Between the jagged peaks, the iconic red rocks, the vast desert landscapes, and the alpine meadows dotted with wildflowers, Colorado offers something truly magical for couples who want to say “I do” in a way that feels authentic and deeply personal. As an elopement photographer who’s spent countless days chasing light across Colorado’s diverse landscapes, I have some tips for planning a Colorado elopement – whether you’re dreaming of a sunrise ceremony at 14,000 feet or exchanging vows by an aspen grove, this guide will help you navigate everything you need to elope in Colorado.
Why Elope in Colorado?
Colorado is truly one of the best elopement locations in the country. If you’re still deciding, here are some reasons to tie the knot in Colorado!
- Diverse scenery – waterfalls, alpine lakes, mountains, deserts, hot springs… Colorado has it all! You’ll have no shortage of beautiful spots to choose from for your elopement day.
- Self solemnization – Colorado is one of the few states where you don’t need an officiant or any witnesses to sign your marriage license. All you need is yourself and your partner, so it’s pretty perfect for a private, intimate elopement day.
- Endless adventure – your elopement day is an adventure, and it should be unique and personalized just for you. Colorado has off roading trails, backcountry hikes, scenic drives, rock climbing routes, and so much more.
The Best Time to Elope in Colorado
Colorado’s weather can be pretty dramatic. Here’s a breakdown of each season!
- Summer (July-September): Peak season, for good reason! High elevation trails are accessible, wildflowers bloom, and the days are long. Afternoon thunderstorms are common, so it’s best to start the day early, especially in the mountains.
- Fall (October-November): Most places get less busy once summer is over, and you can see some nice fall foliage this time of year. Golden aspens make for a unique backdrop, but snow storms can start pretty early in the mountains.
- Winter (December-March): Peaks will usually be covered in snow, but some lower elevation spots become accessible. It’s an amazing time for winter sports, or for a cozy cabin vibe, but you’ll need to be prepared to pivot in case of road closures.
- Spring (April-June): Kind of unpredictable, but can be a good time to avoid crowds. Desert locations can be perfect in late spring, but mountains are usually covered in snow until July.
The Best Colorado Elopement Locations
Colorado has pretty much endless options for places to tie the knot, but here are just a few of the best elopement locations!
Rocky Mountain National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the most iconic Colorado elopement locations, with dramatic mountain peaks, pristine alpine lakes, and diverse wildlife. There are accessible pullouts perfect for ceremonies, as well as stunning backdrops you can hike to.
Permits are required for all ceremonies, and you should apply well in advance! They accept permits as early as a year out, and it’s a popular place to tie the knot.
Garden of the Gods
If dramatic red rock formations are what you’re after, Garden of the Gods near Colorado Springs is an incredible choice. The towering sandstone formations create a striking contrast against Colorado’s blue skies. Sunrise and sunset are particularly dramatic, and the red rocks glow in golden tones.
There’s no permit required, but there is a recommended $50 donation, as well as pre approved ceremony spots to choose from.
San Juan Mountains
The San Juan Mountains are one of my favorite places, ever! They offer some incredible alpine scenery, and plenty of remote locations and quiet ceremony spots. Telluride, Ouray, and Silverton all make excellent base camps, each with their own unique mountain town charm.
You’ll find waterfalls, hot springs, wildflower meadows, and more.
Great Sand Dunes National Park
For something completely unique, Great Sand Dunes National Park is one of the best Colorado elopement locations. The tall sand dunes rise dramatically against the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, creating a landscape that looks completely otherworldly.
Golden hour is magical here, with the light playing on the sandy surfaces. Permits are required, so make sure to apply early!
Guanella Pass
Guanella Pass is an underrated gem offering stunning alpine scenery. This scenic drive has amazing views, and easily accessible spots. It’s usually accessible from late June through September, and it’s ideal if you want a place that’s not too far from Denver.
Getting a Marriage License When You Elope in Colorado
Colorado makes the marriage license process pretty straightforward. You both need to appear in person at a county clerk’s office with valid photo IDs. If you live in Colorado, you can also complete the process online and have the marriage license mailed to you! Once you get the marriage license, there’s no waiting period, so you can have your ceremony right away, and it needs to be within 35 days.
Colorado is also one of the few states that allows self-solemnization! You can tie the knot without an officiant or witnesses, and all you need is your signature, and your partner’s. This gives you complete freedom to create an intimate, private ceremony. It also opens up fun possibilities, like having your dog “sign” the marriage license with a paw print!
Tips for Your Colorado Elopement
To make sure you can get hitched without a hitch, here are some tips to keep in mind for your Colorado elopement.
- Start early – getting an early start helps you avoid crowds, and it helps you beat the afternoon thunderstorms that are common in the summer.
- Bring layers – mountain weather changes quickly, and dramatically. It can also get chilly as you go up in elevation, so bring layers to keep you warm.
- Prepare for altitude – if you aren’t used to it, altitude is no joke! To prevent altitude sickness, drink extra water, and take it slow. You can get winded faster than usual, and it’s important to listen to those cues. If possible, get here a few days early so that you can acclimate before any intense adventures.
- Add buffer time – when you make your timeline, always add a little more time than you think you’ll need. Things generally take longer than expected, and this will give you time for those winding mountain roads without any unnecessary stress.
- Plan an experience – your elopement day isn’t just the ceremony! The full day is about celebrating yourselves and each other, so incorporate something meaningful – a scenic hike, breakfast at a local cafe, a picnic lunch, a Jeep tour… Colorado has plenty of adventures to choose from.
Ready to Plan Your Colorado Elopement?
Eloping in Colorado means choosing adventure, authenticity, and the freedom to create a day that’s completely yours. Whether you’re drawn to dramatic mountain peaks, red rock deserts, or alpine meadows, Colorado offers the perfect backdrop for couples who want their wedding day to feel like a true reflection of who they are. Eloping allows you to prioritize what actually matters – the experience, your connection, the moment, without the stress of a traditional wedding.
If you’re ready to tie the knot, I’m ready to tell your story, and as an elopement photographer, I’m also here to help guide you through the planning process! You may not have done this before, but I have – so if you’re ready to start planning, contact me!
