How to Plan a Camping Elopement

How to Plan a Camping Elopement

You may be wondering how to plan a camping elopement, and we’re here to help!  Planning a camping elopement is fun and filled with many options for you to curate the best experience possible!  The spectrum of ways to camp ranges from simple tent camping to more luxurious set-ups like yurts or bubbles. We’ll explore all of the options that are available to you!

Moreover, there are a plethora of activities that camping can allow you to do efficiently.  Identifying what specific activities you want to do will help determine a lot of the details such as location and time of year.  

This blog will inform you of the various benefits, ways, campsites, and where to look for vital camping information throughout your time outdoors.  We’ve also included a list of things to bring so that you are completely prepared for whatever the elements may be doing!  

Purpose of a Camping Elopement

When we got married, we wanted to be immersed in the outdoors.  It was less about having a “beautiful backdrop” and more about exploring a new place.  We dove into the water, spelunked inside of limestone, cruised around on a long-tail boat, and danced with the wind!  Wild places are free from advertisements and distractions.  By not having signs telling you where to go or what you should do, being fully present becomes much easier.  Your experience can also take on a deeper level and more significant meaning. 

Benefits of a Camping Elopement 

Camping elopements allow you to connect with nature in a more direct and meaningful way.  Seeing a sky full of stars, feeling the warmth of a campfire, dipping your toes in the bottom of a waterfall, and smelling fresh pine and lavender are all ways to forge a deeper connection with the natural world and simultaneously, a deeper connection with your partner.  You also don’t have to drive or travel as far (or even at all) to get to your elopement location. Perhaps the greatest benefit of a camping elopement is that you can bring your dogs!

Different Ways to Camp

Whether you pitch a tent, hitch up a camper, or drive a motorhome, there are several ways to spend the night in a more remote location.  There are also designated areas with dispersed camping, which is typically first come, first-served.  If you’ve never driven or towed a large camper and are apprehensive about it in any way, the tent camping options or more structured rentals allow you to travel in your regular vehicle.  You can even splurge on something fancier, which is considered to be glamorous camping or glamping for short!

Glamping Elopement

Glamping consists of a pre-pitched tent, yurt, bubble, cabin, or other structure equipped with beds and other furnishings.  Some glamping sites have amenities such as provided meals, plumbing, excursions, massages, hot tubs, and more.  Furthermore, bubbles are a great way to enjoy nature within the comfort of your own observation globe. All of these unique lodging options make for some adorable places to take getting ready photos!

Colorado Campsites

There are just so many great campsites in Colorado, several of which we have personally stayed.  The following are campsites we recommend, and keep in mind that there are plenty more than just the following list. 

Colorado KOA Campgrounds – In general, if you need a campsite, the KOA campgrounds are all great.  Overall, they’re well-lit, clean, and have all the amenities you will need including showers, electric plug-ins, and dump stations.  

Colorado State Parks Camping – This is a great resource for finding the perfect campground to accommodate various activities you enjoy.

Recreation.gov – Here is a great site for finding and reserving campgrounds all across the United States.

Embrace the Elements

When at elevation, particularly when the seasons are changing, the weather can do some wild things!  For example, we camped toward the end of May one year, and the weather was 70 degrees when we arrived.  The following day, 18 inches of snow fell upon the ground and the temperatures plummeted.  A couple of days later, the temperatures reached back into the 60s.  This is one of the more drastic changes, and large shifts in weather happen all of the time.  

Rainfall in the mountains is often a part of the weather forecast, although it usually will only rain intermittently.  At high elevations, clouds will roll through more quickly and rain typically does not sit over one place for extended periods of time.  If you end up getting some rain during your elopement, feel lucky and have fun with it!  An umbrella, rain coats, and a positive attitude are great ways to embrace the moisture!  Additionally, rain can make for romantic, emotional portraits, and brings a little bit of playfulness to your elopement!  

Fire bans, water health, and weather are all things that are critical to be aware of while you embark on getting married.  

Furthermore, most campgrounds close in the winter.  If you want snow during your elopement, renting a cabin or other property will be the path of least resistance in regards to lodging.  

Remember to bring layers and clothes for a variation of temperatures no matter when you camp, even in the summer.  Always bring plenty of layers for any type of weather, especially the higher up you are! 

Also, please always remember the 7 Leave No Trace Principles whenever you interact with our beautiful, natural world!

What to Bring for your Camping Elopement

Besides the basics like food and clothing, the following list goes into more detail as to what items you might benefit from when camping: