Colorado is a stunning location for an elopement for adventurers, nature lovers, beer officianados and, well, everyone. From the buzz of Denver, to the natural awe of Colorado Springs and Estes Park – Colorado is the stuff of magic. So, now that you’ve decided you want to elope, and you’d like to do so with the Rocky Mountains as your witness – the question remains. How to elope in Colorado? 

The steps to make your marriage legal, whether an elopement, a micro wedding or a traditional wedding, can feel complicated, tedious, and stressful. Fret not – that’s where we come in. At Simply Eloped we’ve supported more than 14,000 couples on their way down the aisle, and have more than enough experience to guide you through how to elope in Colorado. With some planning and a little bit of help, it can be done quickly and stress free! Here, we’ll review:

• How to obtain a marriage license 
• Witnesses required for your Colorado elopement
• All inclusive Colorado elopement packages
• Top booked venues in Colorado on Simply Eloped
• How to change your last name after marriage

*cracks knuckles* Alright, let’s do this.

How to Get your Marriage License

Getting your marriage license is arguably the most important part of your wedding journey. Why? This is what makes your marriage, well, legal. In terms of importance, this one is top tier. Actually acquiring your marriage license differs from state to state, so be sure to apply for your marriage license in the state that you plan to marry. 

You do not need to be a resident of Colorado to get married there. If you’re looking to get married in Colorado, however, you will need a Colorado marriage license. The Denver government website is incredibly helpful for all your to-do’s and know-how’s for all things marriage license. However, we’ve done our homework, having organized quite a few (read: a lot) of Colorado elopements, and can give you a rundown. Please note once you’ve acquired your marriage license, it needs to be used within 35 days.

1. Apply for your marriage license: you can find this application online. Read through the marriage license requirements and apply online before making an appointment. 
2. Schedule an appointment: Your appointment can be done in person or online. However, if you opt for online, both you and your partner need to take the call from within the state of Colorado. Your appointment can be made up to seven days in advance. If you’re seeking an in person appointment and none are available within a seven day time period, you can look to nearby jurisdictions.
3. Get ready for your appointment: When going or joining the call for your appointment, you’ll need:
   • To have downloaded Microsoft Teams (if online)
   • Have both you and your partner present for the appointment
   • Valid forms of identification. This includes:
     • US state- issued drivers license
     • US state-issued military ID
     • Passport that includes the english language
     • You are required to provide your social security number, if you have one
   • Payment for fees in the form of either cash, credit card or check. Payments are outlined here:
     • Marriage or Civil Union license: $30.00
     • Committed Partnership license: $25.00
     • License or Application copy: $0.25
     • License or Application certified copy: $1.25 – each additional page $0.25

Please note that there’s a number of questions you’ll be asked during your appointment, questions which are available to you ahead of time. These include

• The date you’re getting married
• Where you’re getting married
• Exact date and location of a divorce or spouse’s death, if applicable to either party. If the divorce is finalized within 30 days of submitting your new marriage license application, you will need to bring a certified copy of your divorce decree.
• Your relationship if related by blood
• The city and state that each of your parents were born
• How many days for license to be legit
• Very helpful information on the Denver government website.

Obtaining a Wedding Officiant

Colorado wedding officiant rules are a little unique. Your marriage must be solemnized for your marriage application and certificate to be recorded. A marriage may be solemnized by an officiant who has been ordained or recognized by a religion, judge of the court, a retired judge, or public official whose powers include solemnizing marriage. However, if either you or your spouse fits any of these requirements – you can self solemnize your own marriage. Meaning, an officiant is required for your marriage to be legal in Colorado but you can be your own officiant.  If finding an officiant seems like a tall task – look to us. When working with Simply Eloped, we coordinate your officiant for you!

Are Witnesses Required for a Colorado Elopement?

No, witnesses are not required to elope or make your marriage legal in Colorado. So for those who are looking for a remote elopement with just you and your partner, Colorado may be calling your name.

All Inclusive Colorado Elopement Packages

Simply Eloped offers a number of customizable elopement packages for your Colorado Elopement! Our Seed, Simply Photographed, Sprout, Bloom, Oasis, and Wildflower packages are available in Colorado. This provides each couple the unique opportunity to build their perfect, customizable elopement package from top to bottom. Here are a few details on each package. To see more information on each of these Louisiana elopement packages, click here.

• Seed Package Details: Includes professional officiant, personalized ceremony, advice on obtaining your marriage license and dedicated Elopement Specialist.
• Simply Photographed Details: Covers one hour of professional photography and dedicated Elopement Specialist.
• Sprout Package Details: Offers a professional officiant, personalized ceremony, one hour of photography, and dedicated Elopement Specialist.
• Bloom Package Details: Includes a professional officiant, personalized ceremony, one hour of photography, a Nosegay bouquet and boutonniere, and dedicated Elopement Specialist.
• Oasis Package Details: Covers professional officiant, two hours of photography, one hour of videography, hair and make up for one person, a Nosegay bouquet and boutonniere and dedicated Elopement Specialist.
• Wildflower Package Details: Our most customizable package. Includes a professional officiant, four hours of photography, coordinated transportation, customizable floral arrangements and a dedicated Elopement Specialist.

Places to Elope in Colorado

Curious about venues? Here are our top venues in Colorado with all their details.

Garden of the Gods

Garden of the Gods is an absolute dream venue. Nestled in Colorado Springs, this is the perfect spot for those looking for an elopement with Rocky Mountain views. A permit is required to elope at Garden of the Gods, which we will file on your behalf. If you’re seeking an outdoor Rocky Mountain elopement with up to 20 loved ones, this is the place for you!

Garden of the Gods welcomes leashed pets, acoustic music or music through bluetooth, has an on site bathroom, is wheelchair accessible, and is parking lot accessible. Please keep in mind that chairs, alcohol, candles and sparklers are not permitted.

Sapphire Point

Near Breckenridge Colorado is a little slice of elopement heaven – Sapphire Point. If you’re looking for a mountain elopement with 360 degree views of the Rocky’s with 30 of your loved ones – Sapphire Point is the perfect pick. Please note that a permit is required, which needs to be submitted by the marrying couple. 

Sapphire Point welcomes pets on leash, acoustic music or music through bluetooth, chairs, has an on site bathroom, is wheelchair accessible, and has parking available. Please note that candles, sparklers, flower petals and confetti are not permitted.

3M Curve

If you’re seeking a secluded adventure elopement in Colorado, 3M Curve is exactly what you’ve been looking for. This beautiful, remote elopement venue offers a stunning mountain setting that’s far away from crowds. 3M Curve currently welcomes elopements of 11 guests or less. A permit is required to get married at 3M Curve, which we will coordinate on  your behalf.

This venue welcomes streaming, alcohol (what you carry in, you carry out,) and there is parking available. Please keep in mind that chairs, candles, sparklers, flower petals, and pets are not permitted. There is also no bathroom available, and this venue is not wheelchair accessible. 

3M Curve a Simply Eloped Wildflower venue. Wildflower venues are those that we consider ‘adventure elopements,’ and are customized to fit exactly that. This package offers four to six hours of photography, a custom ceremony officiant, hiking to and from the ceremony spot, hair, make up and more. 

Sprague Lake

This venue is a bit out of a storybook. This beautiful lake surrounded by the Rocky Mountains is perfect for those who are looking to exchange vows surrounded by nature. Able to host up to 26 guests, this Wildflower venue is ready for the adventure elopement of your dreams. A permit is required to get married at Sprague Lake, which we will coordinate for you.

Sprague Lake welcomes streaming, alcohol (what you bring in, you take out,) acoustic music through a bluetooth, is wheelchair accessible, has a bathroom on site, and has available parking. Please note however, chairs, candles, sparklers, flower petals and pets are not permitted.

Lost Gulch

This intimate venue is the perfect outdoor elopement location for those looking for a small celebration surrounded by nature. With views of the Indian Peaks Wilderness, Lost Gulch Overlook allows couples to exchange vows with Colorado’s expanse as their witness. A permit is required to get married at Lost Gulch, which we will coordinate on your behalf. 

Lost Gulch welcomes pets on leash, music that’s either acoustic or through a bluetooth, and has a small parking lot available. Please note this venue does not allow chairs, alcohol, confetti, flower petals or sparklers. Additionally, there is no on site bathroom and it is not wheelchair accessible. 

How to Change your Last Name in Colorado

Changing your name is a very state dependent process and should occur within the state you live. So if you’re a resident of Colorado, this one’s for you. Your name change can occur after your marriage or civil union license is recorded at the Recording Division. Meaning, once you’ve gotten married, signed your marriage license, mailed it back, and received your marriage certificate – you’re ready to start the name changing process. Here’s a breakdown of the steps you’ll take to legally change your name in Colorado:

1. Receive your marriage certificate: this should have the last name you intended to take before your vows. If you’re taking your spouse’s name – this is the name that should be displayed next to your first name on your marriage certificate. Check with your local Recording Division to confirm if your original recorded document will suffice, or if you’ll need to obtain a certified copy of your marriage license. Some locations will take the original. However, you’ll need your marriage certificate to change your name on your passport – so best to have at least one certified copy.
2. Change your name on your Social Security card: this is typically the first step in each state because you’ll need this as a form of identification to change your legal ID and your passport. To do this, you’ll request a replacement Social Security card. Depending on your situation, you may be able to do this online. If not, you’ll make an appointment at your local office. During your appointment, you’ll need to bring your original marriage or civil union license and your current ID. There is a fee to complete this process and your new social security number will be mailed to you.
3. Change your name on your driver’s license: Once you’ve changed your name on your social security card, and you’ve received your physical card in the mail – you’re eligible to change your name on your driver’s license. You’ll need to make an appointment and visit a Department of Motor Vehicle office to do so.  At your appointment, bring acceptable name change documents, which include:
   • Certified marriage certificate
   • Certified civil union certificate
   • Certified divorce degree or decree of separation
   • Certified birth certificate
   • Acceptable form of payment for related cost and fees

Please note that customers are required to notify the Department of Revenue within 30 days of changing their names due to marriage, divorce, separation or civil union. You’ll also need to change your name on your vehicle title or registration, which can be done at your County Motor Vehicles office. 

1.  Change your name on your passport: This is the last step to legally change your name, and the direction will change based on the time in which you’re changing your name. If you’re changing the name on your passport within a year after your name change, the process will be different than if it’s been over a year. Either way you’re eligible to renew by mail. Check the travel.state.gov website to see which form you’ll need to fill out and what is required. Typically, you’ll need to mail in your:
   • Filled out application
   • Your most recent passport
   • Your certified name change document – this is your marriage certificate
   • Fees in the form of a check
   • A color photo – these can be done at convenient stores or many public libraries

Once these steps are completed, your legal name change is complete! From here, you’ll need to change over other important documents and accounts like your credit cards, bills, employers, car and health insurance and more.

Eloping is an exciting moment in you and your partner’s life! Though there’s a few steps to get you down the aisle, Simply Eloped is here to support you in the full process. To learn more about our packages and services, chat with one of our Personal Elopement Designers.

This article has been fact checked and reviewed for accuracy by a Simply Eloped Personal Specialist Planner in January 2026.

Written by Lisa Guglielmo

Lisa is the Marketing Manager at Simply Eloped. Having gotten married in 2022, she experienced the good (and not so good,) of traditional wedding planning. Here, she loves watching couples do their weddings their way.