Step-by-step how to elope in one of the most magical locations in all of the US — Colorado. This will cover how to plan your Colorado elopement, including things to do, best time of year to elope, locations, legalities, and more.

Contents of this Guide

Why Colorado?

Step-by-step how to elope in Colorado

Where to elope in Colorado

Colorado Elopement Galleries

Why elope in Colorado?

There are MANY reasons why you should elope in Colorado, but I’ll spell out my favorites for you.

Self-solemnization

This is the biggest and boldest reason why couples choose to elope in Colorado. Self-solemnization means that you can officiate your own wedding. The state of Colorado does not require an officiant for your wedding, so you can spend an intentional day EXACTLY how you want to spend it. You can have exactly what you want to be a part of your ceremony and vow reading and don’t need anyone else to be there. Of course, you can always hire an officiant to lead your ceremony if you’re not comfortable doing it yourself, but it is not required by the state.

You don’t need a witness

The state of Colorado also does not require you to have witnesses present for your wedding. We’re the only state that does not require an officiant OR witnesses for a wedding ceremony to be legally legit. This allows you to have an intentionally private elopement without the distractions of having other people there—of course, except a photographer to document it all ;)

The adventures are endless

Colorado is one of the most beautiful states in America with expansive mountains, apline lakes, peaks, valleys, wildflowers, and gorgeous locations for an elopement ANY time of year. And, the plus side is, you don’t have to be a professional mountaineer to have a mountain elopement. Of course there are more difficult treks with crazy terrain to elope at if that’s your thing, but there are plenty of accessible and easily-hikeable trails and spots to elope at as well.

Elopements are kind of our thing

Because of the reasons I listed above, Colorado has become known as one of the elopement hot-spots in America. It’s so easy, accessible, and FUN to elope here, so couples have been flocking here to do it for the last decade. For this reason, there are a lot of elopement vendors that specifically specialize in elopements. Our demand for elopements is extremely high, so many vendors have made the shift to specializing specifically in helping couples plan an amazing elopement experience (including myself).

420 friendly elopement day

Cannabis is recreationally legal in Colorado! If you’re someone who enjoys partaking in 420 activities, you can incorporate them into your day knowing that it is completely legal, and that your supply will never run out with our booming dispensary options.

Step-by-step how to elope in Colorado

the good part! Here's step by step how to make the magic happen!

Brainstorm ideas

This is the time where your can dream up anything you want to do. Have a general idea of what you want your day to look like, and that’s a great place to start.

Your elopement day is NOT a photoshoot. It can be so much more than that. Do you want to hike? Go to a brewery? Hang around the campfire? Go horseback riding? Hot air balloon ride? Off-road to a private alpine lake? The choice is yours.

Think about what you two value and love about nature, what you two enjoy doing together, and what the PERFECT day would look like to you.

Pick your photographer

You’re planning your elopement, and you’ve got some ideas of what you’d like to include, a general area you’d like to go, or not really sure what to do and need some guidance. This is where your photographer comes in( hi!!!). Make sure that you book a photographer who specializes in elopements. Although you might think wedding photography and elopement photography can’t be too different, there are SO many things that set them apart. Elopement photographers who are seasoned pros will build the perfect personalized elopement experience for you, leaving you to dream about your elopement. Someone who truly specializes in elopements will plan a day that speaks to you. Your elopement is NOT a photoshoot, it’s your wedding day, so pick someone who will treat it like that.

Pick a location

This is where your elopement photographer *ahem, me* will step in! When going into your elopement planning, I suggest having some sort of region you’d like to go to, but if not, I can help you narrow it down. For all of my eloping couples, I send a questionnaire asking allllll the questions about what you envision on your day. I put together a location guide detailing different places and trails we can take over your elopement!

Book your accomodations

It’s really important to think ahead and book everything in advance. Here’s a list of potential travel accommodations you may need: flights, rental car (4wd preferable), lodging, meal reservations, tours, etc. Book your travel at least 6-9 months in advance to make sure you have what you need secured.

Plan your timeline + elopement day events or activities

Just like for locations, I put together a detailed timeline for my eloping couples so you don’t have to worry about a single thing. Unlike wedding venues strict timelines, these timelines serve as a general guide, but are intentionally meant to be slow in pace to allow you two to truly soak in your surroundings. On your elopement day, you’ll want to do more than just say “I do”. I suggest planning some sort events or activities on your elopement day, like having a picnic or renting a fun car. For my top 9 elopement day activities, click here to read my blog on it!

Apply for your marriage license

Depending on the county you apply for your marriage license from, it may vary in time and speed of your marriage license. However, in the County of Denver, you can apply for your marriage license no more than 35 days before your wedding day, and return it signed to the county clerk no more than 63 days after signing. Click here to read more on the Denver County website! I suggest going to the courthouse 1-3 days before your elopement to have your license in hand BEFORE your elopement day. Standing in line at the courthouse isn’t the most romantic way to start off your elopement day, and in case there is some sort of road block with getting your license, you’re not left scrambling on your elopement day.

Get married!

The fun part! Let’s travel into the mountains and get you two eloped!

Where to Elope in Colorado

Colorado Elopement Galleries

Take a look at some real Colorado elopement galleries below. Real couples, real stories, real love, and real adventure. These are some of my favorites to show you what your day can look like!