How to Elope in Colorado – Locations, Permits, & Colorado Elopement Packages
Colorado could be the perfect place for couples to elope if they’re looking for a laid-back, entertaining, and progressive atmosphere for their special day. In this guide we will discuss why Colorado is a great elopement location, how to elope, where to elope, and more!
Why Elope in Colorado?
Self-Solemnization
In Colorado, couples can choose to self-solemnize their elopements without an officiant. Once you obtain a marriage license, you can hold your ceremony wherever you choose, sign the license with one witness (which can be anyone you choose), and file it with the county clerk to make it legally recognized.
Learn More About Self-Solemnizing in Colorado
Your Dog Can Be a Witness
While state law requires one witness to sign the marriage license, it doesn't specify who that witness must be. This means that your furry friend can also serve as a witness, paw print and everything!
Learn More About Eloping With Your Dog!
Easy Access and Logistics:
Colorado has multiple airports serving major cities such as Denver, Colorado Springs, and Aspen, making it easy to travel within the state. Navigation is simplified by an extensive network of interstate highways and scenic drives like Trail Ridge Road offer views of the Rocky Mountains and can be easily accessed by car. For those without personal transportation, public transit systems in larger cities provide convenient options for getting around.
Outdoor Diversity and Recreation:
Colorado is a state known for its diversity, home to a wide range of landscapes, cultures, and recreational opportunities, including 4 national parks, 42 state parks, 8.4 million acres of BLM land, and 14.5 million acres managed by the US Forest Service. Beyond its physical diversity, Colorado is also home to a variety of cultures and communities and offers year-round outdoor appeal with activities to do during each season.
Laid Back and Stress-Free Atmosphere:
The state's progressive values and diverse range of vendors offer a less stressful and more fulfilling experience for couples of all orientations and backgrounds. Colorado has a variety of accommodations, locations, venues, and vendors, such as photographers, florists, caterers, and officiants that offer quality services at different price points to accommodate different preferences.
Simple Legal Process:
Obtaining a marriage license in Colorado is straightforward, with no waiting period or residency requirements for non-residents and minimal documentation required to obtain the marriage license. Colorado offers simplicity, flexibility, and a sense of freedom to couples planning their elopement.
What is Colorado Known For?
Colorado is a unique state with a rich history and a progressive attitude. Home to the "Mile High City" of Denver, it has unmatched Rocky Mountain views when compared to other western states but can unfortunately present a challenge to those unaccustomed to the high altitude. The state offers endless opportunities for outdoor recreation, including hiking, skiing, snowboarding, and whitewater rafting. Additionally, as one of the first states to legalize recreational marijuana, Colorado has become a destination for cannabis tourism, which has ultimately shaped the state's cultural landscape.
What Animals Are Found in Colorado?
Colorado is home to many iconic North American species, including elk, mule deer, and black bears. The state's mountainous terrain provides home and safety for bighorn sheep, mountain lions, and moose, while animals like pronghorn antelope and foxes can be found in its many grasslands.
How to Elope in Colorado
Obtain a Marriage License:
You and your partner will need to apply for a marriage license from any county clerk and recorder's office in Colorado. You’ll need to appear together in person to apply and provide valid identification before paying between $20 and $30.
Find an Officiant:
You'll need someone to conduct the ceremony and sign your marriage license. Several websites, such as Wedding Wire, The Knot, and Thumbtack, can help you find an authorized officiant. Alternatively, you could ask a friend or family member to become ordained and perform the ceremony. The Universal Life Church offers a free and simple online course to help your loved ones participate in your special day.
Don’t want to worry about finding an officiant? Ask me about my complimentary officiating services!
Consider Permits and Regulations:
If you plan to elope in a national park, state park, Forest Service land, or BLM land, be sure to work with your elopement photographer to check if permits are required for your chosen location and what regulations there might be. Some popular locations may have limited availability or additional fees.
When is the Best Time to Elope in Colorado?
Spring
Spring in Colorado has unpredictable weather, ranging from sunny days to sudden snowstorms and rainstorms. Outdoorsy couples can look forward to outdoor recreation, including hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing (including new season babies!) Springtime offers a balance between lower prices and fewer crowds, with a trade off of unpredictable weather and chilly temperatures.
Summer
In the summer, Colorado is filled with wildflowers in various meadows, mountainsides, and valleys throughout the state. Most snow has melted in higher elevations and forests are thick, lush, and green (not to mention, filled with rocky mountain wildlife).
Fall
In autumn, iconic areas like Rocky Mountain National Park, Maroon Bells, and Aspen become popular spots for crowds looking for vibrant fall colors while resorts and lodges approach the end of season. Crowds thin out and colder temperatures start to settle, but the state remains open to couples looking for autumn colors at iconic locations in the Rocky Mountains.
Winter
Winter transforms Colorado into a winter wonderland, with snowy mountains and cozy alpine towns. Popular ski resorts like Aspen, Vail, and Breckenridge, become quite busy, alongside activities like snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. While winter brings higher prices and increased demand for accommodations and activities, the abundance of winter recreation and elegant backgrounds create a perfect scene for couples eloping in the wintertime.
Where to Elope in Colorado
National Parks
Read about whether you should elope in a State or a National Park!
State Parks
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Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area
Barr Lake State Park
Boyd Lake State Park
Castlewood Canyon State Park
Chatfield State Park
Cherry Creek State Park
Cheyenne Mountain State Park
Crawford State Park
Eldorado Canyon State Park
Eleven Mile State Park
Elkhead Reservoir State Park
Golden Gate Canyon State Park
Harvey Gap State Park
Highline Lake State Park
Jackson Lake State Park
James M. Robb – Colorado River State Park
John Martin Reservoir State Park
Lake Pueblo State Park
Lathrop State Park
Lone Mesa State Park
Lory State Park
Mancos State Park
Mueller State Park
Navajo State Park
North Sterling State Park
Paonia State Park
Pearl Lake State Park
Ridgway State Park
Rifle Falls State Park
Rifle Gap State Park
Roxborough State Park
San Luis State Park
Spinney Mountain State Park
State Forest State Park
Staunton State Park
Steamboat Lake State Park
St. Vrain State Park
Sweitzer Lake State Park
Sylvan Lake State Park
Trinidad Lake State Park
Vega State Park
Yampa River State Park
USDA Forest Service:
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Arapaho National Forest
Browns Canyon National Monument
Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forests
Pike National Forest
San Isabel National Forest
Rio Grande National Forest
Roosevelt National Forest
White River National Forest
Comanche National Grassland
Cimarron National Grassland
Bureau of Land Management:
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Dominguez-Escalante National Conservation Area
Gunnison Gorge Wilderness
McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area
Dolores River Canyon Wilderness
Canyons of the Ancients National Monument
Dominguez Canyon Wilderness
Black Ridge Canyons Wilderness
Bull Gulch Wilderness Study Area
Lizard Head Wilderness
West Elk Wilderness
Cross Mountain Wilderness Study Area
Dominguez-Escalante Wilderness Study Area
Elk Lakes Wilderness Study Area
Flat Tops Wilderness
Fruitland Mesa Wilderness Study Area
Gunnison Gorge Wilderness Study Area
McIntyre Hills Wilderness Study Area
McKenna Peak Wilderness Study Area
San Juan Islands Wilderness Study Area
Skunk Creek Wilderness Study Area
Uncompahgre Wilderness Study Area
Vermillion Basin
Yampa River Wilderness Study Area
Unique Stays
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Most Popular Elopement Locations in Colorado
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Dream Lake
Maroon Bells
Garden of the Gods
Where to Visit for Unique Photos in Colorado
Have the freedom to choose a unique elopement location and a variety of smaller, lesser-known areas that make for creative and memorable photo opportunities. Remember, these are only a few examples! I have many more options we can visit together
Bishop Castle (Rye): A castle built by one man over several decades.
Crystal Mill (Marble): A historic mining mill perched above the Crystal River, only accessible by an intermediate-advanced off-road trail.
Paint Mines Interpretive Park (Calhan): Unique and colorful hoodoos and spires.
Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site (La Junta): A meticulously reconstructed 19th-century trading post along the Santa Fe Trail
How Much Does it Cost to Elope in Colorado?
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$30 — marriage license
$500 — 3 night airbnb stay
$5500 — photographer
$300 — bouquet + boutonniere
$500 — wedding dress
$200 — suit rental
$200 — restaurant dinner + drinks
free – national forest ceremony venue
free — DIY hair + makeup
Total: $7,230
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marriage license — $30
4 night luxury airbnb stay — $2000
photographer — $10500
bouquet, boutonniere, florals for ceremony and dinner — $1000
wedding dress — $3000
suit purchase — $1000
private chef — $800
5-6” custom cake — $350
onsite hair + makeup — $800
Rocky Mountain National Park permit fee — $300
Total: $19,780
Current Specials for Colorado Bookings
Colorado Elopement Packages
Your elopement experience is fully customized from the very beginning. All Oregon elopement packages include:
All travel within Colorado (your investment does not change based on location)
Personalized location recommendations based on season, accessibility, and your vision
Permit research and guidance (when required)
Curated vendor recommendations (florals, hair + makeup, private chefs, etc.)
Activity ideas unique to your relationship and interests
A handcrafted elopement timeline designed for a relaxed, intentional experience
Every elopement gallery includes high-resolution digital images with printing rights, delivered through a private online gallery where you can view, download, print, and share your images with loved ones — so you can relive your experience for years to come.
Multi-Day Elopement Experience
Starting at $10,500
Designed for couples who want their elopement to unfold over multiple days. This experience allows you to exchange vows in one iconic Colorado location and spend another day exploring a completely different landscape — creating space for both adventure and restoration.
This option is ideal if you’re dreaming of a deeply immersive experience that feels more like a getaway than a single-day event. An example of what this would look like would be to get ready for your ceremony, capturing intimate moments before exchanging vows at the Garden of the Gods or Maroon Bells. Dive deeper into the Colorado experience on day three by hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park or exploring the small towns of Telluride or Aspen. End the day with a relaxing couples' spa experience.
Full-Day Elopement Experience (Up to 12 Hours)
Starting at $8,500
Perfect for couples who want the freedom to experience their entire elopement day without watching the clock. This coverage allows time for getting ready, your ceremony, multiple locations, longer hikes, scenic drives, and a relaxed celebration — all at a natural, unhurried pace.
This is the most popular option for couples who want a complete, story-driven elopement experience.
Half-Day Elopement Experience (Up to 6 Hours)
Starting at $5,500
Designed for couples who want a beautifully intentional elopement while keeping the day more streamlined. This experience is ideal for a single primary location, a short hike, and a relaxed ceremony followed by portraits and a meaningful activity.
Colorado Elopement Checklist
An all in-one, comprehensive guide on how to elope. From an iceberg in Alaska to a boat deck in the Florida Keys, this guide will give you all the steps on how to plan your perfect elopement day.
Unique Things to Do in Colorado
Whether you want to celebrate or combine a fun honeymoon with your elopement experience, there are a variety of unique things to do around the state that will add to your fun.
Go Sandboarding
Eat at Linger Eatery
Visit Desert Reef Hot Springs
Walk the Royal Gorge Bridge
Visit the Magic Mushroom House
Explore the Wild Animal Sanctuary
Colorado Elopement Timeline Examples
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9 - 11am: Breakfast Together, Enjoying Coffee with a View
11am - 2pm: Hair & Makeup/Getting Ready Together
2:30pm: Depart from Cabin to Mount Galbraith Park
3pm: Arrive at Mount Galbraith Loop Trailhead
3:30pm: Begin Hike (4.2 miles)
5:30pm: Ceremony on Trail
6 - 7pm: Couples Portraits
7:30 pm: Head Back to Cabin for Celebrations
8 - 10 pm: Enjoy a Private Dinner
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On Day 1:
9 - 11 am: Breakfast Together, Enjoying Coffee with a View
11am - 2pm: Hair & Makeup/Getting Ready
2:15pm: First Look at Cabin
2:45pm: Depart to Rocky Mountain National Park
40 minute commute to Bear Lake
3:25pm: Arrive at Bear Lake
3:30 - 4pm: Ceremony at Bear Lake
2:45 pm: Begin Hike to Lake Haiyaha (4 miles)
2:45 - 6pm: Hiking with Couples Portraits on Trail; Stopping at Nymph Lake, Dream Lake, and Lake Haiyaha
6:30pm: Head to Cousin Pat’s Pub & Grill
35 minute commute to Pub
7:10pm: Arrive at Pub
7:10 - 9pm: Dinner, Drinks, and Pool at Cousin Pat’s Pub & Grill
On Day 2:
12pm: Picnic Lunch at Lake Estes
3:30 - 5:30pm: Private Horseback Ride with Sombrero Stables
Get Inspired by Other Elopements
Which Elopement Package is Right for Me?
Multi-Day Elopement Experience
This experience is ideal for couples who want their elopement to feel like a once-in-a-lifetime journey rather than a single moment.
This experience is right for you if:
You want to combine your elopement with a getaway or honeymoon
You’re drawn to multiple Colorado landscapes and don’t want to choose just one
You value slow mornings, golden evenings, and complete storytelling
You want space for both adventure and restoration
Full-Day Elopement Experience (Up to 12 Hours)
This experience offers the most flexibility and creative freedom within a single day.
This experience is right for you if:
You want to document your entire day from start to finish
You’re planning multiple locations, activities, or longer hikes
You want time for getting ready, your ceremony, portraits, and a celebration
You prefer a relaxed flow rather than a tightly scheduled timeline
Half-Day Elopement Experience (Up to 6 Hours)
This experience is best suited for couples who want something intimate, meaningful, and beautifully simple.
This experience is right for you if:
You want a short, intimate ceremony
You prefer minimal transitions and a calm pace
You plan to stay close to your accommodations
You envision one primary location with little to no driving
Colorado is perfect for eloping couples seeking ease and affordability with its scenery, easy marriage requirements, and accessible travel options. Choose from a variety of areas, venues, and accommodations that suit your unique needs, schedule, and budget with less stress for a relaxing and unforgettable elopement experience.
Eloping can be stressful and sometimes even scary - but with the right photographer, a large portion of your stress is taken care of by a professional who can handle permits, locations, possible vendors, and more. If you want to take the first step in planning your elopement but it all seems like a little to much - LET’S TALK! I’m so excited to make this the most memorable experience of your life.
