The Ultimate Local's Guide to Elopement Locations in Colorado
I’m an elopement photographer born and raised in Colorado and I’m here to give you a local’s guide to the best elopement locations in Colorado. Compared to other states in the USA, Colorado provides a unique beauty and diverse landscape that creates an ideal destination for couples seeking an intimate wedding experience. In addition to the breathtaking surroundings, Colorado state laws make obtaining a marriage license a straightforward process and couples have the unique option to self-solemnize their wedding ceremony, offering flexibility and ease when tying the knot.
Quick List - Best Places to Elope in Colorado:
Rocky Mountain National Park - Estes Park, Colorado
Maroon Bells - Aspen, Colorado
Telluride - Colorado
Great Sand Dunes National Park - Mosca, Colorado
Buena Vista - Colorado
1.) Rocky Mountain National Park - Estes Park, Colorado
Let’s be honest, it’s a national park for a reason. From the base of the valley, to the highest summit of Trail Ridge Road the awe-inspiring beauty of the landscape is truly captivating in Rocky Mountain National Park. What a better way to spend your wedding day than eloping in the natural beauty of the rocky mountains. I also love how national parks are a great way for couples to return for their anniversaries year after year.
Best Spots
Rocky Mountain National Park requires couples to “officially” get married in specific locations within the park including 3M Curve, Sprague Lake, Upper Beaver Meadows to name a few. Once the official ceremony has concluded, you are free to take portraits anywhere in the park. If you’re looking for an easy trail to explore on your elopement day consider the Bear Lake corridor which includes stunning areas like Moraine Park, Dream Lake, or Trail Ridge Road for the best views, especially around sunset.
Tips
In order to get married in Rocky Mountain National Park (or any national park for that matter) you will need to apply for a “Special Use Permit” a minimum of 1 year in advance for the best availability. Check out THIS BLOG for more information on the permit process and best time of year to avoid crowds.
Example Gallery
Check out Megan & Tim’s full gallery for their Rocky Mountain National Park Elopement
“If you’re looking for an amazingly talented and equally awesome photographer, look no further! Jenny exceeded all expectations and easily became one of our most memorable experiences during our wedding. Book her immediately!! :)”
2. Maroon Bells - Aspen, Colorado
Nestled roughly 30 minutes from downtown Aspen lies the infamous Maroon Bells. If you’re not familiar with the area, Maroon Bells is a stunning rock formation in the shape of two “bells” surrounded by the Elk mountain range, acres and acres of aspen trees, and a beautiful alpine lake known as Maroon Lake making it the perfect backdrop for an intimate elopement.
Best Spots
There is a scenic trail that wraps around Maroon Lake and continues up to Crater Lake for those who are feeling more adventurous and hope to escape the crowds. However, there is nearby amphitheater that can be reserved for groups of up to 50 people if you decide to invite your nearest and dearest.
Tips
Parking reservations are required to enter the Maroon Bells Wilderness and the road is only accessible May-October. In my opinion, the best time of year to visit is during the fall when all the aspen leaves are a golden yellow (usually at the end of September-early October). Dogs are allowed on the scenic trail around Maroon Lake however, they cannot continue along the trail due to active moose in the area.
Example Gallery
Check out Lindsey & ARron’s gallery for their elopement at Maroon Bells in Aspen, Colorado
“Jenny was amazing to work with! We came across her page when looking for a photographer for our elopement in Colorado and I’m so thankful we found her!
She made sure we had the necessary passes in advance and we literally didn’t have to worry about a thing! She made our day beyond special and there are no words for how beautiful her pictures are. ”
3. Telluride, Colorado
Hands down my favorite mountain town in ALL of Colorado for a number of reasons. This historic mining town nestled in the San Juan Mountains is nothing short of extraordinary. The first time you approach the valley and look up as the mountain peaks tower above you, you realize this place is something special. No wonder it’s been named the “Switzerland of America”. The mountains are THAT impressive. With all that said, the area is spread out with opportunities for all kinds of adventures from 4x4 roads, waterfalls, vast valleys and stunning mountain top views.
Best Spots
If you’re ready for some adventure on your elopement day, the town of Telluride is conveniently located near Bridal Veil Falls with 3 stunning waterfalls along the trail that can be accessed by foot or by 4x4 vehicle. Not feeling up to a hike? No problem. Catch the free gondola in town around sunset and take it up to San Sophia Overlook for 360 mountain views to make you feel like you’re on the top of the world. As a Colorado native, I have a list of lesser-known locations in the area that I choose to keep off the internet to protect their natural beauty. Fill out my contact form to learn more about these exclusive locations only available to my clients.
Tips
Telluride holds endless possibilities to plan the epic elopement day of your dreams, but it’s important to research the areas very closely as there are multiple counties adjacent to one another and have permit requirements. It’s always best to reach out to the local ranger station if you’re unsure which county you will be in. All pre-planning and location scouting is included in all of my elopement collections and I’m happy to help guide you through this process.
Example Gallery
Check out Olivia & John’s summertime elopement gallery in Telluride, Colorado
4. Great Sand Dunes National Park - Mosca, Colorado
This national park is probably one of the most unique you will ever visit in the USA and of the best locations for a Colorado elopement. The surreal landscape is a combination of sand dunes, rivers and green plains against the backdrop of the Sangre de Cristo mountains. I highly recommend this location for couples looking for a more unique and secluded elopement experience.
Best Spots
Similar to any other national park, in order to “officially” get married within the park you will need to apply for a permit and hold your elopement ceremony in one of the designated areas. However, after your ceremony you can explore the dunes for more EPIC wedding portraits. Whether you feel like hiking to the top of High Dune, Star Dune or simply walking along Medano Creek you have a variety of options to choose from. I’ve spent years exploring this area, and I have a another less-known location nearby if you want a truly unique elopement experience (especially in the winter months) I’d love to chat with you. Fill out my contact form to learn more about my exclusive Colorado elopement location list.
Tips
One of the many things to keep in mind when eloping in the Great Sand Dunes National Park is the changing weather conditions. The dunes sit right up against a mountain range and it can be very windy. With the wind, brings thunderstorms and snow storms depending on the season. The area around the Great Sand Dunes National Park is also very remote. There are few options to eat or stay overnight. Alamosa is the closest town located 45 minutes away with hotel and restaurant options. However, if you want to be closer to the national park I think this area would be perfect to rent a campervan and camp at a Ramble site nearby.
For more information on the permit process, lodging recommendations, exclusive locations and the best times to visit, I’d love to chat with you! Head over to my contact form to schedule a call with me and together we can dream up your ultimate sand dune adventure elopement in Colorado.
5. Buena Vista, Colorado
This charming little town is located roughly 2 hours from Denver and is a great Colorado elopement location with its natural beauty and proximity to epic mountain views & alpine lakes.
Best Spots
Some of the best places to elope are off the beaten path but fairly easy to access. If you and your love decide to take a drive up Cottonwood Pass you will see a number of locations to pull off the road by the time you reach the summit.
Tips
Cottonwood Pass outside of Buena Vista is a mountain pass so, it is only accessible from June-October. The best time of day to elope in Colorado is during golden hour for that jaw-dropping natural lighting. Golden hour is the first hour after the sun rises and the last hour before the sunsets. Depending on the specific location along the pass will depend when the sun is in the right position. Hire a professional photographer (like me) with experience shooting in various locations at the best time of day.
Example Gallery
CHECK OUT Emily & Andrew’s sunrise elopement gallery on Cottonwood Pass
“Jenny absolutely surprised us with magical wedding photos. We knew they’d be beautiful, we eloped on a mountain. But Jenny created magic.
She hiked up a mountain with us at sunrise to capture morning light—and even had a scouting session with us before the wedding so we’d knew exactly where we wanted to be and when.”
If you’re looking for the best places to elope in Colorado I’m here to help. This list provides five of my favorite locations and information to elope in Colorado however, there are so many more options to choose from. I strive to take amazing photos in EPIC locations with the best couples. Together I want to help bring your wedding vision to life by guiding you through the planning process, finding a location that best represents you as a couple and capturing your elopement day as it unfolds while you and your love have the time of your life!