Colorado Elopement Guide (2025)

So you’ve decided that an epic and intentional Colorado elopement is in your future… Good idea!

With mountain views, old Western towns, national parks, and endless opportunities for adventure, Colorado is the perfect state for an elopement! Even if hiking a 14-er to exchange your vows at the top of a mountain is not your ideal way to get married, Colorado is a great place to host your special day. All lovers are welcome here! Check out this Colorado elopement guide (updated for 2024) as you start dreaming about your ideal celebration…

Planning Can Be Stressful–I Can Help

For a lot of couples, the stress starts the moment you get engaged and realize you now have a wedding to plan. Your elopement is going to be one of the best days of your lives, so it makes sense that you want it to be perfect! So many couples confide in me that they have no idea where to start with planning their elopement, but that doesn’t have to be anxiety inducing…

This is where I come in!

I’m Mikayla, a Colorado elopement photographer based in Colorado Springs. I’ve been hiking, camping, and exploring this beautiful state since I moved out here in 2013. My goal is to provide you a stress-free elopement experience! I’m the perfect Colorado elopement resource in one tall package (I’m 5’ 10 haha). This elopement guide will provide insight on when, where, and how to elope in Colorado based on my extensive experience. By the time you’re done reading this you’ll feel confident enough to start planning the perfect day.

Remember, your elopement deserves all of the hype and excitement that a traditional wedding day would. It’s your chance to celebrate your love in the way that suits you both best. So read on to learn how to plan a Colorado elopement!

What’s an Elopement?

An elopement is a more low-key version of a full-blown wedding. Couples elope when they decide they want something smaller than a traditional wedding, and everyone has their own reasons why. There is a very outdated notion that to elope means that you run away with your partner and secretly get married, but it doesn’t have to be that way! As a Colorado elopement photographer, I have witnessed many elopements that are days full of intention, intimacy, and lots of love. 

No, elopements don’t have to be planned at the very last minute. Yes, you can invite your favorite people to celebrate with you.One of the most popular reasons couples chose to elope is because traditional weddings can be pretty expensive. According to The Knot, the average Colorado wedding costs about $34,000…enough said.

Why Elope in Colorado

If you haven’t settled on an elopement location yet, check out these reasons to elope in Colorado that might just make the decision easier. 

Self-Solemnization. Colorado is a self-solemnization state, meaning you don’t need an officiant or witness to preside over your ceremony in order to become legally married. Many couples take advantage of this to host a more intimate ceremony, or take their elopement into the mountains where few officiants would follow. This also means that you can have a friend or family member officiate your ceremony without needing to be ordained. So much freedom!

Additionally, there is no cooling off period after you go to the County Clerk’s office to get your marriage license. If you wanted, you could walk into the County Clerk’s office engaged and walk out married! This is convenient for people who are coming from out-of-state to Colorado to elope. You can fly in, grab your marriage license and head to the mountains to get married all within one day.

Scenery. If you’ve ever been to Colorado you know that it is home to some of the most beautiful scenery in the US. And not only mountains! In Colorado you’ll also find alpine lakes, meadows full of wildflowers, aspen groves, waterfalls, and even sand dunes. Part of my job is to help my couples dream up their ideal adventure and find the perfect spot for them based on their scenery preferences.

420-Friendly. If enjoying some MJ on your elopement day sounds like a dream come true, then Colorado may truly be the best place to host your elopement. The state is home to lots of recreational facilities, where anyone over 21 can purchase smokeables and edibles of all kinds. Unity joints are a big hit here!

Activities. No matter what your preferred outdoor adventure is, you’re sure to find it in Colorado. The state offers unbeatable opportunities to hike, SUP, kayak, fish, raft, mountain bike, horseback ride, off-road, and even (for the ultra-adventurous) paraglide or scuba dive! Choosing to have a Colorado elopement makes it easy to turn your ceremony into a full honeymoon where you can explore the great outdoors with your newly minted spouse.

What Time of the Year to Elope in Colorado

Colorado is known for having over 300 days of sunshine a year. So if you’ve settled on Colorado but have yet to choose a time of year, make the decision based on scenery and temperatures, not the season! Do you thrive in warm weather or have always dreamed of saying “I do” in a field of wildflowers? Or are you enchanted by golden aspen groves? Do you want to celebrate on the summit of a mountain rather than at the base of one? Your answers to these questions determine the best time of the year for you to elope in Colorado.

Summer Elopements (June-End of August)

Summer months are the most popular for Colorado elopements. Not only is the weather warm, making high altitude conditions more enjoyable, but also you’ll have more trails and 4×4 roads to choose from during these months. 

June is the earliest chance to elope in Colorado without running into a lot of snow in the mountains. At this point in the summer, hiking trails are becoming more accessible, but you should still plan on encountering some snow at high altitude and on 4×4 trails. Bring layers and don’t forget the sunscreen—the air is thinner up here so you’ll burn more easily. 

July means more alpine paths are open and the snow has melted on off-road trails. Depending on the harshness of the preceding winter, wildflowers may start to bloom during the later part of the month.

In August you’ll definitely see wildflowers. Expect mountainsides to be bright green and the weather to be warm and even hot in some lower elevation areas. 

Average Summer Temperatures: 60-85 in the day, 40-55 at night

Summer Colorado Elopement Packing List:

• Sunscreen
• Refillable water bottle (& Liquid IV to help combat altitude sickness)
• Layers for higher elevations
• Bathing suit (if you’re willing to get in a chilly alpine lake!)
• Extra socks
• Comfortable hiking shoes

Autumn Elopements (September-October)

Couples who are in search of cooler weather and colorful aspen leaves choose September for their Colorado elopement. The exact time of peak foliage depends on the elevation and weather patterns, but generally mid-September through early October is the best time to witness fall colors. False summers are common in Colorado, when a sudden heat wave comes through just when the weather has started to cool, making for an even more pleasant autumn. 

Although September is a great month for foliage and may be as warm as August, keep in mind that this is the month when rogue snow storms may happen. On September 5th, 2020, a full on blizzard passed through the state! While this is very rare, you can’t completely count it out. 

While sometimes warm weather hangs on into mid-October, this is typically the month when temperatures plummet and leaves begin to fall. You’ll start to see snow on the tops of mountain peaks, and scenic passes will close for the season as locals gear up for winter. October is the month of moody elopements. 

Average Autumn Temperatures: Usually around 50 during the day and 40 at night, but it can get below freezing or above 70 during this time, too! 

Autumn Colorado Elopement Packing List:

• Sunscreen
• Layers (be prepared for anything!) 
• Extra socks

Winter Elopements (November-March)

If you are skiing fanatics (or just like the snow), you may want to plan a winter Colorado elopement, when the mountains are blanketed in snow and ski season is in full swing. In recent years, snow has been late to hit much of the state, not arriving until mid-December rather than November. That being said, if you’re planning on heading to Colorado in November you should pack with snow in mind. Some off-road adventures may still be accessible, but don’t plan on it. 

In January and February you can count on frequent snowstorms and cold temperatures. Layers, warm coats, gloves, hats, scarves, and even hand warmers are a must, especially if you’ll be spending lots of time out on the slopes. Mountain passes will be closed during this time, so don’t even think about attempting a scenic ride through the mountains, and drive carefully on all roads, especially if you are not used to icy conditions. 

While winters in Colorado can be cold and snowy, you should also expect plenty of bluebird days with sunny skies. In many places, temperatures remain in the 30s and 40s (and sometimes even the 50s) throughout the winter, which feels quite warm in direct sunlight. If you’re hoping to elope in the mountains, you’ll need to plan to access your elopement location by snowshoe or snowmobile. Even some areas that are accessible year-round, like Loveland Pass or Hoosier Pass, can be impossible to reach due to high winds and avalanche danger. 

If you’re skiing in the back country, make sure to follow safety protocols for avalanches and check in with locals who know the terrain well. There are a lot of accidents each year due to people skiing unfamiliar territory, so exercise an abundance of caution. 

Average Winter Temperatures: 30s during the day, 20s at night. Can get up to mid-forties or down below zero! 

Winter Colorado Elopement Packing List:

• Warm coat 
• Hat
• Gloves
• Boots
• Warm socks
• Balaclava
• Ski gear
• Snowshoes
• Hand Warmers

Spring Elopements (March-May)

While March and April may still be chilly with snowstorms, generally at this time the majority of snow on the ground will melt and temperatures will become more and more mild. April and May are typically extremely muddy, though, as snow melts. This also affects the rivers, making their water level rise and move much faster, so activities like fishing or rafting may be affected. 

Spring is probably the least popular time for a Colorado elopement due to unpredictable weather and conditions. Many mountain passes aren’t open until at least the end of May, and many hiking trails may be impassable with melting snow or lots of mud. 

Average Spring Temperatures: 40s and 50s. 

Spring Colorado Elopement Packing List:

• Layers (everything from t-shirts to warm winter wear)
• Rain boots and rain gear

High and Low Seasons for your Colorado Elopement

Because so many of Colorado’s activities are purely seasonal, there are low and high seasons in many towns throughout the state. This is particularly true in ski resort areas, when often the entire town will shut down for off season twice a year. Off season may be the best or worst time to visit, depending on what you’re looking for! 

Off season in Colorado’s ski resorts typically runs from early October through late November and then early April to late May. During these periods, many businesses in towns will close, leaving very few restaurants, hotels, and shops open. If you’re hoping to get the place to yourselves, don’t mind the weather during these times, and are looking for discounted lodging, slow seasons may be perfect for your elopement.

What Time of the Week to Elope in Colorado

Now that you’ve chosen a season for your Colorado elopement, it’s time to choose a day of the week! As you may expect, weekends are often the highest traffic times for hikes and national parks. If you’re planning on renting an event space for your elopement or after-party, you can expect to pay extra for a weekend elopement. 

The quietest times to elope in Colorado? Weekday afternoons, or early mornings. Opt for a sunrise hike to your elopement location rather than heading there for sunset, or elope in a national park at 2pm on a Monday.

Best Colorado Elopement Locations

Here are some of the best places to elope in Colorado.

Outdoor Elopement Sites

One highlight of getting married in Colorado is eloping in the great outdoors. Here are some of my favorite outdoor Colorado elopement locations! 

Garden of the Gods

This National Natural Landmark is one of the most unique places to celebrate in the state. Interesting red rock formations with Pikes Peak in the background make this an unforgettable Colorado elopement location.

• Elevation: 6,319 feet above sea level
• Best Season: Year-round
• Closest Airport: Colorado Springs Airport
• Where to look for lodging: Colorado Springs, Manitou Springs
• Permit needed: No. Free to enter, free to park
• Pro-Tip: This place can get packed and parking is limited depending on which trail/view you are trying to access. Choosing sunrise or sunset is to avoid the crowds and cars in the background.

Unlike other locations, Garden of the Gods is wheelchair accessible. If you have guests coming who aren’t very mobile, Garden of the Gods may be a great option! 

Learn more in my Garden of the Gods elopement guide!

Loveland Pass

This mountain road in upper-central Colorado represents a continental divide and is a scenic spot for an elopement. Plus, it tends to stay open pretty much year-round and is easily accessible from highway 70. Up here you’ll get 360° mountain views, then you can return to a Summit County Airbnb to celebrate. 

If you’re looking to hike on Loveland Pass, Grizzly Peak and Mt. Sniktau are gorgeous options!

Elevation: 11,991

Best Season: May-October. It often gets sub-zero with 20+mph winds in the winter. 

Closest Airport: Denver International Airport

Where to look for lodging: Breckenridge, Frisco, Dillon, Idaho Springs

Permit needed: No. 

Pro–tip: If you’re a couple that prefers privacy, choosing sunrise or sunset is the best way to avoid the crowds. Lastly, Please keep in mind that you’re very close to 12,000 at the top of Loveland Pass. This is the altitude when well-acclimated people start to feel the effects. Eat a good breakfast, hydrate in the days leading up to your elopement, and take breaks when you need it. Altitude sickness is not fun.

Click here to see a beautiful summer tiny wedding at Loveland Pass!

Rocky Mountain National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park is easily one of the most scenic national parks in the country, with gorgeous mountainscapes, meadows, and lakes. It also offers access to twelve different elopement sites you can rent with a $300 permit. 

Elevation: 8,000-14,000+ feet above sea-level depending on where you are.

Best Season: Year round.

Closest Airport: Denver International Airport

Where to look for lodging: Estes Park, Allenspark, Boulder

Permit needed: Yes, it is $300 and nonrefundable.

Note: Due to the amount of visitors per year, and people not respecting the land, the park has developed very strict rules for couples wanting to elope. Also, RMNP doesn’t allow dogs at any of the designated ceremony sites or on any of the trails, including Trail Ridge Road.

RMNP begins accepting permit applications one year in advance. So if you and your honey want to elope in September of next year, the earliest that you can submit your permit is September of this year. From May-October, RMNP will only approve 60 elopements/wedding ceremonies per month. From November to April, only 40 elopements/wedding ceremonies will be allowed per month. To read more about RMNP’s permit system, click here. 

Check out this Rocky Mountain National Park elopement!

Lost Gulch Overlook 

This beautiful rock outcrop, just off of Flagstaff Road outside of Boulder, is a popular Front Range elopement location. Lost Gulch is only a short drive from Denver and is a great option for couples who don’t want a long hike on their day but still want amazing views. 

• Elevation: 5,804 feet above sea level
• Best Season: Year-round
• Closest Airport: Denver International Airport
• Where to look for lodging: Boulder, Golden, and Denver
• Permit Needed: Yes, elopement locations in Boulder County require an OSMP Permit for commercial use. This permit covers photography on Boulder’s open space and surrounding land. 

Note: Due to the proximity to Denver and beautiful views, Lost Gulch Overlook can get pretty crowded. Avoiding weekends, holidays, and sunset will help maximize your privacy!

Click here to see a gorgeous winter elopement at Lost Gulch Overlook!

3m Curve

3m Curve. This spot is a quick and easy drive from the Rocky Mountain National Park visitor center by the east entrance. It features a rocky area that’s perfect for exchanging vows overlooking fields with Longs Peak in the distance. You can gather with up to 15 people here, so bring your crew if you want!

Elevation: ~ 8,000 feet above sea level

Best Season: Year-round

Closest Airport: Denver International Airport

Where to look for lodging: Estes Park, Allenspark, Lyons, Boulder

Permit Needed: Yes, it is $300 and nonrefundable.

Note: Due to the number of visitors per year, and people not respecting the land, the park has developed very strict rules for couples wanting to elope.

RMNP begins accepting permit applications one year in advance. So if you and your honey want to elope in September of next year, the earliest that you can submit your permit is September of this year. From May-October, RMNP will only approve 60 elopements/wedding ceremonies per month. From November to April, only 40 elopements/wedding ceremonies will be allowed per month. To read more about RMNP’s permit system, click here.

Also, 3m Curve can be a little tricky to get to. You can get to this location by driving 3.5 miles past Beaver Meadows Visitor Center. You’ll see an area to pull off on your left.

Sapphire Point Overlook

Sapphire Point is an easily accessible overlook in Dillon, Colorado–a town in between Breckenridge and Keystone. From the parking lot there is a short dirt trail to the overlook spot where ceremonies normally take place. Keep in mind that there are about 15 parking spots, so consider a shuttle if you’re bringing guests. The best part of Sapphire Point Overlook is that you’ll get a breathtaking view over Dillon Reservoir and two different mountain ranges. With an open recreation area and picnic tables, this is the perfect elopement spot for you and a group of close family and friends. You can reserve Sapphire Point at recreation.gov in two hour blocks for $120. 

Learn more from my Sapphire Point Wedding and Elopement Guide!

• Elevation: 9,500 feet above sea-level
• Best Season: All year long. 
• Closest Airport: Denver International Airport
• Where to look for lodging: Breckenridge, Dillon, Frisco, Idaho Springs
• Permit needed: Reservations are needed to get married at Sapphire Point Overlook and can be made here to reserve a two hour time slot. Reserving Sapphire Point Overlook for your day costs $128 ($120 + reservation fee). 
• Pro-tip: Sapphire Point is a very popular location. Tourists and hikers are allowed to use the trail that goes through the ceremony spot at the overlook regardless of any wedding ceremonies going on. When deciding on time slots, choose the earliest slots and latest. Mid-day ceremonies have the potential for chaos.
• Winter-tip: The trail can get VERY icy! Men’s dress shoes normally don’t have the best traction. Don’t risk a slip on your day. Either skip the dress shoes and choose something with more grip or invest in some yaktrax! They’re worth it.

Cheyenne Canon

This impressive canyon is the perfect location if you’re planning on eloping in Colorado Springs. It’s part of a 1,600-acre park where accessible trails lead to gorgeous views. There are many destinations to choose from and you will get a wide variety of scenery along the way. 

Check out this beautiful Cheyenne Canon elopement!

Maroon Bells

This area is known as “the most photographed place in Colorado” thanks to its picturesque mountain peaks, alpine lakes, and surrounding aspen groves. Elopement photographs here will be absolutely stunning! You’ll find this area, which is part of the Snowmass Wilderness, in the Elks Mountains near Aspen. 

See what a Maroon Bells elopement looks like here!

This is another wheelchair accessible location!

• Elevation: 9,551 feet above sea-level
• Best Season: End of May – early October
• Closest Airport: Aspen/Pitkin county airport
• Where to look for lodging: Aspen, Snowmass
• Permit needed: Yes, it costs $200 to Reserve the Maroon Bells Amphitheater. Click here to see if your date is available to reserve the amphitheater. Then pay the reservation fee and it’s all yours! Reservations come with 5 vehicle passes for parking.

Reserving the amphitheater is required and ensures that you have that spot to yourself during your time there. Reservations can be made as early as one year in advance. Given how iconic this spot is, mark it in your calendars.

Pro-tip: Please note that while you can have your ceremony here (max of 50 guests), you cannot have your reception here—check out the East Maroon Portal Picnic Site for a post- ceremony celebration.

Independence Pass

San Juan Mountains

The San Juans in southwestern Colorado provide some of the most incredible scenery in the state. Charming rural towns like Ouray, Silverton, and Telluride (more on these later!) make for wonderful elopement locations, and there is no shortage of scenic mountain passes, alpine lakes, and hiking trails where you can plan your special day. 

• Elevation: The highest point is Uncompahgre Peak at 14,308 feet above sea level, but most towns are around 9,000 feet
• Best Season: June-October
• Closest Airport: Montrose Regional Airport
• Where to look for lodging: Ridgway, Telluride, Ouray, and Silverton
• Permit Needed: Depends on the exact location.

Note: Many epic Colorado elopement locations in the San Juan Mountains require hiking or a car capable of climbing up mountain passes. If you want to keep hiking to a minimum, rent a 4×4 vehicle from Turo and ask your elopement photographer to send all of the epic off-roading trails your way!

Sand Dunes National Park

Outside of the funky town of Crestone lies the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. This provides a unique background of towering sand dunes framed by verdant mountains, with the closest thing Colorado has to a desert vibe. Just keep in mind that it gets super hot here in the middle of a summer day! 

Elevation: The base of the dunes is at 8,170 feet above sea level

Best Season: Year-round

Closest Airport: San Luis Valley Regional Airport, Colorado Springs Airport

Where to look for lodging: Alamosa, Crestone, Pueblo

Permit Needed: Yes, Sand Dunes National Park is a location that requires a $200 permit fee and a completed application to get married there. Please note that they only accept checks. The park requires that all paperwork be completed via mail so give yourself ample time to get approved. 

Note: Sand Dunes National Park is a national park that allows dogs! Just know that they cannot go beyond the first high ridge of dunes.

Yankee Boy Basin

This 18-mile out and back OHV road near Ouray provides ample opportunities for hiking, horseback riding, fishing, and mountain biking. You’ll want a vehicle with good clearance to drive this road, and a confident driver! But you’ll be rewarded for your efforts with gorgeous fields, mountains, waterfalls, and plenty of wildlife.

• Elevation: 12,526 feet above sea level
• Best Season: Year-round
• Closest Airport: Montrose Regional Airport
• Where to look for lodging: Ouray, Silverton, Ridgway, and Telluride
• Permit Needed: No.

Note: To get to the top of Yankee Boy Basin, you will need a vehicle with high clearance and good tires. You’re going to use a lot of fuel going up so stop at a gas station before starting towards the top. 

Woods Walk

Woods Walk is easily accessible from the town of Crested Butte, offering a clearing in a magical aspen grove with Mt. Crested Butte on the horizon. You’ll have to reserve this protected land with a $2000 deposit. This is a great option if you have guests who are not as mobile and need an accessible ceremony location. 

Learn more about reserving the Woods Walk ceremony site!

BLM Land

Colorado’s Bureau of Land Management oversees over 8 million acres of public land in the state. Many idyllic recreation areas, hiking trails, forests, and lakes are all under BLM supervision. You’ll need to apply for a special permit through the BLM website in order to celebrate on their land.

Bring your dog on your special day! Colorado is overall a very dog-friendly state, and bringing your dog along on an elopement hike makes it that much more precious. 

Best Colorado Elopement Towns

If a small-town elopement sounds right for you, consider some of these locations in Colorado.

Breckenridge Elopements

Breckenridge is one of the most convenient ski town elopement locations, as it’s only a two-hour drive from Denver airport. While the whole area is great for skiers and outdoor adventurers, the town is also an ideal place to celebrate, thanks to a bunch of charming Airbnb and VRBO properties that allow events and a wide range of dining options in town. Enjoy a celebratory meal at upscale Hearthstone Restaurant, or rent out The Lodge for your big day.  

Idaho Springs Elopements

This small city is full of historical sites like the Argo Mill and Tunnel or the tranquil Indian Hot Springs. Just a 45-minutes from Denver you’ll find all kinds of amazing wedding venues, like the Blackstone Rivers Ranch with both indoor and outdoor event space, or you can choose one of the town’s steakhouses or breweries for a celebration. There are tons of national forest ceremony locations in Idaho Springs that you can get to by a tiny hike or some mild off-roading.

Crested Butte Elopements

Since Crested Butte lies pretty far off the beaten path, you can expect a private atmosphere for your elopement. The old town is charming and full of fun locals, and it features several unique inns and restaurants that would be happy to host your elopement celebration.

• Elevation: 8,909 feet above sea-level
• Best Season: Year round. More is accessible in the warmer months though.
• Closest Airport: Crested Butte-Gunnison Airport, Montrose Regional Airport
• Where to look for lodging: Crested Butte, Gunnison
• Permit needed: Yes, if the location is owned by the Crested Butte Land Trust. Please check with National Park rangers for any other specific spots near Crested Butte.

Check out this Crested Butte elopement guide!

Buena Vista Elopements

Surrounded by the Collegiate Peaks, this laid-back town lies a little ways off highway 50 and is known for its white water rafting. Host your elopement in the nearby mountains, then celebrate in town. Or rent a rustic Airbnb for an intimate party.

Aspen Elopements

This chic ski town is known for celebrity sightings and excellent terrain, but there’s more to it than that. Host a luxury elopement at a nearby mountain lodge or upscale resort, rent an Airbnb for all your friends and family, or host the ceremony on the Little Nell’s charming outdoor deck.

Telluride Elopements

Telluride has been named a “best town to visit” in the US by multiple sources thanks to its scenery and charm. The rustic main street is home to several fine dining eateries that can throw beautiful elopement celebrations, plus you’ll be surrounded by mountain peaks in this box canyon no matter where you find yourselves in town! 

Check out my Telluride elopement guide here to learn more.

Elevation of the Town of Telluride: 8,750 feet above sea-level

Best Season: Year round.

Closest Airport: Telluride Airport, Montrose Regional Airport

Where to look for lodging: Telluride, Ridgway, OurayPermit needed: No.

Ouray Elopements

Silverton Elopements

When you enter Silverton you get the feeling you’re still in the Wild West—one well-preserved street looks like a movie set and there are a bunch of saloons downtown. This rural town is found along the Million Dollar Highway, with views for miles. Many of Colorado’s most scenic and epic off-roading trails are accessed from Silverton!

Colorado Springs Elopements

Colorado’s second biggest city is surrounded by outdoor attractions. It’s also home to some of the most beautiful wedding venues in the state, including The Pinery with gorgeous ballrooms, verandas, and lounges. Rent an Airbnb by Garden of the Gods, make your way up Pikes Peak or celebrate at one of the area’s many picturesque ranches. 

Learn more about eloping in Colorado Springs in my guide!

How to Get a Marriage License in Colorado

Once you’ve planned your elopement, it’s time to figure out how you’re actually going to go about getting married! For that you’ll need a Colorado marriage license, which you can get from any county courthouse. There is no waiting period in Colorado, so you can use the license on the very same day you request it. 

Simply pick up the license (some counties require an appointment for this), and then you have 35 days to use it and 63 days after marriage to return and file it. The only signatures you need on the license are those of the two people getting married, so it’s really simple!

Can you bring a marriage license from a different state to file in Colorado?

Your ability to bring a marriage license with you and file it back home completely depends on your home state’s rules. You can easily determine this by quickly calling your County Clerk’s office! If the answer is no, it’s really simple to get your license when you arrive. Make sure to choose an office and check on their policies to see if they require an appointment or not, then plan a date and time to pick up your license. Pro-tip: if you’re flying into Colorado, make sure you have a time buffer to land, get your baggage, check out your rental, and drive all the way from DIA or COS to pick up your marriage license.

Can you file a Colorado marriage license in a different state? 

No, Colorado marriage licenses must be filed in Colorado. When you pick up your package it will have instructions, but they provide an address for you to turn it back in via mail if you don’t have time before heading back home.

How much does a Colorado marriage license cost?

$30. Verify the required method of payment with the County Clerk ahead of time.

How Much Does a Colorado Elopement Cost?

Of course, the cost of your Colorado elopement depends greatly on a number of factors, like how many people you invite, what venue you use, and how you choose to celebrate. That being said, Colorado has elopement options for couples on any budget. You can either stay in a cheap inn and elope in the mountains for free, or you can rent a mansion in a ritzy ski town on Airbnb and indulge in a pricey dinner for you and your guests. 

Eloping is a great way to save money on your wedding, as you can narrow down the guest list to your closest friends and family and choose an outdoor location with a small fee or no fee at all. It’s all up to you!

In general, here is a breakdown of some Colorado elopement costs you might incur:

Marriage License: $30

Flights to Colorado: $500-$650 (can be more or less depending on where you’re coming from)

Airbnb for 3 Nights: $500-$2000

Photographer: $3000-$7500

Celebratory Dinner: $200-$500

Car Rental for 3 Nights: $200-$800

Colorado Elopement Timeline Examples

Curious what your Colorado elopement might look like? I’ve put together these timelines so you can get a sense of how your special day could play out. 

12-hour Elopement

5:30 am – Meet Mikayla at first look location and prepare for first look

6:00 am – First look at sunrise, portraits to follow

6:45 am – Drive to second location

7:00 am – Park car at trailhead, prepare to hike to ceremony location

7:15 am – Begin hiking, stopping along the way to take portraits

9:30 am – Arrive at summit for vow exchange, followed by celebrating and exploring

12:30 pm – Start hiking back to trailhead, stopping for more photos

1:45 pm – Arrive at trailhead, head to nearby lake

2:00 pm – Arrive at lake for photos, exploring, and SUPing while caterer prepares dinner

3:00 pm – Head back to AirBnB for dinner

3:30 pm – Eat dinner, relax, FaceTime family

5:30 pm – Photo coverage comes to an end, Mikayla leaves

8-hour Elopement

1:00 pm – Mikayla arrives at AirBnb for getting ready photos & detail photos

2:00 pm – First look inside of aspen grove on property

2:30 pm – Drive to second location

3:00 pm – Arrive at trailhead, begin off-roading, stopping along the way for portraits

4:00 pm – Arrive at ceremony location

4:15 pm – Exchange vows, pop some bubbly, explore area

6:45 pm – Start drive back down mountain pass, stopping along the way for portraits

7:45 pm – Arrive at local eatery in Ouray, eat, celebrate

9:00 pm – Photo coverage comes to an end, Mikayla leaves

4-hour Elopement

3:00 pm – Mikayla arrives at AirBnb for getting ready photos & detail photos

4:00 pm – Leave for first look location

4:30 pm – Arrive at first look location

4:10 pm – Have first look, take portraits

4:45 pm – Leave for ceremony location

5:10 pm – Arrive at ceremony location

5:15 pm – Exchange vows, read letters from loved ones, drink beers from your favorite brewery, explore the area

7:00 pm – Photo coverage comes to an end, Mikayla leaves

What to Keep in Mind When Eloping in Colorado

Here are a few things to keep in mind when planning a Colorado elopement:

• Elopement Permits. Whether you’re hoping to elope by the shores of a lake or among the aspens, you may need to shell out for a special permit. Check with local rangers or the BLM to find out if the spot you’ve zeroed in on is among them. Do this as soon as you’ve decided on a location in case there’s a long processing time.
• 300 Days of Sunshine. Colorado is sunny pretty much year-round! If you spend a few days somewhere in the state for your elopement, you can almost count on at least one of those days being sunny. If you are anywhere above 6,000 feet, you can expect 60% more UV rays than at sea level, so be diligent about applying sunscreen.
• High Altitude. Many of the Colorado elopement locations I’ve mentioned are at high altitude, like over 8,000 feet. If you are coming from lower elevation, make sure you take measures to avoid altitude sickness. This may include talking to your doctor about altitude sickness medication, staying for a few days in Denver (which lies at 5,279 feet) before making your way up into the mountains, or just giving yourself some time to acclimate. Keep in mind that alcohol will hit you much harder at high elevation as well. Staying hydrated and taking it slow is the best way to avoid symptoms like lightheadedness, headache, nausea, and shortness of breath.
• Highways. Because of Colorado’s mountainous geography, even many of the major highways wind through mountains. That means that travel through the state is often weather dependent, and accidents can cause narrow roads to be completely blocked. Be prepared for traffic delays when traveling throughout the state, and check on highway closures before hitting the road. 

Tips for Colorado Elopements

Based on my experience shooting hundreds of Colorado elopements, here are some pro tips to help the day go as well as possible.

• Be Strategic About Lighting. Lighting makes all the difference when it comes to enchanting elopement photographs. Snow on the ground means another source of light and reflection. Sunrise and sunset have ideal lighting for portraits, as the sun isn’t directly overhead and you have more control over light and shadow. 
• 4×4 Vehicle. If you’re thinking of renting a car for your Colorado elopement, you’ll want to get an all wheel drive vehicle. This is especially true if you are hoping to elope on a mountain pass or somewhere that is only accessible by a rough terrain road. Most of the airports in Colorado have rental car kiosks, or use car-sharing service Turo. 
• Be Prepared for Different Weather. In a Colorado winter you might have a sunny 50 degree day, or you might have a frozen blizzard with temps below zero. In the summer, you may get into a snowstorm or be stuck in a heat wave. Bring a few different layers no matter the season to be prepared for Colorado’s climate! 
• Take Advantage of Self-Solemnization. Self-solemnization in Colorado (the ability to get married without an officiant present) gives you enormous creative freedom over your ceremony, so take advantage of it! As mentioned above, marry yourselves alone in the wilderness, or have a friend preside over the vows. 
• Enjoy the Ride. Colorado locals are known for their fun-loving and adventurous spirit, so take your cue from them and enjoy the ride! Using my help, hone in on and plan your perfect day, and then take it as it comes. Chances are you’ll be so caught up in the love of the moment and the breathtaking Colorado scenery that no hiccup or obstacle will get in your way. 
• Bring Your Dog! Colorado is overall a very dog-friendly state, and bringing your dog along on an elopement hike makes it that much more precious. Just double check beforehand if the site you have your eyes on allows dogs. 
• Leave No Trace. If you’re planning on spending any part of your day in nature, remember Leave No Trace principles. This means being extra careful about carrying any trash you produced out with you and not disturbing the natural environment. Pay attention to and follow any posted signs in parks or along hiking trails! 

Elopement Hike Packing List:

• Snacks
• LOTS of water
• Marriage License (put it in a ziplock bag with your pen to be safe)
• Extra pair of socks
• Layers
• Sunscreen

Additions for Winter Elopements:

• Yaktrax
• Hand Warmers
• Hot chocolate in a thermos
• Snowshoes if needed

How to Include Family

You may think that eloping means opting for a private ceremony with just the two of you, but that’s not necessarily the case. If you want your family around, there are a few ways to include your family in your special day:

• Bring Them Along. If you’re able, bring your family along! That doesn’t mean including them in the ceremony if you’d prefer a private exchange of vows in the mountains, but maybe rent an AirBnb with family to celebrate in afterwards, or make dinner reservations for the whole group. 
• Include Them in Getting Ready Photos. Getting ready photos are such a special way to record all the little candid moments during your special day that you’ll back on fondly. That’s why you should make sure to include your family in those moments if you can!
• Have Them Write Letters. Some couples ask their family to write letters to read after the elopement, especially if family members can’t be there in person. That’s an extra special way to feel the presence of your loved ones, even if they’re far away. 
• FaceTime Them. Having your family present for the ceremony and celebration, even over FaceTime, makes your elopement that much more special. Call your family before you exchange vows and prop up your phone so they can watch! Or designate an hour to call both your families in between the ceremony and celebration so they can feel a part of your day. 

Colorado Elopement Photos

You’ll want photos from your elopement to share on social media, show the kids someday (if you all choose to have some) or look back on years in the future, and that’s especially true when those photos are snapped with Colorado’s unforgettable scenery in the background! No matter how you choose to celebrate, you’ll want to factor an elopement photographer into your day. An elopement flies by quickly—photos allow you to cherish the memory forever.

Convinced that Colorado is the place to elope? Hopefully this guide has helped you take on planning with confidence. I have plenty more resources I’m ready to share with you, so reach out today and I can help you narrow down the ceremony locations and plan a stress-free experience on the most special day of your life!

 Start with my Colorado Elopement Packages and we’ll take it from there, together. 

Check out more Elopement Planning Resources!

Summer Elopement at Keystone Ski Resort

LGBTQ Elopement in Telluride

Summit County Elopement