How to Elope in Colorado
Plan a Colorado Elopement
Everything You Need to Know to Get Married in Colorful Colorado
A Colorado elopement can be whatever you want it to be – classic & elegant, rustic & casual, or anything in between! From magnificent mountain lodges to quaint minimalist cabins, Colorado is the perfect place to plan an adventurous elopement to match your spirit. Plus, self-solemnization laws make this the easiest place to get married – legally, you don’t need anyone beside your partner to make this legit (though, I recommend bringing on a photographer to capture the memories).
↓ Keep reading for detailed suggestions to plan your Colorado elopement! ↓
How to Plan a Colorado Wedding or Elopement
An elopement in Colorado can take place in the arid desert, the snow-capped Rockies, or even between the colorful water-carved walls of a river canyon. This gorgeous state has notably beautiful, varied landscapes that perfectly host adventurous events. To plan an elopement here you first need to pick a date, then choose a location, then plan for the weather/climate/landscape. If you’re looking for help from someone who knows this place, please just send me a message. We’d be honored to help you plan your day – below, you’ll find all the information you need to elope in a Colorado national park, see our favorite larger wedding venues, and even a few of our favorite elopement spots.
Colorado - the heart of the Rocky Mountains
While I love all the unique landscapes of Colorado, the mountains have my heart. The Rockies extend from the northernmost border of British Columbia, in Canada, all the way down to New Mexico, but it is Colorado where you can find the highest peaks in this stunning range. There, RMNP is where you can find some of the most beautiful pure-blue alpine lakes and snow-capped peaks.
But The Rockies aren’t the only mountain range worth exploring in Colorado – the San Juans in the southwest corner of the state are actually my favorite. There, you’ll find the most picturesque mountain towns: Ouray, Silverton, and Telluride. One of the best things about the high country is that the weather changes so quickly – with the autumn comes a wave of golden trees seemingly overnight, and winter can sneak up just as quickly. There’s nothing so beautiful as a first snow in the mountains.
Why you should elope in Colorado
1. You love the mountains
Colorado has most of the highest mountain peaks in the lower 48. If you love the outdoors – this is the place for you! The recreation is is world-class, and the hiking is endless. Year-round you can find some of the “bests” in the world – best skiing, climbing, hiking, trail running, etc.
2. You want adventure
For all the reasons listed above, a Colorado elopement or wedding will be an adventure. A multi-day hiking elopement could take you out to an alpine lake without another soul in sight, or you could begin your day at a mountain cabin and end your day with a sunset ceremony on top of a 14er – feeling like you’re on top of the whole world!
3. Multiple national parks to choose from
Colorado has 4 national parks: Rocky Mountain National Park, Great Sand Dunes, Mesa Verde, and the Black Canyon of the Gunnison. Below, I’ve outlined all the information you need to know about getting married in any of these incredible places!
4. You want a “just us” wedding
Colorado has an incredibly unique law which allows self-solemnizing wedding ceremonies. Self-solemnization means you can legally marry yourselves – no officiant or witnesses necessary! In fact, you could get 100% legally married without a single other person present (though, I’d argue you might want a photographer to capture the moment!) But, this can really simplify things because it’s one less vendor you need to hire, and you can really work within your own schedule. Want to get married on top of a mountain? Do it! No need to make sure someone can tag along to sign the papers.
Steps for Eloping in Colorado
Pick A Date
To start planning, first pick a date! I need a specific date so I can book you and reserve that date on my calendar, but you’ll also need a date if your location requires a permit. No need to have all the rest figured out yet, but start with a date. If you would like a suggestion about the best time of year to elope in a particular part of Colorado - just ask!
Pick A Ceremony Location
You have nearly endless locations to choose from when planning an elopement in Colorado. There are stunning peaks and valleys in RMNP, the dunes of Great Sand Dunes, the cliff dwellings of Mesa Verde, and hundreds of thousands of acres of national forest. Rent an Airbnb or mountain cabin and plan the adventure of a lifetime. If you don’t know where to choose – reach out! I have a handful of my favorite places listed below, and even more that I keep in my back pocket for couples who have booked me to photograph their events.
Secure Your Permits & Reservations
If you’re getting married in a national park, national forest, or other protected outdoor spaces, you’ll likely need to obtain a permit. If it seems confusing, don’t worry! I have connections to all the permitting offices throughout Colorado and I’d be more than happy to help you navigate the system. Once we have that part squared away, all you have to do is book your other vendors – accommodations, attire, florals (if allowed at your ceremony location), food, and hair/makeup.
Have Your Dream Wedding!
You’ve done the leg work, properly prepared, settled all the details - now all that’s left to do is get hitched. Your wedding is going to be gorgeous in such a beautiful place - I can’t wait to celebrate with you!
National Park Wedding Permits
How to Get One & Why You Need It
Rocky Mountain National Park
You can learn everything you need to know about getting a wedding permit for RMNP HERE. But, I’ll also break down the process below.
When: Permit applications for the next year open Oct. 1 & are ongoing until filled.*
How: Submit THIS FORM with information about guest count & any other details you have about your event (decor, vehicles, ceremony location, etc.) to romo_fees_permits@nps.gov. Once your application has been accepted, you’ll be asked to sign & pay the non-refundable fee.
Cost: The special use permit for a RMNP elopement is $300.
Why: Well, this one is kind of photographers’ fault. RMNP has been seeing major increases in foot traffic over the last few years. That’s correlated with an uptick in more adventurous elopements taking place in the park, and unfortunately those photos have inspired many to get out and shoot on fragile landscapes without knowing how damaging it is. If we want to continue seeing the park as an optional wedding venue, we need to obtain the proper permits to ensure the land stewards can fortify the trails, engage in preventative restoration, and monitor the park.
*RMNP changed up all their wedding permit requirements in late 2020 due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. I will aim to update this list if at any point they update or change their policies, but this information could become outdated without notice. Check with RMNP for the latest on wedding permits.
Great Sand Dunes National Park
You can learn everything you need to know about getting a wedding permit for Great Sand Dunes HERE.
When: Apply for a permit 6 weeks to 12 months before your wedding date.
How: Submit THE FORM LINKED HERE with information about guest count & any other details you have about your event (decor, vehicles, ceremony location, etc.) Send the form and a $100 check made out to “National Park Service” to:
Chief Ranger
Great Sand Dunes NPP
11500 Hwy. 150
Mosca, Colorado 81146
Attn: Special Use Permits
Cost: The special use permit for a Great Sand Dunes elopement is $100.
Why: The dunes include a “wilderness” area that is protected, and the permitting process gives couples and photographers the guidance to stay within bounds of the area that won’t be damaged by an event. The permit also funds protection of this unique environment.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
You can learn everything you need to know about getting a wedding permit for Black Canyon of the Gunnison HERE.
When: Apply for a permit no less than 12 days before your wedding date (4 weeks for events with more specific environmental considerations).
How: Submit THE FORM LINKED HERE with information about guest count & any other details you have about your event (decor, vehicles, ceremony location, etc.) Send the form and a $100 check made out to “National Park Service” to:
Chief Ranger
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
Curecanti National Recreation Area
102 Elk Creek Gunnison, CO 81230
Cost: The special use permit for a Black Canyon of the Gunnison elopement is $100.
Why: The permitting costs ensure land stewards can maintain this incredibly beautiful canyon and protect it from misuse.
Mesa Verde National Park
You can learn everything you need to know about getting a wedding permit for Mesa Verde HERE.
When: Apply for a permit at least 4 weeks before your wedding date.
How: Submit THE FORM LINKED HERE with information about guest count & any other details you have about your event (decor, vehicles, ceremony location, etc.) Send the form and a $50 check made out to “National Park Service” to:
Mesa Verde National Park
Concessions Management Office
PO Box 8
Mesa Verde National Park, CO 81330
Or fax to 970-529-4637
Cost: The special use permit for a Mesa Verde elopement is $50.
Why: There are many fragile landscapes within this park. In fact, the cliff dwellings are closed in the winter, so choose a date that gives you access to visit the areas of the park you’re interested in.
What does it cost to elope in Colorado?
Like everything else, it depends - you could choose a location with no permitting costs and keep your celebration within whatever budget makes the most sense for you. Or, you could marry in RMNP and the location itself would cost a few hundred (which is still much less than the average wedding venue costing thousands.)
Of course, every other detail of your day is totally subjective when it comes to price. You’ll be paying for attire, travel, a bouquet or decor, and food/drinks. The average elopement costs couples between $5,000-$15,000, which is MUCH cheaper than a traditional wedding.
Long story short: your Colorado elopement can cost as little as is practical to cover the bases, or as much as you want to have it all!
My Favorite Colorado Weddings Venues
The Little Nell – The only ski-in, ski-out venue accessing the Aspen Mountain where there is a 250-person capacity at The Wedding Deck. This stunning outdoor ceremony location overlooks the ski bowl and the The Rocky Mountains.
Garden of the Gods – Stay at the resort and get married in a desert oasis in the middle of Colorado Springs. Garden of the Gods is spectacular because of the stunning red-rock formations and lush green shrubs that remind me a lot of Sedona.
Piney River Ranch – Get married on the shores of a stunning lake in Vail. This venue can host up to 200 people. Surrounded by national forest, get married on the ceremony deck and there are two custom log pavilions with the most amazing view.
Gorrono Ranch – This is probably one of my favorite big-wedding venues in Colorado. The outdoor decks have incredible views of the surrounding mountain range, and the rustic barn is the perfect place to enjoy a mountain cabin vibe when you have to get indoors.
Della Terra Mountain Chateau – This mountain venue is the definition of romantic. Whether you get married in the summer surrounded by wildflowers, or in a winter wonderland, this place is perfect for those looking for a venue amongst the trees.
My Favorite Colorado Elopement Locations
Lake Isabelle – This mirror-lake hike is perfect in the early-summer. The lake is surrounded by spectacular mountain peaks and would make the perfect location for an adventurous hiking elopement. I don’t recommend going later in the summer though because the lake is actually a reservoir and the water level goes down significantly.
Maroon Bells – If you’re open to an early-morning elopement in the summer, you’ll be able to avoid most of the crowds. If you want to celebrate at an established site, there is a small amphitheater that is typically reserved a year in advance.
Mount Evans – This 14er is one of the most accessible high-elevation peaks in Colorado, but it still might not be the ideal choice fro couples coming from sea level. You can drive up to within a few hundred feet of the summit, which makes this a great mountain location for couples who don’t want to hike very far.
Ready to plan your Colorado elopement? Reach out!
Now that you have a good idea how to elope in Colorado, it’s time to start planning! We’d love to help you figure out details, choose your perfect location, and explore with you - check out our current travel schedule to see when we’ll be in the area, or get on the calendar so we can put Colorado on our schedule!
