How to Elope in Colorado

Your Complete Guide to Planning a Colorado Elopement

If you’re dreaming about eloping in Colorado but don’t know where to start, you’re in the right place.

This guide walks you through everything you need to know from how to get a marriage license to picking the perfect location while also helping you create a day and experience that feels intentional, personal, and unforgettable.

Black and white business card for Caleb Clayton, specializing in weddings and elopements, with circular text around the edges listing 'Caleb Clayton' and 'Film + Photo'.
A bride and groom in wedding attire sharing a kiss next to a lake in a forested area, with two dogs near them.
Black and white photo of a bride and groom holding hands on a mountain, with scenic hills in the background.
A newlywed couple sharing a kiss by a lakeside surrounded by mountains and fall foliage.
Black and white photo of a bride and groom walking hand in hand outdoors with mountains and trees in the background.

Eloping in Colorado: What It Really Looks Like

Eloping isn’t about running away behind your families backs to get married. Eloping is about choosing something more intentional that fits your personalities.

In Colorado, that can look like exchanging vows on a quiet mountain overlook, hiking into an alpine lake at sunrise, or sharing a slow, intentional day together with your dogs in a place that actually means something to you.

There’s no template here. No pressure to perform. No guest lists or catering. No expectations beyond what feels right.

Just the two of you (and maybe your pups!), fully present in a place that reflects your story and connection.

intimate elopement in Rocky Mountain National Park with scenic mountain views
Logo with large letter 'C' and text 'FILM + PHOTO' in brown.

Colorado Elopement Laws & Logistics

sunset elopement in the Colorado Rockies with glowing peaks and forest

How to Legally Elope in Colorado

Colorado is one of the easiest states in the U.S. to elope which is a big part of why it’s such a powerful place to do it.

The first and biggest thing to know about eloping in Colorado is:

  • You can self-solemnize. Self-solemnization is the act of marrying yourselves, with no other officiants or witnesses necessary to legalize it. Colorado is one of only very few states in the US to allow this to happen.

This means:

  • You don’t need anyone else to be there for your elopement outside of the two of you(of course), your dog(🤞), and Amy and I ( 📸+📸). This gives you the ultimate freedom when it comes to planning your day how you want it to go. Your dog can even “sign” your marriage license (yes, really!)

This gives you complete freedom to create a ceremony and elopement day that feels natural and true to you whether that’s somewhere private, adventurous, emotional, or all of the above. This also means that if you want to have more of a traditional or structured ceremony, you can ask anyone - a friend, a close relative, etc. to lead and guide the ceremony without the need for them to be ordained.

A couple is getting married outdoors in a forest, with a woman in a white lace wedding dress and a man in a blue suit. They are kneeling on the ground, exchanging rings, and a dog is present between them.

The Marriage License Process

To apply for a marriage license in Colorado:

  • Complete the Online Marriage Application. (make sure to complete this before scheduling an appointment.)

  • Schedule an in-person appointment at the Country Clerks office.

  • Both partners must be present (or use an absentee affidavit if needed)

  • Bring a valid ID (driver’s license or passport)

  • Cost: ~$30

  • The Marriage License is valid immediately and lasts 35 days

Valid identification forms include:

  • Passport

  • Driver’s License

  • Military identification card

  • You will also be asked for the social security number for each of you.

The Marriage License is $30 and is valid for 35 days after you apply but can be used immediately. (Like literally immediately. Don’t fill it out right when you pick it up or it becomes legal right then!). The Marriage License can be obtained in any county in Colorado, regardless of where the ceremony will take place.

The marriage certificate must be completed and returned within 63 days from the day of the wedding to the County Clerk and Recorder’s Office. In most cases, couples will mail it back or drop it off at the same location they obtained their marriage license. Your clerk and recorder's office will give you specific instructions on how to submit your filled-out marriage license for recording.

Colorado makes this process simple, flexible, and built for exactly this kind of experience.

A happy couple exchanging wedding vows outdoors by a lake with mountains in the background, holding a marriage certificate.
A newlywed couple smiling and holding a marriage certificate outdoors by a lake with mountains in the background.
Logo for Caleb Clayton Film + Photo an adventure elopement and wedding photography company based in Colorado

Best Places to Elope in Colorado

Choosing where to elope in Colorado is one of the most important parts of the entire experience and can also be the most stressful and unknown when couples first begin dreaming of an elopement.

From alpine lakes and mountain passes to desert landscapes and forest trails, Colorado offers an incredible range of elopement locations each with a completely different feel.

Some of the most popular areas include:

  • Rocky Mountain National Park

  • Breckenridge & Summit County

  • Vail & Aspen

  • Boulder & Estes Park

  • San Juan Mountains (Telluride, Ouray, Silverton)

But the best location isn’t always the most popular one.

It’s the one that feels like you.

Destination Elopements beyond Colorado are also welcomed.

How I Help You Choose a Location

Elopement location is a big one, and one of the main draws for couples choosing to Elope. Your wedding venue can be anywhere in the world. Well, anywhere permit permitting - we’ll get to that :)

But seriously, choosing a location is very important. Many couples will reach out with an idea of what they want the scenery to be like while also having some other important aspects of the location to check off. Some of these are:

  • Crowd levels vs privacy

  • Accessibility vs adventure

  • Sunrise vs sunset lighting

  • Seasonal conditions (snow, wildflowers, fall color)

  • Permit requirements

Sometimes the most meaningful locations aren’t the ones trending online, or in a National Park; they’re the ones you discover together.

If you don’t have a specific location in mind when you reach out, we will sit down together and go through the logistics of what several different locations will look like and how they will impact the overall feel of your elopement day.

From best time of day to elope in that location for the best light and the least crowds, to the logistics of getting there and more, we discuss it all and find the place that calls to you the most.

I always keep a running list of places I’ve traveled to, driven by, or hiked in that would make good elopement locations based on all the considerations above as well as what calls to my artistic eye.

A mountain landscape with snow-capped peaks, dense green forest, a lake, and a rocky trail with a person walking on it.

More on Choosing a Location

While I am more than happy to provide personally tailored location suggestions to you from my experiences, one of my biggest tips to choosing one of the locations I recommend is to go check them out yourselves.

So: Make it a trip!

I recommend finding a time 3-6 months out from your elopement day to plan a trip together and essentially location scout where you would want to commit your love together.

Drive around and scout out some locations you may have seen online, or the from the ones I suggest. Feel what it’s like to stand and look at the surroundings in person. Consider the landscape and backdrop and see if it connects with you.

Do you want to be standing up on an overlook to see for miles as you pledge your love or would you rather be down in a valley surrounded by towering mountains on all sides or would you rather have your feet buried in the sand of dunes with the range of the rockies on the horizon? Sometime you don’t know until you are there in person.

Another good reason to scout is to see what obstacles we might need to plan around when the day does arrive. ie. While I do lots of research ahead of time myself, there can still be obstacles that arise.

If a trip is logistically out of the question, or you just want somewhere to start other than googling, you can check out my Blog Post: Best Places to Elope in Colorado.

You could also start by looking into: National Parks, State Parks, National Forests or BLM Land, or at the Top of a Mountain (Yes. You heard me correctly. Amy and I love hiking and summit several 14ers every year. So elope and come along with us.!)

A vast desert landscape with sand dunes and a cloudy sky.
A mountain landscape with rugged peaks, a dense forest of pine trees, and a calm reflective lake with mist rising from its surface.
Snow-covered mountain landscape with a frozen lake and dense pine forest.

If you decide to elope in a National or State Park, here are some things to know:

  • Most National and State Parks will require a “Special Use” Permit in order for elopement and wedding services to take place within their lands.

  • Special Permits range in cost from $50-$300 depending on location and time.

  • Applications for the Special Permits should be submitted well in advance in order for enough time to process them before the elopement day.

  • Each National Park has a contact page on nps.gov . You can get in contact with a ranger and ask them about obtaining special permits and any other info you may need to know.

  • There will likely be some other restrictions you will come across when dealing with National or State Parks, such as the number of people allowed to be in attendance( usually under 50 ), what kinds of backdrops or rentals you can bring in, if dogs are allowed, etc etc etc. These are all great questions to ask the rangers of the park you wish to elope in.

Mist covered mountain range with evergreen trees and a calm lake in the foreground.

Other things to note when choosing a location:

  • If hiking is required for the location, give yourself plenty of time to casually enjoy the hike. Take it slow. Enjoy the moment and take in the scenery. I recommend a different pair of shoes for the hike, and you can either choose to hike wearing the dress, or hike in the dress change once at the location.

  • Sunset is a preferred time for the ceremony. That way you have the whole day to chill, get ready, anticipate, drink, do yoga, whatever you want. And it’s the best time of day for photos when it comes to light.

  • However, sometimes a sunrise elopement, depending on location, can be a great option for popular spots such as national parks. Even though it is an early start, it will be calm and relaxed. Crowds wont be there. But the cold might be. 🥶

A bride and groom share a kiss by a mountain lake in a scenic outdoor setting with mountains and green hills in the background.
A scenic view of a mountain range in the distance, with lush evergreen trees in the foreground, and a clear sky overhead.
Black and white promotional poster for Caleb Clayton, a photographer specializing in weddings and elopements, with his name and services.

How to Plan Your Colorado Elopement Day

peaceful lakeside elopement in Colorado with mountain reflections
A close-up view of a camping stove with a kettle on top, burning with flames and surrounded by rocks, at dusk. In the background, there is a camping chair and a vehicle parked on a muddy patch of ground.
Two men sit on a large rock in a mountainous landscape, enjoying coffee or tea together, with mountains and patches of snow in the background.
Two donuts with white icing and sprinkles on a plate, one with a 'Mr & Mrs' topper, on a picnic blanket with a paper bag and a thermos in the background.

This is where elopements really open up and where the magic happens.

There’s no timeline you have to follow, just the freedom to build a day around what matters most to you and the pace you want to go at.

Some Ideas for Your day could include:

  • A slow morning getting ready together

  • A hike to your ceremony location

  • Private vows at sunrise or sunset

  • Exploring multiple locations

  • Sharing a donuts, a drink or coffee, or a quiet moment together

  • Ending the day under the stars

  • Reading letters from loved ones together in the evening

  • Fly Fishing or Paddle Boarding

  • Hanging out with your furry friends

You’re not fitting your day into a schedule,
you’re creating a rhythm that feels natural.

couple sharing a quiet moment surrounded by golden aspens
couple sharing a quiet moment on a Colorado mountain overlook

Do You Need a Permit to Elope in Colorado?

Some locations especially national parks and certain public lands, require a special use permit for ceremonies.

Typical permit info:

  • Cost: $50–$300

  • Processing time varies

  • Guest count and location rules may apply

I help guide you through:

  • Which locations require permits

  • How to apply

  • What restrictions to expect

bride and groom standing by water during intimate Colorado elopement

With over 8 years of experience photographing and filming elopements across Colorado and beyond, we bring more than just cameras.

We help you:

  • Plan your day intentionally

  • Find meaningful locations

  • Navigate logistics and permits

  • Feel comfortable and present in front of the camera

We will come prepared for the day rain, snow, or shine(& yes, we’ve shot in all of those weather conditions.) with a passion to create and capture the elopement day you’ve always dreamed while also giving you the space to simply be in the moment.

You don’t need to know how to do this.
That’s what we’re here for.

What It’s Like to Elope With Us

colorado elopement photography couple standing in a meadow with mountains in the background

KIND WORDS

KIND WORDS

  • “We cannot say enough great things about working with Caleb and Amy! From the very beginning, we were drawn to their style and the emotion they capture in both photos and films. The booking process was seamless, and they made us feel comfortable and excited leading up to our elopement.

    On the day of, they were more than just photographers and videographers. They were calm, kind, and made the whole experience so easy. It felt like we were just hanging out with friends who happened to be capturing every special moment. They balanced professionalism with warmth in a way that made us feel completely at ease in front of the camera.

    The photos and video blew us away. They did not just document the day, they captured the feeling of it. Looking back through the gallery, we are instantly taken back to the laughter, the joy, and the quiet moments we will never forget.

    What stood out most to us was how intentional they were in capturing the small details as much as the big moments. We will cherish this work for the rest of our lives, and we are so grateful we trusted them with such an important role.

    If you are considering them, do not hesitate. Caleb and Amy are the perfect combination of talented, professional, and genuinely wonderful people.”

    B + J

  • “I will make this short and sweet, there are simply not enough words to express how beyond amazing Caleb and Amy were. From their patience in us moving the location 24 hours before the wedding, dealing with our four crazy (but cute)dogs, handling the COLD like champs. The photos and wedding movie we received are more stunning than we could have ever hoped for. Our wedding was all black, and lowkey gothic coded and they captured the vibe immaculately.

    If you're thinking about booking someone else... don't. Book Caleb, get all the photos, get the video, pay for the drone. And I promise you will not be disappointed.

    Thank you for capturing the most beautiful day of my life. I will look at those photos until the day I die.”

    A + S

  • “5 stars is not enough! Caleb and Amy did an incredible job with our shoot. Me and my wife eloped to Telluride with our pups. They were very easy to communicate with, flexible, and patient with our pups. Before our big day, they communicated often, asked many questions, and really did their homework in order to create the type of atmosphere we wanted. We were brand new to Telluride, and in a way they acted as our wedding planners- planning every step, with a detailed itinerary that helped give us a gameplan for the day. Once we got to our shoot at Alta Lakes, they were very professional, creative- and the best way to describe their craft is EPIC. They captured every detail of the mountains, the reflection in the water, the dissipating clouds in the distance. My wife and I now have memories of our amazing day with our two pups that we can cherish forever. I would recommend Caleb and Amy to ANYONE. We are so glad to have met them and that they were a part of our day.”

    K + Z

  • "We recently hired Caleb to capture our adventure elopement through videography, and the experience as a whole was incredible. He was extremely responsive and informative throughout the planning process, and he was punctual and prepared on the day of our wedding. He put us at ease in front of the camera, and it was like hiking with a friend. While we're still waiting on the finished video, we couldn't be more thrilled with our experience thus far. Highly recommend to any couple, or individual wanting to capture an important moment in their lives."

    A + D

  • "Having the opportunity to work with Caleb has been an absolute dream! Not only is he extremely responsive and professional, but his work is amazing! He captured our day just as we had envisioned, and you can truly feel how amazing of a day we had through the video. My husband & I did an adventure elopement and he encouraged and was just as excited for our adventures as we were. He made us feel so comfortable. I would recommend him 100000 times over. It’s a memory I look forward to treasuring for years. When you get that gut feeling that he’s the one you need, listen to it! You seriously won’t regret it!"

    A + D

  • “When my Fiance I and initially decided to elope in Colorado we knew a local photographer was a must have, as we are not local nor had we ever travelled there. Risky choice, I know but were both suckers for an adventure. My first turn was to Instagram searching for hashtags and on elopement pages I had previously found while we were in our first stages of planning. Lo and behold I came across some of Caleb’s older works, moody black and white portraits that screamed of emotion and depth despite their lack of color. I shared several photos with my Fiance comparing to a few other photographers I had also found and we quickly decided that the choice was a no brainer. The process was honestly the easiest thing about our elopement planning and I am forever grateful for all of the assistance both Caleb and Amy provided us in narrowing down places and our ultimate timeline. By the time we finally met them on elopement day it was like reuniting with old friends who you hadn’t seen in a while, which definitely helped to ease the inevitable day of nerves. There wasn’t a single moment of silence as we set out to hike the three miles to our vow location, even as Caleb continued to shoot and scout later locations for us to explore. Looking back every bit of the day feels magical almost like a dream, a dream forever memorialized by the beautiful photos and footage captured. Among my favorites are two candid shots, one taken during a break on the initial hike featuring my fiancee and I uncontrollably laughing (at what, who knows) and the other of my hands thrown in the air screaming “we did it” just after finishing our vows and sealing it with a kiss. All in all we could not possibly be happier with the decision of hiring Caleb and Amy. If you’re one for adventure I promise you will be too.”

    T + P

bride and groom celebrating their elopement with champagne next to their burros

Let’s Start Planning Your Colorado Elopement

If you’re dreaming about eloping in Colorado and want a day that feels real, intentional, and entirely your own — I’d love to hear what you’re envisioning.

You don’t need a full plan.
Just a starting point.

We’ll build the rest together.

start the conversation

Check out some

Real Colorado Elopements Stories

emotional elopement moment between bride and groom celebrating their elopement in a jeep surrounded by golden aspens
couple sharing a quiet moment by a Colorado alpine lake
candid Colorado elopement photo capturing real connection and joy
bride and groom embracing during sunset elopement in Colorado
Colorado elopement on lake shore with mountains in the distance

“Some stories are meant to begin out here.”

Colorado mountain elopement couple embracing at sunset with alpine peaks

Colorado Elopement FAQS

  • Eloping in Colorado can vary depending on your location, travel, permits, and photography coverage. Most couples invest anywhere from a few thousand to $10k+ depending on how intentional and experience-driven they want their day to be.

  • No. Colorado allows self-solemnization, meaning you can legally marry yourselves without an officiant or witnesses.

  • Summer and fall are the most popular for accessibility and weather, but winter elopements offer a quieter, more intimate experience. The best time really depends on your vision.

  • Yes. I help couples with location ideas, timelines, permits, and overall planning so the day feels intentional and stress-free.

  • I’ve found that most elopements need at least 4 hours to fully capture the experience without rushing, but many couples choose longer coverage for multiple locations and a more relaxed pace.

  • Yes. Elopements can include guests — just keep in mind some locations have restrictions on group size.

  • Absolutely! While this might limit some location possibilities(No dogs allowed in National Parks), your furry friends are always welcome with me and can even legally sign your marriage license with their paw in Colorado!

  • For Elopements or intimate weddings(under 25 guests) packages start at $3500 for 4 hours of coverage and go up to full-day coverage.

    For more information or questions on pricing just say hey!

  • I do Not charge any travel fees for in-state Colorado elopements or weddings. Traveling through the mountains is part of the adventure. So pick in Colorado where you want to go and I’ll meet you there!

  • Absolutely. As one of my favorite songwriters of all time (David Bazan) sings “Either way, you are worthy of love. you are worthy of love.” everyone has a story to tell and everyone is worthy of love whether that’s between people of the same gender or not. I want to capture your love and story.