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!
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!
