Best Places to Elope in Colorado
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If you’re dreaming of a Colorado elopement, you’re in for something truly special. Let’s discuss some of the best places to elope in Colorado, what makes each one special, and what you need to know to plan your perfect day.
From alpine lakes to red rock formations to aspen groves that turn gold in fall, Colorado has some of the most breathtaking backdrops you could ask for. The best part? Unlike traditional venue weddings, you have the freedom to choose a spot that truly reflects who you are as a couple.
Rocky Mountain National Park
Let’s start with the obvious one, because it’s iconic for a reason. Rocky Mountain National Park is absolutely stunning, and it offers incredible variety depending on what you’re looking for.
Dream Lake and Emerald Lake are some of the most gorgeous alpine settings you’ll ever see. Picture this: crystal clear water reflecting snow-capped peaks, wildflowers dotting the shoreline, and that crisp mountain air. Sprague Lake is another favorite because it’s wheelchair accessible and offers those same dramatic mountain views. If you want something more intimate and adventurous, the trails leading to Alberta Falls or the higher elevation spots can give you total privacy.
You’ll need a permit to get married here, and the park is pretty particular about group size (typically 20 people or fewer). Summer and fall are the most popular times, but a winter elopement here is absolutely magical. Just be prepared for snow and potentially closed roads. Plan your ceremony for golden hour if you can. The light hitting those peaks is unreal.
Maroon Bells (Aspen)
If you’ve seen any Colorado wedding inspiration boards, you’ve probably seen Maroon Bells. These peaks are the most photographed mountains in North America, and when you see them in person, you’ll understand why.
The twin peaks reflected in Maroon Lake create this perfect, symmetrical composition that looks like something out of a painting. In late September, the aspen trees turn bright gold and the contrast with the red-tinted peaks is just breathtaking. Even in summer, with wildflowers everywhere and bright green aspens, it’s stunning.
Here’s the thing about Maroon Bells: it’s popular. Really popular. During peak season, you can’t drive your own car to the lake. For elopements, sunrise ceremonies or getting a special access permit for late evening is the way to go. Trust me, you don’t want 200 tourists in the background of your vows. You’ll need a permit from the White River National Forest, so apply at least a few weeks in advance.
Garden of the Gods (Colorado Springs)
Want something completely different from the typical mountain setting? Garden of the Gods offers these incredible red rock formations that create a dramatic, almost otherworldly backdrop.
The contrast of red rocks against blue sky is striking, and it’s one of the few Colorado locations where you can get amazing ceremony photos year-round without worrying too much about snow or weather. The variety of spots within the park means you can create totally different looks all in one location.
Garden of the Gods is free to enter, but it also means it gets busy. For elopements, weekday mornings or evenings are your best bet. The terrain here is pretty accessible compared to mountain hikes, so if you’re not up for a big adventure but still want dramatic scenery, this is a great option. Golden hour is beautiful here because the sun makes those red rocks absolutely glow.
Breckenridge & Sapphire Point
Breckenridge is such a charming mountain town, and the areas around it offer so many different elopement options. You could do your ceremony at Sapphire Point overlooking Dillon Reservoir, hike to one of the many alpine lakes, or exchange vows in an aspen grove.
Sapphire Point is one of the most popular spots and requires a permit through Summit County. It’s a short, paved walk from the parking lot, making it accessible while still feeling remote and special. Breckenridge is about 90 minutes from Denver, making it relatively easy for travel.
Every season works here. Summer brings wildflowers and warm weather. Fall has those golden aspens. Winter is a snowy wonderland (just be prepared for cold). And spring can be surprisingly beautiful as things start to green up.
Great Sand Dunes National Park
If you want something totally unique and unexpected, hear me out on this one. Great Sand Dunes is unlike anywhere else in the state.
You have massive sand dunes (the tallest in North America, actually) with the Sangre de Cristo Mountains rising dramatically behind them. The contrast is surreal. At sunrise or sunset, the dunes create these beautiful shadows and the sand takes on warm golden and pink tones. It feels like you’re in the desert and the mountains at the same time.
Summer days get extremely hot on the sand, so spring or fall are your best bets. The sand is tough to walk in, especially in heels, so plan your footwear accordingly. Barefoot on the dunes can actually work really well and adds to the intimate, adventurous vibe. Sunrise is the top recommendation here – the light is soft, the sand isn’t hot yet, and you’ll have the dunes mostly to yourselves.
Planning Your Colorado Elopement: What You Need to Know
Permits and Regulations: Most public lands in Colorado require permits for wedding ceremonies and professional photography. Generally you’ll want to apply at least 2-4 weeks before your date, sometimes longer for popular spots.
Altitude Considerations: Many of these locations are between 8,000 and 12,000 feet in elevation. If you’re not used to altitude, you might feel short of breath or get headaches. Arriving a day or two early to acclimate is a smart move. Stay hydrated and listen to your body.
Weather: Mountain weather is unpredictable. Snow in July and 70-degree days in October are both totally possible. Always bring layers, even in summer. That said, don’t stress too much – some of the most beautiful ceremony moments happen when weather doesn’t go as planned.
What to Wear: Wear something that makes you feel amazing but is also practical for your location. If you’re doing any significant hiking, bring comfortable shoes to change into for the walk. Layers are your friend in the mountains.
Making It Legal: Colorado is one of the easiest states to get married in. You don’t need a witness or an officiant – you can self-solemnize your marriage. You’ll just need to get your marriage license from any county clerk’s office in Colorado beforehand (it’s valid for 35 days).
Leave No Trace: Pack out everything you pack in. Stay on designated trails. Be respectful of wildlife and other visitors. These beautiful places need to be protected so future couples can enjoy them too.
Making Your Elopement Uniquely Yours
The beauty of eloping is that you get to do exactly what you want. Are you big hikers? Make the journey to your ceremony spot part of the experience. Love craft beer? Stop at a local brewery after your vows. Your elopement can include all the things that make you, you.
Bring meaningful details – maybe it’s your grandma’s handkerchief, a special bottle of champagne, or handwritten vows. Create new traditions like a sunrise coffee toast or letters to read at your ceremony spot. And who says your elopement has to be just one day? You could spread your celebration over a long weekend, exploring different parts of Colorado.
Final Thoughts
Choosing where to elope in Colorado really comes down to what speaks to you as a couple. Do you want dramatic mountain peaks or red rocks? An easy, accessible location or a backcountry adventure? Wildflowers or snow-covered landscapes?
The good news is that you really can’t go wrong. Every spot on this list can provide a stunning backdrop for your vows. What matters most is that it feels right for you. This is your day, and Colorado’s incredible landscapes are waiting to be part of your story.