Wondering when to elope in Colorado? Often when couples tell me they want a Colorado mountain elopement, they picture alpine lakes, wildflowers or yellow aspen trees, open trails, and a day that feels relaxed, not uncomfortable or freezing.

So, I’ll be real with you: if you’re wanting a celebration along the lines of what I just described, I only recommend June through September for your Colorado mountain elopement. That’s when you’re going to have the best chance at good weather and warm temperatures, better access to trails, and more outdoor activity options. 

This is the kind of thing I help my couples navigate as a Colorado elopement photographer. I help you choose dates and locations that support the experience you want.

What’s the Weather Like June through September?

June through September are the best months to comfortably enjoy the outdoors in Colorado (unless you want snow for winter sports). 

To give you a better idea, here’s a breakdown of the average temperatures and precipitation for this period in Denver (keep in mind things will be colder in the mountains once you are at altitude):

• June: High: 81°F / 27.2C°; Low: 50°F / 10C°; Precipitation: 2.05 in. / 52.1 mm
• July: High: 88°F / 31.1C°; Low: 56°F / 13.3C°; Precipitation: 1.68 in. / 42.7 mm
• August: High: 86°F / 30C°; Low: 54°F / 12.2C°; Precipitation: 2.01 in. / 51.1 mm
• September: High: 78°F / 25.6C°; Low: 44°F / 6.7C°; Precipitation: 1.13 in. / 28.7 mm
• (Find more weather info at Visit Denver)

Once you get into the end of September and early October, you’re going to start risking snow for your elopement and that snow can actually last until May in the mountains. Unless you are specifically looking for snow and cold weather, this could quickly throw a wrench in your elopement day.

Some Additional Tips on Weather and What to Expect in the Mountains

In the Colorado mountains, the temperatures aren’t the whole picture. Here are some additional things to keep in mind for your mountain elopement:

• Afternoon Storms: In July and August, you’re likely to run into afternoon thunderstorms. Because it’s so common, I recommend morning elopements during these months. 
• Snow with a Chance of Closed Trails: When you’re up high in the mountains, some locations may not be fully open until late June or even early July due to continued levels of snow/melt. 
• September is Different: If you’re looking for a shoulder season elopement, September is a great time. Yes, the temperatures will start to drop, but so will the crowds. The aspen fall foliage change also usually happens towards the end of September. 

Don’t want to piece all of this together on your own? I offer Colorado elopement photography with built-in planning support so you can focus on the experience, not the logistics.

The Best Months For Hiking & Open Trails

One huge thing to consider about when to elope in Colorado is that some mountain passes and trails are actually closed November through May for safety (there’s really a lot of snow!), preventing stress to wildlife, and potential erosion. You can see some of those closures here on the CODOT website or the BLM website.  

You’ll need to plan with seasonal access in mind, or you’ll risk needing to change locations last minute. 

You’ll Have More Outdoor Activity Options June – September

So one thing I always tell the couples that I work with is that your mountain elopement is more than just a photoshoot – like that’s not the point at all. Instead, your elopement is an intentional time for you and your partner to get married on your own terms and do what YOU want. 

That’s why I recommend making a full day out of your elopement and choosing fun activities that make the day feel uniquely like the two of you. And when you design a great experience for the two of you, the epic and awesome photos will follow.

That’s SIGNIFICANTLY easier to accomplish though, when the temperatures aren’t totally unpleasant outside. 

When it’s warm out, you can do things like:

• Go hiking
• Enjoy paddleboarding or kayaking
• Drive on OHV roads
• Go horseback riding
• Have a picnic by an alpine lake
• Bring your dog along for your elopement

And the best part? Couples are able to relax into their day so much more when they aren’t worrying about cold hands or cutting activities short due to low temps. 

Eloping isn’t about doing things the “right” way. It’s about doing things your way. I help couples create elopement days that feel intentional, adventurous, and deeply personal as an elopement photographer in Colorado.

Are Any of These Months Considered Shoulder Season?

For some locations, yes. Especially for locations that are better known for skiing, it might be shoulder season there in the summer. For other locations, it might be peak season in July and August. But don’t fear, if you are looking to avoid crowds, aim for June and September and work with your elopement photographer to find locations that are off the beaten path. 

Pros and Cons for June

June has fewer crowds but is still a little risky for snowpack and trail closures.

Pros and Cons for September

September has the beautiful fall foliage from the aspen trees, but you’re going to get colder temperatures and the daylight hours start to shorten.

Get Planning Help for Your Colorado Mountain Elopement

Hey, I’m Desiree! If you want help choosing things like when to elope in Colorado, the best locations, and experiences for your Colorado mountain elopement, I’d love to help you plan it in a way that actually feels easy and intentional.

Let’s plan your Colorado mountain elopement.