A couple in wedding attire stands by a rocky shore of a clear mountain lake, surrounded by trees and distant peaks under a bright sky—capturing the spirit of a Colorado Elopement.

Colorado Elopement Guide: Everything You Need to Know

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The Ultimate Colorado Guide

Maybe it’s the limitless adventure possibilities like off roading, paddle boarding, or high alpine hikes that make Colorado perfect for an adventure elopement. Or it could be the wildly diverse seasons that are all so bright & colorful in their own way. Perhaps it’s the fact that you don’t need an officiant or witnesses to actually get married. Of course, the plethora of wildlife always adds such undeniable charm. Whichever detail beckons you here, it’s undeniable that Colorado is one of the best place in the world for adventurous couples who want an intentional wedding experience immersed in Nature.

After photographing and planning Colorado elopements for nearly a decade, we’ve created this guide to help you navigate everything you need to know like the best places to elope in Colorado, marriage license laws, timelines samples, seasonality, permits, costs, and insider tips that only locals know. Whether you want an easy-access alpine lake or a rugged hiking adventure deep in the Rocky Mountains, this guide will help you create a wedding day that feels wildly and unapologetically you.

A bride and groom walk hand in hand on a fallen log in a grassy field, with mountains and blue sky framing their Colorado Elopement.
A couple stands on rocky ground by a mountain lake at sunset, with snow-capped peaks and a colorful sky in the background—capturing the magic of a Colorado Elopement.
Two women in wedding attire embrace and smile in a snowy landscape, with pine trees and snow-covered mountains creating the perfect Colorado Elopement backdrop.
A couple in wedding attire stands on a wooden bridge by a lake, holding a welcome sign, set against pine trees and snow-capped mountains—the perfect Colorado elopement scene.
A couple in formal attire stands on a rock, facing a scenic Colorado elopement backdrop with a river and dramatic, cloudy sky at sunset.
A bride and groom stand on rocks by a calm lake, surrounded by pine trees and mountains under a clear sky—a picture-perfect Colorado Elopement.
A bride and groom kiss on a rocky path surrounded by pine trees and yellow autumn foliage, with a mountain and lake in the background, capturing the adventurous spirit of a Colorado Elopement.
A bride and groom stand by a calm lake, holding hands, with mountains, trees, and blue sky in the background—a picture-perfect Colorado Elopement.
Two men in suits stand on a mountain trail during their Colorado elopement; one lifts the other. Snow-capped mountains and pine trees fill the background, with a small brown dog to the right.
A bride and groom embrace in front of a tall waterfall, surrounded by rocks, green grass, and pine trees under a partly cloudy sky—capturing the spirit of a Colorado Elopement.
A couple in formal attire walks down a winding road surrounded by tall trees with bright yellow autumn leaves, mountains in the background—capturing the magic of a Colorado Elopement.

How to Elope in Colorado

Eloping in Colorado is surprisingly simple, especially compared to planning a traditional wedding. Technically, all that is legally required to actually get married in Colorado is to obtain a marriage license (which only costs $30), sign, and return it. Beyond that, you will need to decide on location(s), choose a date, and book all of your travel, lodging, vendors, etc.

Below is a list of steps you can take to create your adventure wedding in Colorado! We suggest hiring your elopement photographer first because a real expert will be able to help you with every subsequent step. The more time that you give yourself, the more options are available and the better you can thoroughly plan everything else. We recommend planning 6-12+ months in advance.

  • Book your Colorado elopement photographer
  • Choose your location
  • Select your season or date
  • Obtain your permit
  • Secure lodging & vendors
  • Plan fun activities & your timeline
  • Have the best day marrying your best friend!
A bride and groom stand by a rocky lakeshore during their Colorado elopement, surrounded by pine trees and mountains reflected in the calm blue water under a clear sky.
A bride and groom embrace on rocky terrain during their Colorado elopement, with a tall waterfall cascading down a cliff in the background, surrounded by greenery and wildflowers.
Two people in wedding attire stand on rocky terrain with snowy mountains and evergreens in the background under a bright, sunny sky, capturing the spirit of a Colorado Elopement.
Two people walk near a blue alpine lake surrounded by green grass and wildflowers, with a rocky mountain and sun rays in the background—a perfect setting for a Colorado elopement.

Why Elope in Colorado?

  • 🏔️ Epic mountain landscapes, turquoise alpine lakes, waterfalls, sand dunes, forests, and red rock deserts all within one state
  • 🌅 Easy-access overlooks and adventurous hiking elopement locations for your adventure level
  • 🏞️ Colorado is one of the few states where you can legally self-solemnize your marriage without an officiant
  • 🦌 Incredible year-round experiences – wildflower summers, incredible autumn colors, and snowy winter wonderlands
  • 🌲 Charming mountain towns with unique shops, hot springs, skiing, rafting, and cozy cabins
  • Ideal for adventurous couples who value experiences over tradition


Local Pro Tip: Colorado weather changes fast—even in summer. Always wear (or bring) layers you can easily adjust to be comfortable in the heat of direct sunlight, chilly winds, or light rain & snow.

Colorado Elopement Laws: What is Self Solemnizing in Colorado?

Colorado is one of the few states where you can legally self-solemnize your marriage, meaning you do not need an officiant or witnesses to elope in Colorado. That’s right — you can quite literally marry yourselves on a mountaintop, beside an alpine lake, or deep in an aspen forest with just the two of you present. To get legally married in Colorado, you’ll need to obtain a marriage license from any county clerk’s office in the state. Your Coloardo marriage license costs $30, and both residents and non-residents can apply. Many counties even allow you to begin your application online, which can make the process even easier.

Local Pro Tip: some Colorado counties allow for your marriage license to be ‘signed’ by your dogs! We have paw pads for your favorite furry notary 🐾

A man and woman in brown coats sit on a blanket outdoors at dusk during their Colorado elopement, a small dog between them and lanterns on either side as they write or read together.
A bride and groom stand facing each other in front of a mountain lake, surrounded by trees and autumn foliage, under a partly cloudy sky—the perfect Colorado elopement scene.

Other than the beauty & adventure, another big reason why so many couples elope in Colorado is because of how simple the legal process is. Instead of extensive paperwork, showing multiple IDs, and sometimes even taking a blood test, Colorado simplifies all of this to help you get your marriage license without a lot of hassle.

You can read our full in-depth guide to Colorado self-solemnization laws and marriage licenses here.

Colorado Elopement Cost Breakdown

By eloping, couples eschew a large wedding and seize the opportunity to invest in immersive experiences to create joyful memories they’ll remember forever. While the average cost of a traditional wedding is around $35,000, your Colorado elopement will likely be much easier on your finances.

How much you spend on your elopement depends on your location, guest count, travel plans, lodging, activities, and vendors. You can keep things as simple as a quiet sunrise ceremony with a DIY bouquet and yummy breakfast or opt for multi-day adventures with private chefs, off-road tours, jet ski rentals, & luxury cabins.

Hiring an experienced Colorado elopement photographer (hi, that’s us 👋) also means having someone who can guide you to the perfect location, officiate, facilitate activities, help you find vendors, and scout backup plans for you.

Permits: $0-$500+

Photography:
$5,000-$15,000+

Activities & Rentals: $250-$1250+

Hair + Makeup: $300-$1000

Marriage License: $30

Lodging: $150-$1250+ per night

Florals: $400-$800+

Travel: $400 – $2500+

All In Average Colorado Elopement Cost: $11,500

A bride and groom stand close together in a grassy field with mountains in the background under a blue sky with clouds, capturing the magic of a Colorado Elopement.
A man lifts a smiling woman on a dirt road during their Colorado elopement, with a dog jumping beside them; autumn trees and mountains stand in the background under a cloudy sky.
  • Meg & Kevin are such wholesome and genuine souls and really make your big day all about you – not to mention helping it go off effortlessly and without a hitch.”

Colorado Elopement Photographer + Planning Team

We’re Meg & Kevin — the married team behind Run Wild With Me Photography. For nearly a decade, we’ve helped adventurous couples craft deeply intentional Colorado elopement experiences rooted in connection, exploration, and the beauty of the wild outdoors.

As a husband and wife photography & videography team, we do far more than simply show up with cameras. We help you with choosing a location, permits, timelines, backup plans, hiking trails, activity ideas, and all the little details that transform your elopement from “just photos” into a once-in-a-lifetime experience 🌿✨

🥰 Get to Know Us! 🥰
Discover the Best Colorado Elopement Photographer

Colorado Elopement Packages

Your elopement deserves more than just pretty photos—it deserves an experience intentionally crafted around you. Our Colorado elopement packages combine photography, planning, location scouting, permit assistance, timeline creation, and local expertise to help you create a day that feels meaningful, adventurous, and stress-free.

Discover Pricing
A couple in formal attire kisses in a grassy field during their Colorado elopement, with mountains and trees in the background; one holds a bouquet of red flowers.
A bride and groom stand together by a clear mountain lake surrounded by rocky hills, trees, and colorful wildflowers under a bright blue sky—an unforgettable Colorado Elopement.

What’s Included in Our Elopement Packages:

  • 📸 Two photographers capturing every angle, reaction, and in-between moment
  • 🗺️ Full planning & location guidance – we’ll detail each & every ceremony location to inform and help you make the best choice
  • 📅 Custom timeline creation to avoid crowds & bask in the best light
  • 📄 We obtain your permit for you (and cover the cost)
  • 💌 Vow Writing Workshop
  • 💍 Option to have Kevin officiate your unique ceremony
  • 🤝 Vendor recommendations (florals, hair & makeup, bakeries, lodging, etc.)
  • 🥾 Adventure guidance — hikes, scenic areas, activity assistance, and ways to help make your day unique
  • Collaborative questionnaires to help plan your day

Part of our secret sauce is collaborating with you through 2 questionnaires. This gives us more detailed information to get to know you better and to help pinpoint specific elopement locations that will spark true joy within your heart. It also helps Kevin write your unique elopement ceremony if you want him to officiate.

Two people lie on the ground covered with yellow leaves, facing each other and smiling. One wears a white dress with floral embroidery, the other a blue shirt with suspenders—capturing a joyful Colorado Elopement moment.
This isn’t just photography — it’s a fully guided experience designed around connection, intention, and adventure.

 Meg & Kevin put in genuine effort to know the things that mattered to both of us. The amount of location guidance, planning, and knowledge that they were able to provide and leverage was absolutely incredible for us and so very appreciated. We chose to go somewhere neither of us had been, so we were able to put our COMPLETE trust in them to pick a location that felt magical to us.

✨Reach Out & Let’s Start Planning your Adventure!✨


A bride and groom stand facing each other outdoors by a mountain lake, surrounded by trees and mountains in the background, capturing the romance of a Colorado elopement.

Half Day Trek

  • 4 hours of coverage
  • One location or short hike with time for vows + portraits
  • Planning guidance, timeline building & location recommendations
  • Perfect for just-us-two ceremonies or a few guests

$5200

A bride and groom stand outdoors at dusk in front of a mountain, holding a lantern. The bride’s veil trails dramatically in the wind beneath a starry sky—a magical Colorado elopement scene.

All Day Adventure

  • 8 hours of coverage
  • Multiple locations + activities (hike, picnic, town celebration, etc.)
  • Fully customized timeline, permits & logistics assistance
  • Ideal for couples who want a relaxed, immersive experience

$7500

A bride and groom stand by a lakeshore, surrounded by autumn trees, with mountains and blue sky in the background—an idyllic Colorado Elopement scene.

Elopement-Moon Expedition

  • 2+ days of photography across different landscapes
  • We travel with you to document your whole adventure
  • Time for hiking, exploring, and a separate celebration day
  • Best for couples turning their wedding into a once-in-a-lifetime trip

$9700

💍 Learn More About Our Elopement Packages 💍

Colorado Elopement Photographers

Our Colorado elopement packages are full service to help you plan and capture all of your precious memories! Every package includes two photographers, film & digital photographs, social media reels, location guidance, and a vow writing workshop. Having another couple as your photographers creates more balance and allows you to more easily relax and candidly enjoy your partner’s company.

A team of Colorado proposal photographers sit on sand dunes with a white dog lying beside them, all looking towards the camera against a clear sky.

Contact Us

Best Time of Year to Get Married in Colorado

When to Elope in Colorado

Colorado is home to the full spectrum of seasons! Deciding on when to elope in Colorado depends on the landscapes, color palette, and adventure you want to experience. Are you seeking the quiet romance of snowy landscapes? Are you drawn to a warm wildflower meadow? Do bright autumn colors make your heart skip a beat? Below is a breakdown of each season along with a visual calendar of elopements from each month of the year. 

Local Pro Tip: elope on a weekday and/or at sunrise for a more private experience.

Check out our Full Seasonal Guide Here

Spring (mid April – mid June)

Unlike lower elevations, spring occurs a little later in the Colorado mountains. Snow remains on mountain peaks and frozen high alpine lakes begin to melt. The weather on any particular day can drastically vary from a sunny 65 degree day to a heavy snowstorm. As it gets closer to June, the landscapes become greener and more lush.


Local Pro Tip: eloping during shoulder season is more private with fewer tourists and less expensive rates.

Summer (mid June – mid September)

Summer is the season of thriving in Colorado. You have full access to all the trails high into the mountains with waterfalls flowing and wildflowers peaking. Landscapes are lush and full of life, and alpine lakes are welcoming for a paddle or swim.

In June, the snowmelt runs off to create robust waterfalls, which are the fullest in June & July. If you love bright & colorful wildflowers, mid July – early August is prime. Though high alpine lakes are always a bit cold, August is the best time for water activities.

Fall (Mid September – November)

Fall in Colorado is undeniably charming with a wide array of colors being on display. Autumn’s brightest foliage is quite ephemeral at higher elevations, as the fall colors don’t stick around for long. There is about a 2-3 week window of time when the leaves will be glowing their best. From mid October – November is the other shoulder season and a quieter time to visit. 

Winter (December – mid April)

Blankets of snow create a sense of innocence and purity, and winter in Colorado is a magical time that offers unique activities like snowmobiling, skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing. Frozen lakes can be walked upon, sweater weather & hot beverages are in style, and the cold air connects you with the present moment.

In December, snow in the mountains really begins to accumulate. The snowiest months are February & March, so if you want to get married while it’s actually snowing, those are your best chances. Naturally, temperatures will be quite cold on any given day, but it is strong winds that will separate a cold day from one that can be nearly unbearable.

❄️ Check out our Winter Elopement Guide ❄️
Extraordinary locations for an Adventure Of a Lifetime

Best Places to Elope in Colorado

Colorado is truly a colorful wonderland with a variety of epic & wild landscapes. In the Rocky Mountains, you will find blue alpine lakes, sweeping mountain vistas, otherworldly rock formation gardens, quiet riverside forests, and powerful waterfalls. After scouting our great state for more than 10 years, below are what we consider to be some of the very best places to elope in Colorado:

Local Pro Tip: Consider your group size, time of year, and accessibility when choosing a location. For example, not all of your guests may be able to hike 1-2 miles at elevation and some access roads and trails close in the winter.

📍 Dive Deeper into Colorado’s Best Elopement Locations in this Guide 📍
Two people walk near a blue alpine lake surrounded by green grass and wildflowers, with a rocky mountain and sun rays in the background—a perfect setting for a Colorado elopement.

San Juan Mountains

The San Juan Mountains are hands down one of the most breathtaking places to elope in Colorado. Colorful peaks, electric blue alpine lakes, waterfalls, wildflowers, and endless adventure are tucked away here in Colorado’s most rugged mountain range. It’s perfect for couples craving a more remote, immersive, and wildly scenic experience.

A bride and groom dance on a dirt road surrounded by autumn trees with mountains in the background under a cloudy sky, capturing a romantic Colorado Elopement.

Crested Butte

Crested Butte is a dreamy mountain town known for its eclectic variety of fall colors, famous wildflower fields, and colorful historic buildings. Nicknamed the “Wildflower Capital of Colorado,” this area is perfect for couples wanting vibrant summer blooms, cozy fall vibes, alpine lakes, and a slower-paced mountain experience.

A bride and groom stand on rocks by a calm lake, surrounded by pine trees and mountains under a clear sky—a picture-perfect Colorado Elopement.

Buena Vista

Buena Vista blends epic mountain scenery with easy accessibility and laid-back Colorado vibes. Surrounded by the Collegiate Peaks and Arkansas River, this area is ideal for couples seeking sweeping mountain views, river adventures, hot springs, and a central Colorado location with lots of flexibility.

A couple walks hand-in-hand across sand dunes, leaving footprints behind, with snow-capped mountains and a clear blue sky in the background—capturing the magic of a Colorado elopement.

Great Sand Dunes National Park

If you want a truly unique Colorado elopement, Great Sand Dunes National Park offers surreal landscapes unlike anywhere else in the state. Massive rolling sand dunes, flowing creeks, and star-filled skies make this location feel remote, adventurous, and otherworldly. Winds constantly reshape the dunes so no day is ever quite like any other.

A couple in wedding attire stands on a rocky ledge with forest and snow-capped mountains in the background under a cloudy sky, capturing the spirit of a Colorado Elopement.

Rocky Mountain National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park is perhaps the most iconic place to elope in Colorado thanks primarily to its easy accessibility to alpine lakes, sprawling mountain vistas, waterfalls, & majestic wildlife. With 13 designated ceremony sites, RMNP is perfect for couples dreaming of a classic Colorado mountain elopement. RMNP is one of the most visited National Parks in the country so if you want more privacy, we’d recommend other locations.

A bride and groom stand on a rocky shore by a calm mountain lake at sunrise during their Colorado Elopement, their reflection beautifully mirrored in the tranquil water.

Breckenridge

Breckenridge combines charming mountain town energy with stunning alpine scenery and year-round adventure. With colorful fall hikes, wildflower-filled summer trails, skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing, Breckenridge is an amazing option for couples who want both mountain beauty and fun activities nearby. The local cuisine is also terrific with many restaurant options and reservations available.

A bride and groom stand together outdoors, with red rock formations and a snow-capped mountain in the background—capturing the beauty of a Colorado Elopement.

Garden of the Gods

Located in Colorado Springs about one hour south of Denver, Garden of the Gods offers dramatic red rock formations with easy-access trails and stunning views of Pikes Peak. This iconic location is ideal for couples who want bright landscapes and a desert-meets-mountain vibe without needing to hike into the wilderness.

Denver

Denver is perfect for couples who want both city experiences and nearby mountain adventures. With rooftop restaurants, artsy neighborhoods, museums, breweries, speakeasies, & short drives to the foothills, Denver works especially well for couples planning a fun urban elopement with a touch of natural beauty.

A bride and groom stand together in the snow, holding hands with arms raised, surrounded by snowy trees and mountains in the background—a perfect Colorado Elopement scene.

Aspen

Aspen is one of Colorado’s most luxurious mountain destinations known for its golden fall colors, upscale dining, and world class skiing & snowboarding. It’s perfect for couples dreaming of an elevated mountain experience with beautiful lodging, fine dining, and epic adventure woven together.

Best Colorado Elopement Locations by Scenery & Experience

A bride and groom stand together on rocky ground by a lake, surrounded by forest and mountains, facing each other—a breathtaking Colorado Elopement scene.

Best Alpine Lake Elopement Locations

  • San Juan Mountains
  • RMNP
  • Crested Butte
  • Buena Vista
A couple stands together in a mountain meadow surrounded by wildflowers, with rocky hills and a blue sky with clouds in the background—capturing the magic of a Colorado Elopement.

Best Wildflower Elopement Locations

A couple in wedding attire stands on Colorado red rock formations under a blue sky with a few clouds, capturing the spirit of a stunning Colorado elopement.

Best Red Rock Elopement Locations

A couple in formal attire walks hand in hand across a snowy landscape, leaving footprints behind, with pine trees and mountains in the background—a picture-perfect Colorado elopement.

Best Winter Elopement Locations

  • Breckenridge
  • Rocky Mountain National Park
  • Telluride
  • Aspen
A bride and groom pose at a Colorado elopement ceremony site with a floral arch, mountains, and a lake in the background.

Best Easy Access Elopement Locations

A bride and groom stand on a rocky ledge by a mountain lake, surrounded by trees and mountains, with the sun setting in the background—a magical Colorado elopement.

Best Hiking Elopement Locations

Top Colorado Elopement Venues

If you want to combine epic scenery with a little extra comfort, privacy, and space to celebrate with loved ones, Colorado has wonderful elopement & micro wedding venues available. Featuring mountaintop observatories, secluded treehouses, and luxury ranches, these venues help create esteemed adventure.

  • A small Colorado elopement unfolds outdoors on a grassy area with wooden benches, surrounded by mountains and overlooking a scenic valley.
  • Stone church with arched windows sits on a rocky hilltop, surrounded by autumn trees—an idyllic Colorado elopement setting—with mountains and a blue sky in the background.
  • A couple stands facing each other during a Colorado elopement by a lake, with mountains in the background and guests seated on white chairs.
  • A small Alta Lakes Observatory Wedding unfolds beside a lake, surrounded by pine trees and mountains, with guests seated on wooden chairs facing the couple and officiant.
Sample

Colorado Elopement Timeline

One of the biggest advantages of eloping is having the freedom to enjoy the calm of a wedding day that flows naturally instead of being rushed from event to event. A great Colorado elopement timeline allows space to slow down, explore, soak in the scenery, and actually experience the moments of committing your lives to one another—not just pose for it.

Whether your dream day includes hiking, off-roading, skiing, kayaking, soaking in hot springs, or simply watching the sunrise while wrapped in blankets with hot coffee between your hands, your timeline should reflect your relationship and unique personalities.

Below are three sample Colorado elopement timelines:

  • 5:00A Meet at mountain lake
    5:00 Change into wedding attire, first look followed by star photos
    5:45 Sunrise & explore lake trail
    6:00 Drive to off roading adventure & breakfast picnic at top
    10:00am-3:00pm Break: rest & relax

    3:00P Meet at airbnb
    3:00 Getting ready photos & details
    4:00 Depart for ceremony
    5:00 Ceremony at waterfall
    5:30 Group photos & picnic
    6:00 Newlywed photos 
    Guests depart
    Go on an evening hike
    8:30 Sunset 
    9:00 Blue hour photos
    9:15 Drive back to town
    10:00 Nightcap & hot tub 
    11:00 Goodnight to the best day!!

  • 3:00 Meet at Rental
    3:00 Getting ready photos + details
    4:00 Depart for RMNP
    4:30 First look at mountain overlook, followed by exploring
    5:45 Meet guests at Sprague Lake 
    6:00 Ceremony  
    6:30 Family photos + celebration (cake, cupcakes, picnic, etc.)
    7:15 Guests depart | Newlywed adventure begins!
    8:20  Sunset into blue hour photos 🌙
    9:00P Goodnight to the BEST DAY! 

  • Day One

    3:00P Meet at rental + getting ready photos + details
    4:00 Drive to trailhead
    4:30 Begin Hike
    4:30 Explore mountain trail with vows along the way
    8:30 Sunset First Dance
    9:00 Private Chef Dinner at lodging


    Day Two
    3:00P Meet at Lake Mariana
    3:15 Jet Ski Adventure
    5:00 Finish water activities, change outfits, + drive to mountain overlook
    6:30 Mountain top picnic + board games
    8:30 Sunset
    9:00 Blue hour photos
    10:00 Star photos
    11:00 Goodnight to the best day!!

Two men in suits sit on a stone wall in front of a sign covered with stickers, with mountains, trees, and a blue sky setting the scene for their Colorado elopement.
A bride and groom stand close together by a lake, surrounded by greenery and colorful foliage, capturing the magic of a Colorado elopement, with the bride in a white dress and veil and the groom in a gray suit.
Two women dressed in wedding attire hold hands while standing in the snow, set against Colorado elopement scenery with snow-covered mountains and a vibrant blue sky.
A couple in wedding attire kisses outdoors at sunset, holding a "Welcome The Rogers" sign with mountains and a lake behind them—capturing the magic of a Colorado Elopement.
A couple in wedding attire embraces in a forest with yellow autumn leaves during their Colorado Elopement; the groom kisses the bride's neck while she faces slightly upward.
A groom in a suit lifts and kisses a bride in a white dress outdoors, with a backdrop of rugged mountains and a blue sky—capturing the magic of a Colorado Elopement.
A man in a white shirt and suspenders kisses the hand of a woman in a tan hat and white dress by a stream, capturing the romance of a Colorado Elopement.
A bride and groom share a kiss during a dip in front of a lake and mountain backdrop, with seated guests watching outdoors at their Colorado Elopement.

Colorado Elopement Tips

A bride and groom kiss on a rocky mountain landscape with snow-capped peaks and a colorful sky in the background, capturing the magic of a Colorado Elopement.
  • Hire an experienced Colorado elopement photographer who knows the ins & outs of the state who will help plan and support you during your adventure.
  • Arrive 2-3 days ahead of your elopement to acclimate to the elevation.
  • Drink lots of water, wear sunscreen, and apply lotion.
  • Bring layers no matter what time of year you get married. A jacket is perhaps the most important accessory, and we recommend gloves because your hands are the first thing to really get cold. In the mountains, the weather can really vary so come prepared just in case it’s chilly.
  • Opt for a full day or multi-day elopement package to really allow yourself to slow down and enjoy your experience and all of its beautiful moments.
  • Practice Leave No Trace Principles to help protect the environment so that future generations can also elope here.
  • Bring your dog! Colorado is very dog-friendly, and in some counties, they can ‘sign’ your marriage license as witnesses 🐾

Colorado Elopement FAQs

Yes! Colorado is one of the few states that allows self-solemnization. This means you can legally get married without an officiant or witnesses.

Technically, your marriage license costs $30, and that’s the bare minimum you need to legally get married. Moreover, most Colorado elopements range between $5,000-$20,000+ depending on location, lodging, activities, and vendors.

Late June through early October are the most popular months for Colorado elopements due to warmer weather, accessible mountain trails, wildflowers, and fall colors.

A bride and groom stand on logs by a clear lake, surrounded by forest and mountains, their reflection shimmering in the water beneath a bright blue sky—a picture-perfect Colorado Elopement.
Two men in suits sit on a stone wall in front of a sign covered with stickers, with mountains, trees, and a blue sky setting the scene for their Colorado elopement.

Some locations require permits while others do not. National Parks, state parks, and popular outdoor spaces usually require ceremony or photography permits.

Absolutely! Colorado is very dog-friendly, though some locations like Rocky Mountain National Park have restrictions.

Layers are key. Colorado weather changes quickly, especially in the mountains. Hiking boots, warm jackets, and comfortable attire are recommended.

Ready to Plan Your Colorado Elopement?

Whether you’re dreaming of exchanging vows beside an alpine lake, hiking through wildflowers, soaking in hot springs beneath snowy peaks, or exploring the colorful San Juan Mountains, we’d love to help you create an experience that feels deeply intentional and uniquely yours. As Colorado elopement photographers and planners, we help couples craft immersive wedding adventures rooted in connection, exploration, and the beauty of the natural world.

✨ Reach out and let’s start dreaming up your Colorado elopement adventure.

A man giving a piggyback ride to a woman by a lake with mountains in the background. Both are smiling and dressed in casual clothes and hats, capturing the joy of their Colorado elopement.

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