If you’re thinking about eloping in one of the most stunning states in the country, you’re in the right place! Learning how to plan your Colorado elopement can be such an exciting and personal adventure. With its towering mountains, lush forests, sparkling alpine lakes, and charming mountain towns, Colorado offers the perfect setting for an intimate, unforgettable wedding day. Whether you’re dreaming of exchanging vows on a mountain top with a breathtaking lake view, in front of a stunning waterfall, or surrounded by colorful autumn leaves, Colorado truly has it all!

So, how do you plan your Colorado elopement without feeling overwhelmed by all the options? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! In this guide, we’ll walk you through every step of the process, from choosing the perfect location to selecting vendors who specialize in creating unforgettable elopement experiences. Get ready to discover how to plan your Colorado elopement in a way that’s stress-free, exciting, and uniquely yours!

Why Choose Colorado for Your Elopement?

Before we dive into the details, let’s take a moment to talk about why Colorado is such a dream destination for elopements. It’s not just about the stunning scenery (although that’s a HUGE reason!)—it’s about the feeling that Colorado evokes. There’s a sense of adventure in the air and couples can truly make the day their own. Whether you’re looking for an adrenaline-packed adventure or a serene, quiet ceremony, Colorado has something for everyone.

Here are a few reasons why so many couples choose Colorado to tie the knot:

• Diverse Locations: From the iconic Rocky Mountains to charming small towns like Telluride and Breckenridge, there’s no shortage of beautiful spots to say “I do.”
• Outdoor Lovers Unite: Colorado is basically one big playground for adults and if you and your partner love hiking, skiing, mountain biking, snow shoeing, snowmobiling, kayaking, or just being surrounded by nature, Colorado is perfect for an outdoor elopement!
• Intimate Atmosphere: With fewer people involved, an elopement in Colorado allows you to focus on each other, making it a deeply personal experience.
• Variety of Seasons: Whether you dream of a snow-covered ceremony in the winter or a sun-drenched summer wedding surrounded by wildflowers, Colorado offers a range of seasonal options that will fit what you’re envisioning for your elopement.
• Self-Solemnizing: One of the reasons couples are drawn to Colorado for their elopement is the fact that they can self-solemnize. What does that mean? Great question! Self-solemnization is the act of legally marrying your partner without the need for an officiant or witnesses. It’s also known as a self-uniting marriage. Essentially, you and your partner act as your own witnesses when it comes to signing the marriage license. You can read more about how to self-solemnize in Colorado here!

Here are some things to know about self-solemnization:

• You can have your ceremony by yourself or with an officiant who isn’t legally ordained, like a friend or family member. 
• You can invite friends and family to your ceremony, but they don’t need to sign anything. 
• In Colorado, you can pick up a marriage license from a County Clerk & Recorder office for $30.
• You do not have to sign your marriage license in the same county where you obtained it. Meaning, you can pick it up in Denver County and use it in Summit County, you just have to return it to the same office you picked it up at.

Now that you know why Colorado is the place to elope (we may or may not be a little biased here 😉) let’s dive into how to plan your Colorado elopement step by step!

Step 1: Choose the Perfect Location for Your Colorado Elopement

One of the most exciting (and possibly overwhelming) aspects of how to plan your Colorado elopement is choosing the location. With so many breathtaking places to pick from, you’ll want to select a spot that resonates with your vision and personality. Whether you picture exchanging vows in front of towering red rocks, alongside a crystal-clear lake, or high atop a mountain pass, Colorado has something magical for every couple.

Top Locations to Consider:

• Rocky Mountain National Park: If you’re dreaming of an iconic mountain backdrop, this national park is perfect for adventurous couples. With over 300 miles of hiking trails, alpine lakes, and sweeping vistas, this location is ideal for couples who want a wild and romantic elopement. This blog walks your through how to elope in Rocky Mountain National Park.
  
• Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs, Colorado: Known for its stunning red rock formations, this location is perfect for couples who want a dramatic and unique backdrop. Plus, it’s relatively accessible, making it a great option for elopers looking for a more relaxed vibe. You can learn all about eloping at Garden of the Gods in this blog.
  
• Telluride/San Juan Mountains: For a more intimate mountain town feel, Telluride (and Ouray and Silverton) offers a combination of breathtaking views and a cozy, small-town atmosphere. It’s great for couples who want the beauty of the mountains combined with the charm of a historic mining town. The Southwestern Slope of Colorado (Telluride, Ouray, Silverton, Ridgway) is absolutely insane! The mountains in this part of Colorado are some of the biggest I’ve ever seen. This area is really perfect for people who want to jeep through the mountains to find the perfect ceremony spot or who are willing to hike some steep trails. You can read all about Maddy and Nathan’s Telluride, Colorado jeeping Elopement here!
  
• Aspen: Maybe something elegant and sophisticated is right up your Colorado elopement alley. Aspen is a luxurious yet intimate location that combines natural beauty with chic, upscale amenities. It’s perfect for couples who want to feel like they’ve stepped into a winter wonderland or a summer paradise all while being close to town.
  
• Breckenridge: This picturesque mountain town offers both outdoor adventure and a lively downtown scene. Whether you’re hiking up to the Continental Divide or cozying up in one of Breckenridge’s charming cabins, this spot is ideal for couples who want a perfect blend of nature and town life! Breckenridge is one of our all-time favorite elopement locations in Colorado.
  
• Great Sand Dunes National Park: For something truly unique, the towering sand dunes in southern Colorado provide an awe-inspiring and surreal setting for your elopement. Think of saying your vows in the midst of sand dunes with the Sangre de Cristo Mountains in the background—what could be more epic?!
  

When choosing a location, don’t forget to consider practical factors such as accessibility, permits (more on that in a bit), and the time of year. The beauty of planning your elopement in Colorado is that this state offers such a wide variety of landscapes so you’re bound to find a location that feels like it was made just for you! 

And don’t worry, one of the many services we offer our couples is a customized location guide! Our biggest goal (outside of taking incredible photos and video of your elopement) is to help make your Colorado elopement planning as stress-free as possible. This is why we offer customized location guides, vendor referral guides, packing lists for your season, and so much more. To learn more about us and who we are and to start planning your Colorado elopement click here!

Step 2: Pick the Best Time of Year for Your Colorado Elopement

When figuring out how to plan your Colorado elopement, timing is everything. Colorado offers something different in every season, so the time of year you choose can dramatically affect your experience and what you may be envisioning for your elopement. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect each season in Colorado:

Plan a Colorado Elopement in the Spring (March-May):

Spring in Colorado is beautiful, with wildflowers starting to bloom at lower elevations and the mountains transitioning from snow to green. However, the weather can be unpredictable, especially in the higher elevations, so be prepared for the possibility of rain or snow. If you want to avoid large crowds, spring can be a quieter time to elope as it is considered a “shoulder season.” 

Something that is really important to note about spring in Colorado is that it is not like spring in other states. Meaning, there will still be a lot of snow in the mountains. The snow tends to stick around in the mountains until about June. However, spring at lower elevations is gorgeous. Just be prepared for anything! We can get snow any time of the year so expect cooler temperatures than what you would expect for a traditional spring in other states. 

Plan a Colorado Elopement in the Summer (June-August):

Summer is the most popular time for elopements in Colorado and for good reason! With warm weather, blue skies, fields of wildflowers, and lush green landscapes it’s the perfect time for hiking, outdoor adventures, and enjoying the beauty of Colorado’s mountains. Just be prepared for more tourists, especially in places like Rocky Mountain National Park, which can get crowded during peak summer months.

One thing to note about summer in Colorado are the thunderstorms. We can almost count on thunderstorms to roll into Colorado every afternoon in the summertime. These storms are usually pretty quick and can roll out as quick as they roll in. However, it is very dangerous to be above the tree line during a thunderstorm because of the exposure. Don’t worry, we always have a backup plan if your elopement location is above the treeline in the summer in case of thunderstorms! This blog about what to pack for your summer elopement might be helpful!

Plan a Colorado Elopement in the Fall (September-November):

Fall is arguably the most magical time to elope in Colorado! The foliage transforms into a vibrant sea of oranges and golds, making for jaw-droppingly beautiful photos. The weather is still pleasant and the trails are still accessible. Fall leaf peeping is also a massive event in Colorado so I highly recommend choosing to elope Monday – Thursday during the fall to give you and your partner a more intimate experience. If you love fall colors, this is the time to plan your elopement!

Plan a Colorado Elopement in the Winter (December-February):

Winter in Colorado is a wonderland of snow-covered peaks and cozy cabin vibes. If you and your partner enjoy skiing, snowboarding, or winter hikes, then a winter elopement could be perfect for you. Keep in mind, though, that some areas may be harder to access due to snow, and the weather will be cold and can be unpredictable. But if you dream of a snow-dusted mountain ceremony, this is your season!

Wintertime in Colorado can be really beautiful with a 40 degree sunny day or it can be a full on blizzard. It is best to be prepared for anything! Don’t worry, I supply you with a very comprehensive packing guide for the winter. Even if you’ve never been to Colorado, I’ve got you! I will help you to be prepared for anything!

Each season is totally different in Colorado (and sometimes we experience all four seasons in one day!) so consider what kind of experience you want and what’s most important to you when selecting your elopement date. You truly cannot go wrong with any season!

Step 3: Handle the Legalities (Marriage License & Officiant)

One of the great things about how to plan your Colorado elopement is that the legal requirements are pretty straightforward, especially compared to some other states. Here’s what you need to know:

Marriage License:

To legally marry in Colorado, you’ll need to obtain a marriage license from any county clerk’s office in the state. You don’t need to be a Colorado resident to marry here, and there’s no waiting period, so you can get married the same day you pick up your license! Just make sure you have a valid ID, and there’s no need for blood tests or residency proof.

Officiant:

You do not need an officiant to marry you and your partner. If you do want someone to officiate  your wedding, the great news is that Colorado allows almost anyone to officiate! You can choose a professional officiant, a close friend, or even a family member who’s been ordained online. Just make sure they are legally recognized to officiate weddings in Colorado. The easiest way to become an officiant is through Universal Life Church. 

Witnesses:

Witnesses are not required by law, but if you’d like to have a couple of friends or family members by your side, that’s totally fine! Some couples choose to elope just the two of them, while others invite loved ones to join in on the celebration. You could even have your dog or cat “sign” your marriage license! Is that not the cutest thing you’ve ever heard?! Just make sure you double check with the Clerk and Recording office you plan on obtaining your marriage license from to make sure they will accept your marriage license with a fur baby paw print. 

Step 4: Hire the Right Vendors

Even though elopements tend to be smaller in scale, that doesn’t mean you should skimp on important vendors. The key is to hire professionals who are Colorado elopement experts (oh hey, that’s us!) understand your vision and can help you create the day of your dreams. But we’ll also send you a local vendor referral guide with the best elopement vendors! Here are some vendors you may want to consider for your elopement:

Elopement Photographer:

I am a local Colorado elopement photographer and will capture the moments that will last a lifetime. I know the best locations, understand the lighting, and can help you with any specific needs you have—whether it’s a sunrise ceremony, an adventurous hike, or simply some cozy portraits in a quaint mountain town. I’ve spent the last eight years building my Colorado elopement photography business to be an expert in elopements in this incredible state and I would be honored to be your Colorado elopement photographer!

Hair and Makeup Artist:

Hiring a professional hair and makeup artist is a great investment if you do not want to fuss with doing it yourself. Many artists offer packages specifically for elopements, where they’ll come to your location and create a beautiful, natural look that suits your style.

Florist:

Even though your elopement might be more low-key, flowers can still add that special touch to your day. A local florist can help you choose seasonal blooms that fit the vibe of your location, whether it’s a wildflower bouquet for a mountain elopement or a chic, minimalist arrangement for a city wedding.

Step 5: How to Plan Colorado Elopement Day and Activities

One of the best parts about how to plan your Colorado elopement is the freedom to create a day that’s all about you! Without the constraints of a traditional wedding, you can craft an experience that feels truly personal and unique to your relationship. Some ideas for your elopement day could include:

• First Look in Nature: If you’re planning to hike to a beautiful vista, why not have a first look in the middle of your hike? This adds an extra layer of excitement and intimacy to your day.
• Post-Ceremony Adventure: After you exchange vows, why not take a scenic hike, go rock climbing, or even ride horses through the mountains? Colorado is full of fun activities that can make your elopement even more memorable.
• Celebrate with a Picnic or Dinner: Whether it’s a gourmet picnic in the wilderness or a meal at a cozy mountain restaurant, end your day by savoring the moment with some great food and quality time together.

Step 6: Let the Celebration Begin!

You’ve picked the perfect location, taken care of the legal stuff, and lined up your amazing vendors—now it’s time to soak it all in! Colorado’s stunning views are ready to set the stage, and your love is what will truly make the day shine. Whether you’re exchanging vows at sunrise on a mountain top or by a peaceful lake, get ready for an unforgettable adventure. This is your day your way, so make it epic and let the celebration begin!

Ready to Plan your Colorado Elopement?!

Now that you know how to plan your Colorado elopement, it’s time to start bringing your dream day to life. Whether you’re hiking to a mountain top, exchanging vows beside a tranquil lake, or enjoying the vibrant colors of fall in Colorado’s aspen groves, your elopement will be an unforgettable experience.

So, grab your partner’s hand, pack your bags, and get ready to say “I do” in one of the most beautiful places on earth. Inquire with us here and let us help you plan one of your best days!