Colorado Elopement Packages
Colorado could be the perfect place for couples to elope if they’re looking for a laid-back, entertaining, and progressive atmosphere for their special day. In this guide we will discuss why Colorado is a great elopement location, how to elope, where to elope, and more!
Why Elope in Colorado?
Self-Solemnization
In Colorado, couples can choose to self-solemnize their elopements without an officiant. Once you obtain a marriage license, you can hold your ceremony wherever you choose, sign the license with one witness (which can be anyone you choose), and file it with the county clerk to make it legally recognized.
Your Dog Can Be a Witness
While state law requires one witness to sign the marriage license, it doesn't specify who that witness must be. This means that your furry friend can also serve as a witness, paw print and everything!
Learn More About Eloping With Your Dog!
Easy Access and Logistics:
Colorado has multiple airports serving major cities such as Denver, Colorado Springs, and Aspen, making it easy to travel within the state. Navigation is simplified by an extensive network of interstate highways and scenic drives like Trail Ridge Road offer views of the Rocky Mountains and can be easily accessed by car. For those without personal transportation, public transit systems in larger cities provide convenient options for getting around.
Outdoor Diversity and Recreation:
Colorado is a state known for its diversity, home to a wide range of landscapes, cultures, and recreational opportunities, including 4 national parks, 42 state parks, 8.4 million acres of BLM land, and 14.5 million acres managed by the US Forest Service. Beyond its physical diversity, Colorado is also home to a variety of cultures and communities and offers year-round outdoor appeal with activities to do during each season.
Laid Back and Stress-Free Atmosphere:
The state's progressive values and diverse range of vendors offer a less stressful and more fulfilling experience for couples of all orientations and backgrounds. Colorado has a variety of accommodations, locations, venues, and vendors, such as photographers, florists, caterers, and officiants that offer quality services at different price points to accommodate different preferences.
Simple Legal Process:
Obtaining a marriage license in Colorado is straightforward, with no waiting period or residency requirements for non-residents and minimal documentation required to obtain the marriage license. Colorado offers simplicity, flexibility, and a sense of freedom to couples planning their elopement.
What is Colorado Known For?
Colorado is a unique state with a rich history and a progressive attitude. Home to the "Mile High City" of Denver, it has unmatched Rocky Mountain views when compared to other western states but can unfortunately present a challenge to those unaccustomed to the high altitude. The state offers endless opportunities for outdoor recreation, including hiking, skiing, snowboarding, and whitewater rafting. Additionally, as one of the first states to legalize recreational marijuana, Colorado has become a destination for cannabis tourism, which has ultimately shaped the state's cultural landscape.
What Animals Are Found in Colorado?
Colorado is home to many iconic North American species, including elk, mule deer, and black bears. The state's mountainous terrain provides home and safety for bighorn sheep, mountain lions, and moose, while animals like pronghorn antelope and foxes can be found in its many grasslands.
How to Elope in Colorado
Obtain a Marriage License:
You and your partner will need to apply for a marriage license from any county clerk and recorder's office in Colorado. You’ll need to appear together in person to apply and provide valid identification before paying between $20 and $30.
Find an Officiant:
You'll need someone to conduct the ceremony and sign your marriage license. Several websites, such as Wedding Wire, The Knot, and Thumbtack, can help you find an authorized officiant. Alternatively, you could ask a friend or family member to become ordained and perform the ceremony. The Universal Life Church offers a free and simple online course to help your loved ones participate in your special day.
Consider Permits and Regulations:
If you plan to elope in a national park, state park, Forest Service land, or BLM land, be sure to work with your elopement photographer to check if permits are required for your chosen location and what regulations there might be. Some popular locations may have limited availability or additional fees.
When is the Best Time to Elope in Colorado?
Spring
Spring in Colorado has unpredictable weather, ranging from sunny days to sudden snowstorms and rainstorms. Outdoorsy couples can look forward to outdoor recreation, including hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing (including new season babies!) Springtime offers a balance between lower prices and fewer crowds, with a trade off of unpredictable weather and chilly temperatures.
Summer
In the summer, Colorado is filled with wildflowers in various meadows, mountainsides, and valleys throughout the state. Most snow has melted in higher elevations and forests are thick, lush, and green (not to mention, filled with rocky mountain wildlife).
Fall
In autumn, iconic areas like Rocky Mountain National Park, Maroon Bells, and Aspen become popular spots for crowds looking for vibrant fall colors while resorts and lodges approach the end of season. Crowds thin out and colder temperatures start to settle, but the state remains open to couples looking for autumn colors at iconic locations in the Rocky Mountains.
Winter
Winter transforms Colorado into a winter wonderland, with snowy mountains and cozy alpine towns. Popular ski resorts like Aspen, Vail, and Breckenridge, become quite busy, alongside activities like snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. While winter brings higher prices and increased demand for accommodations and activities, the abundance of winter recreation and elegant backgrounds create a perfect scene for couples eloping in the wintertime.
Where to Elope in Colorado
National Parks
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State Parks
USDA Forest Service:
Arapaho National Forest
Browns Canyon National Monument
Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forests
Pike National Forest
San Isabel National Forest
Rio Grande National Forest
Roosevelt National Forest
White River National Forest
Comanche National Grassland
Cimarron National Grassland
Bureau of Land Management:
Unique Stays
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Most Popular Elopement Locations in Colorado
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Dream Lake
Maroon Bells
Garden of the Gods
Where to Visit for Unique Photos in Colorado
Have the freedom to choose a unique elopement location and a variety of smaller, lesser-known areas that make for creative and memorable photo opportunities. Remember, these are only a few examples! I have many more options we can visit together
Please click each photo to view the applicable credited sources.
Bishop Castle (Rye)
A castle built by one man over several decades.
Crystal Mill (Marble)
A historic mining mill perched above the Crystal River, only accessible by an intermediate-advanced off-road trail.
Paint Mines Interpretive Park (Calhan)
Unique and colorful hoodoos and spires.
Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site (La Junta)
A meticulously reconstructed 19th-century trading post along the Santa Fe Trail
How Much Does it Cost to Elope in Colorado?
Luxury
marriage license — $30
3 night luxury airbnb stay — $1500
photographer — $9000
bouquet, boutonniere, florals for ceremony and dinner — $1000
wedding dress — $3000
suit purchase — $1000
private chef — $600
5-6” custom cake — $350
hair + makeup — $300
Rocky Mountain National Park permit fee — $300
Total: $17,080
Low Cost
$30 — marriage license
$500 — 3 night airbnb stay
$3000 — photographer
$300 — bouquet + boutonniere
$500 — wedding dress
$200 — suit rental
$200 — restaurant dinner + drinks
free – national forest ceremony venue
free — DIY hair + makeup
Total: $4,730
Colorado Elopement Packages
All elopement packages include:
All Travel Fees (prices don’t change per location!)
Customized Location Options
Permit Assistance
Personalized Vendor Options
Activity Suggestions Unique to You
An Elopement Timeline
Every elopement gallery includes high-resolution digital images with printing rights and a private online gallery to view, print, download, and share with your family and friends to relive the day with you - forever!
4 Hour ~ $3000
This package is perfect for couples who want a simple elopement experience. It includes getting ready, a short hike to the ceremony location, and couples portraits.
8 Hour ~ $5000
This package is perfect for couples who want to spend a day of adventure together, such as a long hike, off-roading, or visiting multiple locations. It's great for capturing the complete story of your elopement day. Typically, couples who are eloping and want to document their day for their friends and family who couldn't attend will choose this package. It's also ideal for couples bringing their friends and family along and would like to have their reception captured. Your reception could be as simple as having pizza with your loved ones or as elaborate as a private chef serving a three-course meal during a welcome dinner.
12 Hour ~ $7000
This package is perfect for couples wanting complete elopement coverage. It offers the ultimate storytelling experience, from waking up and having coffee with your partner to roasting marshmallows on a fire after sunset. This is an ideal option for couples looking to document their entire day with their guests included. Couples eloping alone also select this package to document every detail for their loved ones at home.
Multi-Day ~ $9000
This is ideal for adventurous couples looking for a multi-day elopement experience in Colorado. Upon arrival, you can check into your selected accommodations and meet with your elopement photographer to plan the upcoming days. Get ready for your ceremony on the second day, capturing intimate moments before exchanging vows at the Garden of the Gods or Maroon Bells. Dive deeper into the Colorado experience on day three by hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park or exploring the small towns of Telluride or Aspen. End the day with a relaxing couples' spa experience.
Colorado Elopement Checklist
An all in-one, comprehensive guide on how to elope. From an iceberg in Alaska to a boat deck in the Florida Keys, this guide will give you all the steps on how to plan your perfect elopement day.
Unique Things to Do in Colorado
Whether you want to celebrate or combine a fun honeymoon with your elopement experience, there are a variety of unique things to do around the state that will add to your fun.
Go Sandboarding
Eat at Linger Eatery
Visit Desert Reef Hot Springs
Walk the Royal Gorge Bridge
Visit the Magic Mushroom House
Explore the Wild Animal Sanctuary
Colorado Elopement Timeline Examples
Which Elopement Package is Right for Me?
4-Hour Elopement Package:
This package is for couples looking for a simple and intimate elopement experience that prefer a shorter ceremony and a relaxed atmosphere while still having their day captured.
This package is right for you if:
You want a short and intimate ceremony.
You prefer minimal planning and coordination.
You prefer natural decor and scenic backdrops.
You prefer to stay closer to your accommodations.
8-Hour Elopement Package:
This package is perfect for adventurous couples who want a full-day elopement that includes multiple activities or exploring locations.
This package is right for you if:
You want to explore multiple locations and activities.
You want to have a full day but not too much stress in planning.
You want to include a larger group of friends and family.
You want to incorporate multiple outfit changes or additional decor.
12-Hour Elopement Package:
This package covers the entire elopement day from start to finish. It's perfect for couples who want to capture every detail and moment of their elopement experience.
This package is right for you if:
You want to document everything without feeling scheduled or rushed.
You want to include extended friends and family or have a formal reception.
You prefer to include elaborate decor.
You prefer the freedom to switch between activities and locations with ease.
Multi-Day Elopement Package:
This package is ideal for adventurous couples who want to combine their elopement with a getaway or honeymoon, spanning over multiple days with complete coverage.
This package is right for you if:
You want to combine elopement with a romantic getaway.
You prefer to explore multiple locations.
You want to include extended friends and family or have a formal reception.
Colorado is perfect for eloping couples seeking ease and affordability with its scenery, easy marriage requirements, and accessible travel options. Choose from a variety of areas, venues, and accommodations that suit your unique needs, schedule, and budget with less stress for a relaxing and unforgettable elopement experience.
Eloping can be stressful and sometimes even scary - but with the right photographer, a large portion of your stress is taken care of by a professional who can handle permits, locations, possible vendors, and more. If you want to take the first step in planning your elopement but it all seems like a little to much - LET’S TALK! I’m so excited to make this the most memorable experience of your life.