Discover the Best Places to Elope in Colorado: A Photographer's Guide
Dreaming of a romantic and intimate elopement surrounded by the stunning landscapes of Colorado but don’t know where to begin in choosing an elopement location? In this guide we'll explore the top 5 locations to elope in Colorado, each offering its own special beauty and scenery as well as unique activities. Whether you're seeking mountain vistas, serene lakes, or cascading waterfalls, Colorado has the perfect backdrop for your elopement day.
As an experienced Colorado Elopement Photographer, Videographer, and avid mountain explorer who’s been living in and traveling the mountains out of a converted van for the last several years, I’m here to offer you my location recommendations and tips when it comes to planning your Colorado elopement.
Meet Your Colorado Elopement Guide
Hey I’m Caleb!
I’ve been a Elopement Photographer & Videographer since 2018 when my wife Amy and I moved from Nashville, Tn out to the mountains of Colorado. We’ve always been inspired by the great outdoors and fell in love with the mountains. In 2020 we moved into our Converted Sprinter Van to live full time traversing the mountains, forests, and deserts of the Western US and traveling from one elopement to the next. We are always keeping an eye out for secret spots that would make great elopement locations and have a running list from all across the Western United States.
Couples who choose us as their Elopement Photographers and Videographers get our full expertise and guide to all things when it comes to eloping in Colorado and beyond, and we hope we can share the same for your elopement!
The first decision couples who have decided to elope make is what location to do it in. While traditional elopements meant just running away to your county courthouse to sign some paper work, modern day elopements have transformed into an open ended realm when it comes to possibilities on where and how to elope. Eloping couples are usually looking for a quiet place with stunning natural scenery and lots of possible activities they can incorporate into their elopement day. Colorado definitely hits the top of the list when crossing off those boxes (and even takes the cake when you factor in how easy it is to self-solemnize in Colorado which you can learn more about on our Colorado Elopement Guide, and it has become a top destination to elope in the Western United States.
So without further ado, here are my Top 5 Locations to Elope in Colorado:
Twin Lakes, Colorado
Silverton, Colorado
Telluride, Colorado
Breckenridge, Colorado
Estes Park, Colorado
Twin Lakes, Colorado
Now why does Twin Lakes, Colorado make the top of my list when it comes to choosing places in Colorado to elope in? For a plethora of reasons. Not only is it within a decent closeness to Denver (about a 2.5 hour drive), but it offers up a stunning variety of views and scenery, limitless options when it comes to activities in the area, and its not usually at the top of peoples list when it comes to eloping which means the spots are usually more available, less crowded, and special to the couple as it doesn’t have the mark of the average tourist all over it.
The Scenery: Colorado’s tallest mountain (and the second tallest in the contiguous US) is located here: Mt. Elbert. Mt. Elbert sits 14,440 ft above sea level in the Sawatch Range of the Rockies. Now don’t think you have to climb all the way to the top to get the rewards of what this location offers, but we will definitely hike there with you if thats the option you choose for your elopement. It’s called Twin Lakes because of the two massive reservoirs sitting at the base of said tallest Colorado mountain. The Colorado Trail runs along the side of the reservoirs and meanders through pine forests, aspen groves, and over streams. No matter what side of the lakes you are on, stunning mountain scenes await with lots of trails and forests to get lost on. The quaint hiking town of Twin Lakes sits on one side and is always a friendly spot for through hikers looking for respite or provisions.
The Location: Twin Lakes, Colorado
Closest Large Town: Leadville (21 miles) or Buena Vista (25 miles)
Travel time from Denver: 2:15 hours
Activities to Do: Hiking. Paddle boarding. Fly-Fishing. 4x4. Mountain Biking. Canoeing/Kayaking. Leaf Peeping.
Best Season to Elope: Summer/Fall (Aspens are gorgeous here!)
Why I Recommend It: Twin Lakes is off the beaten path for a lot of tourists but still is at the peak of what Colorado has to offer. When you add in the plethora of activities available, the charm of the local towns, and serenity is has to offer, Twin Lakes becomes a top elopement destination.
What an Elopement day could look like here:
Sunrise Vow Ceremony on the shores of the lake.
Hike in the Colorado Trail to an abandoned Historic Resort for a picnic or paddle board on the lakes.
Afternoon in town at the local brewery.
Evening back on the shores for a private first dance for a serene sunset.
Silverton, Colorado
Silverton, Colorado is a hidden gem located in the San Juan Mountain Range of the Rockies down in the southwestern part of the state of Colorado. While the San Juan Range is a beautiful and well known location in the state, the town of Silverton often gets overlooked by the more popular tourist town destinations in this area of Telluride (which also makes this list) & Ouray, Colorado. This means that Silverton has more quaint mountain town charm with less tourist zest while still offering the same jagged and stunning landscapes views provided by the San Juan Range. While it still has its busy seasons, overall the location is much more friendly for couples looking for tranquility and privacy for their elopement day.
The Scenery: My wife, Amy, has constantly hailed the southwestern part of Colorado as “the prettiest part of the state”, and she’s definitely not wrong. While other ranges of the Rockies have more gradual slopes and summits, the San Juans offer up striking jagged features and translucent blue alpine lakes that it is impossible to find elsewhere in the state. The San Juans in Silverton also have the unique “red stone” that makes up some of the range and is a special addition to the already stunning mountain scenery.
The Location: Silverton, Colorado
Closest Town: Ouray (22.7 miles) or Durango (47 miles)
Travel Time from Denver: 6 hours
Activities to Do: 4x4. Hiking. Fly Fishing.
Best Season to Elope: Summer/ Fall
Why I Recommend It: Silverton, Colorado shares the same epic views as the more popular towns of Telluride and Ouray, but with a lot less tourist appeal. This means less crowded areas and hikes as well as more unique and personal spots to choose for your elopement. Just be prepared to either 4x4 or hike to the epic spots.
What an Elopement day could look like here:
4x4 up the Alpine Loop at Sunrise.
Private Vow Ceremony by a secret alpine lake.
Afternoon Hike in the San Juans.
Dinner in the charming town of Silverton.
Telluride, Colorado
It doesn’t get more all around epic than Telluride, Colorado. If you have never heard of Telluride (and I’m not talking about the KIA), then it is time for you to learn. Telluride resides in the far southwestern part of the state amidst the San Juan Mountain Range of the Rockies. A popular tourist destination year round for its picturesque scenes, stunning landscapes, and year round activities. Lots of celebrities have vacation homes here (lookin at you Oprah!) and for good reason. While more difficult to access than other parts of the state, the area is well worth the reward for the travelers, and I guarantee you will be talking of Telluride for the rest of your life.
The Scenery: Jagged Peaks. Towering Cliffs. Secret Waterfalls. Reflective Alpine Lakes. There’s not really a scenery option that Telluride doesn’t have to offer. Like Silverton, the San Juan Mountain range of the Rockies runs through here and is some of the most stunning views in the state of Colorado. Coors even thought so too and turned the famous peak of Wilson Peak into their long time logo. Bridal Veil Falls is the tallest waterfall in Colorado, and it’s not the only falls in the area either. A common name for this area of Colorado is the “Switzerland of America” as the peaks remind one of the Swiss Alps.
The Location: Telluride, Colorado
Closest Town: Montrose (66 miles)
Travel Time from Denver: 5:58 hours
Activities to Do: 4x4. Hiking. Paddle boarding. Fly Fishing. Leaf Peeping.
Best Season to Elope: Fall (Aspens!)
Why I Recommend It: Telluride is the IT town to incredible views, charming town vibes, and options for activities. While a popular tourist destination year round, Telluride offers plenty of privacy and serene options for elopements if you are down for the adventure to get there. It truly pops in the Fall when the plethora of aspens turn golden orange and is a popular leaf-peeping spot for that reason.
What an Elopement day could look like here:
Jeep Tour up to Bridal Veil Falls for a First Look/Adventure Session
Vow Ceremony by alpine lake.
Hike to another secluded lake for a picnic.
Paddle board on the lake in your wedding attire.
See a Real Telluride, Colorado Elopement
Breckenridge, Colorado
Breckenridge, Colorado should sound like a familiar name to the vast majority of people. Known for its ski runs and mountain town vibes, Breckenridge offers year round fun to adventure seekers and elopers and it is quite convenient to Denver for ease of access. While it’s one of the most popular spots in Colorado to elope and travel too, Breckenridge has a number of locations that can still feel unique and private if one chooses to adventure at the right time of year.
The Scenery: Mountains. Forests. Lakes and Reservoirs. While much of Breckenridge is well traversed by the local tourist, it is for good reason. Right outside the town you will find easy drives to alpine lakes, dense pine forests, tall mountain passes, and anything your eyes could want to see from a mountain landscape.
The Location: Breckenridge, Colorado
Closest Town: Denver (80 miles)
Travel Time from Denver: 1:30 hours
Activities to Do: Hiking. Mountain Biking. Fishing.
Best Season to Elope: May-October.
Why I Recommend It: Breckenridge is a happy medium to a lot of other elopement locations. With its ease of access to destination elopements coming in from Denver, and the variety of different locations you can hit within half a day of each other, Breckenridge offers ease of scheduling as well as picturesque views.
What an Elopement day could look like here:
Morning Yoga at a mountain Cabin Airbnb.
Private Vow Ceremony on top of a nearby Mountain Pass.
Dinner to go from a local favorite in town.
Sunset Picnic beside a frozen alpine lake.
See a Real Breckenridge, Colorado Elopement
Estes Park, Colorado
Estes Park, Colorado is another town you have most likely heard of before. Commonly associated with its access point to Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park is a favorite stop of many a Colorado native and a traveler. Prepare to see a harem of elk walking through town, or stop and visit the historic Stanley Hotel - the place that inspired Stephen King’s “The Shining.” While it’s heavily trafficked, planning an elopement in Estes Park in the right season can still grant one privacy with the incredible views.
The Scenery: Stunning peaks. Crystal clear mountain streams. Meadows full of wildflowers and LOTS of wildlife from elk, to deer, to moose, etc. Estes Parks is really known to be the access point to Rocky Mountain National Park which has everything a traveler could want to see.
The Location: Estes Park, Colorado/Rocky Mountain National Park
Closest Town: Denver (64 miles)
Travel Time from Denver: 1:31 hours
Activities to Do: Hiking. Mountain Biking. Sight Seeing. Fly Fishing.
Best Season to Elope: Year Round.
Why I Recommend It: With its access to Denver and the DIA airport, Estes Park is quite easy to get to which is a great bonus for elopements and intimate weddings that have guests. It offers stunning scenery year round. Just be prepared to have this one well planned out ahead of time as the National Park will require specific permits for weddings and elopements held in the park and only offers a limited number of these per year.
What an Elopement day could look like here:
Morning Coffee out on the Cabin Porch in the Park
Private Vow Ceremony in a meadow surrounded by wildflowers.
Adventure hike to one of many alpine lakes for an intimate reception.
As you plan your elopement in Colorado, consider the unique charm and beauty of each of these top locations. Whether you choose the serene lakes of Twin Lakes, the historic streets of Silverton, or the majestic landscapes of Telluride, your elopement in Colorado is sure to be a day to remember. With the guidance of a myself, a Colorado Elopement Photographer and Videographer, your love story will be captured amidst the breathtaking beauty of the Rocky Mountains, creating memories to last a lifetime.
Snowy Breckenridge Elopement
Colorado Elopement Guide
