When my couples come out to Colorado to elope, they’re usually after one thing – the epic views.
There are plenty of accessible options here where you can find amazing scenery without needing to hike, but I’d be lying if I said I didn’t love the adventure that comes with trekking up the mountains to shoot an elopement. Aly & Alex chose St. Mary’s Glacier as their spot to elope for the accessible reviews with their sweet pup!
While it’s only a short, half-mile hike out to the lake, St. Mary’s Glacier is a great spot for adventurous couples who want to lace up their boots and hit the trail! It’s a quick drive, about an hour, from Denver to the St. Mary’s Glacier trailhead in Idaho Springs, and you’ll get stunning panoramic views of both the lake and the mountains – just what you’d expect from Colorado. In the mid to late summer, you’ll get fields full of wildflowers and mountain views. In the winter, you’ll be surrounded by snow-covered mountains and a sparkling, frozen lake. You can’t go wrong with this dream spot! Aly & Alex got married during a classic random Colorado snowstorm & St. Mary’s offered an amazing backdrop welcoming all the snow.
Eloping at St. Mary’s Glacier? Here are some tips:
Like I said, getting to this location requires some hiking. If that’s not your thing, you’ll want to look for some other spots to say “I do.” It’s only about a half-mile to the lake, so a mile round trip, but the trail conditions can be unpredictable throughout the year, so definitely wear your hiking boots or at least some water-resistant shoes with good traction.
St. Mary’s is a popular hiking trail which means it can get busy, especially during weekends in the summer. To avoid the crowds, plan a week-day elopement, or if you can only make a weekend work, make sure you’re there early in the morning or later in the evening to have more privacy.
If it’s important to have your fur baby at your elopement, you’re in luck! St. Mary’s allows doggos as long as they’re on a leash. Another perk of this location – bathrooms are conveniently right near the trailhead.
There are also two parking lots near the trailhead that you can park in for $5 – this is your only option! Parking is not allowed on the side of the road and you’ll land yourself an expensive ticket if you break that rule. They only accept cash, so bring those dolla dolla bills y’all.
As far photography goes, your photographer won’t need a permit at St. Mary’s, but it’s still so important to make sure everyone you’re with is respecting the environment and staying on the marked trails to avoid disrupting nature.
Places to Check Out in Idaho Springs
Idaho Springs has become a popular pit-stop for people taking I-70 into or out of the mountains. The town is known for its hot springs, but it also has a cute little downtown area and some great options for outdoor adventures.
When my couples come out to Colorado to elope, they’re usually after one thing – the epic views.
There are plenty of accessible options here where you can find amazing scenery without needing to hike, but I’d be lying if I said I didn’t love the adventure that comes with trekking up the mountains to shoot an elopement. Aly & Alex chose St. Mary’s Glacier as their spot to elope for the accessible reviews with their sweet pup!
While it’s only a short, half-mile hike out to the lake, St. Mary’s Glacier is a great spot for adventurous couples who want to lace up their boots and hit the trail! It’s a quick drive, about an hour, from Denver to the St. Mary’s Glacier trailhead in Idaho Springs, and you’ll get stunning panoramic views of both the lake and the mountains – just what you’d expect from Colorado. In the mid to late summer, you’ll get fields full of wild flowers and mountain views. In the winter, you’ll be surrounded by snow-covered mountains and a sparkling, frozen lake. You can’t go wrong with this dream spot! Aly & Alex got married during a classic random Colorado snow storm & St. Mary’s offered an amazing backdrop welcoming all the snow.
Eloping at St. Mary’s Glacier? Here are some tips:
Like I said, getting to this location requires some hiking. If that’s not your thing, you’ll want to look for some other spots to say “I do.” It’s only about a half-mile to the lake, so a mile round trip, but the trail conditions can be unpredictable throughout the year, so definitely wear your hiking boots or at least some water-resistant shoes with good traction.
St. Mary’s is a popular hiking trail which means it can get busy, especially during weekends in the summer. To avoid the crowds, plan a week-day elopement, or if you can only make a weekend work, make sure you’re there early in the morning or later in the evening to have more privacy.
If it’s important to have your fur baby at your elopement, you’re in luck! St. Mary’s allows doggos as long as they’re on a leash. Another perk of this location – bathrooms are conveniently right near the trailhead.
There are also two parking lots near the trailhead that you can park in for $5 – this is your only option! Parking is not allowed on the side of the road and you’ll land yourself an expensive ticket if you break that rule. They only accept cash, so bring those dolla dolla bills y’all.
As far photography goes, your photographer won’t need a permit at St. Mary’s, but it’s still so important to make sure everyone you’re with is respecting the environment and staying on the marked trails to avoid disrupting nature.
Places to Check Out in Idaho Springs
Idaho Springs has become a popular pit-stop for people taking I-70 into or out of the mountains. The town is known for its hot springs, but it also has a cute little downtown area and some great options for outdoor adventures.
