How to Elope in Colorado
With panoramic views of mountains, lakes, and valleys at your fingertips, there is seemingly no shortage of perfect places in Colorado to get married—especially if you’re eloping. A Colorado elopement is all about the juxtaposition of true love and natural beauty. But there’s more to a Colorado elopement than simply picking an epic location (although don’t worry, we’ve got you covered on that front too). Between making your elopement legal to finding an elopement package that’s the perfect fit for your big day, this guide is your be-all and end-all for small weddings in Colorado.
What are the best places to elope in Colorado?
If you’re looking for mountain views and wildlife sightings, Rocky Mountain National Park can’t be beaten. 3M Curve is among our favorite locations in the park, complete with panoramic views, although we also love the combination of pristine waters and mountains available at Sprague, Lily, and Bear Lakes. If you’re looking for the sound of a creek, ample forest, and a bit more seclusion, Hidden Valley is one of the park’s best-kept secrets. Sapphire Point, located outside the park about an hour and a half west of Denver, also offers one of the best views in the states—hemmed in by the Gore and Tenmile mountain ranges, this venue overlooks the Dillon Reservoir.
Lost Gulch Overlook and Chautauqua Park, both in Boulder, Colorado, offer beautiful views of the foothills and surrounding mountains without the long drive or 2,500+ feet in elevation gain. Plus, Boulder is a great option if you don’t want to rent a car and are okay catching an Uber or Lyft (a direct bus runs from the city to the airport). Although both locations are popular with locals who enjoy hiking in Chautauqua or watching the sunset over the Indian Peaks Wilderness at Lost Gulch, there are plenty of spots for a more private ceremony. Sunrise Amphitheater, also in Boulder, is the ideal venue for greeting the new day and starting a new life together (unfortunately, it’s currently closed due to Covid-19).
If you’re into alien-like landscapes and unique rock formations, then the Paint Mines or Garden of the Gods might be the location for you. The Paint Mines, located on the eastern plains of Colorado, is scattered with hoodoos, sandstone-capped spires, and colored clay, the remnants of a 55 million-year-old tropical forest. Garden of the Gods, on the other hand, located in Colorado Springs, offers towering red rocks nestled in the shadow of Pike’s Peak. Both spots guarantee unbelievable photographs and as such, are very popular with tourists year-round (there are always quiet nooks to be found though).
No matter where you choose, there are some Colorado elopement locations, like the above, that are easily accessible, while others may require hiking or backpacking. If you want a custom itinerary, with multiple locations or a long hike, we recommend our Wildflower Elopement Package.
How much does it cost to elope in Colorado?
A Colorado elopement can be incredibly affordable. Since Denver is centrally located and considered a hub for many airlines, there are always good deals on flights. If you do fly in, you will likely want to factor in renting a car since many of Colorado’s best elopement destinations require a fair bit of (often scenic) driving. If it’s winter, we recommend renting a 4WD vehicle.
Simply Eloped’s Colorado elopement packages range from $450 for a basic ceremony (a tailored wedding script, officiant, and help with coordination) to $3,550 for our premium package (which includes hair and makeup, a day of helper, and videography, amongst other things). There are plenty of price points in between and we’re always happy to work with couples based on their vision and budget.
How do I find the right vendors for my small Colorado wedding?
When thinking about your Colorado elopement, envision what your day looks like. Do you see yourself with a lush bouquet, a photographer capturing each perfect moment, and an officiant who delivers an authentic, intimate ceremony? Or perhaps you’ve dreamt of a bridal look done by a professional hair and makeup artist, along with a videographer who can capture every moment for your family and friends not present? The right vendors are crucial when it comes to bringing your dream to life.
If you’re looking for the top wedding contractors in the business, you’ve come to the right place! Simply Eloped only works with the best. From officiants to photographers, hair and makeup to a musician to serenade your walk down the “aisle,” we’ve done all the legwork of finding quality vendors so you don’t have to. Once you choose one of our Colorado elopement packages we’ll connect you directly with your vendors to ask questions and map out your dream ceremony.
Vendors can be a wealth of information when it comes to helping to plan your Colorado elopement. Because they are local to the area, they often can help you with details you might not have considered, especially when it comes to specific locations or even things like restaurants and lodging recommendations. Our vendors have seen it all, so there are no dumb or annoying questions.
