll likely want to look into a venue to celebrate with everyone in. Even if you’re having a private vow reading elsewhere or hosting your ceremony at Ridgway State Park, a great reception location can make a huge difference on your wedding day! 

Here are just a few great wedding venues in or near Ridgway: 

This area is large and spread out, so don’t be afraid to mix and match if you need to to get exactly what you want. You can always have your ceremony in Ridgway’s nature and then do a reception in a spot like Telluride or Ouray, also nearby and super drivable. The best thing about the San Juan Mountains is that there are so many great towns here nestled in insane natural landscapes. 

A bride and groom wearing backpacks stand together on a grassy mountain slope, overlooking a lake and rugged peaks at sunset. The bride holds a bouquet as they face the scenic landscape.

How much does it cost to have a wedding in Ridgway?

It only costs $30 to get married in Ridgway—just the price of your wedding license! There are so many totally free places to have your ceremony around the town and out in the surrounding nature, leaving the rest of your budget totally up to you! I’ll talk more about getting legally married here in the next section. 

You have options up here, like getting married in Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park (a $100 permit) or taking a 4X4 road and hiring a driver. Where you go and what activities you do will affect your budget, but honestly, the world is wide open to you. 

Nearly all of my couples primarily invest their budget into photography, because their motivation for eloping is to have an incredible experience with amazing photos to document it. They tell me that knowing that a pro is taking point on designing the experience and photographing the whole day for them lets them fully relax into the moment and focus on just enjoying themselves. 

I have a blog post about all the costs of eloping you can read here!

How do you get legally married in Ridgway? 

Like I mentioned above, getting married in Colorado only costs $30. You’ll start by filling out an application online and then making an in-person appointment at the Ouray County Clerk. That’s when you’ll pay your $30 fee and fill out a few additional forms. When you get your license, you’ll have 35 days to sign it. After that, you have another 63 days to return it via mail or in-person to the Ouray County Clerk’s office. 

Colorado is a self-solemnizing state, so you don’t need any officiants or witnesses. I wrote a blog post about how that impacts getting married here, but essentially, it makes it super easy! This is one of the only states where you can get married totally by yourself in the middle of nature. 

Is Ridgway dog friendly?

Yes, there are many spots in Ridgway you can bring your dog! Just make sure you double check patios and trails before you head out with your pup and keep them on a leash for their safety. In general, Colorado is a great place to bring your dog, and weddings are no exception. You can even have them legally sign your marriage license with a paw print here because of that self-solemnizing law I mentioned above!

Ridgway Wedding Day Activities

Ridgway has a great variety of activities to make your wedding day as memorable as possible, no matter what your ceremony or reception plans are! Here are some of my favorite things to include in Ridgway weddings: 

Ridgway Wedding Photos

Tori & Ben’s Fall Ridgway Wedding

Tori & Ben had the best fall colors on their weekend in late September, right when the aspens were at their peak. They split their wedding into two incredible days in and around Ridgway—one to get married and one to adventure. They had a private first look at Corkscrew Gulch at sunrise before heading to the Cimarron Ridge area for an intimate family ceremony. They read vows to each other under the perfect golden aspens and then had a champagne toast with the family right after. Then it was back to their rental for their reception, held with candlelight, florals, and awesome local BBQ. They did a cake cutting, handed out locally poured candles as wedding favors, and had a great time gathering with all of their loved ones. Day 2 was all about them with no one else around, though! They put back on their wedding attire and hopped in a 4X4 to get to the trailhead for a hike to a scenic alpine lake. And because September is already snow season in Colorado, they were met with some flurries during their hike! But it wasn’t long before the sun came out (also the Colorado way) and they got to share a picnic. Tori & Ben explored this entire area until the sun went down, just revelling in the incredible landscape.

A person and a dog stand near an off-road vehicle under a star-filled night sky with mountains silhouetted in the background.
A woman in a white dress stands in front of an open SUV on a rocky hill at dusk, with rugged mountains and a clear sky in the background.
A man in a suit adjusts his collar while standing beside an open vehicle door in a rocky, mountainous landscape at sunset.
A couple dressed in wedding attire stands on rocky terrain with colorful mountains in the background at sunset; the woman wears a long white dress with an open back, and the man wears a dark suit, both facing away.
A bride in a long-sleeved white gown and a groom in a dark suit stand together on rocky terrain with colorful mountains and a soft pink sky in the background.
A blurred couple in formal attire holds hands in the foreground, with colorful, rugged mountains and a soft pink sky in the background.
A couple in wedding attire stands on a rocky mountainside at sunset, holding each other and looking at colorful, layered mountain peaks; an off-road vehicle is parked nearby.
A bride and groom hold hands and walk on rocky terrain with colorful, mountainous landscape in the background at sunset. The bride wears a white dress and holds a bouquet; the groom wears a dark suit with a boutonniere.
A bride and groom stand together on a rocky mountain slope at sunset, surrounded by dramatic, colorful peaks and valleys. The couple faces each other, holding a bouquet, with winding trails visible below.
A bride and groom stand on a rocky hillside, embracing as the groom points toward distant mountains at sunset, with warm golden light illuminating the landscape.
A bride in a white dress holding a bouquet and a groom in a black suit dance atop a mountain ridge at sunset, with a dramatic, colorful mountain landscape in the background.
Sunlit mountain ridges with striking red, orange, and yellow hues, casting dramatic shadows on the slopes, under a clear sky.
A bride and groom embrace on a rocky slope, surrounded by dramatic, colorful mountain peaks under soft golden light.
A bride and groom dance on a rocky mountaintop at sunset, with orange-lit mountains in the background. The bride holds a bouquet and smiles as the groom twirls her under the warm, golden light.
A bride and groom stand together on a hilltop at sunset, facing distant mountains. The bride holds a bouquet and wears a long white dress, while the groom wears a dark suit. The sun is setting over the mountains ahead.
A bride and groom stand hand in hand on a hill at sunset, facing distant mountains. The sunlight creates a warm glow around them, highlighting the bride’s white dress and the groom’s dark suit.
A couple stands by a pond with their reflection visible in the water, surrounded by pine trees and dramatic red-orange mountains under a clear blue sky.
A view of reddish-brown mountains under a clear blue sky, seen through the silhouette of a car windshield and dashboard.
A scenic view of a forested landscape in autumn, with yellow and orange foliage, tall evergreen trees, distant mountains, and a partly cloudy sky overhead.
Jagged, rocky mountain cliffs rise above a dense forest of green and yellow-leaved trees under a partly cloudy blue sky, capturing a striking autumn landscape scene.
A group of people, including someone in a white dress, walk along a dirt road near parked cars and a forested area with autumn foliage in the background.
A bride in a white dress walks down an outdoor aisle on grass, arm in arm with an older man in a suit. Smiling guests are seated on both sides, and a groom waits at the end. Tall trees fill the background.
A small outdoor wedding ceremony takes place among tall yellow-leaved trees, with the bride and groom standing before an officiant and guests seated on folding chairs in a forest clearing.
A bride and groom stand with an officiant outdoors during a wedding ceremony, exchanging rings among tall, golden-leaved trees.
A bride and groom stand holding hands and gazing at each other on a dirt road, surrounded by autumn trees, with a rocky mountain rising in the background under a cloudy sky.
A black SUV drives along a gravel mountain road bordered by cliffs and dense pine trees, with colorful autumn foliage and distant mountain peaks under a cloudy sky.
A winding mountain road hugs a steep cliffside, overlooking a lush green valley with dense trees and distant rocky peaks under a partly cloudy sky.
A bride and groom stand arm in arm on a mountain road, looking at each other, surrounded by lush green hills and dramatic mountains under a partly cloudy sky.
A couple in wedding attire walks hand in hand on a dirt path through a grassy field, with a vintage car parked nearby and rugged, rocky mountains rising in the background under a cloudy sky.
A rugged SUV with a camo spare tire cover drives on a dirt road through a mountainous, forested landscape under a cloudy sky.
A couple dressed in wedding attire stands by a wooden sign on a rocky mountain trail. The bride holds a bouquet and wears a backpack, while the groom is also in hiking gear. Jagged peaks rise in the background under a cloudy sky.
A couple dressed in hiking gear stands outdoors by a trail map on a rocky path. The woman in a white jacket looks at the man, who smiles and points at the map. Both carry backpacks with flowers.
A couple in wedding attire, carrying backpacks and a bouquet of flowers, hike up a rocky mountain trail surrounded by rugged terrain under a cloudy sky.
A bride and groom walk hand in hand along a rocky mountain path under a cloudy sky, surrounded by dramatic peaks and rugged terrain.
A couple in wedding attire walks hand in hand up a rocky mountain slope under a cloudy sky, with misty peaks and expansive rugged terrain in the background.
A couple in wedding attire hike across rocky terrain beneath misty, rugged mountains as snow falls, creating a dramatic and romantic outdoor scene.
A bride and groom hike along a rocky mountain trail in light snowfall. The bride wears a white dress and carries a bouquet in her backpack, while the groom leads the way with an orange backpack. A misty landscape is in the background.
A couple in wedding attire stands embracing on a rocky hillside, with a heart-shaped green lake and misty, rugged mountains stretching into the distance behind them.
A couple in wedding attire with backpacks hikes along a mountain trail, surrounded by dramatic rocky peaks and a lake below, under a cloudy sky.
A bride and groom embrace on a grassy hill overlooking a serene mountain lake, surrounded by rugged, misty peaks under an overcast sky.
A bride and groom stand on a rocky outcrop overlooking a turquoise mountain lake surrounded by rugged peaks, autumn foliage, and dramatic cloudy skies.
A couple in wedding attire embraces on a mountainside, overlooking a turquoise alpine lake surrounded by rocky peaks, evergreen trees, and autumn foliage under a dramatic cloudy sky.
A bouquet of pink roses, orange ranunculus, dahlias, eucalyptus, and autumn leaves rests on a tree branch in a natural outdoor setting.
A man in a suit reads from a notebook to a woman with a decorated updo at a picnic outdoors. They sit on a blanket with sliced meats and bread on a stone surface near water.
A couple dressed in formal attire sits on a rocky cliff overlooking a turquoise lake and forested mountains under a partly cloudy sky.
A couple sits on a checkered blanket outdoors, sharing dessert from a plastic container with forks. One person wears a white lacy sleeve, suggesting a wedding dress, and greenery is visible in the foreground.
A couple enjoys a romantic picnic on a rocky cliff overlooking a lake. The woman in a backless white dress sits on a plaid blanket with a bouquet nearby, while the man feeds her and they relax among green trees.
A couple, dressed in wedding attire and carrying backpacks, hike up a forested mountainside trail surrounded by tall evergreen trees.
A bride in a white dress and backpack holding a bouquet walks up a narrow mountain trail toward a groom on a rugged, grassy slope with a dramatic, cloudy sky and jagged peaks in the background.
A couple, dressed in wedding attire, stands on a rocky mountain slope surrounded by rugged peaks under a partly cloudy sky, sharing a moment together in the dramatic landscape.
A couple wearing backpacks stands close together, slightly out of focus, with a bouquet of flowers, against a dramatic backdrop of rugged, sunlit mountains under a cloudy sky.
A bride in a flowing white dress and a groom in a dark suit stand on a rocky mountain ledge, with dramatic peaks and valleys in the background under a cloudy sky.
A bride and groom stand arm in arm on a rocky mountain path, facing away, overlooking dramatic peaks and valleys under a cloudy sky. The bride holds a bouquet of orange flowers.
A bride and groom stand on a rocky mountain slope under a dramatic, cloudy sky, with rugged peaks rising behind them.
A dramatic mountain landscape with rugged, sunlit peaks and deep shadows. Dark clouds gather overhead, casting dramatic lighting and shadow patterns across the slopes.
A couple in wedding attire walks through a vast, golden-brown mountain landscape under a dramatic sky, with rugged peaks and rolling hills in the distance.
A couple stands close together outdoors, smiling lovingly at each other. The woman wears a white, long-sleeved lace dress, and the man, in a dark blazer and light shirt, gently holds her face. Rocky terrain is visible in the background.
A bride in a white gown and a groom in a dark suit stand together on rocky terrain at sunset, with dramatic mountains and a golden, cloudy sky in the background.
A bride and groom stand on a rocky mountainside at sunset, holding hands and smiling, with dramatic clouds and rugged peaks in the background. The bride’s dress flows in the wind.
A bride and groom stand together on a rocky mountainside, facing distant peaks under a dramatic, cloud-filled sky at sunset. The landscape is vast and rugged, creating a romantic and scenic backdrop.
A bride and groom stand on rocky terrain, embracing as they look toward distant mountains under a colorful, cloudy sky at sunset.
A bride and groom stand together with their backs to the camera, looking at a dramatic mountain landscape under a colorful, cloud-filled sky at sunset.
Silhouetted mountain range under a twilight sky with soft orange clouds and visible streaks, possibly from airplanes, illuminated by the setting or rising sun.

Hey I’m Maddie Mae

Ridgway Wedding 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.

Ridgway Wedding 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
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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