Mountains, deserts, lakes, hot springs… I could go on forever, but Colorado is known for its incredible scenery and natural beauty. This, along with the fact that it’s one of the few states where you can get married without an officiant, draws eloping couples from all over to Colorado! If you’re looking for adventure, and you want to get married without the pressure, without the expectations, and without the huge party, eloping in Colorado might be perfect for you! Keep reading this guide to learn all about how to elope in Colorado.
Setting an Elopement Date
One of the first things you’ll need to do to elope in Colorado is set a date! Before you start flipping through your planner, here are some things you should know.
Weather in Colorado
Colorado experiences all four seasons, and the weather can often be harsh! It’s important to be prepared when you’re deciding when to elope.
Winters get very cold, and Colorado’s mountains are a popular skiing destination. Temperatures often fall below freezing, even in the desert.
Spring brings warmer weather, and can be great for hiking in lower elevation areas. Wildflowers bloom as the snow melts, creating gorgeous views! But, snow can stick around in the mountains into the middle of summer, so if you’re hoping for higher elevation hikes, they may still be inaccessible this time of year.
Summer is the best time to elope in Colorado if you want to go hiking. The trails are mostly snow free, and the weather is warm, though rain showers are common in the mountains.
Fall can provide an opportunity to spot the autumn colors, and can be a great time to go hiking after the busy summer season is over! Snow can start to accumulate early, so September or early October is best.
Avoiding Crowds
Colorado parks are busiest in the summer, because the good weather and open trails bring people outdoors! The least crowded time to elope would be winter (as long as you aren’t near any ski resorts), but late spring and early fall will be less busy than summer, and you still have a good chance of catching optimal weather!
One tip I always give my couples is to elope on a weekday. Tying the knot while most people are at work will give you a little more privacy! You can also plan your ceremony for sunrise - getting the scenery to yourself will be worth waking up for!
Choosing an Elopement Location
There are countless beautiful places to elope in Colorado, but here are just a few ideas to get you inspired!
Rocky Mountain National Park
This is Colorado’s most popular national park, offering incredible views of the mountains. You can choose from long backpacking trails or easily accessible overlooks, and everything in between. There’s wildlife around every corner, so you may even have some four legged witnesses for your ceremony!
Garden of the Gods
This unique park has hiking trails that wind through the red rock formations, with views of Pikes Peak and the surrounding mountains in the distance. You’ll have views of the towering sandstone pillars around every turn!
Great Sand Dunes National Park
The tallest sand dunes in North America can be found here! This desert landscape made up of rolling dunes is nestled in the Sangre de Cristo mountains, and if you climb up one of the sand dunes, you’ll definitely feel the burn in your calves, but you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the desert.
The Legal Stuff
To ensure you’re legally married and that your elopement doesn’t get busted by park rangers, there’s a little bit of paperwork you’ll need to do!
Park Permits
Many of the parks in Colorado will require you to have a permit. The rules vary from park to park, so after you’ve chosen a location for your ceremony, make sure to do some research and find out if you’ll need to get a permit!
Marriage License
You’ll need to get your marriage license in Colorado, which can be done at any county clerk’s office in the state. You’ll need your photo ID, and once you fill out some paperwork, you get your marriage license! You can use your marriage license right away, but it does expire after 35 days. Some counties, like El Paso, will allow you to apply online.
Officiant
Couples who elope in Colorado can self solemnize, which means an officiant isn’t required! The marriage license will still have a place for an officiant if you choose. If you’re bringing your fur baby along, they can even stamp their paw print and marry you! Just pack an ink pad, and prepare a few words, since the dog probably won’t have much to say.
Witnesses
Many couples choose to elope in Colorado because the state doesn’t require witnesses, making it easy for couples who want to elope without guests!
Planning Your Elopement
Eloping is all about the adventure - and there’s plenty of adventures to be had in Colorado! The sky’s the limit when it comes to your elopement day, so plan something amazing that will make this the best day ever. Here are just a few of the things you can do!
Go Hiking
Some of the most beautiful spots are off the beaten path, and hiking can lead you to some incredible scenery! Imagine your elopement ceremony on top of a mountain, with snow capped peaks surrounding you.
Star Gazing
Great Sand Dunes National Park is one of the best places to see the stars. You can camp on a sand dune, and sleep under the starry night sky! There are plenty of amazing, remote places in Colorado perfect for stargazing.
Take a Jeep Tour
One of the best ways to explore Colorado is with a Jeep tour! Whether you have a guide, or you rent a 4x4 and hit the trails yourself, this is a great way to cover miles of scenery in just one day.
Make Your Bookings
You’ll need a place to stay for your elopement - after a day of adventures, you’ll want somewhere to come back to! You’ll also need to book your elopement vendors.
Click HERE to check out where you can book this cute little A frame!
Accomodations
You can find everything in Colorado, from luxury resorts to rugged campgrounds. Be sure to book your lodging early so that you can stay close to your elopement location! Check out these unique stays at the Strawberry Hot Springs, or these cozy log cabins, or search Airbnb for your home away from home. With a quick search on Airbnb I found these adorable stays! Click HERE + HERE to check them out!
Vendors
A lot of elopement vendors fill their calendars early on, so be sure to book your favorites as soon as possible! This will make a huge difference in your day, and take the stress and pressure off of you. As an elopement photographer, my goal is to make sure everyone has the wedding day they deserve - which means from finding a location, recommending places to stay, and helping with permits and logistics, I’ll guide you through the entire thing. If you’re ready to start planning a day that’s unique and totally made for you, contact me!