The Go-To Elopement Location Guide for Denver, Colorado
Yep, I said Denver, friends—and I mean it. I know it’s so (so!) tempting to think of little ski towns in the mountains when you consider eloping in Colorado (and like, to be honest, I get it), but do me a favor and hit up this elopement guide with an open mind.
Why?
Because Denver is one of my all-time fave locations for couples to elope—for like, a lot of reasons. And this blog is going to break down each and every one of those, provide you with some sweet elopement spots you’ll love, and even give you a detailed guide on everything you should know about this mile-high city.
Ready to dive into your Denver elopement? Let’s do this damn thing!
The Top Reasons to Elope in Denver
Here’s the very first thing you need to know about this list before you jump in—I could go on for literally forever. I won’t, because like, c’mon, we all only have so much attention span, but if these reasons don’t sell you, just let me know—I’ve got so many more to let you in on.
Incomparable Convenience
Denver is a killer choice for all those eloping couples who want to include their family and friends. Why? Because Denver is the home to an international airport—it’s so simple to fly directly into the city. With other remote mountain towns, your guests will have to fly into Denver and then drive up to where you are. Def not a deal-breaker for most, but if you seek convenience for your guests, it’s hard to beat Denver.
It’s the Perfect Hub
Why? Because it’s like the central point for all things CO. Breweries? Yep. Amazing food. Oh yeah. Centralized location so you can access all other amazing Colorado features, cities, and towns? Most def. Denver is the perfect central location if you want to hit everything up while you’re hanging in Co.
The Best Food, Drinks, & Entertainment
Don’t get me wrong, I am an absolute fiend for those remote little mountain towns, but I will say there’s a lack when it comes to next-level food, drink, and entertainment in some of those places. If that’s not your thing, don’t sweat it—but if you love a good meal and a great cocktail, you might miss out on that if you opt for a mountain town in the middle of nowhere. The best part about Denver? It’s got it all—like, literally anything you could imagine. Every type of cuisine and entertainment is at your fingertips, which means you never (never) have to settle.
Vendors, Vendors, and More Vendors
There are so many wedding vendors that have headquarters in Denver. If you’re looking for a kickass DJ, a wonderful florist, a bakery to craft a killer wedding cake, you’ll find them all in Denver!
In-City Beauty and Rugged Hikes, Too
With Denver, you get a little bit of everything—modern convenience and rugged, natural beauty. There are so many places in town (or even a few minutes outside of town) where you can hike and enjoy the outdoors, and then a few moments later be in the city sipping your fave brew. Sounds pretty dang wonderful to me.
The Best Locations to Elope in Denver
Red Rocks Park & Amphitheater
Alright, let’s talk Red Rocks. The red rock formations of Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater have been naturally forming over thousands and thousands of years—I mean, can you think of a better metaphor for your everlasting love and devotion to your spouse? Because I can’t. Another cute feature? The Trading Post Backyard behind the Amphitheater is designed to accommodate small weddings and features a lovely green garden and ancient red rocks so close you can touch them.
Panorama Point
From Panorama Point, you’ll find incomparable views of 100s of miles of the Continental Divide near Denver. The forest, sky, and mountains of Colorado are all opened up like a gift before you—which is like, the second-best gift you’ll receive at your elopement ceremony at the Point. You know that marrying your best friend takes the first-place prize.
Lookout Mountain
Situated at the feet of the Rockies sits the beautiful, amazing Lookout Mountain. This location has a few different stunning spots for a small elopement ceremony nestled in the heart of Colorado nature. From Lookout Mountain, you’ll get a bird’s eye view of the city of Golden along with the surrounding countryside and the sweep of the deep blue horizon.
Standley Lake
There is nothing more satisfying than watching the sunrise over the Rocky Mountains and reflecting its soft light onto a glittering lake, and that’s precisely what you can have at Standley Lake. Hold a small but gorgeous elopement ceremony in front of this beautiful scenery—on its own, it’s as a picture, but prettier still with you and your spouse exchanging wedding vows in it.
Cheesman Park
Cheesman Park in Denver features springy green lawns with plenty of room for wedding guests to sit or play as well as a Greek-style Pavilion where you can hold your marriage ceremony. You’ll also find lots of picnic tables and beautiful spots. This area is an inexpensive venue for a small wedding, which is perfect for a couple on a budget who isn’t interested in sacrificing beauty and elegance for the sake of the budget.
Mount Falcon
Mount Falcon is just about 30 minutes from the heart of Denver! There are two sections to Mount Falcon – east and west. West is my favorite but you’ll have these beautiful views in either location. This location also doesn’t require any hiking if that’s not you’re thing.
Denver Elopement Locations Map
Check out these amazing Denver Elopement Locations and Venues on the map. These are just a few. I have lots more amazing hidden gems to share!
Let’s Talk Season: The Best Time of the Year to Elope in Denver
Fall in Denver (September-November)
Changing leaves, cool temps, and the spirit of Autumn—that’s exactly what you get in Denver when Fall rolls around. You’ll likely see changing leaves closer to the middle of October down in Denver, unlike up in the mountains where you’ll catch them mid-to-late September.
Winter in Denver (December- April)
Here’s where Denver comes in clutch if you’re not necessarily a cold-weather person but still want to elope in CO. You’ll get the pretty snow and gorgeous capped mountains in the background for your day, but you don’t have to deal with the crazy temps that you’ll find up in the Rockies. Don’t get me wrong, Denver is still going to get cold, but it’s much milder than other mountain cities, and to be honest, it’s likely going to be pretty sunshine-y, too.
Spring in Denver (May-June)
Spring in Denver, like anywhere in CO, is going to be unpredictable. You might get a sunny, warm day with fresh flowers starting to bloom or you could get caught up in a surprise snowstorm. Spring is anybody’s best guess, to be honest, but it’s definitely still a great season for you and your love to elope! My only advice? Let’s come up with a plan B just in case we get a wildcard day.
Summer in Denver (July-August)
Summer in Denver is warm—like, really warm. And unlike being up in the mountains, it’s tough to catch a breeze or lower temps. If hot weather isn’t your thing, I do recommend taking it up a few thousand feet to a mountain town for beautiful wildflowers and lots of breezy, cool temps.
The How-Tos & Paperwork: Denver, Colorado Wedding Permit Details
Location Permits & Fees
The best thing about Colorado is how easy they make it to get married. That sounds funny, but hear me out—CO is like, so chill about you getting married that they don’t even require you have witnesses or an officiant. If you sign the right papers, you’re good to go (but more on that later).
What you do need to know about are the fees, permits, and licenses. Like any other state, you’ll likely need to acquire a permit, pay a fee, and get the right permissions in order to elope or get married in the spot you want to. For example, if you want to elope in Red Rocks, there’s a form to fill out and a fee to pay—but other than that, it’s pretty chill.
This might seem intimidating, but it’s actually all simple—and I’m here to help you every step of the way.
Wedding Permits & Paperwork
- Marriage licenses must be used within 35 days of the issue date in Colorado
- You don’t have to get your marriage license in Denver County—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
**SPOILER ALERT** I highly recommend you always check with the specific county you’re planning to elope in for their unique rules. Check out the Denver County website for more information about eloping here.
Everything You Need to Know About Self-Solemnizing
Remember when I said Colorado was so chill about getting married that they don’t require an officiant or witnesses? Here’s why. In CO, you can self-solemnize.
Self-solemnizing means you don’t need witnesses, officiants, or any type of official to make your marriage ceremony an official act. AKA, you can marry yourselves—just you and your partner, however, you want—without any type of official present to make it the “real deal.” You literally make it the real deal without anyone else’s authority.
Is that not the most amazing damn thing you’ve ever heard? Because I think it’s pretty crazy amazing.
The Top Elopement and Wedding Venues in Denver
So, tell me—is Denver feeling your dream spot? I thought it might be. Let’s really seal the deal and look at a few of the best elopement and wedding venues in Denver. Here’s a quick spoiler alert, though—this is just the tip of the iceberg.
I’ve put together a smattering of a few of my fave spots but know that this list could go on forever. Don’t see something here that screams “that’s what we want for our day”? Don’t sweat it. The beautiful thing about Denver is that so many options exist.
Denver Botanical Gardens
For a unique outdoor wedding that will impress your guests (as well as you and your future spouse of course), consider having your reception, ceremony, or both at the Denver Botanical Gardens. This paradise of lush flowers and ferns, tile paths, and sparkling fountains is an ideal spot for an exquisite wedding or elopement.
Denver Clock Tower
OK, so, I’m going to take this opportunity to insert a *marriage withstanding the test of time joke* right here because it’s just too good to pass up! Commit to your love and say your vows of eternal devotion at the Denver Clock Tower. This unique wedding venue is one that you’ll never forget. The best part? There’s room for large groups of people here, so don’t hold back: make this the wedding of your dreams that you and your spouse will remember fondly for years to come.
Blanc Denver
Trendy, contemporary, and beautiful, Blanc Denver in Downtown Denver is the perfect wedding venue if you seek a chic indoor space. Accented with exposed brick, stunning ceiling architecture, and bright, shiny slab flooring, this modern space is jaw-droppingly stunning. There’s even an adorable outdoor patio set with modern, “urban chic” furniture, twinkle lights, and curated arrangements of brightly colored verdure. Overall, Blanc Denver’s tasteful, minimalist, and open design will lend a light, airy atmosphere to your wedding (perfect for 150 people or less!)
Moss Denver
Moss Denver is a gorgeous indoor venue that blends industrial accents with the soft grace of plant decor and rustic wood furniture. The owners of Moss Denver pride themselves on being adaptable so that they can seamlessly combine your vision with theirs to create a unique and beautiful space for your wedding. The result will be a wedding as true-to-you as you and your spouse are to each other.
Denver Elopement Packages
Looking to create your ideal Denver 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 Denver elopement? I’ve got you. Here are a few ways that I can be there for you throughout your entire elopement:
- Exclusive 100-page 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.
Down to Elope in Denver?
Let me guess, you’re straight-up convinced that Denver is your go-to elopement location, right? I figured! Denver is a rad spot for eloping couples who want to get hitched in serious style. And you know what? It’s got a little bit of everything for everyone, which I think is so rare.
Are you ready to plan your amazing day? Then, c’mon—let’s do this damn thing! Reach out to me when you’re ready to chat and I’ll provide all the insight, advice, and guidance I can.
Need a little more info to get your elopement plans going? I’ve linked to my elopement guide (right here) for some serious guidance on how you can begin crafting your perfect day.
