Thinking about having a winter elopement in Colorado? Here is your ultimate guide to planning a snowy elopement day!
Why have a winter elopement in Colorado?
Colorado has become one of the most popular elopement destinations and outdoor destinations in the US and for a good reason! But, the summer months can be crowded with tourists flocking to the hiking trails, camping spots, and alpine lakes all over Colorado in the summer. Meanwhile, in the winter everyone visiting the state is typically skiing, which means all of the stunning lakes, mountain passes, and hiking trails are empty and secluded all winter, making it the perfect time to have a secluded and intimate elopement day while still getting to stay and experience the popular mountain towns around Colorado!
Ready to start planning your elopement? Contact Sydney
Best places for a winter elopement in Colorado
Breckenridge: One of the most popular and easiest winter elopement locations to access! With an exciting ski town filled with fun restaurants and bars, endless home rentals to choose from, and epic snowshoeing trails minutes from the mountain, Breckenridge is a popular and fun winter elopement destination!
Telluride: Tucked away in a picturesque box canyon surrounded by towering peaks, Telluride’s town and home rentals are where luxury meets excitement. With frozen waterfalls, and skiing at your doorstep, it’s the perfect location for a winter elopement!
Crested Butte: Crested Butte transforms into a winter wonderland when snow blankets its streets and surrounding landscapes. Elopement options include exchanging vows amidst pristine snowscapes, cozying up in intimate mountain lodges, or exploring the town’s charming streets dusted with snow.
Buena Vista: One of the most underrated winter elopement spots! Often overlooked in the winter, couples will have frozen lakes, and snowy forests, hot springs, and the city center entirely to themselves in the winter months.
Aspen: Renowned for its world-class skiing and luxurious resorts, Aspen is a premier destination for winter elopements. Couples ski, snowshoe, and snowmobile for their elopements!
Estes Park & Rocky Mountain National Park: Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the most popular National Parks in the summer, but those who plan a winter elopement in Colorado will get to skip the crowds! Couples can explore snowy trails, frozen lakes, and forests before exchanging vows against the backdrop of snow-capped peaks.
Steamboat Springs: Known for its legendary Champagne Powder® snow and rustic charm, Steamboat Springs is an idyllic setting for winter elopements. Couples can elope amidst snow-covered landscapes, cozy up in charming cabins or lodges, and enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, from skiing and snowboarding to hot springs relaxation.
Winter elopement activities
Just because you’re planning a winter elopement in Colorado, doesn’t mean you can’t plan some epic (and unique) activities!
- Snowshoeing: Skip the summer hiking crowds and snowshoe on all of the hiking trails during the winter! Not only will you get popular spots all to yourselves, but you’ll get snow covered peaks and frozen lakes.
- Skiing or Snowboarding: Quite possibly Colorado’s most popular activity with world-class mountains including Aspen, Vail, Breckenridge, and Telluride at your doorstep – plan to ski or snowboard down the mountain in your wedding attire!
- Dog Sledding/Sleigh Rides: Want to see the mountains without skiing or snowshoeing? You can plan a more relaxing day cuddled under blankets without extreme activities! Not to mention, it makes for some pretty epic pictures!
- Hot Springs Soaking: Relax and unwind in Colorado’s natural hot springs after a day of adventure. From secluded mountain spots to spa resorts, there are numerous hot springs destinations across the state that are the perfect end to your elopement day!
- Ice Skating: From drive up spots to hidden frozen lakes in the mountains Breckenridge, Telluride, and Buena Vista have epic frozen lakes backing up the mountains.
- Cozy Cabin Retreat: Make specialty cocktails or coffee and spend time together by the fireplace after a long day in the snow!
- Private Vows and Intimate Dinners: Plan to read private vows followed by an intimate dinner! With award winning restaurants and private chefs in the mountain towns you can finish your day reflecting on your elopement while eating a fancy and intimate dinner!
Where to stay
Here’s a list of the best stays for your winter elopement in Colorado by mountain town! When choosing an airbnb I recommend thinking about if you are wanting something walking distance to town, accessible to ski resorts, or secluded and tucked away in the mountains.
Breckenridge:
Want to learn more about Breckenridge? Check out my Breckenridge Elopement Guide!
Telluride:
Want to learn more about Telluride? Check out my Telluride Elopement Guide!
Steamboat Springs:
Crested Butte:
Learn more about How to Elope in Crested Butte
Buena Vista:
- Riverside Retreat with Mountain Views
- Cozy Cabin in the Woods
- Mountain Chalet with Hot Springs Access
Want to learn more about Buena Vista? Check out my Buena Vista Elopement Guide!
Near Rocky Mountain National Park:
Want to learn more about RMNP? Check out my Rocky Mountain National Park Elopement Guide!
Best Months For a Winter Elopement in Colorado
I like to remind couples that spring in the Colorado mountains can still be considered winter! If you are wanting snow on the ground! I will go over each month and the expected weather!
December – February: Best for ski elopements, snowshoeing, snowmobiling. You can expect lots of snowfall, busy mountain towns, and frozen lakes! The temperatures will be at their coldest, but it also means you’ll have guaranteed snow pack, frozen lakes, and winter weather for your day!
March and April: The tail-end of the ski season. You can still hit the slopes, but this is the most ideal time for a winter elopement if you are wanting thinning crowds, warmer days with more sunshine, and snow to start melting. In places like Breckenridge and Telluride you can still expect snowpack, but there will be a lot more warm days!
Winter elopement packing list
Here’s a short list of things I recommend wearing and packing for your winter elopement! When we work together, I will provide you with a custom packing list based off of the locations you plan to visit, activities you are doing, and the expected weather the time of year you visit!
- Warm Coat: Insulated, waterproof coat for outdoor ceremonies.
- Layering Pieces: Thermal base layers and leggings for warmth.
- Fleece or Insulated Jacket: Lightweight layer for added warmth.
- Winter Accessories: Beanie, gloves, scarf, and thermal socks.
- Waterproof Boots/Spikes: Insulated, grippy boots for snowy terrain.
- Snow Pants or Insulated Pants: Over-layer for protection against snow and wind.
- Warm Layers for Ceremony: Long-sleeve dress or suit made from insulating materials.
- Extra Clothing Options: Spare base layers, sweaters, and socks for layering.
- Dry Bag or Waterproof Bag: To store wet clothing and accessories.
- Emergency Supplies: Hand warmers, first-aid kit, and portable charger for emergencies.
Winter elopement packages
I recommend booking your elopement photographer first. This is the person that will plan your day from start to finish – from locations, the best stays, vendors, and other planning resources. Wondering how much to spend on an elopement photographer? Read about the average elopement photography investment!
Want to learn more about eloping in Colorado? Check out my Colorado Elopement Photography page here for more resources, full pricing, and experience information!
[…] Curious about eloping in the winter? Check out my guide on planning a winter elopement in Colorado! […]