Epic Colorado Elopement Locations
There are so many absolutely breathtaking locations in Colorado. I’m especially passionate about helping couples find hidden gems for their elopement. In fact, I have a detailed list of over 100 amazing locations! As you choose where to elope in Colorado, consider the activities you want to take part in during your elopement.
Colorado Elopement Locations Considerations
– Do you want to go for a hike? Would you rather drive somewhere?
– Are you more drawn to an open field, Aspen groves, lakes, mountains, canyons?
– Do you like running barefoot in the sand, or would you prefer the feeling of grass underfoot?
– Maybe you want your dog to act as Best Man or Maid of Honor, and a pup-friendly trail is a top priority.
Elope at Rocky Mountain National Park
RMNP is certainly the first place that comes to mind for many couples considering a mountainous Colorado elopement. For those who obtain permits, it’s the idyllic wild location you might be looking for! However, the increasing popularity of RMNP as a wedding location has led the park to become more restrictive. If this is where you want to elope, try reaching out to secure your permit immediately!
Region: North Central Colorado
Best Time of Year: Late Spring – Early Fall
Permits: Yes! Click HERE to learn more, but a RMNP permit requires a $250 processing fee, and ceremonies are restricted to 12 certain areas within the park.
Length of Hike: Varied! From drive-up locations to short hikes, the list of allowed RMNP wedding locations varies in accessibility.
Dog Friendly: No-ish. There are only two ceremony locations that allow dogs. Dogs are also not allowed on trails in RMNP and I’d suggest a location outside the park boundaries if your furry friends will be joining you.
Elope at Great Sand Dunes National Park
Great Sand Dunes National Park is the perfect Colorado elopement location for desert lovers! In the spring, you can hike out to patches of wildflowers growing amongst the dunes, discover locations where snowy mountains are backdrops to sandy ceremonies, or find yourself on Mars at places where you’ll see nothing but sand as far as you look.
Region: South Central Colorado
Best Time of Year: Year-Round!
Permits: Yes! Click HERE to learn more about acquiring a wedding permit for Great Sand Dunes.
Length of Hike: Varied! Great Sand Dunes has various elopement locations of all levels of accessibility, and hiking farther out into the dunes will lead you anywhere from 3 to 8 miles out.
Dog Friendly: Somewhat! Great Sand Dunes is one of the few National Parks where dogs are allowed, even on-leash. However, there are areas where your pup is NOT permitted, so plan your day accordingly.
Elope at Brainard Lake
The Brainard Lake Recreation Area is a beautiful bit of wilderness just south of RMNP. It makes a perfect place to elope for its accessibility, various hiking trails, and incredible backdrops. Depending on how secluded you want your elopement to be, Brainard Lake would make the perfect start-off point for a day hike or the perfect place for an early morning elopement on the shores of the lake.
Region: North Central Colorado
Best Time of Year: Late Spring – Early Fall
Permits: No! Though, there is an $11 entry fee to the recreation area.
Length of Hike: Varied! You can access the shore of the lake a short hike from the road, or reach incredible views on hikes up to 7 miles through the recreation area.
Dog Friendly: Yes! On-leash only.
Elope at Loveland Pass
Loveland Pass is a high mountain pass at nearly 12,000 feet, and one of the highest passes to remain open all winter. In the summer, this makes for a popular mountain scenic drive, and in the winter this area is popular for all levels of snow sport.
Region: Central Colorado
Best Time of Year: Year-Round! Though, extremely snowy November-March.
Permits: Yes.
Length of Hike: None! Of course, there are hikes beginning at Loveland Pass that are accessible from this parking area. However, no hiking is necessary to access the stunning views.
Dog Friendly: Yes! On-leash only.
Elope at Dillion Reservoir
Dillion Reservoir is located in Dillon near Silverthorne and Breckenridge and has amazing mountain vistas. You can even rent a sailboat and set sail at sunset and say your vows on the water. There is even a pavilion that can be rented at the Marina for those who want to elope with some guests.
Region: Western Colorado
Best Time of Year: Year-round
Permits: No!
Length of Hike: None!
Dog Friendly: Yes! On-leash only.
Elope at Lake Isabelle
The picture of pristine Colorado wilderness, Lake Isabelle is a perfect elopement location for couples willing to make the trek to this beautiful alpine lake. A bit harder to reach in the winter months, Lake Isabelle will not disappoint you with its stunning mountainous backdrop, blue waters, and pine trees. Camp there and wake up for a sunrise elopement in the summer – you’ll be amazed by the alpenglow turning mountains bright orange in the first light of day!
Region: North Central Colorado
Best Time of Year: Year-Round
Permits: No! Though, there is an $11 entry fee to the recreation area.
Length of Hike: 8 to 11 miles, depending on the time of year. The lake is only accessible via skis or snowshoe in the winter months.
Dog Friendly: Yes! On-leash only.
Elope at Emerald Lake
Emerald Lake is located near the quaint alpine town of Crested Butte. Not only is this lake accessible by car (so you can avoid getting too hot and sweaty during a hike) but it also has the most adorable red canoe that is free to use. In the springtime, the area is COVERED in wildflowers, and in the fall, the trees engulf the landscape in beautiful yellows and oranges.
Region: Western Colorado
Best Time of Year: Late Spring – Early Fall
Permits: No!
Length of Hike: This lake is a 5-minute hike/walk from the parking lot.
Dog Friendly: Yes! On-leash only.
Elope at Warrior Mountain
This EPIC overlook is an amazing location is nestled Evergreen. Located over 11,00 ft, this location has some pretty expansive views. If you aren’t afraid of heights, this secret hidden in a beauty is definitely an amazing option! Plus there are also so many other amazing views located nearby!
Region: South Western Colorado
Best Time of Year: Late Spring – Early Fall
Permits: No!
Length of Hike: The waterfall can be accessed via high clearance 4WD or a 45-minute steep hike from a parking lot.
Dog Friendly: Yes! On-leash only.
Elope at Secret Location 1
This secret location is up a rocky, steep drive that is not for the faint of heart. But the views are so worth it! It’s located in between two gorgeous mountain peaks and overlooks a valley. It also has a small alpine lake and campsites that make it a perfect location for multiday elopements.
Region: Secret
Best Time of Year: Late Spring – Early Fall
Permits: No!
Length of Hike: No hiking involved!
Dog Friendly: Yes! On-leash only.
Elope at Secret Location 2
This secret location is easily accessible by car. There is an adorable little bridge at the end of this short, easy hike. There is also a spot for enjoying a picnic, cut a small wedding cake, or celebrate with some champagne.
Region: Secret
Best Time of Year: Early Summer – Late Fall
Permits: No
Length of Hike: This end of the lake is a 30-minute hike/walk from the parking lot.
Dog Friendly: Yes! On-leash only.
Looking for a Different Elopement Experience?
Colorado isn’t just all-day hikes and exhausting 14ers (though those adventures are wonderful in their own way), there are many easily accessed views, lakes, and elopement locations perfect for couples of all skill levels. Reach out and I’ll help you find the perfect Colorado elopement location for your dream outdoor wedding!
Leave No Trace
Wherever you choose to elope in Colorado, you’ll be sure to have an adventure! But in order to keep Colorado beautiful please make sure to follow all Leave No Trace Principles. As an adventure wedding and elopement photographer, I wouldn’t be doing my job if I didn’t remind you! These seven principles help reduce the impact of our natural spaces and protect the wild places we love so much!
