The Complete Telluride Elopement Guide 2025
Telluride Elopement Guide
This Telluride elopement guide will walk you through the fundamentals of getting married in Telluride, Colorado! Discover incredible elopement locations, learn how to obtain your marriage license, find fabulous vendors in the area, and more!
How to Elope in Telluride
Learn how to elope in Telluride and see what’s possible on the day you get married! Your search for a Telluride romantic getaway starts and ends here. If you have any specific questions not answered below, please feel free to reach out.
When is the Best Time to Elope in Telluride?
The best time to elope in Telluride is truly year-round! There are 4 distinct seasons, and you can explore during the season that most sets your heart on fire! If you don’t like being cold, we recommend going during the summertime.
The only time not ideal to elope is during winter snowstorms, especially if you are driving to Telluride. It can be difficult to drive in and out of Telluride during snow season, although they do a great job of plowing the roads. If you want to elope in the winter, just allow yourself multiple days when you can get married. It’s all good if you just move your date forward or backward one day, and any of your vendors should be able to work with you.
Is Telluride Busy for Elopements in the Summer?
Located in the San Juan Mountains at 8,750 feet above sea level, Telluride only has a population of around 2,600 people. Telluride is a tourist attraction year-round, although it sees a higher influx of people during the summer months due to the many popular festivals and events.
Furthermore, Telluride is situated between two other small mountain towns called Ophir and Mountain Village. There is a free, spectacular, and scenic gondola ride that connects Telluride to Mountain Village. It’s free to use and is open to the public through April 7th, 2024. It will reopen from May 23, 2024 – October 20th, 2024.
Telluride Elopement Marriage License
There is a county clerk’s office in downtown Telluride, and you can apply for a marriage license on a walk-in basis only. You may apply Monday – Thursday from 7:30 am – 5:00 pm. The fee is $30 and payable by cash or check only. The license must be signed in Colorado within 35 days of your receipt and turned in within 63 days of signing.
Telluride Elopement Photographer
As a Telluride elopement photographer team, we can prepare you and help you plan your ultimate dream day! With over 7 years of experience and more than 200 elopements and intimate weddings photographed, allow our expertise to guide you throughout the entire process. Telluride and the surrounding areas of the San Juan Mountains feature some of the most wonderful experiences in all of Colorado!
Telluride Colorado Elopement Locations
There are many Telluride Colorado elopement locations, and below are a few of our favorites. Of course, there are plenty of incredible and lesser-known locations accessible that might require a bit of hiking. We can also help you find more private spaces so please reach out if you have any questions!
Bridal Veil Falls – This is the largest waterfall in all of Colorado at 607 feet! There are two ways to access the falls. If you have a 4WD vehicle with a decent lift, you can simply drive about 25 minutes to the base of the falls from downtown Telluride. You can also hike 2 miles out and back (859 feet elevation gain), and the advantage of hiking is that you can see 2 other waterfalls along the way.
Trout Lake – Technically, this lake is located in Ophir, Colorado and is 14 miles from downtown Telluride. Trout Lake is surrounded by mountains and is a fantastic space for water activities.
The Observatory at Alta Lakes – These three high alpine lakes are breathtaking! Two of the lakes are public, and the highest lake is accessible only to those who reserve the observatory, which is a combination of an outdoor ceremony site, Airbnb, and reception venue. There is even a ghost town with abandoned mines in the area.
Jud Wiebe Trail – At 3 miles in length and just over 1,200 feet of elevation gain, this challenging trail offers stunning bird’s eye visuals of Telluride and the surrounding valley. The trail is accessible from the town of Telluride near Corney Creek.
Bear Creek Falls – This waterfall is accessible via a moderately difficult 4.5-mile hike that includes approximately 1,100 feet of elevation gained. Keep in mind that you will be nearly 10,000 feet above sea level upon reaching Bear Creek Falls. The challenge is worth it, as the landscape is truly magical!
San Sophia Overlook – This stunning space is reserved and intended for larger events. For more information on this location and other luxurious mountain venue locations, check here.
Things to do in Telluride
Plan your elopement around something seasonal that you want to do! There are many delightful festivals throughout the year as well as great winter activities awaiting you in Telluride. Below are some of our favorites:
Telluride Elopement Packages
Our Telluride elopement packages start at $5,00. You can choose from a variety of options tailored to your needs, ranging from an intimate 4-hour ceremony adventure to a leisurely 2-day affair. Unique and custom elopement packages are available as well.
Telluride Romantic Getaway
If you’re looking to get married and plan a Telluride romantic getaway, there are many facets that help create the day of your dreams. As fellow romantics, we understand the finesse and thoughtfulness that goes into communicating your love and affection. We would be delighted to collaborate together and bring your wildest dreams to the sweetest fruition!
Telluride Elopement Reception Venues
The following Telluride elopement reception locations provide the perfect blend of natural lighting, elegant decor, and a warm atmosphere. Most can accommodate gatherings of up to 30 or more. Each venue promises an unforgettable setting for your special day whether you are looking to have your reception or just reserve for a small dinner.
- 221 South Oak
- New Sheridan Hotel
- La Marmotte
- The View at Mountain Lodge
- Telluride Sleighs and Wagons
- Madeline Hotel & Residence
Telluride Elopement Vendors
