Free Elopement Locations in Colorado
This blog was last updated on June 24, 2026.
I tell my couples all the time how easy it is to elope in Colorado.
But, I’m also honest about how overwhelming it can be to pick an elopement spot. There are tons of free elopement locations in Colorado, but it can be tricky to find the one that’s perfect for your vision. That’s what I’m here for! When you book me, you get a photographer and planner all in one. On top of a customized planning guide for each couple, I also provide recommended spots on Google Maps so you can visualize locations. Here are just a few of my favorite free elopement locations in Colorado.
Above: Cottonwood Pass
Cottonwood Pass (Buena Vista)
- Tucked up in the mountains at 12,000 feet, this is a great spot for groups and just couples. Because of its high elevation, Cottonwood Pass is inaccessible during the winter and you’ll need to get acclimated in Colorado to avoid altitude sickness!
- Drive time from Denver – 2 hours
Echo Lake (Evergreen)
- Beautiful mountain views for my winter couples! It can get pretty busy in the summer, so keep that in mind if you were hoping for something secluded.
- Drive time from Denver – 45 minutes
Emerald Lake (Crested Butte)
- Summer elopements at Emerald Lake are UNREAL. You’ll find this spot in Crested Butte, which is the wildflower capital of the world – enough said. You’ll need a car with four-wheel drive to get there, and it’s a spot that’s only accessible in the summer.
- Drive time from Denver – 4 hours
Above: Emerald Lake; Below: Guanella Pass
Guanella Pass (Georgetown)
- The pass closes in the winter, usually around Thanksgiving, so it’s the easiest to access in the summer and fall. This spot is POPPIN during those seasons though, so be prepared for a lot of other hikers and couples if you elope on a weekend.
- Drive time from Denver – 1 hour
Keystone
- 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 – rivers, trees, wildflowers, or mountains. Keystone has it all.
- Drive time from Denver – 1 hour and 30 minutes
Loveland Pass
- A perfect spot for couples who want a true, mountain elopement experience. I only pick 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.
- Drive time from Denver – 1 hour
Above: Keystone; Below: Loveland Pass
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. Depending on what month you’re eloping, parts of it 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.
- Drive time from Denver – 5 hours
Moab (Utah)
- Moab is so close to Colorado, so I had to include it. There are a ton of elopement location options here, and it’s perfect for couples who want ethereal background. Plus, it makes for a low-maintenance vacation!
- Drive time from Denver – 5 hours
Officer’s Gulch (Frisco)
- If your dream is to elope in a forest, this is the spot for you. It’s also right off the road, which makes is super accessible for couples who don’t want to hike.
- Drive time from Denver – 1 hour and 15 minutes
Above: Moab; Below: Officer’s Gulch
Point Park (Grand Lake)
- If you’re dreaming of eloping with a sparkling lake in the background, Point Park is perfect. The park has a dock and lawn area you can use, but you will need a reservation, which I always help my couples with.
- Drive time from Denver – 2 hours
Saint Mary’s Glacier (Idaho Springs)
- 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.
- Drive time from Denver – 1 hour
San Juan Mountains (Telluride)
- Scenery for everyone! 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.
- Drive time from Denver – 6 hours and 30 minutes
Above: Telluride
Twin Lakes (Buena Vista)
- This spot is easy to access year round, so it’s a great choice for my baddies that want a true winter elopement. It’s also fairly quiet, especially during the week, so you’re almost guaranteed total privacy. Even better? You can work with the dream team of me and one of my fave florists, Growing Wild. 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. Again, hi, I can do this for you!
- Drive time from Denver – 2 hours and 15 minutes
Vail
- There are a lot of options for you to elope in Vail! I always scout specific locations for my couples based on the vibes they want. It’s such a beautiful mountain town, so if you want the true Colorado mountain experience, this is a great spot for you.
- Drive time from Denver – 2 hours
Above: Twin Lakes; Below: Vail
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need a permit to elope at free locations in Colorado?
Not always. Many free elopement locations in Colorado don’t require a permit for a couple-only ceremony, but that changes sometimes depending on guest count, location, and land management agencies. Some locations may require a special use permit if you’re bringing guests, setting up decor, or hiring vendors. I will always make sure we have what we need before we get to your elopement location!
What time of year is best for a Colorado elopement?
Summer and fall are the most popular seasons because mountain roads and high-elevation locations are easier to access. However, winter elopements can be incredible, you just need to be prepared to have fewer location choices and crazy weather. The best season depends on what you and bae want!
Can you elope in Colorado for free?
Yes! Colorado has a crap ton of beautiful locations where you two can say “I do.” It can be as simple as that or you can choose to hire vendors for things like florals, hair and makeup, cake, etc. It’s really all about what reflects you two best as a couple. There are no rules!
These are only a handful of ideas, but I’m always on Google Maps looking for new, dreamy locations for my couples.
