Your Ultimate Guide to Eloping in Colorado: Tips from a Local Photographer
Your Colorado Elopement Planning Guide
In your early stages of research, Colorado continues to pop up as a great destination to elope. With the ease of getting permits, the ability to self-solemnize, and access to the Rocky Mountains, it’s no wonder Colorado is such a popular place to elope. But what else makes Colorado such a great elopement destination? Why are so many couples traveling to Colorado to elope? We are going to answer these questions and so many more in this blog post.
Imagine this: You and your partner wake up together at your Airbnb and head out for a soak in a natural hot spring. Afterwards, you enjoy a slow morning together, making breakfast and having coffee all while getting stoked for the adventure ahead. Maybe you write your vows the morning of and get ready together at your Airbnb. Once you are ready to go, it’s time to double check to ensure you have everything, and make your way to your wedding location. En route, you stop at the local deli to pick up lunch before starting your adventure. You make your way to your ceremony location and seek out the perfect spot where you two will share your vows. After sharing your vows with one another, you seal your marriage with a celebratory toast. Don’t forget about sunset and a post-adventure campfire with s’mores to celebrate!
Here’s Everything You’ll Need To Know About Planning Your Colorado Elopement
Why Colorado is one of the best places to elope in the U.S.
How to plan a Colorado Elopement
How to get a Colorado marriage license
Best Places to Elope in Colorado
Best Time of Year to Elope in Colorado
How to choose your elopement location
Colorado Elopement Ideas & Inspiration
How much does an elopement cost in Colorado
Why Colorado is one of the best places to elope
Beautiful Landscapes in Colorado
Colorado has some incredible scenery. From the Rocky Mountain vista views, the red rocks, and the Great Sand Dunes, Colorado offers many diverse landscapes for you to choose from! Make your elopement a multiple-day experience to fit in different Colorado landscapes and add to the adventure!
Adventures and experiences in Colorado
Colorado is full of adventure. Whether you like hiking, biking, skiing, or off-roading, Colorado has it all (and so much more)! In just one day, you can experience the sunrise over the mountains, off-road to access jaw-dropping scenery, and still have time to end you day experiencing Colorado’s mountain towns for dinner and drinks.
Self-Solemnization in Colorado
Self-Solemnization is a very fancy way of saying you can marry yourselves! Yes, you read that right. You don’t need an officiant at your wedding or any witnesses to be legally married in Colorado. This makes planning a ceremony and experience a whole lot less rigid, allowing you an unlimited amount of options. Let’s bring your vision to life!
How to plan a Colorado Elopement
Step One: Choose a time of year
Having an idea of what time of year you want to elope will help when choosing a location.
Step Two: Hire a Colorado Elopement Photographer
When choosing an elopement photographer, be sure that they are local, knowledgeable, and reputable. Check their reviews, read through their website, and schedule a call to meet with them so that you can get to know them! The best photographers will meet you via Zoom or over the phone as a requirement of their booking process. Your photographer should not only help you make your elopement dreams come true but should also be there to support you through every step of the process.
Step Three: Pick a Colorado Elopement Location
Your photographer will help you pick a location based on your elopement day vision and the experiences that are most important to you. Choose a location that fits your vibe as a couple! What type of landscape do you envision saying your vows? Does the location offer the experiences and activities you want to include in your day? These are just a few of the questions to ask yourselves at the start of the planning process.
Step Four: Plan the details of your Colorado Elopement & apply for a marriage license
Once you’ve picked your location, it’s time to apply for your marriage license. We share the details on how to apply for a marriage license later on in this blog post. Think about the additional vendors that you might need. Do you need a florist? Hair and makeup artist? A place to host your celebration dinner? In addition to answering these questions with vendor recommendations, your photographer will help you create a timeline that allows you flexibility and communicates any permits that are needed.
Step Five: Get Married
Remember to be present during your elopement day, and most importantly have fun!
Legal Requirements for eloping in Colorado
Colorado is one of the top destinations couples choose for their elopement because of how easy it is to get married. Whether you’re traveling from out of state or living in Colorado, the process is simple and you can easily apply, receive, and submit your marriage license.
How do I legally elope in Colorado?
If you are picking up your Colorado Marriage License in person, check your local Clerk & Recorder’s business hours. You’ll need to pick up your marriage license during the week, so make sure you do this before your elopement day.
You will need to bring your photo IDs & $30 to pick up your Colorado marriage license.
Your Colorado marriage license can be used within 35 days of when your marriage license was issued.
Your Colorado marriage license needs to be returned to the Clerk and Recorder for recording within 63 days after solemnization.
Colorado Ceremony Permits
When eloping in Colorado, chances are you’ll need a wedding permit. Permits are based on location and can vary in price. You can expect to pay anywhere between $0 and $700 for a permit. If you were planning a large wedding at a venue in Colorado, you could spend much, much more! The money spent on your permit goes towards keeping our public lands safe, clean, and accessible for all.
Frequently asked questions about getting married in Colorado
Where Can I Elope in Colorado Without a Permit?
There are several locations in Colorado where you can elope without needing a special permit. Generally, BLM (Bureau of Land Management) land, certain national forests, and private properties offer flexibility without requiring permits. However, most national parks, state parks, and popular public lands do require permits, especially if you're bringing guests or a photographer.
Some permit-free options include:
Certain areas of the San Isabel National Forest
Some trailheads and dispersed camping areas on BLM land
Private venues, cabins, or Airbnb properties that allow ceremonies
It’s always best to check with the local land management office to confirm if a permit is needed, as the rules will vary by location. Ask your photographer for help here! They should be able to answer any questions you have or at the very least, find out for you!
Can you get married on the same day you receive your marriage license in Colorado?
Yes! Colorado has no waiting period, which means you can get your marriage license and legally marry on the same day. Once you obtain your marriage license from any county clerk’s office in Colorado, it’s valid immediately and can be used anywhere in the state.
What is Self-Solemnization? or What does Self-Solemnize mean?
Self-solemnize is a fancy way of saying that you can marry without an officiant or witnesses. Instead, you marry yourselves, through a ceremony that you choose. It can be as traditional or non-traditional as you can imagine it to be!
Can You Self-Solemnize Your Elopement in Colorado?
Yes! Colorado is one of the few states that allows self-solemnization, meaning you can legally marry yourselves without an officiant or witnesses. This makes Colorado one of the most accessible and flexible places to elope.
Do you need a witness to elope in Colorado?
No, Colorado does not require witnesses for a legal marriage. Whether you self-solemnize or have an officiant, you don’t need anyone else to sign your marriage license. This makes Colorado perfect for couples who want a completely private elopement or a ceremony with just the two of them. However, if you choose to have guests, they’re welcome to sign the license as a keepsake, even though it’s not legally required.
Best time of year to elope in Colorado
The weather in Colorado can be wildly unpredictable. It’s quite difficult to predict, but you can expect beautiful Colorado sunshine one day and an outright blizzard the next… sometimes these events can happen on the same day! In the wintertime, it is common to experience snow in the mountains and sun in the front range around Boulder & Denver, with the temperature significantly warmer.
Our favorite time for elopements in Colorado is anytime between June and October. As summer begins, most trails and roads at elevation have been fully cleared and are easily accessible. The fall is a good time of year to beat the heat and of course, you can experience the beautiful fall foliage! If skiing or snowboarding is more your thing, consider planning your epic winter elopement in a mountain town like Breckenridge or Ouray. Colorado’s famous mountain towns provide access to some of the best winter resorts in the country!
Summer Elopement in Colorado
Hiking trails will be the easiest to follow, especially the ones at higher elevations.
Mountain passes are open and trailheads are much more accessible.
Wildflower fields are in bloom which makes for an amazing backdrop. The best time to experience wildflowers will be in the months of July & August.
Alpine lakes are no longer frozen, so you can experience the beautiful clear blue water.
The only true downfall of eloping in the summer is the afternoon thunderstorms and the potential crowds.
Fall Elopement in Colorado
The fall colors in Colorado are incredible, the Aspen leaves turn bright yellow!
Fall weather in Colorado can be unpredictable and you could experience snowy weather, which can make for a beautiful collection of photos!
Book an off-roading adventure out of one of the many mountain towns and experience Colorado’s remote destinations highlighting the mountains and the fall foliage.
Winter Elopement in Colorado
Frozen alpine lakes.
Popular destinations and trailheads will be less crowded than in the summer.
Despite the chilly temperatures and snow, you can add to your Colorado winter elopement experience by booking a cozy cabin in a Colorado mountain town.
You can go skiing/snowboarding, book an epic snowmobile tour, or plan a relaxing hot springs soak.
Some trails and mountain passes might not be accessible.
Spring Elopement in Colorado
During early Spring, you may still experience some snowy weather. If you want to avoid snowy weather, aim for late spring!
For outdoor recreation, Spring will be the shoulder season and will be less crowded. Tourists typically travel for snow sports or for outdoor recreation, and Springtime is in between both winter and summer’s sweet spots.
Things are slowly melting which causes the trails to be wet and muddy, which could make them less accessible but also means fewer crowds!
Where to elope in Colorado
Colorado is one of the top states couples choose for their elopement. Between the mountain vistas, alpine lakes, desert sand dunes, and wildflower fields, there’s never a shortage of amazing views for your adventure elopement. Colorado also offers plenty of experiences you can plan to add a touch of adventure to your elopement day.
Along with plenty of landscapes and epic adventures to plan, Colorado is one of the easiest places to elope. You can self-solemnize your elopement day, meaning you don’t need an officiant, and you don’t need any witnesses. Want to know the best part? Your dog can “sign” your marriage license (how awesome is that!)
Best places to elope in Colorado
Colorado is home to lots of incredible locations. If you’re looking for the best hidden gems in Colorado? We know the best kept secrets. Reach out and let’s see if we’d make a good fit for your Colorado Elopement!
Rocky Mountain National Park
Colorado is an epic place to elope, and Rocky Mountain National Park is the first destination that comes to mind when we talk about getting married in CO. There are so many great locations within the park and endless views of all different kinds. A hiking adventure can take you to 3 alpine lakes in just a few short miles. Experience the meadows with jaw dropping mountain views. Or, drive Trail Ridge Road from Estes Park to Grand Lake in the summertime.
Breckenridge
Yes, it’s everything that it’s hyped up to be; a fully built up mountain town with something for everyone of all ages to enjoy. With a bustling downtown area right at the base of the ski resort, Breckenridge provides the perfect apres ski experience. Hiking and mountain biking adventures are the king of the summer months. In the winter, you can snowshoe or cross-country ski for miles on end.
San Juan Mountains
This high and rugged mountain range is located in Southwest Colorado. Check out towns like Ouray, Telluride, and Silverton for views of these incredible mountains. Want to feel like you are out in the middle of nowhere? These small mountain towns provide tons of charm for how far they are from the next major city. Also worth checking out is Durango, just before getting to the New Mexico border. The San Juan Mountains serve as a great backdrop to an adventure elopement. The charming mountain towns are a huge bonus!
Great Sand Dunes National Park
Great Sand Dunes National Park is probably the most underrated location here in Colorado. While most people probably don’t even know that Great Sand Dunes National Park exists in Colorado, we think it’s the perfect hidden gem for your elopement. Not only do you get to experience the tallest sand dune in the country, but you also get gorgeous views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. If you’re dying to elope during sunrise, Great Sand Dunes National Park is one of the most magical places during sunrise! AND, it’s dog-friendly!
Garden Of The Gods
Easy accessibility with all the jaw dropping beauty of a national park, Garden of the Gods provides a circus of unique red rock structures making for a great day of adventure. As a backdrop for your elopement, this area provides some super unique landscapes, including Pike’s Peak in the distance.
Buena Vista
Buena Vista is a hidden gem for couples seeking a breathtaking and intentional elopement experience. Nestled in the heart of the Rockies, it offers stunning mountain views, serene riversides, and endless adventure. Whether you want to exchange vows on a scenic overlook, beside the Arkansas River, or in a quiet aspen grove, Buena Vista provides the perfect setting for a day that feels uniquely yours.
Small Wedding Venues in Colorado
Below is a list of the most unique small wedding venues in Colorado
How to Choose Your Colorado Elopement Location
Choosing the perfect location for your elopement in Colorado can be overwhelming. There are so many incredible sights to see, but narrowing down your options is important to get started with the planning process. The following factors can be a great jumping-off point when considering your elopement location:
Guests or No Guests?
There is no wrong answer here. We love it when our couples choose to elope just the two of them. We also love when they choose to include their closest people as a part of the celebration. And Colorado is well suited for both situations. Consider who is going to be joining you when you start thinking about where you want to get married. Do you need an accessible location? Are your guests able to travel to a further away destination?
Landscape
Where do you picture yourself eloping? Is it in the remote alpine wilderness? Maybe it’s in the desert or surrounded by the red rocks. Colorado offers so many different landscapes to choose from!
Mountains
Desert
Red Rocks
Glacier/Alpine Lake
How far are you willing to travel?
You’ll want to consider how much travel you will be comfortable with when considering your elopement location. We love the southwestern part of Colorado. While it will be a trek to get out there, Telluride and Ouray are incredible mountain towns with access to adventure.
Time of Year
Depending on the time of year you choose to get married, there may be accessibility limitations. For example, some roads are closed during the winter months (October-May). If you are wanting to go off-roading in the San Juan Mountains, we recommend the summertime for wildflowers!
Planning experiences as a part of your Colorado Elopement
One of the best ways to plan your Colorado elopement is to imagine your wedding day is sort of like a vacation you would plan for yourselves. What do you want to experience while you are in Colorado? Aside from getting married, what are things you think would make this part of your story together more memorable?
For example, we hosted a small group of friends at our elopement in Joshua Tree and instead of focusing on the ceremony details or the reception logistics, we honed in on experiences. We had everyone meet us in Joshua Tree on the first night to hang out at the house we were all staying in together. Everyone got to relax and chat, creating a casual but connected environment.
The next day we planned a day at the local farmer’s market, experiencing the town. That night, we had a reservation at a local restaurant and feasted and shared some of the best food we have ever had with our favorite people.
Then, on day 3, we had a short and sweet ceremony right on the property we were staying at. Once we were married, we went into the National Park for a gratitude circle and to enjoy the scenery before heading back to have dinner at the Airbnb! The entire weekend was perfect, because we planned it around the experiences we wanted!
Colorado Elopement Ideas & Inspiration
Include your family & friends
Include your dog
Hike to an epic destination
Off-roading adventure
Ski or snowboard at one of the many Colorado mountain resorts
Soak in a hot springs
Have a picnic
Choosing the Right Colorado Elopement Photography Package
When planning your Colorado elopement, selecting the right photography package is an important part of creating an experience that truly reflects your day. We offer four photography packages—half-day, full-day, sunrise-to-sunset, and multi-day. If you're wondering, "Which package is the best fit for our day?"—don't worry. This is something we guide all of our couples through during their free discovery call once they inquire with us.
To help you start envisioning what’s right for you, here’s a breakdown of each package and what it offers:
Half-Day Colorado Elopement Photography Package
For couples who want the most meaningful moments documented, without capturing the entire day. This package is perfect for a short and sweet elopement experience—whether that means a scenic vow exchange, a champagne toast, or a simple adventure with your closest people.
Full-Day Colorado Elopement Photography Package
For couples who want every part of their elopement day captured—from the quiet moments of getting ready to the last light of the day. This package ensures you have space to soak it all in, without feeling rushed.
Sunrise-to-Sunset Colorado Elopement Photography Package
For couples who want to experience the best lighting and the most relaxed timeline. Starting with sunrise, we’ll capture the magic of early morning light—perfect for private vows, a first look, or an intimate ceremony in a quiet, untouched landscape. Then, after a midday break to relax, spend time with guests, or simply soak in the moment, we’ll reconvene for a sunset adventure. Whether it’s hiking to a scenic overlook, sharing a celebratory dinner, or stargazing under Colorado’s vast skies, this package allows you to experience your day at the best times while keeping it intentional and stress-free.
Multi-Day Colorado Elopement Photography Package
For couples who want to turn their elopement into a multi-day experience—whether that means exploring different locations, adventuring in the mountains, or celebrating over multiple days. This package allows you to fully immerse yourself in your elopement experience while having it all documented.
Planning an elopement in Colorado offers endless possibilities for an unforgettable celebration. With its stunning mountain views, Colorado provides the perfect backdrop for a personalized and intimate ceremony. Whether you're looking to hike to a breathtaking location or include loved ones in the celebration, there are plenty of options to choose from. With the added convenience of self-solemnization, you can easily make your commitment official in a way that feels true to you. No matter the season, Colorado promises a memorable and magical elopement experience.
Meet Your Colorado Elopement Photographers
As Colorado-based elopement photographers, we don’t just photograph your day—we help you create an experience that feels intentional, stress-free, and true to you.
Being Colorado residents, we know the best locations, the hidden gems, and the logistics that go into planning an elopement in Colorado’s diverse landscapes.
Whether you’re dreaming of exchanging vows on a mountaintop at sunrise, exploring alpine lakes, or celebrating with a cozy backyard dinner with your closest friends and family, we’re here to guide you through the process and capture every meaningful moment along the way.
Head over to our contract form to inquire with us, browse our elopement packages, or check out more of our work from other Colorado elopements!
