When it comes to planning a Colorado elopement, one question always pops up: When is the best time to elope in Colorado? The short answer? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer because each season offers something unique. From snow-covered peaks to blooming wildflowers and golden aspen trees, the Centennial State is breathtaking year-round. So, let’s take a deeper dive into what each season has to offer, so you can decide when is truly the best time to elope in Colorado for you and your partner!

The Best Time to Elope in Colorado: Summer Bliss

Ah, summer in Colorado! It’s like nature is throwing a celebration just for you. Picture this: wildflowers swaying in the breeze, the sun warming your face, and those incredible, sweeping mountain views. Summer in Colorado is one of the best times to elope in Colorado, hands down. From mid-June to early September, the weather is perfect, the trails are open, and the adventures are endless. Plus, there’s no shortage of incredible locations to exchange your vows, whether you’re craving the alpine lakes, mountain peaks, or a charming town backdrop.

But let’s talk about the important stuff—like the weather.

Afternoon Thunderstorms: A Summer Phenomenon

Summer is fabulous in Colorado, but there’s a catch—afternoon thunderstorms. As anyone who’s spent a summer day in the mountains will tell you, thunderstorms are pretty much a daily occurrence. They’re often short but can be intense, especially in the afternoon. So, what does this mean for your elopement plans? Safety first!

Tip: Plan for a Sunrise Elopement This is where the magic of a sunrise elopement comes in. I know what you’re thinking—5 AM?! Yes, it’s early. But trust me, sunrise elopements in Colorado are worth it. The light is soft and rosy, with the high peaks bathed in an ethereal glow called alpenglow. If you’ve ever seen it, you know it’s one of those moments that’ll stay with you forever. You can’t get this kind of lighting at any other time of the day. Plus, with a sunrise elopement, you avoid afternoon storms and the crowds that tend to swarm the popular hiking spots later in the day.

More Privacy, More Peace

Colorado’s mountains can get crowded, especially in the summer. That’s another reason why sunrise elopements are so perfect: fewer crowds. The trails will be mostly empty, which means you and your partner can experience your big day in peace, without anyone else around to interrupt your moment.

Tip: Split the Day If you want to share your elopement with family or friends, consider splitting your day—or even your elopement—into two parts. Start with an intimate sunrise ceremony just the two of you, then meet up with your loved ones later that day (or even the next day) for a more formal celebration. This way, you get the best of both worlds: private moments and time with your closest people.

Best Time to Elopement in Summer? July to August If you want to hit the sweet spot of Colorado summer, plan your elopement for July or early August. These months are when the wildflowers are in full bloom, the weather is perfect, and the trails are open for business. You’ll be able to enjoy all the stunning outdoor beauty Colorado is famous for. It’s no wonder so many couples pick summer as the best time to elope in Colorado.

Favorite Summer Elopement Locations:

• Telluride:
  Nestled in the San Juan Mountains, Telluride is perfect for a mountain elopement with a bit of a charming town vibe. If you’re looking for some serious wildflower elopement inspo, dive into Saber and Erik’s elopement in Telluride here!
• Breckenridge:
  Think rugged mountains with the added bonus of a historic town filled with fun restaurants and activities. Breckenridge is one of the coolest places to elope because it offers something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for an easily accessible location or a strenuous hike, you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for in Breckenridge!
• Rocky Mountain National Park:
  You just can’t go wrong with Rocky Mountain National Park—stunning scenery and jaw-dropping mountain vistas all around. Click here to read how to elope in Rocky Mountain National Park!
• Indian Peaks Wilderness Area:
  If you’re looking for remote, rugged beauty, this wilderness area has it all—perfect for an adventurous, off-the-beaten-path elopement. One of our all-time favorite areas in Colorado is the Indian Peaks Wilderness. Check out Abigail and Kyle’s sunrise elopement here to see why!

The Best Time to Elope in Colorado: Fall Magic

Fall in Colorado is nothing short of spectacular. When the aspen trees turn from green to brilliant shades of gold and amber, the state turns into a fairytale landscape. Fall is truly the best time to elope in Colorado for couples who want to marry amidst a sea of golden leaves, cool crisp air, and perfect hiking conditions.

When to Plan Your Fall Elopement

The magic happens from mid-September to mid-October when the aspen trees are at their peak. Higher elevations will start to show color earlier, but the golden leaves will reach their peak in mid-September and continue through October. This makes fall one of the best times to elope in Colorado if you want those classic “golden hour” photos with an autumnal backdrop.

Weather Predictability

One of the best parts of fall is that the weather is usually more predictable than summer. While afternoon thunderstorms are rare, the cool temperatures create the perfect setting for hiking, exploring, and saying your vows. Plus, the lack of thunderstorms means you won’t have to worry about safety risks.

Tip: Go for a Weekday Elopement Fall is one of Colorado’s busiest seasons, especially on weekends. So, if you’re planning an autumn elopement, try to schedule it during the week. Not only will you avoid crowds, but you can also use the rest of the week to explore the beautiful state with your new spouse.

Tip: Timing Your Elopement with Aspen Foliage Because Colorado has the largest number of aspen trees in the U.S., it’s a prime location to elope if you want to experience the vibrant fall foliage. To make sure you catch the trees at their peak, check out websites that track the timing of the fall colors. That way, you can ensure your elopement happens during the best foliage period.

Favorite Fall Elopement Locations:

• Maroon Bells Amphitheater, Aspen:
  A luxury destination with breathtaking snow-covered landscapes and a glamorous vibe. Learn how to elope at the Maroon Bells Amphitheater here!
• Crested Butte:
  Known for its beautiful autumn landscapes and mountain vistas. Looking for some fall foliage goodness? Check out Amanda and Daniel’s fall elopement at Crested Butte here!
• Summit County:
  A gorgeous spot with views of the Tenmile Range and tons of hidden gem locations. Breckenridge and Vail have some of the BEST fall foliage for your elopement!

The Best Time to Elope in Colorado: Winter Wonderland

Colorado is synonymous with snow-capped peaks, and if you and your partner love the winter vibe, then this could easily be the best time to elope in Colorado for you. Picture this: a winter wonderland with snow-covered trees, frozen lakes, and majestic mountain peaks all around. If snow is your thing, then Colorado in winter will make all your elopement dreams come true.

When to Plan Your Winter Elopement

Winter in Colorado typically runs from October to May, but the months of January and February offer the best snow coverage. These months are when the state gets its heaviest snowfall, covering the mountains in a thick layer of pristine snow. If you’ve always dreamed of a snow-covered elopement, this is the time to plan for it!

Tip: Plan for Early Sunsets Winter days are shorter, so if you’re hoping to elope at sunset, you’ll need to plan for an early evening ceremony. During winter, sunsets can happen as early as 4:30 PM, so you’ll want to keep that in mind when setting up your timeline. The earlier sunset also means you get a cozy, intimate feel for your ceremony, with the soft glow of twilight surrounding you.

Tip: Keep Warm with Winter Activities If you’re planning a ski, snowshoe, or snowboard elopement, winter is perfect for combining your love of snow with a thrilling adventure. Consider incorporating winter activities into your day, like a ski lift ride to the top of a mountain or a snowshoe trek through the woods. After all, what’s better than celebrating your love surrounded by snowy peaks?

Favorite Winter Elopement Locations:

• Rocky Mountain National Park:
  With year-round accessibility and endless scenery, RMNP is one of the best places to elope in the winter!
• Summit County:
  Home to several world-class ski resorts, Summit County is ideal for an active and adventurous winter elopement.

The Best Time to Elope in Colorado: Spring Awakening

Spring in Colorado can be a bit of a wild card. While many places are enjoying warmer temperatures and blooming flowers, Colorado is still holding onto some of that snowy magic. Spring is the best time to elope in Colorado if you’re after a quiet, peaceful day in nature with fewer crowds. Just know that you may need to embrace the unpredictable weather—sun, wind, and snow all in one day.

When to Plan Your Spring Elopement

Spring lasts from March to June, but expect snowstorms, especially at higher elevations. If you’re planning an elopement in spring, it’s smart to plan for lower elevations or head down to Southern Colorado to avoid the snow if you want warmer conditions.

Tip: Embrace the Snow or Head South Spring offers an exciting blend of winter and summer in Colorado. If you want that cozy winter feel with fewer crowds, consider heading to the mountains for a snowy, intimate elopement. But if you’re craving warmer weather and a unique experience, head to Great Sand Dunes National Park for a stunning desert elopement with the San Juan Mountains in the background.

Favorite Spring Elopement Locations:

• Great Sand Dunes National Park:
  For a one-of-a-kind elopement experience, the sand dunes and mountainous backdrop make this a truly special place.
• Rocky Mountain National Park:
  A perfect spring destination, where you can experience the beauty of snow-capped peaks with greenery popping up at lower elevations. Spring in the park offers a peaceful, serene atmosphere with fewer crowds, making it an ideal spot for a quiet and intimate elopement.
• Summit County:
  A fantastic spring destination, where you can enjoy the snow-capped peaks beginning to melt, revealing stunning mountain vistas. With fewer crowds and the peaceful tranquility of spring.

So, What’s the Best Time to Elope in Colorado?

At the end of the day, the best time to elope in Colorado truly depends on what you and your partner are after. Do you want to say your vows under a canopy of golden aspen leaves in the fall? Or perhaps you want to embrace the beauty of snow-capped peaks with a winter elopement? No matter the season, Colorado has something magical to offer every couple, whether you’re looking for adventure, beauty, or simply a peaceful, private moment.

One last thought: Remember, there’s no “perfect” time to elope—there’s just the perfect time for you! No matter when you choose, your Colorado elopement will be an unforgettable adventure. So, when is the best time to elope in Colorado? It’s when your heart tells you it’s time.

Let’s make your elopement the adventure of a lifetime! Ready to start planning? Get in touch with us today! We can’t wait to chat with you about how to bring your Colorado elopement dreams to life.