Elopements have become a beautiful way for couples to celebrate their love in a more intimate, personal, and unique way. Rather than a big traditional wedding with hundreds of guests, many couples are opting for small, serene, and unforgettable moments. If you’re someone who’s envisioned exchanging vows amidst breathtaking natural beauty, Grand Lake, Colorado, offers a one-of-a-kind experience for your elopement. With cozy, private Airbnb options, stunning mountain backdrops, and the iconic Rocky Mountain National Park just a short drive away, this part of Colorado is the perfect setting for couples seeking romance, adventure, and a truly special day.

In this blog, we’ll take you on a journey of planning the perfect elopement at an Airbnb in Grand Lake, Colorado, followed by an unforgettable portrait session in the iconic Rocky Mountain National Park. From the best Airbnb spots to how to make the most of your adventure, we’ll guide you every step of the way to create an elopement day that’s uniquely yours.

Why Choose Grand Lake for Your Elopement?

Grand Lake, Colorado, might not be the first location that comes to mind when you think of elopements, but that’s part of what makes it so magical. Located just outside of the more tourist-heavy towns like Estes Park and Boulder, Grand Lake offers a quiet, tranquil retreat for couples looking to escape the hustle and bustle of big-city life. It sits at the foot of the Continental Divide, surrounded by forests, lakes, and, of course, the towering Rocky Mountains.

Unlike other Colorado mountain towns, Grand Lake feels more off-the-beaten-path and offers couples a chance to feel truly immersed in nature while still having easy access to the conveniences they need. The charming town also provides a variety of cozy accommodations, including gorgeous mountain cabins, lakeside homes, and unique Airbnbs, many of which offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

Not to mention, Grand Lake is probably one of the cutest mountain towns I have ever visited. I love the quaint downtown with 360 degree lake and mountain views. You can take a stroll anywhere by the lake and be mesmerized by the beauty of the Rocky Mountains. 

Another major perk of eloping in Grand Lake is its proximity to the west side of Rocky Mountain National Park, one of the most scenic national parks in the U.S. In just a short drive, you’ll be able to explore diverse landscapes, including alpine lakes, meadows, towering peaks, and dense forests. It’s the perfect place for couples to explore after their ceremony, capturing those dreamy, post-ceremony portraits that will last a lifetime.

The Best Airbnbs in Granby for Your Elopement

You might be thinking to yourself, “why would I elope at an Airbnb when we have the option to get married in the great outdoors?” This is a great question! There are so many benefits to having your small wedding at an Airbnb. Maybe you have folks in your party who have limited mobility, maybe you or someone in your party gets altitude sickness easily, maybe you love the convenience and ease of getting ready at the same spot where your wedding will be. Maybe there are kids in your group who wouldn’t do well with a windy drive through the mountains. Maybe you just really love the look and feel of a cozy Airbnb wedding in the mountains. Whatever your reason, it is totally valid here! Just because you’re eloping doesn’t mean you have to hike miles and miles to get married in the mountains.

The charm of Airbnb rentals lies in their variety. Whether you’re looking for a remote cabin in the woods, a modern mountain retreat, or a lakeside property with panoramic views, Grand Lake, Colorado has something to offer every couple.

1. Mountain View Cabins

For couples who want to truly escape into nature, Granby’s mountain view cabins are an ideal choice. Imagine exchanging vows on a private deck overlooking expansive views of the mountains, forests, and meadows. These types of Airbnbs offer privacy, peace, and proximity to nature, making them perfect for a laid-back elopement. Many of these cabins also have cozy fireplaces, hot tubs, and outdoor firepits—perfect for a romantic evening under the stars after your ceremony. Imagine having your ceremony on the deck of this gorgeous Airbnb!

2. Lakeside Retreats

If you’re looking for something with a little more tranquility, consider one of the lakeside Airbnbs in Grand Lake. Situated along the shores of Grand Lake, these homes offer peaceful, scenic views over the water, with the majestic mountains providing a stunning backdrop. A lakeside retreat is ideal for couples who enjoy water activities and wish to incorporate a bit of adventure into their elopement day. You could take a private paddle around the lake before heading into the mountains for your portraits, or simply enjoy a quiet moment on the deck as you celebrate your new life together. Like this Modern Grand Lake Cabin a short walk from Grand Lake.

3. Modern Mountain Homes

For couples who want the comforts of modern amenities combined with rustic charm, Grand Lake has several sleek and stylish mountain homes. These homes offer everything from open floor plans with panoramic windows to luxurious hot tubs and gourmet kitchens. If you envision an elopement where you can relax in style, this could be the perfect option. Whether you’re hosting an intimate ceremony indoors or on a spacious deck, these homes provide plenty of options for a beautifully coordinated day. This is my favorite A Frame Cabin in Grand Lake, Colorado. 

4. Romantic Forest Retreats

For the couple who seeks a more secluded and rustic experience, look for a forest retreat just outside Granby. Surrounded by towering pines and aspens, these properties offer complete privacy and immersion in nature. After exchanging vows in the woods, you can take a short drive to nearby hiking trails or head into Rocky Mountain National Park for your portraits. These secluded Airbnbs offer a true getaway experience, giving you the peace and quiet to focus on each other and your love.

If you are leaning towards an Airbnb elopement, make sure you double check with the host to make sure they are okay with you having your wedding ceremony on their property. 

Creating the Perfect Elopement Day

Once you’ve booked your Airbnb in Granby, it’s time to begin planning the details of your elopement day. While elopements tend to be more relaxed and less structured than traditional weddings, it’s still important to think through a few key aspects to ensure the day flows smoothly.

1. Timing Your Elopement

In Colorado, the weather can be unpredictable, especially in the mountains. You’ll want to consider the time of year when planning your elopement. Summer offers warmer temperatures, but it’s also the busiest season. Spring and fall bring more moderate weather, fewer crowds, and a stunning array of colors, especially in the fall when the aspen trees turn golden. Winter is magical with snow-capped peaks and quiet landscapes, but it does come with colder temperatures. Though Rocky Mountain National Park is open year round, Trail Ridge Road (the road that connects Estes Park to Grand Lake) is closed every year from about November – May. My favorite times to elope at Grand Lake, Colorado are summer and fall.

2. Hiring Vendors

While eloping allows you to keep things simple, you may still want to hire a few professionals to make your day even more special. Here are some vendors to consider for your Granby elopement:

Officiant: A professional officiant can help personalize your ceremony and ensure that it’s legally binding. Some officiants also offer pre-written vows or can help you write your own. Though you don’t need an officiant because Colorado is a self solemnizing state, some couples choose to have one to help with the flow of the day. You can learn more about how to self solemnize in Colorado here.

Photographer: It’s essential to hire a photographer who specializes in elopements and intimate weddings. They will know how to capture the candid, emotional moments of your ceremony and portraits in the stunning Rocky Mountain National Park. As a wedding photographer who specializes in elopements and lives in NorthernColorado, I know Rocky Mountain National Park like the back of my hand and I cannot wait to share all of my favorite places in the park with you!

Hair & Makeup Artist: If you want to feel pampered on your big day, consider hiring a local hair and makeup artist who can come to your Airbnb to help you get ready. Don’t worry, we hook you up with the best vendors in Northern Colorado to make your day stress-free!

Floral Arrangements: If you love flowers, a local florist can provide bouquets, boutonnieres, or even a floral arch for your ceremony.

Videographer: If you’d like to relive the day through video, hiring a videographer can be a great choice. The vast landscapes of Granby and Rocky Mountain National Park are perfect for a cinematic wedding film. Oh hey, I know a pretty cute videographer who happens to work with me at Alpine Vows! Learn more about our elopement videos here.

3. Personal Touches

What makes elopements so magical is the ability to include personal touches that reflect you as a couple. Whether it’s writing your own vows, planning a special picnic after the ceremony, or bringing along a favorite playlist for your Airbnb, the options are endless. Granby’s natural beauty provides an incredible canvas for creating intimate moments, so take full advantage of your surroundings.

Rocky Mountain National Park: The Elopement Adventure Continues

Once you’ve exchanged vows at your Airbnb in Granby, it’s time to venture into the Rocky Mountain National Park for your portrait session. Only about 30 minutes from Granby, the park is an eloping couples dream with its rugged terrain, pristine lakes, alpine meadows, and awe-inspiring mountain views.

Here are a few stunning spots within the park that will provide the perfect backdrop for your elopement portraits:

1. Trail Ridge Road

Trail Ridge Road is one of the most iconic and breathtaking drives in Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP), offering a rare opportunity to experience the high-altitude beauty of Colorado’s Rocky Mountains from the comfort of your car. Stretching for 48 miles, it winds its way through some of the park’s most stunning landscapes, reaching elevations above 12,000 feet, making it the highest continuous paved road in North America. It truly is one of the most breathtaking places to be and offers incredible portrait opportunities after your Airbnb elopement!

2. Sprague Lake

Sprague Lake offers a serene, quieter alternative to Bear Lake. With a paved path that loops around the lake, this spot is perfect for couples who want a peaceful, reflective setting for their photos. The early morning light here is particularly magical, as the lake often reflects the surrounding peaks like a mirror. This would be a great spot if you have a few hours to explore in the park as it is all the way on the other side from the Grand Lake entrance.

3. 3M Curve

If you have enough time, I recommend going to 3M curve just at the base of Trail Ridge Road for additional portraits. This is one of my favorite places in the park for portraits, and it is also a designated ceremony site in RMNP! It offers incredible views on Longs Peak (one of Colorado’s 14ers) and the opportunity to soak in just how expansive RMNP is. You can read about how to elope in Rocky Mountain National Park here!

A Perfect Day in Grand Lake and Rocky Mountain National Park: Kali and PJ’s Grand Lake, Colorado Elopement

Eloping at an Airbnb in Grand Lake, Colorado, followed by a portrait session in Rocky Mountain National Park is a dream come true for couples who love the idea of a quiet, intimate, and adventurous wedding day. Grand Lake’s stunning landscapes, cozy Airbnb options, and close proximity to one of the most beautiful national parks in the U.S. make it the ideal place to promise forever to your best friend, just like Kali and PJ did. 

Getting Ready for Their Elopement at Their Grand Lake, Colorado Airbnb

I met Kali and PJ at their Airbnb in Grand Lake, Colorado on a beautiful and sunny morning. Kali was getting ready with her gals on one side of the cabin and PJ was getting ready with his guys on the other. It was the perfect cabin to host their families and close friends while still feeling like they were in the heart of the mountains. 

I ran back and forth from one side of the cabin to the other, capturing sweet moments between Kali and those getting ready with her and PJ and those getting ready with him. It was a fun filled, energetic day that I was so grateful to be a part of! From capturing big smiles, dancing, vow writing, to small details like their shoes and the inside of PJ’s customized jacket. Everything was perfect!

Their Grand Lake, Colorado Elopement Ceremony

Their Airbnb cabin was on the river, something that meant a lot to PJ as he is a huge fly fisherman, he even made his own fish net! Kali and PJ decided to do a first look down the “aisle” as Kali’s dad walked her from the deck of the Airbnb to the area where they had their ceremony set up. Can I just take a moment to brag on this awesome couple? PJ made the pergola where they stood for their ceremony and Kali made the “Hire” stained glass piece that hung in the middle. Talk about the most crafty couple ever!!!!

PJ’s brother was the officiatant of their wedding, and after he said some incredible kind words about the couple, they exchanged vows. After their vows, Kali’s sister read a poem that brought everyone to tears. I love when couples include their loved ones into their elopement! Are you wanting to include your closest people into your wedding but not sure how? I wrote this blog just for you!

After a tear-filled ceremony, the couple celebrated with hugs from their family members and then we jumped right into family portraits. After family portraits we had to do a quick fly fishing photo shoot before heading into Rocky Mountain National Park.

Post Grand Lake, Colorado Elopement Adventure in Rocky Mountain National Park

After Kali and PJ’s incredibly intimate and special Airbnb elopement in Grand Lake, Colorado, we kept the adventure going by heading into Rocky Mountain National Park for post ceremony portraits. Kali and PJ decided to elope on September 23rd, 2024 and it was truly the peak of the fall colors in the park! We frolicked, explored, and endured some pretty cold temperatures at the top of Trail Ridge Road (you guys are troopers!!!) all for the most incredible elopement adventure! Please enjoy Kali and PJ’s Colorado elopement adventure!

Is a Grand Lake, Colorado Airbnb Elopement Right For You?

Grand Lake, Colorado offers so many incredible adventure opportunities, from kayaking on Grand Lake to exploring Rocky Mountain National Park and everything in between! Get in touch today and let us help you plan one of the greatest days of your lives!

Hey, we’re Colorado elopement photographer and videographer and your new BFF’s, Jake and Bailee! We started our elopement photography and videography business when we realized that there were so many couples who wanted a totally different wedding experience. A wedding that is solely focused on them, one without expectations, one where they could do exactly what they wanted to do.

We felt right at home when we documented our first elopement. We get the incredible opportunity to combine our passion for the outdoors with our passion for wedding photography and videography all while getting to meet the coolest couples in the world.

Our mission is to help fun-loving and down-to-earth couples get married in a way that honors their love for the outdoors and each other.

We can’t wait to get to know you both and be a part of your wedding journey!