Many couples choose to elope for privacy and intimacy, so they need a location that can deliver.

Booking VRBOs and Airbnbs for an elopement in Colorado is the perfect way to guarantee privacy. It makes a ton of sense for a ton of reasons.

  1. You have control. In places like Garden of the Gods or Rocky Mountain National Park, you never know how many people are going to be around and acting like fools. When you book a VRBO for your elopement, you know exactly what to expect and who will be there – only the people you invite.
  2. You’ll have just a taste of nature. Hiking is NOT required to elope in Colorado. I totally get that some people don’t love the idea of walking for miles to find some gorgeous scenery. With most Airbnbs up in the mountains, all you have to do is step outside and the scenery is right there waiting for you.
  3. You get a lot of bang for your buck. Eloping at a VRBO or Airbnb means you’re getting a hotel and venue all in one. If you have more of an intimate wedding with friends and family, it’s also the perfect way to spend time together by staying in the same place.
  4. All your amenities are in one place. A kitchen makes it easy to host an intimate dinner or bring in a private chef. Common spaces like a living room or basement let you host a fun game night or celebration with your favorite people. Some rental properties even have hot tubs where you and bae can unwind from an exciting day.

How to Book

  • First off, if you’re hosting an intimate wedding or hybrid elopement, don’t waste your time looking at Airbnbs. In 2020, they changed their policy to limit the amount of guests at a property to 16 and totally prohibit parties. Lame, I know. VRBOs are my favorite recommendation for large groups!
  • I tell all my couples to talk with the property owner before booking anything. You’ll want to get approval for your plans in writing before putting any money down. How shitty would it be to show up and be told your elopement isn’t allowed after all?
  • If it’s just going to be you and bae at your elopement, most property owners will be okay with that. So even if you see something that says “no parties or events,” I’d still recommend asking the owner if something small would be allowed.
  • I know reading the fine print sucks, but it’s a must-do when looking at VRBOs and Airbnbs for an elopement in Colorado. Some places have quiet hours or pet restrictions that could impact your plans. Others may have extra fees for hosting events that you’ll definitely want to know about.
  • When you’re ready to search for an epic elopement spot, start with VRBO. Once the site pulls up the results for your initial search of location, dates, and guests, click on “Filters” toward the top of the page, scroll to “House rules,” and check the box for “Events allowed.” That’s the easiest way to see what your options are!

Fave VRBO Elopement Locations

As a photographer who doubles as a planner, I love helping my couples find the coolest VRBOs for an elopement in Colorado. These are some of my top choices, but I’m always willing to find a place in locations that aren’t already on my list.

Boulder

  • Sleeps 16
  • Fire pit and a game room
  • No pets

Colorado Springs

  • Sleeps 23
  • Hot tub, gym, and a sauna
  • No pets

Gunnison

  • Sleeps 19
  • Main house and a guest house with a beautiful lake on site
  • No pets

Aspen

  • Sleeps 18
  • Hot tub and a beautiful patio overlooking the river
  • Pet friendly

Estes Park

  • Sleeps 16
  • Amazing log cabin vibes with great outdoor ceremony space
  • No pets

Breckenridge

  • Sleeps 14
  • Hot tub, mountain views, and ski in/ski out access
  • No pets

Keystone

  • Sleeps 23
  • Private theater room, game room, steam room, and hot tub
  • Pet friendly

Telluride

  • Sleeps 18
  • Stunning outdoor ceremony space and hot tub
  • No pets

VRBO and Airbnb elopement inspo.

alternative colorado elopement resources