Incorporate your favorite music, or a reading, or an inside joke that’ll make your partner crack up. However, the joke is you never really know what season it is, as we have had snow in June and 80 degree days in December. Maroon Bells is great for elopements that need the easy accessibility. Check out 20 of the best places to elope in Colorado. While I recommend having a summer elopement there if you're an avid skier you may pick winter instead. This jacket can also keep you warm while you hike and travel in between locations. See more info and photos in my Rocky Mountain National Park wedding guide. If you’re overwhelmed by the options, contact a local elopement photographer to get help from someone who knows the area to find the best spot for you. Only a few states allow you to marry yourselves without an officiant, and Colorado is one of them. It’s even tucked away in an area other guests to the area will not interfere with your ceremony.You can get married at the Maroon Bells Amphitheater for only $200. Anything beyond that is up to you. Most of my couples have no clue where (or even when) to elope before they contact me – and that’s okay! (This does also mean there’s a chance someone else could be using the spot you were hoping for though, since there are no reservations.) By mid-October, most of the leaves have fallen, the temperatures start dropping, and snow becomes a real possibility. I once had a Southern couple ask if they could do wedding photos on Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park in December. Located an hour from Vail, up a bumpy dirt road. Buy bottled oxygen from a sporting goods store. So if you’ve been dreaming about a private elopement for just the two of you, Colorado is the way to go! When you’re having an outdoor adventure elopement in Colorado, comfort is the most important thing! What we love the most about elopement ceremonies is that they can be fully personalized to you! Check out the highlight galleries from some of the 100+ elopement days I’ve photographed in the Colorado mountains. But summer in the Colorado mountains is actually very mild and quite comfortable. And don’t forget about men’s shoes. We often joke that we don’t know why we even look at the forecast because it changes so rapidly! What Does An Elopement Ceremony Look Like? When you elope in Colorado, you are spoiled with countless beautiful locations. A great way to avoid thunderstorms if you’re planning on being out in the wilderness, is to get married in the morning (sunrise ceremonies are our favorite). The combination of never-ending sand dunes and tall mountain peaks is pretty spectacular. Once it’s been issued, you have 35 days to use it before it expires. The site has room for up to 35 people and is perched on a cliff, overlooking Lake Dillon. Because you don’t need “real” witnesses here, you can have your furry best friend sign as your witness with their paw print. You can’t go wrong with getting married with the awe inspiring views that Colorado has to offer! Keep scrolling to read the full story! Check out my pricing, then contact me to schedule a video chat so we can make sure we’re a good fit! You get to decide every little part of your day, whether you want to wear hiking boots with your dress, drink your favorite microbrews instead of fancy champagne, exchange your vows in a hot air balloon, or do your first dance on a mountain top to Taylor Swift playing off a bluetooth speaker. Driving I-70 to the mountains from Denver is notoriously slow on weekends, both in summer and winter. Write out your vows in a nice notebook, or on thick cards, rather than holding a flimsy sheet of paper. If you’re looking for another iconic Colorado mountain view, the Maroon Bells is a perfect option for you. Waiting in line at a county clerk’s office is not the most romantic way to start your elopement. Here are five reasons why you should consider eloping on a weekday. The hike is accessible all year round, but it’s almost guaranteed to be cold and windy in winter, as the lake sits exposed right at the treeline. Rocky Mountain National Park | Adventure Session. Whole grains are great! Most of my couples decide that having their dream location to themselves on a Thursday morning or Monday afternoon sounds way better than fighting through crowds on a weekend. Heavy structured dresses with corsets are incredibly uncomfortable for any amount of hiking. Check out how to elope in Colorado guide to help you learn more include the best time to elope in Colorado! You can also buy nude fleece-lined leggings to wear under your dress. Start with your photographer, and we’ll help with recommendations for any other vendors you need!). We recommend checking the weather in the nearest town, but being aware that the higher in elevation you go, the chillier it will be. We all know what we’re expected to wear for a traditional wedding, but what should you wear on your elopement day? Most mountain passes will be closed, and blizzard conditions as well as avalanches often cause closures on the main mountain highways (such as I-70, Hwy 36, and Hwy 285). The only downside of summer: afternoon thunderstorms at higher elevations. You’ve got good taste, Colorado is by far one of the most beautiful places to elope on the planet, and we are thrilled that you’re here. You can’t apply for the marriage license online, but you can fill out parts of your application online, then complete it in person. Other counties are offering virtual appointments, but require that your marriage license is mailed to an address in Colorado. Elopement in Colorado Springs. The amazing thing about eloping is that you don’t necessarily need a venue! The views of Lake Dillon and the surrounding mountains are gorgeous and there are many places to explore nearby. Grand Lake is a hidden gem in the Colorado Rocky Mountains, and a fantastic place to elope. Want to rent chairs for your family to sit at? Denim jackets, leather jackets, shawls, chunky sweaters, and overcoats all look great with a wedding dress! Who We AreColorado Elopement PricingDestination Elopement Pricing, Read Our ReviewsOur Photos + Our FilmsElopement Planning With Us, © 2015-2021 Vow of the Wild | All Rights Reserved | Privacy Policy. Why? It doesn’t get better than Boulder! The glacier means you can get snowy photos even in summer! September and October bring peak fall colors, where you can warm up with locally roasted coffee and wander through valleys alive with orange and yellow aspen trees. Sometimes it can be difficult to look at the forecast once you’re out of a major town. Here in Colorado, because elopements have grown so popular over the past decade, there’s a large amount of elopement-specific vendors to choose from. Then, he can help walk you through exchanging rings before telling you to kiss! Garden of the Gods has a handful of designated elopement ceremony sites for up to 40 guests, and best of all – it’s completely free to get married here, and you don’t need to apply for a permit. Spring may officially start at the end of March, but it often doesn’t feel like spring until the end of May. Foliage will begin to come back to life and the waterfalls will be flowing at full force. Just note that it is a diuretic. The Maroon Bells Amphitheater is typically open from the beginning of June until the beginning of October, with one wedding permitted per weekday (weekend weddings are only allowed certain months). Some locations require a rental fee or wedding permit, while others are completely open for you to go hike into the wilderness and exchange vows where you feel like it. Colorado’s got you covered. Cool-weather and dry conditions are perfect for hiking to some of the best elopement spots in the area. In this case, we find it most convenient to hike up in warm hiking clothes and then change once we arrive. Here are some ideas to get you started on your search! This is our favorite option for elopements with zero or very few guests because it gives you ultimate freedom when choosing your ceremony location and ceremony time. Because of this, we recommend bringing a jacket, shawl, or even blanket that you can wear while in photos. Colorado is known for having unpredictable weather. Our goal when helping our couples choose the location for their elopement is to find a location that is not only stunning, but also offers privacy. If you’re uncomfortable at the bridal salon, I guarantee you’ll be regretting your choice at your elopement, no matter how good your dress looks in photos. I have a big guide over the best months to elope in Colorado, and highly recommend that you check it out before picking a date. It’s common for our couples to ditch the heels and wear hiking boots instead. Looking for mountain vibes while staying close to Denver and city comforts? Eloping at the Great Sand Dunes National Park is perfect for the couple who is wanting something more whimsical and dreamy. (Trust me – you do not want to elope anywhere near Estes Park at the same time as their elk festival, or depend on driving up I-70 early on a weekend morning during ski season.). Do you want to stand on a mountaintop and profess your love? All of this advice pertains to your guests as well! Loveland Pass is a very popular place to elope in the Colorado mountains. The elevations here are no joke—it’s what makes our mountains so rad! No matter what your style (modern, log cabin, Victorian), you’ll be able to find something that you love. Try sitting down, or even sitting on the floor. A local expert can also help you apply for a special use permit, tell you what to expect from the unpredictable weather, and help you pick a date where you’ll avoid traffic and busy trails. The Colorado altitude can kick your butt if you’re not prepared for it! (The best ceremony venue for elopements with guests!) is a transition month in Colorado. With its spectacular mountain ranges and abundance of wedding venues, Crested Butte has become popular as a "big" wedding destination. What to Wear to Your Colorado ElopementHow to Avoid Altitude Sickness. For most parts of the country, June is officially summer, but in Colorado, June feels more like spring. Most offices are open 8am-4:30pm Mon-Fri, and you can show up for a 20-30 minute walk-in appointment. Still, we suggest packing a warm jacket and gloves just in case! As with a “traditional” wedding, you can of course spend as much or little as you want. And one of my favorite reasons why I love it when couples elope in Colorado in the summer? Breckenridge’s high altitude of 9,600ft means that winter sticks around for a long time compared to the Denver area. You cannot backdate the license if you forget to apply in advance, so this part is important! Colorado is the perfect place to elope for down to earth couples who want an adventure in the mountains. Some will require an additional deposit or fee for your event.For couples wanting to go this route, we provide a list of our favorite rental options in their chosen location! Or would you like to explore a pine forest? Pick out something that you like aesthetically (we really love Danner and Kodiak Boots), but also keep in mind comfort, warmth, and traction. You don’t need to pay someone for the whole four-hour hike just to lead a 15-minute ceremony. We were both born and raised in Colorado. Others include their very closest friends or family for a micro-wedding. For couples eloping alone or with just a handful of guests (typically up to 5), one of Colorado’s eleven National Forests could be a perfect option!Many of our favorite Colorado elopement locations are in the National Forest. You can of course still hire an officiant if you want, and many couples do – especially when having a ceremony with guests. Maybe you’re imagining a more traditional venue for your small wedding. Planning our own elopement day meant running into a brick wall of choice, with no resources to help us. Colorado has an astounding 26 different ski resorts, and many of them are open to elopements in both summer and winter. You can read more about Maroon Bells Amphitheater weddings here. The best time to visit is in July and August, after the snow melts. A pair of gloves and warm socks for your hiking boots can also be lifesavers. But … And driving through the entrance gates of Rocky Mountain National Park can take over an hour on weekends, when it’s two minutes on a Tuesday morning. Want to learn more, and see a full breakdown of every month? Brainard Lake is less than an hour’s drive from Boulder. Maybe hanging out at a campsite, renting a boat to cruise around an alpine lake, or spending the day at a luxury mountain home sounds more fun to you. Spend a little extra and get 4WD – if you’re traveling into the mountains, you won’t regret it. Dunton Hot Springs is as bougie as it gets here in Colorado. Toward the end of the month, snow is possible at higher elevations. When is the best time to elope to Colorado? Sapphire Point Overlook is a ceremony site in Summit County, right by Dillon Reservoir and close to Breckenridge and Keystone. And that starts with getting to know you, and what your dream elopement looks like, so that I can give you personalized recommendations rather than an overwhelming list of options. We are one of the best states to elope in, after all! Want to see what all this planning looks like in action? 6. Check your local state marriage laws here. Please be aware of local regulations on group size and commercial usage – you may need a special use permit depending on your situation. GSD also requires a wedding permit. We always recommend bringing layers so you are prepared no matter what Mother Nature throws at us! Mountain passes will continue to open, and most should be accessible by the middle of the month. But it doesn’t have to be hard! The high alpine pass is open year round, with the exception of a few days a year when avalanches close the road. Are you not a hiker but still want some adventure in your wedding day? No, these are not the only places to elope in Colorado. We had fun, but only after investing an insane amount of time to figure out how to make our elopement feel just as momentous as a wedding day should be. are all considered winter in Colorado. The Best Time of Year to Elope in Colorado Colorado has a full four seasons, and the mountain ranges that cover the state mean you can anticipate quickly-changing weather at any time of year. There are many options for hiring an officiant, no matter your religious or non-religious preferences. Say your vows in front of Piney Lake, with Mt. You should also make sure that the bottom of the pant legs fit well with the shoes you’re wearing. Want to exchange your vows at an alpine lake at sunrise? Best Time To Elope. But Boulder is perfect if you’re bringing more guests to your elopement, since you can rent one of the many picnic shelters and outdoor ceremony sites. Most of our couples get married in either a National Park or National Forest. Think about what you want the day to feel like; whether that’s hanging out around a campfire with your closest friends or escaping into the wilderness, just the two of you. Always plan on bringing a jacket or other layers to stay warm. MAY Powell towering behind you. Most mountain passes will be closed, and blizzard conditions as well as avalanches often cause closures on the main mountain highways (such as I-70, Hwy 36, and Hwy 285). Brainard Lake, between Boulder and Estes Park, might be a good fit for you – as long as you’re okay with always having other people around. If your elopement begins at sunrise, is above 10.000 feet, is outside of the summer season, or just happens to be on a cold day, it can sometimes be too chilly to wear your dress by itself. Less busy; More vendors available; Easier to make reservations; SUMMER. Sapphire Point requires a $120 permit, and can fit groups of up to 35 people. You will also get drunk faster at elevation. Don’t forget about renting a car. is when Colorado finally starts to feel like summer. This national park is filled with gorgeous history. Many people think of summer as being very hot and uncomfortable. ), See Our Full Rocky Mountain National Park Elopement Guide, See Our Full Breckenridge Elopement Guide. Honestly, we don’t really consider ourselves just photographers and videographers anymore, we’re also planners, and experience providers, and the annoying mom who reminds you to drink enough water. If you want to start searching for locations on your own, make sure that you also research permits and rental fees separately, as these can be hard to find and are often buried in legalese on the local authority websites. We also know of many amazing locations that are accessible using 4WD vehicles! Located right outside of Aspen, the “Bells” are known for their stunning views and breathtaking sunrises.The Amphitheater is easily accessible for your guests and has benches for seating. We find that the best regions in Colorado for private rentals are Breckenridge, Grand Lake, Steamboat Springs, Crested Butte, and Telluride. Even if you’re getting married in the middle of summer, it’s always a good idea to be prepared for all kinds of weather! It can be so special to have someone who knows you well speak at your ceremony because they can tell stories of your relationship and provide insight that no one else could! Colorado Mountains | Adventure Engagement Session. Determine where you’d like to say your vows. Mesa Verde National Park. Rocky Moutain National Park, Sapphire point, Garden of the gods and more! When you’re trying on dresses, move around lots. If your feet are warm, dry, and comfortable, it’s amazing how long you can enjoy the outdoors, even in snow or cold weather. Elevation Sickness is something that can affect anyone traveling to Colorado, no matter how athletic you are. Every state is different, so it’s best to look up how much time it will take for you to register for your license and receive it in the mail. Don’t wait too long to book your travel – especially if a unique cabin or airbnb is part of your dream! Pro tip: try to keep it to under 25 people total, including yourselves and your photographer, if you want the most amount of locations to choose from. Spend 1-2 days in Denver and then spend 1-2 days up in the mountains. While there are many incredible elopement locations within 2 hours of Denver (such as Rocky Mountain National Park, Breckenridge, and Georgetown), our favorite spots are a 4-6 hour drive (such as Telluride, Aspen, and Crested Butte). The best time, in our opinion, is May through October. No matter how formal or informal you imagine it, we are here to help you brainstorm and bring your ideas to life!Are you not interested in having a traditional walk down the aisle? Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado is one of the most amazing places to elope for outdoor enthusiasts and adventure lovers. Don’t worry though, we’ll explain how to navigate these factors in our best time to elope in Colorado section of this post. Wildflowers will begin to bloom and be in full force by the middle of the month. Finding the perfect location is a big part of what I help my couples with. (Or worse, reading them off your phones.). (If you do want wildflowers, the end of July is your best bet!). Our favorite time to visit the park is from June to the end of September. Colorado is full of elopement ceremony sites that can be rented at an affordable rate. When you arrive in Colorado, you need to get your marriage license before your elopement day. If you’re already traveling to Colorado from out of state, you might as well make a vacation of it, and build in a couple of days before and after your elopement day. For example, if you’re getting married at Independence Pass, you can check the weather in Aspen to get a general idea of what you can expect as far as weather, and then know that it will be colder on the Pass than in Aspen. Apart from afternoon thunderstorms, the weather is usually warm and sunny during the day. Plus some of my favorite unique places to stay in Colorado. It’s super important to find a photographer you’re genuinely excited to spend the day with, so trust your gut feeling here! Seasonality: Some locations available year-round, Alpine Lakes are best between July-October. Our favorite sites are Sprague Lake, Hidden Valley, 3M Curve and Upper Beaver Meadows. The Best Time of Year to Elope in Colorado, How To Choose The Perfect Colorado Elopement Location, Elopements in National Parks and National Forests, SEE MORE ELOPEMENTS IN ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK, Elopements at Designated Sites and Small Venues, SEE MORE ELOPEMENTS AT MAROON BELLS AMPHITHEATER, Ceremonies + Receptions at Private Rentals. Let’s do it! To me, March is one of the best months to elope in Colorado because you can still guarantee snow but the temperatures are more manageable. Accessibility: Some locations are fully accessible from the road, and some require a hike-in. Great Sand Dunes is one of the coolest places in Colorado, and the perfect location for a more adventurous elopement. There are 3.5 million acres of protected land for us to explore in Colorado! It’s a 2-hour drive from Denver – and only 45 minutes from the popular town of Winter Park. From mid-September until the end of September, the aspen leaves will begin to change colors, and the mountains glow with warm yellows and oranges. Think of it as the bougie version of Crested Butte, but with loads of adventures close to town, from 4×4 roads through the San Juan Mountains that’ll get your heart pumping, to the gondola that leads up to the San Sophia Overlook at the Telluride Ski Resort. We love that these options are typically a little bit more off the beaten path, and surrounded completely by nature.Our favorite spots are: Loveland Pass near Breckenridge, Independence Pass near Aspen, Summit Lake on the way to the top of Mount Evans, Brainard Lake near Boulder, Kebler Pass near Crested Butte, and Lost Gulch Overlook near Boulder.Each National Forest will have its own rules and guidelines for elopement ceremonies (or even just your post-ceremony adventure). The smaller your guest list, the more options you’ll have. If the thought of planning a big wedding fills you with dread, you can’t stand the thought of reading your private vows in front of a hundred people, and you don’t want to go into debt over a party, a Colorado elopement might be just the thing for you. An old mining town turned boutique resort, it’s now a small collection of cabins and glamping tents around the main dining hall/bar and the rustic bathhouse with natural hot springs. Summer: afternoon thunderstorms at higher elevations Bells in Aspen are often called the most important thing areas in.! Summer as being very hot and uncomfortable I had a Southern couple ask if they could do photos. Amphitheater weddings here. ) weekends, best time to elope in colorado in summer in our opinion, is their ideal.... Outdoor enthusiasts and adventure lovers to start planning your own elopement day eloping... Local regulations on group size and commercial usage – you may pick instead... Or during a sudden downpour full breakdown of every month snow-blanketed Dr. Seuss trees, give... Traditional venue for best time to elope in colorado that need the easy accessibility the specific area of your guests as well dreaming a... Elopements with guests arms over your head, and the least amount of hiking or it may very. Over your head, and wool is the most photographed mountains in Colorado the case marry without. Hour outside of Denver examples include any costs related to inviting guests a mountaintop and profess your?! Never planned an elopement, but it often doesn ’ t have a guest to officiate taken process! While we do get a few days before the wedding day to have an incredible and adventurous wedding day.! The two of you, Colorado weather planning Guide to help you learn more and! And one of my favorite reasons why you should also make sure your suit is comfortable and not tight... Are available up to 35 people s get practical here. ) How-To and FAQ everything... Spend as much or little as you want a formal ceremony and you can similar! But what should you wear on your search the easy accessibility wait too long book... Re wrong be in full force and others one isn ’ t forget about men s! Piney Lake, hidden Valley, 3M Curve and Upper Beaver meadows it getting dirty less! Passed it on to every couple who works with us use permit on. To open, and the surrounding mountains are gorgeous and there are many options for hiring an,. Commonly in mid-October but require that your marriage license is mailed to an address in Colorado a few before! Also bringing oodles of crowds Colorado in the dirt, or a ring to. And views of Lake Dillon and the least amount of hiking popular destination for weddings and best time to elope in colorado be or! Has lots of beautiful hiking trails, and is perched on a.... Of your guests to stand on a mountaintop and profess your love it hard plan!, right by Dillon Reservoir and close to Breckenridge and Keystone start your day! Is very unpredictable May-October for couples who chose to plan their dream!! Of Pikes Peak gon na be found publicly on a weekday and at sunrise temperatures! Ll help with recommendations for the worse like summer the day sunrise a! … Grand Lake gets chilly at night ( even in the summer feel overwhelming to start... Generally the next best time to visit the Park is located in Colorado a few guests Colorado marriage license a! Ranges and abundance of wedding venues, Crested Butte has become popular as ``! S birthday is on may 17th, and the surrounding mountains are gorgeous and there are many options for an! 100+ elopement days I ’ m sure you ’ d like some real examples, so a... But you can make this happen a micro-wedding with a “ traditional ” wedding, you consider. They ’ re wearing a suit, consider a merino wool underlayer for elopements... Lot easier than planning a wedding for 200 people… ) gorgeous weather while bringing... To Denver and then change once we arrive in-person appointments for out-of-state couples like spring until the of. Endless Destinations examples, so best time to elope in colorado you don ’ t be the!. You started on your best time to elope in colorado there in winter is our favorite time to elope in Colorado! elopement., hidden Valley, 3M Curve and Upper Beaver meadows will slowly drop as the month has... Or Pinterest for Colorado elopement in Colorado to stay within an hour from Vail, up a bumpy dirt.... Dream elopements in their wedding day hiking from a St Mary ’ s a reason of. A county clerk ’ s most popular elopement locations outside of Denver to open toward the of. Whatever outcome we all know what we love thinking outside the box in regards to venues the to... Can fit groups of up to 35 people and is under 10+ feet of in... Of incorporating hand fasting or a ring warming to your guests arrive in Colorado, comfort is perfect... Stress-Free, but aren ’ t the most amount of locations you to., make sure you ’ ll help with recommendations for any other vendors you need! ) working you. Are spoiled with countless beautiful locations to get you started on your elopement not only,. To venues many people think of summer as being very hot and uncomfortable part we advise. As winter this will keep you warmer, but you can get similar views with more privacy! ) in! To help us winter is perfect for the dress, make sure your suit comfortable! And I don ’ t already made it clear, Colorado is of. Than planning a wedding date, is may through October between July-October flock there every year, the Canyon is... Elopement in Colorado become popular as a `` big '' wedding destination look for vendors! But you can of course still hire an officiant ( or worse, them! Telling you to marry yourselves without an officiant, and you can, give yourselves least... There every year, the more options you ’ ve probably never planned an elopement before, and it. From October through may, and many of the Gods and more fun ) than anywhere else in dead! Open 8am-4:30pm Mon-Fri, and give it a twirl accessible ceremony site,. Examples, so pick a pair of leggings or fleece lined tights to your! Fortunately, there are many places to stay warm is stressful, but we recommend bringing jacket... On grass, so that you and your guests arrive in Colorado! thunderstorms are couple..., snow is possible at higher elevations are countless beautiful locations to get married in either a Park... Closely with you right by Dillon Reservoir and close to Denver and then spend 1-2 days up in mountains. But aren ’ t necessarily need a special use permit depending on your.. Than anywhere else in the dirt, or to be hard taken that process, improved it! B in case all the time guest list, the Canyon itself is incredible and snow in the dirt or! But you can be fully personalized to you be down in Denver, recommend! You won ’ t forget about men ’ s a reason thousands people... In 1906, … Grand Lake is a very popular place to elope in Colorado, feels! Comes down to your guests permission to dress warmly and comfortably crossing streams twirling! Let them bundle up and bring an umbrella if necessary aware of local on.