Colorado 2025 Summer Elopement Guide
Want to know the best season for eloping in Colorado?! Summer! There’s so many things to do for your elopement in the summer, and there is still time to plan an absolutely epic day fin 2025! Check out this guide to learn all about the best locations, lodging ideas, timeline examples, and activity inspiration for your summer elopement!
Summer in Colorado is absolutely breathtaking. The mountains are in full alpine glory with rushing rivers, endless fields of wildflowers, green grasses, and long days with beautiful sunrises and sunsets. It’s the perfect season for being outdoors with moderate temperatures and accessible mountain roads (both paved & for off-roading). It’s no wonder it’s the most popular season for couples to visit and elope - summer has it all!
As a Colorado Elopement Photographer and Planner, we've helped countless couples create their dream mountain ceremonies allowing them to have the perfect summer elopement without the stress from the planning process! Best of all? The planning process doesn’t have to take that much time.
There's still time to plan your perfect 2025 summer celebration, even if you're just starting your planning journey, and we created this guide to help you get started!
Looking for more Colorado summer inspiration? We got you!
When to have your Summer Elopement
Summer in Colorado brings unique charm to both city and mountain areas. The season unfolds differently across elevations, creating diverse opportunities for your elopement day. Here is a breakdown of what each summer month looks like and all the different advantages for eloping couples:
Early June in the foothills overlooking Nederland
Early June mountain pass near Dillion
June
June is considered early summer with mild temperatures and blooming wildflowers in the lower elevations. Mountain passes begin opening, though some high-elevation trails may still have snow. Lower elevations like the foothills and metro areas, have lots of greenery and flowing streams from snowmelt. June is great for quieter trails and better lodging availability.
July dispersed camping area within 2 hours of Denver
July wildflowers in Estes Park
July
July is considered peak summer conditions with warm days and cool nights. Afternoon thunderstorms are regular, but clear quickly, creating dramatic skies perfect for photos. Wildflowers are at peak, especially in areas like Crested Butte, known as Colorado's Wildflower Capital. July is great for alpine lake adventures, or longer off-roading or hiking experiences.
Secluded August sunrise hike to quiet alpine lake
August mountain pass in Rocky Mountain National Park
August
August is an underrated month in Colorado for elopements! It has similar long, warm days and cool nights to July, but lower tourist crowds and fewer afternoon thunderstorms. Mountain trails and roads reach peak accessibility, allowing for full-range of outdoor activities! August is great for stargazing, and high alpine trail experiences with more solitude.
Overall Pros of a Summer Elopement
Still not convinced? Here are some other pros of summer elopements from a Colorado local!
Mild Temperature: Temperatures rarely exceed 80°F in the mountains making it perfect for outdoor celebrations
Trail Accessibility: Nearly all trails and mountain passes become accessible, offering unlimited location options
Water Access: Water activities like kayaking and paddleboarding become available for unique activity options
Seasonal Road Access: Driving mountain roads requires no special vehicle or equipment, making planning easier
Long Days: Extended daylight hours allow flexible ceremony timing and multiple activity options
Wildflowers: Peak wildflowers give you a magical vibe
Best Colorado Summer Elopement Locations
It’s hard to go wrong with locations in the summer, but we put together a list of some of our favorites and their nearby airports!
Short hike near Boulder
Mountain Lake near Nederland
Overlook near Estes Park in RMNP
Near Denver International Airport
(Locations within 2 hours of Denver)
Boulder - blends outdoor adventure with urban amenities. The Flatirons create dramatic ceremony backdrops and are incredibly close to town, so you could easily hit up a restaurant or local brewery after your ceremony!
Nederland - offers easy access to Indian Peaks Wilderness without the crowds. It’s a perfect for couples seeking solitude, accessibility to longer hiking adventures, and even those looking to backpack for their elopement!
Estes Park - provides the perfect gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park. There is plenty of wildlife to see, large, accessible lakes to explore, and drivable high alpine roads for epic photos.
Near Aspen or Gunnison Airports
(Locations within 4 hours of Denver)
Aspen - delivers luxury amenities amid spectacular mountain scenery. It is home to the famous Maroon Bells accessible by shuttle reservations. There are also some well known mountain passes for photos nearby as well as dispersed camping areas for more solitude.
Crested Butte - is the wildflower capital. It has a very laid-back mountain atmosphere with lots of off-roading adventure opportunities to share private vows with no one else around. The town is also super charming for a post-elopement dinner or brew!
Buena Vista - combines mountain views with Arkansas River adventures. The views from town are spectacular and there are so many big mountain adventures to explore nearby with the Collegiate Peaks, hotsprings, and alpine lakes.
Near Montrose Airport
(Locations within 6 hours of Denver)
Telluride - combines Victorian charm with stunning mountain views. It’s wellknown for it’s box canyon setting that creates unforgettable ceremony backdrops. The free gondola in town offers unique photo opportunities and easy mountain access.
Ouray - known as the "Switzerland of America," offers dramatic cliff walls and historic hot springs. This area is great for a jeep rental to explore nearby mountain passes and hidden waterfalls without having to hike!
Silverton - provides authentic mountain town vibes with fewer tourists than better-known destinations. The Alpine Loop offers incredible backdrops for adventurous couples.
Buena Vista
Maroon Bells in Aspen
Arapahoe National Forest
Colorado Summer Elopement Inspiration
There are no right or wrong answers to what you can do for your summer elopement experience. If you love the outdoors, you’ll love being here and there is no shortage of places to explore! Here are some activities we recommend for eloping couples, that pair perfectly with the summer season!
Best Activities for Summer Elopements in Colorado
Hiking - Hiking on your elopement day allows you to access intimate views and landscapes that are less accessible and more private than popular spots off roads. There are options in Colorado for every type of hiker based on your preferences and skill level!
Camping - Camping under the stars is such a romantic way to spend your first nights as newlyweds! There are many dispersed camping areas that can offer unique landscapes and complete privacy off the grid. You could also opt for more luxury glamping options available for upscale experiences.
Jeep tours - Jeep tours are incredible options for couples looking to access remote mountain locations without strenuous hiking. There are some roads that are fine for renting your own vehicle, but you can always hire local guides to ensure safe passage and hidden gem spots! Jeeping is an awesome option if you want to bring guests to a more remote ceremony location.
Making breakfast burritos and coffee before the sun rises.
Enjoy coffee together in complete privacy before eloping
Swimming - Ever thought about jumping into or swimming in a crystal clear alpine lake? Why not add it into your elopement day timeline?! Many lakes offer complete solitude for morning ceremonies - you can share private vows and then hop in the water to relax before a picnic breakfast!
Kayaking - Kayaking and/or paddleboarding is such a fun elopement activity to create a dynamic day. There are many lakes where you can paddle, and you can even bring your own inflatable kayak to almost any alpine lake in the state! Many outfitters provide equipment rentals too!
Fishing - If fishing is your vibe, it’s an awesome activity to share together during your elopement. Fishing allows you to it back and enjoy quiet moments together in nature. There are lots of locations that allow walk-in access to prime spots too!
Have an outdoor picnic - Alpine picnics elevate your celebration with gourmet meals in spectacular settings. Interested in this? Let us know! We offer alpine picnics for elopements as add-ons to our elopement packages!
Example timelines for your Colorado Summer Elopement
Sunrise Mountain Pass Elopement:
4:30 AM - Hair and makeup begins at your cozy mountain cabin
6:00 AM - Drive to trailhead
7:00 AM - Hike to ceremony location at the top of the pass
8:00 AM - First look and private vows as alpenglow starts on the mountains
8:30 AM - Intimate ceremony with family & friends who drove up to meet you
9:00 AM - Celebration picnic with guests and couples photos around the ceremony spot
11:00 AM - Return hike with stops for additional photos
1:00 PM - Afternoon adventure activity (guided jeep tour)
6:00 PM - Intimate dinner celebration at local restaurant with guests!
Afternoon Lake Elopement:
10:00 AM - Relaxed breakfast and preparation at Airbnb
12:00 PM - Hair and makeup
2:00 PM - Scenic drive to alpine lake
3:00 PM - First look
4:00 PM - Lakeside ceremony with closest friends & family
4:30 PM - Paddleboard adventure together
6:00 PM - Sunset photos on nearby trail with mountain views
7:00 PM - Private chef-prepared dinner at Airbnb
9:00 PM - Stargazing, campfire with s’mores and hottubbing at your Airbnb
Lodging Inspiration for your Colorado Summer Elopement
Colorado is home to so many unique places to stay from ski chalets and Airbnbs, to glamping tents and free dispersed campsites under the stars! We wanted to share a few examples to show what your lodging could look like if you decided to elope out here in Colorado!
Disclaimer: Please read the listings carefully - none of these properties are “event friendly” and would only be able to accommodate group sizes that match their listings. It is unlikely that you will be able to host parts of your day at these properties unless your guest count falls within their allowable group size. If you’re looking for event friendly rentals, check out our blog all about Airbnbs for your Micro Wedding!
*Images courtesy of the vacation rental listings
Pioneer Retreat at Moose Lodge (14)
Alpenglow Cabin at Twin Lakes (4)
Lookout Lodge near Alma (10)
Broken Rod Lodge near Lake City (8)
Lakefront Getaway Idaho Springs (7)
Cielo Vista near Ouray (8)
Planning your Colorado Summer Elopement
Planning Checklist
We know that planning an elopement this summer may seem overwhelming BUT here are a few steps to get you started:
Book your key vendors (photographer & planner) as soon as possible - these folks will help you with all the rest of the planning steps, so the sooner you can find the people best suited for your plans, the better!
Choose your location and secure necessary permits - secure venue space if needed for guest count (12 or more typically)
Plan accommodation and transportation
Book other vendors (food, hair & makeup artists, florists, officiant if needed, etc..)
Create a weather contingency plan with indoor backup options
Arrange adventure activities and equipment rentals if needed through local outfitters
Order wedding attire and any necessary outdoor gear/attire needed
Plan timeline around best light and weather conditions
Write personal vows
Arrange special details (decor, sentimental items)
Have the best day ever!
Including Guests in your Colorado Summer Elopement
Eloping doesn’t mean you have to run away with just you and your partner! It’s ok to include your closest family & friends, and honestly, most of our couples do! We recommend limiting guest counts to 10-12 people to keep the experience incredibly intimate and to also allow the most flexibility for ceremony spots on public lands. As soon as guest counts get higher than 12 people, it gets tricky to maintain safety and leave-no-trace principles on trail.
Guests can be a wonderful addition to your elopement plans and timeline, however, they also come with additional logistics. Always consider your guests ability levels and accessibility needs when choosing ceremony and guest location sites. Thinking about including guests at your elopement? Check out our guide all about How to Elope with Guests (coming soon!)
Small wedding at Garden of the Gods in July
Cost of your Colorado Summer Elopement in 2025
Colorado elopements typically range from $7,000 to $15,000, depending on choices and scale. Key expenses include:
Photography: $3,000-$6,000 for full-day coverage
Planning services: $2,000-$4,000 for full-service support (booking other vendors, coordinating the flow of the day, etc).
Vendors (hair, makeup, officiant): $1,000-$2,000
Activities and permits: $500-$1,500
Attire: $1,000-$3,000
Accommodation: $200-$1000 per night depending on how many guests you are looking to host
Transportation: $300-$800 for mountain-ready vehicles
Colorado Marriage License: $60
If you want to learn more about the cost breakdown for an elopement in 2025 check out our blog all about How Much it Costs to Elope in 2025 written by our elopement planner, Becca!
Money Saving Tips
Although these intimate elopement experiences aren’t always the cheapest option for getting married, there are some ways to save significantly!
Choosing less popular dates or weekdays
Choosing ceremony locations on public lands (as long as guest count is small enough)
Limiting guest count to reduce logistics, and activity/food costs
Selecting accessible locations near amenities
Combining ceremony and honeymoon activities
Hiring an elopement planner to help manage your budget and all logistics with you!
Colorado Summer Elopement Packages
Custom elopement packages that include full-service planning, day-of-coordination, photography and more!
Don’t know where to start with planning your own summer elopement in Colorado? That’s what we’re here for! Our services are perfect for helping you have a low stress, beautiful elopement because they include:
4hrs - multi day photo coverage, so there’s time to cover the whole story of your event without feeling rushed
Full-service elopement planning - you don’t have to know all of the best ceremony spots or vendors because we do!
Day-of Coordination - your day managed seamlessly so you & your guests can sit back & relax!
Sound like your perfect day? Learn more about our pricing here!
Ready to plan your own Colorado Elopement?
There’s still plenty of time to plan your Summer 2025 elopement! The possibilities for your day are endless from jeeping up to a remote mountain pass to chilling playing corn hole at a local brewery with your guests. While popular dates are booking quickly, having an experienced planner on your side can help you create a magical celebration in no time, with low stress!
If you’re ready to hit the ground running, we’d love to help! Reach out today so we can get the process started!
Planning your own Colorado Elopement?!
Hi! We’re Becca and Hannah, an Elopement Planner and Photographer specializing in intimate weddings that are rooted in meaning, adventure, and community. 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! Colorado elopements are our absolute favorites, so if you’re interested, reach out here to schedule your free consultation with us!
How Much Does it Cost to Elope in 2025?
Planning an elopement for 2025 but unsure how much it will cost? This guide breaks down some things to consider when building your elopement budget, including vendors and how much they cost, including guests, choosing your location, and more!
Building Your 2025 Elopement Budget
Let’s be real- weddings are not a cheap event. It seems the second that something is deemed “wedding” related, the price tag increases tenfold. With the average traditional wedding cost escalating by the day, it is no surprise that one of the key reasons couples are choosing to elope is to cut some costs. So how much can you expect to spend on your elopement?
Elopements can be executed on a wide range of budgets. Ultimately, you can pay for the cost of your marriage license and get hitched at the courthouse if that is what you envision. At the end of the day, it all comes down to your priorities, and the experience that you want your wedding day to be. We are firm believers here at Trail Magic that choosing to elope does not mean that you have to sacrifice creating joy-filled memories of your once-in-a-lifetime day. There are still costs to consider, and services that we recommend choosing to invest in to bring your dream day to life, and to make sure it is beautifully documented for years to come!
Curious how to build your elopement budget, and what costs you can expect to pay? Keep reading for professional advice from an experienced elopement planner!
Identifying your priorities
The first step in planning your elopement budget is to identify your priorities for your elopement experience. The best way to do this depends on you, and how your planning brain works. Some different ideas include:
Journaling your dream day
What do you want to do?
Where do you want to be?
How do you want to feel?
Creating a spreadsheet
Identifying different potential vendors/components of a wedding day
Rating them on a scale of 1-10, from least to most important to your vision
Having conversations with your partner
Bouncing ideas off of each other
Listening to what your partner envisions for the day
Researching
Reading about different types of elopements
Reading blog posts about actual elopements
Reading about couples’ real life elopement experiences
Ultimately, no one can tell you what your priorities are for your elopement day. One of the most beautiful things about elopements are the unique nature of them, and how specifically they can be catered for your individual love story. Is it essential for you that you elope somewhere there are beautiful sunset views, because that is how you ended your first date together? Do you want a bouquet of lilies because they were your mom’s favorite flower? Do you envision a meal cooked by a private chef after your ceremony? It can happen!
When you feel like you have your general vision and priorities in mind, write them down in the most direct, tangible way possible. This will help you to gain an understanding of exactly what you need to be able to accomplish fulfilling your vision. For example, if your vision is…
… photos with your sister as she helps you get ready for your ceremony.
You should write down…
… photographer to cover getting ready moments, nice place to get ready at.
Or
… having a mountain top picnic & cake-cutting after your vows.
You should write down…
… a cake from a local bakery, a vendor that will set up your picnic for you.
Spelling out your priorities in this fashion will help you identify what services you need to research as you organize your budget!
Researching your Vendors
Once you have identified what vendors you may need, the next step is to get an idea of the price range of what each vendor can cost. You don’t need to select any vendors in this step. In fact, the more vendors you look at per category, the better idea you are going to have of what your budget will look like.
What vendors are most common in the elopement space? We would say the number one most popular elopement vendor across the board is an elopement photographer. Some other popular vendors include hair & makeup artists, videographers, officiants, planners, and florists, amongst others! Let’s break down some average costs associated with these potential vendors.
Elopement Photographers
The largest chunk of your elopement budget will likely be spent on photography services, and for good reason! Choosing to document your day with beautiful images is not only a great way to have keepsakes of your special day forever, but it is a great way to share your day with the people you love who were not present!
When researching photographers, I’m sure you’ll come to find that there is a very wide range of price points that photographers start at. Ultimately, you’ll find that for an experienced photographer, prices will generally fall in the $3k-$7k+ plus range, with some more luxury/niche photographers charging $10k+ for their services. Although this seems like a large investment, these photographers are there for the entire experience of you elopement, from location recs & timeline planning to delivering a full experience day of, to curating a stunning gallery of your day.
With a photographer, as well as all of the following vendors as, you are paying for a wealth of experience, artistry, and refined skills. Keep in mind that the price is often a reflection of the quality of the craft!
Hair & Makeup Artists
Not every bride opts to have a professional do their hair and makeup for their elopement, but many do! In places where elopements are very popular, you can even find Beauty vendors that will meet you at the trailhead! What we see most often is artists who come to the vacation rental our couples are staying at to get them all dolled up there. Depending on your distance from the actual salon, if the salon has any service minimums, if you would like trail services, etc, costs can vary. I would estimate that you can expect to spend $500-$600 on your wedding hair & makeup.
Videographers
If you would like further documentation of your day beyond photography, videographers are an awesome addition to your day! They’ll tag along for the elopement adventure, and create a film capturing the most magical moments for you to watch and re-watch for years to come! Videography services generally start at a minimum of $1500, and typically range in the $3-4k range, with some options exceeding $6-7k. Some important things to look for in an elopement videographer include the length of video they create, if they offer drone footage (if that is of interest to you!), and package lengths.
Officiant
Whether or not you need an officiant for your ceremony is dependent on your location (i.e. if you’re getting married in Colorado, you can self-solemnize), many couples opt to have one to lead their ceremony. In many places, you have the option to choose a friend or family member to officiate, given they are willing to get ordained for you. However, if you are choosing to invest in a professional, it its likely that you can expect to spend around $500+ for these services. How much you spend is also dependent on personalized you would like your ceremony to be, how far your officiant is traveling, and how many hours you are expecting their services for (which is generally not super long, but if they are hiking a mile to your ceremony location, that is something to keep in mind!).
Planners
I know what you’re thinking… a planner… for an elopement? But as the elopement industry grows, and the meaning of elopement evolves into less of a spontaneous act that defies the wishes of your family and more into an intentional, private way to spend your wedding day together, planners are stepping in to help! As an elopement & micro-wedding planner myself, I believe that couples choosing to elope are just as deserving of a relaxing and stress-free wedding day and wedding planning experience as couples choosing the traditional route! An elopement planner will help you with all additional vendors, help you location scout & choose your ceremony spot, help with accommodations, work with your other vendors to create the perfect timeline for your day, and will often provide day-of-coordination services to bring your vision to life. Depending on the extent of services you are seeking, you can expect to spend between $2k and $5k for elopement planning services. Your planner will also help you to build your overall budget, and to stick to it!
Florists
Although most couples seeking florals for their Elopements are not looking for the full floral shebang that weddings entail, we still love recommending local florists to our couples for their bouquets, boutonnieres, and ant decorative florals they may wish to include (stunning arch, anyone?). Although the cost of your flowers relies heavily on the extent of your vision, you can expect to spend around $200-300 on your bridal bouquet, and $30 or so on a boutonniere. If you are looking for something more large scale, like arch decor, you can expect to spend up to $700-$1k for partial displays, and $4-$5k for fully designed arches. Florals can be done on a wide range of budgets, though, and there are other options to investigate. We also love dried florals, and silk florals (especially for spots that don’t allow real flowers!).
Choosing Your Location
Location is often the biggest price difference between elopements and traditional weddings. Realistically, you can spend as little as $0.00 on your ceremony site, a jarring juxtaposition from the thousands that many venues start at. Of course, not every location is free to get married at, so let’s chat about potential costs!
Permits
The first step when you are interested in eloping somewhere is to research whether or not the site requires a permit. If it is on National Park Service land, it is pretty much a guarantee that it will. These permits vary quite a bit in price, with permits in parks like Great Smokey Mountain National Park costing $50, and permits in Rocky Mountain National Park costing $300. These permits also do not include park of parking passes required to get into/be in the parks, so that is something to consider as well!
Venue
When it comes to public land, there is no guarantee that although you got the necessary permits to reserve a site, you will be the only people there. There won’t be another couple eloping there, but you cannot guarantee full privacy from the general public. For this reason, some couples opt to book private spaces, like an Airbnb accommodation, or a natural, but privately owned venue like Weddings Over Waterfalls in Western North Carolina. Although these options are going to likely cost more than utilizing nearby public land, the guaranteed privacy is important to couples who opt for this route. We’ll break down some more vacation rental costs in the next section.
Accommodations
Once you have selected your ceremony site, the next move is to select where you’ll stay for your elopement experience. The majority of couples we work with are eloping a little ways from their home, or wish to have a different space to celebrate their wedding experience. We love vacation rentals for this purpose, because they can provide a bit more seclusion than a hotel stay would. Obviously these can hugely vary in cost, with some smaller spaces in less popular areas starting at $100-$200/ night, while more luxury rentals in more popular places can start at $500+ a night. It is important to know when booking your accommodation if you are looking to elope or have any photos/video taken on the property, so that you can ensure that is allowed on the premises before booking!
Eloping With Guests
As with any wedding, the guest count of your elopement will affect the overall cost. It can be a bit difficult to define what exactly the line is with guest counts and qualifying as an elopement, but here at Trail Magic Elopements, we generally classify an elopement as having less than 10 guests. So how does including guests impact your overall budget?
Dining
If you are planning to celebrate your elopement with a nice dinner out, a reserved private space, or some other form of small “reception,” including guests will up the costs associated. Of course this is not always the case, and sometimes a guest (or multiple guests) will pitch in to split the bill, but make sure you have budgeted ahead of time with the expectation of covering this cost.
Accommodation
Something we see fairly often in the elopement space is couples choosing to book an accommodation that will comfortably fit part or all of the group they are inviting to their elopement. Renting out a larger space will increase your budget by a fair bit, with the cost of 3-4+ bedroom house often starting at closer to $500 or $600/ night, and going up from there. Another thing to consider in this situation is if you’ll be stocking the fridge, providing food for the length of the stay, etc.
Limitations on Land & Vendor Limits
It is important to keep in mind when eloping with guests that not every ceremony site and vendor is going to have the same definition of an elopement. When including guests, you may end up having more limitations on certain locations, and may want to prioritize booking a more private, venue like space to ensure comfortability for your guests.
Ultimately, your elopement budget is entirely up to YOU and YOUR priorities for your day. For some couples, this looks like $5,000, and for others this looks like $15,000. At the end of the day there are no wrong answers if you are following your heart and vision. We always encourage our inquiring couples to reflect on what their priorities are, and how they want to remember their big day in the years to come. We believe that your love story is worth investing in, and just because you are choosing to have an intimate affair does not mean you need to skimp on the things that will make it beautiful and memorable. This is a once-in-a-lifetime kind of day to celebrate your once-in-a-lifetime kind of love, and that alone deserves the very best!
Planning your own Elopement and need some help?
Hi, we’re Becca and Hannah! A North Carolina and Colorado based wedding Photography and Planning 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!
9 Colorado Airbnb Wedding Venues for Micro Weddings
If you’re thinking about having your Colorado micro wedding at an Airbnb or rental property, this blog is for you! We’ve compiled 9 beautiful properties ranging from $500 - $5000 per night to give you a sampling of all the great rental properties around Colorado that allow weddings. It’s the perfect guide to get you started on planning the Airbnb wedding you’ve been dreaming about!
Airbnb weddings have been gaining popularity, specifically in the micro wedding community in the past 5 years. It’s not hard to figure out why - who wouldn’t want their wedding venue to include amazing views, privacy, and built-in accommodations for part of or even their entire guest list?!
As a Colorado Micro Wedding Photographer and Planner, we’re no strangers to couples looking to host their small weddings at Airbnb or vacation rentals! Personally, we think they are some of the best weddings ever! But, we know it can be difficult to find the perfect rental, so keep reading to learn more about Airbnb Wedding Venues in Colorado!
Looking for more Colorado micro wedding inspiration? We got you!
Tips for your finding your Colorado Airbnb Venue
Our best advice for finding your Colorado Airbnb wedding venue is to start your search with a clear strategy. Look for properties that welcome events. Check their maximum guest capacity. Verify they can handle both your ceremony and overnight stays. Here are some of our top tips for finding an amazing Colorado Airbnb venue:
Choose your preferred Colorado region first: Think about what types of views you want. Are you looking for something waterfront? Mountain views? If you know a bit more about what you’re looking for, it can help narrow down your search.
Know your overnight guest count: This number helps narrow down suitable properties quickly.
Consider hiring a micro wedding planner: Planners can provide pre-vetted venue options and know the area. This saves countless research hours for you to focus on other parts of your wedding! **We have over 80 event-friendly vacation rentals saved in our client portals and love sharing new finds with our couples!
Colorado VRBO Weddings
Many couples overlook VRBO. This platform often works better than Airbnb for wedding venues. VRBO has an “Events Allowed” search filter. This saves valuable planning time. As a platform, Airbnb limits hosts on whether they can allow events or not. VRBO doesn’t have the same restrictions.
Planning your Colorado Airbnb Wedding
When it comes to planning your Colorado Airbnb wedding, success requires a lot of attention to detail. Many crucial elements aren't obvious in property listings, and there are lots of logistics to consider.
Below is a basic checklist, but if you want to learn more, we recommend checking out our full guide How to Plan An Airbnb Wedding in 2025 - coming soon!
Your Colorado Airbnb Wedding Planning Checklist
Review all event policies carefully: make sure to check guest limits on the listings, understand parking rules and limitations, and note any special event fees.
Connect with local rental companies: You'll need tables, chairs, and backup weather equipment. Most vacation rentals don’t offer these types of items.
Understand local ordinances: many Colorado mountain towns have occupancy limitations, event insurance requirements, and noise ordinances.
Create the site layout: understand the limitations of the house. Maybe the ceremony needs to be offsite, or a reception dinner venue would be better.
Secure your vendors & communicate openly with the hosts: keep communication open and make sure vendors, like caterers, florists, etc are aware of where the property is located. Since many of these properties can be remote or require high clearance vehicles to get to, it’s best to be open with your vendors and plan accordingly. Communicate everything with your hosts so they consent to all elements of your event!
Cost of your Colorado Airbnb Wedding
Let's break down the numbers. Event-friendly properties in Colorado vary widely in price. Most range from $700 to $3,000+ per night. Although there are more budget-friendly options available if you’re willing to sacrifice some amenities. Premium properties cost more during peak seasons.
On average you can expect to spend around $5,000 for a wedding-suitable property to sleep about 10-12 guests. This typically covers a three-night minimum stay. Final costs depend on property, guest count, and any event fees that can vary in price.
Best way to manage costs? Hire a Micro Wedding Planner
One of the best ways to manage the cost of your Airbnb wedding is to hire a wedding planner, specifically one with expertise in these types of micro weddings. A planner can help reduce overall expenses by bringing vendor relationships, knowing how to negotiate, and helping avoid hidden fees. They will also be your partner during the planning process, keeping you accountable to your outlined budget and helping cut costs on non essential items.
Best Colorado Airbnb Venues for a Wedding
Below are 9 examples of vacation rentals you can rent around Colorado to host your micro wedding! I’ve arranged them from lowest average nightly cost to highest to help with budgeting!
Disclaimer: At the time of publishing all of the listings are vacation rentals that allow events. However, I recommend that you check the listings carefully to find information regarding rules, guest limits, and additional fees and always reach out to the hosts before booking or assuming your event is allowed at the space!
Lower Budget Options
Vega Lake Retreat
The Wapiti Retreat
Gunnison Home
Vega Lake Retreat | Book It
Location: Collbran, Colorado
Nightly Price in Summer 2025 - $425
Max Event Attendees: ask host for details
Sleeps: 20
What we love about this property: This property is a great blank canvas for a micro wedding with beautiful views of Vega Lake, one of Colorado’s State Parks! You could have the ceremony overlooking the lake from the lawn or even travel down the state park for your ceremony and then come back to a candlelight reception dinner with twinkle lights on the outdoor deck. A great option for the lower nightly cost, while still accommodating most of your guests!
The Wapiti Retreat | Book It
Location: Walden, Colorado
Nightly Price in Summer 2025 - $490
Max Event Attendees: 30
Sleeps: 16
What we love about this property: We love the remote and ruggedness of this property. It has beautiful floor to ceiling windows perfect for getting ready or indoor photos, but also has a sweeping property with lots of places to explore. It would be perfect for hosting an intimate wedding with stunning mountain views. This cabin is also close to miles of beautiful hiking trails for a private adventure just the two of you!
Gunnison Home | Book It
Location: Gunnison, Colorado
Nightly Price in Summer 2025 - $543
Max Event Attendees: ask host for details
Sleeps: 19
What we love about this property: If you’re dreaming of a quintessential and luxurious Colorado micro wedding without having to leave the property of your Airbnb, this property is for you! It has all types of amenities (including a private pickleball court!), stunning mountain views and incredible windows for beautiful photos inside and out of the home. If you have the budget to rent this home for your wedding weekend, I guarantee you (and your guests) won’t regret it!
Mid-Range Budget Options
Secluded Mountain Retreat
Creekside Quakie Cabin
Crestview Ranch
Secluded Mountain Retreat |Book It
Location: Dolores, Colorado
Nightly Price in Summer 2025 - $570
Max Event Attendees: ask host for details
Sleeps: 34
What we love about this property: This property is stunning and remote, the perfect place for an intimate mountain retreat with your favorite people! It has secluded mountain views and a meadow a short walk from the house with benches and an arch for hosting a stunning ceremony among the aspen trees. This is a beautiful place for a quintessential Colorado fall wedding for a very reasonable price!!
Creekside Quakie Cabin |Book It
Location: Durango, Colorado
Nightly Price in Summer 2025 - $840
Max Event Attendees: 15
Sleeps: 15
What we love about this property: This property is gorgeous and would be perfect for a small group gathering or outdoor dinner after an elopement ceremony up in the mountains. It’s surrounded by forest giving you and your loved ones privacy to enjoy each other's company tucked away in nature.
Crestview Ranch | Book It
Location: Grandby, Colorado
Nightly Price in Summer 2025 - $1545
Max Event Attendees: 50
Sleeps: 25
What we love about this property: This property is huge! There is so much space to sleep most of your friends and family, and the hosts are very familiar with micro weddings. There are lots of things like tables, chairs, ceremony arch etc..included in the event fee that will save you on costs from other rental companies. Plus the ranch has mountain views and a sweet little lake in front!
Luxury Options
Alta Lakes Observatory
High Country Lodge
Crested Butte Mansion
Alta Lakes Observatory | Book It
Location: Telluride, Colorado
Nightly Price in Summer 2025 - $2000
Max Event Attendees: 50
Sleeps: 12
What we love about this property: Alta Lakes is more than just a home rental, it’s an investment in a full mountain experience! This property has an alpine lake right off the patio where you can paddle with your new spouse right after your ceremony! It’s an amazing spot to celebrate with your favorite people in a rustic, mountain setting with tons of accessibility to Telluride, and other outdoor activities in one of the most beautiful spots of Colorado!
High Country Lodge | Book It
Location: Breckenridge, Colorado
Nightly Price in Summer 2025 - $3599
Max Event Attendees: 50
Sleeps: 25
What we love about this property: This property is beautiful all year long and set up for hosting weddings. You’re tucked away outside of Breckenridge with gorgeous mountain views, it doesn’t get more “Colorado” than this! Not to mention there is lodging and space for so many of your people to stay on site! Worth the high price point if you’re looking to house people in a beautiful mountain setting and have a bigger event with facilities.
Crested Butte Mansion | Book It
Location: Crested Butte, Colorado
Nightly Price in Summer 2025 - $4500
Max Event Attendees: 40
Sleeps: 23
What we love about this property: If you’re dreaming of a quintessential and luxurious Colorado micro wedding without having to leave the property of your Airbnb, this property is for you! It has all types of amenities (including a private pickleball court!), stunning mountain views and incredible windows for beautiful photos inside and out of the home. If you have the budget to rent this home for your wedding weekend, I guarantee you (and your guests) won’t regret it!
Hidden Gems
This post has some amazing properties that we highly recommend, BUT as an intimate wedding Planner and Photographer team, we love providing our clients with even more recommendations, including our favorite local hidden gem spots! If you’re interested in learning more, contact us here!
Colorado Airbnb Wedding Packages
Custom Micro Wedding packages that include full-service planning, day-of-coordination, photography and more!
Don’t know where to start with planning your own Airbnb wedding? That’s what we’re here for! Our services are perfect for helping you have a low stress, beautiful wedding at vacation rental because they include:
4hrs - multi day photo coverage, so there’s time to cover the whole story of your event
Full-service micro wedding planning - you don’t have to know all of the best spots or vendors because we do!
Day-of Coordination - your day managed seamlessly from setup to tear down so you & your guests can sit back & relax!
Sound like your perfect day? Learn more about our pricing here!
Conclusion
There are so many different types of properties for micro weddings in Colorado, but it’s always good to check multiple listings and talk with the hosts until you find the best spot for your unique event! These types of wedding also aren’t as cost-effective as they may seem upfront, but they can be extremely beautiful and intimate for your group of people. I hope you found this post helpful in starting to plan your dream intimate wedding!
Planning your own Colorado Airbnb Wedding?
Hi! We’re Becca and Hannah, a Micro Wedding Planner and Photographer specializing in intimate weddings that are rooted in meaning, adventure, and community. 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! Intimate weddings at vacation rentals are our absolute favorites, so if you’re interested, reach out here to schedule your free consultation with us!
Brainard Lake Engagement Photos in the Fall
Check out Karryn & Rob’s engagement session at Brainard Lake Recreation area! Learn about what activities they chose, and all the tips for planning an amazing engagement session at one of the most stunning spots in the front range!
Nestled in the mountains just behind Boulder, Brainard Lake Recreation Area provided an amazing backdrop for Karryn and Rob's adventurous fall engagement session, full of yummy food, a gorgeous sunrise, and their favorite game to play as a couple. It was such an authentic and laid back session, I hope it inspires you to plan something similar for your engagement photos!
Keep reading to hear the story of their day and how you can plan an amazing Engagement Session at Brainard Lake in Colorado!
Looking for more Colorado engagement inspiration? We got you!
Navigating Brainard Lake Timed Entry Reservations
Brainard Lake is a stunning and accessible location near the Denver Metro area, which means it is popular for photographers and hiking enthusiasts alike! In recent years the park service has started a timed entry reservation system to help manage crowd levels and keep the area protected for future enjoyment!
The Timed Entry system can be a bit confusing and can change year to year, so here are the basic things you need to know for 2025:
Timed entry reservations operate from June through mid-October. In 2024 the main Brainard Lake gate closed for the season on October 13th.
Entry times are available in interval time frames from 5am - 8pm, 7 days per week.
Reservations are for a particular parking lot in the Brainard Lake Recreation Area.
Reservations are available to purchase for $16 on recreation.gov (America the Beautiful and Interagency Passes can be applied to the reservation to lower the fee)
If you’re planning an engagement session for Brainard Lake Recreation Area during the summer or fall months, I’d suggest reserving your timed entry ticket sooner rather than later because they do sell out quickly, especially on weekends. In addition to booking our entry tickets early, Karryn, Rob, and I opted to arrive at the gate by 6am to enjoy sunrise and avoid the mid-morning crowds.
Arriving before sunrise at Brainard Lake Recreation Area
After a 4am wake up call, Karryn and Rob arrived at Brainard Lake with camping chairs, a portable stove, and all the fixings for their traditional breakfast ritual. The decision to begin their session before sunrise gave us lots of time to enjoy the area without crowds and allowed us to witness a beautiful sunrise while eating warm breakfast burritos and chocolate chip muffins!
The morning didn’t go without a couple amusing mishaps. One of Karryn and Rob’s favorite things to do together is make their morning coffee and Karryn made sure to bring their favorite brand with them for the session. Unfortunately, when she was about to pour it into their cups, the kettle toppled over onto the rocks and we lost the whole pot! She ended up saving a little, but it made for a big laugh & a promise to visit their favorite coffee shop in Nederland after the session.
Cooking breakfast, skipping rocks, and playing some Cribbage
My favorite part of Karryn & Rob’s engagement session was their decision to incorporate activities that genuinely reflected their relationship. Instead of solely focusing on posed portraits, I got to capture the story of their morning engaging in their favorite pastimes. It allowed for incredible images full of sweet, candid moments.
One thing Rob insisted we do was set up the Cribbage board. It’s a tradition they've maintained on their camping adventures together, so he wanted to capture that. Their cribbage game became some of my favorite photos of the session because it was full of laughter and playful banter that perfectly captured their dynamic relationship and shared value of having fun together.
Essential Tips for Your Brainard Lake Engagement Session
If you’re looking to have your own engagement session at Brainard Lake, here are my top tips for a memorable experience like Karryn & Rob:
Best time of Day
The optimal timing for engagement photos at Brainard Lake typically falls within the golden hours – either just after sunrise or before sunset – for a beautiful, soft light across the lake and mountains.
*Pro tip: My personal favorite time of day is sunrise because of the direction of the light and mountains. You get that dreamy pinkish alpine glow on the peaks behind you!
Best Season
Brainard Lake Recreation Area is open year-round, and there truly isn’t a bad time to visit.
Summer season ranges from June - mid October
Summer season is best for hiking all of the different trails in the area and parking closest to the lake. Bring your kayak or Stand Up Paddleboard for a truly memorable experience!Winter season is from Mid October - June.
If you visit in the winter, you have to park at Gateway Trailhead and walk 2 miles into the park to reach the lake. Don’t let this discourage you though, it’s a spectacular place to snowshoe!!
Weather & Climate
Brainard Lake is tucked deep in the mountains at 10,000+ ft above sea level. This means that weather conditions can change rapidly at this elevation, so bringing appropriate layers and weather-proof gear ensures comfort throughout your session regardless of unexpected weather shifts.
Always come prepared and if you’re unsure, hire a local engagement photographer that knows the area and can help you with all the preparation & advice!
Multiple Locations for all types of adventurous couples
While Brainard Lake offers accessible shooting locations directly from the parking area with no hiking required, numerous trails provide opportunities for more adventurous couples seeking varied backdrops, from dense pine forests to pristine alpine lakes like Mitchell Lake and Lake Isabelle.
Tips for candid, beautiful photos
Incorporating meaningful activities that reflect your relationship, as Karryn and Rob did with their breakfast preparation and cribbage game, can help create natural, relaxed moments that translate beautifully in photographs.
Karryn and Rob's engagement session at Brainard Lake exemplifies how incorporating genuine interests and activities can transform a photo session from a potentially awkward experience into a fun, goofy, and natural celebration of your relationship. The success of their engagement photos stems from their willingness to be truly themselves – making breakfast burritos at altitude, playing their favorite game, and simply enjoying each other's company in one of my favorite spots in Colorado. I hope their story serves as inspiration for you and your mountain engagement session!
Looking for a Colorado Engagement Photographer to help you plan an amazing session?
Looking for your own Brainard Lake Engagement Photos?
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!
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!
