If you’ve been dreaming of escaping the traditional wedding and saying “I do” somewhere truly breathtaking, a Colorado elopement is ideal. With over 300 days of sunshine, stunning national parks, alpine lakes, mountain towns, and elopement-friendly marriage laws, it’s easy to see why couples love getting married here.
I’m Brooke, a Colorado-based elopement photographer who loves helping couples plan and capture one of the most special days. In this guide, I’m sharing everything you need to know about having your dream elopement in Colorado. I’ll cover the best locations and seasons, expected costs, planning tips, and what to wear.
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 their perfect spot.
From massive national parks and beautiful alpine lakes to incredible weather and exciting adventures, there truly is something for everyone. I’ve gotten to help many couples plan and photograph their dream Colorado elopement. Every single experience has been one to remember.
Did I mention it’s also incredibly easy to get married here? Colorado is 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 a simple and straightforward process. You can even have your ceremony the same day you apply — it doesn’t get much easier than that!
When to Have a Colorado Elopement
One of the best things about eloping in Colorado is that all four seasons are beautiful and offer a completely different experience. And with around 300 days of sunshine per year, you can almost always count on a gorgeous day.
Winter
A winter elopement in Colorado isn’t for everyone, but if you love the snow, it’s absolutely magical. Think snow-capped mountains, crisp mountain air, and quiet trails with almost no crowds. You’ll also find more affordable accommodations and a peaceful, intimate atmosphere that’s hard to beat.
Spring
Spring is a wonderful time to elope if you want a quieter experience with more comfortable temperatures. It’s the shoulder season, so it’s less crowded and more budget-friendly. Keep in mind that snow lingers at higher elevations into late spring. Elope earlier if you want that wintery mix, or wait until late spring for green landscapes and early wildflowers.
Summer
Summer is Colorado’s most popular elopement season, and for good reason. The days are long, wildflowers are in full bloom, trails are accessible, and the weather is warm without being overwhelming. Mornings are especially beautiful for photos and ceremonies before afternoon thunderstorms roll in.
Fall
Fall is my personal favorite time of year in Colorado. The aspen trees turn brilliant shades of gold and orange, the weather is comfortable, and the light is stunning. Late September through early October is the sweet spot for peak fall color.
To help you decide which season is best for your elopement, here’s a month-by-month weather breakdown for Colorado:
| 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. |
The Best Colorado Elopement Locations
Now for the fun part — where to say ‘I do!’ Colorado has endless elopement locations, but these are some of my absolute favorites. I’ve also included the best time of year for each one.
Rocky Mountain National Park: Ample Landscapes and Hiking
Best time of year: year-round, especially in winter
Rocky Mountain National Park is in northern Colorado and 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 so many gorgeous 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 there are so many incredible spots to elope, like Bridal Veil Falls, a 365-foot waterfall!
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
Lost Gulch Overlook is just outside of Boulder. 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.
Tips for Planning Your Colorado Elopement
A Colorado elopement is all about making the day completely yours — from where you say “I do” to how you spend the hours after. Here are a few tips to help everything go smoothly:
- Hire an experienced Colorado elopement photographer – A photographer who knows the state can help with permits, location scouting, timelines, and vendor recommendations, so you can focus on each other and enjoy every moment.
- Apply for permits early – Some of Colorado’s most popular elopement spots, like Rocky Mountain National Park, require permits that sell out months in advance. Book as early as possible, ideally a year ahead for peak season dates.
- Get your marriage license before your elopement day – Visit any Colorado County Clerk’s office to obtain your license. It costs around $30, requires a valid ID, and can be used anywhere in the state. You can even get it the same day as your ceremony!
- Choose the right timing – Spring and fall offer comfortable temperatures and stunning scenery. Sunrise or sunset on a weekday is ideal for soft lighting and fewer crowds at popular spots.
- Dress for the mountains – Temperatures can drop quickly at elevation, even in summer. Wear layers and comfortable shoes with good traction for trails, and bring a jacket just in case.
- Stay flexible – Mountain weather can change fast. Some of the most magical elopement moments come from unexpected clouds, a surprise snowflake, or a rainbow after the rain.
- Know Leave No Trace guidelines – Colorado’s landscapes are what make it so special. No drones, confetti, or flower petals in national parks. Leave every location exactly as you found it.
- Plan your adventure around the day – Colorado has endless ways to celebrate after your ceremony, from soaking in hot springs and jeeping through the San Juans to exploring a charming mountain town or stargazing at your campsite.
How Much Does a Colorado Elopement Cost?
One of the best things about eloping in Colorado is that it can be as simple or as elaborate as you want — and the cost reflects that. Here’s a rough breakdown of what to budget for:
- Marriage license – $30, obtained at any Colorado County Clerk’s office
- Elopement photographer – Typically $1,500–$4,500+ depending on experience and hours of coverage
- Permit fees – $0–$300 depending on location (some spots are free, national parks and popular overlooks charge more)
- Flowers – $100–$400 for a bridal bouquet and boutonnière
- Hair & makeup – $200–$500 for a traveling artist who comes to your lodging
- Officiant – $200–$600 if you hire a professional (or free if you self-solemnize, which Colorado makes very easy!)
- Lodging & travel – Varies based on where you stay and how far you’re traveling
- Add-ons – Videography, a cake, a private dinner, or a post-elopement adventure like a hot air balloon ride or jeep tour
Most couples spend between $3,000–$8,000 total for their Colorado elopement, though it’s absolutely possible to do it for less if you keep things simple.
Colorado Elopement: FAQs
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 along 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.
Can I bring guests to my Colorado elopement?
Yes! Elopements don’t have to mean just the two of you. Many couples choose to have a micro wedding with their closest family and friends to join the celebration. I recommend keeping your guest count to 10 or fewer to maintain that relaxed, stress-free elopement feel. Just keep in mind that some locations have guest limits or require larger group permits, so it’s worth planning ahead.
Reach out and I can help you find the perfect spot for your group size.
Let’s Plan Your Colorado Elopement
Whether you’re envisioning a sunrise ceremony on a mountain peak, vows beside an alpine lake, or an adventure-filled day exploring the state’s most stunning landscapes, I would love to help you make it happen.
As a Colorado elopement photographer, I do more than show up and take photos. I help you choose your location, navigate permits, build your timeline, and connect you with vendors — so that on your day, all you have to think about is each other.
kinsley + caden
“Brooke was the perfect choice for our wedding day! We had a micro wedding at Sapphire Point in August. I had never been to Sapphire Point and Brooke was so helpful suggesting vendors, picture locations, parking, marriage license info etc. She was so kind and helpful before and during the whole process and was a large part of why the day went so smooth. She does so much more than just show up and take pictures, Brooke will truly go out of her way to make your wedding day perfect! The photos are gorgeous and I keep getting so many compliments! I truly cannot recommend her enough!”
"Brooke was a large part of why our day went so smooth and will truly go out of her way to make your wedding day perfect!"
We chose Brooke to capture our Colorado elopement and she did exactly that and more. She made it easy to plan our day out with locations and timelines so that we could focus on ourselves. We decided last minute to change our afternoon/evening elopement to a 6am sunrise one so beat the heat of the day. Brooke accommodated us without hesitation and even created a new timeline for us so that we knew where to be for the perfect sunrise. She was kind and understood what we wanted in terms of our elopement and we are so grateful to have her capture the day. Our photos turned out beautiful and truly helped us relive the day. I would recommend Brooke to anyone wanting their special day photographed.
"Brooke accommodated us without hesitation and even created a new timeline for us so that we knew where to be for the perfect sunrise."
erica + stacy
kirstie + colin
Brooke not only photographed our mountain elopement beautifully, but she put so much thought into the details and knew all of the answers the questions I didn’t even know to ask. She really puts a lot of thought into each photo and brings her expertise while still remaining very open to what we wanted and ideas we had. She even helped pick the perfect spot for us and advised us on the logistical details like securing a reservation at the mountain lake where we wanted our ceremony. She is SO easy to work with and very friendly and chill. My husband and I are super awkward in front of a camera but she made it so natural and easy - and the shots came out better than we could have imagined.
"She really puts a lot of thought into each photo and brings her expertise while still remaining very open to what we wanted and ideas we had."
amanda + jace
Brooke is many things; talented, calm, flexible, experienced/ knowledgeable, patient, incredibly responsive, organized, resourceful in a pinch, supportive, creative, professional yet a blast to work with, and goes above & beyond w her clients. Our wedding was a spectacular dream and we couldn't be more grateful that she made that single day last forever. Whether she's photographing nature or an intimate event, her pictures tell a story of peace, love, whatever your vision may be. We couldn't recommend her more and we look forward to booking with her for all of our vow renewals, seasonal and family pictures for as long as she'll have us.
"Whether she's photographing nature or an intimate event, her pictures tell a story of peace, love, whatever your vision may be."
linden + brent
Working with Brooke was a dream come true! Before we even met, my husband Brent and I were impressed by her portfolio. After meeting, we were even more convinced that her photography skills and knowledge, and her fun and easygoing personality were exactly what we were looking for in an elopement photographer. Brooke was able to take our vision and facilitate everything so that it worked out beautifully, especially when it came to finding the perfect location (the incredible mountains surrounding Ouray). Throughout the entire planning process, she was honest and flexible, and made it clear that her goal was for us to be 100% happy. In the end, her creativity and our happiness totally shine through in every single photo.
"Throughout the entire planning process, she was honest and flexible."
lauren + branden
I can't begin to express my gratitude for the intimacy and beauty behind Brooke's photographs. In capturing our wedding day, she went above and beyond to document our story, our families, and the depths of our love in ways that I'll forever be grateful for. Brooke has an eye for not only capturing the adventure and magic of your love, but deeply connects with your personal story, understands your relationship, and then gives that back in the most incredible way. She is truly an artist and tells your story in an authentic and creative way for you to look back on for years to come. We are forever grateful to Brooke for spending the time to get to know us, our story, and capturing the memories that we'll relive for years to come.
"Brooke deeply connects with your personal story, understands your relationship, and then gives that back in the most incredible way."
heather + jedd
“If you're contemplating which photographer to go with, THIS IS YOUR SIGN TO CHOOSE BROOKE!!!! She is so so so talented and was able to capture our elopement exactly how I pictured and wanted! We eloped in Ridgway, CO this past September and she was so helpful figuring out picture locations, recommendations of timeline for the day, and just made the whole day feel so smooth. She schedules multiple check ins, phone calls, etc., leading up to the big day to ensure everything is as you want it. Brooke has such a calming, down to earth presence and is one of those awesome people you feel like you've known forever after just the first time of meeting."
"Brooke has such a calming, down to earth presence and is one of those awesome people you feel like you've known forever."
christy + austin
Brooke is the absolute best. She truly went above and beyond for my fiancé and I to be able to get our engagement photos taken with the fall colors. Brooke is so sweet, fun, personable and incredibly talented. We could not be more in love with our engagement photos! Our engagement session with Brooke was such a special experience and a memory we will cherish forever.
"Our engagement session with Brooke was such a special experience and a memory we will cherish forever."
