Everything You Need to Know to Plan a Mountain Elopement
Colorado doesn’t just give you a place to elope. It gives you something you can feel. The kind of place where the air is crisp, the mountains stretch endlessly around you, and the day slows down in a way that just doesn’t happen anywhere else.
If you know you want the mountains, but you’re not quite sure where to start. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to elope in Colorado, without it feeling overwhelming.
Why Elope in Colorado
There’s a reason so many couples are drawn here.
Colorado has a way of giving you options without losing that wild, open feeling. You can stand at an alpine lake at sunrise, hike into a quiet overlook, or find a spot tucked away in the mountains that feels like it’s yours for the day.
Places like Rocky Mountain National Park are iconic for a reason easy to access after following permit guidelines, incredible views, and a wide range of locations.
Then you have areas like the San Juan Mountains, which feel more rugged, more remote, and a little more adventurous.
The landscapes are different depending on where you go, but what they all have in common is this:
They don’t just sit in the background.
They shape the entire experience.
And that’s what makes eloping here feel so different.
How to Elope in Colorado (Step-by-Step in 4 points)
If you’re starting from scratch, this is the part that usually feels like a lot. So let’s break it down simply.
1. Choose Your Location
Most couples know they want Colorado but they don’t know yet what direction to go.
Colorado truly had it all, you a few different directions:
- Alpine Lakes
- Mountain Passes + Meadows
- Forested Areas + State Parks
- Desert + Canyon Areas
There isn’t a “best” option it comes down to how you want the day to feel and look like. This is also where having someone who knows the landscape and local makes a huge difference. Not just for photos, but for helping you land on a place that actually fits you.
2. Pick Your Date + Season
Colorado is one of those places where the season completely changes the experience and I love that there’s just so much variety.
- Summer (Late June–September)
Full access to the mountains, wildflowers, long days. Also the busiest. - Fall (Late September–October)
Golden aspens, cooler air, shorter window — but incredibly beautiful. - Winter
Snow-covered mountains, quieter locations, but more planning involved with weather and winter elements - Spring
A mix of everything — but often unpredictable, especially in higher elevations.
If you’re dreaming of a specific look (like wildflowers or fall color), your date matters more than you think.
3. Understand Permits + Legal Details
This is the part most people don’t realize at first.
Many locations in Colorado require permits, especially in places like Rocky Mountain National Park.
The good news?
Colorado is one of the easiest states to elope legally because it allows self-solemnization.
That means: You don’t need an officiant or witnesses.
Just the two of you if you would like.
4. Keep Your Vendor List Simple
You don’t need a long list of vendors to have an incredible day. Hiring local and the ones knowledgeable of the landscape will always be the best experience.
Most couples keep it simple with:
- Photographer
- Videographer
- Hair + makeup (optional, but helpful)
- Florals
- Officiant (only if you want one)
From there, it’s really about the experience you build around it like hiring a tour guide for an outdoor experience or hiring a private chef for your private dinner.
Best Places to Elope in Colorado
I genuinely believe everywhere is the best place to elope. There’s no bad place. I suggest lesser known areas in the state which I can help with. A one of a kind Colorado Elopement.
A lot of general areas that a lot go to are:
- Rocky Mountain National Park
- Summit County (Breckenridge, Dillon)
- San Juan Mountains (Ouray, Telluride)
If you’re feeling stuck between options, that’s completely normal.
This is something I help every couple figure out based on what they’re drawn to and how they want the day to feel.
How Much Does It Cost to Elope in Colorado?
The short answer: it depends on what you want your day to look like.
If you’ve looked into traditional weddings at all, you’ve probably seen numbers all over the place. Most sources put the average Colorado wedding somewhere around $30,000–$40,000, and honestly, from my experience photographing weddings, it often ends up closer to (or above) $50,000 once everything is added in.
Elopements are a completely different approach.
Instead of paying for a large guest count, a big venue, and all the extras that come with it, you’re putting that investment into the experience itself. Where you go, how your day feels, and the moments you actually get to be present for is a great trade off.
Most couples eloping in Colorado typically spend somewhere between $6,000–$12,000, depending on how simple or immersive they want their day to be.
Here’s a general breakdown:
- Simple / Minimal → $3,000–$6,000
A shorter day, one location, and a more laid-back approach - Mid-Range Experience → $6,000–$12,000
Multiple locations, more time together, and space to actually slow down and enjoy it - Full Experience / Multi-Day → $12,000+
A fully immersive adventure with multiple days, deeper exploration, and a more intentional pace
At the end of the day, your elopement can be as simple or as expansive as you want it to be—and that flexibility is part of what makes it so special.
Tips for a Stress-Free Colorado Elopement
A few things that make a big difference:
- Plan for altitude (it’s real)
- Plan to bring all the moisture (Lip Balm + Lotion)
- Choose a weekday if you can
- Have a backup location just in case
- Respect Leave No Trace principles
A little bit of planning upfront goes a long way in keeping the day relaxed.
Ready to Start Planning Your Colorado Elopement?
I don’t just show up with a camera. I help you figure out where to go, how the day flows, and how to make it feel like something you’ll actually be present for not just something you move through.
From location ideas to timelines to all the in-between details, the goal is to make this feel easy so you can focus on each other. If you’re dreaming about eloping in Colorado but don’t know where to start, I’d love to help you figure it out.
You can reach out here
And we’ll start building something that actually feels like you.
