Are you looking for a magical mountain town for your elopement? If so, you’re in the right place. As an elopement photographer, one of my all-time favorite locations is Crested Butte, Colorado. In this Crested Butte elopement guide, I’ll share the top reasons to elope here and the best venues, including hidden gems.
With never-ending mountain views, colorful wildflowers, fun activities, and countless elopement sites, the entire Crested Butte area is truly one-of-a-kind. Continue reading for the inside scoop on tying the knot in one of Colorado’s best mountain towns.
Why have a Crested Butte elopement?
Crested Butte is the ideal destination if you’re dreaming of saying “I do” in an adorable mountain town minus the crowds with stunning backdrops and the most fun activities.
Let’s be honest – I can’t think of any reason not to get married in Crested Butte!
Peaceful Seclusion
While some couples prefer getting married in a popular destination, what about running off to a hidden gem in the mountains for a memorable experience with your love?
One reason I’m slightly obsessed with Crested Butte elopements is the few crowds and feeling like you’re in your own slice of paradise.
Even though this incredibly cute city is surrounded by mountains from every direction and feels so secluded, it’s within driving distance of Denver International Airport. The airport is less than a 5-hour drive away, and the ride into Crested Butte is almost as gorgeous as the town itself.
Stunning Wildflowers
Have you ever dreamed of getting married in the middle of hundreds of colorful flowers?
Fun fact: Crested Butte is known as the Wildflower Capital of Colorado.
During summer, vibrant wildflowers take over. You can find white, yellow, green, purple, and red flowers covering meadows and hills. Talk about the perfect elopement backdrop!
Gorgeous Year-Round
I’ve photographed in Crested Butte during every season of the year and can attest to its beauty year-round. No matter when you’re planning to elope to Crested Butte, you’re sure to find breathtaking scenery.
From a magical winter wonderland and incredible weather with views to match in spring to gorgeous blooms in summer and picture-perfect fall foliage, you can’t go wrong eloping in Crested Butte during any season.
Minimal Tourists
Colorado has so many unique locations to elope, but Crested Butte is especially different because it’s so much less touristy than other places.
One of my favorite parts of exploring Crested Butte with elopement couples is not having to fight crowds.
And because Crested Butte isn’t too busy, it’s also not as pricey as other mountain towns.
Unique Accommodations
Crested Butte will blow you away if you love incredibly unique accommodation options as much as I do!
From Airbnb mountain homes and epic campsites under the stars to stunning ski resorts and charming bed and breakfasts, there’s the perfect place for every couple to spend their elopement getaway.
Local Wedding Vendors
Although Crested Butte is a lesser-known elopement destination and small town, there’s no shortage of wedding vendors. You can find florists, caterers, and photographers (like me!) to help make your Crested Butte wedding experience perfect.
Adventurous Activities
If you and your partner are adventurous, you’re in luck. Crested Butte is made for adventurous couples!
Crested Butte has everything from skiing or joining a large mountain biking community to kayaking on a lake or camping and hiking for the weekend. With so much to do, you can easily extend your elopement into a Crested Butte honeymoon.
And if you want to unwind during your elopement getaway, there are also tranquil parks, delicious restaurants, and laid-back cafes and bars in Crested Butte.
Where can I elope in Crested Butte?
One reason I think a Crested Butte elopement is the best is because of how many unique places there are to have your ceremony.
Whether you’re interested in a secluded hidden gem location, a more popular elopement spot, or an intimate wedding venue you can reserve, there are many options for your special day.
Hidden Gem Locations
Many of the Crested Butte locations I encourage couples to explore for their elopement are hidden gems off the beaten path. Photographers like myself prefer to keep these secret spots on the low down to prevent overpopulation.
Tip: Work with an elopement photographer who can help you scout locations and plan your dream elopement.
Whether you’re interested in tying the knot with the Alpine Lakes behind you, surrounded by golden aspens during fall, or in a meadow of wildflowers backed by mountains, I can help you find the perfect hidden gem spot.
Here are a few other beautiful Crested Butte elopement locations that are more well-known:
- Gunnison National Forest: take a backcountry adventure through the forest for countless gorgeous spots to exchange your vows
- Judd Falls: go on a short hike to this 166-foot waterfall off of the iconic Gothic Road for a beautiful wedding backdrop
- Lake Irwin: get married at this magical lake surrounded by mountains, where you can also enjoy lake activities and camping (usually only accessible from late spring to early fall)
- Peanut Lake: say “I do” at this accessible stunning lakeside wedding venue with 360-degree scenic views that’s perfect for an intimate wedding with up to 100 guests
Crested Butte Wedding Venues
If you’re considering having an intimate wedding with guests, you could also book a venue.
Here are some of the best reservable Crested Butte wedding locations:
Mountain Wedding Garden
Mountain Wedding Garden is nestled in the Elk Mountains, offering amazing scenery and lush meadows. During spring and summer, wildflowers cover Mountain Wedding Garden.
Couples can have a garden ceremony with up to 125 guests. There’s also the option to rent the pavilion for your reception.
Taylor River Lodge
If you dream of a secluded wedding weekend, Taylor River Lodge is the ideal location. It’s tucked away in a hidden canyon of the Rocky Mountains for a getaway unlike any other.
Taylor River Lodge requires couples to book for two days and offers lodging for up to 32 guests to spend the night.
Scarp Ridge Lodge
Scarp Ridge Lodge is a dreamy boutique hotel perfect for a small wedding in the heart of Crested Butte. As a former Croatian saloon, the lodge offers Wild West vibes for a unique experience.
Scarp Ridge Lodge also requires a two-day booking for all events, and the beautiful hotel (with an indoor pool and rooftop hot tub!) offers space for up to 18 overnight guests.
Ten Peaks
If you’re interested in having an intimate ski resort wedding, consider Ten Peaks. This is the venue for Crested Butte Ski Resort, and the setting feels like one in a fairytale.
Ten Peaks is surrounded by sweeping Crested Butte mountain scenery and has first-class lodging. There’s also an on-site catering staff ideal for an easy reception in a breathtaking environment.
Center for the Arts
If you’re looking for one of the most unique Crested Butte elopement locations, the Center for the Arts is a remarkable venue. There are various indoor and outdoor spaces to choose from, including a simple yet peaceful courtyard space and a modern theater room.
The Center for the Arts is also conveniently located in Downtown Crested Butte.
Do you need a permit to elope in Crested Butte?
Most Crested Butte elopement locations do require a permit. For example, ceremony locations in the Crested Butte Land Trust or the Gunnison National Forest usually require permits.
Since guidelines vary based on the site, it’s essential to do your research. You can also work with an elopement photographer who helps with planning (like myself!) to ensure you follow regulations accordingly.
The good news about wedding permits in Crested Butte is that they’re usually reasonably affordable.
Let’s Plan Your Crested Butte Elopement
Eloping in Crested Butte is sure to be an experience like no other. With gorgeous scenery all year, endless fun activities, affordable prices, and countless ceremony spots, it’s easily one of my favorite elopement locations.
If you’re ready to start planning your elopement, I’d love to help!
I’m a Crested Butte elopement photographer who helps execute your dream wedding day. From choosing your vendors to finding the perfect elopement location, Among The Pines assists with planning your special details.
I also share a 100-page Elopement Guide with couples I work with to ensure you feel comfortable and prepared throughout the process.
CHLOE + CONNER
Brooke is professional, prepared, and provides all the peace of mind that a bride needs on her wedding day. Because of our conversations leading up to the day, I had no doubt that she would capture every important moment and more. Throughout the day, she was present and helpful, but never overbearing or controlling. She beautifully captured the moments that happened naturally & her experience allowed for insight and ideas that I wouldn't have thought to ask for but that I'll now cherish forever! She is flexible, understanding, and patient, and looking back, we can't imagine our day without her. If you are looking for someone to capture your wedding day, or just any day, Brooke is your girl. She goes above and beyond to serve her clients, and she is absolutely gifted at what she does.
"SHE GOES ABOVE AND BEYOND TO SERVE HER CLIENTS, and she is absolutely gifted at what she does."
Linden + Brent
In the end, her creativity and our happiness totally shine through in every single photo. Brooke made both of us feel so at ease, from our individual sessions before we had our first look, to strolling through downtown Ouray, to our ceremony and in the scenic spots we visited afterwards. Her talent is beyond compare and we are absolutely thrilled with our gallery of photos we will treasure forever. We give Brooke our highest recommendation and can’t wait to work with her again!
"Throughout the entire planning process, Brooke was honest and flexible, and made it clear that her goal was for us to be 100% happy."
Emily + Nick
Brooke is hands down the most talented photographer I have ever met in my entire life. I gave her my inspiration and she took it and made it into something entirely unique and beautiful. Brooke was able to work with my budget and offer me options. Along with all of this, she was always there to communicate with me from ideas to concerns. The day of never goes as planned, she was thrown curveball after curveball and dodged them all with ease. The photos we received memorialized the best day of our lives and we are forever grateful for the beautiful artwork she created.
"we are forever grateful for the beautiful artwork she created."
ERICA & ZACH
Brooke was booked to do our wedding June 6th. However, the virus hit and we were afraid we wouldn’t be able to have our wedding in June so we decided to go ahead and get married with just our parents there. I called Brooke and told her our plans and literally we were getting married in a week and she was so quick to say yes and capture our day for us. She helped make our day very special. She was super fun and made Zach and I feel very comfortable. I got my pictures back and I felt so overjoyed to see the happiness and love I felt on that day. Even though we didn’t have our wedding like we planned, it was still very special and Brooke was a big hand in that. She truly captured some very special memories that I will have for the rest of my life.
"SHE TRULY CAPTURED SOME VERY SPECIAL MEMORIES THAT I WILL HAVE FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE."
Our wedding was in Kentucky in September. Brooke not only traveled for us but made a custom package for us because we had a unique situation. She took pictures the day before, and just seemed to be in the right place at the right time. She met with me before the wedding and we communicated a few times up to the wedding about my specific requests, and she hit the nail on the head. I am so very thankful for Brooke's story-telling, organic nature. She captured our wedding for exactly what it was and what I will remember it to be...full of joy, laughter, love and hope for the future!
"I AM SO VERY THANKFUL FOR BROOKE'S storytelling, organic nature."
JENNA + JOSH
KRYSTAL & BRANDON
She’s professional, creative, organized, kind, and just a blast to be around. She made my husband comfortable instantly in front of a camera so she’s a miracle worker too. We can’t stop staring at our photos! So many people keep telling us how amazing they are!
"YOU WON'T FIND A PHOTOGRAPHER BETTER rounded than brooke!"
Jessica & Robby
Brooke has a true talent. She is able to tap into and capture moments you didn’t even realize were happening. Absolutely 100% recommend Brooke and her beautiful pictures. We booked her services for our engagement pictures and then immediately realized we needed to have her for our wedding also. I’m already preemptively dreaming of the anniversary shoot I want!
"Brooke will make you feel comfortable and like a friend - she will take your ideas and inspiration and produce something better than you thought."
Rori + Eli
Brooke truly listened to what we wanted as a couple, our hopes, and took time to understand our "vibe," which came through in her work she delivered.
I can't thank Brooke enough for her amazing work - seriously the BEST decision we made and brings me to tears each time I look at these beautiful, photographic memories we'll have forever.
ALYSSA & HUNTER
Not only is Brooke an amazing photographer, but she is so fun and easy to work with! She made the whole process feel natural and comfortable for someone who typically feels awkward and weird while getting pictures taken! I love all of the pictures and I highly recommend Brooke as a photographer!
"SHE MADE THE WHOLE PROCESS FEEL natural & Comfortable."
ALI & KYLE
That's exactly what Brooke does, she captures a story. No words needed. You can see it and feel it. You can remember the exact moment and how you feel for that person and see how they feel about you. Her intuitive eye has only gotten sharper. I can’t wait to see what other adventures await for her to capture.
"SHE CAPTURES A STORY, NO WORDS NEEDED. you can see it and feel it."
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. Our engagement session with Brooke was such a special experience and a memory we will cherish forever.
Brooke is so sweet, fun, personable and incredibly talented. We could not be more in love with our engagement photos!
