60+ Best Places to Elope in Colorado (Updated for 2024!)
Check out this list of the 60+ best places to elope in Colorado! Plus, tips on how to choose your perfect Colorado elopement location!
Page Contents
- 60+ Best Places to Elope in Colorado (Updated for 2024!)
- Top Colorado Elopement Locations
- Aspen
- Independence Pass
- Basalt
- Carbondale
- Denver
- Evergreen
- The Spires Ranch
- Maroon Bells
- Rocky Mountain National Park
- Garden of the Gods
- Colorado Springs
- Horsetooth Reservoir
- Boulder
- Great Sand Dunes National Park
- Breckenridge
- Vail
- San Juan Mountains
- Telluride
- St. Mary’s Glacier
- Crested Butte
- Copper Mountain
- Buena Vista
- Estes Park
- Airbnb or VRBO
- HipCamp
- For hidden gems…Chat with your photographer!
- How to choose your perfect Colorado elopement location
Updated: December 26, 2023
Top Colorado Elopement Locations
Trying to decide where to elope in Colorado? Look no further than this list which has all my favorite places to elope in Colorado!
This guide is meant to help you with some basic info and photos, to help you quickly narrow down your options and figure out a general direction that you might want to go. Some of these locations have links to more in-depth guides as well, in case you’d like to learn more.
With that said, there are so many factors that go into deciding what location will be right for you (more on that at the bottom of this post!)
Many of these locations have limitations such as only being accessible at certain times of year or only being able to accommodate a certain number of people or needing to have a certain amount of mobility to access them.
At the end of the day, the best way for you to choose a location is to talk to a local Colorado elopement photographer who knows and understand the ins and outs of where to elope in Colorado and can help you figure out what elopement location is right for you. But in the meantime, get started scrolling through this list!
Aspen
Aspen, Colorado is a small town known for it’s outdoor recreation, and particularly its skiing in the winter time. Although winter is the time that many people love to visit, winter and fall elopements are my favorite here due to all the different location options.
For more info, check out this guide to eloping in Aspen, Colorado.
Independence Pass
Independence Pass is the route between Twin Lakes, Colorado and Aspen. It offers beautiful views from the summit, which makes it a great place for eloping in Colorado! It’s important to note that this road completely closes during the winter months and I typically only recommend elopements during July, August, and September at this location.
Basalt
Basalt is another town near Aspen, Colorado and is so unique due to the beautiful red rock formations that run throughout the area. There are several beautiful spots I recommend for couples looking to elope here with options for rivers, lakes, and the type of red rocks that remind you of Moab. This Airbnb pictured here is perfect for including a few guests (no more than 10 to 15 max).
Carbondale
Carbondale is a small town near Aspen, Colorado with great views of Mount Sopris from right in town. Fall is my favorite time of year in this town that has a few different elopement spots depending on your needs.
Denver
City elopements are becoming much more popular! Although some people choose the simplicity of a courthouse elopement in Denver, there are many more options throughout the area! It’s very convenient for those coming from out of state due to its proximity to the Denver International Airport. Check out this Guide to Planning a Denver Elopement for more info!
Here are some of the great places to elope in Denver!
Denver Botanic Gardens
Located right next to Cheesman Park is the Denver Botanic Gardens. A rental is required, and there are a variety of sites available throughout the gardens. The Denver Botanic Gardens offers rental options for ceremony only, ceremony and reception, reception only, and more.
Cheesman Park
Cheesman Park is one of the most popular parks in the heart of Denver. If you’re looking for a simple, outdoor elopement spot in Denver, this could be your perfect location! There is a beautiful marble pavilion where you can say your vows and take pictures. Be aware though, this spot can get very crowded!
Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater
Red Rocks is an iconic must-see site to visit when in Denver, and it’s a great place to get married too! There are lots of beginner friendly trails with views of red rock formations. There are also sites that can be rented if you’re planning to have a larger number of friends and family members attend your elopement.
Denver Clock Tower
The Denver Clock Tower is an incredibly unique location in downtown Denver, and they offer elopements right in front of the large clock face! Elopement packages include up to 4 hours of time and up to 20 guests are allowed.
Evergreen
I love Evergreen for it’s proximity to Denver and of course the scenery as well (In fact, I loved it so much that I moved here!)
Since I’m now a local to this area, I can show you all the hidden gems here, including this mountain lake which is perfect for small and quiet elopements during the winter months.
The Spires Ranch
The Spires Ranch was created with the vision to be the type of place you could go to have your wedding if you owned your own ranch in Colorado. Even though this location feels like you are really out in nature, it is a very easy one hour drive from Denver, or 1 hour and 15 minute drive from Colorado Springs.
It’s set on 43 acres in the small town of Buffalo Creek, with wide open views of Colorado’s front range mountains and foothills. There is lots of space to explore and spend relaxing for your elopement day.
The Spires Ranch has an elopement ceremony (plus time for photos) package starting at $900, with the option to add on extras like a champagne toast and more. Learn more about this venue on their website here!
Maroon Bells
Maroon Bells is considered to be one of the most photographed places in Colorado, and for good reason! In the Elk Mountains near Aspen Colorado, the Maroon Peak and the North Maroon Peak tower over the valley below, making this location incredible for your Colorado elopement. Check on this guide to planning your elopement at Maroon Bells!
Rocky Mountain National Park
Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the most visited locations in Colorado, and has a number of beautiful sites to have your elopement. It’s worth noting that you can only have your ceremony and say your vows at the 13 sites designated for weddings. The couple, as well as any vendors, can be cited by the park rangers if you have a ceremony outside of these designated spots.
However, after your ceremony, you can take pictures at any other location in the park, which leaves plenty of opportunities to explore all that Rocky Mountain National Park has to offer!
You will need to get a permit in order to have your elopement here, and the cost is $300. Rocky Mountain National Park strictly limits the number of wedding permits they issue, so it’s important to plan early if you want to elope here!
Check out these 8 surprising facts about getting married in Rocky Mountain National Park!
Here are some of the best places to elope in Rocky Mountain National Park!
3M Curve
Hosts a maximum of 15 people and maximum of 3 vehicles.
Alluvial Fan Bridge
Hosts a maximum of 20 people and maximum of 5 vehicles.
Bear Lake Nature Trail
Hosts a maximum of 20 people and maximum of 5 vehicles. Also note that weddings are not allowed between the Friday before Memorial Day weekend through Columbus Day, and weddings are not allowed on the weekends due to crowds.
Copeland Lake
Hosts a maximum of 30 people. Between the Friday before Memorial Day weekend through Columbus Day, a maximum of 10 vehicles are allowed.
Harbison Meadow Picnic Area
Hosts a maximum of 30 people. Between the Friday before Memorial Day weekend through Columbus Day, a maximum of 10 vehicles are allowed.
Hidden Valley
Hosts a maximum of 30 people, and the wedding ceremony cannot occupy the picnic area.
Lily Lake Dock
Hosts a maximum of 10 people. Between the Friday before Memorial Day weekend through Columbus Day, a maximum of 10 vehicles are allowed.
Lily Lake Trail
Hosts a maximum of 20 people. Between the Friday before Memorial Day weekend through Columbus Day, a maximum of 10 vehicles are allowed.
Lily Lake Southside Picnic Area
Hosts a maximum of 30 people. Between the Friday before Memorial Day weekend through Columbus Day, a maximum of 10 vehicles are allowed.
Moraine Park Visitor Center Amphitheater
Hosts a maximum of 30 people. Between the Friday before Memorial Day weekend through Columbus Day, a maximum of 10 vehicles are allowed.
Sprague Lake
During the summer this site hosts a maximum of 15 people and 3 vehicles. During the winter, this site hosts a maximum of 30 people and 10 vehicles. The wedding ceremony also cannot occupy the picnic area.
Timber Creek Campground Amphitheater
Hosts a maximum of 10 people and maximum of 5 vehicles.
Upper Beaver Meadows
Hosts a maximum of 30 people and maximum of 10 vehicles during the summer. During the winter there is no vehicle access.
Garden of the Gods
Garden of the Gods is an iconic Colorado location, with beautiful red rock formations and views of Pikes Peak. Check out this Garden of the Gods Elopement Planning Guide.
Colorado Springs
While Garden of the Gods is certainly the most popular elopement location in Colorado Springs, there are others that are just as special. Check out this Colorado Springs elopement planning guide!
Here are some of the other great places to elope in Colorado Springs!
Pikes Peak
If you want an adventurous elopement and epic Colorado mountain views, Pikes Peak could be a great choice for you! You can hike to the top for a true adventure or you can just drive up if you prefer.
Paint Mines
The Paint Mines near Colorado Springs is one of the most unique places where you can elope in Colorado. With a variety of rock formations in hues of yellow, orange, and pink, you’ll almost feel like you’re on another planet. For more information, check out this guide to eloping at the Paint Mines!
Horsetooth Reservoir
Located in northern Colorado near Fort Collins, Horsetooth Reservoir often gets overlooked as an elopement location, but it’s definitely one to check out! It’s open and generally accessible year round, making it great for an elopement at any time of year!
Boulder
If you’re looking for a place to elope that has both diverse and beautiful scenery, Boulder is a great choice! There are mountain views, lakes, forests, and even red rock formations if you know which trails to visit!
Another awesome thing about eloping in Boulder is that you have lots of great restaurants and bars where you can celebrate without having to travel very far! It’s also a very short 45 minute drive from the Denver International Airport!
Check out this post for more information on eloping in Boulder!
Here are some of the top spots for eloping in Boulder, Colorado.
Lost Gulch Overlook
Lost Gulch overlook is a very popular location just outside of Boulder with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. While it is located right off of the Flagstaff road parking area, this spot is very rocky so it’s not ADA accessible.
Check out this blog post for more information on Lost Gulch elopements!
Sunrise Amphitheater
The Sunrise Amphitheater is a location that you can reserve through Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks here. The views are great from this location, and because you can reserve it, you are guaranteed privacy!
You can reserve this spot for either one hour or 3 hours, and the cost varies depending on whether you are a resident of Boulder or not. The fee for one hour is $100 for residents of Boulder and $150 for non-residents. The fee for 3 hours is $300 for residents and $400 for non-residents.
Keep in mind that this location is closed seasonally from October 31 through April 30.
Brainard Lake
Brainard Lake is one of the most popular recreation areas near Boulder. It is located west of Boulder, near Ward, Colorado. There are some beautiful lakes that you can hike to, in addition to Brainard Lake itself which is an accessible location. Entry fees are $12 per vehicle.
Chautauqua Park
Chautauqua Park was named a National Historic Landmark in 2006 and is a very popular place to visit in Boulder due to its beautiful views of the Flatiron Mountains. The Chautauqua Greens is a great setting for small weddings of less than 50 people. You can find more information on how to reserve this site here. You’ll need to make the reservation through the City of Boulder.
Check out this blog post for more information on Chautauqua Park elopements!
Boulder Reservoir
Boulder Reservoir is a beautiful and accessible location with a lake and some mountain views in the distance. I recommend checking out the northern shoreline near Coot Lake for the best views. Dogs are allowed at this location, and there are great sunset views here!
Great Sand Dunes National Park
People from outside of Colorado are often surprised to hear that Colorado has sand dunes and desert scenery! It is truly some of the most unique in the state! While a permit is required to get married at Great Sand Dunes National Park, it can make for a very adventurous and fun elopement location. Great Sand Dunes National Park is also a great place for viewing the stars due to the low light pollution in the area!
Breckenridge
Breckenridge (and Summit County in general) is a very popular elopement location in Colorado! Whether you want to do some hiking for your elopement, or you are looking for a more accessible location, Breckenridge has options for you! Breckenridge is also beautiful at any time of year, so you can just choose which season you prefer! Check out this Breckenridge elopement guide for more info!
Here are some of the best elopement locations in Breckenridge, Colorado!
Blue Lakes
During the summer, blue Lakes is a fairly easy, short hike (albeit a bit rocky) with some great views and an alpine lake. There are also lots of nearby spots for more hiking or additional portraits.
It’s worth noting that the road up to this location can be difficult for 2WD or lower clearance vehicles. This location is not accessible by vehicle during the winter months and requires a long hike to get here when the road is closed. If you’re considering eloping at this spot, definitely chat with your local elopement photographer to get the need-to-know info!
Loveland Pass
Loveland Pass is a high mountain pass not far from Breckenridge and is perfect for eloping in Colorado during the summer months.
Although it is technically open all year round (with occasional weather closures in the winter), keep in mind that due to its high altitude–roughly 11,000 feet elevation–this location can have harsh conditions year round. I typically only recommend elopements here from late June through early October, as the weather can be extreme and unpredictable outside this window.
July and August are perfect for elopements here!
Right near the top of the pass is a small alpine lake that is very accessible via a short trail. This trail is 0.8 miles round trip with minimal elevation gain of only 68 feet but offers stunning views for your ceremony.
Check out this guide to Loveland Pass elopements for more information!
Boreas Pass
Boreas Pass can make for a great scenic drive and elopement location. This location is especially beautiful in the fall when the leaves are changing; however, it does tend to get much more crowded during this time of the year.
This is another location that is great during the summer and fall months, but closes to vehicle traffic in the winter so plan accordingly! It’s always advisable to consult with a local elopement photographer to understand all the details you need to know for planning an elopement here.
Sapphire Point
Sapphire Point is near Breckenridge, Colorado and has beautiful views of the Dillon Reservoir and the Tenmile Range.
You can reserve the Sapphire Point overlook area for 2 hours for only $110, plus a $10 reservation fee. Reservations for this location open up 6 months in advance. This area can hold up to 35 people so if you’re eloping with guests this is an option I highly recommend.
For more information on Sapphire Point, check out this Sapphire Point Elopement & Wedding Guide.
Lake Dillon
If you’re having a “just us” elopement, or just a couple of guests, other locations around Lake Dillon can be a great option for eloping to Colorado. In fact, there are a few spots that are much less crowded than Sapphire Point (which is better for elopements with more guests) that I love sharing with my elopement couples, like this one pictured below.
Guanella Pass
Guanella Pass is a scenic drive near Breckenridge, and is particularly beautiful in the fall. Note that the summit can get crowded since this parking lot is also the trailhead for the most popular route to summit Mt. Bierstadt.
Keep in mind this pass does close during the winter months (typically closed by Thanksgiving time) and doesn’t reopen until around Memorial Day weekend each year. Due to the crowds, I only recommend weekdays and off-peak times for elopements here.
Mount Evans
Mount Evans is one of only two 14ers (i.e., 14,000 foot peaks) in Colorado where you can drive all the way to the top! The other one is Pikes Peak. This makes it a very unique place to say your vows and elope!
Vail
Vail is another popular place to get married in Colorado, due to its beautiful scenery. Check out this Vail elopement guide with more info!
I typically recommend Vail during the summer and early fall months, as accessibility and locations are very limited in the winter and spring. Here are some of the best elopement locations in Vail, Colorado!
Shrine Pass
Shrine Pass is a mountain road near Vail that offers scenic mountain views. Shrine Pass starts near Vail Pass and continues until Redcliff. Although it is a dirt road, almost all vehicles are fine to make this drive. However, it’s important to note that Shrine Pass is only open during the summer months.
Julia’s Deck
Julia’s Deck (also known as the Mount of the Holy Cross Overlook site) is an observation deck located off of Shrine Pass near Vail. The deck has views of Mount of the Holy Cross and can be used for weddings during the summer.
This location is only accessible during the summer months and early fall.
Vail Pass
Vail Pass is another area that has great mountain views that are very accessible. Near the rest stop area of Vail Pass, you can walk around and explore a bit for a beautiful ceremony location.
Gore Creek Bridge
The Gore Creek Bridge is a covered wooden bridge that leads to the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens. It is a popular spot for engagement photos and proposals. It can also be a great location to say your vows or take some photos after your ceremony!
San Juan Mountains
Located in southwest Colorado, the San Juan mountains are some of my favorites in the whole state! The beautiful red colors running through the mountains, and the stunning lakes in the region offer some great options for your elopement. Although there are some accessible locations, most of the best spots here do require some hiking or off-roading! It makes for a truly adventurous elopement!
Telluride
Telluride is a beautiful mountain town in Southwest Colorado that offers great skiing in the winter, and plenty of other activities in the summer.
For more information, check out my guide to Telluride elopements!
St. Mary’s Glacier
St. Mary’s Glacier is a very popular hike in Colorado, and for good reason! It offers a lot of bang for your buck! In other words, it’s not considered a very difficult hike, but there are great views, including mountains, a lake, and even a glacier that you can walk on!
For more info, check out this St. Mary’s Glacier Elopement Guide!
Crested Butte
Elopements in Crested Butte are great because this mountain town is much less busy than many of the other popular ones in Colorado. But it is certainly no less beautiful here! There are great locations for a hiking elopement as well as more accessible locations!
Copper Mountain
While Copper Mountain is best known for skiing, I actually love it for all the beautiful nearby elopement locations! These spots are definitely better for “just us” elopements or just a couple of guests, but they are accessible at almost any time of year!
Buena Vista
Buena Vista is another small mountain town in rural Colorado with some beautiful elopement locations nearby. If you’re visiting here, you’ll also want to check out Mt. Princeton Hot Springs which is a perfect resort to relax at for a honeymoon!
Estes Park
Estes Park is the town bordering the East entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park, so it often gets overshadowed by the park! But there are a number of beautiful locations in Estes Park where you can get married, and avoid the bigger crowds at Rocky Mountain National Park.
Airbnb or VRBO
Another fun idea to consider for your elopement would be to rent an Airbnb/VRBO property. There are some properties with great views throughout Colorado. If both privacy and accessibility are important to you, renting a private property is a great choice! Always remember to check the property rules and confirm your plans with the owner before booking!
Check out this post with more info on Colorado Airbnb Weddings and Elopements!
HipCamp
Similar to Airbnb/VRBO, Hipcamp is another unique option to consider for where to elope in Colorado. The elopement pictured here was a fun camping elopement at a private property with beautiful mountain views in a rural part of Colorado.
Again, always remember to check the property rules and confirm your plans with the owner before booking!
As exhaustive as this list is, can you believe that there are still more epic places to elope in Colorado?! It’s true! In fact, while this list contains the most popular spots to elope, often that popularity means crowds! If you’re looking for hidden gems or less-known locations, you’ll want to chat with a local expert!
Most elopement photographers spend tons of time scouting locations and finding the best spots, so talk to your photographer about helping you choose your perfect Colorado elopement location.
Planning to elope outside Colorado? Check out this list of more ideas around the world!
How to choose your perfect Colorado elopement location
Choosing where to have your elopement ceremony is one of the most important decisions you’ll make when planning your elopement. Although we’ve gone over some popular Colorado elopement location ideas, here are some questions to ask yourself to help narrow down your perfect place to elope in Colorado.
- What type of scenery am I looking for? (e.g., sand dunes, forests, mountains, lakes, etc.)
- How far am I willing to travel from a certain town or area where I will be staying for my elopement?
- Am I willing to do any hiking or off-roading, or will I need an accessible location?
- Do I need a permit for my desired location? Are permits still available, and can I get one in time for my elopement?
- What time of year am I planning to elope? Will my desired location be accessible at this time of year? Will the weather be okay for my needs and comfort level at that time of year?
- Are there vendors near the location I am choosing, such as restaurants/caterers, hair and makeup artists, officiants, etc. Some remote locations require vendors to travel a distance, which results in extra travel fees.
- How important is privacy to me? Am I okay with strangers being around during my ceremony?
- Am I planning to have any guests or pets along for my elopement? If so, have I considered their needs?
As you can see, there are a number of factors to consider when choosing an elopement location! If choosing a location has you feeling overwhelmed, definitely talk with a professional!
An experienced Colorado elopement photographer or elopement planner will be able to help you find the perfect location! In fact, assistance with finding an elopement location is included with all of my elopement photography packages! Get in touch for more info!
Are you planning a Colorado elopement?
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Hi I’m Kim, a Denver, Colorado based photographer specializing in Adventure Elopements in Colorado and worldwide! Photographing couples on the most special day of their lives is a true honor for me. But I’ve made it my mission to take it one step further than that. When you work with me, you’re getting more than just a photographer. I’m here to help you with all of the planning resources you need to have the most amazing elopement day ever! That includes everything from assistance with location ideas, timeline planning, and lots more free resources. So you can forget the work, and focus on having fun!
Oh my goodness, this is such essential reading for any couple looking to get married in colorado! Love that you included photo examples of your beautiful work, too!
This is truly the best collection of locations I have ever seen for a Colorado elopement! Red Rocks Park and Paint Mines absolutely caught my heart!
Holy smokes, what a list! This will be so helpful for couples wanting to elope in Colorado!
This exhaustive list is epic! So many amazing places to elope in Colorado! I’ve been to a few of these locations but there’s so many that I’m putting on my travel list now 🙂 Paint Mines look epic!
Jesus! i heard of it that colorado is amazing. But this List of yours just shows me how epic it is. Beautiful
This list is absolutely amazing!! So many gorgeous places in Colorado to elope!
Wow that’s a lot of elopement locations in one state! Colorado is so amazing!!
I absolutely loved all of these location ideas for possible CO weddings! Thanks so much for sharing this resource with us!
This is an unreal resource. Thanks for sharing your expertise!