Best Colorado Elopement Locations for Your Big Day

When you’re planning a Colorado elopement, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is where to say your vows. There are so many breathtaking Colorado elopement locations, from snow-dusted peaks to golden aspen groves, but choosing the right one is about more than just scenery. It’s about finding a place that feels like you. A place that matches the energy of your relationship and the emotion of the moment. As a Colorado elopement photographer, I’ve helped couples find unforgettable places to say “I do.” Here’s how to choose a Colorado elopement location that’s just as meaningful as the promises you’re making.

Bride reads vows to her groom during a heartfelt ceremony at one of the serene Colorado elopement locations by the water.

Newlyweds throw the bouquet into the air with excitement after tying the knot beside the lake and mountains.

Bride and groom popping champagne and laughing in an open mountain meadow, one of the more joyful Colorado elopement locations.

Quick Guide: Choosing Your Colorado Elopement Location

Start with Your Vision
Who’s Coming With You?
Best Time of Year to Elope
Planning for Comfort + Access
Popular vs Hidden Gems
Activities to Add to Your Day
Make It a Honeymoon
How I Help as Your Photographer
What Really Matters Most
FAQs

Bride and groom looking out at the lake together, soaking in the moment just after saying "I do."

Soft pink peonies in the foreground with the couple and officiant blurred in the background, capturing romantic wedding details.

Tips for Choosing the Best Colorado Elopement Locations

Close-up of bride and groom holding hands beside a rocky shoreline during their elopement.

Start with Your Vision (and Values)

Just married couple shares a kiss lakeside with a stunning mountain backdrop, capturing the romance of Colorado elopement locations.

Before you start browsing trail maps or Googling “pretty mountain spots,” slow down and ask yourselves what kind of experience you want. Do you imagine something quiet and private, or full of joyful energy with a few close guests? Are you planning to bring your pup? Will you be hiking in a dress or a suit? Do you want to incorporate cultural or family traditions? Your answers will help narrow down which Colorado elopement locations are the right fit for your big day.

Some couples want that dramatic cliffside view. Others want to say “I do” in a wildflower field or under towering pines. Whatever your vibe, your location should reflect what matters most to you, not just what looks good on social media or is the most popular. This day is all about celebrating you and your partner!

Bride and groom hold hands and lock eyes at the water’s edge, fully present in their intimate elopement moment.

Who’s Coming with You?

The number of guests plays a huge role in determining your location choice. If you’re eloping just the two of you, you have tons of options! From a peaceful lake to a sunrise summit. However, if you’re including loved ones, even just a handful, you’ll want to think about accessibility, seating, parking, and space. Some Colorado elopement locations work perfectly for small groups (like meadows near trailheads or scenic overlooks with minimal hiking), while others are best kept intimate due to their remoteness or size.

Framed through a twisted tree branch, the couple exchanges vows with a mountain reservoir as their ceremony backdrop—one of many scenic Colorado elopement locations.

Close-up of a woven basket filled with soft pink peonies resting on the Colorado dirt, adding a romantic touch to the elopement scene.

Couple walks hand in hand along the shoreline, captured through the branches of a pine tree after their lakeside ceremony.

Match the Season with the Scenery

Colorado’s landscapes change dramatically with the seasons, and that’s part of what makes Colorado elopement locations so incredible. Check out my seasonal guide blog, where I break down which season may be best for your big day. Otherwise, here’s a quick rundown of Colorado throughout the year.

Spring is when everything starts waking up, rivers are flowing, flowers are blooming, but yep, you might still run into some snow in the mountains. Summer’s great if you want to get up high, most trails are open, and the valleys are green. Fall is an absolute showstopper with its colorful fall foliage everywhere you look. And if you’re into snow and cozy vibes, winter has this peaceful vibe that’s honestly kind of perfect.

Each season brings its own kind of beauty and its own logistical quirks. Mud season, snowpack, wildfire restrictions, and early sunsets are all things to consider when choosing where (and when) to elope.

Playful moment between bride and groom as they laugh beside the water with mountain peaks rising behind them.

Dreamy photo of the couple holding hands with blurred foreground reflections, celebrating their ceremony at a Colorado elopement location.

Newlyweds embrace joyfully with soft florals in hand, surrounded by pine-covered mountains at a lakeside Colorado elopement location.

Plan for Comfort and Accessibility When Choosing the Best Colorado Elopement Locations

Not every jaw-dropping overlook is easy to get to, and that’s okay! When choosing from the many Colorado elopement locations, it’s crucial to weigh practical details just as much as aesthetics.

Here are a few things to consider before choosing your elopement spot:

How far is the location from where you’re staying?
Will you or your guests need to hike, and if so, how difficult is the trail?
Is there reliable parking?
Do you need a permit or reservation?
How will the altitude affect you or your guests?

Bride and groom share an emotional forehead touch beside the lake at one of the most romantic Colorado elopement locations.

Bride and groom stand hand in hand on a rocky ledge, looking out toward the horizon with calm expressions and mountain views.

As your Denver elopement photographer, I’ve explored countless spots and know exactly how to match the details to your dream vision. I’ll guide you to the best fit, and have a Plan B in case the weather shifts.

Bride and groom share a joyful walk beside the lake, her bouquet in hand and smiles wide under the cloudy Colorado sky.

Popular Colorado Elopement Locations vs. Hidden Gems

Newlyweds walk hand in hand along the shoreline, enjoying a quiet moment together after their vows.

Bride playfully snaps a photo with a disposable camera, adding a fun and personal touch to her lakeside Colorado elopement.

Some Colorado elopement locations are famous for a reason, places like Rocky Mountain National Park, Garden of the Gods, and Maroon Bells are truly iconic. But with popularity, you might run into crowds or have to deal with more regulations. Some places even require booking far in advance! Luckily, there are so many hidden gems across the state that offer just as much beauty with far more intimacy. From quiet lakes to golden meadows no one knows about (yet), these lesser-known locations allow for a more personal experience, and often better flexibility with timing and permits. I love helping couples discover those “off-the-radar” places that still feel totally epic.

What Can You Do There?

Bride wraps her arms around the groom as they stand on the rocks above the water, with Colorado mountains in the distance.

Think beyond the ceremony. What kind of experience do you want your elopement day to include? Colorado elopement locations offer endless opportunities for adventure and connection. You could take a sunrise hike, paddle across a lake, pop champagne in a wildflower meadow, or soak in a hot spring after your vows. You might even plan a Jeep tour or stargazing session under the clear mountain sky. Your location can help set the tone for all of this.

Bride leans on her groom with a soft smile as they pose along the rocky lakeshore after their Colorado elopement.

Couple embraces while gazing at the lake and mountains, soaking in their private moment at a peaceful Colorado elopement location.

Groom dips the bride for a romantic kiss in a field of yellow wildflowers, one of the most picturesque Colorado elopement locations.

Make It a Honeymoon, Too

One of the perks of eloping in Colorado is that you can turn your location into the start of a once-in-a-lifetime honeymoon. Want to stay close to Denver after your big day?

Four Seasons Hotel Denver: Treat yourselves to luxurious city living, think spa days or soaking in the rooftop pool while gazing at the mountains.
The Brown Palace Hotel & Spa: This historic gem serves up afternoon tea in its gorgeous atrium and often hosts live jazz, right in the heart of downtown.
Hotel Teatro: This boutique hotel has a charming, intimate feel. Some rooms even have fireplaces if you’re into cozy nights in.

If you’re looking for a full mountain escape, The Hotel Telluride is a romantic chalet-style stay surrounded by mountain views and forest trails, with that quiet small-town charm Telluride is known for. Whether you’re winding down in the city or extending your adventure in the mountains, choosing the right place to stay adds a sweet chapter to your elopement story.

Groom stands confidently in a mountain meadow, with distant peaks hinting at the beauty of Colorado elopement locations.

Couple shares a genuine laugh while standing among wildflowers, capturing the joy of their elopement in the Rockies.

Your Photographer Knows the Landscape (Literally)

As a Colorado elopement photographer, I do a lot more than take pretty pictures. I help couples find the best Colorado elopement locations tailored to their unique needs, taking into account various factors such as season, vision, accessibility, and even lighting. I’ll help with permits, recommend trails or venues, build timelines that allow you to relax and be present, and, of course, document every candid and joyful moment.

Wide, dramatic shot of the couple standing together in an open mountain field, dwarfed by sky and stone—a breathtaking Colorado elopement location.

My goal is to take the stress off your plate so you can focus on what this day is really about: your love.

Let the Meaning Lead

Ultimately, the best Colorado elopement location isn’t the one with the highest peak or most likes on Instagram. It’s the one that feels like home. That could be a quiet mountaintop, a favorite forest trail, or even a family member’s backyard; it’s all about what feels true to you.

Blurred champagne spray captures the excitement as the newlyweds pop a bottle at their Colorado elopement location.

Couple links arms and sips champagne in front of the mountains, marking their elopement with a fun and romantic toast.

Groom pours champagne into a flute while the bride smiles, celebrating in a quiet meadow with the Rockies rising behind them.

FAQs About Colorado Elopement Locations

Just married couple laughing and holding hands in an open mountain valley, glowing after their elopement ceremony.

Do I need a permit to elope in Colorado? Often, yes, many public lands and national parks require a permit for even the smallest ceremonies. I can help point you in the right direction for the permit you need, so there’s no reason to stress! Some other rare gems don’t require a permit, especially if it’s just the two of you.

Can we bring guests to our elopement location? Absolutely! Some locations are perfect for intimate gatherings, while others are best suited for just the two of you. I’ll help suggest a spot that comfortably fits your vision and guest list.

Wide-angle shot of the couple walking down the open road with snowcapped peaks behind them, highlighting the adventure of Colorado elopement locations.

Bride and groom walking hand in hand along a mountain road, full of joy and wind-blown romance at one of the most scenic Colorado elopement locations.

What’s the best time of year to elope in Colorado? It depends on the vibe you’re going for! Check out my seasonal guide, where I share all the information on the best time of year for your big day.

What happens if the weather doesn’t cooperate? I always recommend having a Plan B, and I’ll help you create one. Whether we pivot locations or tweak timing, flexibility is key in the mountains.

Can you help us plan our day? Yes! I’m more than just your photographer; I’m your planning partner, location scout, timeline guru, and biggest cheerleader. I even help couples pick up their flowers if needed! I’m really here to help make your day as perfect as possible while capturing all the best moments.

Close-up of a delicate bouquet of white and pink peonies resting on a boulder at a Colorado elopement location, with soft mountain views in the distance.

Book Me As Your Colorado Elopement Photographer

Ready to explore Colorado elopement locations that speak to you? I’d love to help you plan a day that’s intentional and uniquely yours. Reach out and let’s get started planning your perfect day, inquire here!