How to Elope in Colorado

Trying to find a state you can hike to an alpine lake, get mountain views, and finish off your day with a drink? Colorado might be the place! With a series of mountain towns that host eclectic breweries, and are a home-base to hundreds of hiking trails, gondolas, and distinct seasons; you can plan an elopement day without having to compromise. It’s also one of the few states you can self-solemnize, (or have your pup sign for you on a mountain top!). You can truly have it all – Colorado is the perfect location for just about any adventurous or laid-back couple looking for a day filled with variety and insane views!

Where to Elope in Colorado

Many of the couples I work with have a “fuzzy” idea of how they are wanting to elope in Colorado. Here’s where I come in! Below are some questions I recommend you ask yourself before picking a location. This will help you get clear on your vision for your elopement day, and your values as a couple:

• Do you have a specific place you want to stay/spend time in before or after your elopement? (If you aren’t from Colorado, I would recommend looking into the Colorado mountain towns – they are a great gateway to the outdoors with the ability to still eat, drink, and sleep comfortably!)

• What kind of activities are you interested in doing before, during, or after your elopement? (think… Stand-up paddle boarding, skiing, kayaking, or having a picnic)

• How do you want to get to your location? Some popular options are: hiking, off-roading, horseback riding, or finding an accessible spot!

• What views are you looking for? (mountains, alpine lakes, forests, rivers, etc.)

• Are you bringing your dog(s)? Guests? Any mobility issues?

These questions are a great starting place to narrow down the location of your elopement!

Where to Stay

I always recommend looking into airbnbs that are near your elopement location! I recommend couples stay in the town where their elopement is going to take place (Breckenridge, Buena Vista, Vail, Telluride, etc.) so you have a home-base as well as good food and drinks to celebrate!

Ideas for What to Do On Your Elopement Day

A reminder that your elopement day can be anything that excites you or represents you two as a couple! Below is a list of activities that are common when eloping in Colorado:

• Hiking
• Brewery hopping
• Getting ready together in an airbnb
• First look
• Off-roading
• Cake cutting
• Have a catered dinner
• First dance on a mountain top
• Kayaking or paddle boarding
• Picnic

Once you’ve figured out what you want to do, I always help my couples create a timeline that handles all of the logistics of your elopement day!

What to Bring

I provide my couples with a check list that goes over what to pack, what to have in a details box, and what vendors/rentals you should confirm!

Packing List: 

• Wedding dress

• Vows

• Snacks/picnic supplies/water

• Wedding rings

• Letters from friends or family

• Flowers
• Your Dog! Blanket/food/water for your pup

• Champagne/ Craft beers

• Marriage License and pen

• Hiking boots/layers/backpack

• Permits/lift tickets/parking permits

Details Box: 

• Shoes 

• Jewelry 

• Rings

• Veil

• Bouquet 

• Save the dates/stamps/stationary

Confirm: 

• Hair & makeup times, dates, etc!
• Hotel or Airbnb reservation

• Dinner reservations, chefs, etc. 

• Florals

• Any other rentals! 

Marriage License

A marriage license can be obtained in any county, it does not need to be the same county that the elopement is taking place. The marriage license costs $30 and all you need to bring is a passport or driver’s license. The elopement must occur within 35 days of obtaining the license. Since you can self-solemnize in Colorado, you don’t need an officiant or witnesses! Some of my couples will have friends (or their dogs) sign their license.

Elopement Planning Tip…

Elopements are so much more than just portraits on a mountain top. It’s a day that you and your partner get to dream up together – a day that represents you two, and one that you will remember for the rest of your lives. An elopement day is a lot of things, but most importantly it’s how you feel during it. It’s important that you find an elopement photographer that takes photos you love, but even more important that you find someone who you connect with and can bring your ideas to life. I am an Elopement photographer in Colorado, check out my page for more information on eloping in Colorado!