Eloping in Colorado
What to expect when eloping in the beautiful state of Colorado!
This is coming from a local wedding and elopement photographer based in Denver. But actually, also from a previous elopement bride herself.
Let’s talk weather, average cost, and all the in’s and out’s of what it entails so if you are wanting to elope in Colorado but don’t know where to start, you’ve come to the right place.
Time of Year.
The time of year that you decide to elope matters. It matters a lot. And there’s actually no wrong answer to when, you just have to be fully aware of the type of weather to expect during that season.
Spring:
Spring time (March, April, May) is the least busy time of year in Colorado, and generally wedding vendors slowest season. The weather is actually pretty strange and mostly unpredictable during these months. If you are looking to elope in the Spring, I would be prepared for all different types of weather but mostly not expect it to be overly warm. The earlier in the spring, the more likely you are going to run into snow on the ground, especially if you are planning on eloping anywhere in the mountains. As May approaches, the weather should start to warm up, but this is Colorado, so don’t keep your hopes too high. It wouldn’t be the first time there’s been a blizzard in the middle of May.
So just expect the unexpected for spring.
Su
mmer:
This is when wedding and tourism season starts to pop off. Colorado mountains have great weather during the summer- but be prepared for it to still get hot during the day and cool at night. Weather fluctuates a lot in the higher elevations. One con with a summer elopement is the possibility of mountain thunder and lightning storms that typically hit in the afternoon. The higher up you go, the more erratic the weather can get, but don’t worry, give it about 20 minutes and it might just pass and be clear blue skies again. Overall, summer elopements are great though and summer has the most reliable weather out of all of the months.
Fall:
Honestly, my favorite time of year in all of Colorado. Fall is so unbelievably BEAUTIFUL with all the trees turning hues of oranges, yellows, and reds.
but BEWARE.
Because these fall colors come and go way too fast. I would honestly have to say that the fall colors last maybe only a few weeks because the colors are so reliant on the weather to be cool, but not get too cold. The minute the temperatures drop too low or it even snows a little bit in the mountains, say goodbye to those beautiful fall colors. It’s really hard to catch these fall colors at their peak when planning your elopement, but the best time frame to come is around the last week of September/first week of October.
And yes, it can get extremely cold (below freezing) and even snow at this time of year. OR the weather can be absolutely perfect.
Winter:
Snow and freezing temperatures. Expect snow. But not just snow, expect crazy traffic delays on I-70. Expect to stay IN the mountains if you are getting eloped up there, because you don’t want to be 3 hours late to your elopement because of a crazy accident. I am serious though, one time I had a session in the summer and the projected time to get a little less than 10 miles was 2.5 hours.
If you want a winter wonderland, come later in the season. Your safest bet is to come in late December or early January because it doesn’t actively snow all winter. Also be aware that if you get eloped at a time of year with snow, many locations that you would like to get eloped at may be too packed with snow on the trails to even access. Some spots may also not be able to access via road because those locations may not always be plowed, especially if it’s a dirt road. So please be aware you will probably need a lot of flexibility if you pick the winter time.
What Does it Cost to Elope in Colorado?
Ultimately, it does vary. BUT I would say eloping in Colorado is not a cheap option. It may be a cheaper option than a full out wedding, but this state is a destination location so you have to keep that in mind when considering whether you would like to move forward with your plans.
Time of year also matters for cost of lodging because ski season will cause an influx of supply and demand on the hotel industry up there. Expect any mountain town to be expensive with lodging and food costs. I have had many out of state couples tell me how surprised they were by the cost of even fast food in the mountain towns vs the cost of food in their hometowns.
Please also keep in mind that not all locations are just free to get married at, and you may have to pay a permit fee for it. Permit fees can range anywhere from being totally free to about $300 at the higher end.
Important factors when trying to figure out your budget:
How much are you expecting to spend on your attire and accessories? Will you need any alternations done?
Are you also planning on hiring a videographer? What about a hair and makeup artist or do you plan on doing your own? Are you wanting a cake or special meal? Will you have any special decor touches (wedding boxes, cake toppers, etc)? Are you going to use fake florals or real floral? Would you be willing to travel to that HMUA or are you okay with paying a travel fee? (usually upwards towards $100+ in travel for mountain locations).
Wedding and elopement vendors are not cheap due to the cost of living here, so please keep that in mind when looking at vendors to book. So if you are considering eloping in Colorado with the impression that it will be extremely cheap, that honestly is not the case due to all these factors. BUT YOU CAN KEEP IT ON A BUDGET. It just comes down to figuring out what that budget is and figuring out where you want to put priority and where you want to cut costs.
Your Photographer Selection Matters.
If you are wanting to hire a professional and experienced photographer, on average at least expect to spend $1,500+ for a few hours. There is extreme benefit in going the route of booking someone with experience vs someone who has never done it before because professionals in the industry are able to provide great recommendations on hidden gem locations, explain the pros and cons of certain spots (such as permit costs, legalities of holding a wedding at those locations, and how certain times of year make that location accessible or not). The last thing you want is to book someone who is just winging it and then you end up with a massive fine for unknowingly breaking laws governing those locations.
As many of you know, hidden gems are hard to come by because Colorado has truly become so overpopulated. But this is apart of my job as a photographer, I have scouted out many gorgeous spots and am able to give important details to those locations as apart of my services. I do not give out location information otherwise, but only to my personal clients who choose to work with me because keeping these locations as hidden gems is so important.
What steps should I take if I want to elope in Colorado?
Figure out a budget and try to figure out if you can find vendors within that price range. Make sure to factor in the cost of travel with your cost of elopement as well.
Pick a date or time frame! This will also help you to figure out the cost of lodging + flight to factor this into your budget.
Decide if this will be a solo event or if some friends or family will be joining you. (Keep it small though, because things can get sticky and unnecessarily complicated at holding a wedding if your guest list starts looking more like an actual wedding instead of an elopement)
Book a photographer! Your photographer should be able to help navigate you through the elopement processes. And they will help you to find a location. You can also do this research yourself, but most photographers will not give you a list of locations before booking.
Book the other desired vendors (lodging, HMUA, videographer, florist, bakery, etc.)
Book an appointment to pick up your marriage license. Yes, book an appointment because some places require it.
Come prepared for any type of weather, no matter what time of year.
Why elope in Colorado?
Because its SIMPLE! The state of Colorado does not require any officiant or witnesses. You can literally marry yourselves. This process is called self solemnization. (And actually, I did this myself when I eloped. I would be happy to walk you through the process if this was something you wanted to do.)
Colorado is one of the most beautiful states- I mean, look at those views. You honestly cannot go wrong.
Eloping takes away the pressure of a traditional wedding day and allows you to focus on just you and your partner. The day is truly about you, and not a single thing you do is revolving around anyone else.
You can take your time throughout the day and not have to feel so pressured to move onto the next big event.
You can do whatever you want! Share a special dance, get deep with your vows, cry, laugh, do something adventurous like sky diving- OR DON’T! And have a comfortable, laid back private ceremony and then share a relaxing brunch at the air bnb. Eloping is truly whatever the hell you want.
Eloping was truly the best thing I ever did, as a previous bride myself, I can honestly say I preferred our elopement because of how intimate and special it was to my husband and I.
Neither of us even intended to elope in the first place, but COVID postponed our wedding plans and we decided to just be married already in June 2020. After experiencing an elopement and traditional wedding, I would recommend just eloping if you are going back and forth in your mind about what to do. You won’t regret it.
It is truly hard to beat marrying your best friend in a beautiful scenery and then enjoying your day exactly the way you would want to. No limitations, no expectations, just you and them.