An amazing elopement location in Ouray, Colorado, with mountains and flowers.

2024 Ultimate Ouray Elopement Locations Guide

2024 Ouray Elopement Locations Guide

Welcome to Ouray!

Ouray is a small mountain town in the southwest corner of Colorado. It’s nestled into the San Juan mountains, just over the mountain crest from Telluride. Unlike many Colorado mountain towns, it doesn’t have a ski resort. This contributes to a unique feeling in Ouray that is unlike anywhere else. There are cute cabins, huge mountain peaks, big waterfalls, off roading galore, peaks to summit, alpine lakes, canyons, tundra and so much more. You don’t have to be an experienced hiker, or do 5+ miles to reach an epic location. In fact, my favorite spot in Ouray is an easy, flat walk to magical 360 degree views. Yes, please!

10 Most Jaw Dropping Ouray Elopement Locations

#1 Ice Lake – Ouray Elopement Location

The color of the well names Ice Lake will absolutely knock your socks off. This extremely strenuous hike takes you over 12,000 feet to the piercing blue Ice Lake, which is only accessible in July, August, and September before it snows.

#2 The Amphitheater – Ouray’s Best Elopement Location

You’ll need a Jeep or a 4Runner to make it to this stunning meadow, where you can be surrounded by epic mountains and aspen trees.

#3 Red Mountain Pass, Ouray, Colorado

One of the best off-roading passes in the entire state of Colorado, this location has ice blue lakes at the top. Due to elevation and extreme snowfall, this should only be attempted in July or August.

#4 Million Dollar View, Ouray Elopement Location

This hidden gem is one of the most beautiful elopement locations in Colorado. Just a stone’s throw from a hidden pullout, you can get dramatic 360 panoramic mountain views here.

#5 Elopement Location: Crystal Lake, Ouray

This beautiful lake is bordered by the Million Dollar Highway just south of Ouray. If you walk to the far side, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the red mountain peaks. This is the best location in Ouray for people with mobility restrictions.

#6 Secret Falls Elopement Location, Ouray

Somewhere along the Million Dollar Highway, this medium sized waterfall is hidden from most maps. You’ll have to get your feet wet to cross the icy river, but the privacy and beauty is worth it!

#7 Clear Lake, Ouray – Jeep Elopement Location

You can drive RIGHT UP to the shore of this huge, turquoise alpine lake. If you have the right vehicle, that is. My Rav4 made it, and you’ll want something with higher clearance than a Subaru to tackle the final switchbacks. Bring layers, it is often stormy here.

#8 Island Lake Elopement Location, Colorado

Just as stunning as Ice Lake, the unique Island Lake is just what it sounds like – a greenish-blue alpine lake with a rock island in the middle.

#9 Cascade Falls – Ouray’s tallest waterfall

This beautiful waterfall is also one of Colorado’s largest. It’s set against the reddish hue of the rock wall that towers over the north side of town. IT does require a steady uphill (but not steep) mostly paved hike to access the base of the falls.

#10 Box Canyon Park Elopement Location

This park requires an entrance fee, but it isn’t much to pay to visit this unique canyon with a waterfall inside it. A steep but short hike up some stairs leads you to a phenomenal top-down view of the canyon. There is also a small covered picnic shelter that could fit 8 to 10 people.

Here is my Ouray Elopement Locations Map:

This map is like a virtual tour of the Ouray area 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!

About your Ouray Elopement Photographer:

I’m a colorful Ouray elopement photographer with an obsession for mountains, hiking, and my cats. 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. Ouray is one of my very favorite places to explore in Colorado. Maybe I’ll see you there!

Off Roading Elopements

Ouray is best known for it’s amazing off roading opportunities. If you’ve got a good rig with 4WD and high clearance, look no further. If you’re coming to Colorado from out of state, no worries! There are plenty of Jeeping tours and drivers that can take you to amazing spots without you having to lift a finger. Just buckle up and get ready for a totally unique elopement experience! The high alpine views surrounding Ouray will have your jaws on the dirt. Yankee boy basin, Governer’s basin, Silver basin and The Amphitheater in Ouray are all 11/10. The mountain passes will take you to tundra or red-sided mountains.

Real Ouray Elopement Photos

S&C’s June Elopement in Ouray was incredible! See the full blog post of their summer ouray elopement photos here.

When to Elope in Ouray

Picking your Ouray elopement location is just as important as picking your date! Winter conditions are so different from Summer that it may as well be a different place! Any of the locations that require jeeping and off-roading are simply not possible from November to at least April or May. But don’t be intimidated by winter’s grip. A snowy elopement in Ouray would be unforgettable and there are still many beautiful spots with big mountain views. It will remind you of Scotland or the Alps. Plus, there’s no better time to visit the Ouray hot springs. May will bring unpredictable weather and temperate daytime temps, or it could snow. June, July and August are the best months to consider if you want wildflowers, color, and high altitude experiences. September and October will bring that crisp fall air and aspens turning gold.

What’s not to love?

Planning an amazing Ouray elopement isn’t hard. For the most part, you can relax and know that you’ll be surrounded by mountains and adventure. Just like Garden of the Gods, you don’t need a permit to have an intimate elopement in the San Juan mountains. However, planning a short-notice elopement here might be challenging for one reason: accommodation. Ouray is a very small town and the hotels and cabins there fill up quickly during the warm months. One way around this is to camp, rent an RV, or to stay in Montrose or Silverton, CO. Don’t worry, the drive along the Million Dollar Highway is about as scenic as it gets.

2024 Ouray Elopement Packages

I offer Ouray elopement packages including all day photography, officiating and planning services. There are no travel fees, download fees, watermarks or other hidden fees. These prices are for 2024.

All inclusive elopement packages start at $15,000

2 Day elopements in Ouray – $9900

1.5 Days of elopement photography – $7900

1 Full day adventure elopement in Ouray – $6900

Up to 4 hours elopement in Ouray – $5500 **Only available on select dates in Sept 2024**

Intimate Wedding Locations in Ouray

If you’re inviting a small gathering of your best friends or family members, there are a few great places to host them. The first is Gold Mountain Ranch, an all in one microwedding hotspot with epic views. Or head to an Airbnb or Cabin rental for a private chef’s meal. There are also some rooftop bars in Ouray, so if the weather is nice, there is no better way to celebrate. How cute is this little pavilion (giving me major King Arther vibes.)?

Contact me now to get my help planning your 2024 Ouray Elopement!

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