All Things Winter Elopements

Snow angels and hot cocoa. They fill your dreams, right? You might be a winter person.

Admittedly, there is something indescribably magical about when the world turns cold and white. Throw in a wedding dress, mind-blowing vista, and the love of your life, and you may just have the most perfect day possible.

Before you run to the closest snow-covered peak with your partner to get hitched, there are a few things to know. Lucky for you, the title of this little piece says it all—this is your one-stop-shop for all things winter elopements.

So, keep on reading this winter elopement guide for everything you need to know before saying “I Do”.

The Best Months to Elope in the Winter in Colorado

Winter in Colorado can be unpredictable and vary depending on where in Colorado you choose to elope. To mitigate these factors, it’s important to time your elopement carefully.

The best winter months to elope in Colorado are December, January, and February.

• December – As the first true month of winter in Colorado, December usually signals when snow begins to accumulate. You can expect it to be chilly and days to be short, so light is at a premium for activities and photos. Depending on the year, there may or may not be enough snow to achieve your dreamy winter wedding aesthetic.
• January – Snow accumulation is in full effect, giving the landscape that “winter wonderland” look. Locations may become more limited due to weather and accessibility.
• February – Stellar snow accumulation and a greater percentage of active snowfall. The scenery will undoubtedly be epic, but there are environmental factors that must be taken into account.

The Top Colorado Winter Elopement Locations

Let’s get one thing straight—it is practically impossible to go wrong in Colorado. The entire state is packed with beautiful winter vistas that are perfect for a picturesque elopement.

Narrowing your list of potential winter elopement locations can be challenging simply because there are so many amazing destinations in Colorado.

To help you out, I’ve listed my top Colorado winter elopement locations below. If you have an interest in other areas, that’s great—these are just some of my favorites I had to include in this winter elopement guide!

• Telluride – Nestled in the iconic San Juan Mountains and located alongside an area known as “The Switzerland of America,” there is no doubt that Telluride has it all—unbelievable landscapes, top-tier dining, and loads of outdoor activities.
• Breckenridge – This legendary ski town is exceptionally popular, especially in the winter. With easy access to fantastic elopement sites, snowshoe trails, and skiing, there is no end to the possibilities in Breckenridge.
• Rocky Mountain National Park – Want to experience Rocky Mountain National Park with no crowds and gorgeous snow-capped peaks? Winter is the best time to elope in RMNP, especially if you want a more intimate experience.

What to Expect and What to Wear for Winter Elopements in Colorado

This winter elopement guide wouldn’t be complete without a detailed explanation of staying warm! Eloping in the winter requires a bit more planning than other seasons might demand. The weather in Colorado can be treacherous, especially if you plan on escaping to a remote destination in the winter.

Expect temperatures to range from the 30s to below zero, especially at higher elevations. If you want your winter elopement to be sunny and bright, you may have to be flexible and plan around the weather forecast, as daylight is short and often overcast.

When planning your winter elopement in Colorado, be sure to plan your clothing appropriately. And don’t worry about compromising the dreamy attire you’ve planned out in your head—you can you’re your best elopement clothes while still staying warm. Here’s how!

Dresses

There are only two key considerations (not including layers, of course!) to make when selecting a dress for your Colorado winter elopement.

Dresses shouldn’t be too long, as they will get soaked in snow. While a dirty wedding dress is something I personally love—it tells the story of your adventurous elopement—a wet dress that accumulates snow can impact your mobility and overall enjoyment of the day.

Speaking of mobility, opting for a dress that you can move freely in is essential if you plan on being active on your elopement day. From hiking to snowshoeing, a dress that limits mobility limits you!

Suits

Your winter elopement suit should check a couple of boxes to be ideal for Colorado winter weather.

Like the dress, a suit should give you room to move and navigate potentially treacherous terrain without restriction. While there’s nothing wrong with a nicely fitted suit (flaunt it!), be sure you can add base layers and at least one jacket.

Winter Boots and Microspikes

When it comes to footwear, your winter elopement options are a bit limited. I’d love to tell you that those stylish heels (or sandals, no judgment here) you’ve had your eye on will be perfect, but the reality is that winter severely limits your footwear selection.

I recommend boots, preferably ones with some form of waterproofing and grippy soles. In addition to the boots, you may want to pick up some microspikes. These little wonders can be the difference between a magical winter elopement and a busted tailbone!

Accessories

Aside from jewelry, bolo ties, and boot tags (or whatever else you want to spice up your wedding attire with), there are a handful of winter-specific accessories you may want to consider before heading off into the cold.

Items that can be used to retain warmth are key, including layers, coats, leggings, extra socks, gloves, scarves, and so forth. Trust me; you will be glad you accessorized with winter in mind, and these additions can add a bit of flair to your elopement getup.

Colorado Winter Elopement Ideas Guide

Thanks to Colorado’s world-class outdoor activities and stunning elopement venues, there is a myriad of memorable winter elopement opportunities. This winter elopement guide has some amazing and unique activity ideas!

Classic winter adventures such as snowmobiling, dog sledding, and horse-drawn carriage rides can elevate your elopement experience and make it truly magical. There are numerous local businesses that offer these services depending on where in Colorado you plan to elope, giving you ample opportunity to craft the winter elopement of your dreams.

You can also try your hand at ice skating, snowshoeing, or skiing (or snowboarding if you’re really cool). To warm up, consider taking indoor breaks in town, make hot cocoa, huddle around a campfire, or do a combination of everything!

Tips and Tricks for Winter Elopement in Colorado

Eloping in Colorado in the winter is an experience that will blow your mind and fill your heart with a lifetime of cherished memories. I hope this guide gave you the insight and inspiration you need to plan your perfect Colorado elopement.

Remember that, despite the best-laid plans, the Colorado winters can be unpredictable, and the weather might not cooperate. Layering is an absolute must, and the right gear can be the difference between a carefree experience and misery. So, plan accordingly!

Unfortunately, I can’t count the times—despite my most well-intentioned insistence—couples have forgotten essential preparedness items like layers, hand warmers, and proper winter gear. 

But sometimes, even if the forecast projects fantastic weather, coming unprepared can take the best elopement experience and turn it upside down.

You want to remember your elopement as pure bliss, not the time you got frostbite.

I’m not here to harp on any particular point or anything, I just want my couples to have the best elopement day ever. That’s why it is absolutely integral to your positive wedding day that I emphasize it as best I can. 

Bring layers!

If there is one thing I want you to remember from this winter elopement guide it’s this!! For a more comprehensive list of winter preparedness items you should consider bringing with you on your Colorado winter elopement, please reach out to me. 

I have loads of experience, with couples and as a solo adventurer, with the unpredictable elements this beautiful state can throw at you.

Make Your Winter Elopement in Colorado Magical

There’s no doubt that Colorado in the winter is as beautiful as anywhere. It makes for the perfect destination for winter elopements, especially if you take your time and work out all the details. That’s where I come in! Reach out if you’d like even more information than this winter elopement guide includes!

Consider me your go-to resource for all things Colorado winter elopement. Whether it’s general questions or specific scheduling details, I’m happy to help you out as much (or as little) as you want. To get the conversation going (and this show on the road), say hello today!