Your Guide to the Best Places to Elope in Colorado 

There are so many epic places to elope in Colorado. 

With so many different locations, I know it can be overwhelming to pick an elopement spot. As a Colorado elopement photographer, I’ve been lucky enough to shoot in a lot of different places in our beautiful state. Here’s a full list of what I consider to be the best places to elope in Colorado. 

Cave of the Winds (Manitou Springs) 

Cave of the Winds is one of the more unique elopement locations in Colorado. It’s great for small groups and can give you some shelter from any potentially bad weather. The cave hosts weddings after the business itself is closed, so you don’t have to worry about any randos interrupting your special day. The lighting in Cave of the Winds is obviously not great. Make sure you’re working with a photographer, like me, who is comfortable shooting in different types of light. It costs $500 to elope at Cave of the Winds and is about an hour and a half away from Denver, near Colorado Springs. 

Cottonwood Pass (Buena Vista) 

A gorgeous place to elope is Cottonwood Pass. It’s tucked up in the mountains at 12,000 feet in elevation, which means its inaccessible during the winter months. I love this elopement spot for both groups and just couples. Because of how high it is, altitude sickness is something to keep in mind. You’ll definitely need to get to Colorado a few days early so you can adjust to the altitude. Cottonwood Pass is about two hours from Denver, and there is no fee or permit required to elope here. 

Denver Courthouse (Denver) 

A Denver courthouse ceremony is a beautiful, low-pressure way to get married. Since Colorado is one of the few states that allows couples to marry themselves legally, you can say “I do” in the courthouse building, outside on the steps, or at a nearby park. You can choose from a few different courthouse options with different vibes. Denver County Court gives city garden vibes, Byron White Courthouse is classic and grand, and Lindsey-Flanigan Courthouse is super modern and artsy. You need to have an appointment if you want a magistrate to marry you inside the courthouse you choose. 

Echo Lake (Evergreen) 

Echo Lake in Evergreen has beautiful mountain views for couples who want to elope in the winter. It can get pretty busy in the summer, so keep that in mind if you want something secluded and private. Echo Lake is pretty close to Denver, only 45 minutes, so it’s a great spot if you want to elope in the mountains and then celebrate in the city. There is no permit or fee required to elope at Echo Lake. 

Emerald Lake (Crested Butte) 

Emerald Lake is stunning spot for a private elopement. It’s in Crested Butte, which 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. If you want a winter elopement, it’s not the spot for you. Crested Butte is four hours away from Denver, and you don’t need a permit to elope at Emerald Lake. 

Great Sand Dunes National Park (Alamosa) 

A desert AND mountains? Great Sand Dunes National Park is an epic place to elope, and I’m dying to shoot more elopements there. The sand dunes are nestled right in the mountains, which makes for the coolest backdrop. The sand is a little hard to walk in but it’s totally worth it! It costs $200 for a permit to elope at Great Sand Dunes National Park, which is about four hours from Denver. 

Guanella Pass (Georgetown) 

Guanella Pass closes in the winter, usually around Thanksgiving, so it’s the easiest to access as an elopement spot in the summer and fall. This spot is POPPIN during those seasons though! Be prepared for a lot of other hikers and couples if you elope on a weekend. There’s no fee or permit required to elope at Guanella Pass, and it’s only an hour away from Denver. 

Keystone (Silverthorne) 

I love Keystone elopements. You can get epic mountain views, but the town and ski resort can give you Hallmark movie vibes, too. I have private spots up my sleeve for whatever scenery you want in Keystone – rivers, trees, wildflowers, or mountains. Keystone has it all. It’s an easy drive from Denver – you’ll only be on the road for about an hour and a half. 

Loveland Pass 

Loveland Pass is a perfect place to elope for couples who want a true, mountain elopement experience. You can choose a spot to elope right off the many parking lots or even hike a little bit to get away from the crows. While it can accommodate larger groups, I really only recommend this location for people who aren’t inviting any friends or family since it sits at 12,000 feet in elevation. The weather can also be pretty tricky that high up in the mountains, so I only recommend eloping at Loveland Pass in June, July, and August. You’ll need to contact the National Forest Service to inquire about a permit. Loveland Pass is only an hour from Denver! 

Maroon Bells (Aspen) 

If you want an elopement spot with all the things – mountains, lakes, trees, wildflowers – a Maroon Bells elopement is a perfect way to get them with minimal effort. You do need to pay $200 to get a permit here, and the process to get a permit is super competitive. Getting a permit to elope at Maroon Bells can be hard if you don’t plan in advance, so make sure you’re planning far enough in advance! I help all my couples get permits if they need one, but there’s nothing I can do if you decide on Maroon Bells last minute and the permits are gone already. The drive time from Denver is three and a half hours. 

Million Dollar Highway (Ouray) 

Million Dollar Highway is near Telluride and is the perfect backdrop for an elopement. It’s nestled up in the San Juan mountains but still super accessible, giving you an effortless mountain backdrop. Because it’s a winding road it’s not ideal for large groups, but I’ve shot some epic private elopements here. Depending on what month you’re eloping, parts of the road may be closed off due to snow. It’s a 25-mile stretch of road, so there is always somewhere we can go for a plan B. Eloping at Million Dollar Highway is free, and it’s about five hours from Denver. 

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 to elope 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. Depending where you decide to elope in Moab, you may need to pay for a permit.   

Officer’s Gulch (Frisco) 

If your dream is to elope in a forest, Officer’s Gulch is the spot for you. Famous for its Colorado Pines and a gorgeous lake, this place isn’t shy about showing off, even though it’s a location right off the road and is 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. You’ll need to be mindful of others who are also taking in the amazing views and recreation. It’s around two hours away from Denver, and you don’t need a permit to elope at Officer’s Gulch. 

Point Park (Grand Lake) 

Eloping at Point Park will give you a stunning view of the sparkling lake. The park has a dock and lawn area you can use, but you will need a reservation, which I always help my couples with. It’s a quick two-hour drive from Denver. 

Rocky Mountain National Park (Estes Park) 

Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) is beautiful, so it’s highly sought after by lots of couples. There are a lot of elopement locations within 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 elopement experience. Elopement permits here, which cost $300, 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. The park is an hour and a half from Denver. 

Saint Mary’s Glacier (Idaho Springs) 

Saint Mary’s Glacier has stunning panoramic views of the lake and the mountains, whether you elope in the winter or summer. It’s about a half-mile hike out to the lake, so this spot is perfect if you want to lace up your hiking boots for an adventure elopement. It’s only an hour away from Denver, so it’s super accessible if you’re staying in the city. 

San Juan Mountains (Telluride) 

The San Juan Mountains have scenery for every type of elopement. The mountains have super blue lakes, breathtaking mountains, and perfect leaf peeping colors in the fall. Since it’s further from Denver, it’s less crowded than a lot of other popular elopement spots, like Rocky Mountain National Park. If you’re down to make the drive, it’ll take you between six and seven hours. 

Sapphire Point Overlook (Dillon) 

This spot is gorgeous, especially during a sunrise or sunset. It’s perfect for couples who want accessible mountain views without the effort of hiking! This is one of the most sought-after locations in the Dillon area, which makes getting a permit for this location HIGHLY competitive. You can purchase a permit ($120) six months before your elopement date. You need to be organized if you want to snag this spot!  There isn’t a ton of privacy at Sapphire Point Overlook, so you won’t have an intimate, secluded setting. This spot is about an hour and a half away from Denver. 

Sapphire Point has been undergoing some major construction in 2025, so site reservations aren’t currently allowed. For the most up to date information on their progress, keep an eye on their website. Or, check out some alternative elopement spots here. 

Sunrise Amphitheater (Boulder) 

Sunrise Amphitheater is a stunning elopement spot up in the Flatirons with amazing views. It has built in seating which means you won’t have to worry about any rentals (we love). It’s also another accessible spot to say “I do” if you want to bring family and friends. The only thing I don’t love about Sunrise Amphitheater is how challenging the sun can be. If you’re getting married here make sure your photographer knows how to shoot in difficult lighting. You can rent Sunrise Amphitheater for $150 an hour, or $400 for three hours. You’ll be nice and close to Denver, with the drive only being about 45 minutes. 

Twin Lakes (Buena Vista) 

Twin Lakes in Buena Vista is a spot that’s easy to access year-round, so it’s a great choice for couples who want a true winter elopement. It’s also fairly quiet, especially during the week, so you’re almost guaranteed total privacy.  If it’s just you and bae, you won’t need a permit, but bringing along any other guests will need a special use permit. I can do this for you! It’s a little bit further from Denver – about two hours. 

Vail 

Vail is a broader elopement 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. Potential costs or permits will depend on the location we decide on together. 

Airbnbs 

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. Cost will obviously vary based on the type of Airbnb or VRBO you choose. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Eloping in Colorado

How do we elope legally in Colorado? 

Eloping legally in Colorado is super easy. First, pick a county to pick up your marriage license from and apply for your marriage license within 35 days of your elopement. It’s $30, plus a 2.5% fee if you use a credit or debit card, and requires a social security number and form of identification from both you and bae. Once you have your marriage license, say “I do” and get married! Finally, send the license back within 63 days of your elopement. 

Do we need an officiant to elope in Colorado? 

No, you don’t need an officiant to elope or get married in Colorado! Couples can officiate their own wedding through something called self-solemnization, which means you can marry yourself without an officiant or witnesses. 

How long should our elopement be? 

The length of your elopement really depends on what you want. A three-hour elopement works great for couples who want something super simple and private, while seven hours gives you plenty of time to slow down and enjoy all the little moments that happen during the day. Check out this blog if you need help deciding how long your elopement should be. 

Can we bring family to our elopement? 

Yes, if you want your family there, you can totally bring them to your elopement. But only if that’s what you and your partner want! You have a lot of options. You and bae can do private vows and then include family in your ceremony, or you could spend the day alone, just you two, and then celebrate with family with a private dinner at the end of the day. 

Are we able to bring our dog to our elopement? 

Absolutely, I always encourage my couples to bring their dogs to their elopement if it’s a priority to include them. That said, certain locations and national parks, like Rocky Mountain National Park, are not super dog friendly. Always check out a location’s rules before deciding on a spot. At RMNP, there’s a ton of wildlife, so dogs are only allowed in certain areas of the park and are prohibited from trails and meadows. 

When is the best time to elope in Colorado? 

The best time to elope in Colorado depends on what you want to experience on your elopement day. If you want snow, the best time to get married is December – March. If you want to be outside surrounded by wildflowers, I recommend saying “I do” in June, July, or August. And if you’re dreaming of fall colors, September is the peak time, but October is still a gorgeous time to elope, too! 

What’s the difference between an elopement and intimate wedding? 

These days, an elopement really just means that a couple is planning a super small, intimate wedding day that is all about them. An intimate wedding, also called a micro wedding, is the perfect in-between option if you’re torn between having an elopement vs. a wedding. The guest count for intimate weddings usually falls between 30-70 people. That gives you the intimate vibes of an elopement while still allowing you to incorporate some “traditional” wedding day moments. 

Let’s plan your elopement.