Colorado is home to some of the most jaw-dropping sights, turquoise lakes, and picturesque mountains. Not to mention all of the adventurous activities you can go on! These are just a few reasons why you should elope in Colorado. In this blog, we’ll go through all of our favorite Colorado elopement locations!
Colorado Mountain Elopement Locations
Colorado is known for its insane mountain ranges that lend themselves to incredible elopement locations.
San Juan Mountains, Colorado
Considered the Switzerland of America for a reason! The San Juan Mountains are literally the most beautiful place I have ever visited in my life and the perfect place to elope in Colorado. I mean, how can you go wrong with turquoise lakes, off-roading 4×4 roads that lead you all over the mountains, and breathtaking mountain views?! You really can’t! Your ultimate adventure elopement dreams come to life in the San Juan Mountains. From a multi-day backpacking elopement, jeeping in the mountains, or kayaking in the crystal clear waters, it’s the perfect place for your Colorado elopement.
The best part about choosing to elope in the San Juan Mountains? There is so much space that you can a completely intimate and private Colorado elopement.
Northern Colorado
We feel so lucky to live in Northern Colorado, right outside of Rocky Mountain National Park. There are so many gorgeous locations to elope in Northern Colorado! We have spent so much time exploring NoCo and it’s definitely one of our favorite areas to elope in Colorado. There is just so much to pick from. Whatever you want for your elopement, you can do it here. Our favorite Northern Colorado elopement spots:
Rocky Mountain National Park Elopement
If you want epic views, easily accessible alpine lakes, and to feel like you’re on top of the world, a Rocky Mountain National Park elopement might be for you! The thing we love about Rocky Mountain National Park is that it is so close to Estes Park, Boulder, and Denver. Because of this, RMNP is easily accessible with lots of activities to incorporate into your Colorado elopement.
We also love that every single ceremony location (they have 13 designated ceremony sites) is absolutely beautiful and will give you those Rocky Mountain wedding views that you are craving! After your ceremony, you are free to explore the park for additional pictures and video. Our favorite spots to explore after your ceremony are: Trail Ridge Road, Bear Lake, Hidden Valley, and Morain Park.
2022 Rocky Mountain National Park elopement permit update:
RMNP accepts applications the year in advance of the wedding month. For example, August 1, 2021- RMNP will start accepting applications for all days in August of 2022; September 1 2021 for September of 2022, etc.
- Maximum Permit Limits:
- May- October: 60 per month for all issued permits on a first come – first served basis
- November – April: 40 per month for all issued permits on a first come – first served basis
- Please note, for the 2022 Calendar year, the several months have reached the maximum permit limits and are fully booked. No more applications will be accepted for the following months:
- June
- September
- October
- Maximum Wedding Ceremony Size:
- 30 people unless the normal site limit is less. The total group size cannot exceed 30 people or the normal site limit, including the wedding couple, all guests (including infants and young children), officiants, and photographers. We appreciate your understanding in our efforts to keep visitors and staff safe as well as protect the resources.
To learn more about eloping in Rocky Mountain National Park, check out their website.
Boulder, Colorado Elopement
Boulder, Colorado is so close to some pretty impressive mountains, like our favorite Indian Peaks Wilderness Area. If you would prefer to stay close to Boulder, there are some pretty incredible cliffs with expansive mountain views including the Flat Irons. Endless possibilities while being close to Boulder? Sign us up! Even though you are close to town, being in the mountains makes you feel miles away.
This is literally our go-to place when couples want to elope in Northern Colorado! There are easily accessible alpine lakes and multi-day adventurous wedding excursions. Dream big because this area will let you do whatever your hearts desire! Check out this Boulder, Colorado elopement!
Bonus Location: Medicine Bow Routte National Forest, Wyoming Elopement
Because we live so far north, we are pretty close to some absolutely incredible Wyoming elopement locations. I really think that Wyoming is one of the most underrated elopement locations. If you’re looking for GORGEOUS mountain views, pristine alpine lakes, and complete privacy, this is the place for you. Loads of hikes to gorgeous alpine lakes make this an ideal spot for the ultimate private elopement location. Crystal and Bo eloped here last summer it is was stunning!
Summit County, Colorado
Summit county is probably the spot where we photograph the most Colorado elopements every year. It’s super easy to see why, too! It is gorgeous and close to the cutest mountain towns. This is an ideal spot to keep the fun going after your elopement with your honeymoon! Summit County is ideal for couples who want to include their loved ones in their elopement. There are lots of mountain venues that can accommodate your people! You really can have the exact wedding you are envisioning here.
Pssst…want to see more Summit County elopement inspiration? We wrote this blog just for you!
Maroon Bells
There is something so romantic about the Maroon Bells. I can’t quite explain it, but it is such an intimate and lovely place to elope in Colorado. Maybe it’s the dusting of snow that dances on the tops of the Maroon Bells. Maybe it’s the gorgeous wildflowers that color the fields. Perhaps it’s the way the mountains reflect on the lake. Whatever the reason may be, you’re in for a romantic elopement at the Maroon Bells.
The Maroon Bells is only available for weddings June-September. They usually close for the season on the first Friday in October however, this is subject to change. Something to note about Maroon Bells is that it is extremely popular and you will want to get your wedding permit a year in advance as they tend to book out a year in advance. We highly recommend that you and your partner choose a Monday-Thursday elopement to avoid crowds (this place gets REALLY crowded), but this should help. Opting for a sunrise elopement will also help a ton. Plus, the sunrise light is absolutely stunning here! Reserve the amphitheater here.
Something to note is that the amphitheater is the only ceremony location here. After your ceremony, you and your partner can go wherever you want for additional pictures. Since this spot is so close to Independence Pass, consider adding more time to your elopement to enjoy a picnic at an alpine lake along this gorgeous mountain pass.
2022 Maroon Bells elopement update: There are no more available wedding dates for 2022.
Ready to Elope in Colorado?!
We don’t blame you! We are so excited for you and your partner to kick off this new chapter of your lives together in the most incredible and adventurous way! One of the services that we offer our couples (aside from kickass photos and video!) is providing them with customized location guides, marriage license assistance, local vendor recommendations, and so much more. Learn more about how you can have a wildly different wedding experience and start planning your Colorado elopement!
Happy adventuring!
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