Elopement Locations Becca Johanson Elopement Locations Becca Johanson

How to Elope in North Carolina

Get started on planning your North Carolina elopement with our ultimate guide! Explore the best seasons, locations like Great Smoky National Park and the Blue Ridge Parkway, and essential tips for permits and marriage licenses. Find inspiration for activities and decide on guest and vendor options. You’ll have all the tips you need to get started with the planning process!

How to Plan Your North Carolina Elopement

Planning your North Carolina elopement but unsure where to begin? We’ve got you covered! From the mountains to the sea, North Carolina is a stunning state full of quaint towns, dynamic cities, and endless opportunities for adventure. Home to four national forests, over forty state parks, and half of Great Smoky National Park, there is no shortage of spectacular elopement spots. So how do you go about narrowing down your options? Are there any places where you can’t elope? When should you elope? Keep reading for advice, guidelines, and information on how to start planning your North Carolina elopement!

Why Elope in North Carolina?

Aside from it’s undeniable beauty, North Carolina makes for the perfect elopement location because of it’s accessibility, moderate temperatures, and countless secluded locations. The people are kind, it is inexpensive to stay and travel in, and it is near impossible to run out of things to do and places to see. There is something about the wisdom of these ancient mountains and diverse forests that make for the perfect setting for any elopement. If you love grassy balds and sprawling views, rich shades of green, and the genuine charm of a mountain town, North Carolina is the perfect place for you to tie the knot! 

When it comes to planning your North Carolina elopement, there are many different factors to consider. This guide will give you some insight on the four main decisions you need to make when starting to plan your elopement: when to elope, where to elope, what is required to elope, and who to include in your elopement. Ready to get started? Read on! 

Table of Contents

  1. When to Elope - Seasons Guide

  2. Where to Elope - Location Ideas

  3. What to Do - Permits, Marriage Licenses, Activity Recommendations

  4. Who to Include - Eloping with Guests, Vendor Ideas


Summer Elopement at an Airbnb in Pittsboro North Carolina. Photography by Trail Magic Elopements and Micro Weddings.

When to Elope in North Carolina

The easy answer to the question of the best season for a North Carolina elopement is… there isn’t one! Each season in North Carolina has different pros and cons. The season that is best for your elopement is entirely up to you and your personal preferences. Here is some insight into each season and what they bring to the table! 

Summer

Months: June, July, and August- although summer’s heat can appear in May and linger into September

Why elope in the summer: Hours upon hours of daylight, lush green forests, and an abundance of waterfalls and swimming holes make summer an awesome time to elope in North Carolina. Although generally a hot and humid season, at higher altitudes the temperatures are not quite as intense. There are also ample opportunities to cool off, and summer is the perfect time for activities like paddleboarding, kayaking, and white water rafting. Many wildflowers are at peak in June, contrasting with the rich shades of greens to create stunning, colorful backdrops for your elopement. 

Summer in North Carolina.Photography by Trail Magic Elopements and Micro Weddings.

Fall

Months: September, October, November

Why elope in the fall: Fall in Western North Carolina is a sight to behold- hence why people travel from all over to drive the Blue Ridge Parkway in October. The weather is ideal, as the summer heat has died down and humidity has worn off. It tends to be one of the drier seasons, so the threat of rain on your elopement day is generally minimal. There are also so many fun activities, from apple picking and pumpkin carving to leaf peeping and bonfires. This is also the ideal time of year for a longer hiking or backpacking elopement! The possibilities for a fall elopement are endless in NC! 

Fall in North Carolina. Photography by Trail Magic Elopements and Micro Weddings.

Winter

Months: December, January, February, early March

Why elope in the winter: There is a gentle stillness that overtakes the North Carolina mountains in the winter. Snowy pine forests and ice-coated rhododendrons create peaceful forest walks, and the higher peaks are often snow-capped. This is also a great time of year to elope because the trails are often quieter. If you are desiring complete solitude, winter is the perfect time for you. There is also no shortage of winter activities in NC, including skiing and snowboarding, snow tubing, and ice skating. Think of the cozy fireside hot chocolate you can end the evening with! 

Full day Elopement in the Spring at Carver's Gap North Carolina. Photography by Trail Magic Elopements and Micro Weddings.

Spring

Months: Late March, April, May, Early June

Why elope in the spring: With the forests in full bloom, spring is a beautiful time to elope in North Carolina. The temperatures are generally comfortable, the trails have not reached busy season yet, and everything is beginning to come to life after the winter. It can take spring a little longer to reach the high peaks, but this just means that at any point in time throughout the season, somewhere in NC, there is a trail in its peak bloom! 

Spring in North Carolina. Photography by Trail Magic Elopements and Micro Weddings.

Where to Elope in North Carolina

When it comes to where to elope in North Carolina, the options are abundant. North Carolina offers a little bit of everything, and it is possible to curate your elopement day to include exactly the setting you are looking for. When considering where to elope, it is important to consider not only the location of the ceremony, but also the surrounding area and its accessibility, as well as what it has to offer in the way of accommodations, food, and activities. 

While many people consider Asheville to be the hub of Western NC, there are many other options of areas you can elope in and have the experience of a lifetime. Here are some areas to consider! 

Great Smoky Mountain National Park

Half of the Smokies lie in North Carolina, the other half in Tennessee. Many of the trails, including the Appalachian Trail, follow the border of the two states through the park. Aside from being home to multiple 6k footers, including Clingman’s Dome, fire towers boasting expansive views, and many waterfalls, the Smokies have more forest diversity than the entire continent of Europe! 

Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Photography by Trail Magic Elopements and Micro Weddings.

National Forests

North Carolina is home to four national forests, two of which are in Western North Carolina. Pisgah National Forest encompasses over 500,000 acres of forest surrounding Asheville to both the north and south. It is also home to Mount Mitchell, the highest peak east of the Mississippi, Shining Rock Wilderness (home of the Art Loeb Trail), and the spectacular Linville Gorge, known as the “Grand Canyon of the East.” Nantahala National Forest is the largest of NC’s national forests, situated in southwestern North Carolina. Within Nantahala’s bounds are Whiteside Mountain, which is considered by geologists to be one of the oldest mountains in the world, and Whitewater Falls, the tallest waterfall east of the Mississippi. 

Pisgah National Forest in North Carolina. Photography by Trail Magic Elopements and Micro Weddings.

State Parks

Nine North Carolina State Parks fall in Western NC, with many others easily accessible from the area as well. Here are a few of our favorites for elopements: 

Gorges State Park: Located in the southwest corner of the state where NC meets SC and Georgia, Gorges has 26 waterfalls, views of Lake Jocassee, and part of the famous Foothills Trail. The remote trails and lush temperate rainforest are a great place to elope, and the perfect spot for a waterfall picnic! 

Elk Knob State Park: Although this park doesn’t have miles and miles of hiking trails, it’s proximity to the beloved mountain towns of Boone and Blowing Rock make it an awesome place to elope. Consider a winter elopement here, as a stretch of trail is open to snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in the winter! 

Mount Mitchell State Park: Standing at 6,684 feet, Mount Mitchell is the highest peak east of the Mississippi. It is also a drivable peak, making this a great place to elope if you or any guests you plan to have need an accessible spot. 

Stone Mountain State Park: Stone Mountain is a great spot for an elopement because of the mountaintop surface it is named for- stone! After a nice climb to the top of the mountain, you are greeted with an expansive stone summit that offers sweeping views and countless spots to say your vows separate from any crowds. You don’t have to worry about the viewpoint being occupied, because the viewpoints are everywhere! 

Blue Ridge Parkway

Nicknamed “America’s Favorite Drive,” the Blue Ridge Parkway winds 469 miles through NC and Virginia, offering breathtaking viewpoints and access to countless trails. Many mountain towns, state parks, and national forest lands lie right off the parkway, including Asheville, Linville Gorge, Grandfather Mountain, and much more! A great place for picnics, biking, camping, and of course driving the parkway is a fun elopement day activity in and of itself!

Hawksbill Mountain in North Carolina. Photography by Trail Magic Elopements and Micro Weddings.

Airbnb Weddings

We love an Airbnb wedding! There are adorable airbnb’s all over North Carolina, with close proximity to some of our favorite mountain towns and activities. They also ensure that you don’t have to worry about any permits of any sort, just confirm with your host that you are allowed to have your ceremony and photography on the property!

Airbnb Elopement in the Summer in Pittsboro North Carolina. Photography by Trail Magic Elopements and Micro Weddings.

What to do for Your North Carolina Elopement

Permits and Restrictions

When planning your elopement, there are plenty of logistics to consider when it comes to your location. It is common that permits are required to elope in many places. There are also some locations in North Carolina, specifically a few along the Blue Ridge Parkway, that do not allow for elopements or highly discourage them due to heavy foot traffic or in an effort to conserve the land. It is generally fairly easy to determine when and when not a permit is required, as each state park and national forest has permit information on their website. Elopement planners are also a great resource for this, and will take the research off of your shoulders! Although an additional hurdle to the planning process, we believe it is important to go through all permit processes and to adhere to their regulations to best protect the land for decades to come.

*Fun fact- The Blue Ridge Parkway’s website specifically states that it is against the rules to release tigers, and to throw jell-o, among other things! Curious what caused them to explicitly include these restrictions? We are too!* 

Marriage Legality

In North Carolina, you can legally elope as long as you have an officiant and two witnesses present. The officiant cannot be included as a witness in NC. 

Marriage licenses can be applied for online, and both partners must be present to pick up the license from your local courthouse. The cost of a NC marriage license is $60, and it cannot be obtained more than 60 days prior to the elopement. This is the most important item to bring to your elopement! Your elopement photographer or planner can make sure to keep it safe in their pack for you as you go about your elopement day activities!

Full day Elopement at Carver's Gap in Tennessee in the Spring. Photography by Trail Magic Elopements and Micro Weddings.

Activity Ideas

Speaking of activities, there are SO many different things that you can do to celebrate your NC elopement. We love elopements that feel 100% genuine to you, so don’t shy away from spending some time doing what you love most as a couple on your big day. A great way to brainstorm is to each write a list of what you love doing most with your partner, and then compare! Here are some ideas that we love for Western North Carolina to help get you started! 

  • Hiking or backpacking

  • Mountain biking

  • Brewery hopping (Asheville consistently ranks in the top 10 for best beer cities in the country!)

  • Camping or glamping (yurt, anyone?)

  • A drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway

  • Paddleboarding or kayaking

  • Playing board games

  • Watching a movie that is important to you as a couple

  • Creating a slideshow of pictures from your relationship thus far

  • Visiting your favorite mountain town

  • A morning coffee date

  • Bake your wedding cake together

  • Exploring a museum or historical site

  • A backyard bbq with friends and family

Hiking Elopement in Blowing Rock North Carolina. Photography by Trail Magic Elopements and Micro Weddings.

Who to Include in Your Elopement Day

Determining whether or not you would like guests present for your elopement is a big decision! In choosing to elope, you are already choosing to forego having many friends and family there.

Ultimately, no one can make this decision but you and your partner, but here are a couple of things to consider:

  • Land restrictions: many elopement spots limit the number of people able to be present to 10 or 16 depending on the place. This number includes you and your partner, as well as your officiant, photographer, planner, and any other vendor you need present. 

  • Accessibility: When choosing to include guests, you must determine if where you are choosing to elope is accessible for them, or if you would need to select an alternate location. 

  • Legality: Having at least two people present to bear witness is required in NC. You can use your photographer and planner as witnesses, but keep in mind if you forego having either of those vendors present, you will need guests to replace them!

  • Hosting: When you include guests, you are ultimately choosing to host. You likely cannot just ask people to come out for the ceremony, but will also need to plan additional components for the day that include your guests.

If it is important for you and your partner that certain people are present, by all means, prioritize that! Ultimately your day is about you, and if it is meaningful for you to have these people present, it is entirely possible to make that happen.

Airbnb Elopement in the summer in Pittsboro North Carolina. Photography by Trail Magic Elopements and Micro Weddings.

Vendors

Although an elopement doesn’t require near as many vendors as a traditional wedding, it is still important to consider everybody that will be present during your elopement. We strongly recommend hiring a photographer (specifically one who specializes in adventure elopements) and an elopement planner. An elopement planner will take the planning weight off of your shoulders, and make the process and your day smooth and stress-free.

You may also be interested in hiring the following vendors for your elopement:

  • Hair and makeup stylist

  • Activity/ rental company- ie kayak rentals, vineyard tours, etc

  • Bakery or Caterer

  • Florist (keep in mind that many elopement locations prohibit live flowers)

Full day Elopement at Carver's Gap Tennessee in the Spring. Photography by Trail Magic Elopements and Micro Weddings.

North Carolina truly has so much to offer as the destination for your elopement. Spectacular in any season, it is as genuine, unique, and exciting as your love story, making it the perfect place to tie the knot. There is no shortage of panoramic views, lush forests, entertaining activities, and quaint mountain towns. With a little bit of everything, we are sure that you will have an unforgettable elopement. We hope that this guide has given you a synopsis of where to get started when it comes to your North Carolina elopement planning, and that you are excited to dive into the process!

North Carolina Elopement Planner and Elopement Photographer. Photography by Trail Magic Elopements and Micro Weddings.

Need a photographer or planner for your North Carolina elopement?

Hi, we’re Becca and Hannah! As your Colorado elopement planning & photography team, we’re more than just the vendors setting up table decor and shooting posed portraits after your ceremony. We’re here to create a safe and community driven space for you to make your meaningful wedding vision a reality, without you having to do any of the heavy lifting! Elopement planning is our absolute jam, so if you’re interested, reach out here to schedule your free elopement consultation with us!

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Elopement Locations, Elopement Guide Hannah Long Elopement Locations, Elopement Guide Hannah Long

How to Elope in Colorado

Discover how to plan your dream Colorado elopement with our ultimate guide! Explore the best seasons, locations like Rocky Mountain National Park and Great Sand Dunes National Park and essential tips for permits and marriage licenses. Find inspiration for activities and decide on guest and vendor options. You’ll have all the tips you need to get started with the planning process!

How to Plan your Colorado Elopement

Looking to learn about eloping in Colorado? You’ve come to the right place! It’s no secret that Colorado is a paradise for adventurous spirits. Boasting 58, 14,000 ft peaks, 4 incredibly unique National Parks, sparkling alpine lakes and countless mountain vistas, it’s no surprise that people from all over the world come here to explore and enjoy Colorado’s incredible natural beauty! These are ALSO the reasons why many couples choose Colorado as their wedding destination. If this sounds like you and your partner, then this guide will be a great starting point for you to plan your incredible Colorado Elopement!

Sunrise elopement at Echo Lake Park, in the Spring. Photography by Trail Magic Elopements and Micro Weddings.

Why Elope in Colorado?

The short answer? Colorado is the perfect place to elope because of its straightforward marriage requirements, AND its epic landscapes. If you’re looking for a secluded, personal, and adventurous elopement experience where you get quality time to celebrate just the two of you, you shouldn’t look further than Colorado, it will check all of your boxes! 

Not convinced quite yet? That’s okay! There is so much more to know about how to elope in Colorado, so we’ve broken this blog post down into the 4 main things to consider (the when, where, what, and who) when starting to plan. By the time you finish reading, you’ll have all the information you need to have your dream Colorado Elopement experience! 

Table of Contents: 

  1. When to elope - a guide to the seasons

  2. Where to elope - location ideas

  3. What to do - permits, marriage licenses, and activity recommendations

  4. Who to include - eloping with guests and vendor ideas


When to elope in Colorado - Seasons Guide

You can get married in any season in Colorado and have a stunning and amazing experience! But, there are some key things to know when it comes to planning an elopement in the mountains AND deciding what season you would prefer based on weather, scenery, and activities. In this section, we discuss the different seasons in Colorado and the types of elopements that work best for all of them! 

SUMMER

Typical Months of the Year: Late June, July, August

Why Elope in Summer - Summer is the most popular season for Colorado elopements because you have full accessibility to trails, mountain summits, 4x4, dirt, or even paved roads, and campgrounds! You’ll want to choose this season if you’re looking for a high alpine elopement with epic mountain vista views without having to worry about coming across much snow (**snow is always possible in high elevations, there really isn’t a surefire way to guarantee that you avoid it above 10,000 ft). Summer is also the time of year where wildflowers bloom, days are longest, and temperatures are at their warmest, without being humid. 

Camping elopement in Gunnison National Forest in the Summer. Photography by Trail Magic Elopements and Micro Weddings.

FALL

Typical Months of the Year: September, Early to Mid October

Why Elope in Fall - Fall is the second most popular season for Colorado elopements because you still have lots of accessibility to locations, AND the aspen trees are showing their true colors! You’ll want to choose this season if you’re looking for an elopement that shows fall colors, has crisp but not freezing weather, and still allows you to travel to higher alpine areas with less fear of snow. Fall is also a great time of year for hiking elopements because while the days are still long, the weather is slightly cooler, the mountains are stunning, and there are fewer thunderstorms clouding up the afternoons.

Rocky mountain national park in the fall. Photography by Trail Magic Elopements and Micro Weddings.

WINTER

Typical Months of the Year: Late October - March

Why Elope in Winter - Truly, Winter is one of Colorado’s busiest tourist seasons, because of its world-class ski resorts! It’s an amazing season for an elopement if you and your partner are interested in winter recreation, or romantic cozy atmospheres. Winter allows for different types of access - more trails and high alpine roads are closed (not all of them though!) but other popular areas for summer hiking like Rocky Mountain National Park or Great Sand Dunes National Park have less competition for permits. You’ll want to consider winter for your elopement if you’re really interested in an adventurous experience, and not afraid of the cold. Most days have sunshine, but that doesn’t mean the temperature is high! 

Full day elopement in Fairplay, Colorado in the Winter. Photography by Trail Magic Elopements and Micro Weddings.

SPRING

Typical Months of the Year: Late March - Mid June

Why Elope in Spring -  Spring in Colorado is probably the least predictable. In Denver, it can be almost 80 degrees and sunny one day, and then a blizzard the next (the mountains can also maximize these extremes!) However, it’s a great season if you’re interested in escaping any crowds! Ski resorts are winding down for the season, and summer hiking hasn’t taken full swing yet, so there are lots of opportunities to take advantage of in Spring if you’re willing to research (or connect with local vendors who know their stuff), and pack layers for any type of weather! 

Sunrise elopement at Echo Lake Park, in the Spring. Photography by Trail Magic Elopements and Micro Weddings.

Where to elope in Colorado

You’re probably curious about how to find the best places to elope in Colorado, so we broke it to it down for you based on two key factors: 

  1. Proximity for travel within Colorado 

  2. Types of landscapes  

Here is a map of popular elopement locations/areas in Colorado, to help you visualize where they are in relation to major cities, and each other! Colorado is a big state, it’s important to understand where you want to focus your elopement and whole trip, so that you can truly customize your experience to your exact preferences! 

Popular Colorado Elopement Locations Map taken by Trail Magic Elopements and Micro Weddings.

NATIONAL PARKS

Rocky Mountain NP
Proximity to Denver International Airport (DIA) - within 1.5 - 2hrs

Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) is always a crowd pleaser! With its gorgeous alpine lakes, high alpine tundra, and accessibility, it’s no wonder that hundreds of couples decide to get married here every year. The permit process is very competitive and requires lots of advanced planning, but if you snag one, it’s 1000% worth it! You can learn more about their special use permit system here

Dream Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park in the Winter. Photography by Trail Magic Elopements and Micro Weddings.


Great Sand Dunes NP
Proximity to Denver International Airport (DIA) - within 4 hrs 

If you’re looking for an other-worldly type landscape for your elopement, look no further than Great Sand Dunes! From towering sand dunes to snow capped mountains in the distance, this park has so much to offer couples looking for adventure, fun, and a unique elopement experience with less crowds than somewhere like Rocky Mountain! You can learn more about their special use permit system for weddings here! 

Great Sand Dunes National Park in the Fall. Photography by Trail Magic Elopements and Micro Weddings.


Black Canyon of the Gunnison NP
Proximity to Denver International Airport (DIA) - within 5.5 hrs

Black Canyon is still one of Colorado’s underrated parks & gems! The canyon is incredibly deep and impressive, with lots of river activities, hiking options, and stunning overlooks. If the high desert landscape entices you, we highly recommend checking this park out for a beautiful, secluded elopement experience. Another bonus about this lesser traveled park is that the permits are far less competitive and may not be necessary depending on how many guests you bring. You can check out their permit info here. 


Mesa Verde NP
Proximity to Denver International Airport (DIA) - within 7 hrs

Most famous for its preservation of cliff dwellings, Mesa Verde might not seem like a typical Colorado elopement location, but it definitely has beautiful high desert cliffs, rock formations, and trails that would be perfect and secluded for your elopement experience! Their permit system is also less competitive, and doesn’t take as long to process. Check out their special use permit applications here. 


FRONT RANGE LOCATIONS

Areas Included: Denver & Denver Mountain Parks, Boulder, Colorado Springs
Proximity to Denver International Airport (DIA) - within 1-1.25 hrs
Closest airport - Denver 
Types of landscapes: jagged mountains, red rocks and boulders, 360 mountain vistas, accessible overlooks and short hike options.

The front range areas offer a wide variety of activities, landscapes, accommodation options and vendors because of the proximity to Denver and/or Colorado Springs. Some popular sites include Sunrise Amphitheater in Boulder, Garden of the Gods, and Echo Lake Park. 

Boulder, Colorado in the Summer. Photography by Trail Magic Elopements and Micro Weddings.

CENTRAL MOUNTAIN LOCATIONS

Areas Included: Aspen, Breckenridge, Buena Vista, Vail 
Proximity to Denver International Airport (DIA) - within 1.5 - 3 hrs
Closest airport - Denver or Aspen 
Types of landscapes: high alpine peaks, alpine lakes, wildflowers, aspen forests, mountain passes, accessible overlooks, longer hike options and short hike options.

The Central Rockies offer stunning views, world-class hiking and activities, and lots of options for venues, Airbnbs, and meals in charming mountain towns. Some popular areas include Windy Point Campground, Loveland Pass Lake, Maroon Bells Amphitheater, but there are plenty of hidden gem spots as well! 

Sunrise at Loveland Pass in Coloraod in the Summer. Photography by Trail Magic Elopements and Micro Weddings.


SAN JUAN MOUNTAIN LOCATIONS

Areas Included: Ouray, Telluride
Proximity to Denver International Airport (DIA) - within 7 hrs 
Closest airport - Montrose Regional Airport
Types of landscapes: high alpine peaks, mountain passes, waterfalls, deep turquoise lakes, aspen forests, accessible overlooks, longer hike options and short hike options.

If you’re looking for a secluded and absolutely beautiful adventure for your elopement, the San Juan region should be at the top of your list! It offers stunning views, gorgeous lakes, waterfalls and everything in between. This area is best explored by 4x4 drives to access incredible wilderness areas without needing to hike extensive miles. Popular areas include San Sophia Overlook, Bridal Veil Falls, and Alta Lakes.


What to do for your Colorado Elopement

This section covers the logistics of planning your elopement like securing permits and obtaining your marriage license, and also offers you some fun activity ideas to consider for planning a partial day or even full to multi day elopement experience! 


Permits

Since Colorado is such a popular destination for weddings, most areas have implemented permit systems to ensure that public lands and facilities are maintained and protected from overuse. Here at Trail Magic Elopements & Micro Weddings, we absolutely appreciate these measures because they help us keep our earth protected for future generations to enjoy! 

However, we know permits can sometimes be a complicated and unclear process when planning your elopement. Our best advice for permits is to consider all the requirements, keep guest lists smaller if you’re wanting to utilize public land, and always keep your decor/ceremony props to a minimum. We also highly recommend hiring an Elopement Photographer and an Elopement Planner because they can help you navigate the permitting process seamlessly! 

Sunrise Elopement at Echo Lake Park in Colorado. Photography by Trail Magic Elopements and Micro Weddings.

How to legally elope in Colorado

Getting your marriage license

The process for applying for and getting your marriage license in Colorado is simple, but does require some planning ahead to make sure everything works smoothly. Here are the 4 easy steps to obtain a marriage license in Colorado: 

  1. Set up an appointment at the County Clerk's Office - this appointment will be with the county clerk's office where you are going to elope for you to come in and pick up your marriage license. Appointments are NOT required but they do speed up the process and give you peace of mind, especially in busier counties like Denver, Jefferson, and anything near the metro area. **It’s important to note the business hours of the clerk’s office you plan to go to - these government offices are not open on weekends, and some aren’t open on Fridays. Be sure to plan ahead if you’re coming from out of state! 

  2. Complete the marriage license online application - this needs to occur before going to your in person appointment. It has basic information about you and your partner, and provides information about the identification materials that you need to provide at your appointment.

  3. Pick up your marriage license - at your in person appointment you’ll pick up your marriage license and pay the $30 fee! 

  4. Sign and return it -  On your elopement day you, your partner and any witnesses or an officiant (if you choose to have these) will sign your marriage license. *Note that Colorado doesn’t have a waiting period  for marriage licenses. You can technically pick it up and use it within the same day! It just has to be signed within 35 days of picking it up. Once it is signed, it then needs to be returned in person to the county clerk’s office or mailed back to them. It’s important that this occurs within 63 days of it being issued. 

Popular County Clerk Offices that you might need for your Colorado Elopement: Be sure to visit the website of the county clerk you need to confirm the necessary information and details for obtaining your Colorado marriage license. 

Other Popular Areas

El Paso County (Colorado Springs)
Larimer County (Estes Park & RMNP)
Summit County (Breckenridge)
Pitkin County (Aspen)
San Miguel County (Telluride)
Alamosa County (Great Sand Dunes NP)

Sunrise Elopement at Echo Lake Park in Colorado in the Spring. Photography by Trail Magic Elopements and Micro Weddings.

Self- Solemnization

Colorado is unique because you are able to self-solemnize your marriage, which means that you and your partner can legally marry yourselves without the need of an officiant and multiple witnesses to sign the license. This is an amazing option if you are looking to elope without any guests because you don’t have to rely on anyone else - it can literally just be the two of you sharing your vows together with not another soul in sight! The perfect scenario for a “just-us” private experience! 

Although self-solemnization is an option, it’s not required. You can always opt to have someone who is ordained lead your ceremony and witnesses sign, if that’s important to you! Everyone has different preferences for what they’d like their elopement ceremony to look like, and the best part about Colorado is that it offers you options, something lots of other states don’t, so you can completely customize your elopement to what makes you feel the best and most comfortable!

Winter Elopement in Fairplay, Colorado. Photography by Trail Magic Elopements and Micro Weddings.

Elopement Activity Ideas

There are lots of lists about activity ideas for your elopement out there, so we wanted to first offer you our best piece of advice: don’t feel pressured to choose activities just because they are the trendy elopement thing. The absolute best elopements include activities that mean something to you and your partner - these are the days that are easy to photograph because they are full of genuine smiles, laughter and even tears because the couple is out there doing things that feel natural and that they LOVE.

So with that in mind, start brainstorming activities that you love doing together already and how you could incorporate them into your elopement day and here are some additional ideas to get you started: 

  • Visiting a brewery or vineyard

  • A mini road trip

  • Ice cream tasting

  • Romantic picnic

  • Sailboat or boat ride

  • Helicopter tour

  • Swimming in a lake or waterfall

  • Private letter readings

  • Flying kites

  • Eating at your favorite restaurant

  • Playing lawn games or board games 

  • Visiting an art museum

  • Hiking

  • Backpacking

  • Camping

  • Cooking a meal together

  • 4x4 drive 

  • Skiing/snowboarding

  • Sand boarding

  • Kayaking or Paddleboarding

  • Fishing

  • Painting

  • Having a campfire

  • Playing musical instruments 

Winter Elopement in Breckenridge, Colorado. Photography by Trail Magic Elopements and Micro Weddings.

Who to include in your elopement

Guests

Whether to include guests or not is a very personal choice…elopements are great both ways! We always recommend talking with your partner and clarifying exactly who would be included and establishing boundaries for the maximum number of people. Guest lists can easily start to spiral out of control if you’re not on the same page and communication is always key! Here are somethings to consider when considering guests for your elopement in Colorado: 

  • For ceremonies on public lands, it’s generally better to keep your group size as small as possible, this helps keep usage down for the area and also makes planning the logistics of the day (especially if you’re hiking etc..) simpler. 

  • For smaller venues or vacation rentals, always check with the owners regarding guest counts to ensure that you’re falling within those requirements. 

  • Accessibility for guests is also a huge consideration - as your guest list grows, your options for non-traditional spaces become more limited. You’ll also want to consider the mobility needs of your guests when thinking of activities, accommodations and ceremony locations. Many public land spots don’t allow for chairs or things to be set up, which could be an issue for older guests. 

Our best piece of advice when thinking about guests at your elopement is to consider if your guests would be adding to your experience or not? If they add to the experience for both you and your partner, GREAT! If you’re not sure they will, then a 2-person elopement is never a disappointment!

Colorado Elopement Photographer photographing a couple in the winter. Photography by Trail Magic Elopements and Micro Weddings.

Vendors

You can choose as many or as few vendors for your elopement as you’d like, but there are a few staples that we always recommend to give you peace of mind and ensure your day runs as smoothly as possible. Here are the vendors we strongly suggest hiring for your elopement:

  • Photographer - we recommend finding someone that specializes in elopements and adventurous weddings

  • Elopement Planner - we have a whole blog post about why you should hire an elopement planner, but in summary if you’re looking to elope with guests or are truly wanting a stress-free experience, an elopement planner is for you!

Here are some other  vendor ideas to consider depending on your preferred elopement adventure: 

  • Bakery

  • Kayak Rental

  • 4x4 off roading driver

  • Hair & Makeup Stylist

  • Private Chef or Caterer

  • Florist


Ultimately, you can’t go wrong with choosing Colorado as your elopement destination! It has something for everyone to enjoy and options to make your elopement as accessible or remote as you’d like. Between the outdoor activities, the local cuisine and drinks scene, quaint mountain towns, and stunning scenery, you’re going to be able to plan a one-of-a-kind, unforgettable elopement experience in Colorado, completely tailored to you! We hope this post has inspired you to hit the ground running with your planning process and given you lots of new tools to start embracing the freedom, romance, and natural beauty that Colorado has to offer!

 

Need a photographer or planner for your Colorado elopement?

Hi, we’re Becca and Hannah! As your Colorado elopement planning & photography team, we’re more than just the vendors setting up table decor and shooting posed portraits after your ceremony. We’re here to create a safe and community driven space for you to make your meaningful wedding vision a reality, without you having to do any of the heavy lifting! Elopement planning is our absolute jam, so if you’re interested, reach out here to schedule your free elopement consultation with us!

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