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 while also helping you create a day and experience that feels intentional, personal, and unforgettable.
Eloping in Colorado: What It Really Looks Like
Eloping isn’t about running away behind your families backs to get married. Eloping about choosing something more intentional that fits your personalities and uniqueness.
In Colorado, that can look like exchanging vows on a quiet mountain overlook, hiking into an alpine lake at sunrise, or sharing a slow, meaningful day together in a place that actually means something to you.
There’s no template here. No pressure to perform. No expectations beyond what feels right.
Just the two of you (and maybe a few people or pups you love), fully present in a place that reflects your story and connection.
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.
You can self-solemnize, meaning you don’t need an officiant or witnesses
You can get legally married just the two of you
Your dog can even “sign” your marriage license (yes, really)
This gives you complete freedom to create a ceremony that feels natural and true to you — whether that’s private, adventurous, emotional, or all of the above.
The Marriage License Process
Apply for your Colorado marriage license in person at any county clerk office
Both partners must be present (or use an absentee affidavit if needed)
Bring a valid ID (driver’s license or passport)
Cost: ~$30
License is valid immediately and lasts 35 days
After your ceremony, you’ll sign the license yourselves and return it to be recorded.
Simple, flexible, and built for exactly this kind of experience.
Colorado Elopement Laws & Logistics
Best Places to Elope in Colorado
Choosing where to elope in Colorado is one of the most important parts of the entire experience.
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
Instead of just sending a list of “top locations,” I help you find a place that actually fits your vision:
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 — they’re the ones you discover together.
How to Plan Your Colorado Elopement Day
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
So nothing catches you off guard.
This is where elopements really open up.
There’s no timeline you have to follow — just the freedom to build a day around what matters most to you.
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 meal, a drink, or a quiet moment together
Ending the day under the stars
You’re not fitting your day into a schedule —
you’re creating a rhythm that feels natural.
What It’s Like to Elope With Us
With 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
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.
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.
