Colorado Elopement Locations: Public Lands, Airbnbs, + Private Venues

If you’ve started looking into Colorado elopement locations, you’ve probably already realized just how many options there are. 

You could exchange vows on a mountaintop, find a quiet alpine lake, rent a private Airbnb for the weekend, or book a small venue complete with luxurious amenities. You might be envisioning a secluded and adventurous destination or, alternatively, an easy to access location where your loved ones can join you. 

That’s the beauty of eloping in Colorado. There’s no one way to do it. But with so many different options, it can be hard to figure out what actually makes the most sense for your wedding day. In this guide, I’ll break down the three main types of Colorado elopement locations and share some of my favorite gems so you can start getting a clearer idea of what fits you best.

Public Lands
Airbnb/VRBOs
Private Venues
How to Pick Your Elopement Location

Different Types of Colorado Elopement Locations

Your location choice dictates many of your other decisions when planning your Colorado elopement. Not only does your location choice determine your ceremony backdrop, but it also determines the structure of your day and the kind of experience you can expect. 

Every elopement is unique because every couple wants something different for their day. You might prefer a simple, flexible experience in a scenic outdoor spot where you can exchange vows, enjoy the view, and celebrate unrushed and fully present. Alternatively, you might prefer something more structured, like a designated outdoor ceremony site that offers privacy and intention without feeling overly formal.

You may also find yourself considering Airbnbs or private rentals, where you can celebrate your full wedding day on site, often with added features like mountain views, outdoor space, or nearby trails. For those wanting a more traditional experience, many elopement-friendly venues offer packages, coordination, and pre-set ceremony spaces.

Because these locations can range from remote public lands to private venues, your experience will look completely different depending on your choice. Next, let’s explore the 3 main categories of Colorado elopement locations so you can determine what fits you and your partner best.

1. Public Lands Colorado Elopement Locations

Colorado’s public lands are full of beautiful locations to tie the knot, and this is often what couples first consider when looking for a natural, scenic, and flexible location. Colorado has approximately 24 million acres of public land, which is part of what makes it possible to find so many different environments across the state. Colorado’s public lands include national parks, national forests, Bureau of Land Management areas, and state parks, with both hidden gems and reservable ceremony sites available within those public land systems.

Privacy

Privacy on public land can vary depending on the accessibility of the location. In general, the easier a spot is to reach, the less privacy you can expect. Popular overlooks and well-known locations such as Sapphire Point can be beautiful for your ceremony, but you should expect to share the area with other visitors, especially during peak seasons.

If privacy is a priority, consider a more remote or less-trafficked area, such as an offset, reservable ceremony site.

Accessibility

Accessibility is one of the biggest considerations when choosing your Colorado public lands elopement location. Some options are easy to access, with short walks from parking areas or paved paths for couples who want minimal hiking or easy access for guests. Some are even ADA accessible.

Other locations are less accessible, requiring more effort to reach or possibly facing seasonal or weather-related closures. Areas like alpine lakes or high-elevation gems can shift in accessibility throughout the year, making it crucial to consider timing and conditions when choosing your location.

If you’re interested in hiking to the perfect ceremony location, check out my full guide where I share trail ideas, what to pack, and how to plan.

Amenities

Amenities on public lands are usually very limited. Many locations have no facilities at all, meaning no restrooms, no power, and no built-in structures. This is part of what keeps these areas feeling natural and untouched, but it also means planning ahead is important.

Some designated sites or state park areas may include basic amenities like picnic shelters, restrooms, parking areas, or simple structures such as decks, benches, or platforms. Even then, infrastructure is minimal compared to a traditional venue.

Cost and permits

One of the biggest advantages to choosing a public land elopement location is cost. You can get married at many of these places for free or for a small fee.

In places like Rocky Mountain National Park, weddings must take place at a reserved ceremony site. State parks and other managed areas may also require a permit or reservation depending on your group size. Even with these requirements, public land locations are far less expensive than any other options.

A Few Colorado Elopement Locations on Public Lands

Boreas Pass

Boreas Pass, just 1.5 hours from Denver, is a scenic dirt road that runs from Breckenridge to Como. The road reaches an elevation of approximately 12,500 feet and has breathtaking views of the Colorado Rockies.

While Boreas Pass is a Colorado elopement location that’s stunning year-round, it truly comes alive in the fall. From June to October, the pass offers incredible views, but during peak color change, the aspens that line the road turn a brilliant gold, creating a striking contrast with the rugged mountain landscape.

Even better, you won’t need a permit to have your elopement photographed here, making it a seamless choice if you are looking to celebrate your love in one of Colorado’s most scenic elopement locations. Additionally, nearby Breckenridge offers plenty of options for your post-ceremony celebration. Check out my blog for more ideas on how to plan your Breckenridge wedding day.

Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre

Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre is a global icon, and its reputation is well deserved. This remarkable site features towering slanted red rock formations and gorgeous front range views, making it a truly unique Colorado elopement location. Just 20 minutes from downtown Denver, it is highly accessible, with plenty of nearby vendors and restaurant options for your wedding day.

This location is divided into two main areas: the amphitheatre and the surrounding park trail system. A permit is always required for photo sessions in the amphitheatre itself, while a permit is not required for intimate ceremonies and photo sessions in the park with fewer than five people. If you’re planning to include more guests, reserving a designated space like the Trading Post Backyard is usually the best option.

The park is filled with stunning spots for portraits, with sunrise and sunset providing the best lighting. While this Colorado elopement location is beautiful in all seasons, early summer through fall usually brings the most favorable weather and vibrant greenery.

Pass Lake/Loveland Pass

Pass Lake sits along Loveland Pass, about 1 hour and 15 minutes from Denver. This alpine lake sits at over 11,500 feet elevation and offers dramatic views of the surrounding mountain peaks, making it a scenic and relatively accessible Colorado elopement location. Despite its high elevation, it requires very little hiking, which makes it a good option for greater privacy without a long trek.

Like other locations along Loveland Pass, Pass Lake can see snow as early as October and as late as June. If you are hoping to experience fresh snowfall, mid-October can be a beautiful time to plan your elopement. If you would rather avoid snow, late summer typically brings milder conditions and wildflowers surrounding the lake.

There are some regulations to be aware of here, and they can be less clearly defined than in other areas. Pass Lake does not have a designated ceremony site, but small, low-impact ceremonies may be allowed with permission from park rangers on a case-by-case basis. For larger groups, I recommend enjoying your first look or sunset photos at Pass Lake and planning your ceremony at a nearby reservable location.

If you want to learn more about planning your wedding at Loveland Pass, check out my blog for more details.

Other Public Lands Elopement Locations

These are just a few of my favorite public land Colorado elopement locations. If you want to explore more, head to my full guide.

2. Airbnb/VRBO Colorado Elopement Locations

Airbnbs and VRBOs are popular Colorado elopement locations for couples seeking a more private and customizable experience. When you choose to celebrate at an Airbnb or VRBO, you’re choosing a space that can act as the center of your entire day or even your full wedding weekend.

These properties can be found all over Colorado, from mountain cabins to modern homes near town, which makes it easy to find a property that fits both your vision and your budget. Whether you want a quiet, secluded setting or something closer to restaurants and activities, there are a wide range of options to choose from.

Privacy

One of the biggest advantages of choosing an Airbnb or VRBO for your Colorado elopement is privacy. Unlike public lands or even some venues, you are reserving the entire space for yourselves, which allows for a more relaxed and personal experience.

This can be especially appealing if you want to spend intentional time with loved ones and want a space that feels comfortable, homey, and private.

Accessibility

Accessibility will vary depending on the property you choose. Some Airbnbs are easy to reach, while others are more remote and may require traversing dirt roads or navigating mountain conditions.

Because there are so many options across the state, you can prioritize what matters most to you, whether that is ease of access for guests, proximity to activities, or a more secluded setting.

Amenities

Amenities are where Airbnb and VRBO Colorado elopement locations really stand out. You can choose a property with the amenities you desire, whether that is a large deck with mountain views, a hot tub, or multiple bedrooms for guests.

These locations also offer flexibility for your wedding day plans. You can get ready on-site, have an intimate dinner, hire a private chef, cook your own meal, or head into a nearby town to celebrate. The overall experience is much more customizable compared to other types of locations.

Cost and Considerations

Airbnbs and VRBOs can still be a cost effective option when you look at the full experience. In many cases, a multi-day stay at a private rental can cost a similar amount to a single day at a traditional venue, while offering more time and flexibility.

When planning an Airbnb or VRBO wedding day, there are some important considerations to keep in mind. Not all properties allow events or gatherings, and some have restrictions around noise, parking, or the number of guests allowed on the property. It is important to review these details carefully and communicate with the host before booking.

Planning an elopement at an Airbnb or VRBO can come with a few extra moving parts, but it is also one of the most customizable options available.To learn more about how to plan an Airbnb elopement, check out my blog.

A Few Colorado Elopement Locations at Airbnb/VRBOs

Sky High Lodge

Sky High Lodge lives up to its name as a Colorado elopement location. Set atop a mountain on 35 private acres in Glenwood Springs, this luxury lodge boasts stunning views of the Elk Mountain Range and Mt. Sopris. With high vaulted ceilings and three-story windows, the space is designed to take in 180-degree views of the Roaring Fork Valley and surrounding mountains.

The property gives you a high level of privacy, making it a perfect option for celebrations of up to 50 guests. At the same time, getting there is part of the experience. One route includes a more adventurous, single-lane dirt road along a steep mountainside, though there’s also another calmer, albeit unpaved, route to the property.

The lodge includes two fully equipped kitchens, an outdoor grill, and a spa-like hot tub, along with plenty of space to gather and spend time together.

In addition to the property itself, this Colorado elopement location backs up to 4,000 acres of national forest, providing easy access to some of the nation’s best outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, whitewater rafting, skiing, hunting, and fly fishing. Plus, the famous Glenwood Hot Springs and downtown Glenwood Springs are just 25 minutes away, which makes it easy to plan additional activities or a post-wedding outing.

I had the pleasure of photographing the dreamiest micro wedding reception here. Make sure to head to my other blog to check it out! 

Blue Sky Lodge 

For a Colorado elopement location surrounded by the Rocky Mountain’s rugged landscapes, Blue Sky Lodge is quite the hidden gem in Florissant, Colorado. Set on 80+ acres with stunning red rock formations and scenic overlooks, this VRBO provides a secluded backdrop for your ceremony. Inside, the three-story great room centers around a massive stone fireplace, adding a cozy ambiance ideal for your post-ceremony celebration. 

The property includes six bedrooms that sleep up to 16 guests, along with seven bathrooms, making it a comfortable option if you want to stay on-site. The property also includes an arcade and game room, providing entertainment for loved ones of all ages.

Outside, a wraparound deck with a gas fire pit and grill provides options for outdoor gatherings, while stargazing from the overlook or soaking in the jacuzzi offers relaxing options to end your evening. The lodge’s recent renovation flawlessly blends modern luxury with Colorado’s wild beauty. 

To see more from this property, check out a real micro wedding here on my blog!

Rocky Mountain Retreat

Spread across 3 scenic acres on the edge of Pike National Forest, this Airbnb is an idyllic Colorado elopement location. The property offers easy access to skiing, local breweries, and Wellington Lake, a nearby spot known for paddleboarding, fishing, and hiking.

One of the most unique and incredible features of this home is the fully-retractable glass walls that turn the main living space into an open-air living room. It’s one of those spaces that immediately makes you feel like you are one with nature, even when you are indoors.

The property includes four bedrooms, a guest house, a full kitchen, and a hot tub, giving you plenty of space to stay on-site and settle in for the weekend.

Whether you are celebrating with loved ones, stargazing from the lower deck, or exploring nearby trails, this property creates a relaxed and memorable setting for your day.

If you want to see how a celebration can look here, check out Jake and Elizabeth’s micro wedding I photographed at this location.

More Airbnb and VRBO Elopement Locations Across Colorado

These are just a few examples of Airbnb and VRBO elopement locations, but there are plenty more across Colorado. From larger homes perfect for celebrating with family and friends, to intimate spaces designed for two, Colorado offers a wide range of possibilities. To see more options, check out my blog post highlighting some of my favorite Airbnb/VRBO elopement locations.

3. Private Venue Colorado Elopement Locations

Private venues are another type of Colorado elopement location that offer a more structured and supported wedding day. When you choose a private venue, you are reserving a dedicated space, oftentimes complete with an on-site team to assist with setup, coordination, and logistics.

These venues can be found throughout the state and range widely in style, from modern spaces to rustic cabins. Many venues also offer intimate wedding packages, which can streamline planning.

Privacy

Traditional venues offer enhanced privacy, allowing you to enjoy a reserved space dedicated entirely to your event. This can feel especially helpful if you want an intentional experience without worrying about managing wedding day logistics yourself.

Accessibility

In general, private venues tend to be more accessible than public lands and Airbnb locations. Many are designed with weddings in mind, which means easier parking, maintained walkways, and spaces built to accommodate a variety of mobility levels.

That said, accessibility can still vary depending on the property. It’s always worth reviewing details like travel distance, terrain, and guest capacity when choosing a location that fits your needs.

Amenities

Choosing a private venue usually comes with more built-in support than other options. Many venue packages include added services such as day of coordination, setup and cleanup, getting-ready spaces, restrooms, and adorned ceremony areas.

Some venues also offer decor options and preferred vendor lists, which can take a lot of planning pressure off your shoulders.

Cost and Considerations

Private venues are often the most expensive type of Colorado elopement location, but they also offer the most structure and support. Of note, some Colorado venues offer intimate wedding packages, which can make them more budget friendly than people initially assume.

When booking a private venue, it’s important to pay attention to their rules and requirements. This can include set timelines, required vendor lists, food and beverage minimums, and noise restrictions. While these guidelines help ensure your wedding day runs smoothly, they also require you to accommodate a more structured framework.

On the plus side, private venues allow you to host everything in one place, which can simplify your wedding day significantly and make photography coverage more efficient. From getting ready to ceremony to reception, everything can happen without needing to travel between locations.

A Few Colorado Elopement Locations at Private Venues

Pine Cone Avenue Social

Pine Cone Avenue Social is a beautiful Colorado elopement location if you are drawn to a rustic, garden-inspired setting for your day. Located on a family-owned flower farm just 30 minutes from Denver, the property blends open-air charm with thoughtful, intentional design.

You will find botanic gardens, mountain views, and a restored historic train car on the property, giving the space a mix of character and scenery that does not require much extra decor. The overall feel is relaxed and charming.

One of the things that stands out about this private venue is how flexible it is. At Pine Cone Avenue Social, you have the freedom to select your own caterer and bartender or bring your own prepared food. From there, the venue team handles setup of the farm tables, vintage chairs, curated tablescapes, and personalized guest favors.

Packages are designed for both micro weddings and elopements, depending on your guest count and how much time you want on the property. Elopement packages start at $2000 and include 3 hours of event time for gatherings of up to 10 guests. Pine Cone Avenue Social also offers discounted rates for intimate weddings hosted from Sunday through Friday. These packages typically include floral arrangements, access for photos, and an onsite venue host.

To see what a real wedding day looks like here, check out Katie and Ben’s micro wedding on my blog.

Yetman Farms

Yetman Farms is a Colorado elopement location in south Lakewood, just 15 minutes from downtown Denver and conveniently close to the scenic Bear Creek Trail. This enchanting 4-acre flower and hobby farm offers a countryside retreat with easy access to urban conveniences. With towering cottonwood trees and vibrant blooms throughout the property, it feels easy to settle into an outdoor celebration here.

This Colorado elopement location features multiple outdoor gathering spaces, including a charming 250-square-foot grain bin that transforms into a bar for your celebration. The stunning 10×30 glass greenhouse seats up to 25 guests and offers a unique setting for your intimate wedding reception or indoor micro wedding ceremony.

The working horse barn at the heart of Yetman Farms adds a rustic charm. You can even say hello to the friendly animals that call this place home. As you move throughout the property, you will find tucked-away corners and flower-filled spaces that work beautifully for portraits and quiet moments during your day.

If you are focused on sustainability, Yetman Farms uses eco-friendly practices like composting and integrating livestock into its farming. With an open vendor policy, you have the flexibility to bring in your favorite suppliers. But, when it comes to your florals, know that Yetman Farms can source on-site flowers that align with your vision…bouquets, table arrangements, and even a puppy wreath for your four-legged bestie!

With its welcoming atmosphere and proximity to Denver, Yetman Farms stands out as an ideal choice for hosting your Colorado elopement. To learn more about pricing and hosting your elopement here, email amy@yetmanfarms.com.

Haley and Cassie had the most beautiful micro wedding here. Check it out and read more in my blog post.

Denver Botanic Gardens

Located in the heart of Denver, the Denver Botanic Gardens offer a variety of time increments to suit your intimate wedding needs.

The Gardens offer versatility like no other, with wedding sites surrounded by layered gardens, dense plant life, and thoughtfully designed outdoor settings. From traditional garden spaces to whimsical, greenhouse-style settings, you can choose the space or combination of spaces that aligns with your wedding day vision. With over a dozen rentable spaces, the Gardens can accommodate weddings of all sizes, from 10 guests all the way up to 1,200.

Whether you prefer to exchange vows in the gazebo, the pavilion, or the fairytale-like Solarium, the Denver Botanic Gardens gives you multiple ways to shape your ceremony while staying surrounded by greenery and intentionally designed landscapes.

All sites are available seven days a week, although price and availability vary depending on the season.

More Private Venue Colorado Elopement Locations

Private venues in Colorado range widely, and the ones in this guide are only a small piece of what exists across the state. There are many more properties that vary in style, guest capacity, and level of planning support. If you want to see additional options, I have put together a separate guide that highlights my favorite Colorado private venues.

How to Pick Your Colorado Elopement Location

With so many incredible Colorado elopement locations to choose from, it’s easy to feel unsure about where to begin. However, choosing your location often starts long before you even realize it, as you begin considering how you want your day to feel in terms of structure, movement, atmosphere, and experience.

Think Through Your Vision

Instead of starting with specific locations, it helps to zoom out and think through a few key decisions that will naturally narrow your decision. Do you want to hike on your wedding day or would you rather have easy access to your ceremony spot? Do you want all of your wedding day events to take place at a single location? Do you need somewhere that is ADA accessible? Are you imagining something completely private or do you plan to have loved ones with you?

Also consider the amount of time and labor you’re willing to put into your wedding day both ahead of time and day of. Are you willing to DIY at a VRBO or Airbnb or would you prefer the support of a traditional venue? Alongside that, it helps to think about the overall structure of your day. Are you picturing a single day celebration or a full weekend experience?

It can also help to think about timing and environment. Are you drawn to a summer mountain setting, something quieter in winter, or do you envision the colors of fall? Do you want to be near a town for access to amenities or do you prefer something more remote?

Even details like whether you want an officiant or want to self-solemnize can help narrow your options more than you might expect. Once you start answering a few of these questions, the right type of Colorado elopement location usually starts to become much clearer.

Find the Right Support

One of the biggest shifts in planning an elopement is realizing you do not have to figure it out alone. Having a photographer or planner, or a photographer who also helps plan (like myself), can help you find the perfect Colorado elopement location.

When working with someone experienced in Colorado elopements, you can rely on personalized guidance rather than potentially deceptive social media depictions. This is especially helpful if you’re planning from out of state. I get to know your unique needs, scout locations, and help you narrow down areas. We’ll think through logistics to identify Colorado elopement locations that actually fit your vision instead of overwhelming you with endless options that might work.

Work Through the Logistics

Once you have a few Colorado elopement locations in mind, the next step is considering logistics. This is where things like travel time, accessibility, permits, guest count limits, parking, and property restrictions start to matter more than just how a place looks.

If you’re between a few options, we’ll talk through the logistics together to help you choose a Colorado elopement location that aligns with your vision and fills your day with ease. Once you choose your location, we can start planning the details of your elopement with vendor recommendations and timeline planning! For more tips, head to my full guide on how to plan your Colorado elopement.

Let’s Choose Your Elopement Location + Start Planning!

Once you have a clearer idea of your Colorado elopement location, things usually start to fall into place. Your planning starts to feel more real and more connected to the experience you’re creating. You’ll start to picture your day in a specific place, where your ceremony might be, where you’ll be standing, how you’ll move through the in-between moments, and what the landscape will look like around you.

If you want help planning an intimate wedding that feels intentional and aligned with the experience you’re envisioning, I would love to help you in your journey.