Your Complete Colorado Elopement Guide: Updated 2026

If you’re wondering how to elope in Colorado, you’re in the right place.

With epic mountain views, stunning alpine lakes, and the freedom to legally self-solemnize your marriage, Colorado is one of the most incredible places in the world to elope. This Colorado elopement guide covers everything you need to know, from the best locations and seasons to logistics, permits, and planning tips, so you can create a wedding day that feels adventurous, intentional, and completely your own. If you’re dreaming about saying your vows surrounded by towering mountains, alpine lakes, or golden aspen groves, a Colorado elopement might be exactly what you’re looking for. 

With breathtaking scenery in every direction, easy access to the mountains, and unique laws that allow couples to self-solemnize their marriage, Colorado gives you the freedom to create a wedding day that truly feels like you. Whether you’re envisioning a sunrise hike to a quiet overlook, exchanging vows beside an alpine lake, or celebrating with your favorite people in a cozy mountain town, the possibilities are pretty endless.

If you’re not sure where to start, you’re in the right place! I have been photographing small weddings and elopements for 12 years in this glorious state, and have learned some tricks to the trade. Over the last few years, I’ve seen more and more couples choose to trade traditional wedding timelines for something a little more intentional, personal, and adventurous. In my opinion, Colorado is one of the best places you can elope.

This guide walks you through everything you need to know about eloping in Colorado. So grab a cup of coffee (or maybe a local Colorado beer), get comfortable, and let’s start planning your Colorado elopement adventure.

This guide will cover:

• Why You Should Elope in Colorado
• How to Elope in Colorado: Step by Step Guide
• Colorado Elopement Logistics & Information
• Best Colorado Elopement Locations
• When to Elope in Colorado
• Costs of Eloping in Colorado

Why Elope in Colorado

• All Seasons: Every season has its unique flare and they are all beautiful.
• Variety of Locations: Colorado offers a wide variety of elopement locations without needing to travel far.
• Incredible Weather: Colorado boasts 300 days of sunshine per year.
• Proximity: The mountains are not far from the Front Range towns and cities.
• Self-Solemnization: You can marry yourselves in Colorado OR have your dog sign with their paw print as a witness.

If you want to learn more about why you should choose to elope in Colorado, take a look at my blog post here.

How to Elope in Colorado: Step by Step

1. Research
   • Start by thinking about what kind of scenery you would like. You can also think of any activities you might want to include in your elopement day. Colorado offers a wide variety of scenery and activities depending on the time of year. 
2. Pick your Photographer
   • This is often the first vendor that couples book when choosing to elope. This is because your photographer not only takes your photos, but helps plan your entire elopement experience. If you choose me as your photographer, I help with timeline planning, location suggestions, obtaining any necessary permits, and all other logistics you can think of. Hiring someone who knows Colorado is helpful because they know the best locations, backup plans, road closures, and all the little details that may impact your day. Also, if there is unexpected weather, you can guarantee a Colorado photographer always has what you need to embrace that change, as well as safely handle mountain roads in any inclement weather.
3. Hone in on Date & Details
   • Backup Plans
     • Colorado does boast 300 days of sunshine per year but sometimes the weather can be unpredictable, especially in the mountains. This requires a level of flexibility when planning your elopement. I always help my couples choose backup ceremony locations and you will be my only client of the day so we can make sure our timeline is flexible.
   • Packing List
     • Weather can change quickly in Colorado! Packing layers is always key to staying comfortable. You may also want to brainstorm things to pack based on what activities you plan to do on your elopement day. I always provide my clients with a comprehensive packing list, but here are a few ideas:
       • Hiking boots
       • Headlamp
       • Extra layers
       • Rain Coat
       • Hats
       • Microspikes or crampons in winter
4. Book Your Travel
   • Whether you are traveling from out of state or in state, there are a few things to consider when traveling to your Colorado elopement location:
     • Flying into Colorado: DIA, Montrose, or regional airport
     • Using / renting an AWD vehicle
     • Drive times to certain mountain destinations
     • Acclimating to the altitude
5. Book Vendors & Accommodations
   • Vendors
     • You may want to book some vendors! Think of anything you might want to include in your day like florists, hair & makeup, off-roading tour guide, cake baker, venue, private chef, etc. If your elopement plans include guests, you might also consider a planner who can coordinate rentals. I always help my couples with vendor recommendations and day-of logistics.
   • Accommodations
     • Depending on your dream elopement, you may want to camp, book a cozy cabin, or ball out in a luxury hotel. There are plenty of options for any of the above and I can help you pick the right spot for you. 
6. Grab Your Gear
   • Think about how you will be spending your day before you pick out your attire. Will you be able to hike up a mountain or sit all day comfortably? Always think about bringing backup shoes, layers, and outfits if you are doing a lot of different activities.
   • Think of anything you might need throughout the day, including any snacks if you have dietary restrictions or medications you might need. I always recommend bringing your own large water bottle – especially for those who are not acclimated to high altitudes. You can get dehydrated quickly in Colorado so I always carry two gallons of drinking water in my car, which makes staying hydrated easy.
   • If you don’t know where to even begin, no worries! I always send my couples a comprehensive packing list tailored to their specific elopement day.
   • Right before your big day, you will need to stop by the county clerk’s office to obtain your marriage license. All you have to do is fill out an application, stop by the office of the county clerk on a weekday and pay the $30 fee. Some offices do require an appointment, so take a peek (HERE). They’ll give you the paperwork which you can sign on your elopement day or right there with your partner. If you choose the former, you will just need to return it within 35 days by mail or in person. Easy peasy. 
7. Elope!
   • The day is here! You are all done planning & now it is time to enjoy your experience. I know this list may feel overwhelming, but if you are working with me I will be helping you every single step of the way. I want you to sit back, relax and enjoy your elopement day while I take care of the details!

Colorado Elopement Logistics & Information

Considerations

Busy Season vs. Off Season

The busy season in Colorado consists of summer through fall in the mountains, and winter through spring break in ski towns. You can expect more crowds and traffic during these times. There are ways to escape the crowds during busy season, and I can be your guide. Off season (sometimes known as mud season in mountain towns) is usually late March through Mid June. This is when all the snow melts and the small mountain towns shops are shut down. The front range is a great place to elope during off season, as the weather tends to be less harsh than in the Rockies.

Scenery in Colorado

Colorado offers such a WIDE range of scenery! Start thinking of what you want to include in your elopement day. Here are just a handful of examples:

• Snowy mountains & peaks
• Cityscapes
• Small mountain town vibes
• Alpine lakes
• Dramatic mountain passes
• Desert landscapes
• Red rock formations
• Pine forests
• Meadows and wildflowers
• Sand dunes
• Waterfalls

Colorado LOVES Dogs

Do you want to bring your dog with you on your elopement day? Personally, I am always down for a four-legged friend to join us, we would just need to plan accordingly. Most locations are extremely dog friendly, but Rocky Mountain National Park does not allow dogs within its confines. Your dog can also sign your marriage license! I can bring some dog-friendly paw ink so you do not need to purchase it yourself. I also make sure I pack some of your dogs favorite snackos and a portable water bowl so they can have the best day ever as well.

Activities in Colorado

Popular physically active options include:

Hiking

• Colorado is FULL of hiking trails of all difficulties. 

Off-Roading

• Want to get to stunning locations without having to hike? Consider hiring an off-roading company for your elopement. If you choose to work with me, my little Subaru does a good job in low intensity spots!

Watersports

• Do you want to kayak, canoe, paddleboard, or rent a boat? Getting on the water in the summertime Colorado is incredibly refreshing.

Snowsports

• You can shred the mountains, snowshoe, tube, or even snowmobile!

If physical activity isn’t your style on your elopement day, there are other options as well! You can:

Brewery Hop

• Beer Lovers, look no further; Colorado is home to 400+ breweries! There are breweries everywhere in Colorado and you can spend part of or your entire day checking these out

Walk through a small mountain town

• There are so many quaint mountain towns in Colorado with coffee shops, restaurants, and local parks to explore. Grab lunch, have a picnic in the park, explore the shops, and make a day of it!

Explore Denver’s Botanical Gardens

• The Botanic Gardens in Denver are simply stunning. If you want to stay in the city but mix it up with some stunning plants, I highly recommend going here! An additional permit fee is required to take photos here, but it is incredibly worth it.

Logistics

There are some areas in Colorado that require special use permits. For example, Rocky Mountain National Park requires a special use permit for elopements. Some smaller parks also limit group size and/or require a commercial photography pass. As your photographer, this is something that we would chat about, then I would research and take care of prior to your elopement date!

Best Colorado Elopement Locations

General Areas

Front Range

The front range of Colorado is not actually IN the mountains. This area includes the urban and suburban areas nestled just before you hit the Rocky Mountains. This area is closest to Denver and has easiest access to Denver International Airport. These areas include Fort Collins, Denver, Boulder, Golden, Longmont, Estes Park, and Colorado Springs.

Central Colorado

This area is the heart of the Rockies with lots of developed campgrounds, historic sites, ski resorts and the famous Colorado fourteeners. Only about 2-4 hours drive from Denver, Central Colorado offers a wide range of geographical features like the majestic Rocky Mountain range, rugged dry canyons, high plains, crystal clear streams, alpine lakes, and rushing rivers. Some areas of Central Colorado include Breckenridge, Georgetown, Idaho Springs, Buena Vista, Leadville, Salida, and Fairplay.

Western Slope

This region of Colorado lies west of the Continental Divide. This area will require a longer drive time from DIA, so flying into Montrose might be the easiest way to avoid a long car journey after a flight. This is where you will find mountain towns, valleys, and agricultural areas. Some areas include Glenwood Springs, Vail, Aspen, Steamboat Springs, Palisade, Grand Junction, Durango, Telluride, Crested Butte, Carbondale, and Ouray.

My Fave Locations

Breckenridge

I absolutely love Breckenridge and the surrounding areas. There is everything you might want and the majority of the town stays open all year round! 

San Juan Mountains

About three hours southwest of Denver lies the San Juan Mountain range. It is one of my favorite ranges in all of Colorado. Salida and Buena Vista are great towns within these mountains, so you can hike during the day and also grab a little dinner along the Arkansas river!

Estes Park

Estes is home to Rocky Mountain National Park, which is world famous. There are cute hotels and other hiking trails outside of the national park as well. Downtown Estes is charming with its small shops. If you are a horror fan, you can even explore the famous Stanley Hotel, where the Shining was filmed. 

Boulder

Boulder lies in the front range of the flatirons, a dramatic mountain range that hosts giant slabs of almost vertical red rock. CU Boulder is in the town, so you can find a lot of cute restaurants and places to stay. Proximity to the mountains is amazing as well!

Denver

If urban cityscapes are your style, Denver is perfect for you! Downtown is packed with amazing restaurants, breweries, and rooftop bars. You can hit the botanical gardens and get cozy in one of the many air bnbs Denver has to offer.

Leave No Trace

• I practice the Leave No Trace principles during all of my elopements and photoshoots. The Leave No Trace Principles are:
  • Plan ahead & prepare
  • Travel & camp on durable surfaces
  • Dispose of waste properly
  • Leave what you find
  • Minimize campfire impacts
  • Respect wildlife
  • Be considerate of others

If you are curious to learn more about Leave No Trace, take a look at their informative website here.

When to Elope in Colorado

Summer: Late June – August

This is by far the most popular time of year for elopements, micro weddings and weddings. Some areas of Colorado show off beautiful wildflowers, the stunning alpine lakes have melted, and hiking trails are open with little to no snow to worry about. Since this is peak season, elopement dates, locations, and permits fill up fast – so be sure to inquire early with all of your vendors if this is the time of year you want to say “I do.” That being said, summers in Colorado are extraordinary and the mountains have absolutely amazing weather. There will be the occasional afternoon thunderstorm, but they usually pass within a couple of hours.

Fall: September – Early October

Fall is my personal favorite time of year. Between the cool, crisp weather and the changing leaves, it is the peak time to get incredible mountain photos. Timing can be tricky in the fall; you never know exactly when the Aspens will be changing colors or for how long. If fall leaves are what you desire, I will do my best to find the best areas for your elopement (this does require a more flexible planning approach to your elopement.)

Winter: November – March

Snow lovers, this is your time! You can shred the ski resorts and bop around ski towns, coast down the mountain in snowtubes, nestle in front of a cabin fire for some cozy vibes, take a dip into hot springs to warm up, or just trek through the winter wonderland! If you want to hike around this time of year, snowshoes, microspikes or crampons are often required. And also – lots of layers!

Spring: Late March – Early June

Spring is my least favorite time to elope because of unpredictable weather in the mountains. A lot of the smaller mountain towns are in their mud season, meaning everything is closed down. Snow tends to melt and freeze, making hiking trickier, and generally less crowds (unless you want to hit a ski town during spring break). There are slightly better conditions in the Front Range that could still offer some elopement opportunities. This time of year requires flexibility because you never know what the weather will do! 

Average Temperature – Breckenridge, Colorado Graph

Here is a breakdown of average temperatures in Breckenridge, Colorado. You can expect the Front Range to be warmer than this, while the Western slope is usually a little warmer as well.

Time of Day

Why Choose Sunrise

• The top reason to take photos at sunrise is fewer crowds. This is especially important if you choose to elope during the summer or fall. Popular locations can get very crowded as the day goes on, so it is best to wake up and beat those crowds! 
• Sunrise also offers an amazing soft light that is my favorite kind of lighting. You can also expect calm weather at this time, making your experience personal, beautiful, and relaxing. I do recommend bringing a headlamp if you want to hike a bit before sunrise!

Why Choose Sunset

• The top reason to take photos at sunset is golden hour. This is when the sun dips and soaks everything in a dramatic golden light, sometimes accompanied by vivid colors in the sky. You can expect sunset to bring some warmer temperatures before the sun dips behind the mountains. I recommend this route if you want to cozy up with a campfire and take some stargazing photos.

You Can Do Both!

If you cannot decide, you can totally get the best of both worlds. I offer packages where we can meet for a stunning sunrise, take a midday break, then reconvene for an epic sunset.

How Much Does it Cost to Elope in Colorado?

• There is a required $30 fee for the marriage license, which can be picked up at a county clerk’s office on a weekday after filling out an application. Once the paperwork is signed, you will need to return it within 35 days by mail or in person. That is the only required cost to elope in Colorado, everything else is really up to you! If you choose to elope in a National Park or somewhere fees are required, you can expect an additional $30-$300 in permit fees depending on the locations you choose.
• Colorado is one of the only states where you can self-solemnize! This means you can marry yourselves – no officiant or witnesses are needed!
• Typical range you can expect to spend on an elopement in Colorado: $1,000-$10,000

Ready to Plan Your Colorado Elopement?

• If this guide has you dreaming about mountain views, sunrise vows, and celebrating with your favorite person in the middle of nature… you might just be ready to elope in Colorado.
• Planning an elopement can feel like a lot at first, but you don’t have to figure it all out on your own. I help couples plan meaningful, adventurous days from start to finish—helping with location ideas, timelines, and all the little details that make your day feel effortless.
• If you’re ready to start planning your Colorado elopement, I’d love to hear your story.