Eloping sounds incredible!
But how do you elope IN Telluride?

Telluride Wedding & Elopement Guide

A person with long hair and glasses, wearing a green sweater, sits in front of a plant with a neutral-colored wall in the background.

Hey! I’m Maddie Mae—and for the last 14 years I’ve traveled to 40 countries, all 7 continents, and planned & photographed over 300 elopements all over the world.

I’ve seen the world’s most incredible elopement locations firsthand, and I’m excited to share them with you!

I’ve seen Telluride’s most incredible elopement locations firsthand, and I’m excited to share them with you!

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Telluride is the biggest town in San Miguel County and is one of my all time favorite places in the San Juan Mountains. Even as a born and raised Coloradoan who has been to all corners of the Alps and every continent on the planet, I keep coming back here again and again for both personal and photography reasons! It’s heavily featured in my Best Places to Elope in the World guide.

Why? Because there’s enough in this town to sustain any elopement day with gorgeous mountains, an incredible ski resort, great fall colors & summer wildflowers, 4X4 roads onto wide open mountain passes, gondolas to great views, and a thriving arts scene. Plus, with its own airport that offers connections to Denver, it’s super easy to get to! 

I’m Maddie Mae, a worldwide elopement photographer who’s been shooting for over a decade with 150+ elopements in Colorado alone! No matter if you’re just figuring out how to elope or already settled on getting married in this specific area, I’m here to walk you through everything I’ve learned in my decade of experience so that you can get married in Telluride with confidence.

Reasons to Elope in Telluride

I love Telluride and think it has so much to offer. That’s part of why I’m so crazy about elopements here! Here are a few of my favorite things about the town:

World class ski resort at your fingertips

If you’re into winter sports (or even just the cozy aprés ski vibes), there’s no better place to be than the Telluride Ski Resort. From bunny slopes to black diamonds, the runs here are all equally stunning.

The landscapes here are totally cinematic

I’m not editorializing—the town of Telluride has been used in dozens of films. That includes The Hateful Eight, The Prestige, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, and Around the World in 80 Days. Plus, it’s got its own film festival!

Great local culture

Telluride takes a ton of pride in being a town where everything is local, which makes it a refreshing place to travel to. It makes it completely memorable as well as feeling like a great break from everyday life. This is also a great hub for the arts!

Insane views of the San Juan Mountains

Telluride sits in a box canyon, so the view down Colorado Ave (their main street) is jaw dropping. Plus, there’s a free gondola waiting to take you up to the ski resort and Mountain Village, where you can see it all from above.

It’s easy to get to from anywhere

There are two airports that service Telluride—the Telluride airport itself, which offers connections to Denver & Phoenix, and the Montrose Regional Airport about 65 miles north that offers more connections within the US. So if you’re not a roadtripper, this is a good pick for a mountain destination.

A couple in wedding attire holds hands and walks beside a mountain lake, with snow-capped peaks and trees reflected in the still water under a clear sky.

Reasons Not to Elope in Telluride

All of that being said, no place is ever going to be perfect for everybody! Here are a handful of considerations to think over before deciding on Telluride:

You don’t do well at high elevations

Telluride sits at over 8,500 feet in elevation which is over 3,000 feet higher than Denver! If you’re prone to shortness of breath, definitely consider getting here a couple of days before your elopement to make sure you don’t get altitude sickness.

You don’t like outdoor activities

While you certainly don’t need to be a sporty person to elope here, much of what there is to do is focused on the gorgeous nature around the town. I’m firmly in the camp that there’s something for everyone, even if that something is a luxury picnic or a slow stroll, but if you don’t want to be outdoors at all, there may be better spots.

It can get expensive

Because Telluride is a resort town and a mountain town, you can expect prices to generally be higher than they would be otherwise. This isn’t necessarily unique to Telluride—it’s common for all mountain towns across the state to have higher prices—but it’s something to keep in mind.

You want to elope in the spring and have warm weather

Because of its elevation, spring here is still pretty snowy! Warm weather usually shows up here in late June, making summer elopements a much safer bet. 

A person with braided hair, wearing glasses and a tan coat, stands outdoors holding a camera. They are smiling and the background is blurred, giving a sense of being in a natural setting.

And if you’re still trying to figure out if you should even elope or not… I’ve got you!

Check out my blog on the pros and cons of eloping here. I’ve photographed 500 person weddings and 2 person elopements, so I’m well-versed in the pros and cons of both

When is the Best Time to Elope in Telluride

The best time to elope in Telluride is September. After Labor Day the crowds begin to die away and the shoulder season begins here, giving you great opportunities to have chunks of nature to yourself! If you visit during the final weeks in September you’re also likely to catch the bright golden aspens, which make already beautiful elopement locations into something even better. You won’t have to worry about snow yet and, even though the temperatures hover in the 60’s all month, it’s not super cold either.

But in all honesty, it’s hard to go wrong with a Telluride elopement any time of year! It has something unique and beautiful to offer every single month. Let me break it down for you by season.

Bar and line graph showing Telluride's average weather by month: precipitation in inches (bars) peaks in July and August; low and high temperatures (lines) rise from January, peak in July, and fall through December.

Telluride in Spring

March / April / May

  • Still snowy and cold – March & April can be some of the snowiest months in Colorado, so don’t rule out a sudden storm.
  • Late season skiing is common – The good news about the snow is that you can get runs with fresh powder on them mostly to yourself if you time it right!
  • Fewer crowds at the ski resort & town – Because it’s outside of both summer and peak ski season, you’ll see way less people around, which gives your elopement day tons of space to breathe
  • 4X4 roads may be closed, depending – Some 4X4 roads are traversable with a little snow on them while others stay blocked through the end of June. I can help you determine what’s a good bet!
  • Late spring can be the perfect – When the weather starts to warm up as late May transitions into early June, you can catch days with beautiful weather before the rush of the summer happens

March

April

May

Average days of precipitation

5.6

5.6

4.8

Average High temperature (°F)

42

49

59

Average Low temperature (°F)

23

29

37

A couple in formal attire stands by a small pond, holding hands and facing colorful, rugged mountains under a clear blue sky, surrounded by grass and trees.

Telluride in Summer

JUNE / JULY / AUGUST

  • Wildflowers bloom everywhere in late July – While central Colorado claims the title of the wildflower capital of the state, you can still find dozens of flowers in this area in July & August 
  • The busiest season of the year by far, expect crowds – Whenever the weather warms up and kids are out of school, you can bet that it’s going to get busy in the mountain towns
  • Festivals are in full swing – Outdoor concerts, the Telluride Film Festival, the Telluride Balloon Festival, and so many others start popping up all over town, meaning something fun is always going on
  • All passes are wide open and free of snow starting in July – After the first truly warm month of the year (June), the snow has melted off of 4X4 and high-altitude hiking paths, meaning you have all of Telluride and the surrounding area to explore
  • It’s peak waterfall season – Telluride has access to some truly great waterfalls, including the tallest freefalling waterfall in the state! These are at their best after the snowmelt has entered the rivers and the water is at its highest

June

July

August

Average days of precipitation

3.3

8.4

9.8

Average High temperature (°F)

69

73

70

Average Low temperature (°F)

45

50

49

A bride and groom embrace on a mountainside covered in wildflowers, with dramatic, cloudy mountains and pine trees in the background, creating a romantic outdoor scene.

Telluride in Fall

September / october / november

  • Insane fall foliage – When the aspens turn around the last week of September, all of Telluride gets painted in bright golden leaves and everything lights up
  • Reduced crowds with good weather – This is the best season to get gorgeous weather in the mountains but with a fraction of the summer travelers, so you can have peaks and basins practically to yourself
  • You can catch the end of the season in town – Things like the gondola and seasonal businesses typically stay open for any leaf-peeping traffic, so you can catch them through mid-October, giving you the full experience (note: the gondola is usually closed all of November)
  • Perfect hiking and 4X4 conditions – Summer thunderstorms can lead to washouts on trails, but starting in September, things start to look a lot drier. That means you’re less likely to run into unexpected rain day-of
  • Nights especially can get chilly – With the cooling highs the lows can start to dip down rapidly after Labor Day, which will affect your elopement if you’re planning to be out before the sun rises

September

October

November

Average days of precipitation

7.7

5.9

5.1

Average High temperature (°F)

64

54

43

Average Low temperature (°F)

42

33

24

Telluride in Winter

December / January / February

  • Incredible skiing at a great resort – Winter is when the Telluride Ski Resort hits its stride, and you can find any of its 100+ runs open and full of fresh snow for skiing & snowboarding 
  • My favorite time to soak in hot springs – There’s something insanely magical about sitting in a hot spring while it snows above you. It’s the best & most luxe way to enjoy the season (especially if you don’t love the cold, like me)
  • Travel can get trickier, depending on when & where – Even though Telluride has 2 airports close to it, when winter weather hits, you may still find yourself in a travel snag. I’d recommend traveling in December as opposed to February based on typical snow patterns. You don’t want to get caught on the other side of a closed mountain pass
  • If skiing isn’t your thing, you can always go sledding – Telluride has its own sledding hill that you can tackle in a snow tube or traditional sled if you’re looking for a little snow based adrenaline without a full slope involved. There’s some for rent nearby so you don’t have to bring your own!
  • If you want to ski, aim for later in the season – The puzzle for a lot of big winter sports people is getting to thick, fresh snow without running into the travel problems I mentioned earlier. I stand by my recommendation for December for elopement logistics, but if you’re big skiers and that’s really important to you, maybe just allow more travel time and aim for February

December

January

February

Average days of precipitation

4.7

4.6

4.9

Average High temperature (°F)

35

35

36

Average High temperature (°F)

17

15

18

A bride in a flowing white gown and a groom in a dark suit stand on snowy ground, surrounded by tall pine trees and mountains under a clear sky. The bride holds a bouquet and smiles at the groom.

Where to Elope in Telluride

What type of location are you looking for?

Ceremony & Wedding Photos

Best Hiking Trails

Wedding & Reception Venues

Best Places for a Ceremony & Wedding Photos in Telluride

There are so many gorgeous places around Telluride—both in town and in the surrounding area—to have your wedding ceremony. Whether you’re looking for an elopement spot for just the two of you or an intimate spot to gather your closest family & friends, here are some of my favorite ceremony locations in the area.

Alta Lakes Observatory, Colorado

A bride and groom embrace by a mountain lake, surrounded by snow-capped peaks and evergreen trees. The bride holds a vibrant bouquet, and the scene is reflected in the calm water.

This private cabin has luxe amenities, backcountry nature views, and vast views of the Milky Way.

Views & Scenery: Mountains, lakes, forest, wildflowers, wildlife
Accessible/Open Dates: Year-round (only accessible by snowmobile, skis or snowshoes in winter)
Best Months to Get Married Here: Mid-June — mid-October
Driving there: Any car can make the drive in the summer months but it’s only accessible via snowmobile, skis, or snowshoes during the winter.
Privacy Estimate: Private
Dogs Allowed: Yes

Mobility Impairment Accessible: No
Bathrooms Nearby: On-site
Driving distance from closest town: 13 miles from Telluride
My favorite activities to do here: Hike, stargaze, paddle, ski, snowmobile
Top Nearby Trails / Overlooks:

CHeck out more details in my Alta Lakes Observatory Guide

Bridal Veil Falls, Colorado

A couple in wedding attire embraces at the base of a tall, narrow waterfall cascading down a rocky cliff, surrounded by large boulders and natural scenery.

The tallest free-falling waterfall in the state lives right here in a gorgeous box canyon right outside Telluride!

Views & Scenery: Mountains, forest, waterfall (tallest free-falling waterfall in CO)
Accessible/Open Dates: Full 4X4 path to go up to the falls is open reliably Memorial Day through Labor Day. In the winter you can drive to the edge of the canyon and see the frozen falls from further back.
Best Months to Get Married Here: June — mid-October
Driving there: High-clearance 4X4 vehicles can drive right up to the bottom of the falls in the summer months
Privacy Estimate: Moderate
Dogs Allowed: Yes, on a leash
Mobility Impairment Accessible: No

Bathrooms Nearby: Restrooms in Telluride (2 miles)
Driving distance from closest town: 2 miles from Telluride
My favorite activities to do here: Watch the falls, hike, 4X4 drive
Top Nearby Trails / Overlooks:

CHeck out more details in my Bridal veil falls Guide

Dunton Hot Springs, Colorado

A person in a black swimsuit relaxes in a small, orange-rimmed natural hot spring surrounded by green grass and wildflowers, with mountains and blue sky in the background.

Spend part of your wedding day at an all-inclusive ghost town resort complete with its own naturally fed hot springs and Michelin level accommodations.

Views & Scenery: Mountains, forest, natural hot springs, aspens, meadows
Accessible/Open Dates: Year-round
Driving there: All passenger vehicles – accessed via dirt county road
Best Months to Get Married Here: Mid-June — October
Privacy Estimate: Private if the entire property is rented
Dogs Allowed: Yes, but prior approval from management is required

Mobility Impairment Accessible: Yes, in the summer—becomes more challenging during the winter months with snow
Bathrooms Nearby: Yes
Driving distance from closest town: 31.5 miles from Telluride
My favorite activities to do here: Soak in the hot springs (the food is very good too!)
Top Nearby Trails / Overlooks:

CHeck out more details in my DUNTON HOT SPRINGs Guide

San Sophia Overlook, Colorado

A small outdoor wedding ceremony set against a backdrop of tall pine trees and distant mountains, with a bride and groom standing on a wooden platform and guests seated on folding chairs on the grass.

This is a gorgeous venue within the Telluride Ski Resort only accessible by gondola and overlooking some incredible mountain views!

Views & Scenery: Mountains
Accessible/Open Dates: June — October (summer season) & December — March (winter season)
Best Months to Get Married Here: June to October (summer season) & December to March (winter season)
Driving there: You can drive to the Telluride Ski Resort but you’ll need to access the overlook from the San Sophia Gondola Station, near the top of Lift 7
Privacy Estimate: Private
Dogs Allowed: Yes, on a leash

Mobility Impairment Accessible: Yes (the gondola is also mobility impairment accessible)
Bathrooms Nearby: Yes
Driving distance from closest town: Located in Mountain Village next to Telluride, connected via gondola
My favorite activities to do here: Photograph weddings!
Top Nearby Trails / Overlooks:

CHeck out more details in my SAN SOPHIA OVERLOOK Guide

Ophir Pass, Colorado

A bride and groom hold hands and walk uphill on a rocky mountain path, smiling at each other, with dramatic peaks and a clear sky in the background.

This beginner-friendly 4X4 road takes you up to over 12,500 feet so that you can be totally surrounded by ridges, peaks, and valleys.

Views & Scenery: San Juan Mountains
Accessible/Open Dates: June — October (weather-dependent)
Best Months to Get Married Here: Late June — September
Driving there: High-clearance, four-wheel-drive vehicle recommended
Privacy Estimate: Moderate, depending on the time of year
Dogs Allowed: Yes, on a leash
Mobility Impairment Accessible: Yes if you are staying in the car, terrain outside of the car can be very rocky and steep
Bathrooms Nearby: No

Driving distance from closest town: Connects Telluride & Silverton
My favorite activities to do here: Hiking, off-roading
Top Nearby Trails / Overlooks:

CHeck out more details in my OPHIR PASS Guide

Ridgway, Colorado

A couple in wedding attire stands by a calm lake, surrounded by evergreen trees and dramatic red mountains, with their reflection mirrored in the water under a clear blue sky.

Consider this the gateway to the San Juan Mountains, located just 40 miles north of Telluride. If you’re flying into the Montrose Airport, you’ll pass right through it—and it’s so worth the stop

Best Months to Get Married Here: July — September
My favorite activities to do here: Hike, soak in hot springs, stargaze, 4X4 drive
Top nearby trails/overlooks:

My favorite places to eat in Ridgway:

Best places to stay in Ridgway

Imogene Pass, Colorado

A bride and groom walk hand in hand along a rocky mountain ridge, surrounded by dramatic peaks and a cloudy sky, with patches of snow visible on the slopes.

This is an epic 4X4 road that will take you up to over 13,000 feet in elevation—higher than Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park!

Views & Scenery: Ghost towns, bridges, cliffs, mountains
Accessible/Open Dates: July — September
Best Months to Get Married Here: July — September
Driving there: This is a 12 mile 4X4 road that connects Telluride and Ouray, high-clearance is recommended
Privacy Estimate: Busy
Dogs Allowed: Yes, on a leash. Make sure your pup is safely secured in the vehicle.
Mobility Impairment Accessible: Yes if you are staying in the car, terrain outside of the car can be very rocky and steep
Bathrooms Nearby: No

Driving distance from closest town: Telluride trailhead is located 0.5 miles north of town along Tomboy Road, Ouray entrance is along Camp Bird Road off of Highway 550 about a mile south of town (I would recommend starting from Telluride)e
My favorite activities to do here: 4X4 drive and see mountains
Top Nearby Trails / Overlooks:

  • Imogene Pass — 17.9 miles point-to-point with 4,770 feet of elevation gain

Mount Sneffels, Colorado

A bride and groom stand on rocky terrain, embracing as they look at a dramatic mountain landscape during sunset, with colorful clouds filling the sky above distant peaks.

As the highest peak in its range, this 14er is easily one of the most popular hikes in the area—it also includes Yankee Boy Basin, one of my favorite places in the state

Views & Scenery: Out of this world valleys, ridges, alpine lakes, seasonal wildflowers
Accessible/Open Dates: July — September
Best Months to Get Married Here: July — September (note: even in September, you will likely find snow at the top)
Driving there: High-clearance 4×4 required
Privacy Estimate: Moderate
Dogs Allowed: While technically permitted, strongly not recommended because of how tricky & difficult the terrain is
Mobility Impairment Accessible: No
Bathrooms Nearby: No

Driving distance from closest town: Trailhead is 59 miles from Telluride along Camp Bird Road off of Highway 550
My favorite activities to do here: Hike, 4X4 drive
Top Nearby Trails / Overlooks:

Bear Creek Falls Trail, Colorado

A tall waterfall cascades down a rocky cliff surrounded by lush green trees, creating an idyllic forested mountain landscape—perfect inspiration for those wondering how to elope in nature’s embrace.

This is a wide waterfall that streams down a super picturesque cliff topped with pine trees. This is an accessible waterfall for most hikers, which makes it great for elopements

Views & Scenery: Waterfall, rocky cliffs, forest, valleys, seasonal wildflowers
Accessible/Open Dates: Year-round, but be prepared for snow and ice in the winter months
Best Months to Get Married Here: July — September
Driving there: Trailhead is accessible via a passenger vehicle
Privacy Estimate: Busy
Dogs Allowed: Yes, on a leash

Mobility Impairment Accessible:  No, trail is very rocky in section
Bathrooms Nearby: No
Driving distance from closest town: 52 miles from Telluride
My favorite activities to do here:  Hike, enjoy nature, photograph
Top Nearby Trails / Overlooks:

Telluride Ski Resort, Colorado

A couple in formal wedding attire stands on a grassy hill, facing distant mountains. The bride spreads her arms wide while the groom stands beside her, both looking toward the scenic mountain landscape under a cloudy sky.

This resort is one of Colorado’s favorite places to ski! Even if winter sports aren’t your thing, you can find ceremony locations around the resort with breathtaking 360 views of the San Juan Mountains,

Views & Scenery: 14ers, forests, valleys, ridges
Accessible/Open Dates: Year-round
Best Months to Get Married Here: June — September
Driving there: Accessible via passenger vehicle, can drive to Mountain Village, take the bus, or take the gondola
Privacy Estimate: Private (for the venue you’ve booked)
Dogs Allowed: No
Mobility Impairment Accessible: Yes
Bathrooms Nearby: Yes

Driving distance from closest town: Gondola parking is 0.5 miles from Telluride, Mountain Village Parking is 7 miles outside Telluride
My favorite activities to do here: Ski, snowboard, dine, hike
Top Nearby Trails / Overlooks:

Last Dollar Road, Colorado

A bride and groom walk hand in hand along a mountain ridge, with a black SUV parked nearby and snow-capped mountains in the background under a cloudy sky.

This is an off-roading trail that’s great for folks with no experience on 4X4 trails! It’s smooth and pretty easy to traverse with super rewarding views along the way

Views & Scenery: Mountains, forests, seasonal wildflowers
Accessible/Open Dates: June — October
Best Months to Get Married Here: July — September
Privacy Estimate: Busy
Dogs Allowed: Yes, on a leash. Make sure your pup is safely secured in the vehicle while driving
Mobility Impairment Accessible: Yes if you are staying in the car, otherwise terrain is rocky

Bathrooms Nearby: No
Driving distance from closest town: Trailhead is about 6 miles outside of Telluride, just past the airport
My favorite activities to do here: 4X4 drive
Top Nearby Trails / Overlooks:

  • Last Dollar Road — 13.3 miles point-to-point with 3,064 feet of elevation gain

Best Hiking Trails in Telluride for Wedding Photos

After you’ve had your ceremony, you may be looking for somewhere super scenic to head out to! I’ve got you covered. I’ve been photographing elopements out here for over a decade and hiking in the area even longer. These are my top picks for wedding day hikes that will make for epic photos.

Bridal Veil Falls to Blue Lakes

A bride in a white dress and denim jacket walks hand in hand with a groom in a tan suit along a mountain trail, surrounded by lush greenery and wildflowers, with tall pine trees and rugged peaks in the background at sunset.

This half-day hike takes you through waterfalls, amazing views of the San Juans, and tons of flowers during wildflower season!

Views & scenery: Forest, lake, mountains, waterfall
Length & elevation gain: 5.9 mile out-and-back trail with 1,86 feet of elevation gain
Accessible/open dates: July — October
Privacy estimate: Busy
Driving there: High-clearance 4X4 required
Dogs allowed?: Yes, on a leash
Driving distance from the closest town to the trailhead: 4.6 miles from Telluride

Jud Wiebe Memorial Trail

Think of this trail like a “best of” list for Telluride. You can get views of the ski resort, Bridal Veil Falls, the valley, and the surrounding mountains. Go clockwise for the best experience

Views & scenery: Forests, rivers, seasonal wildflowers
Length & elevation gain: 3.4 mile loop with 1,233 feet of elevation gain
Accessible/open dates: Year-round, but may be difficult in snow and ice
Privacy estimate: Moderate
Driving there: Trailhead is accessible from a passenger vehicle
Dogs allowed?: Yes, on a leash
Driving distance from the closest town to the trailhead: 0.5 miles from Telluride on the north side of town

See Forever Trail

If you know me, you know I love a good ridge hike. Being able to see 360 views in every direction on your wedding day makes this tough hike so, so worth it.

Views & scenery: Mountains, forest, valley
Length & elevation gain: 5.1 miles out-and-back with 1,676 feet of elevation gain
Accessible/open dates: Year round, but skis or snowshoes may be needed in winter months
Privacy estimate: Moderate
Driving there: Passenger vehicles can access the gondola lift parking, then the free gondola takes you up to the trailhead
Dogs allowed?: Yes, on a leash
Driving distance from the closest town to the trailhead: This trail is accessed by the free Telluride Mountain Village gondola from the San Sophia Station.

Hope Lake Trail

A bride and groom walk hand-in-hand on a mountain trail surrounded by wildflowers, overlooking a vast valley with forests, a lake, and distant mountain peaks under a cloudy sky.

This is a great hike to get a taste of all of the best parts of the San Juan Mountains in one go! Perfect for folks who want it all in their wedding photos.

Views & scenery: Alpine lake, mountain, forest, river, seasonal wildflowers
Length & elevation gain: 4.8 mile out-and-back with 1,348 feet of elevation gain
Accessible/open dates: June — September
Privacy estimate: Moderate
Driving there: High-clearance 4X4 recommended
Dogs allowed?: Yes, on a leash
Driving distance from the closest town to the trailhead: 18 miles south of Telluride down CO-145

Keystone Gorge Loop Trail

When you avoid the busiest parts of the week, you can have this gorgeous loop practically to yourself, making it a great choice for couples who want to feel totally alone with nature without going far.

Views & scenery: River, forest, mountain, bridge
Length & elevation gain: 2.3 mile loop with 518 feet of elevation gain
Accessible/open dates: June — September
Privacy estimate: Moderate
Driving there: Accessible from a passenger vehicle
Dogs allowed?: No
Driving distance from the closest town to the trailhead: 4 miles west of Telluride via CO-145

No matter what trail you choose, make sure you’re staying on marked paths, giving wildlife a healthy amount of distance, and always respecting the principles of Leave No Trace. The great outdoors are at their best when we are all preserving it for the next generation together.

Best Wedding Venues & Reception Venues Near Telluride

If you love the idea of eloping or getting married in Colorado but think you may need a building as part of your day, I’ve got you covered. Whether yoIf you’re looking to have more of an intimate wedding than an elopement (i.e. you’d like to have more than 10 or so guests), want to make sure accessibility can be met, or need to accommodate chairs or specific decorations, you may need a venue! These are some of my favorites in Telluride itself as well as the surrounding area. Don’t worry—even the venues here usually have great views of nature.

Alternatives to Telluride

As cool as Telluride is, there are reasons that it may not be for you—and that’s totally okay! If this isn’t your place for any reason (or you just want to peek at what else is available), here are some solid alternatives in the state of Colorado. (For more options, you can always visit my Best Places to Elope in Colorado blog!)

Rocky Mountain National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the most visited parks in America for good reason! You can find beauty here in all four seasons as well as super cool wildlife viewings. 

This is a great alternative if you’re looking for something with pre-vetted accessibility information and/or a much closer drive to the bigger cities in Colorado. You can check out my full guide on how to get married there here!

A bride and groom stand together on a rocky outcrop by a lake, surrounded by forest and bathed in soft sunlight, with tall trees and dark water in the background.

San Juan Mountains (other than Telluride)

Even if Telluride isn’t perfect for you, there are so many other towns in the San Juan Mountains that could be! Each has their own flavor and appeal for different reasons.

This is a great alternative if you like the nature around Telluride but just haven’t found anything that’s sparked that “a-ha” moment of inspiration yet. I have a whole guide for you here on the entire area.

A bride and groom embrace on a mountain peak at sunset, surrounded by dramatic, snow-dusted peaks and bathed in warm, golden light.

The Italian Dolomites

The Dolomites are a chronically underrated stretch of the Alps, full of wild views, reduced crowds, and stunning jagged peaks that rise straight out of green valleys

This is a great alternative if you love the scenery of places like Telluride but want to look outside of America for your elopement location. The Alps make everything special.

Two people stand close, embracing and touching foreheads, in front of dramatic, jagged mountain rocks under a blue sky. One wears a light suit and sneakers; the other is dressed in dark clothes and white shoes.

Explore the searchable database of all my recommended spots

Elopement Location Finder ™

Want to see some of the elopements I’ve designed & documented in Colorado?

View full galleries

Telluride ELOPEMENT & Wedding GUIDE

How to Elope in Telluride

A bride and groom stand on a mountain slope covered in wildflowers, the bride pointing toward a distant lake—capturing the spirit of how to elope for couples seeking adventure under a cloudy sky.

Planning your Telluride elopement doesn’t have to be complicated! I’ve photographed & designed over 300 elopements worldwide, so I know exactly what steps you need to take to have a great experience. 

If you’re looking just to get started, check out my guides on how to elope and how to plan an intimate wedding, which will be great starting points no matter where you travel. 

But if you’re ready to get started in planning in Telluride or want to explore next steps, read on for more details!

Telluride Wedding Permit

The cost and application process for a wedding & photography permit in Telluride is going to differ depending on where your ceremony takes place. 

For example, if you’re getting married on San Miguel County property (ex. Bridal Veil Falls, Imogene Pass), you apply here for a $75 permit for your photographer from the county. 

If you are looking to elope in the town of Telluride itself, options get a little trickier. The town doesn’t allow weddings in its parks, for example, but there are a handful of in-town venues that do and are available via the town website. The main locations are Town Park and Hanley Pavilion, both of which have their own forms (linked). Prices for these vary by season but can hover around $150/hour for non-residents. 

Some other locations in town, such as the San Sophia Overlook (featured above), are the property of the Telluride Ski Resort. Their prices, availability, and guest count vary based on which of their venues you book. You can find their full list as well as their contact form here. 

If you’re looking to get married in the wild and it doesn’t qualify under one of these three categories, it’s always a good idea to check in with the local land manager and ensure you have permission before eloping there. It’s always better to be safe than sorry! I am happy to serve as your permit pro and make sure everything is above the board so that you can get married without worrying about anything else.

A bride in a white dress and hat laughs while holding a bouquet and the hand of a groom in a vest as they walk barefoot across a snowy mountain landscape, with a scenic view of distant peaks behind them.

How to Get Your Marriage License

Colorado is one of the absolute easiest places to get married. That’s because it’s a self-solemnizing state, which means that you don’t need any witnesses, officiants, or waiting periods. You can just get married! I wrote a blog post on what that means for your elopement here. You don’t need to be a U.S. citizen or a resident of Colorado to get a marriage license here. 

That means that all you have to do to get a Colorado marriage license is: 

  • Download & fill out the application for your marriage license via the closest county clerk’s office. For Telluride, that’s San Miguel County. You can access it here! Note; San Miguel County specifically doesn’t require that you fill out your application ahead of time, but I recommend that you do to save time. If you get married in a different county in Colorado, you will likely have to complete this application online ahead of your appointment. 
  • Walk into the San Miguel County Clerk office between 7:30am – 5:30pm, Monday through Thursday. Bring $31.25 in cash with you. That will cover the application fee and one certified copy of your marriage license. You both have to come to the appointment to sign the application.
  • The clerk’s office is located at 305 W Colorado Avenue, Telluride, CO 81435
  • Note: If you are getting your marriage license in Colorado outside of San Miguel County, you will likely need to make an appointment online—many counties do not have walk-in appointments at all.
  • After you’ve gotten your license from the county clerk’s office, you’re free to either sign it right then and there or to take it with you and sign it anywhere else within 35 days. After you’ve signed, you have another 63 days to return it to the San Miguel County Clerk. I recommend dropping it off directly at the office to avoid any confusion or potentially lost mail.
  • And that’s it! You’re married! The clerk’s office will give you all of the next steps you need on things like changing your name (if applicable) and what information to give your home state if it isn’t Colorado.

It’s truly an easy and incredibly painless process. In my opinion, it’s part of what makes Colorado the perfect state for elopements! Though those mountain views certainly don’t hurt.

Activities to Do in Telluride For Your Wedding or Elopement

One of the reasons I champion Telluride so strongly is because you can fill a whole wedding day just doing and seeing things around here! These are a few of my top picks for wedding days:

Jeep Driving in Telluride

In my opinion, Colorado has some of the best off-roading trails in the world. That’s because there’s old gold mining paths that criss-cross all over the hills and empty out onto beautiful passes, so you can get to great views with zero hiking required. You can even hire a driver so that you don’t have to lift a finger!

A joyful couple dressed in wedding attire sits on the roof of a white Jeep, holding flowers and waving—capturing the spirit of how to elope against rugged mountains and a pale sky in the background.

Riding the gondola in Telluride

The gondola (or “the G” to those familiar with the town) that connects Telluride to Mountain Village is not only free, it’s an easy way to get a super scenic view as part of your elopement day. Ride it at sunrise or sunset for the best views of the entire surrounding area!

Leaf peeping in Telluride

If you’re into fall foliage, Telluride is going to be perfect for you. Starting in the last week of September, the aspens in Telluride all turn bright yellow. Because they’re a grove plant and grow in connected chunks, they all tend to turn at once, giving you incredible colors.

A bride and groom embrace in a sunlit forest with golden autumn leaves, embodying the magic of how to elope. The bride holds a bouquet, both smiling amid tall trees and warm, soft light.

Lakes & waterfalls in Telluride

The surrounding areas around Telluride are home to so many epic tucked away waterfalls, brightly colored alpine lakes, reservoirs you can paddle on, and rivers perfect for rafting. Water goes hand-in-hand with the mountains here and makes for really beautiful wedding photos.

Where to stay in or near Telluride

Lodging in Telluride

Lodging Near Telluride

Where to Eat in or Near Telluride

Where to Eat in Telluride

Where to Eat Near Telluride

Traveling to Telluride

Telluride is one of the easiest towns in the San Juan Mountains to get to! You have a few different options for getting there. I like to separate them by close, medium, and far for airports.

The closest airport is Telluride Regional Airport (TEX), located just about 6 miles outside of town. This airport is unquestionably the closest, but only connects to Denver or Phoenix. You can typically book directly from wherever your starting destination is right into Telluride via Expedia or Google Flights, but be warned that direct connections here can get pricey. The huge benefit to flying into Telluride though is that you won’t have to deal with roads closed to weather or construction that may delay your travels (or make them impossible if a storm hits). 

The medium airport options are Montrose Regional Airport (MTJ), about 68 miles outside of Telluride, or Grand Junction Regional Airport (GTJ), about 132 miles outside of Telluride. Both of these airports are served by larger airlines, like United, and tend to offer direct connections to more cities at much cheaper rates. It’s not uncommon to see fares halved when switching from TEX to MTJ or GTJ. The kicker here is just the road trip into town. If you aren’t planning on renting a car, the town of Telluride offers a paid shuttle to nearby towns/airports with roundtrips hovering around $150. Other than that, both Montrose and Grand Junction also have rental car options, which may serve you well if you’re looking to drive up 4X4 roads anyway—just make sure that whatever you rent is high-clearance and built for dirt roads if you’re interested in that! These options are 1.5-2.5 hours outside of town, so plan accordingly and leave extra room in your schedule for this leg of the trip. Be aware that if weather turns dicey in the winter months, you may have to wait to get into town. 

A bride and groom stand on rocks at the edge of a mountain lake, showcasing how to elope surrounded by rugged terrain and steep cliffs beneath a clear blue sky. The bride’s white dress billows as they pose together.
A bride and groom walk hand-in-hand over rocky mountain terrain, with snow-capped peaks in the background under a clear blue sky. Perfect inspiration for couples searching how to elope in breathtaking destinations, both are smiling as she holds her dress and bouquet.

Finally, the furthest option that’s the least expensive to fly into and with the most connections by far is Denver International Airport (DIA). This is on the other side of the state a whopping 353 miles away, so if you fly in here, you’ll be looking at a 6.5 hour road trip to get into town. There are buses you can take, but nothing goes directly into Telluride—you’d have to go from Denver to Grand Junction and then take a shuttle or bus from Grand Junction into Telluride. This option has the same drawbacks as the medium distance airports to an even higher degree. If you get caught in a storm at any point cutting across the state, your travels could be delayed or cancelled. But if you’re traveling in the warmer months when snow isn’t a concern and you’re alright driving in a bit of rain, it is one gorgeous drive. When I go to Telluride, I drive my 4X4 from the Front Range (north of Denver) into town, so I’m speaking from experience. 

If you’re coming in from out of state and I had to make a sweeping recommendation, I’d advise connecting into a regional airport and taking the shuttle in (or your rented 4X4). This is, in my opinion, the best blend of getting you into the area directly without requiring you to do a ton of extra driving—especially given that you’ll have to make the same trek back if you booked your flight out of the same airport. That being said, I’ve had couples do any combination of these travel options and have an epic elopement all the same. It comes down to personal preference, cost, and risk of weather depending on what month you’re traveling!

Travelling Within the Telluride area

If you’re renting a car, I would strongly recommend you rent a 4X4, high-clearance vehicle that’s designated for off-roading. Many of the roads around town—including to some of the best trailheads—require 4X4 to navigate safely. Not to mention the basins and mountain passes you’ll have available to you! Just make sure you’re renting a vehicle intended for off-roading. 

There are great Jeep rental & tour companies around these towns as well as in Denver! These are a few of my recommendations:

There are also free public transit options around Telluride, which are super useful & reliable. The gondola connects Telluride and Mountain Village, the Galloping Goose bus system runs around the town itself, and the SMART (San Miguel Authority for Regional Transportation) bus system connects Mountain Village to other towns in the San Juan Mountains. And the best part is… none of them cost a cent.

A couple in wedding attire stands beside a calm lake surrounded by evergreens, with tall, rocky mountains rising in the background under a cloudy sky—a perfect scene for those seeking inspiration on how to elope.

What Does it Cost to Elope in Telluride

The total cost to elope in Telluride is just $30—the cost of your wedding license! If you’re handling the legal paperwork elsewhere or just having a commitment ceremony, this cost can go down to $0. 

Of course, this cost can vary depending on where you get married and what vendors you want to include. If you’re eloping somewhere with a permit, the highest cost in the area I have seen is $100. That would bring your total cost with no vendors to just $130… significantly lower than any other traditional wedding cost! Elopement costs can vary significantly, but tend to be way under the average $36,000 cost. I wrote a blog post about the costs of eloping here! 

When eloping in Telluride, I’ve seen couples commonly include vendors like 4X4 rentals/drivers, caterers for private dinners, florals, and, of course, photography. Most of the couples I’ve worked with invest the majority of their budget into photography because they’re prioritizing the experience & the adventure, and want to make sure that everything is thoroughly documented on their behalf. 

The best part about eloping is the pure freedom from traditions, expensive ballrooms, or anything else that you don’t want to pay for. You make the rules!

Colorado Adventure Elopement Packages

My home state—full of the most gorgeous elopement spots in the world.

includes:

8+ 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

$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
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.

Ready to get started planning your own adventure elopement? 

You can download The Ultimate Guide to Planning Your Elopement to begin digging deep into your own goals for your wedding celebration, or contact us so I can help you narrow down your options!

download the pdf guide

If you’re looking for further information on elopements, check out this blog all about the cost of elopements & how you can budget for an epic day!

Or, check out this blog full of small wedding ideas!

Whatever you decide, I firmly believe that you deserve to celebrate your wedding, elopement, or even proposal in whatever way feels perfectly true to who you both are! If you feel inspired by something you’ve found here, let me know! If not, I’ll help you curate a brand new vision that’s completely custom and made for you. 

Reach out to me and let’s get started on planning the adventure of your dreams!

A person with braided hair, wearing glasses and a tan coat, stands outdoors holding a camera. They are smiling and the background is blurred, giving a sense of being in a natural setting.

Hooray!

Now you know how to elope in telluride… 

let’s get started on the elopement day of your dreams!

Telluride is one of the best places to elope in the San Juan Mountains because of its scenery, activity options, and accessibility. There is so much to see and love about this town, and I have seen it serve countless eloping couples well! If I had to pick three final overall tips for couples looking to elope in Telluride, they’d be: 

  • Give yourself more time than you’ll need before your elopement. This will allow you plenty of time to sort out travel snags and adjust to altitude 
  • Pack layers that you like with your wedding attire. Even in the heat of the summer, high altitudes and evenings can get chilly! 
  • Consider hiring a driver for any 4X4 excursions you want to do to take off any pressure and let you see the scenery

Reach out to start planning your dream Telluride 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

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Maddie Mae of Adventure Instead is a destination elopement photographer based in Colorado, USA. She’s been to 40 countries and all 7 continents. She designs, plans, & photographs adventure elopements worldwide.

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