How to Elope in Colorado: The Complete 2025 Guide

Running to elope in Colorado!

How to Elope in Colorado: The Complete 2025 Guide

If you’ve ever dreamed of ditching the big ballroom wedding in favor of a day that feels more like an adventure than a production—eloping in Colorado might be exactly what you're looking for. Whether it’s saying your vows at sunrise on a mountain pass, toasting with champagne under golden aspen trees, or snowshoeing into a private winter wonderland—Colorado offers the kind of wild beauty and personal freedom that few other places can match.

As a Colorado elopement videographer, I’ve had the honor of documenting some of the most meaningful, joyful, and awe-inspiring elopement days you can imagine. And in this guide, I’m going to walk you through everything you need to know to plan your own 2025 Colorado elopement—from legal requirements and seasonal tips to packing lists and vendor ideas.

Why Eloping in Colorado Just Makes Sense

Colorado isn’t just beautiful—it’s one of the most elopement-friendly states in the U.S. Here’s why couples love tying the knot here:

• Self-Solemnization: You don’t need an officiant. Seriously—you and your partner can legally marry yourselves, just by signing your license.

• No Witness Required: You don’t need any guests to sign. In fact, you can have your dog sign the marriage license with their paw print (yes, that’s a real thing).

• No Waiting Period: You can get married the same day you pick up your marriage license.

• Diverse Landscapes: From red rock canyons to alpine lakes to snow-dusted pines, Colorado offers a landscape for every kind of couple.

• Adventure-Ready: Whether you want to hike, ski, paddle, or off-road your way to your ceremony, this state is built for it.

• All Love Welcome: Colorado supports marriage equality—no matter who you are or how you love.

Bottom line: Colorado gives you freedom—to marry how you want, where you want, with as much or as little tradition as you’d like.

Step 1: Know the Legal Details

Always an iconic photo op signing the marriage license on your elopement day!

Planning your elopement is fun, but first: paperwork.

To get legally married in Colorado in 2025, here’s what you need to do:

1. Apply in Person: Visit any County Clerk & Recorder’s Office in Colorado. You and your partner both need to be there.

2. Bring ID: Acceptable forms include a driver’s license, passport, or birth certificate.

3. Pay the Fee: A marriage license costs $30.

4. Use It Within 35 Days: Once issued, your license is valid immediately and for 35 days.

5. Return It After: You must return the signed license (in person or by mail) to the same office within 63 days after your ceremony.

What’s extra special is that you don’t need a third party to sign the license. You can self-solemnize, which makes Colorado one of the most empowering states for eloping couples.

Pro Tip: If you're flying in, counties like Boulder, Denver, and El Paso are easy to access and friendly to out-of-state couples.

Step 2: Pick Your Perfect Elopement Location in Colorado

As a Colorado elopement videographer, I’ve filmed in just about every corner of the state—and each location has its own vibe. Whether you're dreaming of snow-dusted peaks or warm golden light through the aspens, there's a spot for you.

1. Rocky Mountain National Park

There’s a reason this is one of the most popular national parks in the U.S. With sweeping views, crystal lakes, and alpine tundra, RMNP is straight-up epic. You’ll need a $300 permit and have to choose from a list of pre-approved ceremony sites, but it’s worth the red tape.

• Best For: Sunrise ceremonies, mountain-lovers

• Permit Required: Yes

• Limitations: Guest count limits, no chairs or decor

2. Garden of the Gods

Located in Colorado Springs, Garden of the Gods features red rock spires and wide-open views. The park is incredibly accessible and doesn’t require a permit for small elopements, making it great for couples with family, friends, or pets joining them.

• Best For: Accessibility, family-friendly

• Permit Required: No (for small groups)

3. Maroon Bells

These iconic twin peaks near Aspen reflect beautifully in Maroon Lake, especially at sunrise. It’s one of the most photographed spots in Colorado, and it books out quickly—so plan well in advance.

• Best For: Iconic backdrops

• Permit Required: Yes + reservation system

4. Great Sand Dunes National Park

Towering dunes backed by snowy peaks—it’s like getting two landscapes in one. This spot is made for the adventurous at heart.

• Best For: Unique vibes, barefoot vows

• Permit Required: Yes

5. Loveland Pass & Mayflower Gulch

Want to avoid the crowds and still get killer views? Loveland Pass and Mayflower Gulch are two of our favorite off-the-beaten-path spots. There’s usually no permit required, but it’s still smart to check with the local forest service office just in case.

• Best For: Solitude, hikers, snow lovers

• Permit Required: Often no, but verify

Pro Tip: If you're choosing a national park, apply for your permit as early as possible. Peak weekends can fill up six months in advance.

Step 3: Choose the Best Time of Year to Elope in Colorado

Colorado is stunning year-round, but each season brings its own flavor, vibe, and set of logistics. When you choose to elope here, the season you pick can shape your entire day—from what you wear to how far you can hike.

Spring (April – June)

Spring in Colorado is a season of contrasts. You’ll find blooming wildflowers in the valleys while snow still clings to the higher peaks. It’s a beautiful time to elope if you’re after that rare mix of snow and greenery.

• Pros: Fewer crowds, vibrant contrast in landscapes, moody skies perfect for photography.

• Cons: Some trails are still closed due to snow; mud season can make certain areas tough to access.

Spring elopements work especially well for couples who want dramatic backdrops without the mid-summer crowds. Just bring extra layers—you never know when it’ll snow in May.

Summer (July – September)

Summer is when Colorado shines—literally. Long days, clear skies, and fully accessible high-altitude trails make this the most popular season for elopements.

• Pros: Peak wildflowers, high alpine trails are snow-free, sunsets are later in the evening.

• Cons: Afternoon thunderstorms are common, and crowds peak in July and August.

If you’re planning a hike-to-elope adventure, this is your window. As a Colorado elopement videographer, we often recommend sunrise or sunset ceremonies in summer to avoid harsh light—and to dodge the crowds.

This couple eloped at the beginning of October and chose a beautiful autumnal themed picnic riverside!

Fall (late September – October)

If golden aspens are your dream backdrop, fall is your season. This time of year offers cooler temps, soft golden light, and incredible natural color.

• Pros: Aspen trees turn brilliant yellow and orange, fewer tourists, crisp mountain air.

• Cons: Timing is everything—fall color lasts only a couple of weeks at each elevation.

Fall elopements are our personal favorite for the sheer variety of tones and the cozy feel. Just be prepared to pivot if early snowfall hits.

Winter (November – March)

Winter is the most underrated elopement season in Colorado. Snow-dusted evergreens, quiet trails, and the coziness of a winter cabin make it incredibly romantic.

• Pros: Ultimate intimacy, snow-covered scenery, potential for ski elopements.

• Cons: Cold temps, shorter days, limited access to many mountain roads and trails.

Winter elopements pair beautifully with hot drinks, fireplaces, and snuggling under blankets. If you’re willing to brave the cold, you’ll be rewarded with peaceful landscapes and stunning light.

Pro Tip: Weekday elopements are almost always better. You’ll deal with fewer crowds, more flexible vendors, and better photo opportunities.

Step 4: Build a Timeline That’s Actually Enjoyable

One of the best things about eloping is that you’re not on anyone’s clock but your own! You’re not cramming 200 guests into a 5-hour reception. You’re choosing freedom—and your timeline should reflect that.

Here’s an example of a realistic, flexible elopement day that allows for adventure, breathers, and meaningful connection:

Sample Full-Day Elopement Timeline

A magical first look happening at an alpine lake this couple hiked up to!

6:00 AM – Wake up slowly with coffee and breakfast at your cabin
7:00 AM – Get ready separately; your photographer/videographer arrives
8:00 AM – First look outside the cabin or trailhead
8:30 AM – Begin your hike to the ceremony spot
9:30 AM – Arrive at the overlook; pause and take it in
10:00 AM – Exchange vows + rings
10:30 AM – Portraits and candid moments
12:00 PM – Picnic brunch at a scenic spot
2:00 PM – 4:00 PM – Break / nap / time to relax
4:30 PM – Head to a new location for sunset portraits
6:00 PM – Champagne pop + private letter reading from family
6:30 PM – Sunset first dance or quiet moment
7:00 PM – Wrap up and return to your Airbnb to celebrate

That’s just one example. The point? You don’t have to follow a script. Your timeline can be two hours or twelve. We’ve filmed elopements where the couple wakes up at 3:00 AM to summit a peak for sunrise vows, and others where they slowly got ready at noon and strolled into the mountains hand-in-hand by sunset.

As your Colorado elopement videographer, we help guide this process so the timeline is not only visually stunning, but emotionally rich. We’re always checking lighting conditions, travel time, and energy levels to make sure the flow of the day fits you.

Step 5: Build Your Dream Vendor Team

You may not need a DJ or a 200-person venue, but that doesn’t mean elopements are DIY-only. The right vendors make a huge difference in how smooth, stress-free, and meaningful your day feels.

Colorado Elopement Videographer + Photographer

This is where we come in :-)

At Castlehouse, we specialize in creating films and photographs that don’t just document your elopement—they tell the story of it. The tears, the laughs, the wind blowing through the trees as you exchange your vows. It’s not about poses; it’s about presence.

This is us- hi! We have fun together :-)

We offer:

• Full-day photo + video coverage with no time limits.

• Cinematic highlight films + vertical social media reels.

• A personalized story strategy session before your elopement.

• A custom elopement day itinerary to keep your experience stress-free.

When you book a Colorado elopement videographer who really gets it, you’re not just hiring someone to press record. You’re hiring someone to help you slow down, feel every moment, and walk away with a film that lets you relive it all.

Need a Colorado elopement planner, photographer and videographer? Hit us up!

We’re here to support you in your journey. Whether it’s just the two of you eloping at the top of the mountain or with your family at an accessible alpine lake, we’re here to help make it happen. To provide truly authentic experiences and the highest quality elopement films, we only accept a very limited number of intimate weddings and elopements each year.

THIS ISN’T JUST AN CONTACT FORM, IT’S THE POTENTIAL START TO AN AWESOME FRIENDSHIP.

For that reason, we read every inquiry and respond within 24-48 hours to get started as soon as possible on making your dream skiing elopement a reality. The more information you give us here provides us with an opportunity to craft a more meaningful film, personalized experience, and overall awesome relationship with you and your partner :)