10 Reasons to Choose a Colorado Elopement Over a Traditional Wedding
Why Colorado is Perfect for Eloping
Planning your wedding is one of the most exciting times in your life, but it can also be overwhelming. Between the seating charts, guest lists, and skyrocketing costs, many couples find themselves wondering: Is there a better way? Enter elopements—a bold, intimate, and stress-free alternative to the traditional wedding.
And if you’re considering eloping, Colorado should be at the top of your list. From its breathtaking mountain vistas to its intimate alpine lakes, this state is the epitome of romance and adventure. Whether you dream of exchanging vows in a secluded meadow, amidst towering red rock formations, or under a starry sky at 10,000 feet, Colorado’s landscapes offer endless possibilities for crafting a day that’s uniquely yours.
Eloping doesn’t mean sacrificing beauty or significance. In fact, choosing to elope can create a wedding day that feels even more personal and meaningful. Colorado’s awe-inspiring scenery, elopement-friendly laws, and adventurous spirit make it the perfect backdrop for couples who want to celebrate their love in an unforgettable way.
In this blog, we’ll explore the 10 reasons why you should choose a Colorado elopement over a traditional wedding—and why this decision might be the best one you’ll ever make.
Reason 1: Breathtaking Scenery
When it comes to stunning backdrops, Colorado is unmatched. The state is home to some of the most awe-inspiring landscapes in the world, making it an idyllic location for your elopement.
Imagine standing beside a crystal-clear alpine lake, surrounded by snow-capped peaks, as you exchange vows. Or picture yourself framed by the vibrant red rocks of Garden of the Gods, with Pikes Peak looming in the background. Whether it’s the majestic views of Rocky Mountain National Park, the serenity of Maroon Bells, or the unique beauty of Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colorado offers a setting for every kind of love story.
Eloping in Colorado means your wedding photos and videos will look like something out of a magazine. The natural beauty of the state does most of the work, creating a cinematic backdrop that enhances every moment. As professional Colorado elopement videographers and photographers, we specialize in capturing these stunning landscapes while ensuring the focus remains on your unique connection as a couple.
No matter where you choose to say “I do,” the beauty of Colorado will elevate your elopement to something truly extraordinary.
Reason 2: Fewer Guests, More Intimacy
One of the greatest benefits of eloping is the ability to focus entirely on your relationship without the distractions of a large wedding. Traditional weddings often involve dozens, if not hundreds, of guests. While it’s wonderful to celebrate with loved ones, it can sometimes shift the focus away from the couple at the center of it all.
When you choose to elope in Colorado, you’re creating space for a more intimate and meaningful experience. With fewer (or no) guests, the day becomes entirely about you and your partner. You can exchange vows without feeling rushed, share quiet moments without interruption, and truly soak in every aspect of your wedding day.
This intimacy also extends to the way you interact with the landscape around you. Imagine hiking hand-in-hand to a secluded spot, just the two of you, with nothing but the sound of the wind and your footsteps. These are the moments that become unforgettable.
If you do want to include loved ones, eloping doesn’t mean they have to be left out entirely. Many couples incorporate friends and family through virtual streams, handwritten letters, or small gatherings before or after the ceremony. Eloping simply gives you the freedom to decide how and with whom you want to share your day.
Reason 3: Cost-Effective Options
Let’s talk about money. Traditional weddings are notoriously expensive, with the average cost in the U.S. hovering around $30,000. Between the venue, catering, and décor, it’s easy to see how expenses can spiral out of control.
Eloping in Colorado offers a much more budget-friendly alternative without compromising on beauty or significance. By choosing an intimate ceremony in nature, you can save on costly venues, elaborate decorations, and large-scale catering. Instead, your budget can go toward what truly matters—like hiring an experienced Colorado elopement videographer and photographer to capture your day or planning an adventurous honeymoon to celebrate your new life together.
Many couples are surprised by just how far their money can go with an elopement. For example, a permit for Rocky Mountain National Park costs just $300, giving you access to one of the most stunning locations in the world for a fraction of the cost of a traditional venue. Add in a bouquet, some travel expenses, and an epic elopement outfit, and you have the makings of an unforgettable day without breaking the bank.
Reason 4: Built-In Adventure
Colorado is an outdoor lover’s paradise, and an elopement here is as much about the adventure as it is about the ceremony. If you and your partner share a passion for exploring, a Colorado elopement allows you to incorporate that spirit of adventure directly into your wedding day.
Picture this: You start your day with a sunrise hike to an alpine meadow, where you exchange vows as the first light of day breaks over the mountains. Afterward, you strap on your snowshoes and trek through a snowy forest, stopping to capture breathtaking photos along the way. End the day with a cozy fireside picnic, or perhaps a celebratory ski run down your favorite slope.
The options are endless, from hiking and rock climbing to snowboarding and hot air balloon rides. Whatever adventure speaks to you as a couple, Colorado’s landscapes provide the perfect playground.
An adventurous elopement doesn’t just make your wedding day unique—it creates memories you’ll carry with you for the rest of your life. These are the stories you’ll tell over and over, and the moments that will define your relationship in a truly special way.
Reason 5: Flexibility in Planning
One of the most liberating aspects of a Colorado elopement is the flexibility it offers. Traditional weddings are often bound by tight timelines, strict schedules, and numerous vendor contracts. In contrast, eloping allows you to prioritize what truly matters to you as a couple, offering unparalleled freedom to design a day that reflects your unique relationship.
For instance, instead of locking in a ceremony time months in advance, you can plan your elopement around the best natural light or the weather forecast. Love the idea of a sunrise ceremony followed by a leisurely brunch? Or maybe a sunset vow exchange capped off with a stargazing session? With an elopement, the choice is entirely yours.
Elopements also give you more room to embrace spontaneity. Maybe you discover a scenic overlook on the way to your chosen spot and decide it’s the perfect place to say your vows. Or perhaps you add an impromptu stop for coffee or hot cocoa during a chilly winter ceremony. These unplanned moments often become the highlights of your day.
Ultimately, the flexibility of an elopement means less stress, more freedom, and a day that feels entirely yours.
Reason 6: Stunning Photos and Videos
When you choose to elope in Colorado, you’re not just planning a wedding—you’re creating a visual masterpiece. The state’s diverse landscapes, from snow-capped peaks to dramatic desert formations, offer endless opportunities for jaw-dropping photos and videos.
As Colorado elopement videographers and photographers, we specialize in capturing the connection between couples and the natural beauty around them. Whether it’s the golden glow of sunrise reflecting off an alpine lake or the vibrant colors of fall leaves framing your first kiss, every shot tells a story.
Winter elopements, in particular, bring an added layer of magic. Imagine the soft flakes of falling snow during your ceremony or the ethereal glow of light bouncing off a snowy meadow. And don’t worry about the cold—we’ll guide you through posing and movement that keeps you warm and natural while capturing those magical moments.
These visuals aren’t just for Instagram (though they’ll certainly stand out there). They’re timeless keepsakes that allow you to relive the emotions, beauty, and adventure of your elopement day for years to come.
Reason 7: Personalized Experiences
Eloping gives you the freedom to break away from tradition and craft a day that’s as unique as your love story. From the location you choose to the details you incorporate, every aspect of your Colorado elopement can be tailored to reflect your relationship.
Want to start your day with a sunrise hike to a secluded mountain peak? Or exchange vows beside a frozen alpine lake before sharing a champagne toast under a blanket of stars? With an elopement, the possibilities are endless.
Personal touches can make your day even more meaningful. Consider writing letters to each other to read during your ceremony or incorporating a family heirloom into your attire. Maybe you share a favorite meal as part of your post-ceremony picnic or include your furry friend in your adventure.
Colorado’s landscapes also allow for creative themes and activities. From snowshoeing in winter to wildflower-filled hikes in summer, the natural setting becomes part of your story. No two elopements are alike, and the ability to personalize every detail ensures your day feels authentically yours.
When you look back on your elopement, it’s these personal touches that will stand out—the small moments and choices that made the day uniquely special.
Reason 8: Elopement-Friendly Laws
Colorado’s laws make it one of the easiest states to elope, adding to its appeal for couples. The state’s self-solemnization law allows you to marry without the need for an officiant or witnesses, giving you the freedom to create a truly intimate ceremony.
This means you and your partner can legally marry anywhere in Colorado, from a mountaintop to a cozy Airbnb. It’s just one more way the state makes it easy to prioritize your connection and the experience of the day.
If you do choose to include loved ones, Colorado’s flexibility accommodates small, meaningful gatherings. Many public lands allow for elopements with minimal permitting requirements, and the cost is often a fraction of what traditional venues charge. For example, permits for Rocky Mountain National Park or Great Sand Dunes are simple to obtain and reasonably priced.
As Colorado elopement experts, we’re here to help you navigate the logistics, from obtaining permits to choosing the perfect spot. The simplicity of Colorado’s marriage laws ensures that your focus remains on celebrating your love—not on paperwork.
Reason 9: Year-Round Beauty
One of Colorado’s greatest gifts to eloping couples is its year-round beauty. No matter the season, the state offers stunning scenery and unique opportunities to create a day that feels magical.
Winter (December–February): Snowy peaks, frosted forests, and cozy vibes define Colorado’s winter months. It’s a season for adventurous couples who love the idea of exchanging vows in a winter wonderland. Popular activities include snowshoeing, skiing, and sipping hot cocoa by the fire.
Spring (March–May): As the snow begins to melt, wildflowers start to bloom, and waterfalls are at their most vibrant. Spring offers a mix of snow-capped peaks and lush greenery, making it perfect for couples who want a bit of both.
Summer (June–August): Summer in Colorado is all about alpine meadows, turquoise lakes, and warm, sunny days. This is the season for adventurous hikes, camping elopements, and endless outdoor exploration.
Fall (September–November): Fall is arguably Colorado’s most breathtaking season, with golden aspen trees painting the mountainsides. The crisp air and vibrant colors create a romantic and picturesque setting for your elopement.
The diversity of Colorado’s landscapes means you can design your day to match your favorite season. Whether you dream of a snowy winter ceremony or a golden-hour vow exchange in autumn, Colorado delivers unparalleled beauty year-round.
Reason 10: The Freedom to Do It Your Way
At the heart of eloping is the freedom to design your day exactly as you envision it. Traditional weddings often come with expectations, obligations, and pressure to conform to certain norms. An elopement, on the other hand, is all about breaking free from those constraints and creating a celebration that feels authentically you.
Want to skip the cake-cutting and first dance in favor of a sunrise hike? Go for it. Want to include your dog as your “best man” or “maid of honor”? Absolutely. The beauty of eloping in Colorado is that there are no rules—just endless possibilities for making your day as unique as your love story.
This freedom extends to the pace of your day as well. Instead of rushing from one scheduled event to the next, you can take your time, savoring each moment. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast, linger over your vows, or spend the afternoon exploring a new trail together. The day is yours to design.
By choosing to elope, you’re not just planning a wedding—you’re crafting an experience that reflects who you are as a couple. It’s a bold, beautiful way to start your married life together.
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 :)