Silverton is the kind of place that feels like going back in time, in the best way. Tucked in Colorado’s San Juan Mountains, this historic mountain town is surrounded by jagged peaks, alpine lakes, and mining roads that lead to some of the best scenery in the state. A Silverton elopement is ideal for couples who want to be fully immersed in nature, and to create a wedding day that feels intentional, rather than overproduced. This guide walks you through everything you need to know to elope in Silverton – logistics, locations, timing, and how to make the most of this incredible part of Colorado.
Where is Silverton, Colorado?
Silverton is located in southwestern Colorado, nestled high in the San Juan Mountains at around 9,300 feet in elevation. It’s kind of remote, but that’s part of the appeal! The town sits at the end of the scenic Million Dollar Highway, and feels like a true mountain getaway, with peaks in every direction.
Getting there takes a little more effort, but it’s totally doable. If you need to fly into Colorado, the Durango-La Plata County Airport is about a 1.5 hour drive from Silverton. But, you might choose to fly into Denver instead – the international airport there is much bigger. It’s about 7 hours from there to Silverton, but you can make a road trip out of it!
Once you’re in Silverton, everything is pretty close by. The town itself is walkable, and many of the best elopement locations are just a short drive away.
Silverton Wedding Permits
Good news! For the most part, elopements around Silverton usually don’t require a permit. Most locations will be in the national forest, which doesn’t require a permit for ceremonies with fewer than 75 people. But, rules can change, and it does depend on the location – so make sure to confirm once you have your Silverton elopement location picked out! Part of my job as an elopement photographer and videographer is helping couples navigate this, so don’t worry – I’ll help you make sure you have everything you need.
No matter where you elope, Leave No Trace principles always apply. That means leaving the land better than you found it – no decorations, arches, or other setup is allowed for ceremonies on public land. Make sure to stay on established trails, and don’t leave anything behind.
Marriage Licenses in Silverton
Colorado makes eloping refreshingly straightforward. You can self-solemnize, which means you don’t need an officiant or witnesses! The marriage license only requires two signatures – yours and your partner’s.
To get legally married when you elope in Silverton, you need to get a marriage license. This can be done at any county clerk’s office in Colorado. The San Juan County Courthouse is right in Silverton, or you can stop somewhere earlier in your trip, or at an office close to home if you’re from Colorado. There is no waiting period, meaning you can get married as soon as you get the marriage license, but I definitely recommend picking this up ahead of time – you don’t want any stress on the elopement day! After the ceremony, you’ll return the signed license to the same office. You can find more information on the San Juan County website.
Where to Elope in Silverton
Silverton offers a wide range of breathtaking elopement locations, from easily accessible scenic pull-ofs to more adventurous alpine settings. The best spot for you depends on how remote you want to go, and how comfortable you are with hiking or off-road travel.
The Town of Silverton
One option for your elopement is Silverton itself. For couples who love towns with character, Silverton offers colorful buildings, and some options for a ceremony followed by exploring town. There are places like Silverton Memorial Park, a small park surrounded by mountains, or the Kendall Mountain Resort, which can host elopements if you want a venue to celebrate with some loved ones.
Million Dollar Highway
The Million Dollar highway connects Ouray and Silverton, and it’s one of the most scenic drives in the country! There are countless jaw dropping pull offs that make for easily accessible elopement locations, along with some hikes you can take if you want to explore a little further.
Alpine Lakes
This area is known for stunning blue lakes surrounded by mountain peaks. Ice Lake and Island Lake are two great ones, but there are also some options with shorter hikes, or access by dirt roads.
Lesser Known Silverton Elopement Locations
I’ve found tons of secret overlooks, hidden waterfalls, and tucked away corners of the mountains that you won’t find in a blog post. Choosing me as your elopement photographer means I’ll help you find these hidden gems, so you have a location that’s unique to you, and one where you can say your vows without an audience.
Best Time for a Silverton Elopement
Silverton sees visitors year round, but timing will definitely have a role in how your elopoement day feels.
- Summer (July-August): This is peak season for elopements, with warm weather, and wildflowers blooming. Most roads and passes will be open, most of the snow will have melted, and though afternoon thunderstorms are common, they usually pass pretty quickly.
- Fall (September-October): One of the best times to explore Silverton without the summer crowds. The air is crisp and aspen groves turn gold! Snow can always arrive early, so be prepared with a backup plan.
- Winter (November-April): Great for skiing, and pretty quiet outside of the resorts. Snow closes a lot of roads and trails, but if you’re up for a winter adventure or snowshoe elopement, it can be a unique experience.
- Spring (May-June): Can be unpredictable, but the waterfalls will be in full force. Good for elopements in town, but trails and roads will often still be closed, or be very muddy. Good for avoiding crowds, but be prepared with a Plan B.
Tips for Eloping in Silverton
- Plan for altitude – Silverton is high in the mountains! If you’re not used to elevation, give yourselves time to acclimate before the elopement day, and be careful to hydrate a little extra and move more slowly.
- Dress for the mountains – layers, sturdy shoes, and wind friendly outfits go a long way. It can get chillier as you gain elevation, so be prepared with warmer options.
- Add flexibility into your timeline – always add more time than you think you’ll need. Elopement days rarely run ahead of track, and having added buffer time allows you to relax rather than rush, and gives you flexibility in case of weather or changes of plan.
Ready to Elope in Silverton?
Eloping in Silverton means choosing a wedding day that’s quiet, intentional, and rooted in the experience rather than expectations. Your job is to be together, enjoy the day, and get married! My job as an elopement photographer and videographer is to help you navigate the logistics, find the perfect location, and help you create a day that feels meaningful and true to who you are. From timelines to scouting to documenting the moments you’ll want to remember forever, I’m here to guide you through it.
If you’re ready to start planning your Silverton elopement, contact me!
