10 Best Colorado Elopement Locations

Colorado has four iconic national parks, but hundreds of other trails, mountains, valleys and lakes. There is no shortage of amazing Colorado elopement locations in every season. Summer days bring bright wildflowers to the highest mountain passes while fall aspens turn the hills gold. Winter brings some accessibility challenges, but there are still great places that don’t (or do!) require snowshoes. Spring is very unpredictable. For those who like rolling the dice between a sunny 70 degrees and a white out blizzard, April & May are great months for you!

About your Colorado Elopement Photographer

I’m a colorful local Colorado elopement photographer who has spent over 7 years exploring the heart and hidden gems of Colorado. My photography style emphasizes the epic landscape of your dreams and the authentic moments that make you two.. well, you two! I love my job and my nature-loving clients. Colorado is vast, diverse, and full of breathtaking sights. I’ll show you where to go 🙂

Here is my Map of Colorado Elopement Locations:

Here is my custom map of Colorado elopement locations. Over 400 spots and growing! 90% of these have less than a five mile hike with most having no hike at all. This map is like a virtual tour of all of Colorado with color photos I’ve taken of each place. So you can see all the great spots without leaving your living room. If you’re planning from afar, this is a visual key to picking out the elopement spot that works for you. Details like what seasons and time of day are best for each location are included. It will help you plan your activities, accommodations, and your day’s itinerary. Lastly, it’s easy to have a great backup location picked out with this map in front of you. Having that Plan B in your back pocket will keep your planning stress-free!

All Colorado Adventurers Welcome

Colorado is a popular state for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts, and many areas can become busy during peak season, afternoons and weekends. If privacy and exclusivity is important to you, let me help! I can advise you about which spots will work for you at certain times. It is ALWAYS best to plan your elopement on a weekday to maintain the most privacy and wilderness vibes. If you want to bring your family for part or all of your elopement or microwedding, read my guide on including your family in your elopement here.  

How to Elope in Colorado

Colorado is a self-solemnizing state, which means you can marry your partner without an officiant. Aka.. your elopement ceremony can be as intimate as you like because you can sign your own marriage license and be legally married! You can have a friend officiate without that person being ordained by any service, since you’ll be signing your own marriage license anyway. My husband and I did this when we got married, and we loved it! Also, we signed literally on our friend’s backs since we didn’t have a table. Thanks, guys! 

Start planning your Colorado Elopement with me!

Colorado Elopement permits

While some areas of Colorado require permits for elopements and other small gatherings & events, others are more flexible. However, ALL areas of Colorado should be treated with Leave No Trace principles. That means no confetti or rice or rose petals. A leaf toss is a great alternative! Basically, leave the land as you found it. These permits vary in cost from free to $400, which is still a whole lot cheaper than an entire wedding venue! I will help you find and apply for the right permit based on your location needs 🙂 The following locations currently require a permit or reservation to have any sort of ceremony:

  • Sapphire point** Under new rules in 2024
  • Rocky Mountain National Park
  • Maroon Bells Amphitheater
  • Great Sand Dunes National Park – Your photographer must be permitted
  • Dillon Marina Pavilion
  • Jefferson and Larimer county parks
  • Campgrounds and some City Parks
  • Most State Parks
  • The Paint Mines
  • Boulder Open Space Mountain Parks – Your photographer must hold a permit
  • Horsetooth Reservoir
  • Denver Mountain Parks including Red Rocks, Lookout Mountain and Echo Lake (if you have more than 5 people)
  • Black Canyon of the Gunnison (sometimes.)

Colorado Elopement Packages 2024

I offer both Colorado elopement packages that include planning, permitting help & elopement photography. Or, I can create a custom All inclusive elopement package for a one stop shop option. There are no travel fees, download fees, watermarks or other hidden fees. These prices are for 2024.

2 Day elopements in Colorado – $9900

1.5 Days of elopement photography in Colorado – $7900

1 Full day adventure elopement in Colorado – $6900

Up to 4 hours elopement in Colorado – $5500 **Only available on select dates**

#1 Elopement Location in Colorado – San Juan Mountains

Two towns are the crown jewels of the San Juan Mountains in the southwest corner of Colorado. I’m talking about Telluride and Ouray, of course! These mountains are 6 to 7 hours drive from Denver, or more if you’re stopping along the way. Plan to stay for a few days at least. Epic lakes and off road trails are what a San Juans Elopement has in store for you. Ouray has no ski resorts, but makes up for it with its steamy hot springs. Telluride is the nicest town in a towering valley with waterfalls like Yosemite. Check out the two guides here to learn more about each location!

Best Season: June to September
Drive time: 6-7 Hours from Denver
Permits Required: No

Telluride Elopement Guide

This area is known for waterfalls, world class hiking, jeeping to epic mountain vistas, and crystal blue lakes. Honestly, it’s just as amazing as any of the top 10 National Parks in the west.

Ouray Elopement Guide

See my map and guide on where to elope in Ouray and the San Juan mountains of Colorado. This area is amazing for jeeping, hiking, and big views.

#2 Elopement Location in Colorado – Black Canyon of the Gunnison

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is one of the country’s least visited parks. Located in central Colorado, it takes about 5 hours drive from Denver to reach either the north or south rims. Camp out under the stars, hike, or just stroll at the stunning viewpoints featuring the steepest canyon walls on our continent. This remote area has both unique views and clear skies for stargazing. Either the North or South rims are great for camping and adventurous couples!

Best Season: June to September
Drive time: 4-6 Hours from Denver
Permits Required: For some groups on weekends

A wedding couple at the north rim of Black Canyon of the Gunnison

Black Canyon of the Gunnison Elopement Locations

This secluded national park is the deepest canyon on the continent, and includes a river and camping.

#3 Elopement Location in Colorado – Loveland Pass

This popular spot is popular for a reason. You can drive right up to spectacular panoramic views. There are trails to access the tundra on both sides of US 6, and another location with two beautiful lakes short a short walk from the parking area. This area is at almost 13,000 feet elevation, so it’s not great for those with breathing trouble. Due to that high elevation, snow is possible as early as September and as late as June.

Best Season: Late June to August
Drive time: 1.5 Hours from Denver
Permits Required: None

#4 Best place to Elope in Colorado – Great Sand Dunes

Great Sand Dunes National Park is a playground for the child-at-heart. The massive dunes are as fun to play in as they are easy on the eyes. Choose the sand dunes if you want to go jeeping, sand sledding, or feel like you’re in Africa while staying in the USA.

Best Season: April, May, October
Drive time: 4 Hours from Denver
Permits Required:
Yes, your photographer must obtain a CUA from GSDNP in order for you to have a ceremony in the dunes.

A great sand dunes national park elopement on the sand.

Great Sand Dunes Elopement Locations

The dunes are a unique spot to elope. These are the tallest dunes on the continent, surrounded by mountains.

#5 Best Colorado Elopement Locations – Crested Butte

This is where the state really gets good! Crested Butte is a low key town in Central Colorado, about 4 hours drive from Denver. Gothic Road, Snodgrass mountain, and the waterfalls and lakes here are ideal. Some hikes above 10,000 feet are just to die for! And don’t forget Buena Vista – which literally means “good view”.

Best Season: July to September
Drive time: 4 Hours from Denver
Permits Required: None

Crested Butte Elopement Guide

This quiet town is a hidden gem of hiking and 4×4 trails, biking, wildflowers and aspen groves with mountains galore. This is the wildflower capitol of Colorado.

#6 Best Elopement Locations in Colorado: Breckenridge

Summit County, Colorado is home to one of the biggest elopement destinations in all of Colorado: Breckenridge. But there’s so much more to this amazing County! Most locations are in that sweet spot between just 1.5 to 2 hours drive from Denver. It’s relative closeness to the airport and epic high mountain passes make it a great place to plan a Colorado elopement. Check out the full guide below for information on popular spots like Blue Lakes, Sapphire Point, Vail Pass and so many more!

Best Season: July to September
Drive time: 1-2 Hours from Denver
Permits Required: None

Breckenridge Elopement Guide

If you want Colorado mountain peaks, wildflowers, hiking & lakes, look no further than this easy to access region with many options for elopement locations.

#7 Best Colorado Elopement Locations: Colorado National Monument

This national monument is not a”national park” though it is a park managed by the National Park Service. That means its far less busy as the other National Parks. Located in Grand Junction, this park’s desert scenery is far more like Utah’s landscape than Colorado. It’s hassle-free no permit policy is just one more reason to choose it!

Best Season: April, May, October and November
Drive time: 4 Hours from Denver
Permits Required: None

Colorado National Monument Elopement Guide

The area looks like Utah and includes arches, spires, and caves! You can easily elope on the scenic canyon walls which are colorful in every season.

#8 Best Colorado Elopement Locations – Indian Peaks Wilderness

Wow, wow and wow. This collection of pristine mountain lakes is located just south of Rocky Mountain National Park. The Indian Peaks Wilderness at Brainard Lake entrance is a hiking elopement couple’s dream spot, as the most beautiful lakes require a short to moderate hike. Without the strict regulations of the National Park, you can have a more relaxed and carefree elopement here. However, you will need parking reservations. Check out lake Isabelle, Lake Mitchell, and Blue Lake.

Best Season: Late June to August
Drive time: 1.5 Hours from Denver
Permits Required: None for groups under 7, but parking reservations are required

#9 Best Colorado Elopement Locations – Guanella Pass

If you want big panoramic views above the tree line, consider eloping at Guanella pass! This is a great spot that’s best at sunset, and close to Denver. Access is only possible in the summer and fall because the road closes for the winter and spring due to heavy snowfall. Many awesome hiking trails start from this area leading to even more great Colorado elopement locations. The payoff for these high elevation elopement spots is huge, as you can often be completely alone with miles and miles of epic vistas and views of the rockies and the continental divide. If you want a truly iconic Colorado Elopement – this is the way to go!! 

Best Season: Late June to Early October
Drive time: 1.5 Hours from Denver
Permits Required: None for groups under 12

#10 Best Colorado Elopement Location – Rocky Mountain National Park

Only 1 of Colorado’s 4 national parks is known for its mountain peaks: Rocky Mountain National Park, of course! Spread over alpine tundra between the towns of Estes Park and Grand Lake, this is a hiker’s paradise. However, strict regulations limit you to just 12 ceremony locations within the park. YES, you can use the park for elopement photos if you don’t have a legal ceremony there.

Best Season: June to September
Drive time: 2 Hours from Denver
Permits Required: Yes, you must obtain a ceremony permit at one of the 12 sites.

An elopement in estes park, colorado in October.

Rocky Mountain National Park Elopement Locations

See my map and guide on where to elope in Rocky Mountain National Park. Between Estes Park and Grand Lake, there are 12 ceremony sites in this iconic gem.

Honorable Mentions – Great Places to Elope in Colorado

The Paint Mines | Rifle Falls | St Mary’s Glacier | Keystone, Colorado |

An elopement couple kiss at Sunrise Amphitheater in Boulder, CO.

Boulder, Colorado Elopement Locations

See my map and guide on where to elope in Boulder, CO and surrounding areas. Alpine lakes and the flatirons are accessible for any skill level.

An epic colorado elopement in Aspen with the Maroon Bells in the background.

Aspen, Colorado Elopement Guide

Known for fall colors, gondolas, world class hikes, lakes, and panoramic mountain views. Check out places like Snowmass, Ashcroft, and the riverside parks.

Aspen, Colorado sits smack dab in the middle of the state’s mountain range. It’s well known for the Maroon Bells and the Maroon Bells Amphitheater, which you can use for your elopement. Read about eloping at the Maroon Bells Amphitheater here. But there is so much more to this central region! About 4 hours from Denver, Aspen is as high-end as it gets. You should choose an Aspen elopement location if you like forests, hiking or riding the gondola AND being pampered, wined & dined.

Garden of the Gods Elopement Guide

These iconic rock formations are incredible in every season. See my map and guide on where to elope at Garden of the Gods, Colorado Springs.

Mt. Blue Sky Elopement Guide

Recently renamed to Mt Blue Sky, this mountain is close enough to Denver to make for a great elopement location. This 14,265ft mountain has easy access, amazing views, and alpine wildlife and adventure. See my map and guide on where to elope on Mt Blue Sky near Idaho Springs.

A lesbian elopement on the shore of Cottonwood lake in Central Colorado. The deep blue sky is reflected in the lake.

Cottonwood Pass

Located between the beautiful towns of Buena Vista, Colorado and Crested Butte, this high mountain pass is seldom visited and has incredible mountain views and a sparkling lake.

A real Colorado Elopement in Marble

Lydia and Dan chose a tiny town in central Colorado that isn’t a big destination for elopements. They craved privacy, adventure, and beautiful scenery. All of which we accomplished and more. They got ready at a beautiful Airbnb, waded in an icy river, took a sketchy 4×4 road to Crystal Mill, and had their first dance on top of the world. See their full Marble Colorado Elopement here.

Denver, Colorado Elopement Locations

Believe it or not, there are tons of great spots to elope close to Denver & Boulder while still getting that surrounded-by-nature feeling! The well known spots are Sunrise Amphitheater, and Roxborough State Park, and these places are amazing! I also know of some spots on Flagstaff, Lookout, and Genesee mountains and three different canyons.

Rentable Elopement Locations near Denver

If you have more than 8 guests, I highly recommend looking into renting one of the following park pavilions:
Mountain Pavilion at Bear Creek Lake Park in Lakewood
– Eagle Eye Shelter in Mt. Falcon Park, Jefferson County
– Stromberg Pavilion in Conifer’s James Newton Park
– Stone House in Lakewood, City of Lakewood
– Genesee Mountain Pavilion in Jefferson County
– Lyons Overlook Deck in Roxborough State Park
– Windy point campground pavilion
– Dillon Marina Pavilion, town of Dillon

Microwedding Locations in Colorado

If you need an indoor option for your elopement, intimate wedding or microwedding, I’ve got you! While I don’t take bookings with over 15 guests, I hope this resource is helpful for you. These locations are spread out in Colorado up to 3 hours drive from Denver.

  • Chief Hosa Lodge
  • Juniper Mountain House
  • Treehaus Colorado
  • Oxford Road Farm
  • The Fresh Herb Company
  • Tigiwon Community House
  • AA Barn
  • O’Connor Pavilion
  • St Albans Chapel
  • The Rock Room at Red Rocks
  • Lory State Park & Horsetooth Reservoir
  • Julia’s Deck
  • The Lodge at Breckenridge
  • Spires Ranch

Colorado Elopement Location Information

I hope you’ve enjoyed my guide of where to elope in Colorado, whether you live here already or are dreaming about starting your marriage adventure here. If you have questions about any of these locations or are ready to start the conversation about making me your Colorado Elopement Photographer and guide, don’t hesitate to get in touch! I’d love to help dream up, plan, and put the logistics in place so you get to just show up and have the time of your life! 


I offer half day, full day, 1.5 day and 2 day elopement photography in Colorado, the National Parks and the wild lands outside of them. See my pricing and package details here. I would love to chat with you and help see if an elopement with me is what you’ve been dreaming of. No matter which of the horseshoe bend elopement locations speak to you, don’t hesitate to get in touch below!

Inquire Here!

I can’t wait to hear from you!


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