Are you dreaming of saying “I do” against a backdrop of snow-capped mountains, alpine lakes, and golden aspen groves? Then eloping in Colorado might be the perfect choice for you. Whether you want a spontaneous adventure or a carefully curated intimate ceremony, Colorado offers endless options for stunning elopement experiences. In this comprehensive guide to Colorado elopement planning, I’ll cover everything you need to know—from choosing a location to legal requirements and vendor tips—so you can focus on what matters most: celebrating your marriage in the most meaningful way possible.

I’ve lived in Colorado for years, and I’ve spent a lot of time exploring the mountains, forests, and hidden trails this state has to offer. As a local and adventure elopement photographer, I’ve helped many couples plan their perfect elopement—from accessible overlooks to quiet, tucked-away alpine lakes.

I believe that everyone should have a wedding day that excites them. A day that is perfectly theirs while also remaining stress free. That is why I put together this detailed guide on how to plan a Colorado elopement. This guide will give you everything you need to start planning your own epic, stress-free, and meaningful elopement in Colorado.

Let’s dive into everything you need to know—from permits to locations to what to pack—for the ultimate Colorado elopement experience.

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Why Choose Colorado for Your Elopement?

Colorado is one of the top elopement destinations in the U.S., and for good reason!

This state offers some of the most diverse and jaw-dropping elopement locations in the U.S. Whether you want to say “I do” at 12,000 feet with panoramic mountain views, beside an alpine lake, or in an aspen grove, Colorado delivers. Every season has something unique to offer, and the variety of landscapes—from red rock canyons to snow-covered peaks—means there’s something for everyone

Here’s why couples love eloping in Colorado:

• ✅ Breathtaking scenery year-round (seriously—every direction is a postcard)
• ✅ Adventure-friendly options, from short hikes to remote 4×4-access spots
• ✅ Self-solemnization is legal here—you can marry yourselves with no officiant or witnesses required
• ✅ Tons of public lands (like national forests and alpine trails) perfect for intimate ceremonies
• ✅ A mix of easy-to-access and off-the-beaten-path locations
• ✅ A welcoming, nature-loving vibe that makes your elopement feel relaxed and real

Whether you’re planning something simple and quiet or full-on adventurous, Colorado is the perfect backdrop for a day that’s entirely about you.

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Step 1: Choosing the Best Season and Time of Day

Colorado is beautiful year-round, but each season brings its own character, weather challenges, and photographic qualities. Here’s a detailed breakdown to help you in your Colorado elopement planning:

🌸 Spring (April–June)

• Pros: Blooming wildflowers at lower elevations, fewer crowds, cool temperatures.
• Cons: Higher elevation trails are often still snow-covered or muddy.
• Best Locations: Garden of the Gods, Boulder Flatirons, lower trails in the Foothills.
• Weather Tips: Be prepared for unpredictable spring storms and shifting temps.

☀️ Summer (July–September)

• Pros: Peak access to high-alpine trails, wildflowers in full bloom, longer daylight.
• Cons: Afternoon thunderstorms are common in the mountains (especially July/August).
• Best Locations: Rocky Mountain National Park, Crested Butte, Telluride, Maroon Bells.
• Timing Tip: Start your ceremony early—like sunrise—to avoid both crowds and lightning-prone storms that often roll in mid-afternoon.

🍂 Fall (Late September–Mid October)

• Pros: Stunning golden aspen trees, crisp air, and great lighting.
• Cons: Shorter days and potential for early snowfall.
• Best Locations: Kebler Pass, Aspen, Ouray, San Juan Mountains.
• Pro Tip: Fall colors are fleeting—watch local leaf forecasts and book early!

❄️ Winter (November–March)

• Pros: Snowy wonderland scenes, cozy vibes, fewer crowds.
• Cons: Cold temperatures, limited access to mountain locations, shorter days.
• Best Locations: Breckenridge, Telluride, Sapphire Point, Estes Park.
• Snowy Tip: Plan a midday ceremony when temperatures are at their warmest and light is soft.

🕰️ Best Time of Day to Elope in Colorado

• Sunrise: Ideal for couples seeking soft lighting, peaceful surroundings, and vibrant skies. Also the best time to avoid crowds in popular areas.
• Morning to Early Afternoon: Great for winter elopements when daylight is limited and temperatures are higher.
• Golden Hour (1 Hour Before Sunset): Creates magical lighting for photography, but some trails may get shaded quickly by mountains—scout the sun path in advance!
• Avoid Midday: Harsh lighting, especially at high elevations, can be unflattering in photos and hot during summer.

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Step 2: Choose Your Ideal Elopement Location

One of the most exciting parts of Colorado elopement planning is selecting your location. With landscapes ranging from towering mountains to high desert plateaus, Colorado offers a wide variety of breathtaking spots for your ceremony.

Here are some of the top elopement locations across the state:

1. Rocky Mountain National Park

• Dramatic peaks, alpine lakes, and well-maintained trails.
• Requires a special use permit and limits the number of guests and ceremony sites.

2. Maroon Bells (Aspen)

• One of the most photographed places in North America.
• Fall is especially stunning with golden aspens and crisp mountain air.

3. Telluride

• A remote, charming mountain town with cinematic views.
• Accessible via gondola or scenic trails for epic backdrops.

4. Great Sand Dunes National Park

• Towering sand dunes surrounded by mountain vistas.
• Ideal for sunset ceremonies and adventurous photo sessions.

5. Garden of the Gods (Colorado Springs)

• Striking red rock formations and easy access.
• Free public use, but early mornings or weekdays are best to avoid crowds.

6. Crested Butte

• Wildflower capital of Colorado in the summer.
• Offers a mix of mountain peaks, meadows, and charming downtown vibes.

7. Ouray and the San Juan Mountains

• Known as the “Switzerland of America” for good reason.
• Perfect for adventurous couples who want rugged beauty and fewer tourists.

8. Twin Lakes (Near Leadville)

• Quiet and peaceful alpine lakes surrounded by towering peaks.
• Great for a tranquil elopement with minimal foot traffic.

For a more detailed elopement location list, check out this post “13 Locations for Your Colorado Elopement: Where To Elope in Colorado”

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Step 3: Brainstorming Elopement Day Activities

One of the best parts about eloping? There are no rules. Your elopement day can be so much more than just a quick ceremony. It’s your wedding day—so fill it with meaning, connection, and a few epic memories along the way. Take some time to sit down with your partner and brainstorm some different thing you might want to do on your elopement day.

Whether you’re dreaming of something quiet and soulful or adventurous and wild, here are some ideas to spark your imagination.

For the Adventurous Couple

• Sunrise hike to your ceremony spot
• Jeep tour through rugged 4×4 trails
• Kayaking or paddleboarding on an alpine lake
• Rock climbing, snowshoeing, or mountain biking
• Helicopter or hot air balloon ride with panoramic views

For the Sentimental & Slow-Paced Couple

• Write and exchange personal vows in a quiet spot
• Share a private first dance in the woods or under the stars
• Pack a charcuterie picnic or favorite meal
• Read letters from loved ones who aren’t present
• Include a handfasting ceremony or other symbolic ritual

For the Nature-Loving & Creative Couple

• Bring your dog and let them be your witness (yes, paw prints count in Colorado!)
• Paint or sketch your view after your ceremony
• Plant a tree or scatter wildflower seeds as a symbolic gesture
• Pack film or Polaroid cameras and take portraits of each other
• Have a campfire and s’mores at the end of the night (where permitted)

Post-Ceremony Celebration Ideas

• Book a private chef to cook dinner at your Airbnb
• Head into town for craft beer, tacos, or pizza—whatever feels like you
• Pop champagne and soak in a hot tub under the stars
• Share a mini cake or dessert with a mountain view
• Watch the sunset or stargaze wrapped in a cozy blanket

Your elopement should feel like the best date you’ve ever had—mixed with the most meaningful moment of your lives. Choose activities that reflect who you are, what you love to do together, and how you want to remember the day years from now. Check out this post for more exciting “Elopement Day Activities”

This isn’t just a ceremony—it’s your entire wedding day. You deserve to fill it with joy, adventure, and connection.

➡️ Pro Tip: Always check if permits or guides are required in certain areas!

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Step 4: Create an Elopement Day Timeline

Your elopement day deserves just as much intention as a traditional wedding—minus the stress. A solid timeline allows room for spontaneity and ensures everything you’ve planned happens with ease.

A typical elopement timeline might include:

• Getting ready (separately or together)
• Travel or hike to your ceremony location
• First look and private vow reading
• Ceremony and ring exchange
• Champagne toast or picnic
• Portrait session at multiple spots
• Post-ceremony celebration (stargazing, dinner, first dance, etc.)

➡️ Pro tip: Build in buffer time for weather, lighting changes, hiking, or just soaking in the moment.

Here’s a rough timeline for a full-day elopement in the Rockies for a sunrise ceremony:

• 4:30 AM: Hair & makeup begins
• 6:00 AM: Depart for trailhead
• 7:00 AM: Sunrise first look + ceremony
• 8:00 AM: Post-ceremony portraits
• 10:00 AM: Brunch picnic or celebratory hike
• 1:00 PM: Explore nearby town / private couple shoot
• 5:00 PM: Sunset photos
• 7:00 PM: Private dinner or soak in hot springs

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Step 5: Hire Your Elopement Dream Team

Even if you’re planning a small and intimate wedding, the right vendors can make your elopement day unforgettable.

Vendors to Consider:

• Photographer: Look for someone who specializes in adventure elopements and knows the terrain. As a local Coloradoan, I would love to help you navigate the elopement planning process and help you create a wedding day that sets your soul on fire. You can contact me here for more information.
• Elopement Planner: Many Colorado-based planners offer packages that include location scouting, timelines, permits, and more. As your photographer, I can also help with some of these logistics. Check out more of what I offer here.
• Florist: Wildflower bouquets, floral crowns, and boutonnières can add a traditional feel to your elopement day. And finding the right florist can really help create a magical feel on your elopement day.
• Hair & Makeup Artist: Many artists will travel or can meet you at your lodging before your ceremony.
• Videographer (Optional): Capture the emotion of your day to share with family and friends later.

When you choose to book me as your elopement photographer, I am happy to offer you different vendor recommendations. By working with the right vendors, we can help bring your elopement vision to life!

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Step 6: Plan the Logistics

Even small elopements need thoughtful planning to ensure a stress free and memorable day. This is one of the most important parts of your Colorado elopement planning.

Permits:

• Most national and state parks require a special use permit for elopements and professional photography. These can take a few weeks to process. Most of the photo permits, I will manage on my end to ensure we are abiding by the rules.
• Fees and rules vary—some limit group size or restrict ceremony locations, so feel free to ask me any questions you might have on location limitations.

Travel & Lodging:

• Book accommodations near your elopement site well in advance, especially during peak seasons like summer and fall.
• Consider arriving a day or two early to acclimate to the altitude, particularly if you’re coming from sea level. Altitude sickness can sneak up on you and affect your energy and hydration.

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Step 7: Understand Colorado Marriage Laws

Colorado makes it wonderfully easy to elope. Here’s what you need to know:

✅ You Don’t Need an Officiant or Witnesses

Colorado is one of the few states where self-solemnization is legal. That means:

• You do not need an officiant to legally marry.
• You do not need witnesses to sign your marriage license.
• You and your partner can literally marry yourselves—just the two of you!
• You can include a friend or family member in your ceremony symbolically (they just won’t need to legally officiate).
• Dogs have even signed Colorado marriage licenses with an ink paw print (no joke).
  • I recommend these ink pads

✅ How to Get a Marriage License in Colorado

To get legally married in Colorado, you need to apply for a marriage license from any Colorado county clerk’s office. It doesn’t matter which county you get married in—you can apply in one and elope in another.

What you’ll need:

• Valid photo ID (driver’s license, passport, etc.)
• Both parties must be present (unless one signs a notarized absentee affidavit)
• $30 fee (cash or card, depending on the county)
• No waiting period—you can use it the same day

Marriage license is valid for 35 days
You must return it to the same county clerk’s office within 63 days of your ceremony for it to be legally recorded. You can fill out and sign your marriage license anywhere in Colorado—even on top of a mountain or in the middle of the woods. After self-solemnizing, simply return it to the clerk’s office by mail or in person. You’ll get your official marriage certificate after the county records it—usually within a few weeks.

✅ Can You Get a Colorado Marriage License as an Out-of-State Couple?

Yes! You do not need to be a Colorado resident to get married here. If you’re traveling in from out of state, you can still elope legally—just plan to visit a county clerk office when you arrive.

👉 Tip For Your Colorado Elopement Planning: Bring a pen and a clipboard if you’re eloping in the wilderness. You’ll need something to sign on! If you want a witness, I am more than happy to sign your marriage license.

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Step 8: Make Your Elopement Day Personal

The beauty of eloping is that you get to design your day around what truly matters to you—no expectations, no traditions, no pressure. Your elopement can be quiet, joyful, emotional, adventurous, or all of the above. It’s all about creating an experience that feels deeply you. Here are meaningful ways to make your elopement day personal, intentional, and unforgettable:

Write Your Own Vows

Personal vows are often the most emotional part of an elopement. Write from the heart—share your favorite memories, what you love most about each other, and the promises you’re making for your future. You can read them aloud privately before the ceremony or during your vows for a more intimate touch.

👉 Pro tip: Bring vow books you can keep forever or write your vows by hand on beautiful paper.

Choose a Meaningful Ceremony Style

Your ceremony doesn’t have to follow a script—create one that feels authentic to you both. You can blend spiritual elements, cultural traditions, or simply speak from the heart.

Consider including:

• A handfasting ceremony (tying your hands with a cord or ribbon to symbolize unity)
• A ring warming ritual where you each hold the rings before exchanging them
• A unity ritual like planting a tree, pouring sand, or lighting a candle
• A private moment of silence or prayer to honor lost loved ones or reflect

Infuse Personal Touches Into Your Day

• Wear something meaningful—a piece of jewelry from a grandparent, custom embroidery on your dress, or your partner’s favorite cologne.
• Pack your favorite snacks or drinks (like coffee from the shop where you met or local wine you both love).
• Include your pet as your witness or ring bearer.
• Play a shared favorite song during your first look or dance.

These little details can feel just as significant as the ceremony itself.

Incorporate Shared Hobbies or Memories

Think about what you already love doing together. Is it hiking, watching the sunrise, stargazing, or cooking together? Find a way to bring that into your elopement day.

Ideas:

• Revisit the trail where you had your first date
• Hike to a lake you’ve always wanted to see together
• Cook a meal together post-ceremony
• Take film photos of each other like you did when you first started dating

Involve Loved Ones—Even From Afar

Just because you’re eloping doesn’t mean you can’t include your people in meaningful ways.

• Ask friends or family to write you letters to read before your ceremony
• FaceTime with your parents before or after you say “I do”
• Have a loved one record a video message or write a blessing to include in your ceremony
• Plan a celebration or photo slideshow to share with them afterward

Slow Down & Be Present

One of the most personal things you can do on your elopement day? Slow down and truly soak it in.Take a deep breath at the trailhead. Sit by a stream before your vows. Hold hands and be still after you say “I do.” Build space into your timeline to reflect, laugh, cry, and just be together—without distractions.

There’s no one “right” way to elope. Your elopement day should reflect your personalities, your values, and your relationship. When you strip away the pressure and focus on what matters most, you’re left with a day that’s truly yours—authentic, emotional, and unforgettable. That’s what makes it magic.

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Step 9: Living Out the Elopement Day of Your Dreams

After all the dreaming, planning, and intentional choices, the day you’ve been waiting for has finally arrived. And the most important thing you can do now? Let go and truly live it.

Your elopement isn’t just about a ceremony in a beautiful place—it’s about creating an experience with your partner. This is the day you commit your lives to one another, not in front of a crowd, but in a setting that reflects who you are and how you love. So, slow down. Be present. Feel every moment. Let yourself laugh freely, cry openly, and soak in the magic of being fully, completely yourselves. I will be there to document all those moments. All those feelings.

The best elopement days aren’t perfect—they’re real. They’re full of wind-blown hair, muddy boots, quiet moments and nervous smiles. This is a celebration. You’re allowed to savor it. You can pop champagne at the trailhead, share a first dance on the edge of a canyon, or eat wedding cake around a campfire. Whatever joy looks like for you, build it into your day.

Your dream elopement doesn’t need a ballroom, a guest list, or a schedule packed with formalities. Your elopement does is what you make it. So show up, take a deep breath and enjoy the heck out of it. You’ve already done the Colorado elopement planning to create this moment—now let yourselves live it, wholeheartedly.

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Final Thoughts on Colorado Elopement Planning

Eloping in Colorado gives couples the chance to focus on what really matters—your love, your vows, and your experience—without the stress of a big wedding. With proper planning, your adventure elopement can be breathtaking, meaningful, and uniquely you.

Whether you want to hike to a hidden alpine lake or exchange vows beside a roaring waterfall, Colorado elopement planning is your first step to a wedding day you’ll never forget.

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Ready to Start Planning?

If you’re looking for expert help, personalized location recommendations, or a photographer who knows all the hidden gems, reach out to me here. Let’s make your Colorado elopement planning easy. Let’s make your elopement day an experience that lights a fire in your soul!