So, you’re thinking about ditching the big wedding for something a little more wild, adventurous, and totally you? Welcome to the elopement club!

Colorado is hands-down one of the best places to elope—we’re talking epic mountain backdrops, golden aspens in the fall, snow-dusted peaks in the winter, and endless adventure year-round. But let’s be real, as exciting as eloping is, you probably have a million questions. How does it work? What about family? Is it actually cheaper?

You’re not alone—I get these questions all the time from couples wanting to elope in Colorado. So, let’s break it all down and get you on the road (or trail) to your dream elopement.

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1️⃣ What does a Colorado elopement ceremony actually look like?

Spoiler alert: it looks however you want it to. That’s the magic of eloping—you’re not following someone else’s rules, you’re writing your own.

Picture this:

🏔 A private vow exchange on a mountaintop at sunrise—just the two of you, the crisp alpine air, and the mountains waking up behind you.
🍂 An intimate fall elopement in a golden aspen grove, the leaves glowing around you like something straight out of a dream.
🔥 A cozy winter ceremony in the snow, wrapped in warm blankets, sipping hot cocoa as you promise forever.

You can have a short and sweet “just us” ceremony or bring a handful of your closest loved ones. Either way, it’s about the experience, not the production.

💡 Pro Tip: In Colorado, you don’t even need an officiant—you can self-solemnize, meaning you can literally marry yourselves! (More on that in a sec.)

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2️⃣ How do we pick the perfect Colorado elopement location?

This is where Colorado flexes hard. Whether you want towering peaks, dreamy wildflowers, dramatic desert cliffs, or an alpine lake, we’ve got it all.

Top Elopement Locations in Colorado:

🏔 Rocky Mountain National Park – Iconic, high-elevation mountain views.
🌲 Maroon Bells – One of the most photographed peaks in the U.S. (and for good reason!)
🏜 Great Sand Dunes National Park – Rolling sand dunes + mountain backdrops = surreal and stunning.
🌅 Telluride & Ouray – Southwest Colorado’s hidden-gem elopement spots with insane views.
🏙 Downtown Denver Rooftops – For couples who love city-meets-mountain vibes.

💡 Pro Tip: Some locations require permits, some are hike-in only, and some are best at certain times of year. I help all my couples find the perfect spot based on their vision!

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3️⃣ Is eloping actually cheaper than a wedding?

Short answer: 99% of the time, YES.

Traditional Wedding vs. Elopement Breakdown:

💸 Big Wedding Average: $30,000 – $50,000+
⛰️ Elopement Average: $5,000 – $15,000

Where you save:
✔ No expensive venue rental (nature is free!)
✔ No catering bill for 100+ guests
✔ No elaborate centerpieces, favors, or décor

Where you might invest:
✔ A breathtaking elopement location
✔ Travel + lodging for an epic experience
✔ A photographer (hi, that’s me!) to document the magic

💡 Pro Tip: Even if you go all out on an elopement, it’s still way more affordable than a traditional wedding.

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4️⃣ How do we tell our family we’re eloping?

This one can feel tricky, especially if your family was expecting a big wedding. But here’s the thing—eloping doesn’t mean you’re leaving them out, it just means you’re celebrating in a way that feels true to you.

How to Tell Your Family:

💌 Before: Be honest & kind. Let them know how much they mean to you and why you’re making this decision.
📸 During: Find ways to include them—maybe you FaceTime them right after or have them write letters for you to read on your elopement day.
🎉 After: Celebrate with them! Plan a dinner, a backyard reception, or even a slideshow night where you share your elopement photos.

🔥 What to Say:
✔ “We wanted a day that felt completely us, and eloping lets us focus on just that.”
✔ “We’re keeping it intimate, but we want to celebrate with you soon!”
✔ “This is our love story, and we’re so excited to share it with you in a special way.”

💡 Pro Tip: Most family members just want to feel included in some way. Sharing beautiful elopement photos after the fact can help them feel part of the experience!

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5️⃣ Do we need an officiant or witnesses in Colorado?

Nope! Colorado is one of the few states where you can self-solemnize, meaning you don’t need an officiant or witnesses. Just sign your marriage license, and boom—you’re married!

🐾 Fun fact: Even your dog can “sign” your marriage license with a paw print. Yes, this is 100% legal. And yes, it’s as adorable as it sounds.

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6️⃣ What should we wear for a Colorado elopement?

Eloping in the mountains? Layers, layers, layers.

✔ Dresses that move – Think flowy, boho, and epic for wind-blown magic.
✔ Warm accessories – Faux-fur wraps, stylish coats, and cozy gloves = functional and stunning.
✔ Boots over heels – Seriously, thank me later.

💡 Pro Tip: If you’re hiking to your elopement spot, wear hiking boots and change at the top.

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7️⃣ What about hair & makeup?

🏔 Outdoor elopements mean weather can be unpredictable. If you’re worried about wind or rain, go for a natural, wind-friendly style (braids, low buns, or loose waves).

💡 Pro Tip: If hiring a HMUA, choose one who specializes in outdoor elopements—they’ll know how to make your look last!

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8️⃣ How do we include loved ones if they’re not there?

🎥 Livestream your vows so they can watch in real-time.
📬 Send elopement announcement cards with your favorite photos.
🎉 Host a casual post-elopement party—think backyard dinner, brewery hangout, or a rooftop toast!

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9️⃣ How far in advance should we plan?

Colorado elopements can be planned in a few weeks or over a year!

⏳ Recommended Timeline:
✔ 6+ months out: Choose location + book a photographer.
✔ 3-5 months out: Apply for permits, plan travel.
✔ 1-2 months out: Get outfits, write vows, finalize details.

💡 Pro Tip: If you’re flexible, last-minute elopements are totally possible!

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🔟 How do we make our Colorado elopement feel extra special?

🏕️ Plan an overnight glamping or cabin stay.
🥾 Incorporate an adventure—hiking, hot air balloons, or a Jeep tour!
🌌 Stargaze with a fire & champagne after your vows.

💡 Pro Tip: Bring a few small personal touches—a handwritten note, your favorite blanket, or a song to dance to after your vows.

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Ready to Make Your Colorado Elopement a Reality?

If you’re dreaming of a wildly beautiful, stress-free elopement in the Colorado mountains, I’d love to help you bring it to life.

📍 Let’s make it happen—Contact me here to start planning!