Your Guide to Eloping in Colorado | Colorado Elopement Photographer
Eloping isn’t just running off to the courthouse anymore; it can be anything you want it to be! There are so many ways to celebrate the commitment you’re making to your partner; maybe you want to ski down a mountain after saying your vows, or you want to relax in a luxurious mansion with your closest friends. Whatever you want to do, just know that there are no wrong answers when it comes to eloping, and if you’re not sure where to start when planning then you’re in luck. As a Colorado elopement photographer, I have some tips and tricks to help make your elopement exactly what you always envisioned!
Beyond being super fun, elopements are also great ways to save money, cut back on the stress of a large wedding, and to put a focus on having a sustainable wedding, things I am ALL about! So without further ado let’s take a look into how to plan your own epic elopement in the Centennial State!
Choosing Where to Elope in Colorado
My first tip is a pretty obvious one, but also one of the more overwhelming ones. You see as a Colorado elopement photographer I know first hand just how many epic and incredible elopement locations this wonderful state has to offer! As your elopement photographer one of the services I offer is location scouting to find the perfect elopement location in Colorado for you. If you want something off the beaten path, that’s what I’m here for! I have some amazing places scoped out all over the state. And your elopement also doesn’t have to be outside! I shot a luxurious elopement in the heart of Denver at a historic mansion. It really can be whatever you want! If you’re looking for some inspiration from some more popular locations in Colorado check out some of my galleries below:
Sapphire Point Overlook (Breckenridge, Colorado)
Lost Gulch Overlook (Boulder, Colorado)
Sunrise Amphitheatre (Boulder, Colorado)
Great Sand Dunes National Park (Alamosa, Colorado)h
Garden of the Gods (Colorado Springs, Colorado)
Another option is an Airbnb or Vrbo elopement. This of course will depend on how many people you want to include, and what regulations specific properties have, but there are a lot of amazing rentals to get hitched at! Keep in mind as you think about locations that a lot of places in Colorado require a permit. The permit process for elopements can be tricky, but your photographer or planner should be able to help you navigate it!
What Season is Best to Elope in Colorado
One thing I know for certain as a Colorado elopement photographer is that while the state is beautiful year-round, there are certain pros and cons to each that you should be aware of. So let’s take a look at them! Keep in mind there is no wrong answer for what season you elope in, it just depends on the experience you dream of having!
Spring: This is perhaps our most unpredictable time. March is actually the snowiest month in Colorado! Spring and fall are both referred to as the mud season in the mountains: not enough snow to ski, but nothing is really blooming yet. But, spring isn’t too hot and terrible with bugs, and for many venues/vendors, you may get off season pricing.
Summer: Summer is of course the beginning of the wedding season in most places! The weather is beautiful...until it’s 95 degrees outside and the mosquitos are out of control! Summer is also a really popular tourist season in Colorado, so know that you might have more luck eloping mid-week if you pick a popular spot.
Fall: Fall is ELITE in my opinion...but that is also the downside to fall because everyone agrees with me. Fall colors are amazing, but it will be super busy at popular spots with everyone else out leaf-peeping! We also run the risk of a random, early snowfall.
Winter: This is an underrated time of year to get married in Colorado. The winters in the Front Range are actually very mild, but the mountains are gorgeous when they’re covered in snow! Of course, be ready to either be flexible on your dates or be comfortable driving with 4-wheel drive in the snow if needed!
What Time Should You Elope
As a Colorado elopement photographer, I try to have your session close to sunset or sunrise for that dreamy light. Though this can depend on where you decide you want to elope, here are some general pros and cons of each:
Sunrise light is beautiful, but it does require an EARLY wake-up call. (Especially if we are hiking anywhere) But because of this, we usually will have a place to ourselves if we do sunrise! Plus, you can go get breakfast after and who doesn’t love breakfast food?
Sunset light is generally considered to be the best, especially with that golden hour glow. Most people want that for their photos, which means at popular places, we likely will have to share the space! The extra crowds definitely aren’t a deal breaker but are something we need to be aware of.
Decide on and Contact Your Vendors
The first vendor you will probably reach out to is your Colorado elopement photographer (hi!). Many photographers offer services similar to what a wedding planner would offer, meaning they can help you find a location, and other vendors, and help throughout the overall planning process. That’s why an elopement photographer is an invaluable vendor and usually the most important for an elopement day. Depending on your vision, you might need some other vendors too though! That could include a videographer, a florist, a baker, or even a rental company for an arch or chairs. Just because you’re eloping doesn’t mean you can’t make it fancy! I have a handful of vendors I LOVE to work with throughout Colorado that I love sharing with my elopement couples.
Self Solemnizing in Colorado
One of the more appealing aspects of eloping in Colorado is that the state allows couples to self-solemnize their vows, meaning you actually can marry yourselves in the eyes of the state. You can absolutely have someone special officiate or lead the ceremony if you’d like to, like Jenna and Francine did! A lot of couples find that it is really special to write their own vows and say it to themselves. Another thing I love as an elopement photographer in Colorado is that if you do self-solemnize, anybody can sign as your witness! That includes your dog, your cat, your iguana….or yeah, your grandma or your brother too!
Getting Your Colorado Marriage License
In Colorado, you can get your license in any county. It doesn’t have to be the one you’re getting married in! Because of COVID restrictions, most county clerk offices do require you to make an online appointment, but this is very simple. In fact, as of 2021, the Denver Clerk and Recorder is doing appointments virtually over video! Be ready with your credit card (cost is $30) and your ID’s! The license must be signed within 35 days of it being issued, and AFTER the elopement you have 63 days to file the document, so don’t forget!
After the Elopement
So you said your vows! Now what? The great thing about eloping, especially here in Colorado, is that you can combine your wedding and your honeymoon if you so choose! Here are some ideas for activities to enjoy before, during, or after your elopement in Colorado!
Hiking. It’s no secret that Colorado is FULL of incredible hiking trails. There are so many trails for the beginner all the way to the adrenaline junky!
Hot Springs. There are actually some amazing spa services around Colorado, especially at our renowned hot springs. Try Glenwood Springs or Strawberry Park Hot Springs for an amazing experience!
Jeeping/4x4’ing. Especially down in the San Juan Mountains, this is great for the adventure lover.
Horseback Riding. Is there anything more romantic than horseback riding?? Well...probably, but I was a horse girl so I don’t think so!
Wine Tasting. You heard that right! There are wonderful vineyards in Colorado, especially out in Palisade.
Brewery hopping. Ok, for the beer lovers out there, you should definitely hit up a brewery tour or two!
Skiing/snowboarding. For my winter elopers, there is nothing better than a day on the slopes and a little bit of après-ski at a cute mountain town!
Share a meal with friends and fam! This is a great way to have a private moment with your boo, but still include your family if you want to keep the ceremony private. Meet up with them later at a restaurant, or even have a backyard pot-luck! Whatever you think makes the most sense for you.
If you’re ready to elope in Colorado and still need your elopement photographer send me an inquiry so we can start planning out your day together!
