There’s something undeniably moving about planning an elopement in Colorado. Maybe it’s the way the soft morning light glows against the peaks at sunrise, or how the wildflowers burst into color on quiet mountain trails. For couples who value connection, adventure, and an experience that feels deeply personal, a Colorado mountain elopement is more than just a wedding day, it’s a memory you’ll carry in your souls forever.
As a Colorado elopement photographer, I’ve helped dozens of couples find the perfect alpine backdrop for their vows. Whether you’re dreaming of a sunrise ceremony in Rocky Mountain National Park or a cozy snow-covered celebration in Telluride, here’s everything you need to know to elope in Colorado, including where to stay, what to do, and how to make the most of your unforgettable day.
What You’ll See In The Blog!
Why Elope in the Mountains
Legal Requirements & Permits
Best Mountain Regions & Venues for an Elopement in Colorado
Where to Stay
Ways to Celebrate Your Elopement in Colorado With Loved Ones (or Just Yourselves)
Packing List
FAQs
Why You’ll Love It
Why Elope in the Mountains of Colorado?
Every couple deserves a wedding day that feels like them, not just a checklist of traditions or someone else’s expectations. That’s why I love Colorado mountain elopements so much. They’re honest. They’re freeing. And they give you room to slow down, take a deep breath, and really feel the moment.
Picture this: The two of you standing together at sunrise, wrapped in a blanket with coffee in hand, watching the first light spill over a quiet mountain ridge. No one’s rushing you. No one’s telling you what to do next. It’s just you two, soaking in the stillness before saying your vows. Whether you’re exchanging rings beside a clear blue lake or popping champagne after a snowshoe hike, eloping in the Colorado mountains means creating memories that reflect who you are, not just what’s expected. You get to be playful, sentimental, messy, joyful. And trust me, those moments? They’re the ones you’ll want to remember forever.
Legal Requirements & Permits: What You Need to Know to Elope in Colorado
One of the reasons couples love to elope in Colorado? It’s incredibly easy, legally speaking. You don’t need witnesses, and you can even self-solemnize, meaning you can legally marry yourselves without an officiant.
To get your marriage license, visit any Colorado county clerk’s office. There’s no waiting period, and the license is valid immediately. Bring valid IDs and $30. If you’re eloping in a national park or wilderness area, check ahead for any special permits. For example, Rocky Mountain National Park requires a ceremony permit and limits the number of guests in certain areas.
While you’re planning your adventure, it’s also important to protect these beautiful places we love so much. Practicing Leave No Trace means respecting wildlife, staying on marked trails, packing out what you pack in, and being mindful about noise, ceremony decor, and group size. I always work with my couples to ensure we leave each location as wild and untouched as we found it, so future adventurers (and photographers!) can enjoy them too.
Best Mountain Regions & Venues for an Elopement in Colorado
Colorado is full of jaw-dropping locations for your mountain elopement. Each region has its own flavor:
- Rocky Mountain National Park: Classic and iconic, with accessible trails and stunning overlooks. It’s a favorite for couples who want epic views without a long hike, and the golden hour light here? Absolutely unforgettable.
- Telluride & Ouray: The San Juan Mountains are dramatic and wild, perfect for an off-the-beaten-path experience. Picture winding mountain passes, waterfalls, and the kind of rugged beauty that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into another world.
- Maroon Bells near Aspen: Postcard-worthy peaks reflected in lakes. These views are straight out of a painting, and while it’s a popular spot, sunrise ceremonies here feel incredibly intimate.
- Summit County (Breckenridge, Keystone): Year-round adventure with charming ski-town vibes. Whether it’s wildflowers in July or fresh powder in January, this area offers versatility and fun for every season.
Each spot offers something different, and I help my couples scout the best locations depending on the season, crowds, and accessibility. If you’re still stuck figuring out a location, check out my blog, How to Choose the Best Colorado Elopement Locations for Your Big Day to help!
Where to Stay: Hotels, Cabins & Lodges for Your Elopement Trip
Where you stay during your elopement getaway matters, it sets the tone for slow mornings, late-night snuggles, and every heartfelt moment in between. Whether you’re dreaming of a cozy cabin tucked into the pines or a stylish boutique hotel, Colorado has no shortage of incredible places to stay. And after an incredible day of hiking, laughing, and saying your vows in the fresh mountain air, having a warm, welcoming space to come back to just makes the experience that much sweeter.
Some of my favorites include:
- Della Terra Mountain Chateau (Estes Park) – Romantic, private, and just minutes from Rocky Mountain National Park. Found beside the hillside, this spot feels like your own little slice of paradise, perfect for couples looking for a peaceful, upscale stay with stunning mountain views right outside their window.
- Dunton Hot Springs (near Telluride) – Rustic, luxurious, and yes, those hot springs are as dreamy as they sound. This beautifully restored ghost town blends history with high-end comfort, and it’s perfect if you’re craving an elopement that feels both cozy and wildly unique.
- Gravity Haus (Breckenridge) – A modern basecamp for adventurous couples who want it all. With stylish rooms, an on-site gear shop, and a vibe that’s equal parts chill and curated, it’s the perfect home base for couples who want to mix relaxation with epic outings.
Pro tip: book early if you’re eloping in the summer or fall. These dreamy spots fill up fast!
Ways to Celebrate Your Elopement in Colorado With Loved Ones (or Just Yourselves)
Eloping gives you the gift of time to connect, to explore, and to celebrate however feels right. Perhaps that means hiking to a spot with 360-degree views, sharing a quiet breakfast with your partner before the ceremony, or toasting with your best friends under the stars. Bring your favorite people or keep it just the two of you. Either way, there are so many ways to make it meaningful, low-pressure, and completely yours:
- Take a sunrise hike or hop in a Jeep for a bumpy ride to a high alpine lake.
- Soak your muscles in a mountain hot spring (Ouray or Glenwood Springs are great picks).
- Enjoy a private chef dinner at your Airbnb or toast each other over local brews.
- Sneak in a day-after photo session so you can wear your wedding gear one more time.
These in-between moments? They’re the good stuff, the moments you’ll make memories to look back on with a smile on your face for the rest of your life.
Packing List & Timeline for Your Colorado Mountain Elopement
Colorado weather loves to keep us guessing. That’s part of the adventure, but it means you’ll want to be ready for anything. Here’s what to pack:
- Layers (yes, even in summer): base layers, a puffy jacket, and a rain shell
- Boots or trail shoes that can handle rocky trails (and still look cute)
- Snacks, water, sunscreen, hand warmers, tissues (you’ll probably cry)
- Your marriage license and vow books
- A cozy blanket, clear umbrella, and anything else that feels you
Arrive a day or two early if you can, your lungs will thank you. I always help my couples build a custom timeline that blends the beauty of golden hour with the joy of just being.
FAQs: Your Colorado Elopement Questions Answered
Can we bring guests?
You totally can. Whether it’s just your pup or a handful of your ride-or-die people, I’ll help you find spots that balance beauty and accessibility.
What if the weather changes?
Then we dance in the rain or cozy up under an umbrella. Honestly? Some of my favorite images come from “imperfect” weather.
Do we need vendors?
You don’t need anything, except each other. But florals, hair & makeup, or a tiny cake can definitely elevate the experience, and who doesn’t love cake? I’ve got an amazing list of inclusive and friendly vendors I love to share.
When is the best time to elope?
June to October is ideal, but every season has its own flavor. Fall gives us those golden leaves, summer is all green meadows and wildflowers, and winter? Think snow-dusted peaks and wool blankets.
Why You’ll Love Eloping in the Mountains
There’s a quiet kind of power that lives in these mountains. It shows up in the way you look at each other just before you say “I do.” In the laughter that echoes across the valley. In the feeling that, even if no one else is watching, this is exactly how it was meant to be.
Margaret and Scott felt that too. Their day began with a quiet stroll through a shady forest, the kind of peaceful start that settles your nerves and lets the day unfold gently. When they reached their ceremony spot, it felt like they were on top of the world, just the two of them, wrapped in emotion and surrounded by mountains. Their vows were intimate and heartfelt, and afterward, they let loose with the kind of joy you can’t script, running hand in hand through the streets, laughing and soaking up every second of their just-married bliss. It was real, joyful, and exactly how they wanted it to feel.
Book Me For Your Elopement in Colorado
If eloping in Colorado sounds like your kind of day, I’d be honored to help you make it real. From personalized planning to honest, vibrant photography, I’ll be there to document the hugs, the happy tears, and all the little in-between moments. Message me, and let’s capture your forever the way you felt it.
Looking for more advice for planning your adventure elopement? Check out more from the blog!
When to Elope: A Denver Elopement Photographer’s Seasonal Guide
How to Plan an Elopement in Denver: A Complete Guide for Couples
How to Make Your Elopement Special (In a Way That Feels True to You)
