The Only Colorado Elopement Guide You Need (How-To 2025)
Some of the best elopement photos happen just after the ceremony, like here with Hannah & Tyler - when the sun is setting and you’re radiating a just-married glow ;)
How To Elope In Colorado And Keep It Simple, Beautiful, Meaningful and Stress-Free
Hi there, I’m Officiant Lisa and I’ve been guiding couples to elope in the Colorado mountains since 2013! Ever since that very first ceremony on a mountain top, and now over 500 elopements later, I continue to fall in love again and again with the beautiful mini adventures that my team creates with our couples. I’m not only an elopement expert, I’m also an officiant who specializes in deeply meaningful officiant-led or self-solemnizing ceremony, which is the key to the intimate connection that you want to feel on your elopement day. I’m also partnered with an incredible photography team, so I know all about how to get the best photos on your day.
From first-hand experience, I can affirm that eloping really is the only simple scenario left in the wedding world. It allows you to spend the entire day enjoying each other, while also keeping the logistics and cost truly minimal. Because of relaxed laws and easy access to mountain vistas, Colorado is perfect for this. After meeting with hundreds of eloping couples over the years, I know it’s the biggest thing that you’re wondering at this point: “Can we really pull this off, and is it really going to be simple and easy?” I can honestly say, “Yes, yes you can. And yes, yes it is!”
I can’t wait to show you how in the guide below, which has comprehensive info about best times to elope here, costs, locations, planning steps, tips from my Colorado marriage laws & licenses guide and lots more. While it’s full of information, I’ve also purposefully created this guide to relax you, rather than overwhelm you. As a first step, read on for my absolute Number One Key to keep the creation of your Colorado elopement simple and stress-free…
With Love, Officiant Lisa
Table Of Contents
All the stuff that’s good for you to initially know is right here in this guide.
Read it all, or click to jump to a section that you just can’t wait to read :)
All photos in this guide are by the company my packages are partnered with: Colorado Photographer Squad.
My Number One Key For A Simple, Stress-Free Colorado Elopement
Erika & Bradley got the perfect sunset light which often happens at 3M Curve in Rocky Mountain National Park - the quintessential Colorado mountain backdrop.
My Absolute #1 Key To Keep Your Colorado Elopement Simple & Overwhelm-Free
There is so much information about elopements on the internet these days. If you’re a couple Googling around, it gets overwhelming FAST. Back a decade ago, you could hop on Google and there were only around four of us specializing in Colorado elopements. There wasn’t much elopement information on the internet, so couples would just hire one of us experts and we’d happily guide them through the entire process. Easy peasy. But in recent years, elopements have become much more popular, and instead of just four of us, there are now pages and pages of photographers, companies and planners. Oy! Also, there’s a new trend where everyone makes extensive Colorado elopement guides, which then causes couples to spend hours and hours feeling they have to read tons of info on the “how” of elopements. It’s A LOT.
So Here’s My Advice
Research about locations, laws and costs a little bit, but not to the point of overwhelm, and then make it your first priority to pick a local expert to guide you. This would be either a planner, photographer or officiant guide. It’s highly likely you’re going to hire one if not all of these roles anyway, so hire them early because any of us who have packages know tons about laws, locations, permits, vendors, weather, best times of the year, costs, what to wear, where to go and how best to plan it out. Once you have a guide on board, you can stop Googling and let them provide you with all that information (and in a way that’s tailored specifically to you), instead of trying to figure it all out yourself.
Base your pick on personality fit because once you’re connected with an expert whom you enjoy and feel comfortable with (and who really knows their stuff), then the whole process is so much more fun and you can ahhhh… relax, breathe and love this process.
What Is Eloping & Why Elope In Colorado
A meaningful ceremony with all the feels next to stunning Brainard Lake with its alpine forests and Continental Divide peaks.
What Does It Mean To Elope?
In today’s wedding world, elopements are the best way to keep your logistics simple and have a day that is focused on your connection. Some decades ago, elopements were clandestine and hidden- typically a way for a couple to steal away and get married without parental consent. But these days they’re totally out in the open. A joyful opportunity to have a mini adventure with your fiancé, enjoy the romance of your day together, then emerge from the mountains… married!
The “how” of elopements has also evolved. No longer just at the courthouse, now they are in gorgeous places all over the world. They are professionally photographed. Oftentimes our couples plan their elopement several months or even a year in advance. We still do get the occasional “a few weeks before” or “we want to elope tomorrow” calls though, and those are fun too. Couples sometimes tell their family, sometimes not. Or they elope telling just close family, then announce to extended community when they throw a casual party later so that everyone can celebrate.
The number of people attending has evolved too. As eloping has become more popular, the word “elopement” can mean many things. Just the couple. The couple and five or eight or ten guests. The term micro wedding was born at some point and, depending on who you’re talking to, has come to mean just the couple… or the couple and some guests… or the couple and 20 or 30 or 50 guests. I’ve come to think of a micro wedding as anything larger than 15 guests, because at that point, you start to lose the simple, casual elopement feel ;)
Our specialty: getting married on the edge of a cliff with endless views, but only hiking five minutes to get there!
Why Elope In Colorado?
I see this question as twofold: “Why do couples elope?” and “Why do they choose Colorado?” From hundreds of booking meetings, I can share the birds-eye view of main reasons that couples elope. If you’re googling around about elopements, I bet you identify with one or two or maybe even all of those reasons…
Desire for the day to be focused on connection
Not liking being in the spotlight
Not wanting to spend tens of thousands of dollars on a party mostly for people they don’t know
Not wanting the stress that you’ve seen other brides and grooms experience on their wedding day
And there’s also the fact that the money for a big wedding can go toward a house or other major life purchase.
Now here’s a fun list of what couples typically answer when I ask them “Why did you choose Colorado”:
“We visited Colorado and fell in love with the state”.
One or both of them has “always wanted to go there.”
“We love mountains and hiking and camping, so of course Colorado!”
“Because we love mountain activities, it’s perfect for a mini-honeymoon in the days after.”
“We want the gorgeous photos.”
“I’ve always had an image of us getting married on a mountain.”
“It’s easy to get and sign a Colorado marriage license.”
Colorado Elopement Requirements: Rules, Laws, Permits & Licenses
Lol I have a habit of jumping up and down with my couples after we sign their license. At this point there are hundreds of photos of me (and the couples too) completely up in the air.
The Whole Scoop On Colorado Elopement Rules, Laws, Permits & License Requirements
This is a bit of a long section, but it’s worth reading because it answers all of the immediate burning questions as you begin planning. Then once you’ve secured an expert planner, photographer or officiant guide, they’ll know any additional specifics relevant to you.
Colorado Marriage Rules & Laws
We’re known for being super relaxed and it really is true. The most important facts and requirements for eloping In Colorado are:
It costs $35 to obtain a Colorado marriage license.
You can get married as soon as the same day that you get a Colorado marriage license, or up to 35 days after you obtain your license.
You can get legally married in Colorado even if you’re not a resident here.
Colorado is known as the easiest state to get married because you are legally married when just the two of you have signed your marriage license (this is called self-solemnizing) or you can have an officiant sign your license too. Basically, anyone can marry you here- hire a professional officiant or have a friend or family member get ordained online to officiate for you… or marry yourselves!
Witnesses are signatures in addition to the self-solemnizing signatures or the couples’ and officiant’s signatures. You don’t legally need witnesses to sign your marriage license in Colorado, but if you want important loved ones to sign for posterity, there are two witness signature lines on the license if you want to use them.
If you do live out of state and get your marriage license in Colorado, it counts as your marriage license in any of the U.S. states. If you’re coming from out of country, rules vary by country, so check first about what paperwork is recognized in your country
Same sex marriage is supported, and there are even some county clerks who have licenses with a rainbow border if you want one - how cool is that!
You can have an officiant sign your license with you like Mary & Jeremiah did here, or you can self-solemnize and just sign it yourselves.
Oh and yes, you can have your dog witness with a paw print if you want, but only some of the county clerks allow it and that’s changing all the time, so double-check to make sure that you’re getting your license at one that allows it. You also can’t have just your dog sign - you need to have people signatures on there too, then the paw print is an added bonus.
If you have someone officiate for you, then the only important requirement is that they be ordained by a formal organization like Universal Life Church or American Marriage Ministries (takes just minutes online) or a full seminary school, and that they sign your license with an official title like “Reverend” or “Minister”. Ask the ordaining organization for the title to use. Professional officiants will already have their ordination in place, and friend/family officiants can easily get their ordination online. Keeping with the laid-back vibe, Colorado county clerks don’t even ask for paperwork confirming ordination, they just require that the officiant signs with an official title.
To marry yourselves, also known as “self-solemnization”, the county clerk will give you instructions as to how to sign the license yourselves so that you’ve made it legal.
Colorado Permits That Are Relevant For Elopements
We are always signing licenses in sunset light. It’s the best.
There are several different types of permits that can come into play when you’re eloping in Colorado, and depending on the location that you choose, you could need none, one or more than one. A permit for professional photography and a permit to have a wedding ceremony are for sure needed in national parks and often needed in other kinds of parks that allow weddings, but private lands and some government lands like National Forests can be more relaxed. There are also entrance fees to think about, depending on your location, and sometimes you have to purchase these before you drive to the location.
The great news for keeping the permit thing simple? Once you have an expert planner, photographer or officiant guide in the mix, they’ll have all this intel. They’ll know if any permits are needed for the locations they offer, they’ll often already have many of the permits in place for you, plus they’ll tell you about any permits or entry tickets that you’ll need to get yourself and how to get them. This is one of those things you don’t have to figure out yourself!
How To Get & Sign A Colorado Marriage License
Yep, all three of us got air for this photo!
I’m an officiant and have been teaching this for years, so it’s funny because after a while, it boils down to a really simple process. Read my simple summary here, and if you want a full step-by-step guide, visit my “How To Get A Colorado Marriage License Guide” here.
In the meantime, here’s the simple summary so you can see how easy it is: First, identify which county clerk you’ll go to. Typically whichever clerk is nearest your lodging. Just google “map of Colorado counties” and you’ll see the various counties that are nearby, then you can check to see where those clerks are. You can get a license at any county clerk in Colorado and use it anywhere in Colorado, it just has to be returned to that same county clerk to be processed into a marriage certificate which is the final official paperwork.
Once you’ve picked a county clerk, schedule an appointment on their online calendar or plan to do a walk-in if you like that better and they allow it. Fill out their marriage license application online before your in-person appointment. Also, read the county clerk’s own instructions on how to get a marriage license on their website because rules can slightly differ from one county clerk to the next. Then call them to double check since they’re government offices and I’ve found that sometimes their websites can be outdated.
At the county clerk, both of you need to be there in person unless the clerk allows video appointments (just a few of them do). You’ll give them $30, each show them your I.D. (call them to make sure you’re bringing the kind they accept because this can change often too) and then they’ll make your license for you on the spot. Bring the license to your ceremony and use the county clerk’s instructions to self-solemnize or to have your officiant sign it. Mail it back to the clerk or drop it off by hand and they’ll mail you the final marriage certificate at your home address. Sometimes when you drop it off in person, they’re able to record the document right on the spot and you can leave with your completed marriage certificate in hand!
The Best Time To Elope In Colorado
If you’re early risers like Mia & Jack, sunrise is a magical time to elope on what feels like the edge of the world.
How To Choose When To Elope Here
From my Colorado elopement expert point of view, the perfect time to have your elopement is mid-June through the end of September because the weather is most predictable and most locations are accessible. But the best time to elope here also depends on the kind of weather and scenery you want to have in the mix, and there are some accessibility considerations too. Below is the scoop on each season, and I think of this lovely state as having FIVE seasons for elopements, not four!
Weekdays, weekdays, weekdays: If your schedule allows, absolutely go for a Sunday through Thursday rather than Fridays or Saturdays which are much more busy on the trails and in the parking lots. Many elopement spots here are not exclusive-use, so even if you have a permit, other folks can still be around. Weekdays are key for intimacy and that feeling of the mountain being yours.
And sunset or sunrise: The best light for photos is during the first two hours after sunrise and the two hours leading up to sunset. That’s when the light is most soft, dreamy and romantic. Our team does our elopements by default in those windows, and mostly sunsets, but every once in a while we have a couple who is game to get up in the middle of the night for the quiet and beauty of sunrise!
Also, an important note: I’ve noticed that it’s common for couples to need to come for a specific date or time of year because of the timing of vacation days off, or a particular date has sentimental value. If that’s the case, then you’re still good - really, ANY time of year is gorgeous in Colorado - you can’t go wrong ;)
The 5 Seasons Of Colorado
Spring In Colorado
Typically March through end of May to mid-June
When I think of spring in Colorado, I think of lush green everywhere - the meadows, the conifer trees - the greens are saturated and rich. And it really is as green as it is in this photo of Brennan and Landen! The green is special because this is a high desert climate with little humidity, so the lush green doesn’t last long. By mid-summer it’s golden yellow to brown (the meadows, not the trees lol). Keep in mind, even though we tend to shift into spring around March, the lush greens don’t really get going until May and early June. Wildflowers are happening at lower elevations starting in May and on into June too. At higher elevations, flowers don’t kick in until more like July and August.
For Spring, keep in mind the variable weather. I always tell our couples that this time of year is a wild card - bring clothing for both warm and cold temperatures. It could be sunny and warm… or raining… or a snowstorm… or anything in between. You definitely need to have a “we’re good with whatever the weather’s doing” attitude to come during this season. That’s actually the best attitude to have for a mountain elopement any time of year, but particularly in a variable weather season like spring.
Summer In Colorado: Part One
Mid-June through mid to end of July
When I think of early summer in Colorado, I still think of wildflowers and at this point they’re blooming at both the high and lower elevations except for some of the highest elevations which could take until August. Plus we still have some of the lush greens from spring hanging around. My favorite thing about this time of year is that you’ve got the fresh colors of early summer like in this photo here of Bailey and Cody, while at the same time the peaks in the background are still snow-capped because they haven’t yet melted out. Bodies of water are still full and rivers are still raging in June and early July. You also have temperatures that are stable and reliably warm.
For early summer, keep in mind that Colorado summers always bring with them a chance of afternoon thunderstorms. The good news is that it’s rare for summer storms to stick around for long - they usually move through and then the sky opens back up again. More good news is that even when there’s rain in the mix, Colorado nature is still gorgeous and your photographer will capture that.
Summer In Colorado: Part 2
Mid to end of July through end of August
When I think of late summer in Colorado, I think of some last wildflowers still hanging around up through early August at the higher elevations, very stable warm temperatures with lots of sunny days, plus the peaks are showing us all their rocky glory because they’ve melted out from under their snow like in this photo of Gloria and Chris. Another nice thing about August is that we’re a bit past the peak of summer travel, so trails and lodging can be less populated.
For late summer, keep in mind that we’ve still got the potential for afternoon thunderstorms but just like in early summer, they tend to move through quickly. We also tend to have our hottest temperatures from mid-July through mid-August, so if you like cooler weather, think more spring or fall.
Fall In Colorado
Early September through mid November
When I think of fall in Colorado, I think of cooler days and evenings (but not too cold), and of course the beautiful fall colors that burst on the scene and peak from mid to late September through early to mid October (depending on elevation). The weather is still relatively stable in September, with the potential for afternoon thunderstorms as is always the case in the non-winter months, but mostly I think of sunny Colorado days, and then only as we get into mid-October through mid-November does weather variability come back into play.
For a fall elopement, keep in mind that fall colors happen only with trees that drop their leaves. So if you elope in a spot that is all evergreen trees and no stands of aspens or maples mixed in - no fall colors! Whichever local expert you pick to guide you can tell you which spots will get those beautiful oranges, yellows and reds. You can also see in this photo of Caitlin and Cameron that there are spots that have all evergreen trees, but bushes that get the delightful fall colors too.
Winter In Colorado
Mid November through end of February
When I think of winter in Colorado, I think of snowy trails and peaks with bright blue skies… or a full-on whiteout snowstorm like in the photo above… or sometimes even no snow at all. Up in the high country, snow is certain, while at lower elevations snow is variable. A perk about these months is that there’s no summer tourist season in play, so it’s much quieter in the state, on the trails and on the roads.
For a winter elopement, keep in mind that you’ll have less choice of locations because many roads to spots with views are closed. You’ll also want to, just like I suggested for spring, bring a range of clothing for super cold to possibly warmer weather when the sun’s out. If you’ve always dreamed of having one of those “fur” wraps in your wedding photos (like Leslee’s wearing in the photo here), this is the season for it :)
How Much Does It Cost To Elope In Colorado
Purple wildflowers abound in Boulder, Colorado in late spring and early summer - it was the perfect nature playground for Danica & Maddie after their ceremony.
Typical Budgets For Colorado Elopements
The average cost of an elopement in Colorado typically ranges between $3500 to $10,000 for the cost of the elopement services themselves, plus add your unique cost for travel, food, attire and lodging which varies widely based on couples’ tastes and preferences. I’ve also shared a $30 scenario and a $1000 scenario for the fun of exploring what it looks like if you elope with a super low budget - not everyone’s cup of tea, but entertaining to think about!
Below are some of the most common cost scenarios for the core things - location, photography, officiant - and additional services like flowers, bridal hair & makeup, videography, cake and more. Each is a good starting place, then you can add or subtract for things that you want to splurge or skimp on.
*Remember To Add In: The cost of driving or flying to these various scenarios, plus your clothing, lodging and meal budget (including any guests), as these are SO different for every couple…
The $3500 Budget:
This is the most common budget that we see. It allows for high quality services while not getting into thousands and thousands of dollars.
To stay within that range for the core things you’ll need, aim for a package that includes a beautiful location, permits, seasoned photographer and experienced officiant or guidance on self-solemnization, all for around $2500 - $3000. This is the type of package that my team offers by the way ;)
If you want, add in a customized bridal bouquet & boutonniere (around $200 to $500 - more or less, depending on how fancy you get), hair & makeup (around $200 to $500) and a mini wedding cake (around $50 to $100), which are the most common add-on services that couples want in this budget range.
The $1,000 Budget:
Some couples want photography and a package experience while keeping it under $1,000. Packages at $500 - $1,000 tend to include all the things you need, just at a more generic or “beginner experience” level of service.
For instance, photographers who are just getting started might be willing to do just an hour of time and for a few hundred dollars. You might not get to know your officiant beforehand, or it might be a newbie officiant or one-size-fits-all ceremony. You might have a pre-fab bouquet or a coordinator who is managing large numbers of couples rather than handcrafting more specialized experiences. You’ll likely need a location that doesn’t have a use fee.
For some couples, this is just fine. It gets the job done, plus really addresses the “let’s save money” goal. How cool to be able to say, “Yep, we spent less than $1,000 on our big day.”
The $7,000 - 10,000 Budget:
If you’ve got a vision for a full day of photography, you can look into packages that adventure elopement photographers offer.
These typically range $4,500 to $7,000 for a half to full day, including getting-ready photos, more than one location and bigger adventure hikes or overnight trips. I’ve noticed that couples tend to marry themselves (self-solemnize) in these scenarios.
You can add a videographer to make a mini movie too, and for a great one, plan to spend at least $2500.
Add flowers, cake, hair & makeup (see typical costs I’ve listed for those above) and depending on how fancy you get with these add-ons, you’ve got a plan somewhere between the $7,000 to $10,000 range.
The $30 Budget:
This is fun to think about - here is the absolute cheapest way to elope here: Get your marriage license for $30 at any County Clerk in the state, find a free campsite in the National Forest, hike to a beautiful spot, share vows, video the ceremony with a phone on a tripod, take photos with your phone after and sign your license yourselves since you can do that here. There it is - your $30 Colorado elopement!
Colorado Elopement Locations
Nikima & Keith had wedding photos in Rocky Mountain National Park even though all the wedding permits were given out. The key is to have the ceremony itself outside of the park. Read more about our RMNP “combo strategy” below!
The Easiest-Access Locations With The Most Beautiful Views
Over the years, my team has developed a particular specialty that we love because it’s about the simplest logistics for the most amazing views.
We know all the best locations that:
Are within an hour of Denver or two hours at most.
Do not involve driving on mountain interstates with intense traffic and weather.
Are no more than a five-minute hike/walk from the parking lot.
But when you get to the ceremony spot you’re in the middle of the wilderness.
Whereas some couples want long backcountry adventure hikes with several hours of photography, we serve the large number of couples who prefer a short hike while still accessing breathtaking wilderness and views, and one to two hours of photography is more than enough to get all the photos they’re dreaming of.
Come along on a scenic tour with me as I share our absolute favorite spots…
Boulder Elopement Locations
Boulder is a 45-minute drive from Denver International Airport and is nestled right up next to where the mountains begin. There are so many sweet locations with endless views, epic granite rocks, beautiful Ponderosa Pine trees and ceremony spots that you could swear mother nature made just for elopements.
The town of Boulder itself is a great base for your Colorado trip. There are endless hiking trails, and a busy, vibrant downtown, plus it’s perfectly positioned for day trips. Rocky Mountain National Park and Estes Park are an hour away. Downtown Denver is less than an hour away. The famous Red Rocks Amphitheater concert venue is less than an hour away. It’s less than two hours to drive up I-70 to the Continental Divide high country.
The following locations are our Boulder favorites because they’re easily accessible while at the same time in the heart of the mountains with epic views. Click on the photos to read all about each spot!
Estes Park & Rocky Mountain National Park Elopement Locations
The trick with Rocky Mountain National Park is securing a wedding permit before they run out! It seems like every year they run out sooner than the last. I am a wedding vendor with the park and can get your permit for you for much less money than if you apply yourself, but there’s some timing strategy involved.
Eloping In RMNP With A Wedding Permit
If you want to elope during the popular months of May through October, it’s ideal to put the permit request in one year in advance or at the very latest by January of the year you want to elope. So for instance, this year in 2025, all wedding permits for May through October were given out by mid-February. Crazy, right? It used to be that we could get a permit a few months in advance, but no longer for the popular months. November through April is much better for permit availability, but those are not the months that couples typically want to elope. If you do have your eye on one of those off-season months though, then permits are usually still available closer to your date.
Our RMNP “Combo Strategy”
Wedding Photos In RMNP Without A Wedding Permit (And Without Breaking Rules!)
We love this strategy if your date no longer has RMNP permits available: If you want to elope in RMNP, but all the wedding permits are taken for your date or time frame, you can have your wedding ceremony at our Sweet Little Mini Mountain spot below, which is in Estes Park just outside of RMNP, then meet up with the photographer in RMNP for after-ceremony photos. You can’t have a wedding ceremony in the park without a wedding permit, but you can take photos in your wedding attire any time. For that you just need a photography permit and not a wedding permit, and we take care of the photography permit for you. This way you get the best of both worlds - your wedding ceremony in gorgeous Estes Park, then epic photos in RMNP itself!
Colorado Springs Elopement Locations
If you want to elope in Colorado Springs, it’s a no-brainer to head to Garden of the Gods. Can words even describe this otherworldy landscape of rock formations? Huge works of art made by nature herself from 300 million year-old sandstone that once used to lay flat, but due to shifting in the earth’s crust now stand vertically, with erosion carving the towering shapes and profiles.
It’s a breathtaking place to elope, and the only big consideration is parking. There’s not a lot of it! On top of that, the park road is a one-way loop, so you sometimes have to drive the loop several times to get parking at just the right lot or pullout for your elopement spot. We have tips for that though, so we’ve got your back. Other nice things about Garden of the Gods - no photography permits needed for small elopements and it’s free to get into the park.
Also, if you want to weave another epic location into your Colorado Springs elopement day, the Paint Mines are about an hour away from Garden of the Gods. The white and multi-color clay formations are around 60 million years old and make for stunning photos, plus even more of that otherworldly feel. Or, you can simply do your whole elopement at Paint Mines!
Paint Mines Interpretive Park
Alpine Lakes & Peaks Elopement Locations
Our other favorite alpine spot is Brainard Lake, which is in the photo below. It keeps with our “gorgeous yet easily accessible” specialty - it’s less than two hours from Denver International Airport and less than one hour from great towns to stay, like Boulder and Estes Park. The lake is accessible typically from July through late September when the road is not under snow. It’s a quintessential alpine environment at 10,000 feet in the heart of the Rockies, surrounded by fir trees, and those peaks in the background are the Continental Divide!
Also, beyond our travel range for our packages and less easily accessible, but great areas if you want more of a backcountry hiking adventure and half to full day experience with an adventure photographer guide…
Crested Butte
Vail
Aspen
Breckenridge
Telluride
A Colorado Elopement Planning Story In 4 Simple Steps
Colorado is your spot if you like the idea of getting married on land that was covered in and carved out by glaciers thousands of years ago.
Think Of Your Planning In Four Sweet Steps
In over a decade of guiding elopements, I’ve noticed patterns and timing that ring true for every couple over the years. This applies whether you’re planning a year in advance or just a few months in advance. These are the four steps of planning (like a story) that I recommend to keep your experience relaxed and fun!
Here’s a quick overview of the 4 Elopement Planning Steps, plus scroll through Emma & Aidan’s photo story at Dream Lake below, with captions that give the in-depth version of each step.
Relaxed research
Book your expert guide, plus date & location
Secure additional vendors and marriage license appointment
Practice drive and day-of timeline
STEP 1
RELAXED RESEARCH
Relaxed Location Search: Get a broad sense of elopement locations here in Colorado and the kind that fit your vision. If you’re clear on one in particular, then cool, but it’s okay at this point to not know your specific location yet and don’t feel pressure to go down a massive rabbit hole of Googling to figure it out ;)
Colorado Laws & Rules: At this stage, you’re wondering what legal stuff would make it hard or easy for you to elope here. The info I provide in the Licenses & Permits section of this guide is what you need to know now, plus once you’ve got an expert guide in the mix, they can answer any questions that are specific to your situation.
Explore Who Your Guide Will Be: Explore local guides who specialize in Colorado elopements. These are typically planners, photographers or officiants who offer elopement packages. You’re likely going to hire one or even all of these and they’ll provide guidance so you don’t have to figure everything out yourself, so get them on board early in your process! At this stage, narrow down to the one or two whose websites you love most.
STEP 2
BOOK YOUR EXPERT & SECURE MUST-HAVE’S
Book Your Expert Guide: Meet with and secure your date with the guide or company who you feel is the best fit. Relax into their years of expertise as they guide you in all next steps.
Secure Date & Location: Finalize your date and location right there on the booking call with your expert, or get their insight and personalized suggestions to help as you decide.
Travel, Lodging, Hair/Makeup, Wedding Attire: I always put these on my couples’ radar next because plane fares can increase, and lodging gets booked up. If you want hair/makeup, grab a stylist sooner than later because they book up too, so the earlier you get on this, the more choice of company. If you think any of your wedding attire will need to be ordered or tailored, start with your wedding attire now too.
STEP 3
BOOK ANY ADDITIONAL VENDORS + PREP LOGISTICS
Flowers, Cake, Rental Car: If any are relevant to your plan, these types of services can be reserved closer to your date. Typically two months out or more is good.
Professional Officiant, Friend/Family Officiant or Self-Solemnization Plans: Book an officiant if your package doesn’t already include one. Or ask a friend or family member if that’s more your style - you can check out my Heart & Soul Officiant Kit which they can use to write and perform your ceremony like a pro. If you’re self solemnizing, check back here - I have a self-solemnization guide for you to use and it will be ready soon!
Make Your Marriage License Appointment: Make an appointment to get your license at your county clerk of choice. If you’re in-state, you can get it as early as 35 days before your elopement. If you come from out of state, you’ll likely have your appointment a day or two before your elopement day.
STEP 4
THE ELOPEMENT DAY ITSELF!
Ah, the time has come! Congrats, you did it!
Get Your Marriage License At The County Clerk: If you’re coming from out of state, you’ll have scheduled your appointment for the day or two before your elopement. Or if you’re in-state, you can get your license up to 35 days before your elopement date.
Practice Drive & Errands: In the day or two before your date, do a practice drive to your elopement meet spot. This keeps you from worrying on the day-of if you’ll be able to find your wedding ;) Plus this is a good time to run any last-minute doo-dad errands as you prep for your day.
Day-Of Timeline: See my example day-of timeline toward the end of this guide to get a sense of how a typical elopement day unfolds!
Eloping In Colorado With Dogs
Bride Ari had a backpack full of not only wedding stuff, but dog treats, toys and a portable water dish.
Bringing Your Fur Baby On Your Elopement
Colorado is a dog-friendly state for sure! We love it when you bring your pup (or pups) on your elopement day! Some of my all-time favorite photo galleries are from our elopements with doggos. They are family and bring so much presence and love, plus what better witness than the sweet furry soul who you snuggle with every day :)
I can almost not handle how cute this photo is. Bravo to pup owners Rachel & Susan for award-winning dog fashion!
When deciding whether to bring your dog, the main factors are personality and travel. Travel: If you’re road tripping, then it’s an easy option. If you’re flying, then most likely you’d be considering bringing just a little dog who can travel in a handheld carrier. Personality: Fur friends with laid-back personalities are the best matches for elopements, since they do need to sit through a ceremony and all the photos.
Your elopement location is also a factor - for instance, the national parks here do not allow dogs on the trails, only in the parking lots, although there are some exceptions like Moraine Park Amphitheater in Rocky Mountain National Park where your dog can be with you for your entire elopement as long as he or she is on a leash. Regarding other locations throughout Colorado, whichever expert guide that you hire will know exactly which spots can and can’t have dogs, and will suggest the best spots that allow dogs and also have the kind of scenery that you desire.
Then of course there’s signing as a witness on the marriage license! This used to be an option throughout Colorado, but in the past couple of years, a few of the county clerks have started to say no. I’d list them here, but county clerks change their rules all the time, so the best strategy is to identify which county clerk you plan to get your license from and call to see about their current rules. You can get your license at any county clerk in the state regardless of where you’re eloping, so if the nearest clerk doesn’t allow paw print witnesses, you can always go to a clerk that does ;)
Last but not least, there’s the fashion. We’ve seen flower crowns, flower garlands and tutus for female dogs and bow ties, tuxedo collars, tuxedo cuffs and even whole tuxedo outfits for male dogs. I’m typically not one to dress up my dog but if my husband and I were to have a vow renewal event, I would not be able to resist putting our dog Lemmy into one of these ridiculously cute outfits!
Eloping With Family
Bringing less than 10 guests - like Hannah & Tyler did - is key for keeping your mellow elopement vibe.
How To Bring Family On An Elopement
Yes, eloping in Colorado with family is a thing! These small intimate weddings are perfect if you want the simplicity of a “just the two of you” elopement, and at the same time there is a group of close family and/or friends whom you’d love to have with you.
My biggest recommendation regarding friends/family elopements is to bring no more than 10 guests in addition to the two of you. I can’t emphasize this enough! We’ve had tons of friends/family elopements over the years, so I can speak from first-hand experience: more than 10 guests and you start to lose the whole experience you were going for - simple and intimate.
15 or 20 guests doesn’t seem like that much because it’s so much less than a typical 100-guest venue wedding, but whew, I can guarantee that once you slip over the 10-guest mark and into the 15’s, the whole thing starts feeling more like a “production”. No matter how simple you think you’ll keep it, there’s something about more than 10 guests that brings in an additional layer of stress that I know couples are trying to avoid. Now, there’s nothing wrong with having more than 10 guests - just know that it will make your experience more complex, and so there is a choice point: 10 or less guests to keep the simple elopement feel… or a more complex experience but it’s worth it to you in order to have more guests with you.
There are so many gorgeous and accessible spots to bring your small group of family in Colorado.
The beauty of 10 or less guests: You’ve kept the laid-back, casual feel while at the same time you’ve got your most core loved ones with you. Friends/Family elopements create fun possibilities too. If you’ve always pictured someone walking you down the aisle, you can have them walk you down the trail. You can have a Maid of Honor and Best Man, or heck you can have the whole group dress as your wedding party. You can involve your kids, or give loved ones special jobs like handing us the rings or bringing items up if you choose to do one of the symbolic mini ceremonies that we offer. You not only get an elopement, you also get a built-in family portrait session after the ceremony. Best of all, you get to celebrate with those who you just couldn’t imagine doing this without.
How To Have An Amazing Elopement Ceremony (After All, It's The Core Of Your Day)
You can choose to have a special mini-ceremony, like this rose exchange, after you share vows.
The Ceremony Is The Soul Of Your Day
I’m not just an elopement expert, I’m also an officiant and I’m not just any old officiant, I’m an officiant who is an expert in creating deep, meaningful ceremonies, even when they’re shorter and more intimate like with elopements. No cookie cutter ceremonies here!
I’m a bit amazed at the wedding world these days - planning for the ceremony is an afterthought for most. In the world of venue weddings, most of the time and resources go toward the party, food and decor. The same thing is true of elopements - couples are oftentimes so focused on the photography, then at the last minute, “Oh wait, what will we do for the ceremony?”
All of my couples get my Vow Adventure Kit - a pdf workbook that facilitates you to write a set of meaningful commitments to use as guiding principles in your marriage to come.
Not that it’s bad to care about photography, receptions and all that stuff. It’s just easy to forget that the ceremony is the whole reason for the wedding. I think most couples also don’t know that the ceremony is quite an opportunity. When done well, you will feel your connection so deeply that it will be one of the most profound memories of your life moving forward.
Profound ceremonies bring one more benefit too: They make your photos better. The best photos happen when you are feeling deeply and authentically. I’ve heard so many photographer stories about couples who didn’t put much thought into their ceremony, then were rather awkward because they weren’t quite sure what to do. This does not make for great photos, no matter how amazing your photographer. But… when your ceremony evokes your emotions, then there are so many opportunities for the photographer to capture epic shots of your connection!
So how to do it well? My number one piece of advice is to avoid throwing something together on the fly. Treat it as central to the experience, not as an afterthought. Instead…
Look into having an officiant - one whose passion is meaningful, one-of-a-kind ceremonies. Ahem, if you couldn’t already tell, I’m one of those lol. And there are also more of us out there too :)
Or ask a friend or family member to officiate and plan with them to make your ceremony deeply meaningful. You can use my Heart & Soul Officiant Kit here, plus I’ve also included tons of helpful tips for first-timers to write and officiate the ceremony like a pro.
Or if you’re self-solemnizing, research how to share vows and rings in a way that is not overly-planned but at the same time is not so unplanned that it’s awkward! I have a “How To Self-Solemnize Guide” and will make it available here to you soon too.
What To Wear For A Colorado Elopement
About half of our brides change into fancy shoes for the ceremony, and about half keep their hiking boots on the whole time.
There Are No Rules Except Make Sure You Have Hiking Shoes!
Wedding Dresses
There are no rules for elopements - if it’s your dream dress, it’s the right dress. Your dress can be a full-on formal gown, or a more relaxed and flowing boho style. It can be short, long or not a wedding dress at all. It can be any color. Whatever makes you feel the way you want to feel on your day.
The only thing you want to watch out for is flexibility. A simple rule of thumb: if you can’t sit down in it easily, it’s probably too fitted or structured to maneuver on trails, stepping over rocks, etc.
If you’ve got a train, you can bustle it to keep it out of the dirt, or simply hold it with your hand while on trails. Or if you like the idea of being the mountain bride who lets the bottom of her dress get dirty, that can be really freeing if it fits your personality.
Also know that tulle - the gauzy netting that is in some dresses - is like a magnet for sticks and pine needles. Anything with tulle will have a mini forest clinging to it lol. This is not necessarily a bad thing, just something to know in case that would drive you crazy ;)
Mountain Shoes
Backpack, hiking boots and a dirty dress hem = badass mountain couple.
For trail walking, you want something with tread and ankle support, especially for trails that are dirt, uneven and rocky. Last thing you want to do is slip or twist an ankle on your wedding day. Even women’s wedges are too iffy for a trail, and men’s dress shoes are often slippery on the bottom. If you like, you can bring fancy shoes, and just change into them at the ceremony site.
Or, some couples like the look of getting married in their fancy wedding clothes with hiking boots or special sneakers. It’s definitely the quintessential Colorado mountain elopement look. Or most wedding dresses hide hiking boots if you like the idea of having them on but not necessarily having them in photos. What’s your style?
Tuxedos, Suits & Casual Looks
You may have noticed that anything goes when you elope - fancy tuxedos, spiffy suits, casual linen suits, dress shirts and suspenders, jackets and jeans, ties, bow ties, no tie.
Again, the key question is: “What’s my style and how do I want to feel in my clothes on my wedding day?”
If a suit is in the mix and it’s going to be a rental, a handy tip is to rent from a chain that is in your home town and also in Colorado. You can avoid traveling with it by getting fitted at home, then picking up and dropping off the here in state.
Elopement Vendors That Couples Use Most + Best Recommendations
If you’re on the fence about having flowers, I recommend to get them - they add a beautiful pop of color amidst the granite and green of all the nature.
How To Find Those Key Supporting Services For Your Dream Day Vision
For a typical Colorado elopement, a couple will secure one of the following:
A package like my team offers, with location, officiant and photographer, plus connections with all the optiona vendor services that you might want.
Or an elopement photographer who’s well-versed in locations, plus a plan to self-solemnize or have an officiant.
Or an elopement planning company that offers a-la-carte or all-inclusive packages.
For some couples, the above services are enough, while other couples will want additional services, plus everyone will want recommendations for lodging and dining.
Your expert guide will typically have a great referral list of their favorite vendors for the optional services, and you can use those as warm leads to book yourself or your guide might include them in their package options. The most common additional services are flower and bridal hair/makeup. Sometimes a couple will get a sweet little wedding cake. Every once in a blue moon a couple hires a live musician. And then everyone needs lodging and dining ideas.
Elopements are so cool because the services I mentioned above - that’s pretty much it! I also see many of our brides go without flowers or hair or both. Either because it saves money or they’re simply not interested in those things. On the other end of the spectrum, it’s also fun to see brides go for it and get some of those fancy things that are traditional for big weddings.
Colorado Elopement Day-Of Timeline
Give yourself a whole day before your elopement to get ready. That way you can mostly chill on the day-of.
How A Typical Elopement Day Unfolds
I love describing how a typical elopement day unfolds because it’s so darn simple. We specialize in “just the couple” and small group “friend/family” elopements with just one to two hours of photos, so our couples’ day-of timelines are the most mellow and stress-free of all and look something like this…
Morning: Wake. Savor the fact that you are getting married today. Pack what you’ll need for the day in a backpack or sweet wedding bag.
Late Morning/Early Afternoon: If you’ve got a hair & makeup artist in the mix, this usually takes two hours and they’ll come right to your lodging. This is also a good time to send a guest or fiance out to pick up flowers if you decided to have flowers. Get dressed.
Late Afternoon/Early Evening: Get dressed. Pile in the car and head to the elopement meet spot.
Evening: Usually 1.5 to 2 hours before sunset. Hike/walk to the ceremony spot. Photographer is taking pics the entire time. Get married with a beautiful, meaningful ceremony. More photos capturing your just-married glow and gorgeous nature all around. Sign your license to make it official.
Emerge from the mountain married. Enjoy the afterglow in whatever way you like!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
You can be any age and elope! And you can be vibrant and full of life at any age :)
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The most important requirements for eloping In Colorado are that you can get legally married in Colorado even if you’re not a resident here, you can get married as soon as the same day that you get a Colorado marriage license, you don’t legally need witnesses to sign your marriage license in Colorado and basically anyone can marry you in Colorado - hire a professional officiant or have a friend or family member get ordained online to officiate for you… or you can even marry yourselves! Colorado is known as the easiest state to get married because you are legally married when just the two of you have signed (this is called self-solemnizing) or you can have an officiant sign too, but it’s not required. You can read this and more in the “Colorado Elopement Requirements: Rules, Laws, Permits & Licenses” section near the beginning of this Guide.
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From my Colorado elopement expert point of view, the perfect time to have your elopement is mid-June through the end of September because the weather is most predictable and all locations are accessible. But the best time to elope in Colorado also depends on the kind of weather and scenery you want to potentially have in the mix, and there are some accessibility considerations too. You can get the full scoop on each season in the “Best Times To Elope In Colorado” section near the beginning of this Guide.
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The average cost of an elopement in Colorado typically ranges between $3500 to $10,000 for the cost of the elopement services themselves, plus add your unique cost for travel, food, attire and lodging which varies widely based on couples’ tastes and preferences. There’s also a $30 scenario and a $1000 scenario for the fun of exploring what it looks like if you elope with a super low budget. You can find details about each budget scenario in the “Average Cost Of An Elopement In Colorado” section near the beginning of this Guide. You can also learn about our Colorado Elopement packages at this link here.
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Absolutely! Fill out the form at the end of this page and I’ll be in touch within one business day if not sooner. You can also learn about our Colorado Elopement Packages here. Looking forward to hearing more about you and your fiancé and your vision for your dream day :)
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Ah yes, this is a great question! I always tell our couples that you can plan a year in advance, you can wait until the last minute or any time frame between. Any of that works with elopements because they are so simple to put together. We’ve started planning elopements with couples many months before their date, and with other couples just days before.
You’ll feel like the ball is officially rolling though, when you secure your elopement team or guide. And the time frame for that? When you want to feel like it really is happening, that you have a wedding. Before that, it’s just ideas and dreams ;)
And the award goes to Beverly & Devin for the most adorable creative amazing backpacks!
Colorado Photographer Squad, my partner in packages did all the photos on this page.
If you want to know more about how your elopement will work, let’s chat about your elopement - just reach out to me at this link here: Let’s Chat About Your Elopement
2025 Colorado Elopement Packages
Elopements for Just The Two Of You, Friends/Family Elopements & Micro Weddings
Exceptional locations, plus only the best officiation, photography & vendors.
Packages for every scenario.
Simple, intimate, easy and stress-free!
• Breathtaking Mountain Location
• Permits Included
• Beautiful Custom Ceremony
• Expert Officiant
• Gorgeous Photography
Expert Photographer
• Vow Adventure Kit
• Signed Marriage License
• Downloadable Photo Gallery
• Planning Portal And Timelines
• Unlimited Support
Additional Services…
• Bouquet & Boutonnière
• Hair & Makeup
• Videography
• Wedding Cake
Starting at $1,975
Let’s Make It Happen!
Hey it’s Lisa :) Congratulations on reading the entire elopement guide - you’re amazing! As you’ve probably picked up on by now, I’m your officiant, elopement expert and mountain girl at heart. Can’t wait to show you how it all works, and for my elopement team to take you on the sweetest adventure.
Shoot me a message using the form below - I’ll send detailed information and pricing about our packages, plus you can schedule a call to get to know each other, see if we’re a fit, and lay out your elopement day from start to finish.
By call’s end I’ll have a package quote to fit the dream day you’ve been seeing in your mind’s eye.
I look forward to getting to know you!