Elope in the mountains near Denver, Colorado
Want to elope in Colorado, but not sure where to start? I’ll give you my local’s guide to eloping in the mountains just outside of Denver. Whether you are flying or driving to Colorado, Denver is a great place to start your adventure. All of my elopement recommendations are within a 2 hour drive of the city, making these spots some of the most accessible mountain spots in Colorado.
Location #1: Colorado Springs
Just an hour south of Denver, Colorado Springs is an easy choice. It has world-famous rock formations, incredible mountains, and historic mining towns. For a rugged and rustic elopement, check out these locations:
Garden of the Gods
A world famous red-rock formation, right outside of the city. It’s unique beauty makes for some incredible photos, and is easily accessible and walkable. You can invite guests, and it’s even free!
Gold Camp Road
For the rustic and adventurous, drive this 4x4 road to get intimate views of the mountains, without all the crowds. Built in the 1800s during the gold rush, this road has tunnels, wildflowers, and amazing mountain views.
Location #2: Chautauqua, Boulder CO
In the small town of Boulder, this park is an incredible backdrop for your elopement day. Covered in wildflowers in the summer, and snow in the winter, these peaks are iconic. This spot is great for a small elopement of 2-6 people.
Best time to elope at Chautauqua
Since this is a popular area, the best time to elope here is at sunrise. In the morning, the sun hits the peaks with spectacular light, and there are less hikers and visitors out. Bring a picnic breakfast to make this morning even more special!
Best season to elope at Chautauqua
This location is beautiful and accessible year-round. During late summer the fields are full of wildflowers and rainbows. In the fall, there are less tourists and more fall colors, and winter brings beautiful fields of snow. This is my favorite winter elopement location!
Location #3: Indian Peaks Wilderness, Ward, CO
If you are looking for deeper mountain adventures, Indian Peaks Wilderness is a hidden gem. It is an area full of moose, high alpine lakes, and stunning mountain views. Easily accessed by car, this area is pristine and perfect for an intimate mountain elopement.
Brainard Lake
This lake is easily accessible by car. Right outside of the main parking lot, Brainard Lake sits below incredible mountain peaks and is a 2 minute walk to the water. Flat terrain makes this an easy walk for everyone, and is dog friendly!
King Lake
For the more rugged adventurers, this lake is remote and pristine. You might be the only ones there! Accessed via 4x4 road or by foot (a stunning hike in), this lake is a hidden gem in Colorado.
Location #4: Winter Park, CO
A small ski town outside of Denver, Winter Park offers great views, breweries and incredible mountains. In the summer you can ride the gondola to the top of the mountain to elope, and in winter you can say your vows on a world-famous ski basin.
Best season to elope in Winter Park, CO
This location is beautiful year-round. During late summer the fields are full of wildflowers and rainbows. In the fall, there are less tourists and more fall colors, and winter brings beautiful fields of snow.
How to ride the gondola in Winter Park
Available during the summer and early fall, you can book a ticket online or in town and ride to the top of the mountains for spectacular views. It is free to elope at the top, easily accessible for people of all ages, and the gondola is dog friendly!
Pet -friendly lodging in Winter Park
Winter Park is super pet friendly! If you are bringing a pup along for your adventure, I highly recommend staying at The Vintage Hotel, right outside of the ski town. They are kind and courteous, and very accommodating for your 4 legged friends. Check out my blog about choosing other pet-friendly locations in Colorado.
1. Pick your season
If you envision wildflowers, get married in the summer. If you like the cold and snow, try winter! If you want the best of both worlds, get married in the fall. Peak fall colors happen in Colorado between the last week in September and the first week in October.
2. Hire your vendors
If they are an elopement expert like me, they can help you find lodging, pick wedding attire, decide on fun activities to fill your day and be your all-around Colorado expert. To start your adventure with me, fill out my contact form below.
3. Decide on attire + gear
Based on when you choose to get married, you can start looking at wedding attire that reflects your season! Temperatures from June-Sept tend to be warmer in the upper 60s, and from Oct-May tend to be wetter and colder (with a possibility of snow).
4. Pick your activities
Focus your elopement day on how you want to feel. Do you want to feel: relaxed, adventurous, romantic, restful? Once you have your goal in mind, you can create an experience around that emotion. If you want to relax, try: hot springs, couples massages, and picnicking. If you want to adventure, try: hiking, camping, kayaking, jeeping, or horse-back riding.
5. Book your lodging
Once you’ve got a date and place, pick your lodging. Colorado has a variety of amazing cabins, hotels, tee-pees, yurts, houses and lodges for you to stay. You can also plan on camping or backpacking to your location too!
When to elope in the mountains
The mountains are beautiful all year round, but some areas are closed in the winter due to snow. If you want to get into the deep wilderness for your elopement, make sure to elope in the summer or early fall. Or if you love the snow, you can hike, snowshoe or ski into your destination!
What to pack for your mountain elopement
Depending on your season and activities for your elopement day, you might have specific gear to bring. At the very least, make sure you bring rain gear, cold gear, sunscreen, sunglasses, and comfortable walking shoes to Colorado for your mountain elopement. Check out my Mountain Elopement Packing Lists for even more advice.
How do I get a marriage license in Colorado?
If you are traveling from out of state to get married in Colorado, you’ll need to get a license from the county you are getting married in. Each county has its own regulations, but it’s a good idea to plan on scheduling an in-person meeting to pick up your license. For more information, check with the local county of your destination or with your elopement photographer.
Have fun planning your elopement
Colorado is such a beautiful state, that getting into the mountains can be easy! Make sure that you focus on having fun during your elopement, and getting to experience the mountains exactly as you want to. If you aren’t sure which experience feels right to you, reach out to me and we can chat about it! I can recommend the perfect location and time for you to experience your wedding day in the wild.
