How to Elope AT LOVELAND PASS
A Bride's Ultimate Guide to this epic location in Colorado
ELOPING IN 2025
WHAT DOES IT MEAN?
Eloping in 2025 means choosing a personal wedding experience that prioritizes adventure and authentic moments over tradition.
It’s about celebrating your love in a breathtaking location, free from expectations!
And what better place to elope than Loveland Pass?!
WHY ELOPE at loveland pass?
Loveland Pass is more than just a scenic drive through the Rockies. Located just an hour from Denver, this mountain pass at an elevation of over 11,000 feet offers couples an unbeatable combination of natural beauty and accessibility. This makes it one of the top spots for eloping in Colorado. Here are a few reasons why Loveland Pass could be the perfect backdrop for your special day:
Self-solemnization – No officiant required in the state of Colorado
Stunning scenery – Broad mountain views, wildflowers, and lakes
Secluded Feel: While Loveland Pass is accessible by road, it feels worlds away from the hustle and bustle of city life. You can exchange vows with only the mountains and big sky as witnesses.
Adventure for All Levels – Whether you’re an avid hiker or prefer a more leisurely experience, Loveland Pass has options. You can hold your ceremony right off the parking lot or hike to a more remote, intimate location nearby.
BEST TIME OF YEAR TO ELOPE AT LOVELAND PASS
Summer (June to August): Summer is the most popular time for elopements here. You’ll enjoy warm temperatures and access to hiking trails that are otherwise snow-covered. The wildflowers are in full bloom, creating an extra layer of beauty.
Fall (September to October): In early fall, the cooler air and changing colors offer a unique backdrop. The golden aspen leaves paired with the rugged mountain terrain make for a romantic, colorful setting.
Winter (November to April): If you're dreaming of a snowy, winter wonderland for your elopement, Loveland Pass can deliver. However, access can be challenging due to snow and potential road closures, so be prepared for winter conditions and check the weather forecast.
WHAT ARE THE SEASONS LIKE?
HOW CAN WE AVOID CROWDS?
The busiest months are June-September, and the busiest times are the weekends. If you want to get married during those months and avoid tourists/crowds, I suggest a weekday for your elopement. You'll have a unique wedding date! To be as close to prime weather as possible while remaining in tourist low season, pick a day in late May or October.
WHAT'S THE BEST TIME OF DAY TO ELOPE AT LOVELAND PASS?
Honestly, anytime you want! I always recommend full-day adventure elopements to my couples in Colorado. That way they can spend an entire day exploring together with no time constraints. When it comes to your Loveland Pass elopement ceremony, sunrise
is a wonderful time. If you're having some close friends and family members join in, you can make it an adventure for them too!
Your day could look like: sunrise ceremony with your 10 people, private vows, an outdoor breakfast celebration, take a break, go for a hike, afternoon picnic, sunset with a view, then stargazing under a candlelit dinner.
getting to loveland pass
GETTING THERE BY CAR
Loveland Pass is located about 60 miles west of Denver, making it easily accessible by car. From Denver, take I-70 west and exit onto U.S. 6, which winds up the pass. The road can be steep and winding, but the drive itself is incredibly scenic, offering a preview of the breathtaking views awaiting you at the top.
GETTING THERE BY PLANE
The nearest airport is in Denver, so I recommend flying there. You can find lots of airbnb and lodging options in the area near Denver. There are also places to stay in Idaho Springs, Frisco, and Breckenridge, all of which are close to Loveland Pass.
LET'S TALK ABOUT PERMITS
LET'S TALK ABOUT PERMITS
DO YOU NEED A PERMIT TO ELOPE at loveland pass?
One of the many perks of eloping at Loveland Pass is that it doesn’t require a special permit if your group is small (under 15 people) and you don’t need to set up elaborate structures like tents or chairs. However, always double-check with the U.S. Forest Service to ensure no restrictions are in place on the day of your elopement.
For legal purposes, you’ll need a Colorado marriage license, which can be obtained from any county clerk's office in the state. You can self-solemnize in Colorado, meaning you don’t need an officiant or witnesses to make your marriage official. This makes Colorado one of the easiest and most flexible states for elopements!
LEGALLY GETTING MARRIED IN COLORADO
- Where: Any county clerk and recorder’s office in Colorado
- Who: Both partners must appear in person with valid identification (driver’s license, passport, or birth certificate)
- Cost: Typically $30
- No Waiting Period: You can use the license immediately
- Expiration: The license is valid for 35 days
THE MARRIAGE LICENSE
- Colorado allows couples to marry themselves without an officiant or witnesses. This means you can elope anywhere without needing someone to officiate.
SELF-SOLEMNIZATION
BONUS TIPS FOR YOUR LOVELAND PASS ELOPEMENT
Where to stay, what to pack, and more
bonus tips FOR Y0UR LOVELAND PASS ELOPEMENT
WHERE TO STAY
Frisco: 3 bedroom home
Idaho Springs: Cozy Cabin 2 beds
Silverthorne: Apartment with 4 beds
AIRBNB
HOTELS and B&B's
Gravity Haus Breckenridge
The Pad Silverthorne
Silver Lake Lodge Idaho Springs
The Lodge at Breckenridge
THINGS TO DO
Loveland Pass elopement activities
When choosing what to do on your elopement day, remember what's most important to the two of you. Think about how you want to celebrate and enjoy your day! Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Hiking
- Share a picnic
- Morning coffee
- Painting
- Private dinner
- Camping
- Kayaking
WHAT TO PACK
Loveland Pass elopement essentials
- Warm layers (it can get chilly at higher elevation)
- Plenty of water (the altitude can make you feel dehydrated quickly)
- Snacks for a post-ceremony picnic
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
- A blanket or picnic mat for a comfortable break
- Any necessary marriage license paperwork
vendors for your elopement
HOW TO DECIDE ON VENDORS
- Plume and Furrow flowers (Longmont)
- Ginger and Baker in Fort Collins
- Bloom Flower Shop in Breckenridge
- Baked in Breck bakery
- A Vow to Artistry traveling HMUA
CHOOSE AN ELOPEMENT PHOTOGRAPHER WISELY
Choose someone you not only connect with personality wise, but someone who knows all about Colorado and will guide you through the planning. This is something you should put high value on, as these photos will be the only thing from your elopement day that remain!
As a Colorado elopement photographer, I love helping couples plan and photograph their dream day! If you're looking for a photographer to be your built-in friend and elopement planner, then let's chat!
I recommend choosing vendors based on what you truly need. Book people that will love to be a part of your day and become friends throughout the process.
You may decide to order a bouquet from a local florist or a speciality cake for your elopement picnic. Whatever you decide, make sure it resonates with how you want your elopement day to flow. Remember to ask the question,"What is most important to us?"
FINAL THOUGHTS
Loveland Pass offers couples a chance to escape into the beauty of the Colorado Rockies and experience a wedding day that’s as adventurous as it is intimate.
Whether you’re planning a full hiking elopement or just want a scenic spot for your vows, this mountain pass provides the perfect setting for an unforgettable day!
TAKE IT FROM COUPLES JUST LIKE You
TAKE IT FROM COUPLES JUST LIKE YOU
