How to Elope in the san juan mountains
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 the San Juans?!
WHY ELOPE IN THE SAN JUANS?
The San Juans are one of Colorado’s most stunning mountain ranges, with a mix of jagged summits, alpine lakes, waterfalls, and dense forests. This region is perfect for couples who want to blend adventure with romance in a secluded, natural setting.
Self-solemnization – No officiant required in the state of Colorado
Stunning scenery – With its towering peaks (many over 13,000 feet), colorful wildflowers, and golden aspens in the fall, every corner of the San Juans offers jaw-dropping views.
Secluded Feel: Unlike more popular destinations in Colorado, such as Rocky Mountain National Park, the San Juans remain relatively uncrowded, offering you more privacy.
Adventure ready – From hiking and off-roading to mountain biking and hot springs, the San Juans offer endless adventures for outdoorsy couples. You can create an elopement experience that’s uniquely yours.
BEST TIME OF YEAR TO ELOPE in the san juans
Summer (July-August): If you’re dreaming of wildflower meadows and comfortable hiking weather, summer is the perfect time.
Fall (Late September-October): The San Juans are famous for their golden aspen groves. Fall offers stunning colors, cooler temperatures, and fewer crowds. It’s an ideal time for couples who want those iconic Colorado fall colors in their elopement photos.
Winter (November-March): Winter elopements in the San Juans are a magical experience. Snow blankets the mountains, creating a winter wonderland. You can combine your ceremony with a cozy stay in a cabin, a sleigh ride, or even some backcountry skiing. Be aware of road closures.
Spring (April-June): Early spring is a bit more unpredictable in the San Juans, with snow often lingering in the higher elevations. However, late spring brings rushing waterfalls and greener landscapes, offering a unique contrast to summer and fall elopements.
WHAT ARE THE SEASONS LIKE?
HOW CAN WE AVOID CROWDS?
Generally, the San Juan Mountains will be a lot less crowded year-round then other popular places in Colorado. 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!
WHAT'S THE BEST TIME OF DAY TO ELOPE ?
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. For your elopement ceremony in the San Juan Mountains, sunrise is a wonderful time. If you're having 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 ELOPEMENT LOCATIONS IN THE SAN JUAN MOUNTAINS
OURAY
Known as the “Switzerland of America,” Ouray is a picturesque town surrounded by towering mountains. It’s perfect for couples who want a mix of adventure and relaxation, with plenty of nearby hiking trails and hot springs.
For a dramatic ceremony location, consider the top of Imogene Pass, a high-altitude jeep trail with jaw-dropping views.
- Lodging accommodations
- Up-close views of the San Juans
- Hot springs and hiking
- Box Canyon
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TELLURIDE
Telluride is a quintessential Colorado mountain town, famous for its historic charm and stunning backdrop. Eloping in Telluride offers access to incredible views, including Bridal Veil Falls, Colorado’s tallest waterfall. The gondola ride from town to Mountain Village is a unique way to experience the landscape and makes for a memorable post-ceremony celebration.
- Lodging accommodations
- Up-close views of the San Juans
- Mountain Village
- Mt. Sneffels
- Bridal Veil Falls
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SILVERTON
If you’re looking for something remote and wild, Silverton is an excellent choice. Nestled in a high-altitude valley, this small town is surrounded by 13,000- and 14,000-foot peaks. An elopement in Silverton could include a jeep tour up Engineer or Cinnamon Pass, providing access to beautiful alpine lakes and sweeping mountain vistas.
- Quaint town
- Epic views of the San Juans
- High altitudes
- For the rugged adventure elopement
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YANKEE BOY BASIN
For couples who want to be surrounded by wildflowers and towering peaks, Yankee Boy Basin is a dream come true. This location is particularly stunning in late July and early August when the wildflowers are in full bloom, and the basin is accessible by a high-clearance vehicle. It is located in Ridgway.
- Most epic views of the San Juans
- AWD required vehicle
- Hiking and exploring
- Secluded and private
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ALTA LAKES
For a peaceful and secluded spot, Alta Lakes, just outside Telluride, is a perfect choice. These alpine lakes are surrounded by rugged mountains, and the nearby Alta Ghost Town adds a touch of history to your day. The area is accessible by a dirt road, making it a great option for couples who want a quieter elopement location.
- Breathtaking views of the mountains
- Very peaceful and secluded
- Great for adventurous couples
- 45 min drive from Telluride
LET'S TALK ABOUT PERMITS
LET'S TALK ABOUT PERMITS
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
DO YOU NEED A PERMIT TO ELOPE IN THE SAN JUANS?
You may need a location permit for your elopement ceremony if it is in a popular location or landmark. The requirements vary, so it's essential to check in advance and apply early if you do need a permit.
Permit Requirements by Location
NATIONAL FORESTS
state parks
bonus tips FOR Y0UR ELOPEMENT IN THE SAN JUAN MOUNTAINS
Where to stay, what to pack, and more
bonus tips FOR Y0UR ELOPEMENT IN THE SAN JUAN MOUNTAINS
WHERE TO STAY
Downtown Ouray: 4 bedroom home
Telluride: 3 bedroom apartment
Ridgway: 3 bedroom home
AIRBNB
HOTELS and B&B's
The Western Hotel Ouray
Mountain Village Telluride
Historic Alma House Silverton
Ouray Riverside Resort
THINGS TO DO
San Juan Mountain 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
- Off-roading
- Hot springs in Ouray
WHAT TO PACK
Colorado 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
- Flowers by Ella in Telluride
- A Vow to Artistry traveling HMUA
- Butcher & Baker Cafe Telluride
- Little Bucket of Flowers Ouray
- Durango Picnic Co
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
Eloping in the San Juan Mountains is perfect for couples seeking an intimate, adventure-filled experience in one of Colorado’s most beautiful regions.
Whether you’re standing atop a mountain pass or saying your vows by a quiet alpine lake, your elopement in the San Juans will be a day you’ll remember forever.
TAKE IT FROM COUPLES JUST LIKE You
TAKE IT FROM COUPLES JUST LIKE YOU
