Colorado is an incredible location for couples choosing to elope. From the breathtaking views, epic adventures, and ability to create a wedding ceremony utterly personal to your relationship – it’s a no-brainer! Many choose to elope in Colorado as it is one of the few states where couples can legally marry without an officiant or witnesses. This allows couples to focus on their relationship and have an intimate and private ceremony. As a Colorado elopement photographer, many of my couples choose this route for their wedding day. Whether you’re planning a sunrise mountaintop elopement or an intimate vow exchange in the forest, self-solemnizing means there are no rules! Just you, your love, and your promises to one another. Throughout the blog, I’ll share more on self-solemnization and why you may be interested in your Colorado elopement.

What is Self-Solemnization?

Self-solemnization is one of the most excellent perks of eloping in Colorado. This is a legal way to marry without an officiant or witnesses. Instead of having a religious or otherwise ordained official perform your ceremony, you and your partner can act as your officiant. You’ll sign your marriage license yourselves to make it official. It’s such a unique addition to your wedding day! Only a few states allow this, making it a dreamy spot for couples who want a truly personal and adventurous wedding day experience.

How Does Self-Solemnization Work in Colorado?

This type of ceremony in Colorado is super simple! There are just a few steps to remember if you skip the officiant and have a personal wedding day experience. First, you’ll obtain a marriage license (just like you would if you were having a regular officiant there). This can be done at any Colorado county clerk’s office. Next, you’ll get to the good part: making promises to your partner. However you choose! Perhaps you’re in a family member’s backyard or a national park – it’s your call! I always recommend still working from a semi-traditional ceremony outline, so that you don’t miss out of any of the wonderful parts of a full wedding ceremony. So, including written and spoken vows to each other, a ring exchange, and a kiss to seal the deal ensures you adequately honor such a special occation, and sets any ceremony photos apart from wedding portraits. Be sure to also sign your marriage license to make it official! Lastly, after your elopement, you’ll return the completed license to the county clerk’s office, where they record the marriage! It’s that simple.

Why Choose a Self-Solemnized Elopement?

I work with many capable, thoughtful and talented officiants on a regular basis and am always happy to provide recommendations for pros who will make your day a breeze. But if you opt to self solemnize, here are a few perks and differences when you decide to take the diy approach!

Total Freedom + Personalization

You’ll have complete creative control over what your Colorado elopement ceremony looks like. This is where you can make things as unique and personal to your relationship as possible. Perhaps you and your partner love to hike and be outdoors and exchange vows during your hike. Whatever your dream day looks like, do it! The day is yours to plan and design, and say whatever you’d like.

No Need for an Officiant

You are automatically removing a planning step from your process, so if you are a ‘keep it simple’ kind of duo, you can save yourself one more planning step! Without an officiant, you’re off the hook for finding, booking, and coordinating with an officiant for your wedding. But of course your are ON the hook for creating a ceremony plan you can execute together as a couple!

A Meaningful + Intimate Experience

There’s nothing more incredible than standing with your partner, saying vows with no one else present (expect a photographer to capture this moment!). After all, these promises are being made to one another, not anyone else! Often, these private ceremonies allow for more emotional moments as there’s no added pressure from guests listening in or watching. It’s simply about the love you and your partner share. You can focus on your commitment and your partner in a beautiful place.

Self-Solemnization is Perfect for Adventure Elopements

If you’re choosing to elope in Colorado, you’re probably one who loves adventure. A self-solemnized elopement ceremony is a great option for those who choose to elope in remote locations. There’s no worrying about finding a spot the officiant can find; instead, you can focus on the adventure and experience!

You Can Still Include Guests or Pets!

While guests are not required during a self-solemnized ceremony, you can still invite family and friends to celebrate your big day. Some couples even bring their dogs to their ceremony and have them ‘sign’ the marriage license with a paw print! Colorado allows pets to be witnesses on marriage licenses, allowing couples to make their wedding day that much more personal. How you want to celebrate is up to you and your partner.

Self-solemnization is one of the most personal, unique, and memorable ways to elope, giving you complete freedom to make your wedding day exactly as you dream it. Whether you and your partner want to hike to a remote scenic location, exchange vows by a lake, or enjoy a stress-free private ceremony, you can do that! Self-solemnizing in Colorado allows you to celebrate your love however you choose.

Are you planning to elope in Colorado and looking for more tips and inspiration? Check out more blogs with tips here.

Are you already dreaming of an incredible Colorado elopement photography experience with me? Let’s make it happen!