Best Elopement Locations in Colorado

This blog was last updated on December 18, 2024. 

Once you and bae have decided to elope in Colorado, the next step is choosing a location.  

The possibilities are endless! If you need some inspo or don’t know where to start, check out this list of the best elopement locations in Colorado. 

As you’re planning your elopement in Colorado, don’t forget this is YOUR day! You’ll likely come across a lot of photographers pressuring you to hike or spend a lot of money to make your day “adventurous,” but I’m not one of those photographers. The beauty of Colorado is that you can literally pull off the side of the road and say your vows.  

I’m always down for hiking and adventuring, but I’m also always down to keep it simple. If you’re looking for locations that require a bit more hiking and adventure, please contact me directly! 

Loveland Pass, Keystone 

Epic mountain views, an alpine lake, and easy trails. You can choose a spot to elope right off the many parking lots or even hike a tiny bit to get away from the crowds. This is absolutely one of my favorite elopement locations in Colorado because it’s a hidden gem right outside a major ski area and can accommodate larger groups. At almost 12,000 feet in elevation, the views you will experience are out of this world. However, this location can be tricky to navigate in the wintertime because of the high altitude. 

Drive from Denver: About an hour 

Cost: No 

Permit Required? Contact National Forest Service 

Above: An elopement at Loveland Pass.

Officer’s Gulch, Keystone 

Famous for its Colorado Pines and a gorgeous lake, Officer’s Gulch is not shy about showing off, even though it’s a location right off the road and super close to a popular ski area. It’s perfect for an elopement with your loved ones since it can accommodate up to 30 people. Eloping at Officer’s Gulch is first come, first serve, so you’ll need to be mindful of others who are also taking in the amazing views and recreation. 

Drive from Denver: 2 hours 

Cost: No 

Permit Required? No 

Above: An elopement at Officer’s Gulch.

Sapphire Point Overlook, Dillon 

This is one of the most sought-after locations in the Dillon area, which makes it really competitive to book. You can purchase a permit six months before your elopement date, so you need to be organized if you want to snag this spot! Sapphire Point Overlook is another great location if you’re bringing friends and family, and it even has space for seating. 

Drive from Denver: 1 hour, 30 minutes 

Cost: Around $120 

Permit Required? Yes 

Above: An elopement at Sapphire Point Overlook.

Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park 

There are a lot of elopement locations within Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) to say, “I do,” and it’s an EFFORTLESS spot. You have to choose one of their designated spots within the park for your elopement, which you can find outlined here. RMNP is an amazing choice if you want to give your friends and family a low-maintenance mountain experience. Elopement permits here book up fast and open a year in advance. To make it a little easier to get a permit, I recommend eloping on a weekday. 

Drive from Denver: 1 hour, 30 minutes 

Cost: $300 

Permit Required? Yes 

Above: An elopement at Rocky Mountain National Park.

Emerald Lake, Crested Butte 

This is a stunning spot for a private elopement! Crested Butte is the wildflower capital of the world, so summer elopements here are unreal. To get to Emerald Lake you have to drive all the way up a mountain road, so you’ll want a car with four-wheel drive. This location is only accessible in the summer months, so if you want a winter elopement, this isn’t the spot for you.  

Drive from Denver: 4 hours 

Cost: No 

Permit required? No 

Above: An elopement at Emerald Lake.

Vail, Colorado 

This is a broader location, but don’t worry. I scout specific locations for my couples based on the vibes they want. Vail is a beautiful mountain town that I love exploring! It’s about a two-hour drive from Denver, which makes it really accessible for couples flying into Denver International Airport. 

Drive from Denver: 2 hours 

Cost: No 

Permit required? Location dependent 

Above: An elopement in Vail.

Cave of the Winds, Colorado Springs 

This is one of the more unique elopement locations in Colorado! The cave is great for small groups and can give you some great shelter from the weather. Cave of the Winds hosts weddings after the business itself is closed, so you won’t have to worry about any randos interrupting your special day. Hot tip! The lighting in the cave is obviously not great, so make sure you’re working with a photographer who is comfortable shooting in different types of light. 

Drive from Denver: About 1 hour, 30 minutes 

Cost: $300 

Permit required? Yes 

Above: An elopement at Cave of the Winds.

Million Dollar Highway, Ouray 

Million Dollar Highway has some of the most effortless mountain views in the whole state. Because it’s a winding road it’s not ideal for large groups, but I’ve shot some epic private elopements here. Some parts of the road can close during the winter, so keep in mind you may need to be flexible on your elopement day. 

Drive from Denver: About 5 hours 

Cost: No 

Permit? No 

Above: An elopement at Million Dollar Highway.

Cottonwood Pass, Buena Vista 

Another gorgeous spot tucked up in the mountains is Cottonwood Pass. It sits at 12,000 feet in elevation, which means it’s inaccessible during the winter months. I recommend this spot for both groups and just couples, but because of how high it is, altitude sickness is something to keep in mind. You’ll definitely want to get to Colorado a few days early so you can adjust to the altitude. 

Drive from Denver: 2 hours 

Cost: No 

Permit? No 

Above: An elopement at Cottonwood Pass.

Twin Lakes, Buena Vista 

I love Buena Vista, which is why I have two locations on my list! This one is much lower in altitude compared to Cottonwood Pass, which makes it a lot easier to bring along family and friends. It also allows seating so your guests can be comfy. Buena Vista is a little over two hours from Denver, so it’s totally doable for a day trip if you want to be back in Denver to celebrate. 

Drive from Denver: 2 hours 

Cost: No 

Permit? No 

Moab, Utah 

Okay, Moab isn’t in Colorado, but it’s so close that I couldn’t leave it off the list! If you want to avoid the winter weather in Colorado, heading out to the desert is a great option. I love Moab for couples who want some ethereal backgrounds and a low-maintenance vacation. It’s just five hours from Denver and totally worth it in my opinion.  

Drive from Denver: 5 hours 

Cost: Location dependent 

Permit? Location dependents 

Above: An elopement in Moab.

Airbnb 

Airbnbs and VRBOs make for some amazing elopement locations in Colorado! Whether you want mountain or city vibes, I have a list with something for everyone. For couples, a private space allows you two to spend really intentional time together, and for groups, you can prioritize spending time with the people who mean the most to you. Some owners may not allow weddings or events at their place, so just make sure you’re upfront about your plans from the beginning.  

Drive from Denver: Varies 

Cost: Varies 

Permit? Dependent on owner 

Above: An elopement at an Airbnb.

I have a shit load of more resources to help you navigate and plan your Colorado elopement.