Are you coming from out of state or just don't know where or how to begin the process of eloping in Colorado? This post will guide you through all of the steps and things to consider on your adventure to getting married in Colorado.

Okay, let’s get the nitty gritty over with right now - all of the paperwork. This might be interesting and very helpful, or the booooooooring part of getting married. Either way I tried my best to put together all of the resources and answer all of your questions in one place to make your life easier.

The modern definition of elopement is an intentionally small and intimate wedding experience which allows more emphasis to be placed on the commitment between the couple. Eloping is an opportunity for two people to craft an authentic true-to-them experience that aligns with their ethics and supports their future goals, rather than focus on traditions they may not identify with.

Marriage License

When choosing whether to have a traditional wedding or to elope, there isn’t a correct answer. Just one that fits you and your partner’s goals and vision for your big day.

Great news! Colorado is a self-solemnizing state which means the couple can sign on the officiant line to make the marriage legal. Witnesses aren't required.

Examples of how to fill marriage certificate

If you are getting married in Colorado, then you need a Colorado Marriage License. Even if you are from another state, you will need to setup an in-person appointment to pick one up once you arrive. Here are a few county options to get your license at, but I would recommend Denver County since it’s the easiest to get to location wise:

Both people getting married need to be present, and it’s quicker if you fill out the online application before showing up. Here is Denver County’s Online Marriage License Application.

Copy/Pasted right from the Denver County website, here are a list of things to know:

The marriage license fee is $30, payable by cash, check or credit card (Visa, MasterCard or Discover). A list of fees can be found here.

You may marry in front of a judge, through a religious ceremony, or by self-solemnizing (this means you marry by signing the certificate yourselves).
The certificate must be signed in Colorado within 35 days from the date the license was issued.
The completed marriage certificate (and attached license) must be returned to the Clerk and Recorder for recording within 63 days after solemnization. After that date, late fees will apply.
Blood tests are not required in Colorado, and there is no waiting period.
Applicants need not be Colorado residents.

( https://www.denvergov.org/content/denvergov/en/denver-office-of-the-clerk-and-recorder/marriage-civil-union-licenses/license-information.html )

Places to Elope in Colorado

There are millions of beautiful locations to elope in Colorado and when I talk with couples, we always put together a game plan for the spot that fits their vision best. Sometimes that spot can be more secluded or often times, we get adventurous and hike to the top of a mountain. Catching the sunrise is the best! Check out a few popular locations below to get your juices flowing. Many locations (especially national parks and public lands) require a permit to get married at. The fee is usually very nominal, but keep this in mind when looking at locations.

Rocky Mountain National Park

Definitely the most iconic location to elope in Colorado. The vast landscapes and multitude of overlooks offer many great spots to elope. Trail Ridge road is one of the best and highly recommended. One thing to consider, is that RMNP has started restricting the number of wedding permits each month so it’s getting more difficult to get one. To find out more about permits and restrictions click here: RMNP Weddings & Other Ceremonies.

Sapphire Point (Near Breckenridge)

An absolutely beautiful overlook above Lake Dillon. Sapphire Point is a popular location not only because it is beautiful, but also because of its proximity to Breckenridge. I love shooting here because it’s easy to get to, and there are tons of little hidden photo shoot locations dotted around here.

Crested Butte

Arguably the most beautiful location in Colorado (according to me)! Crested Butte is located in the middle of Colorado, nestled in the Elk Mountains range. Summertime flowers here are out of this world, and so are the hiking and mountain biking trail views. The little town of Crested Butte is as cute as mountain towns come and has amazing dining options like The Secret Stash. It is a top tourist destination in Colorado and is only a few miles from Aspen. There are no direct driving routes between the two towns, but there is an epic hike via West Maroon Pass that many people do each summer.

Loveland Pass

Shhhhhhhhhhh…This is one of my favorite locations to shoot. It’s typically not very busy and is a short walk to stunning views. In the spring, there’s still plenty of snow at the very top peaks and in the summer, it smells like fresh mountain air and pine trees. Breckenridge and Keystone are only 30 mins away and this location is just off of I-70 and the Eisenhower tunnel. If you are coming from out of state, Loveland Pass is a great spot to elope because of its proximity to Denver and surrounding mountain towns.

Planning

Timing

The high season for getting married in Colorado is May through October. In the middle of the summer, the mountains can be in the high 70s during the day and dip into the 30s during the night. The higher the elevation, the colder and usually the windier it gets. If you were wanting to get married at the top of a 14er, it could be in the 40s during the day and windy. I usually recommend doing your elopement at sunrise or sunset because that is when the light is the most beautiful.

Attendees

An elopement can be just the two of you (and your photog), or add in an officiant and/or a few friends and family members.

Traditions

Due to COVID and a lot of venues restricting weddings or cancelling them all together, I have had a lot of couples elope instead and bring over a few of their traditions from their wedding. Included in this (but not limited to), are doing flowers and hair/makeup, popping champagne, cutting the cake, and dancing a first dance together. The sky is the limit (literally) and you can include or exclude any traditions or ideas that you want, just be mindful that we’re in nature and we don’t want to leave any trace after the elopement.

***This blog post is for informational purposes only and not for legal advice. I advise you to do your own research on Colorado law requirements to legally get married here.***

How to Elope in Colorado 2025