When we think of adventure elopements, our minds immediately go to epic mountain vistas, beautiful alpine lakes, and scenic hiking trails. We think of places like Colorado – a state with such ruggedly wild scenery that it feels a little unreal. And you’re choosing to elope in Colorado for precisely those reasons and more. You’re choosing Colorado because you want an intentional elopement that’s about having an epic adventure and getting married on your terms.

But as an elopement photographer, one of the most common things the couples I work with face is not knowing where to begin with planning their elopement.  

That’s exactly why I’ve created this comprehensive guide on how to elope in Colorado. Let’s go through the details so you can stop worrying about how to make this work, and get excited to make this actually happen.

If reading guides like this still feels overwhelming, that’s exactly why I offer Colorado elopement photography and planning support. You don’t have to figure this out alone.

The Best Seasons For Your Elopement

One of the first things to consider as you plan your Colorado elopement is the timing. In rugged mountain landscapes, it’s important to time things right so you can ensure you have the best weather for your elopement.

Spring (March – May):

• Spring in Colorado is basically still winter. March is one of the snowiest months in the state, and it can remain snowy until early May/June in the mountains. Some locations may be closed until early May/June due to the snow.
• Things do start to reopen after early May, and you’ll encounter fewer crowds in this shoulder season.
• This season is best for couples who don’t mind snow and staying flexible.

Summer (June – August):

• The mountain passes reopen during this season, and you can most easily get those epic views you’ve been wanting for your elopement. Lovely wildflowers also emerge during the summer and alpine lakes are at their best after the snowmelt. 
• Warm weather also means more comfortable temperatures for your elopement adventures even when you’re high up in the mountains. 
• Long daylight hours can help you have an extended elopement day. You’ll have plenty of time to explore everything you want to see without worrying about limited daylight.
• Keep in mind that summer is peak tourist season in some locations, so you’ll want to find hidden gem locations for your elopement or take other steps to avoid potential crowds.
• This season is best for couples who are looking for hiking, alpine lakes, and comfortable temps.

Fall (September – November):

• In the fall season, I’d most recommend September for your elopement. This month is going to give you the fall foliage you are seeking – you might even get to see the aspen trees change to the bright yellow color they are famous for.
• Keep in mind that the weather starts to get more changeable in September and once you get to October you could start to even see some snow again. It’s important to be flexible and have back up plans for your elopement day during this season. 
• Fall is also a shoulder season for tourism in Colorado, so you’re more likely to have privacy during this time.
• This season is best for couples who are looking for fall foliage and also don’t mind risking colder temperatures and potential snow. 

Winter (December – February):

• And we circle back fully to snow in this season! Many locations will be closed again due to the snow levels on the mountains, so you’re facing a lot of the same potential issues as spring. 
• This season is best for couples who are looking for winter sports and cozy elopement vibes.

Overall, my top recommendation for timing is any time between June and September. Learn more about why I recommend this timing. 

Work with a Colorado elopement photographer who helps you plan.

Where to Have Your Elopement

While I help couples elope all over Colorado, Breckenridge is one of my favorite recommendations for out-of-state couples.

Breckenridge is an iconic mountain town, with a ton of epic trails nearby (if you’ve heard of the famous Sapphire Point, that’s here!). I also love this area because there is truly something for every adventure level. Whether you are looking for drive up spots or more intense hikes, there’s definitely a great location for you. Bonus points? Breckenridge is a quick 2-hour drive from Denver, making it a convenient location if you’re traveling to Colorado for your elopement.

Here are some gorgeous elopement locations near Breckenridge:

Whether you’re just starting to explore the idea or already have a vision in mind, I’m here to help you plan an elopement that feels effortless and true to you.

Choosing Fun Activities for Your Elopement

One thing I always tell the couples that I work with is that your elopement is more than just some photoshoot. It’s also not a traditional wedding transplanted into the Colorado mountains. 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. 

Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Hiking: this one is hard to resist in the Colorado mountains anyways, but if you want to feel grounded and immersed in nature on your elopement day, I highly recommend incorporating a hike into your day. You can find everything from beautiful 1 mile lake hikes to more strenuous half or full-day hikes.
• Share a morning coffee by an alpine lake: Is coffee y’all’s thing? Why not incorporate a hike to an alpine lake and watch the sunrise while you sip your favorite brew?
• Bring your four-legged bestie: If you have a fur-child(ren) that you love and want to incorporate into your day, bring them with you on your elopement day! There are so many great dog-friendly trails in Colorado, they can easily join you. 
• Head to a brewery: Do y’all love a good brewery? Plan to stop in to taste a local IPA and grab a bite to eat during your elopement day.

The bonus? I’ve found that the couples who build activities into their elopement day feel more relaxed, more present, and less focused on the camera, which is exactly what creates the most natural photos.

Your elopement day should feel like the best day you’ve ever spent together, not a rushed checklist. I help couples design days that feel meaningful, relaxed, and true to them. Learn more about my Colorado elopement photography.

The Fun, Not so Fun Stuff: How to Legally Elope

Don’t stress here. Colorado makes legally eloping SO easy. 

Marriage License Info

You can get a marriage license in any county in Colorado, you don’t have to live in that county or be having your ceremony there, just go wherever is most convenient for you. With some locations, you can start your application online, but for all locations, you will need to finish the application in person. Some counties do require an appointment, so just be sure to check the specific county’s rules and regulations before heading out there. Once you’re at the county clerk’s office, you’ll provide all your required documents and pay the application fee (usually around $30). The license is then valid for 35 days, but you can use it immediately – there’s no waiting period in Colorado!

Getting Legally Married

Now for the part about how to get legally married. In Colorado you have some cool options!

1. Self-solemnize: Did you know that you don’t even need an officiant in Colorado? You can actually marry yourselves by self-solemnizing. Just sign the papers and you’re good to go. 
2. Hire an officiant or have a trusted third party who is ordained act as your officiant.

Once you’ve tied the knot and everything is signed, you or your officiant will just need to return the marriage license to the county clerk’s office to make things official. It’s best to do this right away so no one forgets anything!

Planning an elopement can feel like a lot — especially from out of state. That’s exactly why I help couples with both Colorado elopement photography and thoughtful planning support.

Hire the Right Vendors for Your Elopement

Colorado has a ton of elopement-friendly vendors. Here are some recommendations on vendors you may want to include, depending on the vibe of your elopement (though no judgment either way, all I had was a photographer for my elopement!). 

Elopement Photography

Your photographer is one of the most important vendors for your elopement day. Why’s that? This is likely the one person other than your significant other that will be with you consistently throughout the day. Make sure you like them as a person, and make sure you trust them to capture this important day for you.

For Colorado in particular, I also recommend choosing an elopement photographer who also helps you plan your day. These photographers can help give location and other recommendations to help you have a successful day. 

Learn more about my Colorado elopement photography and planning services.

Elopement Officiant

Are you doing the legal ceremony on your elopement day and don’t want to opt for self-solemnization? Make sure you choose a trustworthy and qualified officiant for your ceremony. For an elopement, it may even be nice to have the officiant be someone you know and are comfortable with. 

Florist

A bridal bouquet and a boutonnière are the perfect touch for an elopement. You can go for a local florist’s creations or look into silk flowers on sites like Etsy if traveling logistics make real flowers difficult.

Hair & Makeup Artist

It’s your elopement day, and you should look fabulous! Consider scheduling with a local hair and makeup artist to start your day off.

If you will be doing a sunrise ceremony and no one is available in the early hours of the morning, don’t be afraid to DIY your hair and make up. My husband and I had a pretty remote elopement day in the Westfjords of Iceland, so I did my own hair and makeup. My tips are to practice beforehand, and if you are less experienced with hair and makeup, keep things simple and pretty close to what you normally do.

Food

You will, of course, need to eat during your elopement day. Don’t be afraid to order a catered picnic or make reservations at a favorite spot for your elopement day meals. 

And keep in mind this is your day, and there are zero expectations on what a “proper wedding meal” looks like. Is pizza your favorite? Order it! Are you obsessed with Taco Bell? Go for it!

I help my couples find vendors who are not only talented, but elopement-friendly — meaning they understand timelines, hiking, and flexibility. Learn more about how I can help you figure out how to elope in Colorado.

Plan Your Elopement Timeline

When you’re planning your elopement timeline, keep in mind that you’re not just planning a mini-wedding somewhere cool. The beauty of elopements is that they can be flexible, at a relaxed pace, and intentionally crafted to be about getting married exactly how you want to.

As you plan, I recommend keeping in mind these few essential pieces of your day:

• Getting ready
• Ceremony: vows, ring exchange, any special customs
• Meals
• Any activities or sights you would like to visit
• Travel time between locations

You’ll also want to consider ideal times for photography. I generally recommend having your ceremony take place during golden hour at sunrise or sunset if outdoors. That will ensure you have the most beautiful lighting possible for photos during that special moment.

Ready to Elope?

Whether you are thinking of saying your vows at an alpine lake or on a mountain pass, I’m here to help you have an unforgettable day that’s true to you. You don’t need to have everything figured out. You just need a starting point. I’d love to help you turn this idea into an elopement day that actually feels like you and help you figure out exactly how to elope in Colorado.

If you want a Colorado elopement photographer who also helps with location ideas, timelines, and logistics, I’d love to connect and see if we’re a good fit.