Top 10 Places to Elope in Colorado | Elopement Guide 2025
Updated for 2025: A Colorado Elopement Guide for the best places to elope, the best seasons to elope, planning tips, and the answers to the most common elopement FAQs.
Why Elope in Colorado?
Besides the infamous Rocky Mountains and San Juan mountain ranges, Colorado is home to a variety of landscapes including red rocks, sand dunes, aspen groves, alpine lakes, and more!
With so many locations, seasons, and options to choose from, it can be a daunting task to begin planning your Colorado elopement. BUT as someone who lives in this gorgeous state and absolutely loves finding the best hiking trails, I’ve done all the exploring and location scouting to find the best places to elope so you don’t have to!
Seasons
Colorado is home to a full 4 seasons, which means whatever weather and season calls to you the most, you can find it here! Whether you’re dreaming of a winter wedding, golden fall colors, summer wildflowers, or a spring-time mix of snow and blooming flowers, we can make it happen!
Landscapes
Without even needing to travel too far from Denver, you can find mountains, alpine lakes, aspen groves, wildflowers, red rocks, sand dunes, waterfalls, and more! The best part: you don’t have to choose just one type of scenery – I know plenty of locations that are close enough to each other for you to experience a variety of views in one day!
Activities
Colorado is known for it’s opportunity for adventure! Whether you’re into hiking, climbing, snowshoeing, skiing/snowboarding, camping, backpacking, horseback riding, paddle-boarding, canoeing, river tubing, or whatever else you’re dreaming up, we’ve got it!
Self-Solemnizing
In Colorado, it’s completely legal to marry yourselves! All you need to do is fill out the marriage license. Which means you can keep your guest list down to who you truly want there without worrying about bringing an officiant or witnesses along for the ride.
Check this out for more reasons to elope!
Keep reading to learn more about eloping in Colorado, what to expect, my favorite elopement locations, and the tips and tricks to start planning your own Colorado elopement!
How to Plan a Colorado Elopement
1. Brainstorm
Write down all the ideas you both have in mind, even all the crazy & out there ideas that you aren’t sure are even possible. Dream up your perfect day, then start researching! (Hint: I’ve answered some common questions below and listed tons of ideas here)
2. Find an elopement photographer
Now that you have an idea of what your dream day looks like, find a photographer that fits your vision and can help you find the perfect location and plan out the specifics! Living in Colorado, I spend my free time exploring all the awesome hidden spots in this state and can help you bring your dream day to life!
3. Figure out the logistics & details
During the planning stage, we’ll figure out your exact location(s), timeline, other vendors to include, any activities you’d like to experience, and all the other details of your elopement. I have plenty of experience guiding my couples through this process and would be thrilled to help you too!
4. Make it official
Time for the fun part – getting you two married!! Thankfully Colorado makes it pretty easy to get a marriage license and make everything legal, so you both get to focus on the amazing experience of eloping!
To make these steps a whole lot easier: Download your copy of my FREE 40+ page Colorado Elopement Guide & Planning Workbook!
Planning an elopement can be super stressful, especially before you’ve hired an elopement photographer to help. That’s why I wanted to make this free resource to help you with those initial planning steps. This guide contains everything you need to know about the entire planning process and what to expect AND workbook pages to help you come up with your own ideas and organize everything you have in mind!
When to Elope in Colorado
1. Fall
Colorado has some of the most gorgeous golden fall colors you can find, with plenty of aspen trees all throughout the state. The exact timing of the color changes varies with altitude/location and differs every year, but you can normally expect fall colors in mid-September to mid-October in the mountain areas close to Denver.
Best Months: September – October
2. Spring
Spring in Colorado gives you a nice mix of winter and summer depending on where/what altitude you explore. While the weather is significantly warmer compared to winter, you can still find snowy trails at higher altitudes, perfect for skiing and snowshoeing without the freezing cold temps. As we near the end of spring, you’ll begin to see wildflowers popping up around the state as well!
Best Months: March – June
3. Summer
Warm weather, sunshine, and late sunsets – summer is the perfect time for hiking, camping, and full day adventures. It can get pretty toasty, especially in July and August, but the temperature is always a little cooler and pretty dang perfect in the mountains. Summer is also the most reliable/consistent season for good weather conditions (AKA no need to worry about surprise snowstorms).
Best Months: June – September
4. Winter
If you’re ready for the snow and biting cold temps, the winter landscapes around Colorado are some of the most gorgeous sights to elope in. Also perfect if you’re looking to do any winter sports like skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, or cross-country skiing!
Best Months: November – March
The Best Regions for Elopements Across Colorado
Colorado very quickly becomes an insanely big (and kinda daunting) state once you begin to research specific elopement locations. Telluride and the San Juan mountains in the southwest corner of the state, for example, is about a 6-hour drive from Denver. There are so many amazing elopement locations all around the state, so let’s start off by taking a look at the broader regions in Colorado.
Breckenridge
When most locals and elopement photographers talk about “Breckenridge,” we’re usually also including the surrounding areas in what’s called Summit County. This area as a whole is home to some of the most beautiful and easily accessible mountain views, and it’s only about a 2-hour drove from Denver and DIA.
Aspen
Aspen is home to Maroon Bells and charming ski resorts, and is known for being one of the bougie mountain towns of Colorado. Aspen makes for a great home base for plenty of trails and accessible locations with stunning views. If you’re planning on having guests, there are plenty of restaurant and hotel options as well.
Crested Butte
Crested Butte is known for it’s incredible wildflowers in the spring/summer and leaf-peeping in the fall. At around a 4.5-hours drive from Denver, CB is a smaller town that is perfect if you’re looking for seclusion and stunning views. With a population of around 1600, it can be harder to find vendors in the area, but that alone shouldn’t deter you from eloping here!
Georgetown & Idaho Springs
Nestled just 45 minutes-1 hour from Denver, these charming mountain towns offer a mix of stunning views and historic charm. It’s actually one of my absolute favorite areas for day-trips and shorter elopements! Georgetown’s iconic lake and quaint streets make it picture-perfect, while Idaho Springs offers natural hot springs and nearby trailheads. The towns themselves are very small-town vibes with cute historic buildings and homes and quirky small businesses. Idaho Springs is close to Mt. Evans and Squaw Pass, and Georgetown is an entry point to Guanella Pass. These locations are ideal for couples wanting a quick escape with plenty of character and easy logistics.
San Juan Mountains
The San Juans, in southwest Colorado and about a 6-hour drive from Denver, are a haven for adventurous elopements. Think jagged peaks, alpine lakes, and wildflower meadows. Towns like Ouray and Telluride provide access to incredible landscapes and cozy accommodations, making them perfect for a scenic, secluded celebration. Anything you can think of, you can find here. The San Juans are one of the best places in the state for 4×4/off-roading and Jeep tours!
Steamboat Springs
Known for its natural hot springs and laid-back, Western vibe, Steamboat Springs combines outdoor adventure (e.g. hiking, off-roading, horseback riding, and skiing/snowboarding) with relaxation. From its lush trails in summer to snow-covered scenery in winter, this spot is perfect for couples wanting a unique mountain experience with amenities for guests. For larger weddings, there are plenty of beautiful wedding venues, which also means there are plenty of local vendors in the community as well.
Estes Park & Rocky Mountain national Park
Estes Park, about a 2-hour drive from Denver, is the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park, one of Colorado’s most iconic elopement destinations. Featuring alpine lakes, dramatic peaks, and wildlife, RMNP offers a variety of breathtaking spots for couples craving an outdoor adventure. Estes Park is a popular spot with tons of small businesses, good restaurants, quirky stores, and plenty of elk! There’s also plenty of gorgeous wedding venues that are perfect for larger or more intimate weddings.
Boulder
Just 30 minutes from Denver, Boulder blends outdoor beauty with urban flair. With trails like Chautauqua and Flagstaff Mountain offering easy access to gorgeous views, it’s a great spot for couples who want a balance of nature and city conveniences for their elopement.
Colorado Springs
Home to Garden of the Gods and Pikes Peak, Colorado Springs is ideal for stunning red rock formations and panoramic mountain views. With year-round beauty and family-friendly options, it’s perfect for couples wanting an iconic yet accessible location.
Grand Junction
Grand Junction
Located on Colorado’s western slope, about a 4-hour drive from Denver, Grand Junction offers a unique blend of desert landscapes and lush vineyards. The nearby Colorado National Monument boasts dramatic red rock canyons and sweeping vistas, perfect for adventurous couples seeking a one-of-a-kind backdrop. For a more relaxed vibe, explore the area’s wineries or orchards. At around a 4-hour drive from Denver, Grand Junction is a hidden gem ideal for elopements that combine outdoor adventure with a touch of rustic charm.
Top 10 Places to Elope in Colorado in 2025
These are some of the best specific places to elope in Colorado (in no particular order), but I’ve also found plenty of lesser known spots to explore too! As your elopement photographer, I’ll guide you towards the best locations that fit what you’re looking for. In the meantime, this list has plenty of location inspo to get you started!
Rocky Mountain National Park
RMNP is one of the most popular places to elope in Colorado with mountains, alpine lakes, rivers, waterfalls, pine forests, and plenty of wildlife. The park offers designated ceremony spaces that you can reserve with a $300 permit. Group sizes are in general restricted to no more than 30 people, although many of the sites have lower guest count limits.
Garden Of The Gods
Garden of the Gods, in Colorado Springs, is a beautiful park with plenty of trails winding through red rock formations and views of Pikes Peak. The park has designated ceremony sites for up to 40 people, and although the sites are non-reservable, they are free to use and don’t require a permit!
Loveland Pass
Loveland Pass is a gorgeous high alpine pass, open year-round, with stunning 360-degree views right from the road! You can visit the summit area or explore one of the many trails to have a more private experience away from other visitors.
For more information, check out my Loveland Pass Elopement Guide!
Maroon Bells
Located in Aspen, Maroon Bells is famous for its stunning sunrise alpenglow (the red glow on the peak of the mountain as the sun rises). Maroon Bells Amphitheater is reservable for ceremonies with up to 50 guests, although I recommend reserving the space regardless of guest count for privacy.
Sapphire Point Overlook
This overlook in Summit County (between Keystone and Breckenridge) offers views of Dillon Reservoir and the surrounding mountain ranges. It’s a handicap accessible site (only a 3 minute walk from the parking lot), and can fit up to 35 people. You can reserve Sapphire Point up to 6 months in advance with a $120 permit.
Officer’s Gulch
Officer’s Gulch is a gorgeous, accessible lake in Summit County (near Frisco) right off of I-70. It has an easy, level trail that goes around the lake, some views of the Ten Mile Range, and pockets of aspens that change colors around late September/early October.
Great Sand Dunes National Park
The sand dunes in southern Colorado are an incredible place to explore with miles of sand dunes surrounded by mountains – definitely one of the most unique spots in the state. The park requires a $200 wedding permit.
You must have a group size of under 15 people to elope on the dunefield itself. For larger groups, you’ll be directed to the amphitheater.
Lookout Mountain
Located in Golden, Lookout Mountain (along with the nearby Windy Saddle Park) offers epic views without needing to travel far from Denver or hike at all! There are plenty of overlooks in the area to explore as well besides the view from the top.
Wedding Venues For Intimate Weddings
The last two locations on this list are actually wedding venues in Colorado. They offer stunning views, private spots to explore so you can still have that elopement feel, and are perfect if you’d like to invite more guests to your intimate wedding!
Mountain View Ranch
Mountain View Ranch in Pine, Colorado is a gorgeous venue with getting-ready cabins, a large reception hall, outdoor ceremony spaces, and so many stunning areas to explore including a lake, rustic barn, and wooded areas with mountain views.
Mt. Princeton Hot Springs Resort
This hot springs resort in Nathrop, Colorado (between Salida and Buena Vista) has an outdoor, wooded ceremony space with mountain views in the background, a stunning reception hall, and an open field nearby with 360-degree mountain views. And the best part, you can spend the rest of your time relaxing in the resort’s hot springs!
Elopement FAQs
How Does Self-Solemnization Work?
Self-solemnization means two people can legally marry themselves without needing signatures from other parties or witnesses. You and your partner can officiate your own wedding, and your signatures are the only ones needed on the marriage license to make everything legal! Since Colorado is one of the states where self-solemnization is allowed, as long as you obtain a Colorado marriage license (from any county), you’re all good!
For more in-depth info on getting married in Colorado, check this out!
How Much Does an Elopement Cost?
Technically, all you need to get married in Colorado is the $30 marriage license, but assuming you’d like a little more pomp and celebration for your big day, you can expect to spend anywhere from $5000-15000. Check out the table below for what you can expect to spend on common vendors and items. The ranges listed below are based on what my average couple spends, but exact amounts will differ greatly based on what you have planned.
| Marriage License | $30 |
| Photographer | $2500 – 7000 |
| Florals | $200 – 600 |
| Hair and Makeup Artist | $200 – 400 |
| Permit/Rental Fees | $100 – 300 |
| Travel/Lodging (from out of state) | $500 – 2000 |
| Wedding Dress Attire | $500 – 4000 |
| Suit Attire | $200 – 2000 |
| Food/Dessert | $50 – 400 |
| Total | $4280 – 14730 |
Do I Need to Hire a Planner?
Most elopement photographers will help with a lot of the planning portion as well (but not every photographer offers planning services, so be sure to double check if this is something important to you). As your photographer I can help you find the perfect location(s), research permits, recommend vendors and activities in the area, and put together your timeline.
However, if you would like someone to actually book all your additional vendors for you, keep track of all the contracts, and coordinate any extra details, a planner might an additional vendor to look into!
Can I Invite Family & Friends?
Yep! Many outdoor locations allow up to 10-15 guests, and there are plenty of reservable sites for up to 30-40 guests. Plenty of my couples also opt to have a private ceremony before joining their guests at an AirBnB or event space for dinner and partying! There are plenty of ways to incorporate family and friends in your elopement for all or part of your day!
Check out this VRBO elopement with family & friends!
Can I Have a Private Ceremony & Big Reception
Yes! Many of my couples choose to have a private elopement to exchange vows and have a “just us” experience. Then, either later that same day or on an entirely different date, they’ll have a larger reception to celebrate with their family and friends. Plenty of my out-of-state couples travel to Colorado for their elopement then have a more traditional reception in their home state a few months later!
Do We Need to Hike to Elope?
Not at all! You don’t need to be adventurous, hike, or do any physically-intense activities during your elopement. In fact, I would be more than happy to plan out a fun-filled, chill, relaxing day for you with great views and meaningful experiences. Some of the more relaxed activities my couples have chosen include driving up to gorgeous overlooks, eating donuts by a lake, strolling through an aspen grove, and having an intimate, 5-course meal at their AirBnB specially created by a private chef. Your day can be whatever you want it to be!
Here are some ideas for no-hiking-necessary elopements!
Your Colorado Elopement Expert
Hi! I’m Katrina
I’ve helped plenty of couples both from out-of-state and local to Colorado plan out their dream Rocky Mountain elopement, and I’d love to help you too!
If you’d like to start chatting about everything you’re dreaming up and see if we’d be a good fit, reach out below!
And if you haven’t already, you can view pricing information here.
