The Ultimate Guide to Planning your Evergreen Colorado Elopement
This guide has everything you need to know about planning an elopement in Evergreen, Colorado, including the top Evergreen elopement locations, Evergreen elopement photography packages, and lots more info!
Page Contents
- The Ultimate Guide to Planning your Evergreen Colorado Elopement
- Why you should elope in Evergreen (from a local resident!)
- Best places to elope in Evergreen, Colorado
- Map of Evergreen elopement & microwedding locations
- Getting your marriage license for your Evergreen elopement
- Choosing when to elope in Evergreen
- Where to have your Evergreen elopement or microwedding reception
- Places to stay near Evergreen
- Elopement activities in Evergreen
- Things to do in Evergreen for your guests
- Evergreen elopement & microwedding packages
Why you should elope in Evergreen (from a local resident!)
As someone who lives in Evergreen, and spends lots of time hiking and exploring here, of course I am a little biased!
But that said, I think there are many great reasons to elope in Evergreen! Here are just a few:
- The views! Evergreen has so many places with beautiful views and there is lots of scenic variety to choose from, including mountains, rolling foothills, lakes, streams, and forests. Many people think the forests here are only pine trees, but if you know where to look, you can find some beautiful aspen groves as well!
- Close proximity to Denver. If you live in Denver or if you/your guests are coming from out of town, you may not want to have to make the trek hours into the mountains. Evergreen is a great option for staying close to Denver.
- Available year round! Although not all the locations on this list are accessible year round, many of them are. The foothills tend to stay much warmer than the high country here in Colorado. So if you’re not wanting to fight the crazy winter weather, Evergreen offers you some great options with much less chance of snow or bad weather.
- Accessible or hiking options. Another great thing about Evergreen is that you are able to choose whether you want an accessible location for your elopement or whether you want to hike. There are great places to elope in Evergreen either way!
- Bring your pet with you! There are plenty of dog-friendly options in the Evergreen area!
Best places to elope in Evergreen, Colorado
Evergreen has so many elopement location options to choose from! It’s hard to know where to start!
This list is a great place to start and covers some of the most popular elopement locations in Evergreen.
Alderfer/Three Sisters Park
Alderfer/Three Sisters Park is a Jefferson County park located in Evergreen. It has dozens of miles of hiking trails, as well as some accessible locations.
You can choose from forested views, meadows, mountain views, or even a barn! It is accessible year round.
This location can get extremely crowded so I recommend an early morning or evening on a weekday.
Elk Meadow Park
Elk Meadow Park is another JeffCo park with great views, mostly with a big meadow (hence the name) and some foothill views.
It is a very large park, so talk to your photographer about finding the best spots!
Maxwell Falls
If you’re looking for a waterfall location in Evergreen, Maxwell Falls is the spot for you! It requires a short to moderate hike to get to the waterfall. This spot is especially great in the wintertime when the waterfall is frozen!
Echo Mountain Ski Resort
Echo Mountain Ski Resort is a smaller ski resort in Colorado and is very close to Evergreen. There are great views from the resort, and not many people realize that you can also have your wedding here. Get more info on their website.
Echo Lake
Echo Lake is one of my favorite locations in the Evergreen area for beautiful mountain views in the winter time.
It’s also a great spot in the summer time, but is much more crowded at this time of year. Because of the crowds, I only recommend small groups for this location (about 5-7 people or less) during the summer.
In the winter time, the lake freezes over and you can actually walk on it! There are also some picnic tables in the area as well as a covered shelter if you want to have a small picnic afterwards!
Highland Haven Creekside Inn
Highland Haven is a very cute inn located in Evergreen, with options to have elopements or small weddings onsite. They offer affordable elopement packages which include lodging for your elopement night. Get more information on the Highland Haven Creekside Inn website.
Chief Hosa Lodge
Chief Hosa Lodge has a medieval, romantic vibe, with stone walls and rustic lanterns. It is run by Denver Parks and can be rented through them by the hour. It is another very affordable option near the Evergreen area.
Mount Falcon West
While not technically in Evergreen itself, the West side of Mount Falcon Park is very close to Evergreen, and is another great spot for elopements.
There are beautiful forest and foothill views here, as well as some picnic tables.
Mount Falcon West is best suited for small elopements (10 people or less). It can also get crowded so early mornings and evenings are the best times to elope here.
Evergreen Lake House
Evergreen Lake House is more of a traditional venue, and it is a great, affordable option for smaller weddings.
It is run by Evergreen Parks and Recreation and offers different pricing depending on the day and time of year you book for.
Juniper Mountain House
Juniper Mountain House is another small venue that is great for Evergreen microweddings.
Note that this location is very popular and books far in advance! I highly recommend planning early for this location.
Mount Evans
The road to the summit of Mount Evans is the highest paved road in Colorado. Mount Evans is also one of two fourteeners (14,000+ foot peaks) in Colorado where you can drive to the summit–the other one is Pikes Peak.
The road to the summit of Mount Evans is only open for a couple of months every year, because the weather can be so iffy at that high altitude and the road has to be maintained for car traffic. It usually opens in June and closes labor day weekend.
But if you’re looking for those top of the mountain views with little effort, this can be a great spot.
I recommend this spot for small groups only (about 5-10 people or less), and permits may be needed, so make sure to do your research or talk to your photographer!
Squaw Pass
Squaw Pass is a mountain pass that connects Evergreen and Idaho Springs. There are lots of hiking elopement locations along this pass that I love to share with my couples.
Gazebo at Boettcher Mansion
Located near Evergreen, the Gazebo at Boettcher Mansion is another great place to have an elopement or microwedding. I recommend small groups for this location of no more than 10-15 people.
It is very affordable to reserve, costing only $300 (at the time this post was written in 2021).
Airbnb/VRBO
Another fun idea to consider for your elopement would be to rent an Airbnb or VRBO with a great backyard or beautiful views for your elopement.
If both privacy and easy accessibility are important to you, renting a private property is one of the best options next to renting a wedding venue.
Of course, always make sure to check with the owners about your plans before booking your property. Check out this post for more info on Colorado Airbnb Elopement Venues.
Chat with your photographer about hidden gems for your Evergreen elopement
Finding a location is usually the first thing couples want to do when planning their elopement or microwedding, but I’ll let you in on a little wedding industry secret…
Choosing a photographer first is actually the best thing you can do, especially if you’re planning an elopement or small wedding.
Why? Because local photographers know all the best spots! Most elopement photographers, including myself, include location help with their photography packages.
For example, when you tell me what type of scenery you want, how many guests you’re planning to have, whether you want to hike or whether you need an accessible location, etc. etc., I can help you with determining what your best options are in a given area like Evergreen.
Colorado is a beautiful place, and there are literally hundreds of location options. If you hire your photographer first, you don’t have to take on the daunting task of finding a place to get married by yourself.
Evergreen and the surrounding area has many more hidden gems that are perfect for a Colorado elopement, especially during the summer months. Get in touch and we can start planning your dream elopement day!
Map of Evergreen elopement & microwedding locations
Getting your marriage license for your Evergreen elopement
How to get your marriage license in Colorado
The process for getting your marriage license in Colorado is very simple.
You will need to go to a County Clerk and Recorder’s office. You can go to any county’s office in the state, regardless of where you are getting married.
Although some counties allow you to start the application online, you must complete the process in person.
There is no waiting period to get married in Colorado, so you can use it the same day you get it. However, keep in mind that these offices follow typical government office hours and holidays. Most offices are open Monday through Friday from 8 A.M. to 4:30/5 P.M.
The process is very quick! It will usually only take about 20 to 30 minutes and you should not need an appointment.
You must use the license within 35 days of applying for it. Then it must be completed and filed back with the County Clerk and Recorder’s office within 63 days from the date of the wedding. You can either mail it back in, or return it physically to the same location.
What do I need to bring?
- $30 (most counties accept cash, check, or credit card)
- Valid form of identification (e.g., passport, driver’s license, military I.D.), including proof of age
- Social security numbers
If I live elsewhere, should I get my marriage license in Colorado?
If you are getting married in Colorado, you should obtain your marriage license in Colorado rather than your home state if you live elsewhere. This is because very few states allow you to apply for a marriage license, have your ceremony in another state, and then return home to file the license.
The reverse is also true. If you live in Colorado, but want to have your ceremony in another state, you should apply for your marriage license in the state where you’re having your ceremony. Colorado requires you to sign your marriage license within the state.
Choosing when to elope in Evergreen
When you choose to elope in Evergreen will depend on your personal preferences on scenery, location, and more!
The locations on the list above range from about 7,000 feet elevation to over 14,000 feet elevation for Mount Evans, which means conditions at these locations vary significantly within a given season.
But with that said, I’ve tried to give some general information about the different seasons here below, and would be happy to provide more detailed information if you want to get in touch about planning your elopement day!
Summer in Evergreen
Summer in Evergreen can get quite warm at lower elevations during the day, but it can be cooler in the evenings too. Overall it’s a very pleasant time of year in Evergreen, and the wildflowers are absolutely stunning if you know where to look!
Overall, it’s one of my favorite seasons here, and I highly recommend this time of year to elope.
Fall in Evergreen
September is probably my favorite month here in Evergreen and is a great time to elope.
Keep in mind that early fall in Evergreen is very different from late fall in Evergreen, especially at the higher elevations (8-9k feet and up). October and November are extremely unpredictable, and you expect to see anything from a warm, sunny day to a heavy snow storm.
Generally, it starts to feel like fall in early September and the leaves are changing anywhere from mid September to early October in most years.
There are lots of beautiful locations that have fall foliage, including Squaw Pass. You do want to avoid weekends as this time of year since the visiting leaf peepers come out in droves.
Winter in Evergreen
If you’re looking for a winter elopement option, Evergreen is a solid choice. Expect varying conditions, as you might have a sunny day or a snowy one during the winter months.
Like most places in Colorado, March and April are the months that see the most snow, which is great for winter lovers. However, keep in mind that travel can be difficult in some locations during the winter, so keep that in mind when planning your elopement. Always make sure you have a backup option!
Spring in Evergreen
Spring is my least favorite season in Evergreen, as it is the most unpredictable and hard to manage.
The melting snow means trails and various locations can get very muddy. And when melting snow refreezes overnight, it creates lots of ice, on both trails and roads. If you elope in the Spring (particularly April and early to mid May), make sure you have a backup plan in place in case the weather doesn’t cooperate!
Weekend vs. Weekday
Because of the popularity of many Evergreen locations, I always recommend a weekday elopement if at all possible. It will offer you significantly less crowds and more privacy than a weekend elopement.
Time of day
Equally as important as choosing a weekday elopement over a weekend elopement, is choosing a time of day that will offer you the best chance of privacy.
Early mornings are by far the best time to elope if seclusion is important to you. If you can’t make a morning elopement work for you two, evenings are generally the next best time.
Where to have your Evergreen elopement or microwedding reception
Here are a few different options you have for celebrating your Evergreen elopement, whether that be just the two of you or with others.
Picnic
A picnic at a local park is always a great option for celebrating your elopement, especially if you’re planning to celebrate your elopement with friends and family.
Some popular parks near Evergreen include the Dedisse Park Picnic Shelter, the Echo Lake Picnic Area, and the Evergreen Lake Picnic Area.
Restaurant
Another option would be to make a reservation at a nearby restaurant for your reception. Many restaurants have a private event space option. You could also consider having your reception at a nearby distillery or craft brewery!
Private Chef/Catering
Finally, if you love good food but want more privacy to celebrate your marriage, consider hiring a local private chef or ordering catering. This is a great option if you’re renting an Airbnb or VRBO in the area.
Places to stay near Evergreen
If you’re looking for a great place to stay in Evergreen, look no further than these great options! Keep in mind that most lodging in the Evergreen area is lodge or bed & breakfast style. You can also check out listings on Airbnb or VRBO for more options!
Elopement activities in Evergreen
One of the biggest reasons I love elopements as compared to traditional weddings is that they give you the freedom to do literally anything you want for your wedding day.
Myself and my partner did a helicopter elopement in Alaska, and it was the best day ever.
You don’t have to limit yourself to just a traditional vow reading ceremony, or even just hiking if that’s not your thing.
I strongly encourage my couples to think outside the box, consider what types of activities they enjoy doing together, and discuss whether to include some kind of activity for their adventurous elopement day.
Here are some ideas of activities you could do in Evergreen:
- Hiking
- Horseback riding – Check out Bear Mountain Stables
- Fly fishing – Check out Blue Quill Angler for guided trips
- Ice fishing or ice skating in the winter
- Kayaking
- Rock climbing – Check out Evergreen Wilderness Guides
- Mountain biking
- White water rafting – Check out Clear Creek Rafting
Things to do in Evergreen for your guests
If you’re looking for a location for your elopement or microwedding that also has options to entertain your guests, you can look no further than Evergreen.
In addition to the adventurous activities listed above, here are some more options for your guests in and nearby Evergreen:
- Shops in downtown Evergreen
- Scenic drive to the top of Mount Evans
- Skiing/snowboarding/tubing at Echo Mountain Ski Resort
- See a concert at the Red Rocks Amphitheater
- Buffalo Bill Museum and Grave
- Take a stroll around Evergreen Lake
- Watch for elk in Elk Meadow
- Bowling and arcade games at The Wild Game
- Play a round at the Evergreen Golf Course
- Wine tasting at Creekside Cellars
- Treat yourself to a spa day at Tall Grass Spa
- Visit the Evergreen farmers market
Evergreen elopement & microwedding packages
I’m more than just a photographer…I’m here to help you have the best day ever!
Based on my experience, especially with elopements and microweddings, couples need more than just a photographer.
Unlike with a traditional wedding, you may not have a venue coordinator or wedding planner helping you think through logistics, locations, or all the little details that really add up!
I don’t just show up and take photos on your day. I’ll be here for you every step of the way.
I know you have a lot of choices when it comes to picking a photographer. What makes me different is that my number one goal is to be here for YOU–not just as your elopement photographer… but as your elopement partner to help you create the epic day your love story deserves!
Custom Evergreen, Colorado Elopement Packages include:
- Elopement & Micro wedding VIP Planning Guide exclusively for Wild and Found couples
- Questionnaires to help you through the planning process
- Personalized location assistance
- Local vendor recommendations
- Logistics help and a custom timeline
- Gear and day-of checklists customized for your day
- More one-on-one planning help
- Assistance with wedding permit if needed
- Cost of photo permit included
- An entire gallery of edited, high-resolution images great for printing, PLUS websize images ideal for posting to social media
- The rights to print, share, and download all of your images
- A sneak peek of 5 images with 48 hours
- PLUS a 20% off discount on prints, albums, canvas art, etc. for your first order
*Summer 2023 Mini Elopement Special (see below) does not include custom elopement planning assistance
2-Day Evergreen Elopement Package
Can’t decide between a “just us” celebration, or a day with friends and family? Have both!
Includes 12 hours of photo coverage, split over 2 days.
Travel throughout all of Colorado included!
8 Hour Evergreen Elopement Package
Our most popular package–for capturing memories of your entire elopement day
Includes 8 hours of photo coverage.
Travel throughout all of Colorado included!
4 Hour Evergreen Elopement Package
A great choice for simple elopements at accessible locations or for short hikes.
Includes 4 hours of photo coverage.
Travel throughout all of Colorado included!
2 Hour Evergreen Elopement Package
When something short and sweet will do!
Includes 2 hours of photo coverage.
Available only for “just us” elopements (no guests) on Mondays through Thursdays within 2 hours of Denver.
Bookable up to 2 months in advance.
Are you planning an Evergreen elopement or microwedding?
I’m more than just a photographer. Helping couples create their dream day is what I do best!
Get in touch and let’s chat about your vision!
Get more elopement and microwedding info here!
Or check out more elopement planning resources…
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!
Great job with this helpful guide to eloping in evergreen Colorado! I’m sure you know of some great hidden gems Kim!
Woww!! Evergreen looks like the place to put on everyone’s bucket list right now!! This is so gorgeous !
I had never heard of Evergreen, Colorado before this post, and I’m kicking myself for not knowing about this gem! You’re such an authority figure on this spot, too! Thanks for all of the information!
What a beautiful spot for an elopement!! I love that there are plenty of spots for dogs too!
If someone needed to be convinced to elope in Evergreen, you’ve done your job! This is incredibly helpful.
Wow, that’s what I call a complete guide! I would especially be interested in the hidden gems if I was couple planning to elope! Beautiful photos as always.
Wow! What a comprehensive guide to eloping in Evergreen! I had never heard of Evergreen before but I think you’ve convinced me that it is just as beautiful as so many other CO locations! I also love that your guide included maps to show us where the locations are in relation to where we might be! Super helpful!
Echo Lake and Squaw Pass…are my favorites…..so closet Denver area…and they all feel so remote to adventure!