If you're engaged and dreaming of a beautiful, low-stress, and unforgettable wedding experience, Colorado should be at the top of your list! Whether it's just the two of you or you're inviting a few close loved ones, Colorado’s stunning mountain landscapes provide the perfect backdrop for an intimate and adventurous elopement.
If you've never been to Colorado before, your elopement is a wonderful excuse to explore this breathtaking state together. If you have, then you already know what an incredible place it is to say "I do." But with so many options, where do you begin? In this guide, I'll take you through the steps of planning an elopement in Colorado.
Where in Colorado Should We Get Married?
Colorado is known for its diverse scenery—towering mountains, alpine lakes, red rock formations, vast sand dunes, and lush forests. But choosing the perfect location involves more than just picking a scenic spot. Here are a few things to consider:
How far do you want to travel from the airport? If you're flying in, you may want a location within a reasonable drive.
How much hiking are you up for? Some locations require little to no walking, while others may involve a longer hike.
Are guests attending? Consider their mobility and accessibility needs.
Weather considerations: June-September is ideal for elopements in the mountains and less traveled locations to avoid crowds. You may still find these areas accessible in October in some parts, but it's not guaranteed unless you hire a local professional for transportation. Spring and winter are great for snowy elopements, but you'll want to choose locations that are easy to reach and are reliably maintained.
I help all Wild North Weddings couples find the perfect location based on their needs and the tie of year they're most interested in getting married in, and also work hard to find locations that are unique and won't have the tourist crowds. Here are some of the most well known spots and also a few you may not yet have discovered:
Iconic Elopement Locations in Colorado:
Garden of the Gods (Colorado Springs)
Eldorado Canyon (Boulder)
Rocky Mountain National Park
White River National Forest
Sapphire Point Overlook (Dillon)
Great Sand Dunes National Park
Rifle Falls State Park
Colorado National Monument (Grand Junction)
Dinosaur National Monument
Making It Legal
Colorado has one of the easiest marriage laws in the U.S., making it a great place for couples looking to elope. Here’s what you need to know:
Marriage License: Obtain your license at any Colorado county clerk's office. The fee is $30, and there is no waiting period. The license is valid for 35 days.
Self-Solemnization: You don’t need an officiant! Colorado allows couples to legally marry themselves—no witnesses required (though your dog can “sign” with a paw print!).
Officiants: If you prefer, you can have an officiant, a friend, or a family member perform the ceremony. I’m also an ordained minister and can assist if needed.
What to Wear
Your outfit should reflect your style, but also consider comfort and the elements:
For hiking elopements: Choose a dress with movement and avoid tight-fitting gowns. Pack your dress and change at the location if needed.
For cold weather: Wear fleece-lined leggings under dresses and bring a stylish jacket. Layers are key!
Shoes: Hiking boots are a great choice for outdoor elopements. If they don’t match your vision, bring an extra pair of shoes to change into for photos. And bring extra socks just in case they get wet.
All Wild North Weddings couples receive a packing list tailored to their elopement day so you won’t forget anything important!
Elopement Day Activities
Eloping doesn’t mean skipping out on adventure! Your wedding day can be as relaxing or as action-packed as you want. Here are some fun activities to add to your day:
Hiking to a breathtaking viewpoint
Taking a scenic gondola ride in the mountains
Canoeing or kayaking on an alpine lake
Off-roading in a Jeep or ATV
Stargazing under the Milky Way
Exploring hot springs for a post-ceremony soak
Having a private picnic with mountain views
Sharing a first dance under the stars
Camping overnight for a true adventure elopement
Booking Your Vendors
While elopements are simpler than traditional weddings, you may still want to book vendors to enhance your day:
Photographer (that’s me!)
Videographer
Florist (for bouquets, flower crowns, or table arrangements)
Private chef or caterer
Hair & makeup artist
Bakery
I provide all my elopement couples with a curated list of trusted vendors to make your day amazing.
Travel Tips for Your Colorado Elopement
Flying in: Denver International Airport (DEN) is the largest airport, but there are smaller regional airports closer to certain locations. If you're on the western side of the state, Grand Junction is probably your best bet.
Adjust To The Elevation: Plan to arrive a few days before the wedding so you have time to adjust to the elevation. Elevation sickness is no joke! Avoid alcohol for the first couple of days, and be sure to drink plenty of water to help avoid this as well.
Rental Cars: Book a AWD or 4x4 vehicle if you plan to explore backroads or visit mountain locations. Sometimes the best views are easily accessible by mountain pass roads that aren't paved. Plus you may want to have snow chains for your tires in the cooler months just in case - most rental companies can help you with this.
Weather Prep: Colorado weather is unpredictable and can experience sunshine, rain, and snow all in one day. Pack your suitcases, rental vehicles, and hiking backpacks accordingly! Dress in layers, even in the summer, and don't forget a rain jacket.
Lodging: My personal favorite option is renting a cabin, and often ones you find on Airbnb and Vrbo can be booked directly, saving you some money. And in these circumstances, you may also be allowed to hold a ceremony or dinner with guests at the house (whereas the other site's policies don't allow that). But book early if you're looking during the peak season. Also consider a boutique motel or a bed & breakfast for a really great, personal experience!
Pack Smart: Be sure to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, hiking boots, extra socks, reusable water bottles, handwarmers, and gloves in addition to the layers I mentioned packing earlier.
Final Thoughts
Your elopement should be the most authentic and exciting day of your life. Colorado offers endless possibilities for couples looking for an intimate, adventurous, and breathtaking wedding experience. If you’re ready to start planning, I’d love to help make your vision a reality!
Reach out to Wild North Weddings to start planning your dream elopement today! 🤍
Ready to begin planning your dream wedding?
I'm Carly, a destination wedding and elopement photographer + planning guide who's documented weddings from Hawaii to Scotland. My top priority on elopement days is to help you create an experience, not just deliver great photos. I want to tell your wedding story, share the emotions you felt that day and the fun you shared together, and provide you with memories that you'll love forever. And in addition to photography, I'll also provide:
✓ Location Scouting & Research
✓ Vendor Recommendations
✓ Customized Timeline Building
✓ Activity Recommendations
✓ Assistance with Permits
✓ An exclusive elopement planning guide
If you're ready to take the first step towards your best day ever, fill out the contact form on my site! We'll talk about all of the possibilities, ease your mind of any hesitations you may still have about eloping, and get planning!
Wild North Weddings is an elopement and adventure wedding photographer documenting weddings throughout Colorado, in locations such as Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, the Great Sand Dunes National Park, The Colorado National Monument, the San Juan Mountains, Fort Collins, Estes Park, Steamboat Springs National Park, and more!
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