Mountain elopements are fun, beautiful, and are one of our favorite sceneries to photograph in. It’s always so fun to see a couple’s reaction to the mountain views when they’re taking it all in for the first time. We work so hard to find the best locations for our couples, and seeing their reaction brings it full circle for us. It shows us that all of our hard work put into finding the perfect spot for them, and getting them prepared for the adventure has truly paid off. Mountain elopements are super thrilling, and the views are always breathtaking, but only when you’re fully prepared can you truly enjoy the experience. Things like high elevation, hikes with intense elevation gain, practicing Leave No Trace, being prepared for the weather, and wearing the proper clothing are all things you have to think about and plan for when considering a mountain elopement. If you’re considering a mountain elopement but are new or have zero experience when it comes to the outdoors don’t worry. In this blog, we cover everything you need to know about mountain elopements to get you prepared so you feel safe and can head off into your adventure with peace of mind. We will also go over different mountain ranges, and how they differ in their characteristics. The United States has three major mountain ranges you can choose from for your mountain elopement, and they each provide their own unique beauty. So go ahead and dive right into this blog and soak up all the good info we’re spilling on mountain elopements! We can’t wait to chat with you about your own unique mountain elopement!
The best mountain ranges are the ones that make you feel on top of the world. They have a powerful need to be conquered and explored, but they also provide tranquility for those who simply want to enjoy nature from afar.
8 Basic Need to Know Tips For Mountain Elopements
- Prepare for the worst, expect the best. Have you ever heard of the saying, “the mountains make their own weather.” Well, it’s true! You really never know or can predict what the weather will be like during mountain elopements, but hiring an elopement photographer that thrives in the outdoors and who can get you ready is the key. We always suggest our couples prepare themselves by bringing a rain jacket (no matter what the forecast calls for!), extra socks, and a really good attitude 🙂
- Monsoon season. In Colorado, it happens like clockwork. The clouds roll in around noon, it starts raining by 1 pm, and shortly after the hail will follow. Planning a morning elopement during monsoon season is your best bet because afternoon thunderstorms can be frequent in the mountains during monsoon season. Monsoon season is from July-September, and depending on the mountain range you pick, it’s probably not the entire three months. For example, in the San Juan mountain range on the western slope of Colorado, the monsoon season is July through early August.
- Intimacy. Views. Accessibility. The rule of thumb is to pick two because you can’t have all three when it comes to eloping outdoors. If your main desire is to have intimacy and views during your mountain elopement, you should expect to have to drive far and/or hike long distances. If you’re wanting the views and it to be accessible, you can guarantee you won’t have intimacy. If you’re wanting intimacy and accessibility, more than likely you aren’t going to get the spectacular views. If we could guarantee complete seclusion during your elopement, we would, but unfortunately, it’s just out of our control.
- Consider going on a hike to get away from the crowds, or other ways of transportation. If you’re down for a challenging hike to get away from the crowds, or renting Jeeps to adventure through the harder to get to locations, then a whole new world of possibilities opens up for you. The general rule of thumb is, the harder the location is to get to, the more remote it’ll be and you might even have it all to yourself!
- Elevation. Do you know how your body reacts to high elevation? Everyone reacts to high altitudes differently, and you should keep in mind that your body might react negatively to high elevation. If you have been in high elevations before and you feel good about going to high elevations during your mountain elopement, then the sky’s the limit. If you know your body reacts negatively to high elevation, then make sure you pick an area that suits your needs. There are a ton of amazing mountain ranges and areas to choose from at lower elevations. A great alternative would be instead of hiking in high elevation, consider renting a 4×4 vehicle like a Jeep and driving to a spot with amazing mountain views. Some people only react negatively to high elevation when they’re doing strenuous activities such as hiking.
- Leave No Trace. Become familiar with Leave No Trace, and how it applies to getting married outdoors. We love educating all of our couples on this topic. We will work with you and make sure we are always following all 7 Leave No Trace principles.
- Gear. You absolutely don’t need all the gear to experience magical mountain elopements, but there are a few items that will really make your day more enjoyable. Comfortable, broken-in hiking boots are a must! A comfortable backpack is also a must if you’re planning on hiking, and carrying items with you. Check out our blog post all about what to pack for an adventure hiking elopement to learn more and to get an idea of other gear items you might want to bring.
- You don’t have to hike to have beautiful mountain views. There are plenty of locations that you can drive right up to, with a beautiful mountain backdrop. Just keep Tip #3 in mind when deciding on your location.
The Best Locations for Mountain Elopements
The mountains are calling and I must go. Okay, okay, kind of cheesy. But for real, we love the mountains so much, and that’s why we moved to Colorado. But Colorado isn’t the only state with badass mountain ranges and national forests we get to explore. There are a handful of states that can deliver the mountain backdrops you’re dreaming of having for your mountain elopement. Check out our list below, the best mountain elopement locations.
Chugach Mountains, Alaska
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve, Alaska
Klamath Mountains, California
Sierra Nevada Mountains, California
Yosemite National Park, California
Breckenridge, Colorado
Buena Vista, Colorado
Nederlands, Colorado
Ouray, Colorado
Telluride, Colorado
Makaleha Mountains, Hawaii
O‘ahu, Hawaii
West Maui Mountains, Hawaii
Sawtooth National Forest, Idaho
Glacier National Park, Montana
White Mountains, New Hampshire
Adirondack Mountains, New York
Hudson Valley, New York
Asheville, North Carolina
Pisgah National Forest, North Carolina
Sangre de Cristo Mountains, New Mexico
Oregon Cascades, Oregon
Strawberry Mountain Wilderness, Oregon
Tushar Mountains, Utah
Uinta Mountains, Utah
Green Mountain National Forest, Vermont
George Washington & Jefferson National Forests, Virginia
Shenandoah, Virginia
Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, Washington
North Cascades National Park, Washington
Olympic National Forest, Washington
Dolly Sods, West Virginia
Monongahela National Forest, West Virginia
Spruce Knob, West Virginia
Grand Tetons, Wyoming
Where Can You Elope in the Mountains?
You see the photos, you know a traditional wedding day isn’t for you, but where do you start? How does it all work? Where can you elope in the mountains? We are so fortunate to have these beautiful places to choose from. There is no better venue than mother nature herself, and no better backdrop than a mountain view. Here are some ideas of places you can elope in the mountains.
Mountain Passes for mountain elopements
What is a mountain pass? Simply put, a mountain pass is a navigable route through a mountain range, or over a ridge. Mountain passes that go over a ridge are a great place to elope if you’re looking for incredible views and easy access. Most mountain passes you can drive right through. Keep in mind that most mountain passes won’t be open in the winter months due to snowfall. Right now we’re only listing mountain passes in Colorado and Washington, but the more we explore other states, we’ll add those in.
The Best Mountain Passes for Mountain Elopements
If you’re wanting a mountain elopement, choosing to elope on or near a mountain pass is a no-brainer. You’re right in the middle of the thick of it, and the mountain views are unbeatable. Keep in mind that each mountain pass differs. Some are maintained paved roads, some are rugged dirt roads that are only driveable with a steady mind, and a vehicle with high clearance and 4×4, and some are best explored on foot. We did the research for you, so you can pick a mountain pass that best suits your vision for your day, and you can adventure into your mountain elopement with peace of mind.
Colorado Mountain Passes
Colorado offers more drivable passes over 10,000 feet than any other state. There are a ton of options. Whether you want to park the car and do minimal hiking, or if you want to hike 2,000 feet up into the thin air up to the top of a nearby mountain. The choice is yours, and Colorado is a great choice if you’re wanting to do a bit of what we like to call “car hiking”. Renting a 4×4 vehicle and driving a mountain pass, and stopping at pull-offs to get those epic mountain backdrops would be a great way to spend your day! Below we listed a few of our favorite Colorado mountain passes for mountain elopements.
Loveland Pass
Loveland Pass is the highest mountain pass in Colorado that stays open all year, including winter. Loveland Pass is located in the Front Range mountain range and is approximately a 2-hour drive from the Denver International Airport. The closest town is Keystone. There are a ton of places to park along the windy road to take a short hike for great views. Loveland Pass Lake is also a really fun hike and lake to adventure to with light hiking.
Coordinates: 39°39′49″N, 105°52′45″W
Places to Stay for your Loveland Pass mountain elopements:
Hoosier Pass
Hoosier Pass is approximately 2 ½ hours from the Denver International Airport. Hoosier Pass is also normally open all year, including winter. The closest town is either Alma or Breckenridge. There are hiking trails on both the east side and west side of the mountain pass road. Either hike offers spectacular views. The hike on the east side is a bit more challenging with more elevation gain to reach the top. The hike on the west side is only a 700-foot elevation gain and a three-mile round trip. Once you reach the top (on either side, east or west hike) you are greeted with a view of countless mountain peaks stretching for miles and miles into the distance. Nicole + Camerson eloped on top of Hoosier Pass during a snow storm!
Coordinates: 39°21′42″N 106°03′45″W
Places to Stay for Hoosier Pass mountain elopements:
Cabin with mountain views in Alma
Guanella Pass
Guanella Pass is a spectacular scenic drive offering views to the 14er Mt Bierstadt. This mountain pass is open year-round but does close sometimes in the winter due to snowfall. There is tons of hiking and camping to do in this area. The pass passes through two national forests. It starts in Arapaho National Forest and ends in Pike National Forest. Guanella Pass is well known for its sea of golden fall foliage from September through October.
Coordinates: 39.5950° N, 105.7111° W
Places to stay for Guanella Pass mountain elopements:
Cottage in Historic District Georgetown
Kenosha Pass
Kenosha Pass is an easily accessible mountain pass in the Front Range, making it one of the more popular mountain passes in Colorado. This pass is also open year-round, during the winter. The two closest towns are Grant, CO, and Jefferson, CO. Kenosha Pass is another area that is known for its spectacular fall foliage. If you’re wanting a fall elopement, this is the place for it. Although a weekday is probably the best time to elope here due to how popular the area is.
Coordinates: 39°24′48″N 105°45′24″W
Places to stay for Kenosha Pass mountain elopements:
Cozy House with incredible views
Independence Pass
Independence Pass is located in the Sawatch Range of the Rocky Mountains and is not open all year. It usually closes in October and won’t open again until late spring, depending on snowfall. Independence Pass is close to Twin Lakes, so if you’re wanting to include some water sports like kayaking or canoeing during your mountain elopement, this would be a great pick. They even have canoe rentals if you’re not bringing your own. Consider staying in Aspen if you’re picking this mountain pass for your elopement destination. If you’re planning on spending time at Twin Lakes, consider staying in Buena Vista or Leadville.
Coordinates: 39.1086° N, 106.5640° W
Places to stay for Independence Pass mountain elopements:
Imogene Pass
Imogene Pass is a mountain pass that is situated between Ouray, and Telluride, Colorado in the San Juan Mountains, and not for the faint of heart. This mountain pass is only driveable with a high clearance, 4×4 vehicle. Parts of the drive are steep, potentially very dangerous, and extremely rugged. This mountain pass is 13,114 feet high in elevation, and due to this, it’s only open for a few months in the summer due to heavy snowfall in the early fall and throughout late spring. Be prepared for unpredictable weather when you traverse this mountain pass. The challenging drive is worth it though. The San Juan Mountains in Ouray are often referred to as the “Switzerland of America”. It’s our dream to be able to go alongside a couple who rents a Jeep and traverses the famous mountain pass for their elopement day.
Coordinates: 37°55′56″N 107°44′10″W
Places to stay for Imogene Pass mountain elopements:
Washington Mountain Passes for your mountain elopement
No matter where you go in Washington, it’s going to be amazing. There is so much to explore and see in Washington, we would never be able to see it all in our lifetime. There’s a total of 32 wilderness areas in the state of Washington, totaling 4.5 million acres. The state of Washington is a mountain-lovers paradise! Keep reading to find out the best mountain passes in Washington for your mountain elopement.
Washington Pass
Washington Pass is a mountain pass in the Cascades range in Washington state. The pass is normally closed between November and April due to heavy snowfall. There is tons of hiking in the area. It’s one of our favorite spots to take couples and is best visited in the summer. When you’re in the North Cascades, views aren’t hard to find, and adventure is a given! This mountain pass is about a 3 ½ hours drive from the Seattle Sea-Tac airport.
Coordinates:48.5237° N, 120.6545° W
Places to stay for your Washington Pass mountain elopement:
Austin Pass
Austin Pass is a Washington Mountain pass that is situated right outside of the North Cascades National Park, located in the Cascades mountain range. This mountain pass is only open during late summer through fall due to heavy snowfall. This mountain pass is located in the northern part of Washington and is approximately a 3 ½ hours drive from the Sea-Tac Seattle airport. This area is abundant in mountain views that are easily accessible. The drive alone is a sightseeing adventure. Every turn you’ll be greeted with mountain views that will have you picking your jaw up off the floor of your car.
Coordinates: 48.8518° N, 121.6851° W
Places to stay for your Austin Pass mountain elopement:
Snoqualmie Pass
Snoqualmie Pass is located in the Cascade range and is open year-round and is only an hour’s drive from the Sea-Tac airport in Seattle. The famous PCT, Pacific Crest Trail passes through Snoqualmie Pass along with many other trails. Due to this mountain pass being easily accessible from Seattle, it is a popular outdoor recreation area. There are a ton of activities to do including hiking, backpacking, skiing, and backcountry skiing. The options are endless when it comes to having a mountain elopement near Snoqualmie Pass. Consider staying in the city of Seattle, or you could stay closer to the pass for a more mountain vibe for your big day.
Coordinates: 47.3923° N, 121.4001° W
Places to stay for your Snoqualmie Pass mountain elopement:
Cozy cabin on a creek with views near the pass
Lakes
Some people just love the water, and they dream of having their mountain elopement right next to a lake. Personally, alpine lakes are our favorite landscapes to take couples to. It’s even more rewarding when you complete a grueling hike to get to it. But don’t worry – there are plenty of mountain lake options for our couples who aren’t into the idea of doing a big hike! Keep reading for a list of our favorite lakes for a mountain elopement.
The Best Lakes for Mountain Elopements
Colorado Lakes
Colorado boasts not only a great number of beautiful mountain lakes but also an abundance of alpine lakes with crystal clear blue water made from glacial and snowmelt. We take great pride in finding hidden gems all over Colorado that aren’t popular locations, and most times a little harder to get to. Below is a list of some of our favorite well-known lakes in Colorado, but there are a few we don’t love the idea of going viral. We love these places too much to see them be mistreated, and because we don’t know the intention behind every person who will read this blog, we have to set some boundaries. We hope you understand!
Blue Lakes
Loveland Pass Lake
St Marys Glacier
Horsetooth Reservoir
Dillion Reservoir
Lily Lake
Tarryall Reservoir
Washington Lakes
Washington is home to over 8,000 lakes. We won’t be listing all 8,000, but we will list our favorites.
Picture Lake
Diablo Lake
Lake Crescent
Lake Chelan
Colchuck Lake
Hiking Trails
If you’re dreaming of tying up your hiking boots and getting your wedding clothes a little dirty, then a hiking mountain elopement is for you! Most of the best views and the most gorgeous alpine lakes require a bit of hiking to get to, so this is the perfect activity for those wanting to see incredible scenery for their big day.
On Top of a Mountain
Whether you’re wanting to hike to the top of a 14er or drive to the top of a 14er, you can absolutely elope on top of a mountain! There’s no better place to go if you’re looking for those sprawling mountain views.
Colorado 14’ers you can drive to
Pikes Peak
Mt Evans
Ski Resorts
Ski resorts are a great place to elope if you’re wanting a mountain elopement! We always suggest that our couples rent a venue if they’re planning on having more than 15 guests, and a ski resort can be the best of both worlds. Sitting right on top of a mountain, but having all those closest to you be able to come also.
Airbnb’s
All elopements don’t have to be adventure elopements. Maybe your idea of the perfect day is staying inside enjoying the views from your cozy couch in a mountain cabin. We love Airbnb’s so much. It’s the perfect way to bask in someone else’s good fortune for a few days and enjoy the views and quality time spent together.
How to Plan Mountain Elopements
Where to go to have adventure mountain elopements?
There are so many different types of mountain ranges in the United States. Within the 3 major ones (the Appalachians, Rocky Mountains, Sierra Nevadas), there are hundreds more that make up those three ranges. It might feel overwhelming to nail down just one specific range because they’re all equally special. It’s really important though to think about what type of elopement you want before making a decision on which is best for your love story!
When you picture your mountain elopement, what do you see? Are you thinking you want a desert vibe, like something like Joshua Tree? Or are you thinking of snow on the hiking trails in mid-June? Choices such as these are what many people ponder when considering their perfect mountain elopement location. What’s your idea of an ideal place to say “I do”? Some ranges have jagged peaks, while others offer views of rolling hills that you can see for miles. No matter how much research is done about where to get married there will always be questions unanswered, but don’t worry because we’ve got it covered! Below we laid out and organized some of the best mountain ranges by their characteristics.
The best mountain ranges are the ones that make you feel on top of the world. They have a powerful need to be conquered and explored, but they also provide tranquility for those who simply want to enjoy nature from afar.
Mountain Ranges for mountain elopements – broken down by characteristic
The best mountain ranges are the ones that make you feel on top of the world. They have a powerful need to be conquered and explored, but they also provide tranquility for those who simply want to enjoy nature from afar.
Mountain Ranges that look like Rolling Hills
Blue Ridge Mountains
The Blue Ridge Mountains are our stomping grounds. They are the first mountains I knew, explored, and where I grew a love for adventure, and ultimately what brought me to Colordao. The Blue Ridge Mountains are a part of the Appalachians. They start in Mount Oglethorpe, Georgia and extend northeast for 615 miles and stop in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. The Blue Ridge Mountains travel through six states: Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. The Blue Ridge Mountains are famous for their scenic 469 mile drive, the Blue Ridge Parkway. People often refer to it as “America’s Favorite Drive”. The drive connects Shenandoah National Park, VA to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, NC. Learn more fascinating Blue Ridge Mountain facts here.
Mountain Ranges that are Epic
San Juan Mountains
Northern Cascades
Alaska Mountains
Mountain Ranges with the Best Fall Foliage
Adirondacks
The Adirondacks are known for their beautiful fall colors, and New York elopements have been slowly rising in popularity as a result. Fall lovers can now find the perfect backdrop to tie the knot with all of these gorgeous trees changing color right before your eyes! The fall colors come sooner than one would think at the Adirondacks. They can be seen in shades of yellow, red, and orange but they don’t last that long because once November hits and it starts to get colder, leaves start turning brown until winter sets in and they are gone completely by Thanksgiving or thereabouts.
Green Mountains
If you want to see the best views of fall, look no further than Vermont. The rolling hills are where all your picturesque scenes come alive: from rustling leaves and golden maples in full bloom to scarlet fields with towering trees ablaze—and everything is made more beautiful by crisp autumn air that’s perfect for a hike or horseback ride into some mountain wilderness.
The White Mountains
The White Mountains in New Hampshire are perfect for a couple who want a mountain elopement with fall foliage. The rolling hills of vivid foliage display spectacular autumn colors that will charm any individual or group during their mountain elopement ceremony.
Front Range
Conveniently located right next to some of the state’s biggest cities, the Front Range mountains in Colorado offer aspens all over shimmering and twirling in the wind that takes your breath away. The Goldilocks of mountains; Colorado’s Front Range is easily accessible by car. These towering peaks are perfect for those who want nature without getting lost on an adventure.
Sawatch Range
Stay in Buena Vista and explore Pike National Forest. You won’t be able to drive more than a few miles without the sights of golden aspens. Don’t be afraid to get lost on the winding roads of Pike National Forest. You won’t regret exploring a place that will always have something new around every bend, and you can never predict what kind of adventure awaits!
Mountain Ranges with Turquoise Blue Alpine Lakes
San Juan Mountain Range
The San Juan Mountain Range is home to a giant number of turquoise blue alpine lakes. It’s as if the sky landed on Earth and left behind these beautiful watery gems for people like you and me to enjoy!
Mountain Ranges with Waterfalls
North Cascades
Waterfalls are a photographer’s dream. The stunning natural beauty of the North Cascades in Washington makes for an ideal location for a waterfall mountain elopement, and you’ll have your pick from any number of breath-taking waterfalls that line this scenic stretch of the mountainside.
When to have adventure mountain elopements?
What’s the best time of year to have a mountain elopement? What if you were looking for something different than your average sunny wedding or beach ceremony, but not so extreme that it leaves you frozen and shivering all day long. We’re here with some suggestions on what season will provide just enough adventure without leaving you too miserable!
Winter Mountain Elopements – What to expect
Though it may present some challenges, a winter elopement at the top of one of our favorite mountains is always worth it! You’ll be snowshoeing your way through deep powder and creating memories that will last a lifetime. You should expect high winds, deep snow, and icy roads. With that in mind, it’s important to have a Plan B for your elopement photographer so they can capture beautiful shots no matter what the weather throws at you! We always help our couples come up with a Plan B if we believe we’ll need one.
Spring Mountain Elopements – What to expect
Snow will stick around in the mountains until May or sometimes even as late as July, making trails high up in elevation still deep with snow even well into summer. It’s always good to keep track of trail conditions and consider picking a mountain elopement location lower down in elevation so you can avoid being caught out on an icy hike when spring rolls back around for another unpredictable but predictable round of winter weather.
Summer Mountain Elopements – What to expect
By the summertime, most of the snow on our trails will have melted and you can enjoy a hike with your loved one while taking in some beautiful mountain views. Keep an eye out for monsoon season though! While we love hiking through rainstorms just as much as sunny days, it may be prudent to consider having an elopement in the morning or early afternoon during this time period for safety reasons.
Fall Mountain Elopements – What to expect
We’re thrilled to say that the arrival of autumn is a perfect time for eloping up in the mountains with your loved one. As you look out on those towering evergreens and aspens, you’ll see how their leaves turn into fiery shades. It’s not just because they want us to know it’s getting close—it’s also because we all need some warmth from our friends and family as winter approaches. Even if you don’t plan an outdoor ceremony or photoshoot during this brief window, take advantage of these beautiful days by packing up campfire-ready snacks and grabbing your hiking boots – there are plenty of trails waiting!
How far in advance should you start planning mountain elopements?
While planning in advance might give you an advantage when it comes to finding accommodations and permits, spontaneity is at the heart of elopements. Great elopements can be planned with little to no time. We planned our beach elopement in three days, and it was our favorite day ever!
Mountain Elopements – Conclusion
Locations make a wedding special, but being surrounded by towering mountains is one that will never be forgotten. There’s something about standing next to these majestic wonders and saying “I do”; it makes for an unforgettable experience in such stunning scenery! Mountain elopements are our absolute favorite type of elopement day. Couples from all over the world travel far just to stand beside a towering mountain to become one with their partner. They never cease to amaze us- there’s just nothing better than tying the knot under those breathtaking peaks! Planning an elopement in the mountains can be a special and intimate experience. And we would love to help you plan your very own mountain elopement!
