If you’re dreaming of an intimate elopement experience surrounded by natural beauty, Telluride is the perfect destination. In this Telluride elopement guide, I’m going to share the best locations along with other helpful tips, like when to elope and elopement packages.
As an adventure elopement photographer, I love working with couples in western Colorado locations surrounded by the San Juan Mountains. It’s hard to find a more stunning area with countless ceremony venues to fit almost any couple’s style!
Why Elope in Telluride?
Telluride is easily one of the best places to elope. This quaint, peaceful mountain town is surrounded by the massive San Juan Mountains, dotted with alpine lakes, and boasts some of the most gorgeous scenery in western Colorado.
In fact, Travel + Leisure named Telluride one of the best small towns and the most idyllic ski town in the United States. If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle and enjoy breathtaking views everywhere you turn, Telluride is the place for you!
Not only is Telluride picture-perfect, but couples who enjoy activities especially appreciate how many there are in this exciting mountain town. While Telluride is most known for its skiing opportunities, there’s so much more to enjoy. You and your love can chase cascading waterfalls, hike or bike incredible mountain trails, go off-roading, shop, dine, and so much more.
Not only does Telluride offer exciting and gorgeous elopement ceremony locations, but it’s also easy to hang around and have an unforgettable honeymoon together.
Getting a marriage license in Colorado is also incredibly easy. You can even get married without an officiant or any witnesses.
You might also be interested in reading: Why Have a San Juan Mountains Elopement + The Best Locations
How to Get to Telluride
Telluride is somewhat of a remote town, so figuring out travel can be tricky. With that said, getting to Telluride is totally doable with some planning and getting around town is relatively easy.
If you’re flying into Telluride, there’s a local, regional airport. It’s a small airport, so there aren’t many flights, and they can be pricey.
Telluride’s primary airport, The Montrose Regional Airport, is about an hour and a half away. It offers many direct flights from other large airports. The 65-mile drive to Telluride from here is absolutely beautiful, so many couples are happy to choose this option!
Once you’re in Telluride (or if you’re driving), it’s easy to get around. The town is easily walkable, and a free shuttle service will also take you to and from. Telluride has also started recently offering rideshare services via Lyft if you prefer that option.
When to Elope in Telluride
While summer and fall are the most popular times to elope in Telluride, there’s something to appreciate any time of year.
Winter
Winter in Telluride is gorgeous! It looks and feels like a winter wonderland. With that said, you can’t access the mountain peaks during winter due to snow. Keep in mind that since Telluride is a famous ski resort, this time of year is busy and more expensive.
Spring
If you’re looking for cool weather without all the snow and fewer crowds, Spring is the perfect time for a Telluride elopement. This is considered the off-season, so there aren’t many people. However, some restaurants and sites are closed during this time.
Summer
Summers in Telluride are incredible, and the elopement backdrops and activities are unmatched. Many couples love Telluride summers for its glistening blue lakes and blooming wildflowers.
Fall
If you’re dreaming of fall foliage and crisp weather for your elopement experience, fall is the ideal time to elope in Telluride. This time of year is quieter and offers an intimate, peaceful vibe.
The Best Telluride Elopement Locations
From the largest waterfall in Colorado to a gorgeous elopement destination with room for loved ones to attend, Telluride has the perfect elopement location for any couple. No matter what kind of experience you’re looking for, this magical mountain town can probably offer it!
Here’s a quick overview of the best Telluride elopement locations (I’ll share all the fun details below!):
- Bridal Veil Falls: a stunning waterfall venue
- Alta Lakes Observatory: seclusion, accommodations, & activities
- San Sophia Overlook: beautiful views & space for guests
- Mountain passes: an adventurous elopement experience
- Vacation rental: accessibility & privacy
Related read: Colorado Elopement: When & Where to Elope (Everything You Need to Know)
Bridal Veil Falls: A Stunning Waterfall Venue
Bridal Veil Falls is one of Telluride’s most popular sites for a reason! It’s Colorado’s largest waterfall, and it’s stunning. You can hike or drive a 4WD to the base of the falls or hike about 5 miles (roundtrip) to the top for your elopement ceremony.
Tip: Although Bridal Veil Falls is beautiful during any season, elope during fall for jaw-dropping scenery!
Alta Lakes Observatory: Seclusion, Accommodations, & Activities
The Observatory at Alta Lakes is a private cabin situated in Telluride backcountry below 13,000-foot mountain peaks. This is the perfect Telluride elopement destination for couples who want to spend the night at their venue. There’s even space for up to 45 family members and friends if you plan to invite guests.
Couples love so many things about eloping at Alta Lakes Observatory – seclusion, blooming wildflowers, and feeling like you’re on top of the world. There are also endless activities to enjoy before and after your elopement, including almost every outdoor activity imaginable, dining, and shopping.
San Sophia Overlook: Beautiful Views & Space for Guests
Another stunning wedding venue in Telluride is the San Sophia Overlook. This overlook deck is owned by and located at the popular Telluride Ski Resort. It overlooks the town of Telluride and Wilson Peak, offering incredible views.
This is the perfect Telluride elopement destination for couples who want to have guests. You can have up to 200 people join you for your ceremony at San Sophia Overlook.
Mountain Passes: An Adventurous Elopement Experience
Mountain passes around Telluride offer unmatched views of the San Juan Mountains. If you and your love are dreaming of an adventurous elopement, we can make it happen with an off-roading mountain pass experience. There are also paved mountain passes that offer a more relaxed adventure with picture-perfect surroundings!
Vacation Rental: Accessibility & Privacy
Couples often overlook a vacation rental as their elopement ceremony location, but it’s one of the best options! Vacation rentals can be great for accessibility and privacy, and many of them are just as beautiful as other locations. Many couples bringing pets and possibly other loved ones especially appreciate booking a vacation rental for their elopement.
There are several intimate and idyllic cabins, condos, and hotels on Airbnb and VRBO if you’re interested in going this route. Having your elopement at a vacation rental can also make it easy to get ready and allow you to save time and money for your ultimate elopement experience.
Interested in brainstorming other elopement locations in Telluride? Contact Among the Pines Photography!
Telluride Elopement Packages
Are you ready to make your dream elopement a reality? I’d love to help you!
Among the Pines (that’s me!) is a Colorado-based elopement photographer who travels to work with couples who are adventurous dreamers. Not only do my Telluride elopement packages cover taking photos of all those special moments, but I also help you bring your vision to life. Oh, and I can even officiate your wedding!
“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.”
Emily & Nick
Among the Pines Elopement Packages include:
- Phone consultation
- Location scouting
- Timeline planning
- Vendor recommendations
- Elopement planning resources
- Sneak peek photos
- Custom online gallery (with all edited high-resolution images)
- Rights to printing
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!
