Here’s a step by step guide into what you should know when it comes to planning an elopement here in Colorado. Although you’re not planning a big traditional wedding, there’s still a few things to think about with an elopement to make the day as memorable as possible.

Check out the video I’ve made below if you’re a visual learner or continue reading if you want to get the info that way :)

1) Getting marriage licenses

You can marry yourself here in Colorado! One of the only states in which you can do so :) So exciting that it can be just you two solidifying your marriage together on a mountaintop!

However, if you would like an officiant to guide you through your ceremony, that’s okay too. One of the great parts to an elopement is you can do whatever you’d like, there are no rules. If you do decide to apply for a marriage license the Boulder County website has a lot of good information and, during the COVID-19 closure, you can apply for a marriage license online: https://www.bouldercounty.org/records/licenses/marriages-and-civil-unions/apply-for-marriage-license/

2) Most popular colorado elopement locations

I’ll just list a few of the spots that I find myself frequently for elopements as these are the most common elopement locations here in Colorado but you really can go wherever. Keep in mind, these are the most accessible places but I’m always an advocate for getting off the beaten path. If you’re choosing to elope in “Colorful Colorado”, why not book with me (Roo) so I can take you to some of my secret elopement spots that you won’t find on any blogs or articles on the internet? Elopements bring a sense of adventure so although this list consists of the more traditional Colorado elopement locations, you’re here for the incredible views so if you choose to work a little harder and hike just a little further you’ll have an adventure and memory of a lifetime :)

Rocky Mountain National Park -

This is one of my all-time favorites and is a total classic. Located just an hour and a half from Denver, this is the third most visited National Park in the country behind The Great Smokey Mountains and the Grand Canyon but still ranks higher than Zion. There’s a reason it receives a lot of visits, it’s because this place is absolutely epic! Like, for real. One of the coolest places in Colorado if you’re wanting an accessible place in the mountains, hard to beat this one. There’s a $250 fee to have your ceremony here but compared to a traditional venue, that’s nothing.

They also have a ton of spots to choose from which is nice too. Options are good, we like options :)

https://www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/wedding_locations.htm

Overlooks in Boulder or Breckenridge - Chautauqua Park, Lost Gulch Overlook or Sapphire Point

If you’re a fan of the outdoors, but don’t want to travel too far from Denver I’d look to some of these options in Boulder such as Chautauqua Park or Lost Gulch Overlook. Just 30-45 minutes away from downtown Denver these spots provide you with legendary backdrops of the Flatirons or amazing views of the amazing Indian Peaks Wilderness.

If you’re wanting something a little further removed and in the heart of the famous mountains near Keystone, Vail and Breckenridge I’d look towards Loveland Pass or Sapphire Point. Both of these are special places with some of the best views in the state with nice, drive up access.

Garden of the Gods of Colorado Springs

This one is special to my heart as this was my backyard for about 4 years while I was building my elopement videography/photography business. The first time you see Garden of the Gods it will definitely take your breath away. These giant red rocks are a stunning backdrop for your elopement. Located a little over an hour south of Denver there are a number of locations in this park that are absolutely incredible for your elopement day :)

These are the more accessible places but if you want to go more remote, definitely do it!

I worked as a mountain guide for a number of years here in Colorado so am familiar with a lot of the more hard to reach places here. If you like my videos or photos and want to book with me, I have dozens of more secluded and secret spots that are beautiful elopement locations. I even have an interactive map that you can use to shop around and look at different spots. Want to look at elopement spots within a 0-3 mile hiking range, I gotcha covered! What about a 6+ mile trek with views for days? I have those listed too. Hit me up on the website or at hello@castlehousevideography.com

With not as many people fighting for a date for the spot, not as many random people watching your ceremony and a greater sense of adventure here in the beautiful mountainous state, why not go off the beaten path with me? It’s a no-brainer in my book but, these spots are cool too so you’re not going to be bummed by the views either way ;)

3) Now, when’s the best time to elope?

Time of Week:

First off, I recommend a weekday elopement. It's far less crowded in a lot of these locations on weekdays. Colorado is famous for it's hiking and the people that live here know that so are often hiking, camping or just appreciating the mountain beauty on weekends so by choosing a weekday you're making it far easier on yourself. Less traffic,more privacy, easier reservations, and more available vendors. If you're coming from far away it allows you more time in this lovely mountain state as you can extend your trip to include weekdays on both sides.

Time of year:

Denver gets 300 days of sunshine a year so there's a lot of opportunities for a crystal clear day but weather can be all over the place. Typically in the winter there's going to be snow in the mountains and in the summer there will likely be afternoon thunderstorms. Summer months grant you opportunities to choose from more locations, just the fact that it’s not being covered in snow but winter months mean empty trails, adventure and incredible frozen alpine lakes. I mean, check out this video from last winter. Does this also not look amazing? You don’t need sunshine to have a perfect elopement day, snow is so magical so either way you can’t go wrong!

4) Book your vendors

Obviously, being an elopement / photographer and videographer myself I'm going to be biased and say to book me (form below…)

If not me, then well, think about it :) You've made it through this whole article already so you already know me a little bit!

…but to explore other options just look around through the Google machine or email me and I can recommend other great photographers, videographers and officiants here too.

If you have questions about anything in this article, want to chat about having me photograph/film your elopement or need help planning? Reach out! I’m always happy to help :)