How to Elope in Colorado in 2025
A Bride's Ultimate Guide to Eloping 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 Colorado?!
WHY ELOPE IN COLorado?
Colorado is one of the best places to elope in 2025, offering breathtaking landscapes, adventure-friendly locations, and the unique ability to self-solemnize—meaning you don’t need an officiant or witnesses to legally marry! Whether you dream of saying “I do” on a mountaintop, next to an alpine lake, or in a golden aspen grove, a Colorado elopement is perfect for adventurous couples.
Self-solemnization – No officiant required
Stunning scenery – Rocky Mountains, wildflowers, waterfalls, and more
Year-round beauty – From summer hikes to winter wonderlands
Adventure-friendly – Ideal for hiking, skiing, and off-the-grid locations
BEST TIME OF YEAR TO ELOPE IN COLORADO
Summer (June – August) – Best for alpine hikes, wildflowers, and snow-free mountain passes
Fall (September – October) – Stunning golden aspens, crisp air, fewer tourists
Winter (November – March) – Magical snow-covered landscapes, perfect for ski elopements
Spring (April – May) – Unpredictable weather, but beautiful lower-elevation spots
WHAT ARE THE SEASONS LIKE?
HOW CAN WE AVOID CROWDS?
To avoid tourists and large crowds in popular locations like Rocky Mountain National Park, you should choose an off-time or season to elope. The busiest months are June-September, and the busiest times are the weekends.
If you want to get married during those months, 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 IN COLORADO?
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 Colorado 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.
BEST PLACES TO ELOPE IN COLORADO
2025 Colorado elopement locations
COLORADO ELOPEMENT LOCATIONS AT A GLANCE
Loveland Pass — 1 hour west of Denver, at 12,000 ft elevation
The San Juan Mountains — Southern Colorado, in Ouray and Telluride
Rocky Mountain National Park — 2 hours northwest of Denver
Garden of the Gods — Located in Colorado Springs
Independence Pass — An epic mountain range close to Aspen
Sapphire Point Overlook — Located in Dillon, overlooks Dillon Reservoir
LOVELAND PASS
This is one of my favorite Colorado elopement locations! It is easily accessible from the nearby parking lot and offers a variety of landscapes. Just a few steps from the parking lot are incredible views of the surrounding rocky mountains and the valley below. There is a second parking lot less than a minute from the first. This one leads to two small lakes, which are both perfect for a small ceremony location.
PROS:
- Easily accessible
- More secluded
- Hidden gem spots
- Epic views
- No permit required for ceremonies less than 15 people
CONS:
- Permit required for ceremonies greater than 15 people
- More tourists will be present during the summer
- Can be pretty windy
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SAN JUAN MOUNTAINS
The San Juans are such a hidden gem! They spread across southwest Colorado in the towns of Ouray, Telluride, and Silverton. They are called the "Switzerland of America" due to their unique jagged peaks. This mountain range is especially beautifully in early Spring when the snow still coats the ground. Depending on where you stay, there are lots of entry point trails and open areas for a ceremony, private vows, and exploring on your elopement day.
PROS:
- Private and secluded
- Hidden gem spots
- Unique jagged mountains
- No permit required for most spots
- Beautiful year-round
CONS:
- Roads are rugged and require attentiveness
- Very high altitudes 9,000 ft and up (arrive at least a few days before your elopement to acclimate)
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ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK
Rocky Mountain National Park is an iconic place to elope in Colorado. It's alpine lakes, mountain views, and wildlife offer a special place for your elopement.
As it is a National Park, Rocky Mountain can be very busy and crowded in the summer months (June-August). You'll need a timed entry pass for specific locations and times.
PROS:
- Iconic location and scenery
- Great for sunrise
- Wildlife viewing
CONS:
- $300 required permit to get married in the park
- Lots of tourists and crowds
- Parking can be limited
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GARDEN OF THE GODS
Garden of the Gods is a stunning red rock park in Colorado Springs, perfect for couples dreaming of an adventurous yet accessible elopement. With dramatic sandstone formations this free-to-access location offers a variety of scenic spots for a private, intimate ceremony. Currently, there is no permit required for ceremonies of less than 25 people.
PROS:
- Easy drive-in access and parking
- No permit required
- Amazing sunset views
CONS:
- Very crowded in the summer
- Not secluded or private
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INDEPENDENCE PASS
Independence Pass is a breathtaking high-altitude destination for couples seeking a secluded and adventurous Colorado elopement. Located near Aspen, this scenic mountain pass offers sweeping alpine views, rugged peaks, and vibrant wildflowers in the summer. At 12,095 feet, it’s one of the most stunning spots for a mountaintop ceremony or private vows at sunset. Since the pass is part of the White River National Forest, you may need a special use permit if you’re bringing a larger group.
PROS:
- No permit required
- Breathtaking views of the mountains
- Very peaceful and secluded
- Great for adventurous couples
CONS:
- Closed in winter (October-May)
- High elevation
- No amenities
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SAPPHIRE POINT OVERLOOK
Sapphire Point Overlook is a stunning and easily accessible elopement spot near Breckenridge, Colorado, offering breathtaking views of Dillon Reservoir and the surrounding mountains. Its short, easy trail makes it ideal for couples wanting an adventurous feel without a strenuous hike. There is a permit required to have a small ceremony here.
- Easy access from the parking lot
- Stunning lake views
- Picnic area and short hiking trail
- Crowded in prime season and summer
- $110 required permit
PROS:
CONS:
CHOOSE A LOCATION
BASED ON YOUR LOVe
Remember the why behind your Colorado elopement. What is most important to you? Pick the location that resonates.
CHOOSE A LOCATION BASED ON YOUR LOVe
vendors for your colorado elopement
HOW TO DECIDE ON VENDORS
- Plume and Furrow flowers (Longmont)
- Flowers by Ella in Telluride
- Bloom Flower Shop in Breckenridge
- Baked in Breck bakery
- Butcher & Baker Cafe Telluride
- 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?"
LET'S TALK ABOUT PERMITS
LET'S TALK ABOUT PERMITS
DO YOU NEED A PERMIT TO ELOPE IN COLORADO?
You may need a location permit for your elopement ceremony if it is in a national park or other landmark. The requirements vary depending on the location, so it's essential to check in advance and apply early if you do need a permit.
Permit Requirements by Location
NATIONAL FORESTS
NATIONAL PARKS
state parks
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 COLORADO ELOPEMENT
Where to stay, things to do, and more
bonus tips FOR Y0UR COLORADO ELOPEMENT
WHERE TO STAY
Downtown Ouray: 4 bedroom home
Granby: Cozy Cabin 6 beds
Silverthorne: Apartment with 4 beds
Carbondale/Aspen: 3 bedroom home
AIRBNB
HOTELS and B&B's
The Western in Ouray
Hotel Columbia Telluride
Aspen Mountain Lux
Romantic Riversong Inn Estes Park
The Broadmoor Colorado Springs
THINGS TO DO
Colorado 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
- Horseback riding
- Share a picnic
- Morning coffee
- Painting
- Private dinner
- Camping
- Kayaking
TAKE IT FROM COUPLES JUST LIKE You
TAKE IT FROM COUPLES JUST LIKE YOU
