So, you’re dreaming of an intimate elopement in Colorado, surrounded by towering peaks, sweeping valleys, and possibly even a few wildflowers or snowflakes. You can already picture the scene: just the two of you, saying your vows in one of the most breathtaking places on earth. But before you can make that dream a reality, you’re probably wondering about the cost to elope in Colorado. With nothing standing between you and your new life together, the next step is planning the perfect, budget-friendly adventure. Sounds perfect, right?
But, before you can get to the good part, there’s that looming question: How much does it cost to elope in Colorado? Whether you’re on a budget or ready to splurge on a more luxurious experience, knowing the potential costs of eloping in Colorado will help you plan the wedding of your dreams without any financial surprises.
In this detailed breakdown, we’ll walk you through the typical costs involved in eloping in Colorado, from permits and venues to the little extras that make your day extra special. Let’s dive in!
1. What Determines the Cost to Elope in Colorado?
Elopements can be as simple or as extravagant as you make them. The beauty of eloping is that you get to choose exactly how much you want to spend and what you want your day to look like. However, certain essential costs are almost always involved, and understanding these will help you budget more effectively.
To give you a rough idea, here’s a breakdown of the major categories that will determine the cost to elope in Colorado:
- Marriage License
- Officiant (not required as Colorado is a self-solemnizing state, but some couples opt for an officiant)
- Venue or Location
- Photography and/or Videography
- Travel and Accommodation
- Hair and Makeup
- Additional vendors (flowers, rings, attire, etc.)
Let’s explore each one of these in more detail!
2. How Much Does a Marriage License Cost to Elope in Colorado?
Before anything else, you’ll need a marriage license to make your elopement official. The great news is that the cost to elope in Colorado for this legal necessity is fairly low.
- Cost: Between $30 and $100 depending on the county where you obtain it. Most counties have a standard fee around $30 to $50, but it’s always best to check with your specific county for exact pricing.
- Where to Get It: You can apply for a marriage license in any county in Colorado, and it’s valid statewide. Most counties allow you to apply online or in person at the County Clerk’s office. No residency requirement means that couples from out of state are welcome to get married here.
- Wait Time: There’s no waiting period, so you can get married as soon as you’ve obtained your license. Just keep in mind that your marriage license is typically valid for 30 days, so you’ll want to plan accordingly.
- Dog Print for Signing Marriage License: Having your fur friend “sign” your marriage license is a really big draw to couples eloping here. However, in the past year, some county’s are not accepting dog prints on their marriage licenses anymore. If this is important to you, it is vital that you reach out to the county where you are thinking of obtaining your marriage license and make sure they will accept your marriage license with a dog print.
3. Officiant Fees: How Much Should You Budget for an Officiant?
The next cost to consider is hiring an officiant. This is certainly not required as Colorado is a self-solemnizing state, meaning you and your partner act as your own witnesses and do not need anyone to sign your marriage license as a witness. Whether you want someone to craft a personalized ceremony or you prefer a quick, simple “I do,” hiring an officiant could be part of your cost to elope in Colorado.
- Cost: Generally, an officiant will charge between $150 to $500, depending on their experience and how much involvement you want them to have. Some officiants simply perform the ceremony, while others may offer additional services like premarital counseling or custom ceremony scripts.
- DIY Option: Some couples opt to ask a friend or family member to officiate their wedding. This can offer a really intimate and deeply personal ceremony that a lot of couples cherish! You can become ordained through Universal Life Church. It is a quick, easy, and free process!
One important note: If you’re eloping in a national park or a particularly remote location, you may need to hire an officiant who is specifically permitted to perform weddings in that location. It’s always best to reach out to these vendors after you’ve chosen your elopement location.
4. What’s the Cost to Elope in Colorado for Venues and Locations?
Now, let’s talk about one of the biggest expenses: your venue. The cost to elope in Colorado will largely depend on whether you opt for a free outdoor location or a more structured venue.
- Free or Low-Cost Locations: Colorado has countless public lands, state parks, and National Forests that you can use for your elopement. Popular places like Rocky Mountain National Park, Boulder’s Flatirons, and Glenwood Canyon offer incredible views and are free to access—though permits may still apply (more on that below). Don’t worry, we’ll help you find the perfect spot for your elopement! Whether you want to spend nothing at all on your ceremony site or you want to reserve a private venue.
- Permits: Some national parks or popular areas do require a permit to elope. This can range from $50 to $500, depending on the location and the size of your party. For example, in Rocky Mountain National Park, the cost for a small elopement permit is around $300, while other areas may charge less. Click here to read all about how to elope in Rocky Mountain National Park.
- Private Venues: If you want a more exclusive experience, private venues like Top of the Pines in Ridgway, Woods Walk in Crested Butte, or Sapphire Point Overlook in Breckenridge. Expect to pay anywhere from $100 to $3,000 for these venues. Click here to read all about our favorite private venues that you can reserve for your Colorado elopement!
5. Photography and Videography: How Much Should You Budget for Elopement Photos in Colorado?
Your elopement photos and video will be some of your most treasured memories, so having an experienced and local Colorado elopement photographer and videographer by your side is a must! Because we live and recreate in Colorado, we know this state inside and out and are truly the Colorado elopement experts. But you’re probably wondering—how much does photography and/or videography factor into the cost to elope in Colorado?
- Cost: Elopement photographers and/or videographers typically charge between $3,000 to $10,000. Prices vary based on experience, the number of hours you need, and the inclusions of the package. Click here to see our elopement photography packages!
- What’s Included: Many photographers will offer different options in their photography packages. We offer:
- Wedding day timeline assistance
- Marriage license assistance
- Customized location guides
- vendor recommendations
- Elopement planning resources
- Two to eight hour photography and videography package options
- Local outdoor expertise
- Drone footage when permitted (video only)
6. What Is the Cost to Elope in Colorado for Travel and Accommodation?
If you’re traveling from outside of Colorado to elope, you’ll need to factor in travel and lodging costs.
- Flights: Flights to Colorado can vary widely depending on where you’re coming from, but typically, round-trip tickets range from $100 to $600.
- Accommodation: Colorado’s accommodation prices also vary by location and season. You might pay around $100 to $200 per night for a standard hotel room or Airbnb. For a more luxurious stay, like a mountain cabin or a boutique hotel, expect to pay closer to $300 to $1,000 per night. Again, this will widely vary depending on the location, season, and what you want your experience to feel like.
- Transportation: Renting a car for getting around Colorado will likely cost between $50 and $100 per day. Renting a car is typically what most couples do.
7. Hair and Makeup: The Cost of Getting Ready for Your Elopement
Looking and feeling your best is important on your elopement day, so don’t forget to budget for hair and makeup services as part of your cost to elope in Colorado!
- Cost: Expect to spend between $150 and $500 for professional hair and makeup services. Many artists charge travel fees for remote locations, so it’s essential to check with your vendor beforehand. Not sure who to book for this? We got you!! We provide a detailed vendor referral guide for all of our couples so you can take the guesswork out of the vendor search.
- DIY Option: If you’re budget-conscious, you could opt to do your own hair and makeup. However, professional artists bring added value and can help you feel pampered and confident on your special day!
(Colorado elopement hair and makeup artist Crystal with Wild Brides Backcountry pictured below)
8. What Are the Additional Costs for Flowers, Rings, and Attire?
Once you’ve covered the basics, you may want to add some personal touches to your elopement. Here’s what to expect in terms of additional costs:
- Flowers: A simple bouquet or boutonniere may cost between $100 to $500, depending on the florist and the season.
- Wedding Rings: Rings are a big part of your elopement and can range from $500 to $5,000 depending on the material, style, and customization.
- Attire: Whether you choose something casual or opt for a full wedding dress or suit, elopement attire can cost anywhere from $100 to $2,000 or more.
9. Total Cost to Elope in Colorado: A Budget Breakdown
Now that we’ve covered all the major expenses, let’s give you a rough idea of what your total cost to elope in Colorado might look like:
- Budget Elopement: For a simple elopement, expect to spend around $2,800 to $5,500 (minus travel expenses). This would cover the basics, including your marriage license, photography and/or videography, and a free or low-cost venue.
- Mid-Range Elopement: If you want a more luxurious experience with a private venue, professional hair and makeup, and extra photography time, your budget will likely range between $5,500 to $10,000.
- Luxury Elopement: For a top-tier experience with a private estate, adventure shoot, and additional touches, you could spend anywhere from $10,000 to $20,000 or more.
(Disclaimer: The costs mentioned in this blog are estimates and can vary depending on the time of year, location, vendors, and specific needs of your elopement. Prices for permits, photography, videography, venues, and other services may fluctuate, so we recommend reaching out to local vendors directly for the most accurate and up-to-date pricing. This blog is intended to provide a general overview of the cost to elope in Colorado, but your actual expenses may differ based on personal preferences and customizations. Always plan ahead and budget accordingly to ensure your Colorado elopement is everything you dream of!)
Let’s Plan Your Dream Elopement in Colorado!
The cost to elope in Colorado is highly customizable, meaning you can create the elopement of your dreams no matter your budget! Whether you opt for a breathtaking natural setting or a more luxurious venue, the most important thing is that you get to experience a day that feels and looks like you and your partners relationship.
By understanding the different costs involved, you can plan ahead and avoid unexpected surprises. Ready to start your adventure? Contact me today here and let’s make your Colorado elopement a reality!
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