Here’s How To Plan A Crested Butte Elopement
If I were to redo my wedding, I’d probably plan a Crested Butte elopement.
That’s how much I love this mountain town. When walking down Main Street, you’ll see off-leash dogs greeting you before you enter their shop. The hiking trails are literally footsteps from town. There’s so much to do for any adventure level. And there is every type of landscape for any season you’re wanting to have your Crested Butte elopement.
I’m not the only person who thinks this. Crested Butte is often called “The Last Great Colorado Ski Town.” At a slightly lower price point than other popular mountain towns and a solid 4.5-hour drive from Denver, a Crested Butte elopement is sure to feature rugged beauty, laid-back luxury, and rustic charm at every turn.
Here’s everything you need to know, from the best Crested Butte wedding venues to the best season for a Crested Butte elopement (hint: all four seasons are beautiful!).
Meet Your Crested Butte Elopement Photographer
Helping You Create an Unforgettable, Wildly Beautiful Elopement Day
I’m Kelly, a Colorado elopement photographer with a deep love for adventure and the wild, untouched beauty of Crested Butte. I’ve spent years exploring every hidden corner of this incredible place—driving down remote dirt roads, hiking to secret waterfalls, and discovering alpine lakes that look too stunning to be real. My goal? To help couples like you experience Crested Butte in the most intimate, awe-inspiring way possible.
Eloping isn’t just about finding a pretty backdrop—it’s about creating a day that feels true to you. Whether you want to say your vows on a windswept mountaintop, among glowing golden aspens, or beside a turquoise alpine lake, I’ll help you find the perfect location, plan every detail, and capture it all in a way that feels authentic and timeless.
If you’re dreaming of an elopement that’s full of adventure, meaning, and breathtaking scenery, you’re in the right place. Let’s start planning your perfect Crested Butte elopement!
“Kelly literally planned everything for us, was always available when we had questions, and provided us with an incredible day that we will cherish forever.”
-Grant & Kelly
How to Plan a Crested Butte Elopement
3 easy steps
1. hire a crested butte elopement photographer
Most couples book me before making any other plans—and it makes all the difference. I’ll help you find the perfect location, plan the best timeline, and handle the details so you can focus on what matters most—your adventure together.
2. Plan the Details
With your dream location locked in, it’s time to plan the rest! I’ll help you create a seamless timeline, secure any necessary permits, and choose the best time for lighting and privacy. You’ll also get my exclusive list of trusted vendors—florists, officiants, hair & makeup artists, and more—so you can build a team that fits your vision. Plus, I’ll guide you on the best places to stay and how to get here, making travel and lodging stress-free.
3. Have Your Best Day Ever
With everything planned, all that’s left is to elope! Whether you’re exchanging vows on a mountaintop or by a hidden alpine lake, I’ll capture every breathtaking detail so you can focus on what matters most—your love and the incredible experience you’re sharing.
The Best Crested Butte Elopement Locations
I’ve spent countless hours with my boots on the ground—my dogs by my side—driving down dirt roads, hiking hidden trails, and exploring every corner of Crested Butte to find the most breathtaking, untouched locations. These are the kinds of places you won’t stumble upon in a quick Google search, and that’s exactly what makes them so special. I believe the beauty of these places lies in their untouched, intimate feel, and I want to keep that feeling alive for every couple who experiences them—that’s why you won’t see specific locations on my list of The Best Crested Butte Elopement Locations.
but once you book me, the adventure begins.
I’ll share my list of secret spots—breathtaking locations I’ve personally scouted—so you can choose the perfect backdrop (or backdrops!) for your Crested Butte elopement. Whether you want an easy-to-access overlook or a secluded alpine lake, I’ll help you find a place that feels just right for your love story.
So, while I keep my most secluded spots private for my couples (that could be you!), here are a few stunning areas in Crested Butte to start dreaming about. These locations showcase the beauty of this incredible place and might just be the perfect setting for your elopement.
Crested Butte Land Trust Venues
Perfect if you’re looking to bring some guests (only the ones who make the cut of course) to your elopement, The Crested Butte Land Trust manages two outdoor venues: Woods Walk, and Peanut Lake. These locations must be booked in advance, even if you’re having an elopement. Woods Walk has a walking pathway from the town in the summer and snowshoe or cross-country ski trails in the winter. Check for availability here.
Lake Elopement
How does sparkling emerald green water, surrounded by wildflowers and framed by mountains, sound for your elopement? In Crested Butte, there are some gorgeous bodies of water to choose from. Plus, you can add to your adventure and canoe or kayak before, afterward, or even during your ceremony.
Gothic Road
With the Elk Mountains framing the valleys and vistas of wildflowers, Gothic Road a stunning place for elopement or post-ceremony photos.
Slate River
The Slate River winds through Crested Butte, surrounded by epic mountain views and some of the dreamiest scenery you could ask for. It’s the perfect mix of wild and serene – making it a perfect location for a Crested Butte elopement.
Kebler Pass
If you’re looking for something beyond the usual spots in Crested Butte but not too inaccessible, I recommend Kebler Pass. Along Kebler Pass you’ll find huge aspen groves, lots of hiking, wildflowers, roaring waterfalls, lakes, campgrounds, and, of course, mountains in the background.
Campfire Ranch Wash Gulch
This backcountry hut is located between Crested Butte and Gunnison. It is over 10,000 feet in elevation and requires a 4-mile trek or snowshoeing to access. It’s a popular location for backcountry ski and snowboard trips, but it’s also a beautiful Crested Butte wedding venue for a micro wedding or elopement. You can find more information about Campfire Ranch Wash Gulch here.
The Best Crested Butte Wedding Venues Can’t Be Found Online
They’re hidden gems, still largely untouched by humans, and I want to preserve them as best I can as a Crested Butte elopement photographer. Whether you want golden aspens, sparkling turquoise lakes, hidden waterfalls, or the best mountain views (or all four) on your special day, I know spots that aren’t on the popular routes so that you can focus on your love and no one else.
The Best Seasons For A Crested Butte Elopement
Spring (April to June)
Crested Butte spring is crisp and cool, and waterfalls, rivers, and lakes are at their peak — making stunning backdrops for your Crested Butte elopement. It’s also low season for tourism, which means more seasonal closures but better deals. But just be prepared for snow covered trails, and less location options for your elopement due to some roads still being closed for snow.
Summer (June to August)
Crested Butte in summer is pure magic—lush green valleys, emerald alpine lakes, and meadows bursting with wildflowers, earning its title as the Wildflower Capital of the World. Dirt roads wind through jaw-dropping mountain scenery, leading to hidden waterfalls and secluded overlooks that feel straight out of a postcard.
When planning your elopement in Crested Butte, avoid Wildflower Festival week to skip the crowds, but the rest of the season offers long golden sunsets, endless adventure, and some of the most breathtaking landscapes in Colorado.
Fall (September to October)
Although fall is short in Crested Butte, it’s probably my favorite season when the aspens change color to golden. It’s still warm enough to hike without special gear and the highs are often in the 60s, and lows fall below 20 degrees.
Winter (October to March)
Crested Butte is a popular ski and snowboard destination in the winter, and for good reason — the bluebird skies and lots of snow are beautiful. It’s cold, though, with highs in the 20s and sometimes 30s and lows at zero or below. But if a winter elopement is what you’re going for, it’s absolutely doable with the proper gear and preparations.
Crested Butte Elopement Packages
What you get from me goes far past the photos
- Location Scouting – Access to my exclusive list of hidden spots in Crested Butte
- Custom Timeline Planning – So your day flows naturally with the best light and minimal stress
- Permit & Logistics Guidance – No paperwork headaches, just easy elopement planning
- Vendor Recommendations – A handpicked list of florists, officiants, and more to bring your vision to life
- Unlimited Support – Ask me anything! From travel tips to weather planning, I’ve got you
Because when your day, location, and timing are planning just right—your elopement pictures turn out incredible!
Getting your marriage license for your Crested Butte elopement
Eloping in Crested Butte is relatively easy when it comes to legal requirements. You’ll need to get a marriage license from any county clerk’s office in Colorado — the closest to Crested Butte is in Gunnison (read more on this below). There’s no waiting period, and you can even officiate your own ceremony. Just make sure you both sign the marriage license after the ceremony, and you can have witnesses sign, too, though it’s not required. Once signed, return it to the same county office to make it official.
where to get your marriage license for your Crested Butte elopement
You don’t need to get your Colorado marriage license in the county you’ll be getting married, but the closest place to get a marriage license when eloping in Crested Butte is at the Gunnison County Recording Office. Their office is located at 221 N Wisconsin St, Gunnison, CO 81230
make an appointment to get your marriage license at the Gunnison County Recording Office
The Gunnison County Recording Office is now requiring (since writing this on February 2025) that you make an appointment ahead of time to obtain your marriage license. Give them a call at (970) 641-2038 to make your appointment in advance.
Crested Butte Elopement Vendors
Crested Butte Adventure wedding & elopement vendors
Crested Butte Elopement Hair & Make up Artists
Crested Butte Elopement Florists
Crested Butte Elopement Sweet Treats & Cakes
Crested Butte Elopement Planning / Design / Rentals
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