Colorado Elopement: When & Where to Elope (Everything You Need to Know)

If you’ve been researching the best places to elope, you’ve probably come across Colorado several times (if not more). This is for great reason! Colorado is easily one of the most incredible places to exchange vows. In this guide, I’m going to tell you everything you need to know about when and where to have a magical Colorado elopement.

Why Elope in Colorado

I can think of a thousand reasons why couples choose to elope in Colorado. Not only is it absolutely gorgeous, but there are also countless elopement locations, making it easy for any couple to find the perfect one. 

From massive national parks and beautiful alpine lakes to amazing weather and exciting adventures, there’s something for everyone! In fact, I’ve worked with many couples to plan (and photograph) the perfect Colorado elopement. Each experience has been one for the books!

Did I mention it’s also super easy to get married in Colorado? It’s one of the only states where you can legally marry yourself, meaning you don’t need witnesses or an officiant. All you have to do is get your marriage license from any Colorado County Clerk’s office, which is also pretty effortless. You can even have your ceremony the same day you apply for your marriage license. It doesn’t get much easier than that!

When to Have a Colorado Elopement

The awesome thing about eloping in Colorado is that all 4 seasons are beautiful and offer a unique experience. Best of all, Colorado boasts about 300 days of sunshine per year, so you can almost always count on pleasant weather!

Here’s what you can expect for your elopement, depending on the time of year…

Winter

While I recommend a winter elopement only if you’re used to snowy conditions, Colorado can be a stunning place for a winter wonderland wedding. You’re in for a treat with snow-capped mountains and exciting winter honeymoon adventures. You can also expect affordable accommodations, calm trails, and crisp mountain air during winter. 

Spring

If you’re interested in eloping during the quiet season but want more pleasant weather, spring is the way to go. It’s an excellent time to have your ceremony in a peaceful destination. Because it’s the shoulder season, it’s less crowded and more affordable. Keep in mind that it takes some time for the snow to melt. So, if you still want to see a bit of snow, elope in early spring and if you prefer more greenery, wait until late spring. 

Summer

Summers in Colorado are pretty popular. The days are long, the lake waters are perfect for swimming, and the trails are green. This is also when wildflowers are at their prettiest – I’m talking GORGEOUS! Even better, the weather is warm but not too hot and mornings are especially lovely.

Fall

If you ask me, fall in Colorado is the best time of year! The colorful fall foliage makes for gorgeous elopement scenery, and the weather is just right. I recommend planning your elopement for the end of September or early October for the best of its autumn season.

To help you decide which season is right for you, check out this chart that shows what you can expect each month weather-wise:

Month	Average Low	Average High	Average Precipitation
January	16°F	47°F	0.64 in.
February	18°F	49°F	0.73 in.
March	25°F	56°F	1.88 in.
April	33°F	62°F	2.20 in.
May	42°F	72°F	2.56 in.
June	50°F	81°F	2.05 in.
July	56°F	88°F	1.68 in.
August	54°F	86°F	2.01 in.
September	44°F	78°F	1.13 in.
October	33°F	66°F	1.43 in.
November	23°F	54°F	1.09 in.
December	16°F	46°F	0.83 in.

Where to Have a Colorado Elopement 

Now for the fun part – where to say “I do!” As I mentioned, Colorado has endless locations for you to elope. However, here are some of my absolute favorites. And, I’ll also share the best times of year for eloping in each destination.

Rocky Mountain National Park: Ample Landscapes and Hiking

Best time of year: year-round, especially in winter

Located in northern Colorado, Rocky Mountain National Park spans over 415 square miles. It boasts stunning landscapes, from shining lakes and cascading waterfalls to significant mountain peaks and vast meadows. With more than 300 miles of hiking trails to wander through, there are tons of elopement spots to choose from and ample photo ops.

Telluride: A Quiet Mountain Town

Best time of year: year-round

If a cozy mountain town sounds up your alley, a Telluride elopement might be exactly what you’re looking for. Located in the Rocky Mountains, Telluride offers plenty for couples to see and do, including strolling past colorful Victorian homes, visiting art galleries, and enjoying delicious restaurants. And what about eloping? Bridal Veil Falls, a 365-foot waterfall in Telluride, is one of my favorite places for a Colorado elopement!

Breckenridge: Winter Wonderland Elopement

Best time of year: year-round, especially in winter

If you’re dreaming of a winter wonderland elopement, Breckenridge can make those dreams a reality! This mountain town in central Colorado is home to world-class ski resorts, an unmatched mountain panorama, and exciting adventures.

San Juan Mountains: Breathtaking Scenery

Best time of year: year-round

If an adventure elopement is what you’re looking for, the San Juan Mountains is the place for it. This rugged mountain range in southwestern Colorado has gorgeous blue alpine lakes, wildflowers during summer, and craggy volcanic peaks.

Sand Dunes National Park: Tallest Dunes in North America

Best time of year: year-round

Head south to Great Sand Dunes National Park, where you can find the tallest dunes in North America. These fascinating dunes make for a unique elopement backdrop! Couples who enjoy hiking love the trails that lead to forests, wetlands, and alpine lakes. 

Loveland Pass: Adventurous Mountain Pass

Best time of year: summer, spring, fall

This mountain pass just outside of Denver offers an adventurous experience as you wind past stunning mountain views. It also offers many viewpoints and stop-offs, making for great spots to exchange your vows.

Boulder: City Life with Nature

Best time of year: year-round

Boulder offers the perfect mix of city and nature. Boulder could be your dream elopement destination if you and your love enjoy an excellent food and drink scene and outdoor activities. Surrounded by the Flatirons and the Rocky Mountains, Boulder’s scenery is unmatched and makes for special elopement backdrops.

Lost Gulch Overlook: A Sunset Elopement

Best time of year: summer and fall

Just outside of Boulder is the Lost Gulch Overlook. This elopement location is ideal for the semi-adventurous couple. It offers an easy hike to a lookout point with dramatic mountain views. A sunset elopement is absolutely incredible here!

Garden of the Gods: Colorado Springs Paradise

Best time of year: year-round

One of my absolute favorite elopement sessions took place at Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs. Its massive red rocks are unlike anything you’ve seen and make for one of the most memorable experiences. Although this is an extremely popular destination, there are excellent times to visit for a quiet, intimate elopement.

This is just a start to the remarkable Colorado elopement locations. If you have something specific in mind or want more ideas, feel free to contact me. I’m an elopement photographer who absolutely loves to brainstorm elopement destinations!

FAQ

Have a few more questions as you plan your elopement? I’ve got the answers!

How can I legally elope in Colorado?

To legally elope in Colorado, all you have to do is head to one of these Colorado County Clerk offices and do a few simple things. Show your ID with your date of birth and pay a $30 marriage license fee. Divorced and widowed applicants also need to provide information regarding this (dates and locations).

Do I need a permit to elope in Colorado?

Some elopement locations in Colorado require a permit. You should be able to do a quick search to determine if your location of choice requires one. Fortunately, permit prices are usually relatively low, ranging from $50 to a few hundred.

Some awesome locations that don’t require a permit include Garden of the Gods, some inns in Breckinridge, and viewpoints off the Loveland Pass.

When’s the best time to have a Colorado elopement?

To be honest, fall is my favorite time for a Colorado elopement. The weather is lovely, and the fall colors are gorgeous! With that said, Colorado is amazing for elopements all year long.

How much does it cost to elope in Colorado?

Whether you have a budget of $1,000 or $10,000, you can make it happen in Colorado! The cool part about eloping in Colorado is that endless locations allow you to pick what works best for you.

Many factors play a role in how much your elopement will cost, including time of year, length of trip, elopement location, and vendors. 

Let’s Plan Your Colorado Elopement

With unmatched elopement locations any time of year, it’s easy to want to run off to Colorado and exchange your vows. If you’re ready to make it happen and need some guidance, I’d love to help! 

Among the Pines (aka me) is an adventure elopement photographer that can help you turn your dream day into a reality. I assist with the entire planning process, from helping you choose your vendors to finding the perfect elopement location.