So, you want to officiate your Colorado elopement? You’re in luck! Colorado is one of the most laid-back states when it comes to tying the knot, and we’re here to show you how easy—and fun—it can be to create a ceremony that’s totally you. Whether you dream of a traditional officiant, having a friend or family member officiate, or even going all out and skipping the officiant altogether (yep, that’s possible), officiating your Colorado elopement is all about making your ceremony unique, personal, and reflective of your love.

What Makes Colorado the Best Place to Officiate Your Elopement?

When it comes to weddings, Colorado is like that cool, relaxed friend who says, “Hey, you do you!” The state gives couples incredible freedom in how they want to officiate their Colorado elopement—whether that means a professional officiant, a friend doing the honors, or going completely DIY. You have choices, and that’s a win in our book!

Anyone Can Officiate Your Colorado Elopement: The Registered Minister Route

Let’s start with the classic choice: an officiant. If you’d like to have someone guide you through your Colorado elopement ceremony, the good news is that Colorado makes it easy. The state allows any minister, regardless of religion or denomination, to officiate your Colorado elopement as long as they’re registered. Yep, any minister from any church or faith group can step in to make it official. No need to search for the perfect “type” of officiant—just pick someone whose vibe clicks with you, and you’re good to go!

Why do we love this option? It keeps things super inclusive! Whether you’re spiritual, religious, or have no particular faith, you can easily choose an officiant who aligns with your values and preferences. So, you get the ceremony that feels right for you, without any awkward “do I really have to say that?” moments.

Your BFF Can Officiate Your Colorado Elopement: How to Make Them Your Minister

Now, maybe you don’t want a professional officiant, and that’s totally cool! Enter the Universal Life Church—the secret weapon for couples looking to officiate their Colorado elopement in a super personal way. With just a few clicks, your friend, cousin, or even your dog (okay, maybe not your dog) can become an officiant and make your wedding day even more meaningful.

Becoming a legal officiant through the Universal Life Church is simple. They provide easy online registration, and in just a few minutes, your loved one can be ordained to legally officiate your Colorado elopement. Talk about a cool, personal touch! And, of course, it makes your ceremony even more memorable when someone close to you gets to share in such a special role.

The Freedom to Skip the Officiant: The Magic of Self-Solemnization

Here’s where things get really exciting: You don’t have to have an officiant at all. Colorado is one of the few states that allows couples to self-solemnize their marriage. Translation: You can officiate your own wedding. Yep, you and your partner can stand in the mountains, in a field, by a lake, or wherever your hearts desire, and exchange vows without officiant involved. Just you, your love, and the beautiful Colorado landscape.

Why do so many couples choose this route for their Colorado elopement? Well, it’s all about freedom and intimacy. No officiant means no rules, no scripts, and no expectations—just a raw, personal ceremony that’s as intimate as it gets. Many of the most breathtaking elopements we’ve been a part of happened with no officiant at all. It’s just the two of you, exchanging vows without feeling like you’re performing for an audience. It’s incredibly freeing, and the love is undeniable. Read all about the beauty of self-solemnization here!

Pro Tip: If you’re thinking about skipping the officiant, you’ll want to check out the marriage license requirements. While you don’t need someone to officiate your ceremony, you’ll still need to ensure your marriage license is properly filed to make everything legal.

Making Your Colorado Elopement Unique: Personalizing Your Vows and Rituals

Let’s be real—one of the best parts of officiating your Colorado elopement is the ability to personalize the heck out of it. From writing your own vows to including special rituals or symbols of your love, the sky’s the limit. In Colorado, there’s no “one-size-fits-all” ceremony. Want to incorporate a handfasting ceremony? Go for it! Want to read vows in a language that’s meaningful to you? Absolutely! The whole point of an elopement is to make it all about you two, not a generic script.

Some couples choose to include a family heirloom, exchange personal gifts during the ceremony, or have a moment of silence to reflect on their relationship. Others may opt for a ritual that symbolizes their union, like planting a tree together or sharing a glass of wine. Whatever speaks to your heart, officiating your Colorado elopement means you have complete control to craft a ceremony that tells your love story.

Not sure where to start with your wedding vows? We wrote this blog just for you!

Navigating Legalities: Marriage Licenses and Paperwork

While Colorado offers a ton of freedom when it comes to officiating your Colorado elopement, there’s one thing you’ll definitely need: a marriage license. Don’t worry, though—it’s not complicated! Getting your license in Colorado is quick and easy. You and your partner just need to apply together in person at a county clerk’s office, and then you’re all set.

The legal requirements are simple: you’ll need to solemnize the marriage within 35 days of getting the license (which means you just need to sign it with an officiant or your self-solemnizing vows). If you’re going sans officiant, that’s where the whole “self-solemnization” comes into play. Make sure you file the marriage license after the ceremony, and voila—you’re legally married!

We put together this blog about how to legally elope in Colorado, check it out!

Ready to Officiate Your Colorado Elopement?

So, are you ready to officiate your Colorado elopement in the most unique, personal, and fun way possible? Whether you choose a traditional officiant, a friend or family member, or decide to go all-in and self-solemnize your marriage, Colorado gives you the flexibility to make your ceremony reflect your love, your values, and your style.

From the majestic mountain views to the quiet, intimate moments that come with eloping, Colorado elopements are all about freedom. You’re not bound by traditional wedding rules or expectations—you’re free to create a ceremony that’s completely your own.

Don’t let the pressure of traditional wedding norms hold you back. Instead, officiate your Colorado elopement in the most authentic way possible, and let us help you plan the day of your dreams. We’re here to guide you every step of the way—because your elopement deserves to be as amazing as the love you share!

Let’s get started and create the perfect day for you two lovebirds. Ready to say “I do” in Colorado? Contact us today to start planning!