Planning a Colorado elopement?
here’s everything you need to know from a colorado elopement photographer
Colorado is a place for people with an adventurous spirit. Known for it’s 14 thousand foot mountains, quaint mountain towns, and 8.3 million acres of wilderness to explore — Colorado is truly the most breathtaking place to elope. There’s a ton of natural beauty that will serve as an amazing backdrop to your perfect Colorado elopement.
love the idea of a colorado elopement but not sure how it’ll all come together?
So I bet I can guess why you’ve landed on my page – you’re looking to have your very own Colorado elopement, and now you’re wondering all the things.. How to elope in Colorado, what are the Colorado elopement marriage laws, where are the best places to elope in Colorado, and really how it’ll all come together, am I right? Well that’s what I’m here for! I’m Kelly, I live in Grand Junction, Colorado and I have photographed and helped couples full time for over 4 years have the Colorado elopement of their dreams.
So for all my couples doing their own research (I applaud the shit out of you btw!), to you I say… grab your hiking boots, and get ready to say “I do” in the most breathtaking landscapes you can imagine! I presnt to you the Colorado Elopement Planning Guide!
Why choose Colorado for your elopement?
Well, it’s pretty much the coolest state. It’s got epic and unique mountain ranges, crystal clear alpine lakes, raging rivers, views for days… shall I go on? I can definitely go on. Basically, those rugged, gorgeous photos you imagine when you picture “Colorado elopement” are all right here.
now all that needs to be right here is you.
There are other great reasons to elope here besides the landscapes. On the marriage front, Colorado has lax marriage laws making it the perfect state for an elopement. Marriage licenses are cheap and easy to get at the nearest county clerk’s office. And Colorado allows self solemnization, which means you don’t need witnesses OR an officiant! You can marry the shit out of yourselves all day long.
But beyond your marriage and your stellar Colorado elopement, there is so much to do in Colorado. Denver has a big city feel with tons of restaurants, breweries, and shops to explore. Then there are the dozens and dozens of cute little mountain towns: Vail, Aspen, Telluride, Breckenridge, Buena Vista, Grand Lake, Steamboat, just to name a few. There are adventures of all varieties to be had!
Colorado’s mountains get the spotlight, but it actually has tons of other gorgeous landscapes. There’s the wide open prairie, deep canyons, lush green plateaus, high desert terrain, grasslands, and full on deserts! Ever heard of the Great Sand Dunes? Or the Colorado National Monument? This is stuff you’d expect to see in the Sahara or Utah, but it’s right here in the Centennial State.
With its diverse landscapes and temperate climate, Colorado is a year-round destination that will provide the perfect backdrop for your adventure wedding, no matter the season. So, if your dream wedding is something a bit unconventional and out-of-the-box then a Colorado elopement is a perfect choice. It’s a one-of-a-kind place with stunning landscapes that make for stunning wedding photos!
Who am I?
hey, i’m kelly! your colorado elopement photographer!
Colorado is more than just beautiful backdrop for me; it’s home. The mountains play host to my everyday adventures, making me the local you’ve been looking for. Whether it’s hiking in the front range, or exploring the turquoise blue lakes in the San Juan’s, I’ve got the experience to lead you through both the natural wonders and the perfect shots for your Colorado elopement.
Although I’m not originally from Colorado, the mountains called to me and now I call them home. Grand Junction, CO is my home now! Just 30 miles from the Utah border, an hour and a half from Moab, and an hour and a half from Telluride, two hours from Breckenridge – I could keep going but I just love how it’s the perfect “junction” (see what I did there). It’s the best. I couldn’t think of a better place to call home, and to work and play!
This business has become so much more than a job and I feel truly honored to call so many clients my friends. It would be a pleasure to work with you and your soon-to-be spouse as we plan and execute your dream Colorado elopement in the places I now call home.
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I love what I do, and so do they…
“when (not if) you choose kelly, you will be making the best decision!”
Kelly is the best. Full stop. As a couple from out of state, we really depended on her expertise to find a location that met our admittedly long wish list. She proposed several locations, and when we decided to go with our back up location the day before our wedding, she was so flexible and accommodating. She made sure we had a timeline that worked for us, and even made sure we knew when we could make an appointment to get our marriage license. She was there every step of the way.
The day of our Colorado elopement was an absolute dream. As someone who always feels awkward in front of a camera, Kelly made it comfortable and hyped us up the whole time, and the pictures she captured feel so authentic while conveying the magic we felt that day.
When (not if) you choose Kelly, you will be making the best decision!”
Your Colorado Elopement in 3 Easy Steps
step 1: phone call
First, let’s get to know each other! I want to hear your love story and your vision for your elopement. Every little thing that matters to you matters to me. I’ll focus on those unique aspects of your relationships so we can bring them to life on your elopement day!
step 2: unlimited planning consults
My job is to curate a day that is everything you dreamed of and more. From travel logistics to custom hiking maps, I will lock down every damn detail so you can have your elopement vision realized. It’ll be all gravy, baby – stress-free and full of friggin’ excitement!
step 3: get married!
When your big day arrives, I want you focused on one thing and one thing only: loving the heck out of each other! That’s all you need to do. I’ll deliver an experience you’ll never forget and fan-freakin-tastic photos to keep your day alive forever.
How to Elope in Colorado
5 easy steps to the best damn day
1. choose your photographer
2. pick your location
3. plan out travel and lodging
4. hire vendors and nail down permits
5. have the best damn day
and i’m here to help you through each step
sounds amazing right?
Finding The Perfect Location For Your Colorado Elopement
Whether you’re looking for a secluded place in the wilderness just for the two of you, or a more accessible location that can accommodate friends and family of any age and mobility level, there’s a perfect place in Colorado to match the wedding location of your dreams! Just let me know what kind of Colorado elopement you’ve got your heart set on, and i’ll find you a location that has everything you need!
When choosing the perfect location for your Colorado elopement it’s important to answer one essential question: out of the following three things, which two are the most important to you – views, accessibility, or privacy?
You’ll always be able to find beautiful and unique locations that offer two of these things, but you probably won’t be able to have all three. If a location has stunning views and is easily accessible then expect to be sharing it with other visitors. If you’ve found a secluded place with amazing views, chances are it’s going to be harder to get to.
Letting me know what characteristics are the most important to you in a location will help me choose the best possible spot for your Colorado elopement!
Colorado Elopement Locations
Aspen
Oh, Aspen. I just absolutely love this area. Big mountains, solitude, and hiking trails that go on for what feels like forever. Let me help you find a location near Aspen that checks off all your boxes for your Colorado elopement! As you can see in this picture, I have the perfect location for a small ceremony with gorgeous views, and enough room for a small ceremony but still have complete privacy. Wanna see more from Alex and Dan’s two day Aspen elopement? Check it out here!
Telluride
Telluride. Where you can watch alpenglow next to a turquoise blue alpine lake in the morning, go 4x4ing during the day, and have a nice meal in a quaint mountain town for dinner, then stargazing at night. Sound amazing? It is. 😊 Check out my Telluride Elopement Packages to start planning your Telluride Colorado elopement of your dreams!
Breckenridge
The first ski resort I ever went to was in Breckenridge – it was magical. And let me tell you, the summer’s don’t disappoint either. Hiking trails, 4×4 roads, big mountain views, it’s all right here in Breckenridge. Easy to get to, easy to find lodging, easy to find stuff to do. Check out my Breckenridge Elopement Packages, and let’s start planning your Breck Colorado elopement!
Ouray
Ah, the Switzerland of America. This place is insanely beautiful with it’s jagged like mountain top peaks! You gotta see it for yourself! Check out Jane and Brett’s Ouray 4×4 Off-Roading elopement!
Leadville
Leadville is such a cute little mountain town. I had so much fun exploring Twin Lakes with Kat + Luke for their sunrise elopement this past fall. Would ya look at that alpenglow?! Check out the rest of their album here.
Great Sand Dunes National PArk
Where sand dunes meet mountains and they never blow away. Pretty incredible. Every time I look at these dunes I think to myself, “I wanna play in those!” just like a little kid. So if you want that little kid happy feeling on your elopement day, the Great Sand Dunes is for you! Check out the Great Sand Dunes National Park Elopement Guide for all my couples who want to elope here.
Rocky Mountain National Park
You can’t go wrong with Rocky Mountain National Park for your Colorado elopement location. Would ya just look at it?! This is Dream Lake pictured here. Wanna elope at Dream Lake? Read up on the Rocky Mountain National Park Elopement Guide, or just reach out to me here!
St Marys Glacier
Easy to get to with an easy 1 mile hike, great mountain views, beautiful dense evergreen forests, and always a killer sunrise, St Mary’s Glacier is a great pick for any Colorado elopement location! Check out the St Marys Glacier Elopement guide!
Sapphire Point
If you need a location that’s easily accessible, you know you can block off time so you have it all to yourselves, with gorgeous views, choose Sapphire Point. With views of Lake Dillon the background it’s a gorgeous Colorado elopement location!
Loveland Pass
At over 12,000 ft. Loveland Pass is the perfect backdrop for your elopement. It’s easy to get to, beautiful views, lots of space and views to explore, and has a few different lakes! Loveland Pass is usually always pretty busy with visitors, so consider an early morning elopement here at Loveland Pass.
best places to elope in colorado
Wanna dive deeper into the Best Places to Elope in Colorado?
the above list is great, but if you’re wanting to explore what else is out there, check out this free resource
How much does it cost to elope?
BELOW YOU’LL SEE THE TOTAL FOR EACH CATEGORY (THIS DOES NOT INCLUDE TRAVEL OR LODGING)
The Low End Cost For Eloping
$5,321-$5,656
Average Cost For Eloping
$13,546-$14,545
High End Cost For Eloping
$31,921
if you want to see how I came up with these cost estimates, dive into my blog “How Much Does it Cost to Elope?”
check it out here 👇
Need an Elopement Checklist?
Top 6 Essential Items to Pack for your Colorado Elopement
These are the essentials. The better not f*cking forget, you’re driving back to the house (or flying, YIKES!) if you do forget Top 6 Essential Items for What to Pack for Your Elopement. (jk, no need to fly anywhere for a water bottle).
WAIT! Did you know I offer a Gear Garage to all my booked couples?! That’s right, my couples get access to all my used gear FOR FREE. Check it out 👇
- shoes with good treaD (because no one’s breaking an ankle under my watch)
- water bottle (to stay hydrated, of course)
- marriage license (you’re getting married!!!!)
- rings (to seal the deal)
- wedding attire (to feel absolutely amazing in)
- snacks (because food is life)
What to pack for your Colorado Elopement
need help figuring out what to pack for your elopement?
check out this free resource
The Best Airbnb Venues for Your Colorado Elopement: Where to Celebrate Your Love
For truly unique Colorado elopements, some couples rent an Airbnb. You can hire a private chef to make a special celebratory meal and you can hold the ceremony at the rental of your choice!
There are plenty of Airbnbs that can accommodate a Colorado elopement with family, such as the Little Mountain Lodge or this secluded mountain getaway near Telluride.
If you’re considering a more private elopement without any guests, there are plenty of amazing Airbnb options, including:
- This A-frame cabin, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
- This luxurious alpine cabin, which is located at an elevation of 10,000 feet and is complete with its own sauna!
- The Heaven Scent Hideaway, which is nestled right in the middle of an aspen grove.
- The unique Wonder Haus.
- This awesome ranch cabin at the base of the mountains.
- The Cedar Mountain Lodge, complete with a hot tub and stunning mountain views!
- The High Point Hideaway, nestled in an alpine forest in the mountains.
What vendors should you hire for your Colorado elopement?
So you’re eloping and wondering what vendors you’ll need? It all depends on your specific plans and preferences, of course. But some common ones that couples might consider include a photographer (because duh, you’ll want to remember this day forever), a videographer (because you’ll want to see it all in action), a florist (because flowers are pretty), a musician (because everyone loves a good soundtrack), a caterer and or private chef (because food is life), a hair and makeup artist (because you want to look your best), and a wedding planner (because who doesn’t love a little help?). Just remember to consider your budget and priorities as you plan – and don’t feel like you have to have every single vendor on this list. Customize it to fit your needs and desires, and you’ll be all set! Below are a few favorite vendors I recommend for your Colorado elopement!
some of my favorite colorado elopement vendors
Florists
Hair and Make Up Artist
To Drive Or To Hike? That Is The Question
While hiking to your wedding location can be an amazing experience, there are plenty of reasons why you might want to travel there in a car instead. If you’ve chosen a Colorado elopement location that’s especially secluded or remote, or if you have guests with some mobility limitations, you might want to consider renting a 4X4 vehicle.
If you’re looking for Jeep rentals in Colorado, here are a few I recommend 👇
Another great place to rent an all-terrain vehicle for your Colorado elopement is Turo, which is just like Airbnb for cars!
If necessary, you can also hire a professional driver to get you safely over some of the more challenging Colorado terrain. It all depends on your location for your Colorado elopement, and what makes the most sense for you and your guests!
Making Your Colorado Elopement Legit
Colorado Elopement Marriage Laws
It turns out that eloping in Colorado is actually pretty simple. Colorado recognizes self solemnization and is one of the few states that do. What is self solemnization? Well for those of you that may not know, self solemnization is where a state actually lets you marry yourselves! No judge, no officiant, and no witnesses are necessary. Say whhattt???!!! I know, it’s like Colorado was made for eloping couples, just like you!
While you can still go the route of using officiants and witnesses if you really want to, they are not necessary here in the wonderful state of Colorado. You can even legally have your dog sign as a witness here! It gives you the freedom to choose just how intimate you want your Colorado elopement to be. It is one of the many reasons so many elopements take place here, aside from the majestic terrain of course. Sometimes when you ditch the tradition and start making your own rules it can feel overwhelming, so that’s why I made this free resource for coming up with the perfect elopement ceremony script.
Getting Your Colorado Marriage License
Walk into a county clerk’s office, walk out 15 minutes later with your marriage license! In Colorado, the marriage license fee is an affordable $30. And there is no wait time. Some states require a waiting period from the time you obtain your marriage license to the time you can legally get married and turn the license back in. Not in Colorado! It can all happen in the same day!
Planning out your Colorado elopement ceremony
Getting married outside is literally the dream, am I right? But now that you are forging your own path for your elopement day, it can get confusing on making the decision on what your Colorado elopement ceremony is going to look like. Below i’ll break down the 4 steps for your Colorado elopement ceremony.
4 steps for your Colorado elopement ceremony
recite vows
rings
say “I do”
first kiss
if you want to dive even deeper into what an elopement ceremony looks like, and how to write your own wedding vows, check out these two free resources👇
Writing your own wedding vows for your Colorado elopement
step-by-step guided template on how to write your own wedding vows
Writing your own wedding vows for any type of ceremony can be scary, but when you’re eloping just you and your partner, you do want it to be extra special. If you’re struggling with what this should look like, and have no clue how to write your own wedding vows, check out this step by step guided template I wrote for all my couples!
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Permit Info for your Colorado Elopement!
A few Q’s that need to be A’ed
Why do I need a permit when eloping in Colorado?
It’s super important to obtain all of the necessary permits when planning to elope in Colorado. Learn more about Leave No Trace here and why it’s so important to protect our public lands. But with that being said, work with your photographer to see what permits you’ll need to get. There are still some locations within the state that don’t require any permits.
What permits do I need for my Colorado elopement?
There are typically two types of permits when it comes to eloping in Colorado. The first is a Special Use Permit. The Special Use Permit usually covers having a legal wedding ceremony in the location you’re in. The second is a Commercial Photography Permit. This permit grants permission to the photographer who is benefiting from taking photos in the location. Double check with your elopement photographer for your exact location, and whether or not you’ll need a permit.
Will you help us obtain any permits we’ll need?
Of course! It’s my job to make this easy for ya, so I apply for permits when I can, and when it’s up to the couple, I’ll make sure you know exactly what you need to do.
What about national forest lands? are permits required?
Sometimes permits aren’t required for national forests lands when eloping in Colorado. But again, double check with your photographer, and always practice the Leave No Trace ethics for your elopement!
Are permits needed for a colorado elopement in a national park?
Typically, yes. National Parks are usually a bit more difficult, but totally doable! Don’t let the word permit scare you! I’ll help you navigate the permit process and make sure it’s easy peezy.
What to expect during your Colorado Elopement
Good weather
Have you ever heard the rumor that Colorado gets 300 days of sunshine a year? It’s true. It’s also not very humid here. When it gets hot, it’s a dry heat making it super comfortable for being outdoors.
Altitude
Especially if you’re heading into the mountains. Even if you’re staying at lower elevations, still expect to be at least at 5,000 ft. As soon as you hit Denver, you’re a mile above sea level. It’s great if you already know how your body reacts to high elevations, but if not you should prepare for the worst.
Crystal Clear Rivers
When the weather starts to warm up come spring and summer, the snow starts to melt off the mountains and down to the rivers. The rivers here are crystal clear.
Intense Sun
Not only do we get 300 days of sunshine a year, but you’re also closer to the sun. Sunscreen and sunglasses are a must!
Friendly People
Maybe it’s the pot, maybe it’s all the endorphins because everyone here is so active. Either way, Colorado has some of the friendliest people!
Turquoise Blue Alpine Lakes
There are so many to choose from! If eloping in Colorado next to a turquoise blue alpine lake is what you’re dreaming of, let’s make it happen! These lakes in pictures just don’t do them justice. You really do have to see them in real life to believe the colors are real.
All 4 Seasons
Colorado has all 4 seasons. Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall, and then a little bit more of winter. Colorado really doesn’t half-ass any season either. In the winter you have snowfall with a huge list of adventures to choose from. Snowshoeing, snowmobiling, dog sledding, snowboarding or skiing, ice fishing. In the springtime, the waterfalls are flowing. Summer in Colorado is my favorite. The wildflowers are magical and can be found all over. Fall is my second favorite when the aspens turn golden yellow.
Dog Friendly Environments
If you’re thinking about eloping with your dog, there’s no question whether it’ll be a good idea or not. Bring your dog! People here are super dog friendly, and there are a ton of restaurants that are dog friendly as well.
View my Colorado Elopement Packages & Pricing
Tips for Avoiding Altitude Sickness
As soon as you fly into Denver International, you’re already 5,000 ft. above sea level. Might not sound like a lot, and sure, people visit Denver all the time, but if you’re planning on going into the mountains, say 8,000+ feet, you’ll want to be prepared and do everything in your power to prevent altitude sickness.
Here are my top tips for preventing Altitude sickness:
- start drinking all the water a week before your trip, like, all of it. staying hydrated is a full time job here and the sooner you start getting hydrated, the better.
- start drinking electrolyte drinks 3 days before you come into the state. dehydration ain’t no joke. we wanna do everything we can to prevent it.
- get here asap! the earlier you can get here before your elopement date, the better! you’ll have time to acclimate to the elevation
- bottled oxyen. you can pick these up at almost any gas station here in colorado, or any sporting goods store.
- and the worst tip ever, avoid drinking alcohol. i know, i know.. not easy when you’re celebrating. but at higher elevations you get tipsy quicker, and it can make your altitude sickness worse, not better. *whomp whomp*
When to have your Colorado Elopement
best time of year for a colorado elopement
having a colorado elopement in the winter
Does the idea of snow falling while you say your vows excite you? If a winter wedding in a real life snow globe is your dream elopement, you can usually find fresh snow somewhere in the state between October to April. The high altitude of Colorado means you are closer to the sun, which makes the sun’s rays feel more intense, keeping you warm and feeling comfortable even while traipsing around in snowshoes.
having a colorado elopement in the spring
When most people think of the spring season they’re thinking of blooming flowers, sunshine, and longer days with temperatures that put a smile on your face. But the thing about the Colorado mountains is, it doesn’t usually stop snowing until April, some years even later. Then it takes some time for all that snow to melt. If your heart was set on a springtime calendar date anniversary, you can expect snow to still be on the ground, and on the mountain peaks. But keep in mind, springtime weather in the Rockies is known to be super unpredictable.
having a colorado elopement in the summer
Dreaming of a field of fresh wildflowers, blue turquoise lakes, warm sun on your face? Summer elopements in Colorado are my absolute favorite. In the early summer, you can expect the last bits of snow to be melting, seeing patches of snow in the dense parts of the forest. By late summer the wildflowers will be waist-high.
having a colorado elopement in the fall
If you’ve never witnessed a sea of golden aspens on a mountainside, consider having your elopement in the fall. It’s about as magical as you can get for an elopement. As your elopement photographer, I will work with you to help you pick the best date for catching the peak fall foliage. Chances are it’ll be early fall. The higher in elevation you go, the sooner the leaves turn, and the sooner snow comes.
Best time of day for a Colorado elopement
golden hour baby!
As as photographer, I will always suggest planning around sunrise, or sunset for your elopement. It’s the best time of day to photograph. All of those warm glowy images you see are during golden hour. There’s also a natural phenomenon that occurs in the mountains called alpenglow. Alpenglow is that bright red/orange glow on the mountain peaks right before the sun rises, or before the sun sets. I will work with you to come up with a timeline, and on the day of I will lead you to make sure we’re at the perfect spot at the right time to capture those images you’re dreaming of!
Check out these free Colorado Elopement Planning Resources
Can I bring my dog to my Colorado elopement?
hell to the yes.
Not only do I encourage it, but so does the freakin’ state of Colorado! What do I mean? Well, your dogs can sign as witnesses on your Colorado marriage license. Pretty cool, right?
After doing this for 4 years, i’ve gotten really good at taking dog pictures, as well as holding dog leashes! I also have two dogs of my own, and foster whenever I can. I’m a huge dog lover, so when I say hell to the yes, bring your dog, I mean it! 🐾
Planning on bringing your dog to your Colorado elopement? Check out this blog post I made just for you! 👇
Tips for Avoiding Crowds When Eloping in Colorado
- elope on a weekday. most visitors come during the weekends, and that’s when most people recreate outside too!
- Opt for a colorado elopement location that’s harder to get to. High-elevation hiking trails or 4×4 routes are less likely to draw huge crowds. Your elopement photographers can be a great resource for helping you pick the right location!
- Schedule a photoshoot at sunrise or sunset. Crowds are heaviest in the middle of the day. Sunrise in particular is an excellent time to beat the crowds.
What to do if it rains during your Colorado elopement?
embrace the romance
First of all, remember what this day is all about. I’m sure that when you were picturing your Colorado elopement, the first thing that came to mind wasn’t a rainy day. I get that. We just have to embrace what mom nature is throwing at us though! Trust me, it’ll still be magical!
The good news is it honestly doesn’t rain too often here in Colorado. The state of Colorado gets 300 days of sunshine a year, meaning the chances of it raining during your Colorado elopement is a 14.77% chance. I’ll take those odds! I’ve only ever photographed 2 rainy day elopements in my 4 years of doing this. Guess what those couples had to say about their big days? They loved it! They both left me raving 5 star reviews and gushed about how much fun they had on their day. So don’t worry! It’s going to be amazing no matter what, even if it does rain on your wedding day!
arBefore I wrap this section up, I did want to point out two things. 1) I always leave my calendar open the day before and after your planned elopement date in case it’s not safe and we need to reschedule. 2) I have really nice and stylish clear umbrellas I can bring for your elopement if there is rain in the forecast! All my couples get access to my Gear Garage! Just submit a shopping order anytime before your big day and i’ll make sure to bring them!
Making The Journey: Tips For Hiking With Wedding Clothes
So you’ve chosen the perfect time and the perfect place for your Colorado elopement. All that’s left is actually getting there. It can sometimes be a bit of a challenge to get to an out-of-the-way location with all your beautiful wedding attire, but fortunately i’ve made this list with some can’t-miss tips for how to hike to your Colorado elopement location while transporting your tux or wedding dress! See the list below, or hop on over to the Best Dress for a Hiking Elopement blog post that you won’t want to miss!
- If you’re hiking a mountain trail, be sure to wear hiking boots that can navigate the terrain and withstand some wear and tear. You can change into heels or dress shoes once you’ve made it to the wedding location, but getting to that location can be one heck of a journey, so be sure you’ve got the right footwear!
- Carry your wedding dress in a dress bag and bring a portable changing room with you so that you can put the dress on once you make it to your location. Sometimes bridesmaids are enlisted to hold sheets up so that the bride can change behind them in private.
- If you’re planning to hike the trail in your dress, consider rolling up the train of your dress, or sewing a wristband to one or two spots on your dress so that you can easily gather the dress and hold the bottom off the ground during the hike.
- Be sure to travel with everything you need! You’ll definitely want plenty of water with you on the trail, and if the hike to the wedding location is more than a mile or two, it might be a good idea to bring snacks for yourselves and any guests who are traveling with you.
- Pack layers! Especially if you’re going into the mountains, the temperature is subject to change quickly and dramatically. Be prepared with a few extra layers so that you can bundle up (or remove a layer or two).
- Also be sure to bring all the vows and other documents you’re going to need. The last thing you want is to get to the wedding destination and realize you’ve left these essential items behind!
- Make sure your guests are prepared for the hike and can make the journey! Everyone hiking the trail to your wedding location will need the right shoes and attire, along with their own snacks and water. Before the day of the wedding, make sure all guests are aware of what they should bring and that everyone has everything they need to make the hike.
Getting Around: Choosing Your Airport, And Where To Go After
If you’re flying into Colorado from out of state, it’s important to choose the airport that is most convenient for you. Chances are you will fly into one of the following three airports:
Denver International Airport
Denver Airport is within a two-hour drive of most of the locations we discuss in this guide. You’ll just need to hop on I-70 and go to your spot!
Montrose Regional Airport
Montrose Airport is better if you’re holding your Colorado elopement on the Western Slope, like Telluride, Durango, Ouray, or Silverton.
Grand Junction Regional Airport
If a flight into Montrose is either a bit pricier, or harder to get, consider Grand Junction, an hour north of the Montrose Airport.
Not sure which airport is the best choice for your Colorado elopement location? Not to worry! In the Best Places to Elope in Colorado List, i’ve included suggestions for which airport is best for each Colorado elopement location.
Get the Best Places to Elope in Colorado List here! 👇
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click on the orange button below, fill out the form
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What activities should you do during your Colorado elopement?
When it comes to elopements and weddings in Colorado, there are all sorts of activities you can do that will allow you to explore the stunning natural surroundings and satisfy your thirst for adventure. Some of the most popular activities for Colorado elopements include:
hiking
An amazing way to immerse yourself in nature, find awe-inspiring vistas, and explore all the amazing terrain Colorado has to offer.
go 4x4ing
Perfect for people who want to get deeper into the wilderness! You can rent Jeeps at places like Diff. Auto Rentals and Turo. You can do the driving yourself and see where the road takes you, or hire a professional driver and let them expertly guide you to all their favorite spots!
dog sledding
The perfect activity for people who are into snow and looking for a new type of adventure!
snowshoeing
This is definitely an activity that anyone with an adventurous soul should try at least once! It’s a whole new way to explore nature and immerse yourself in the beauty of Colorado.
stargazing
Have you ever seen the milky way? It’s a must see! Talk to your elopement photographer about planning around the moon phase for the best star pictures!
These are just a few suggestions. In truth, there are tons of options! There’s so much to do and explore in Colorado — the types of adventures that you can have here are only limited by your imagination.
Need some inspiration for your Colorado elopement?
Check out these real life Colorado elopements. Told through my lens.
Colorado Elopement Packing List
When going out into nature, being prepared is the number one piece of advice any outdoor enthusiasts will give you.
Here are the packing essentials you’ll want to bring for your outdoor Colorado elopement:
- hiking boots like keens, chacos, danners, or altras
- hiking socks like darn toughs (they’re the best)
- layers like base layers, or leggings
- water bottles like nalgenes
these are just the essentials. if you want to look over this whole guide about what to pack for a hiking elopement, dive right in 👇 This guide goes over every item you could possibly thing of that you might want to pack, down to bobby pins
My Gear Garage
for items you want to use for your colorado elopement, but don’t want to buy!
Did you know that I have a Gear Garage for all my booked couples to use FOR FREE? That’s right! And i’m so excited to share my used gear with you! Everything from snowshoes to backpacks to marriage license signing pads and pens to lanterns and backpack flare.
How did I come up with this idea? Well, I spent about 3 years carrying around all of this gear in the back of my car, I figured i’d have it if one of my couples needed it, but that got to be… too much. So I figured, who doesn’t love free shopping? I’ll just let my couples put in an order before their big day, bring the items they’re needing, and then that same gear can be used for another couple! Also I know it can be such a headache to lug around all this gear on a plane, or to buy it when you’ll only use it once, so just use mine! FOR FREE! Explore the Gear Garage!
Eloping Vs. Traditional Weddings: What’s The Difference?
An elopement isn’t about how many guests you have – it’s about the feeling of the day! To me, elopements are defined by the way you plan your wedding day and the intentions behind the event.
Whether it’s just the two of you (and your intrepid wedding photographers) or 10 guests who witness your vows in the woods before you all go out to celebrate at a local bar, an elopement is all about capturing a feeling of romantic spontaneity.
However, once you invite more than 10 guests, the more you’ll have to worry about accommodations and taking care of everybody. Once that happens, you’ve entered the territory of a traditional wedding: It’s less about you and more about the guests.
Need some ideas for how to make your elopement special?
Hey, I get it. When there is no rule book, it can be a bit hard to try to come up with this stuff on your own. Explore the 25+ Ways to Make Your Elopement Special Guide 👇
Timing Is Everything: How Many Hours To Book Elopement Photographers
Colorado is the kind of place that invites exploration and contemplation. You don’t want to be rushing through your wedding photos so fast that you have no time to admire the views or go on a spontaneous hike. For this reason, my most popular elopement package is the Half-Day Elopement Experience, which covers 8 hours of elopement photography.
The Half-Day Elopement Experience offers the perfect amount of time to photograph your whole wedding day without any stress or feeling like you need to rush. Getting ready, traveling to the ceremony, and reciting your vows can all take place at a leisurely pace so that you can savor every moment of the day! It also provides some flexibility so you can be a bit spontaneous.
You’ll have plenty of time for a spur-of-the-moment hike or an improvised trip to a local brewery for a celebratory toast! Some couples even choose to add additional time to the half-day package so they can fit in an outfit change or watch the sun set behind the Rockies.
A half-day or all-day elopement will ensure that every incredible moment of your elopement is documented from beginning to end.
Check out all the Elopement Packages I offer here 👇
Practicing Leave No Trace during your Colorado Elopement
Leave No Trace is a set of principles that encourages individuals to enjoy the outdoors while minimizing their impact on the environment. These principles can be applied to any outdoor activity, including your Colorado elopement. As a couple planning an elopement in Colorado, at one of the best places to elope in Colorado, it’s important to be mindful of your impact on the land and take steps to minimize any damage. Some ways to practice Leave No Trace while eloping in Colorado include:
By following Leave No Trace principles, you can help protect the beauty of Colorado for future generations to enjoy. Not to mention, you’ll be able to feel good about the impact of your elopement on the environment. It’s a win-win!
get in touch
Let your adventure begin
If you’re ready to set off on your Colorado adventure elopement, I can’t wait to talk to you to help make your dream wedding a reality.
Get in touch with me at any time and we can get started planning an unforgettable journey together!
