Best Places to Elope in Colorado

If you want to elope in Colorado, but aren’t sure where, you’ve come to the right place! With so many beautiful places to choose from, it can be overwhelming, but I’m here to help make your dream elopement a reality by breaking down the best places to elope in Colorado.

I’ve photographed over 50 weddings and elopements in the incredible state of Colorado (not to mention the other wonderful places I’ve shot weddings), so I’ve researched a lot of locations. My definition of fun is hiking new trails and scouring Google Earth to find the perfect place for my couples to say “I do.”

I won’t list specific coordinates or trailheads for each location on the list in an effort to Leave No Trace and protect this beautiful state I call home. If you’re looking for more info, head to my contact form and we’ll chat specifics.

One more thing to note: it’s important to stay up to date regarding permits and restrictions for eloping in each specific location below. I provide general information, but the rules are ever changing. If you want to verify permit requirements for a specific location, just give me a holler and I’d be happy to look into it for you!

Without further ado, here are the best places to elope in Colorado:

Loveland Pass

Loveland Pass is my favorite place for couples to elope in Colorado because it offers incredible mountain top views without much hiking. There are two lakes, stunning peaks and vibrant wildflowers in the summer.

The top of the pass sits at 11,991 feet above sea level, which means winter lasts a bit longer and starts a bit early, so July and August are the best months to elope at Loveland Pass.

Permits: This land is a part of the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests. Typically, permits are not required for groups under 75.

Boulder

Boulder has a variety of places you can say “I do” and even some spaces you can reserve. My favorite reservable spot is the Halfway House. You can also elope on OSMP land. My two favorite spots are Chautauqua Park and Lost Gulch Overlook.

Besides the natural beauty, another benefit to eloping in Boulder is that you have access to a fun and bustling downtown with plenty of places to go celebrate after you make it official!

Permits: The Boulder OSMP Photography permit is required for all photographers shooting on OSMP land. I have the annual permit, so my clients never have to worry about that. Reservations are required for the sites that are reservable. If you’re getting married on OSMP land, there is no permit required for groups under 25.

Garden of the Gods

Colorado might be known for tall pines and alpine lakes, but it’s also home to some beautiful red rock landscapes. GOTG is an undeniably unique backdrop featuring mountain views, red rocks and winding roads.

Sunset is a beautiful time to explore GOTG, but if you’re up for it, I suggest sunrise elopements at this location. There are typically no people around and the alpenglow on Pike’s Peak is so beautiful.

Permits: None required

Related blogs: Garden of the Gods Elopement

Rocky Mountain National Park

RMNP has a special place in my heart because it’s where I photographed my first Colorado elopement! I’ll never forget standing on a frozen lake at sunrise. You really can’t go wrong with getting married in a national park!

There are a variety of designated ceremony sites you can choose from in RMNP. My favorites are Bear Lake and Sprague Lake.

Permits: Permits and reservations are required to get married in RMNP. You are required to have your ceremony at the site you reserve, but we can explore the park’s other locations for photos before/after.

Lake Dillon

This is one of my favorite Summit County locations for elopements! Lake Dillon spans over 3,000 acres so there is plenty of room to spread out and there are stunning views all around, all year round! I have two spots along the shore that I frequently shoot at.

Permits: Typically, permits are not required.

If you’re interested in a reservable site that overlooks Lake Dillon, check out Sapphire Point Overlook.

Idaho Springs and Georgetown

These two cute mountain towns are about an hour from Denver and offer a variety of locations for your elopement: From beautiful lakes to fun breweries!

Permits: Typically none

Denver

Colorado is known for its natural beauty, but as a Denverite myself, I had to include Denver on the list. This city is home to beautiful architecture, really good food and endless things to do, which is what makes it a fun spot to elope.

Permits: Depends on exact locations

Location planning, permit research and timeline planning are included in all of my elopement packages. I never want my couple to feel like they’re on their own navigating what can be a confusing process! It would be my honor to photograph your best day ever! Head here to read more about eloping with Captured by Kt.

Cheers to crafting a wedding day that’s everything you want it to be!