The Go-To Elopement Location Guide for Telluride, Colorado 

A tucked-away mountain town that’s a snowy wonderland in the winter and an adventurer’s dream in the spring, summer, and fall—sounds like something straight out of a dream, right? 

Well, guess what friends. This mountain town? It’s real. And it’s ready for you and your dream elopement. Where can you find this incredible mix of stunning scenery, accessible outdoors, validated venues, and breathtaking beauty?

One word: Telluride. 

Telluride, Colorado is one of those places that you don’t think actually exists—because how could something so perfect just like be that dang accessible? But Telluride is very real, very beautiful, and very much a top contender when it comes to amazing elopement locations for couples who have all kinds of dreamy elopement visions. 

The Top Reasons to Elope in Telluride 

You want my honest opinion about Telluride? Friend, I’m here to dish. I am whole-heartedly in love with this epic Colorado town for so many reasons—I laid out a few reasons below, but honestly, I could go on and on (and on). If you read through this list but you still want more reasons why Telluride is an absolutely stellar elopement location, you go ahead and give me a call—I’ve got a thousand more reasons I think you need to hear. 

The San Juan Mountains 

Yep, I’m counting a geographical feature as a reason—one look at them and you’ll see why, too. Seriously, I’m honestly not even going to write anything, just go Google that damn mountain range. My words (as loving as they are) could never do these mountains justice. 

Ski Town with a Twist 

Yep, Telluride is a ski town (it’s a Colorado mountain town, so it definitely makes sense). But it’s not like any old CO ski town—think of it like an Old West Town that just so happens to have some killer skiing. 

All the Off-Roading, Hiking, and Adventure You Could Want 

For all of you out there who love a heart-pumping, jaw-dropping, adrenaline rush, Telluride was basically made for you! Sure, you can hike, bike, and adventure to your heart’s content in any way you want, but if you’re looking for 4×4 exploration, Telluride (and the San Juan mountains in general) is a phenomenal option. Telluride’s mining heritage left a long, twisted network of jeep roads, trails, and mountain passes that are as stunning as they are adventurous (and some of them are NOT made for the faint of heart). Whether you have your own 4×4 vehicle, want to rent one, or feel like coming up with your own little off-roading adventure, Telluride is the place to do it. 

Way Out There 

Want to really get into the wilderness? Telluride has got you. Unlike other ski towns, you’re more than just a hop, skip, and a jump from big cities like Denver and Boulder. You’ll be way out there, just the way you like it. 

Alpine Lakes—Need I Say More? 

If you’ve always dreamed of accessing an alpine lake for your special day, then Telluride is a must! There’s a long list of lakes you can drive, hike, and adventure to—and many of them are insanely dramatic (AKA, they make the perfect spot for a stunning elopement. 

The Best Locations to Elope in Telluride  

There are a ton (like, a ton!) of spots that are must-elope locations in Telluride, but here are a few of my all-time faves! Don’t worry, I’d be happy to share some more amazing Telluride locations with you! 

San Sophia Overlook 

You and your love will truly feel like you’re on top of the world when you exchange vows at the San Sophia Overlook. Accessible only by gondola (swoon, right?), this ridge with a wooden deck and a grass amphitheater overlooks Telluride and features the San Juan Mountains larger than life in the background. After the ceremony, you can continue the celebration in a yurt, but note that this only happens during the summer. The best part is, unlike other outdoor areas your wedding isn’t limited by size—you can accommodate up to 200 people here! 

Bridal Veil Falls

Could any place in Colorado be more perfect for an elopement ceremony than Bridal Veil Falls? I mean, the name says it all, right? These stunning, sparkling waterfalls freefall for 365 feet at the very end of a canyon that just so happens to overlook Telluride. Yeah, it’s just as beautiful as it sounds. You’ll definitely have to hike to this spot, but trust me, it’s well worth it. The trees and meadows of the San Juan Mountains surrounding you and the soothing rush of Bridal Veil Falls will be a fitting backdrop to your marriage vows.

Lake Molas

You can hike or drive to Lake Molas and hold your elopement ceremony in one of the most unique and beautiful places that Colorado nature has to offer. The San Juan Mountains tower majestically around you and every detail of their peaks light up in the warm, bright sun for an other-worldly glow. The surface of Molas Lake is like a pristine mirror, perfectly reflecting the surrounding land and sky. You’ll feel at one with the elements as you and your significant other pledge your love to each other in a beautiful, jaw-dropping setting. 

Let’s Talk Season: The Best Time of the Year to Elope in Telluride 

Fall in Telluride (September-November) 

No cutesy intros here, just the facts—Telluride has an absolutely breathtaking Fall. If you’ve never seen a CO Fall, I dare you to do a quick Google to see what I’m talking about. Telluride has—arguably, if you dare argue with me about my CO passion—one of the most gorgeous, jaw-dropping, color-changing Falls you’ll ever see. The mountains look like they’re on fire (but like, in a good way, we’re not here for real fires), the weather is crisp and cool, and it’s a time that’s truly unlike any other season you see in Colorado. But don’t forget—Telluride is like a lot of other high-elevation areas, it gets chilly fast (especially when the sun goes down). If Fall is your jam (and like, I can see why it would be), just be prepared to layer up and prep for some potentially chilly weather—especially if you’re planning to be out and about before the sun comes up or after it goes down. 

Winter in Telluride (December- April) 

Snow-lovin’ couples, where you at? Telluride is for you if you love a good snowy scene, gorgeous low temps, and stellar bluebird days. Telluride is high up there (at about 8.750 ft. above sea level) so you can expect great skiing, lots of snow, and of course, plenty of cold, crisp Colorado weather, too. 

Spring in Telluride (May-June) 

Telluride Spring is stunning—but it’s also unpredictable. You could have a sunny, bluebird day or a storm, slushy mess—it all depends on how the weather gods are feeling that day (JK, that’s just part of Telluride spring). Though you can totally elope in the Spring in CO and have an epic time, I always advise couples to have a backup plan or two in case their location is too snowy, slushy, cold, or otherwise. 

Summer in Telluride (July-August) 

If you and your partner are outdoorsy, love options, and want tons of flexibility, then Summer is an absolutely killer time to elope in Telluride. It doesn’t hurt that wildflower season is absolutely epic here, too! Summer makes a ton of sense for most couples who want to embark on an adventurous elopement because the weather is warm, most trails are open and accessible, and the snow is (mostly) melted away. You also get an absolute ton of sunlight—you gotta love how long those summer days are, right? My one thing about eloping in CO in the summer is that layers and backup plans are a must. CO can be a touch unpredictable when it comes to summer thunderstorms in the mountains, so we always want to play it safe. 

The How-Tos & Paperwork: Telluride, Colorado Wedding Permit Details 

This part might sound boring, but it’s so necessary! I’ll make it quick, but I promise this is must-know info (that I think you might actually be really stoked to read—you’ll see why when I mention self-solemnization in a hot second). 

Location Permits & Fees 

Telluride is pretty dang chill about letting couples elope, host ceremonies, and even have receptions in tons of beautiful spots. But still, we gotta do our homework first to make sure it’s all good to go before we just decide on a spot. Typically, there are permits to file for, fees to be paid (though, they’re usually pretty minimal depending on your spot), and paperwork to fill out. And hear me out, I’m all about doing everything by the book—at least when it comes to the legal and environmental stuff. When we team up, know that I’ll help you figure out all the location permits, fees, and legal stuff with and for you. You’ll never be on your own here. 

Wedding Permits & Paperwork

Hey, look—here’s even more important info but in a much quicker format (raise your hand if you love a skimmable bulleted list)

• Marriage licenses must be used within 35 days of the issue date in Colorado 
• You don’t have to get your marriage license in Telluride—CO is cool with you getting your license in any county so long as it’s in Colorado 
• No witnesses are necessary—no officiants, either (we’ll get to that in a second)
• Licenses cost $30—but some counties might only accept cash, so prepare for that 
• There’s no waiting period—AKA, if you want to get your license, get married, and turn it back in all in the same 24 hours, that possibility is all yours.
• You must file the license (in person or by mail) in the county it was issued

**IMPORTANT NOTE** Some of these details might change because of COVID, the best advice I have is to check the county’s site to get all the info you’ll need.

Everything You Need to Know About Self-Solemnizing 

It might not seem like it right away, but this is literally the best part of the blog. You’re about to find out why. If you’ve never heard of self-solemnization, your life is about to change for the better. Colorado is one of the few states in the US that lets you get married without any witnesses or officials to make it, well, official. 

In other words, you can marry yourselves without any type of official present. Every state has different rules about what “counts” for an official wedding—often, you’ll have to include a witness or two and have an authorized person perform your marriage ceremony. But Colorado? They’re chill—they’re all about couples doing the damn thing all by themselves. 

The Top Elopement and Wedding Venues in Telluride 

Upper Schmid Ranch

Throw your elopement back to a bygone era when you hold your wedding at Upper Schmid Ranch. This working farm actually has been active since1882—when it was first homesteaded. Now, it’s part of a conservation effort to preserve the peace, quiet, and natural beauty of the area and the lost art of homestyle ranching. If you love rustic, vintage style, then you will love booking Upper Schmid Ranch for your wedding. You can hold the ceremony, the celebration, and your reception here, all surrounded by old cabins and an impressive view of Wilson Peak—a stunning 14,000-tall mountain. 

Observatory at Alta Lakes

The Observatory by the Alta Lakes is a rustic, luxurious lodge located 13 miles from Telluride. It’s perfect for a small wedding or an elopement ceremony. Not only will you find every amenity here, from gorgeous wood paneling and stone fireplaces to a full-service kitchen, but you’ll also reel from the fantastic views of the nearby Alta Lakes and the San Juan Mountains. The Observatory boasts to be one of the few U.S. properties situated at an elevation of 11,000+ ft. Here, you can let your heart soar with your love of nature and for your future spouse. 

Dunton Hot Springs

Dunton Hot Springs near Telluride is no doubt one of the most unique locations near Telluride to hold a small wedding or elopement. This tiny resort is a revamped ghost town, complete with cabins and a saloon. With the San Juan Mountains and forests on either side, you’ll feel secluded and far from the modern city when you make your marriage vows. And that’s the point: at its heart, Dunton Hot Springs is a luxurious getaway, complete with a spa and, of course, the eponymous hot springs. For a relaxed, informal wedding, this resort is an ideal venue.

Telluride Elopement Packages

Looking to create your ideal Telluride elopement and have it captured by your perfect-fit elopement photographer? Friends, I’m your gal! 

Don’t be fooled by the title, I’m so much more than your photographer. I’m there with you EVERY step of the way of your beautiful day, from brainstorming and planning to capturing and documenting your love story on the day you say “I do.” 

Want to know more about how I can help you plan your dream Telluride elopement? I’ve got you. Here are a few ways that I can be there for you throughout your entire elopement:

• Starting at 4 Hours of Coverage for $3600
• Exclusive Elopement Planning Guide for Captured by Marcela Couples
• 3 Questionnaires that help you get down to the root of what you want to better help you plan your perfect elopement
• Personalized and detailed elopement recommendations from yours truly 
• Local vendor recommendations 
• Timeline creation that details all the possibilities for your day 
• Packing lists galore 

And that’s just the start of it all! From helping you with permits to scouting out the best locations to being on your team through thick and thin, I’m here to help you and your partner craft a day that’s unique, memorable, and perfect for the two of you. 

Are You Loving the Thought of a Telluride Elopement? I Can Help Make it Happen. 

Telluride is adventurous, epic, and absolutely for every couple out there. Whether you want a heart-pounding adventure, a simple ceremony with a gorgeous backdrop, or a beautiful blend of it all, Telluride is the place for you. Your quintessential Colorado elopement is just a few steps away—and I’m here to help you make it happen. 

If you’re ready to get this damn thing going, reach out to me—I’m ready to help. 

Let’s hop on a call, get to know each other, and craft an elopement that’s authentic to you and your love. Looking for a little inspo? I’ve got you covered. Check out my elopement guide (right here) for a better look at how to plan your special day!