Colorado Springs Micro Wedding
B&C’s micro wedding in Colorado Springs was such a warm, intentional, and beautiful celebration. They chose to get married in Garden of the Gods and celebrate with their closest friends and family at multiple venues around downtown in the Springs.
Breanna and Chase celebrated their micro wedding in July of 2024 in Colorado Springs! It was an incredibly laid back day full of candid moments with their closest family and friends. They were so intentional in the activities, experiences, and people they chose for their day, and it showed in how the day flowed from start to finish. I’m so excited to share the images and story of their day below!
Are you thinking about having a micro wedding in Colorado but need some help or inspiration? We also recommend checking out these guides!
A laid back timeline and style
The aspect of B & C’s day that stands out to me was their laid back timeline and style. Nothing about the day from getting ready, to an intimate cocktail hour, to their ceremony, felt rushed or stressed. They owned their day and kept their guests close so that there was never a reason to push on to the next activity. Everyone was included from start to finish, and with all of this time, it was easy to capture the sweet in between moments that unfolded as everyone interacted.
Blending traditional and unconventional
B & C didn’t ignore all aspects of a traditional wedding, but really found a harmonious blend of tradition and modernization. Here are some examples of how they shook up the wedding traditions to make them their own!
Instead of getting ready separately, they were together during these moments of the day. C was in and out of the bridal suite as B was getting dressed and it let them both soak in the time with their close people!
They had a sit-down cocktail hour with their guests before the ceremony. Instead of using this as a time to run away and do photos, they built in more time to spend with their guests at a local brewery, Phantom Canyon. It was a great time for conversation and snacks!
Instead of having speeches, they allowed every guest to say a few words. Towards the end of the night, B & C opened the mic up to all of their guests to speak. They went around the table sharing memories, words of wisdom, and excitement for the newlyweds!
Multiple Locations & Transportation
B & C’s day included multiple locations for all of the guests, so they decided to charter a bus to take the group from place to place. This proved to be really handy because no one had to worry about parking, or waiting on someone who hadn’t arrived. When the bus arrived, we knew everyone was there and ready!
Having multiple locations helped the day feel unique and exciting. From getting ready, to cocktail hour, to the ceremony and finally the reception space, the day truly felt like a story, and everyone on the bus had an amazing time!
Here are the spots they used for their Micro Wedding in the Springs!
Getting Ready: Mining Exchange Hotel
Cocktail Hour: Phantom Canyon Brewing
Ceremony: Garden of the Gods
Reception: Mining Exchange Hotel
Inspired to plan your own Colorado Micro Wedding?!
Planning your own Colorado Micro Wedding and need help?
Hi, we’re Becca and Hannah! A Colorado wedding Photographer and Planner!
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!
Micro wedding planning is our absolute jam, so if you’re interested, reach out here to schedule your free consultation with us!
Best Colorado Small Wedding Venues
Looking to have your small wedding in Colorado but unsure where to start looking? Look no further! We've compiled a list of 20+ of our favorite micro wedding venues in Colorado in well-know towns like Estes Park, Boulder, Colorado Springs, Crested Butte and Vail. The venues range from boutique bed and breakfasts to unique river lodges, and even accessible mountain gardens! You will definitely have all the inspiration you need to start planning the Colorado small wedding of your dreams!
When it comes to finding the perfect spot for your Colorado micro-wedding, the options can be a little bit overwhelming. Sure, many of the larger, more traditional venues are off the table, but a whole new world of possibilities is open to you. As the intimate wedding industry grows, many unique places are leaning in and offering up their spaces for people like you to host your intentional day. From small bed and breakfasts, to unique mountain top overlooks, to flower gardens and unique western style saloons, keep reading for some of our favorite Colorado small wedding venues!
Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park, right outside of Estes Park.
Estes Park Small Wedding Venues
YMCA of the Rockies
Capacity: Depends on venue option but ranges
What we love about this spot:
Recommend the Historic Mountainside Lodge Package
Sleeps up to 38 people on site
Private Covered pavilion access
Lodge access (3-4 night packages)
Ceremony site access (seats up to 120 people)
Private, mountain views
The Bristlecone Inn
Capacity: 60
What we love about this spot:
Is a versatile, cute space where you could host a ceremony, reception, or rehearsal dinner (or all 3 events!)
Venue provides lots of helpful materials for an intimate gathering, but also allows you to customize the space to your liking
Could have a ceremony in Rocky Mountain National Park and use this venue as a reception space!
The Landing
Capacity: 120 guests
What we love about this spot:
Exclusive use of the property for your event
Onsite accommodation for you and guests
Gorgeous riverfront Ceremony location
Option for rehearsal dinner or whole wedding experience
Romantic Riversong Inn
Capacity:18 guests
What we love about this spot:
Comprehensive packages ranging from 2 person elopements to a small event with guests
Ability to buy out the property for guests to stay
Cute decor and activities on site for a very cozy, intimate vibe to your day
Riverfront Ceremony location
Hermit Park
Capacity: up to 150 guests
What we love about this spot:
Affordable, outdoor location with views of Long’s Peak
Beautiful outdoor views!
Versatile space for a ceremony and outdoor reception
Reservable for day-use
Boulder Flower farm, photo courtesy of their website.
Boulder Small Wedding Venues
Lone Hawk Farm
Capacity: 125 guests
What we love about this spot:
Seasonal access - spring through autumn
Private experience for a thoughtfully curated small event
Access to the barn, gazebo, lawn, and meadow for events
Beautiful views of the front-range
Ability to include fresh produce from farm into your meal
The Flagstaff House
Capacity: max 100, better suited for smaller gatherings
What we love about this spot:
Fining dining restaurant with stunning views of the Boulder Valley
Patio opening up to the views where ceremony can be hosted
Space for reception/dining post ceremony
Award winning chef & food!
The Simon
Capacity : 40 guests for micro weddings
What we love about this spot:
Versatile industrial space
Speakeasy lounge for appetizers, cake and cocktail hour
Ceremony location
Access to nearby trailheads for photos
Boulder Flower Farm
Capacity: up to 100 guests
What we love about this spot:
Blank canvas outdoor venue on an actual flower farm
Access to lots of green open space, patio space, and a historic grape arbor
Flower budget from the farm for seasonal florals
Optional day-use of the indoor farmhouse on site
Sunrise Amphitheater
Capacity: 100 guests
What we love about this spot:
Accessible seasonally, April 30 - October 31st
Outdoor amphitheater perfect to rent for your intimate ceremony near Boulder
Outstanding views off Flagstaff Mountain overlooking Boulder
Wheelchair accessible elopement location
Extremely affordable to rent, minimal decor options
Halfway House
Capacity: 49 guests
What we love about this spot:
Available year-round
Stone patio with great views of Boulder Valley
Inside covered seating for about 40 people
Wheelchair accessible
Affordable to rent for day use
Colorado Springs Small Wedding Venues
Seven Minute Springs Gazebo & Ampitheatre
Capacity - varies
What we love about this spot:
Adorable outside space to rent with a historic gazebo
Affordable and close to Colorado Springs for a reception dinner elsewhere
Accessible for guests
Capacity: 30-150 guests
What we love about this spot:
Option for a micro-wedding reception and cocktail hour space after outdoor ceremony
Offers guest rooms for couple to stay on site
Lots of items included in venue packages
Views of Pikes Peak and Garden of the Gods from inn
Capacity: depends on space
What we love about this spot:
Unique, trendy urban hotel
Lots of unique outdoor and modern spaces for events
Catering menu available
Outdoor yard has lots of space for games and laid back reception vibe
Capacity: depends on space
What we love about this spot:
Recently renovated, boutique hotel in downtown Colorado Springs
Unique room features
Reception spaces, trendy alley-way, and gorgeous hotel lobby for a very unique and comfortable micro-wedding experience
Capacity: 50 guests
What we love about this spot:
Rustic pavilion space right on a lake reservable on Recreation.gov
Close to Colorado Springs, Woodland Park and lots of other activities
Perfect for a small outdoor gathering with water activities or outdoor games
Sopris House, courtesy of Eleven's website
Crested Butte Small Wedding Venues
Mountain Wedding Garden
Capacity: 200 guests
What we love about this spot:
DIY wedding venue that can be transformed fully into your vision
Affordable prices for micro-weddings
Gorgeous mountain backdrop
Space for reception and ceremony
Elk Mountain Lodge
Capacity: 40 guests
What we love about this spot:
Bed & Breakfast Inn with lodging options for your guests!
A perfect place for a sit down dinner after a private ceremony
Quaint and charming spaces, perfect for a romantic fall or winter backdrop
With an event more than 10 people, a buyout of lodging is required
Vaquera House
Capacity: 10-12, ask for more details
What we love about this spot:
10 room luxury inn with mountain rustic charm
Cozy environment for an intimate wedding experience with lodging
Perfect for evening activities, small dinner after a ceremony out in nature
Public House
Capacity: 40 - 100+ guests depending on room booked
What we love about this spot:
Modern Colorado Saloon
Pub and Taproom that also hosts guests in their loft suites
Has multiple unique,spaces for hosting your reception or cocktail hour including their patio
Scarp Ridge
Capacity: 50 for sit down dinner
What we love about this spot:
A venue with lodging available for 18 guests
Historical charm inn with Wild West facade and luxurious interior design
Perfect for a sit-down dinner or cocktail reception!
Summer season May-Mid October, Winter season Mid December - Mid April
*Available for use along with Sopris House if desired
Sopris House
Capacity: 25 guests for sit down patio dinner
What we love about this spot:
Smaller venue option right next to Scarp Ridge
Intimate four bedroom home with a private saloon and outdoor patio
Perfect for a smaller event while still providing the same historic charm
Summer season May-Mid October, Winter season Mid December - Mid April
*Available for use along with Scarp Ridge if desired
Tigiwon Community House, courtesy of Recreation.gov
View from the house, courtesy of Recreation.gov
Vail Small Wedding Venues
Eagle/Vail Pavillion
Capacity: up to 200 guests
What we love about this spot:
Beautiful indoor/outdoor venue space with pond access, grassy lawns, and ample patio space for a more intimate event
Different rental options included
Great blank canvas space for a beautiful event
Tigiwon Community House
Capacity: varies
What we love about this spot:
Small rustic cabin house reservable for day-use on Recreation.Gov
Nestled into the mountains with gorgeous views and wildflowers in the summer
A DIY space for a rustic, private ceremony and/or gathering post ceremony in the mountains
Indoor/outdoor space for gathering
Julia’s Deck - Mount of the Holy Cross Observation Site
Capacity: 30 guests
What we love about this spot:
Reservable by calling the Holy Cross Ranger District
Affordable, private observation deck for a small gathering
Beautiful views of the mountains
DIY space for a small gathering/picnic following ceremony
Of course there are many more options available for your Colorado small wedding, but we hope this has given you some ideas and inspiration! If you are in the process of planning your micro-wedding, reach out to us here! We would love to chat.
Planning your own Colorado Small Wedding? Let’s chat!
Hi, we’re Becca and Hannah! As your Colorado small wedding 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 consultation with us!
Garden of the Gods Elopement
Looking to elope in Garden of the Gods? G&G's Colorado Elopement story has all the inspiration you could possibly need from local pizza and beer, to hidden gem locations, and gorgeous scenery! And the best part? It was planned in less than a month!
Gabby & Grant’s Colorado Springs Elopement
Gabby and Grant eloped in June of 2024 in Colorado Springs! We had the BEST day together, and I can’t wait to share all the details and images from this special memory.
Are you thinking about eloping in Colorado but need some help or inspiration? We also recommend checking out these guides!
Planning an Elopement in 30 Days
Gabby and Grant reached out about a month before their desired Elopement date with very few plans besides wanting to share their vows somewhere in this beautiful state where they first met and currently live.
Lucky for them, I had some great ideas up my sleeve, so we immediately got started with the planning process. Since they didn’t have any other vendors, the quick turnaround time was absolutely doable, and they ended up having the best, stress-free experience ever!
Why Garden of the Gods?
After sending multiple location recommendations, we ultimately decided on Garden of the Gods because of it’s accessibility, raw and unique beauty, and ease for permitting. The park does not charge for weddings, and they can all occur on a first come, first serve basis as long as they are within the designated ceremony spots that you can learn more about here.
Garden of the Gods was also somewhere new for Gabby, so they thought it would be a fun for her to see it on their elopement day, while also getting epic views of Pike’s Peak in the distance!
The biggest concern with Garden of the Gods was privacy, because it does get quite busy on weekends and during summer months, but I made sure to schedule the ceremony later in the evening, around sunset, to help us avoid those bustling tourist crowds.
The timing DEFINITELY paid off, we were found ourselves completely alone for most of the time in the park, which was AMAZING!
Colorado Springs Hidden Gem Location
Since we didn’t want to spend their whole elopement day in one spot, I recommended a great local spot in Colorado Springs for them to use for getting ready, a picnic dinner, and writing out their vows.
This overlook was a perfect for them because it gave them the privacy they wanted during the day, while still having stunning mountain views AND all that without having to hike at all!
In the hours that we stayed at this overlook, we didn’t have to share it with anyone else!
Elopement Day Activities
When planning their day, as part of our Trail Magic Client Experience , we talked a lot about their favorite things to do together and one of the things that came up was how much they love pizza and going to local Colorado breweries.
So we decided that pizza and local beer HAD to be part of their day, and I honestly don’t think it could have worked out better. We picked up fresh, local pizza from Bambino’s Urban Pizzeria and local Colorado beers from Odell’s Brewing.
It was the perfect way for them to hang out, relax, and spend time together writing vows, sharing letters from their long-distance phase, and getting ready for their ceremony later that evening.
Nothing was overly fancy, but it felt special because it was a day full of activities that were built around their relationship.
Inspired to plan your own Colorado Elopement?!
Planning your own Colorado Elopement and need help?
Hi, we’re Becca and Hannah! A Colorado Elopement Photographer and Elopement Planner!
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!
Colorado Couples Session with a dog
Read all about Nina and Mark’s sunrise couples session near Boulder, Colorado with their adorable pup, Captain!
Nina and Mark’s session near Boulder, Colorado
Nina, Mark, and I had the best couple’s sunrise session in early June near Boulder, Colorado! Sunrise sessions can be quite a commitment, especially when putting on nice outfits and doing hair and makeup, but I always promise that the lighting and solitude is worth it…this session did NOT disappoint! If you’re looking for inspiration about what your Colorado couples session could be like, keep reading!
Looking to plan your own couple’s session?
Their sunrise session
We met at the trailhead at 5am which meant a 4am wakeup call for everyone. Not always the easiest or most fun, but we were greeted with no other cars at the trailhead, which was definitely worth the early morning! Nina and Mark also surprised me by bringing along the cutest pup, Captain! He frolicked around us the entire shoot, hamming it up for the camera and getting out all of his morning energy. It was absolutely amazing. I always love when couples bring their furry friends with them, because it adds such a fun/organic element to the shoot!
The sunrise was absolutely stunning as we made our way up the rocky trail to the summit. Mark and I kept pointing out different peaks for Nina and we shared some of our favorite trail stories and took pictures of the alpenglow hitting the peaks. Our time shooting was full of laughter, games, and time to sit back and enjoy the beautiful view we were experiencing without another soul around. It was really surreal. Once the sun was up in the sky, we made the short trek back to the cars and headed on our separate ways intent on experiencing sunrise more often! A 10/10 way to start the day!
looking for a Colorado Couples photographer?
Hi, I’m Hannah! I’m a Colorado Elopement photographer specializing in meaningful adventure sessions and elopements. I’m all about documenting moments, emotions, and experiences and care about the process and feeling of our time together just as much as the final images! If you’re looking for a photographer to capture your love, let’s chat! Reach out here to schedule your free consultation with me!
Spring Proposal at Echo Lake Park
Read all about Maria and Mason’s real proposal story in early spring at Echo Lake Park in Colorado.
Maria and Mason’s Colorado Engagement Story
This story is honestly wild! Full of many twists and turns, as most surprise proposals are! From changing plans, to last minute details, to cold weather…but in the end everything turned out great, and I can’t wait to share more about how this session unfolded. Their story is a wonderful example of what a mountain surprise proposal can look like, and why having an engagement photographer who knows how to pivot the session and create backup plans is so important. If you’re looking for inspiration about what your Colorado Engagement or proposal session could be like, keep reading!
Looking to plan your own proposal or engagement session?
How it all started
This story actually starts with Mason’s sister-in-law and a vow renewal session! In February, she and I connected because her and her husband had a visit planned from out-of-state and wanted to renew their vows on a mountain! She knew, (rightly so) that Trail Magic would be all for that, so we quickly put our heads together for the next few weeks to find an epic spot for this session set to be in early May.
A few weeks later, Mason reached out to me directly about wanting to propose to Maria! They have been together for over 10 years and we had shot a couples session for fun months earlier, so he knew he wanted me to be there to capture the moment. His original thought was to add it on to the vow renewal so that his family could be there, and because we were already making plans to be somewhere beautiful and private, the way he’d always envisioned this proposal.
Eventually, it came out that his sister-in-law and brother were “in” on the plan and wanted to pivot their session to help celebrate Maria and Mason’s big moment instead, so we changed course entirely from mountain vow renewal to surprise proposal!
Choosing the location
I sent Mason a guide to my favorite location recommendations that would be within 2 hours of Denver with mountain views and a little bit of hiking options. We played around with some different spots and originally thought Rocky Mountain National Park would be a great option! At the time, his family was still planning on coming out, so we used their vow renewal session as a “decoy” to keep everything a secret from Maria. However, once his sister-in-law and brother canceled their trip due to sickness, we had to change our plans even more to keep Maria from getting too suspicious! The plot thickens!!
Ultimately, we landed on Echo Lake Park up near Idaho Springs because it is accessible, the snow levels are manageable this time of year (since most of the snow in the high country doesn’t melt until late June, early July most years!) and it would still have beautiful mountain and lake views, especially during sunrise. The best lighting called for a 3:45am wake up call, but I promised him that it would be 100% worth it for gorgeous views and secluded spots!
The big day
3:45am arrived that morning and I found myself making extra cups of tea to prep for the drive ahead. The weather looked a bit cloudy, but the temperatures weren’t too bad. I knew that as we got higher in elevation, the temperature would drop, but I had hopes that the wind speeds would stay low and we’d still get some good lighting up at the lake.
Mason confirmed that they were also on their way, so I headed up the mountain and immediately hit a cloud bank! Just clouds as far as the eye could see and very little visibility as I winded my way up the mountain from Idaho Springs to the trailhead. I kept replaying the conversation I had with Mason the day before about lighting and how “beautiful sunrise is” and couldn’t help but laugh ironically, because I knew that we weren’t going to get that alpenglow light I had originally planned for, BUT that’s just how nature works, especially in the mountains. You make plans, you change plans, and you adapt with the moment!
When they arrived it all worked out because Maria LOVED the icicles on the trees. There was a misty fog coating the lake that added to the dreamy feel of the area. We spent some time taking portraits before Mason’s big moment, just in case the sun made any appearance, but after a few minutes, I knew there was no sense in waiting, the secret had been held in for too long! I gave him our agreed upon signal, and before we knew it, she had said yes!!
The rest of our session was full of laughter and true giddiness! We meandered around the lake together, soaking in the foggy views, frozen trees, and recalling all the crazy parts of the story that Maria didn’t know about yet. It was an incredible morning, completely private, and just what Mason envisioned when we first spoke. I’m so excited for the journey ahead of these two after having been together for 10+ years already. This next engaged chapter may be the best one yet!
Looking for a Colorado Engagement Photographer?
Hi, I’m Hannah! I’m a Colorado Elopement photographer specializing in meaningful adventure sessions and elopements. I’m all about documenting moments, emotions, and experiences and care about the process and feeling of our time together just as much as the final images! If you’re looking for an engagement photographer, I’d love to chat with you! Reach out here to schedule your free consultation with me!
How to Budget for your Elopement
Ready to build your elopement budget but unsure where to begin? We’ve got you covered! We break down each component of an elopement budget and provide sample budgets, tools to keep you organized, and budget friendly activities to make your planning a breeze!
How to Build your Elopement Budget
by an Elopement & Microwedding Planner
Building a budget for your elopement is a crucial, and often overlooked, first step on the path to planning your dream elopement. Determining from the get-go what you can/ are willing to invest in your elopement day will allow you to find more ease in the planning process. You will also feel much less stressed about each payment you make when you know that you have allotted the funds for it and are following your plans. It can be a little daunting to begin to plan your elopement budget, as there are significantly less resources available than for a traditional wedding. This guide will help you figure out what you need to include in your budget, how to organize and stick to your budget, how to budget for guests, and even a fun list of budget-friendly activities for your elopement day/weekend! I also include different sample budgets for three different elopements to help give an idea of average costs surrounding elopements of different lengths/ sizes.
Investing in your Elopement
There is a common misconception in the elopement and intimate wedding industry that eloping has to mean stripping away all of the luxuries, parties, and “spending” generally associated with a wedding. Realistically, having an intimate wedding allows you the freedom to focus on the components of a wedding that excite you most. You can have a private elopement with just the two of you on public land with a homemade cake, or you can invite a few guests and elope on the property of a gorgeous bnb, or you can elope in a state park and throw a party at your favorite brewery after with all of your friends and family. The best part is- nobody can tell you that you’re doing it wrong!
When beginning to plan your elopement, consider what it is important for you to invest in. Is it important for you to look back and have gorgeous photos documenting your mountaintop ceremony? Do you dream of spending the night leading up to your elopement with both of your families, under the roof of a space big enough to comfortably accommodate you all? Do you want to always recall how much fun you had on the kayaks that you rented for the morning before your ceremony? Spend some time determining what is most important to you, and focus your attention on that when planning your budget. You’ll never regret investing in something deeply important to you when it comes to your wedding.
Budget Breakdown
Let’s break it down! Here are the main components that you need to consider when planning your elopement:
Photographer:
There are many talented elopement photographers for you to choose from. Most photographers offer a few different packages of varying lengths. These can range from only a few hours to multi-day coverage and cover a wide range of budgets. Keep in mind that cost is often reflective of experience- seeking out the cheapest photographer you can find will reflect in the quality of your photos.
Planner:
Many people believe that because their elopement does not involve the same amount of details to coordinate as a traditional wedding, that a planner is not a necessary vendor. We believe that you are just as deserving of a stress-free planning experience and wedding day when you choose to elope! Hiring a planner who specializes in elopements and intimate weddings will help bring your day to life, and give you the freedom to relax on your big day knowing that every detail is tended to.
*Pro tip: Consider a photography and planning team like us to help condense your costs and save you money!
Other Vendors:
Some other potential vendors for your elopement include florists, hair stylists, makeup artists, bakers, any food caterers/ restaurants, and stationers. The cost of some of these will be dependent on if you are inviting any guests to your elopement, or hosting a party of some sort after your ceremony. There are also costs associated with using a hosting platform like The Knot for your wedding website, as many eloping couples still choose to have a wedding registry to share with friends and family.
Wedding Attire
This includes ceremony attire, and anything else you may need for the day. Oftentimes, if an elopement requires a lengthy hike to the ceremony location, the couple will hike in a more comfortable outfit and get ready at the site. Your photographer will be present and documenting the entire time, so make sure you are happy with everything you wear!
Travel
Flights, rental cars, gas, anything else you may need to get you to your elopement location! Don’t forget to budget for the expenses that pair with travel as well, such as meals on the road or that airport coffee!
Accommodation
Including accommodation for any stops en route to your location and for the night before and after your elopement. These could be hotels, inns, airbnbs/vrbos, campgrounds, or even a tent in the backcountry! There are options for every budget!
Location Permits
Depending on where you are choosing to elope, your ceremony location may require a permit to utilize the land. These can range in cost anywhere from $10 to upwards of $200. There are also plenty of free options as well, but it is important to be aware of any costs associated with your location from the start!
Marriage License and Officiant
To legalize your marriage, you need to make sure to get your marriage license before eloping. In Colorado, the cost is $30, and an officiant is not required. In NC, the cost is $60. Officiants are required in NC, and many couples in CO will still choose to have an officiant despite not being required. Officiants cost around $200-$300, sometimes more depending on the remoteness of your location.
Activities
One of our favorite things about elopements is how customizable elopement days are! You can choose to do really any activity you desire, whether it is a free activity like taking your mountain bikes for a ride, or an expensive activity like a helicopter tour. Consider what you would like to do to fill your time during the day, and make sure to budget accordingly.
Budgeting for Guests
Your elopement doesn’t necessarily need to be just the two of you! There are plenty of ways to incorporate guests into your elopement day, whether it be at the ceremony, or in a celebration afterwards. It is important to consider what components of the day guests will be included in when creating your budget, as it is expected that certain things will be covered for them. The extent of what you cover is entirely up to you and your budget.
If you decide to host guests for your elopement, some associated costs could be: meals, transportation, accommodation, and gifts. Since elopements are much smaller than a traditional wedding, it is not uncommon to see couples host everyone on the grounds of an Airbnb or something along those lines. If choosing to cover accommodation, from there it is important to decide what meals you will cover for guests. Will you have a breakfast spread set up for the elopement morning? Will you have dinner served afterwards? Choosing to host everyone for the event can be a fun and personal approach, but does increase the amount to budget.
Another way to host guests is to simply throw a party afterwards. This can look like many different things- a backyard bbq, renting an event space at a brewery or restaurant, a picnic and campfire at a campground, etc. When throwing a party, costs to consider are space rentals, food and drink costs, seating/table rentals (if not present at the venue), and decor. If you are choosing an option such as renting a brewery space, you can have a cash bar as opposed to covering the whole tab, but it should be very clear on the invitation to the party that such is the case.
Ultimately, any guest that you choose to invite to celebrate something as intimate as your elopement is a very special person to you and your relationship. They will not care whether you are splurging on a five course meal for them or hosting them for s’mores and beers around a fire. Stay true to yourself and your day, and include guests in the way that feels most genuine. It is entirely possible to have your people present without breaking your budget!
Sample Budgets
$5k: An intimate state park elopement in NC
Photography and Planning team: $3200
Officiant: $200
Florals: $50 (homemade bouquet with flowers from Trader Joe’s )
Small notebooks for vows: $10
Accommodation: $450 (Treehouse airbnb for 2 nights)
Food: $300
Paddleboard rentals: $80
Permits: $45
Marriage License: $60
Attire: Thrifted dress: $150
Suit rental: $100
Dessert: $10 (gourmet cupcakes from local bakery)
Travel: $100 (gas budget)
Wedding bands from Etsy: $200
Total: $4955
$10K: Rocky Mountain NP elopement with ten guests
Photography and planning team: $5k
Officiant: Free (self-solemnize)
Florals: $100 (boutonniere and bouquet)
Vow books: $30
Accommodation: $1000 (four nights at a cabin near the park)
Food: $500
Post ceremony dinner with guests: $500
Attire: Wedding dress: $700
Suit: $250
Permits: $300
Marriage license: $30
Cake: $200
Travel: $800
Mountaintop picnic: $150
Rings: $300
Invitations: $30 (handwritten, plus postage)
Total: $9890
How to Organize and Stick to your Budget
Okay, so you’ve done the work of setting your budget… now you have to stick to it! With the right tools and guidance, organizing and sticking to your budget can be an easy task.
The first thing to consider when selecting your budgeting tools is if you prefer to have physical, handwritten copies, or if virtual copies work better for you. You can also keep track of your budget in both ways if that is helpful for you!
Creating a budget binder:
A binder is a great tool for keeping all of your budget information in one place! Your binder should include:
An overview of your budget
A breakdown of your budget by category
A chart to record all of your spending
A calendar with due dates for payments
Contracts with any vendors
Receipts of your purchases
Creating a budget spreadsheet:
Organizing a virtual spreadsheet can be a great way to keep track of how much is left in your budget as you continue to invest in your elopement. A spreadsheet should include:
Every component of your budget, broken down into categories and subcategories
A column that lists your budget for each category
A column to record your actual spending for each category
Due dates for each payment
A continuously updated total of spending and remaining budget
Free Budget tools:
If you don’t want to create your own budgeting tools, you can find some options online. However, most online tools are curated for traditional weddings, so they are not as elopement-centric as any tools you would create. Some options for these tools are through The Knot, Bridal Musings, and Wedding Wire.
Pro tip!
Investing in a planner can not only save you stress, but money too! Elopement planners can help you keep track of your budget and spending, and also have connections in the industry that can ultimately save you money on things like vendor services, accommodations, and activities.
Looking for a planner that will help you with your budget? Reach out to us here!
Budget Friendly Elopement Activities
There is no shortage of elopement day activities for budgets of all sizes! Some of our favorite low cost activities include:
Taking a scenic drive (Blue Ridge Parkway, anyone?)
Packing out a picnic to eat on a mountain top
Kayak/ canoe/ paddleboard rentals
S’mores around a campfire
Baking your wedding cake together
Brewery or Vineyard hopping
Finding a remote spot to relax in a hammock together
Having a board game marathon
A morning coffee date
Apple, strawberry, or other fruit picking
Exploring a new mountain town
Hiking to a fire tower, viewpoint, or waterfall
Although elopements are generally much cheaper than traditional weddings, building your budget from the start will make your planning process much smoother. It will help you identify what you want to prioritize, and remove any guilt you may feel about the larger expenses of your day, as you know you have accounted for and can afford them. Want more assistance with your elopement budget? Reach out to us, we would love to chat!
Planning your elopement? We want to help!
Hi! We’re Becca and Hannah! As your elopement planning and photography team, we’re more than just the vendors setting up your table decor and shooting posed portraits after the 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!
Colorado Springs Elopement Guide
Thinking about eloping in Colorado Springs? This is the perfect guide for you! We cover everything from the best places to elope in Colorado Springs, what activities you can plan, how to legally elope in the area, Colorado Springs Elopement packages, and even great places to stay for your elopement or micro wedding!
How to Elope in Colorado Springs
If you’re here it probably means that you’re considering eloping in Colorado Springs, right? Well we, as an Elopement Photographer and Elopement Planner based in Colorado, think that is a great idea, and find that many couples tend to overlook this area when planning their adventurous Colorado Elopement, and they shouldn’t! So, let’s dive into your guide to the ultimate Colorado Springs Elopement!
Why Colorado Springs?
Colorado Springs is so close to the mountains: It’s pretty common to hear about Denver or even Boulder being “so close to the Rocky Mountains”, but every time we head down to the Springs for a hike, have a shoot, or meet up with friends, we are completely blown away by how CLOSE Colorado Springs is to the mountains. Much much closer in proximity than Denver!
Accessible 14er for an epic adventure: Pikes Peak, one of the most famous mountains in Colorado, towers over the city.
A classic spot where you can get married, for free! Garden of the Gods, another famous spot, is so centralized and other-worldly, it’s impossible to miss.
Fewer crowds & more solitude: And to top it all off, there are also so many nearby parks and hiking trails that don’t see nearly the same traffic as those up in Boulder or areas closer to Denver, making it much easier to find seclusion for your day!
So, If you’re looking to avoid the bustling traffic of Denver while still getting incredible views, unique activities, and adorable accommodations, then you’ve come to the right place, and we can’t wait to gush in this post about all the amazing things Colorado Springs has to offer!
Your Colorado Springs Elopement Checklist
Brainstorm together about your elopement - consider all your favorite activities that you do as a couple and write them down. They may be the perfect ideas for your wedding day!
Pick your season - Colorado Springs has perfect locations for elopements all year long, check out the different seasons below in this guide!
Pick your Elopement Vendors - vendors like Elopement Photographers and Elopement Planners (like us!) are incredible resources for you when it comes to planning an elopement. It’s best to reach out to these folks early, so that they can help from the beginning and curate a day that’s perfectly tailored to you and seamlessly executed!
Choose your location + secure necessary permits - Colorado Springs has so many great locations to consider, it will all be based on your preferences on scenery, solitude, activities, and proximity to other spots. Your Elopement Photographer and Planner will help secure the necessary permits you’d need (if at all, it’s typically pretty easy to elope in the Springs!)
Book your travel + accommodations - Colorado Springs has so many cute vacation rentals, boutique hotels, and incredible mountain cabins for your stay. Check out our favorites that are linked below in the Places to Stay section!
Have the best day ever!
How to legally elope in Colorado Springs
Colorado in general is a very easy place to get married! It’s one of the states where you can self-solemnize, which means you don’t have to have any witnesses present or an officiant marry you. All you have to do is sign the marriage license yourself!
Here are the steps to getting legally married in Colorado Springs:
Get your marriage license via an appointment at the County Clerk’s office - you can get your license from any county in Colorado, so if you’re driving down to the Springs from Denver you could set up an appointment there and pick it up on the way south! Some county clerk offices near the Springs are El Paso County, Denver County and Jefferson County
Complete the online application before your appointment.
Sign and Return the license - Once you have your marriage license, you have 35 days to use it and then 63 days to return it after it is signed.
The fee for marriage licenses in Colorado is currently $30!
When to elope in Colorado Springs
You can’t go wrong with any season in Colorado Springs. Most days there is plentiful sunshine, and gorgeous views. However, there are some things to consider, especially types of activities you’re interested in when planning when you want to elope in the Springs. It’s also still in the mountains, so the weather can change rapidly. With those things in mind, here are all of the seasons to consider:
Colorado Springs in the Summer (Jun - Aug)
Summer is the prime season for eloping in Colorado Springs! There are so many outdoor activities to plan, Pikes Peak is in full swing, and the weather is stunning. This is the best time of year for any water activities because reservoirs are open and the weather is warm. This is also the best time of year for camping and having s’mores with your favorite people under a sky full of stars! You’ll still want to pack layers for summer elopements, especially if you’re planning to venture into higher altitudes. It’s good to know that as you climb 1,000 ft the temperature can drop about 10 degrees!
Colorado Springs in the Fall (Sept - Nov)
Fall is a wonderful season in Colorado Springs because the weather is cooler as it turns from late summer into fall and the forests start to pop with yellows and oranges as the leaves change colors. It is truly a gorgeous backdrop for photos and allows for so many activity options. Weather can be a bit unpredictable with sunny skies, thunderstorms, or even snow this time of year. It’s best to pack layers and keep an eye on the weather for an elopement in the fall!
Colorado Springs in the Winter (Dec - Mar)
Winter is magical in Colorado Springs! One day, Garden of the Gods could be dusted in snow and the next day it’s completely clear and sunny! Although chilly like most of Colorado in the winter, it doesn’t see the amount of snow and bone-chilling cold that the higher altitude mountain towns get this time of year. The Springs is a great place to elope in the winter months if you still want the possibility of clear trails at lower altitudes and less crowds. Layers are an absolute must, and it’s always great to have a plan indoors for warming up between activities.
Colorado Springs in the Spring (apr - jun)
Spring is a great time in Colorado Springs! Although it may be wet, and could have some snow, this is generally a great time of year for sunshine and wildflowers in the mountains. Backpacking season starts earlier here than it does in other areas of Colorado, so the Springs is a great spring location if you’re looking to do more outdoor activities! You can never be sure of weather this time of year, it could have big storms and sunshine all in one day. We always recommend packing layers and having a solid backup plan if weather leans in a different direction.
What to do for your Colorado Springs Elopement
Colorado Springs has so many awesome activity options for your elopement day, our best advice is to chat together about your favorite types of activities and what you want your elopement day to be/mean for you. Here are some things to consider:
When you picture getting married, are you doing something completely new that neither of you have done before? Or do you want to fill the day with all of your favorite and familiar activities?
Where do you want to be? What type of scenery, environment, and number of people do you want to enjoy your day with?
Are you more inclined towards a day of adventure, leisure, or luxury? Colorado Springs has them all!
Still not sure exactly what you want to do? Here are some more Colorado Springs Elopement activities for inspiration!
Hiking
Camping
Rock Climbing
Backpacking
Horseback Riding
Jeep Tour
Kayak/Stand Up Paddle Board
Mountain Biking
Picnic
Best Places to Elope in Colorado Springs
Once you have a general idea of what you want to do on your elopement day, it becomes much easier to narrow down your location! For example, if you love kayaking together or fishing, then it makes the most sense to plan your elopement around a lake or reservoir, which Colorado Springs has many options to offer!
But, if you’re interested in going for a sunrise hot air balloon ride, then you may want to plan a different adventure that’s closer to town to celebrate with your family and friends once you touch down! Here are some great locations to help jump start your vision:
Pikes Peak
It’s hard to miss Pikes Peak when driving around Colorado Springs! At 14,115 ft, it towers 8,000 ft above the town, challenging visitors and tourists alike to journey to its summit. Although it’s a very popular location and tourist destination, it is still a fantastic place for your elopement! There is a road to the top of the peak, so you can drive to the top (making it very accessible) OR you can trek to the top via numerous hiking trails, or even take a cog train up. There are so many options, overlooks, and hidden gems spots around this peak, you don’t even have to summit to find a beautiful view for sharing your vows!
Rampart Reservoir
Looking to paddle board, kayak, or boat on your elopement day? Look no further than Rampart Reservoir. It’s the perfect spot for a day-at-the-lake vibe for your elopement, and would be an easy place to include guests as well!
North Cheyenne Canyon Park
This park is SUCH a great spot for a small elopement ceremony and lots of activities. It’s right outside of downtown Colorado Springs, so it’s accessible and absolutely beautiful! If you love waterfalls, rushing creeks, rocky mountains, and gorgeous views, North Cheyenne Canyon Park could be the perfect choice for you.
Pike-San Isabel National Forest
This national forest area covers almost three million acres of land from western Kansas all the way to the Continental Divide. It’s full of hidden gem spots, gorgeous mountain passes, canyons, gulches, unique rock formations, challenging summit hikes, and beautiful lakes. If you’re looking to hike, camp, backpack, 4x4 drive, or even take a leisurely stroll on a beautiful trail for your elopement day, we absolutely recommend Pike-San Isabel National Forest.
Lost Creek Wilderness
A wilderness area inside Pike-San Isabel National Forest that boasts rocky formations, mountain peaks, and beautiful vistas! This is a popular place for mountain biking, rock climbing, hiking, and dispersed camping. The Colorado Trail cuts through part of it, so if a shoulder season backpacking elopement sounds like your jam, this would be the perfect place for it!
Garden of the Gods Elopement
Probably one of the most popular spots for elopements and small weddings in Colorado Springs is Garden of the Gods. You can elope here for free and no permit is currently required. There are 6 ceremony spots available in the park on a first-come first-serve basis, with varying group sizes. This spot is perfect for a small, sunrise elopement with your favorite people before heading out for a longer adventure in the National Forest and then grabbing dinner at an amazing restaurant in town! You can find more detailed information on weddings in Garden of the Gods here.
Where to stay for your Colorado Springs Elopement
When considering where to stay in Colorado Springs, we always suggest considering what you prefer and how you want to feel! If you’re looking for somewhere private without strangers around, then something like a vacation rental or Airbnb is a great choice. These accommodations also tend to be more unique, and are in different places. If you’re looking for something close to downtown or where many people can stay, a boutique hotel is a great choice!
Hotels
Here are some boutique hotels we recommend (one of them is LITERALLY a castle, how cool is that?!)
Boutique Hotels
Image Courtesy of the Cliff House
Vacation Rentals
Here are some really awesome Airbnb and VRBO Rentals in the Colorado Springs area!
Please note that Airbnbs + most VRBOs have strict rules about events and hosting people above the approved number of guests. None of the properties listed in this section are suited for events (see the next section for those options) but would be great, unique accommodations for you and your partner (+ some guests) to enjoy during your stay in the Springs!
Airbnbs
VRBOs
Micro Wedding Options
Looking to include guests or host part of your elopement day on the property of a vacation rental? Check out these options below!
VRBOS that allow events
*Please always read the listings carefully, because things may have changed and contact the host directly with any questions before booking the space!
Colorado Springs Elopement Packages
Have we convinced you that Colorado Springs is a great place for your elopement?! If you’re ready to start planning your Colorado Springs Elopement, we’d love to help! We offer planning and photo packages for elopements and micro-weddings, and are experts in all the wonderful things that Colorado Springs has to offer.
Our packages include both Elopement Planning from a fully-certified Wedding Planner AND Elopement Photography from a local expert, so that your day is seamlessly structured and executed to perfection, without you having to do all the research and organizing yourself!
Here’s what you can expect from our Elopement Planning & Photography packages:
Full Service Planning from initial concept to event tear down - We work collaboratively to capture your vision and run with it. With full service planning your vision will come to life, but you won’t have to manage it. All of your elopement vendors, activities, decor, details and checklists will be booked and managed for you!
Personalized Location Assistance - don’t know where you want to elope in the Springs? We got you covered! All of our packages include personalized location recommendations and coordination once the spot is chosen. We’ll help you through the permit process, and provide you with all the information you need to plan the perfect ceremony at that spot!
Timeline Creation - we’ll craft the perfect itinerary for your day based on all of the activities, locations, and other details being sure to consider boring logistics like travel times, time of day, guest accommodations and many other things.
Photo Coverage - all of our packages include full day photo coverage so that your day is documented beautifully to share for decades.
Day of Coordination - with full service planning comes full day-of-coordination! You don’t have to worry about being a point of contact for any vendors, our team will have the checklists and the timeline at our sides, all you have to do is relax and enjoy the perfect day!
Ready to Plan your perfect Colorado Springs Elopement?
Meet your Colorado Springs Elopement Planner & Photographer
Hi, we’re Becca and Hannah! As your Colorado Springs 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! We would be honored to chat with you about your elopement, reach out here!
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!
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:
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.
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.
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!
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!
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:
Proximity for travel within Colorado
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!
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.
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!
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.
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!
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!
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:
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!
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.
Pick up your marriage license - at your in person appointment you’ll pick up your marriage license and pay the $30 fee!
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)
Denver Metro Area
Denver County
Jefferson County
Boulder County
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!
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
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!
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!
Why You Need an Elopement Planner
Elopements may seem like a breeze compared to traditional weddings, but the logistics and details can quickly pile up. That's where an elopement planner comes in. With their expertise, you can ensure a unique and stress-free elopement experience tailored to your preferences. Don't sacrifice the benefits of professional expertise just because you're choosing a non-traditional route—consider hiring an elopement planner to bring your vision to life effortlessly.
The Benefits of Hiring a Planner for Your Elopement
You’re over the moon about your recent engagement, and now you’re deep into the initial planning phase. You and your partner have already decided that an elopement is best for the both of you. But now what? Sure, there are seemingly a lot less details to consider when the wedding you’re planning doesn’t involve a 200 person guest list. But the little details are still piling up, and you start to realize that some of them may actually be more difficult to tackle than if you had settled on a large party. That is where an elopement planner is ready to swoop in and save the day!
Maybe your reason for downsizing your wedding is because your wedding budget is lower, and you are hesitant to book a planner and add that cost. Or maybe you wanted an intimate wedding for a more personal feel, and you are afraid that bringing in a planner will strip your day of that. In reality, a great planner will only make your day feel unique to you, AND will streamline the organization of details in a way that ultimately stretches your budget further! But, we know this is not always an easy decision, so we’ve created this post to cover all the reasons why you should hire an elopement planner for your epic day!
Let’s first cover the most important question…
What does an elopement planner do?
Elopement planners wear many hats and every individual vendor has a different approach, but generally all planners offer a variety of these three services:
Location Scouting: They use their local expertise to find the perfect location(s) for your elopement ceremony and activities.
Plan your day to a “T”: Elopement planners are experts at organizing epic events! They handle vendor communication and booking, secure permits and create back-up plans for weather or closures, and also plan our your entire elopement day timeline for you.
Day-of-Coordination: Coordinate your elopement day including set-up and tear down, and coordinate schedules with any guests so you can be fully present and stress-free.
We’ll break these three items down in the next sections, so you can fully understand whether an elopement planner is the right fit for your wedding experience!
Location Scouting
Your elopement planner will commit the time and energy required to seek out the absolute best spot for your vows! They act as your local guide with feet on the ground, traveling to and testing out the possibilities. You communicate your non-negotiables (or preferences)- i.e. sprawling mountain views, a quiet pine forest, wheelchair accessibility, etc, and your planner puts in the work to find just what you are looking for. Vows aren’t their only priority, though. An amazing elopement planner will take it upon themselves to scout the entire area, searching for other places and activities that will make your day unforgettable! For example:
Love coffee? Your planner will find the perfect coffee shop for you guys to grab a cup o’joe on route to your elopement spot.
Want to go on an afternoon kayak adventure? Your planner will figure out where this is possible, and how to make it happen!
Want to meet some friends at a local brewery after your ceremony? Your planner is on it! Not only will they gladly seek out the best brewery to fit the vibe of your day, but they will do the necessary communicating with the brewery as well!
Ultimately, your planner knows just how important location is to your elopement, and it is not something they will take lightly. They will communicate with you every step of the way to ensure that you are ecstatic about the choices being made. At the end of the day you will find yourself eloping in a location so much more unique and personal to you than you would have been able to find through a google search of “places to elope in _.”
Plan your day to a “t” AKA “Logistics”
A common misconception that people have is that eloping is easy. However, it isn’t as simple as just finding your dream location and showing up. Sure, it may not be as stressful as a traditional big wedding, but it still requires logistics to be planned. There are many restrictions surrounding where you can elope, and even restrictions on when. Luckily, if you have an elopement planner, you don’t have to worry about these, they will take care of them for you! Some details that your planner will deal with include:
Permits: Many places where you would like to elope (National Parks, Recreation Areas, National Forests, etc..) require permits to do so. A planner will do the necessary research to ensure that all of the legalities of utilizing the land are being taken care of. This includes knowledge of the rules for eloping in any particular place as well.
No-go’s: Public land is not always accessible for every purpose. It is possible that your dream location is off limits for elopements entirely. Your planner will do their best to find an alternative with similar offerings.
Closures: It is not uncommon for roads in certain areas to be closed for weather or other reasons throughout the year. Your planner will make sure to be aware of any possible road closures that could affect accessing your spot. They will have alternative routes or a back-up location on the ready.
Communicating with vendors: Sure, there are definitely less vendors involved with elopements than a traditional wedding. But that doesn’t mean that there aren’t any! This could include your officiant, any food/dessert vendors, the companies you are using for any activities, or the state park that runs the campground you want to use for an evening bonfire. They will recommend/help you choose vendors, and also manage the bulk of the communicating so you don’t have to.
Day-of-Coordination
Having a planner will take the organizational and detail-related stress off of your shoulders on the day of your elopement, especially if you are utilizing their day-of coordinator services. From start to finish, your day has been carefully curated with their professional input and assistance. Every detail has been tended to and confirmed. In the event that something does go astray, your planner will be present to take care of it while you are busy living in the moment. Here are some ways in which your elopement planner makes your day worry-free and smooth-sailing:
Planning and Packing Checklists: By providing you with checklists that help reassure you that nothing has been overlooked or forgotten. You won’t have that lingering “I am definitely forgetting something” feeling hanging out in your consciousness the whole day, because everything will be acknowledged and accounted for.
Providing you with an Elopement Timeline: Don’t know how to plan an elopement timeline? No worries! Your planner has mapped out all travel time and considered any potential roadblocks for the day. They have factored in buffer time in case there is traffic, or you are feeling like you would like to linger over your morning coffee together just a little longer.
Managing Gear & Supplies: They keep tabs on the things you will definitely need, and have the things you might need- just in case. From keeping your marriage license and vow books safe while you hike, to having printed copies of all activity reservations, to carrying an emergency lint roller and bobby pins, your planner will make sure everything is in order.
Decorating & Setting Up: They handle the check-ins and set-ups so you can focus all your time on each other! Enjoy the views while your planner sets up your mountain top picnic, or sit by the water while your planner checks in with the campground host.
At the end of the day, your planner’s job is to ensure that you have the best elopement day possible. This means allowing you the freedom to enjoy every moment of it without worry. They are cool, calm, and collected, and create the space for you to truly relax into your day.
How do you decide if an elopement planner is right for you?
Whether you are planning a large scale wedding, a 20 person micro-wedding, or an intimate elopement, wedding planning takes time- and lots of it. An elopement planner invests the time and energy needed to make your day exactly how you envisioned it, so you don’t have to manage the research and keep track of all the little details! If you’re still on the fence, here are some final reasons why an elopement planner might be right for you:
You are BUSY - you value quality time with your partner, family, and friends and want to spend as much of your little free-time doing things that you enjoy, and searching on Google is not one of them.
You feel overwhelmed- you’re not planning a 200 person event, but you still don’t want it to be simple either….all your research is leading to more logistics to consider and it’s feeling like A LOT.
You have a specific budget - you and your partner have decided to allocate a specific budget to your elopement, and really want to stick to it!
You don’t live in the area where you want to elope - you want your elopement to be a brand new travel adventure or are planning to elope out of state, closer to family. You don’t even know where to start with finding vendors, vetting locations, or even handling the legalities of getting married in the area.
You’re inviting guests - you want to have your core people present on your elopement day, but don’t know how to best manage their needs on top of your own! You don’t want them (or yourself) to feel stressed or burdened with DIY-ing everything.
You’re super organized, but want some help - maybe you LOVE to plan and build a good checklist, but also are stressed you might miss something or just want accountability and professional assistance to keep everything on track.
When it comes down to it, there is a reason that a wedding planner is a wedding planner. They are creative and detail-oriented people, who care deeply about providing unforgettable memories for your big day. Just because you have chosen to go the non-traditional route for your wedding does not mean you have to, or should, sacrifice the professional expertise that planners bring to the table. Between the time they will invest, the knowledge they will provide, and the details they will tend to that would likely otherwise be overlooked, hiring a planner for your elopement is a decision you will not regret.
