A couple in wedding attire embraces on a hill next to a serene lake with mountains in the background under a clear sky, capturing a magical moment with the expertise of an Ouray elopement photographer.

Ouray Elopement Guide 2025

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A bride and groom stand in front of a mountainous backdrop, surrounded by vibrant wildflowers during their Ouray elopement on Yankee Boy Basin. They are gazing into the distance, with the groom's arm around the bride's shoulder.

Ouray Elopement

If you want to plan a Ouray elopement of your own, this Ouray Elopement Guide will help you better understand how to do so. Pronounced “yur-ray,” this small and mighty mountain town has some of the most incredible landscapes to explore in all of Colorado. When it comes to visceral mountain experiences, Ouray will absolutely melt your heart and leave you breathless. Discover Ouray elopement locations, Ouray elopement tips, how to choose a Ouray elopement photographer, and more!

A newlywed couple in formal attire dances at sunset in the San Juan Mountains during their Ouray elopement on Yankee Boy Basin.
A newlywed couple in wedding attire embraces on a rock beside an orange-ish section of Uncompahgre River as it flows through reddish-brown rocks and surrounding greenery during an intimate Ouray elopement.
A woman in a white dress stands on rocky terrain with a mountain backdrop, holding out her dress like wings, capturing the essence of an Ouray elopement.
This Ouray wedding photo shows a newlywed couple stands hand in hand looking up at tall aspen trees in a forest with sunlight filtering through the leaves during their their Ouray elopement.
A newlywed couple dressed in formal attire dances and shares a dip in the middle of Main Street in the small town of Ouray, Colorado with the San Juan Mountains in the background. The woman is in a red elopement dress and the man in a black suit, as they share sunset golden hour together.

Switzerland of America

Ouray’s nickname is Switzerland of America due to the towering peaks of the surrounding San Juan Mountain range that rise directly above the town. Located at 7,792 feet above sea level, Ouray has a natural alpine environment as well as four distinct seasons. The population is just under 1,000 total people.

A newlywed couple wearing wedding attire embrace beside a flowing river in a forested area of the San Juan Mountains during their Ouray elopement on Governor Basin.
A bride and groom stand on the shoreline of Crystal Lake at dawn during their enchanting Ouray elopement while holding lanterns with the San Juan Mountains visible in the background.
A woman in a white wedding dress stands on a boulder beside Wrights Lake with the San Juan Mountains in the background and the sun's rays shining brightly over the horizon during her Ouray elopement on Yankee Boy Basin.
This Ouray wedding photo shows a bride and groom in formal attire holding hands while leaning back on a forest path surrounded by tall trees and greenery during their Ouray elopement.
A couple in formal attire sits on a rock by Crystal Lake in Ouray, Colorado surrounded by vibrant and colorful wildflowers flowers with a reflection of a golden-lit mountain in the water during their elopement.

Best Ouray Elopement Locations

Ouray, Colorado is a sacred place. These are the best Ouray elopement locations that we will mention here! Leaving no trace and protecting the land is at the forefront of everything that we do. Reach out if you want to explore off the beaten path in this incredible place!

💕 Holler at us! 💕

Uncompahgre River

A newlywed couple stand on a boulder holding hands in front of a cascading waterfall of the Uncompahgre River surrounded by lush greenery and reddish rocks, perfectly capturing their Ouray elopement.

Governor Basin

A bride and groom in wedding attire dance together in front of the mountainous landscape of Governor Basin in the San Juan Mountains with pine trees in the foreground during their Ouray elopement.

Crystal Lake

A bride and groom dance hand in hand together on a grassy path near Crystal Lake with forested hills and reddish peaks of the San Juan Mountains in the background during their serene Ouray elopement.

Million Dollar Highway

A newlywed couple skip hand in hand on a winding section of the Million Dollar Highway surrounded by pine trees and mountains during their Ouray elopement.

Wrights Lake

A bride and groom in formal attire stand smiling at each other by Wrights Lake with the peaks of the San Juan Mountains in the background during their magical Ouray elopement above Yankee Boy Basin.

Yankee Boy Basin

Two brides in formal attire exchange vows at the top of Yankee Boy Basin during their Ouray elopement. They stand on rocky terrain with a small pond and the rugged peaks of the San Juan Mountains in the background, under a clear sky.

Ouray Elopement Tips

There are many things to consider when getting married in Ouray. The following Ouray elopement tips will help you prepare for your big day, especially if you are coming from closer to sea level. One of the most important tips we can point out is always remember to Leave No Trace.

👗 Dreamy Elopement Dress Ideas 👗
  • Arrive a few days early to acclimate to the elevation
  • Drink lots of water throughout every day
  • Bring clothes for any type of weather – layers & light jackets, hiking boots, gloves, and hats are always good to have.
  • As with most small mountain towns, restaurants close early so keep that in mind as you make plans.
A black and white photo of a bride and groom as they embrace and share an intimate moment with the San Juan Mountains and forested hills behind them during their Ouray elopement on Yankee Boy Basin.

Ouray County Clerk & Recorder Marriage License

A newlywed couple dressed in wedding attire sit on a blanket outdoors with their two dogs, one wearing a bow tie. The couple is smiling and holding the dogs against a backdrop of greenery while signing their Ouray County marriage license during their Yankee Boy Basin elopement.

You can walk in and obtain your marriage license at the Ouray County Clerk. You cannot make an appointment ahead of time. You will need both parties present with picture IDs like a valid driver’s license or passport. The total cost is $30, payable by cash or check only.

Choosing a Ouray Elopement Photographer

When looking for a Ouray elopement photographer, make sure that they have quality experience in the area. From Ouray, it’s easy to access other mountain towns like Telluride, Ridgway, and Silverton, which means that your experience can take you in many directions. Having a proficient, experienced photographer who knows the area well is incredibly advantageous. If you want to know more about us and how we can help you, please check out our story below!

📸 Meet your Ouray Elopement Photographer Team 📸
A bride in a white dress and a groom in a blue suit embrace on a mountain cliff at sunset during their Ouray elopement on Yankee Boy Basin. The bride's dress flows in the breeze ash she holds it behind her and smiles at her partner.
A couple relaxes together in an orange hammock set up between trees in a forested area with a stream running nearby, capturing the perfect moment for their Ouray elopement.
A bride and groom dressed in wedding attire walk hand-in-hand through a green meadow with colorful wildflowers accompanied by their two dogs during their Ouray elopement on Yankee Boy Basin.
A bride and groom in traditional wedding attire embrace and face each other during their Ouray elopement on a mountain trail high in the San Juan Mountains above Yankee Boy Basin, surrounded by green hills and peaks. The woman's white dress has a long train blowing in the wind.
A bride in a white dress and a groom in a blue suit stand among vibrant and colorful wildflowers, with the stunning San Juan Mountains in the background during their Ouray elopement on Yankee Boy Basin.
A newlywed couple dressed in wedding attire dance and share a dramatic dip on the two yellow lines in the middle of the Million Dollar Highway beneath a rounded tunnel with rocky walls with the San Juan Mountains in the distance seen through the tunnel during their Ouray elopement.

Ouray Wedding Lodging

Finding Ouray wedding lodging is worth doing in advance, especially if you want to get married during the summer. There are only a handful of hotels and airbnbs directly in town, so you can never plan too far in advance. When looking for a place to stay, consider the aesthetic and make sure it matches your vibe. Getting ready photos, first look photos, and playful newlywed portraits can all be enhanced if your lodging is charming! Here are a few places we have visited and recommend:

A bride in a white wedding dress sits in a garden tub near a window while holding a bottle of champagne during her Ouray elopement at The Western Hotel in Ouray. A tall potted plant is placed beside the tub.

The Western Hotel

AlpLily Inn

Hotel Ouray

Black Bear Manor

Wiesbaden Hot Springs

A woman and a man stand on different levels of a white wooden staircase connected to a building. The sky is bright with scattered clouds, and a rocky hillside is visible in the background, capturing the serene beauty of their Ouray elopement.
A wedding couple sits at a table in a rustic room with peeling paint and greenery in the Western Hotel during their Ouray elopement. The bride wears a white dress, and the groom wears a suit as they enjoy the ambiance of wooden paneling and decorative plants.
A bride and groom sit together facing away from the camera, their reflection visible in a large mirror under a deer head mounted on the wall in a rustic room with high wooden ceilings during their Ouray elopement at The Western Hotel.
A bride in a white dress and veil, and a groom in a blue suit sit across from each other at a table holding hands while surrounded by tall potted plants in a well-lit room during their intimate Ouray elopement at The Western Hotel.
A groom in a black tux stands on the porch of the AlpLily Inn during his Ouray elopement. The Inn is a beige two-story house with white trim and the porch boasts hanging flower baskets while the manicured lawn and hilly background create a romantic setting.
Outdoor sign reading "AIPLILY inn, est. 2013" with an illustration of mountains and flowers, against a backdrop of green trees and mountains under a blue sky – a perfect setting for a Ouray elopement.
A man in a black tuxedo and a woman in a red elopement dress FaceTime with a family member together on the porch of AlpLily Inn during their Ouray elopement. The Inn is adorned with hanging flower baskets and wooden trim.

Ouray Wedding Photos

Your Ouray wedding photos can be anything you want them to be! As you can see below, Ouray has so much variety and versatility within its quaint town and throughout the surrounding areas. If you want to know more about our process and how we plan and capture Ouray wedding photos, please feel free to get in touch!

🌸 Outdoor Wedding Ceremony Arch Ideas 🌸
A newlywed couple in wedding attire embraces on a rock beside an orange-ish section of Uncompahgre River as it flows through reddish-brown rocks and surrounding greenery during an intimate Ouray elopement.
A couple in wedding attire stands on rocky ground near cascading waterfalls, surrounded by lush greenery and pine trees under a blue sky, epitomizing the perfect Ouray elopement.
A bride and groom stand by a dark body of water just before dawn while holding lanterns on the shoreline of Crystal Lake during their Ouray elopement.
A couple in wedding attire stands together in front of the San Juan Mountains during their Ouray elopement at Crystal Lake with one partner in a wedding dress and the other in a blue suit, looking in different directions.
A newlywed couple holds hands and walks down a curved section of the Million Dollar Highway surrounded by trees and hills, with a peak visible in the background during their Ouray elopement.
This Ouray wedding photos shows a couple who sits close together in a field of yellow flowers. The man stoically looks ahead while the woman smiles and glances to the right, capturing the joy of their Ouray elopement. They appear happy and relaxed.
Two people sitting on rocks near a roaring waterfall in a lush, wooded area with blue flowers in the foreground, capturing the essence of an intimate Ouray elopement.
A couple sits on an overlook above Crystal Lake embracing on a grassy hillside with the San Juan Mountains in the background during their intimate Ouray elopement. The man kisses the woman's cheek as they both sit with their eyes closed, savoring the serene moment.
A bride and groom in wedding attire dance together in front of the mountainous landscape of Governor Basin in the San Juan Mountains with pine trees in the foreground during their Ouray elopement.
A black and white photo of a newlywed couple dressed in wedding attire sharing a kiss outdoors with the scenic San Juan Mountains in the background as a light rain falls during their Ouray elopement.
A man in a black tuxedo adjusts his cufflinks while standing in front of the San Juan Mountains with sunlight streaming in during his elegant Ouray elopement on Yankee Boy Basin.
A newlywed couple wearing wedding attire embrace beside a flowing river in a forested area of the San Juan Mountains during their Ouray elopement on Governor Basin.
A newly wed couple in formal attire poses in a dip in front of the San Juan Mountains during their Ouray elopement on Yankee Boy Basin. The groom wears a tuxedo, and the bride pairs her white gown with hiking boots. The mountain is beautifully illuminated by the setting sun.
A bride and groom walk beside Wrights Lake in the San Juan Mountains during their Ouray elopement. The sun's rays shine brightly from the left and the landscape is a vibrant green.
This Ouray wedding photo shows a bride in a white wedding dress and veil stands on Yankee Boy Basin within the San Juan Mountains while holding a bouquet during her Ouray elopement.
Two hands, wearing wedding rings, rest on an aspen tree trunk with noticeable bark damage from a bear's claws during a Ouray elopement.
A newlywed couple sits by Crystal Lake with colorful and vibrant wildflowers in the foreground a bride in a white wedding dress kisses her partner during their Ouray elopement.
A bride and groom stand facing each other and holding hands in front of the San Juan Mountain range during their Ouray elopement. The bride wears a white wedding dress and a long veil while the groom is in a black suit and bow tie.
A couple embraces in a lush green forest with a rocky stream, surrounded by tall pine trees and distant mountains in the background, capturing the magic of their Ouray elopement.
A newlywed couple dressed in wedding attire shares a tender moment with their foreheads together, set against the majestic backdrop of Crystal Lake and the San Juan Mountains during their Ouray elopement.
A bride and groom dressed in wedding attire embrace in front of the San Juan Mountains with green trees, under a blue sky with scattered clouds during their Ouray elopement on Yankee Boy Basin.
This Ouray wedding photo shows a newlywed couple dressed in formal wedding attire share a dance in front of the San Juan Mountains during their Ouray elopement on Yankee Boy Basin.
A couple in red walks down a dirt path surrounded by towering mountains and green vegetation under a partly cloudy sky, capturing the essence of an Ouray elopement.
A newlywed couple in wedding attire stands on a trail in the San Juan Mountains overlooking Crystal Lake with lush greenery surrounding during their Ouray elopement.
A bride and groom sit on rocks near a flowing river in Ouray, wearing formal wedding attire with trees in the background, capturing the essence of an intimate elopement.
A bride in a white dress stands on a boulder holding a bouquet as her groom in a tuxedo holds out his hand towards her with the sun appearing in his palm during their Ouray elopement on Yankee Boy Basin.
A man in a suit lifts a woman in a wedding dress against a mountainous backdrop under the blue skies of an Ouray Elopement.
A couple stands in a scenic mountainous area during their Ouray elopement, with blue flowers in the foreground. The man wears a suit, and the woman, in a white dress, looks up at him. They appear to be laughing.
A bride in a white wedding dress holds a colorful bouquet and smiles with the breathtaking San Juan Mountains in the background during her Ouray elopement on Yankee Boy Basin.
A newly wed groom in a blue suit stands outdoors in front of the San Juan Mountain range, smiling and holding his jacket lapels during his Ouray elopement.
This Ouray wedding photo shows a newlywed bride and groom in formal attire sit on a picnic blanket near a stream with a small waterfall, surrounded by rocks and greenery. Yellow flowers in the foreground partially obscure the view, capturing the serene beauty of a Ouray elopement.

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