Where to Elope

Find Colorado's best Intimate wedding locations here

As you start narrowing your options, consider what kind of setting fits your wedding day vision and needs. Think about accessibility—how easy the location is to reach by car, how far it is from a town or airport, and whether it’s suitable for guests with mobility needs. If you’re including loved ones in your celebration, you’ll also want to check how many people the space accommodates. Many locations have strict group size limits or restrictions, such as not allowing chairs or decor. It’s also worth considering the kind of scenery you’re drawn to, what time of year you’re planning for, and the level of privacy you desire.

Get inspired as you explore where to elope in Colorado, and check out top locations by scenery, season, town, and other important factors. Each section includes links to helpful resources that dive deeper into the specifics with a local's tips and practical advice. Read on for everything you need to start planning with confidence.

Choosing where to elope is one of the most exciting and impactful choices you’ll make when planning your intimate wedding. The location you choose shapes everything from the sights you’ll enjoy to the experience you’ll share. Whether you envision sunrise vows at a lakeside cabin or a golden-hour ceremony overlooking the mountains, your surroundings set the rhythm and atmosphere for your wedding day.

With so many beautiful locations, your toughest decision lies ahead.

Colorado is home to millions of acres of public land, including state parks, national parks, national forests, BLM land, and more. This section offers plenty of options for planning your outdoor elopement in Colorado. From towering mountains to serene lakes and deserts to expansive meadows, Colorado’s public lands provide a diverse range of backdrops for your wedding ceremony. The beauty of these locations draws millions of visitors each year—and for good reason—they offer incredible views and a true sense of connection with nature.

One of the biggest advantages of eloping in a park or on other public lands is the cost. Most of these locations are budget-friendly compared to a traditional wedding venue. Many parks and public lands require only a small reservation fee and/or permit. In this section, you’ll even find some areas with no fees, especially for small, intimate ceremonies.

While public lands offer an affordable option, they do come with certain trade-offs. Some of these areas may not offer the amenities you’d expect at a traditional venue, such as restrooms, electricity, or shelter. Privacy can also be a consideration, as popular locations can draw crowds of visitors. It’s all about choosing the right spot for your needs and doing some research ahead of time to ensure you find the perfect location.

Where to ELope

In a park

State parks, national parks, forest land, and more...

When it comes to planning an intimate wedding, venues and Airbnb’s offer their own set of unique advantages. With a private venue, you’re able to enjoy an entire space that’s yours for the day, oftentimes with a dedicated team to keep everything running smoothly. These venues typically provide excellent amenities, including beautiful decor, catering options, and a team to assist with setup and tear down. Some venues even offer guest lodging, so you and your loved ones can stay on-site for a comfortable, all-inclusive wedding experience.

While private venues offer dedicated teams and luxurious amenities, the cost and potential rules may create hesitation. For example, some venues may require you to hire certain vendors or meet a food and beverage minimum, which may feel restrictive if you’re hoping to fully customize your wedding day. For greater flexibility, consider a small wedding venue that caters specifically to intimate weddings and elopements. These venues often allow for ceremony-only or reception-only rentals, giving you a ton of flexibility to design your day to best suit your needs.

On the flip side, Airbnb’s and private estates provide a cozy, intimate setting for your elopement. Plus, there are SO many unique properties with fun amenities, such as a hot tub or fire pit. While your reservation won’t include a team to decorate, clean up, or coordinate with other vendors, these locations offer a relaxed home-like atmosphere and accommodations for your group.

As with private venues, Airbnb’s also come with their own considerations. Parking may be limited, and some properties may not have a dedicated ceremony site or space to accommodate a backup plan in case of weather. But if you're looking for a relaxed, flexible environment for a multi-day celebration, these properties could be a perfect fit.

Ultimately, whether you choose a private venue or an Airbnb, it’s all about finding a location that aligns with your wedding day vision. Consider what elements are most important to you—whether it’s the convenience of having a team behind you or the intimacy of a private home. No matter what, your elopement or intimate wedding will be a day to remember.

Where to ELope

At a venue or Airbnb

Get inspired by these small wedding venues, unique Airbnb's, and luxurious private estates.

The season you choose plays a big role in where your elopement adventure will unfold. Long summer days offer plenty of daylight and allow you to explore high elevations and enjoy colorful wildflowers. On the other hand, fall brings vibrant foliage and cooler temperatures for a cozy and romantic setting. Winter transforms the scenery into a glittering snow-scape, perfect for a mountain getaway, or perhaps a ski trip. And spring, while fickle, brings the last snow of the season and the first glimpses of summer. As the greenery returns, the season offers an energetic sense of renewal you can feel all around you.

Beyond scenery, seasonal shifts also impact things like daylight and accessibility. A summer ceremony offers ample sunlight hours before the sun dips behind the mountain peaks, while winter elopements require careful timing to catch dreamy sunset light before an evening under the stars. Additionally, some areas become harder (or impossible) to access in winter and early spring due to snow, so it’s important to make sure your ceremony location can be safely accessed during your chosen season.

Crowds can also vary depending on the time of year. Many locations are busiest during summer and fall, while winter and early spring tend to offer more seclusion. If privacy and intimacy are top priorities, choosing a low-season wedding date may be your best bet.

Allow the seasons to guide you as you're deciding where to elope. From colorful meadows and snowy trails to peaceful lakeside forests, there's a time and location to suit every couple.

Where to ELope

By SEason

Winter, spring, summer, or fall - find your wedding day home in Colorado.

With so many stunning landscapes to choose from, narrowing down where to elope can feel like a big task. What makes Colorado such an amazing place to elope is its variety. You can exchange vows beside an alpine lake at sunrise, hike to a dramatic overlook above the treeline, or say “I do” in a shady forest of golden aspens. Or maybe you envision standing hand-in-hand in a wildflower-filled meadow, running barefoot across windswept sand dunes, or sharing your first kiss as a married couple with city lights twinkling below. From the iconic red rock formations of the Front Range to the rugged peaks of the San Juans, this state has a little bit of everything.

As you consider your options, picture what you want that moment to feel like. Do you envision yourselves surrounded by evergreens, tucked away in a secluded forest? Listening to the sound of water lapping at the edge of a mountain lake? Watching the sun dip behind red rock cliffs or snowy peaks? Once you know the kind of scenery that speaks to you, it becomes a lot easier to narrow your options.

If you're not sure where to start, these guides to forest and mountain lake weddings are a great jumping-off point.

Where to ELope

By Scenery

From deserts to forests and lakes to mountains - Colorado has it all.

One way to narrow down your elopement options is to start by choosing a town with all the necessities and going from there. Colorado is home to seemingly endless picturesque towns, each more charming than the next. From the cozy, snow-dusted streets of mountain ski towns to the vibrant energy of college towns, you can find a location that feels like it was made just for your celebration. Whether you're seeking a quiet, romantic getaway in a charming town or an urban hub with all the modern amenities, the perfect spot for your elopement is out there waiting for you.

Some towns might appeal to you because of their unique activities and local offerings, like skiing, hiking, local wineries, or easy access to top-notch vendors and dining options. Other towns might hold sentimental value—perhaps a place you've always dreamed of visiting or one that’s meaningful to your relationship.

To help you get started, I’ve created in-depth guides for two of Colorado’s most iconic mountain towns—Estes Park and Breckenridge. These guides offer insider planning tips and location recommendations for celebrating your wedding day there.

Where to ELope

By Town

Find your dream location in these popular Colorado towns.

Now You Can Decide Where to Elope in Colorado!

I hope this guide has given you all the insights and inspiration you need to find the perfect place for your intimate wedding in Colorado. Deciding where to elope is one of the first steps toward creating the wedding day of your dreams. Whether you're drawn to an intimate Airbnb, a stunning mountain vista, or the serenity of a hidden park, Colorado offers endless possibilities for your special day. But choosing your location is just the beginning. Planning every detail, from securing permits to coordinating vendors and creating your timeline, is equally important.

With my years of experience in the wedding industry and in-depth knowledge of Colorado’s best elopement spots, I’m here to guide you through all the details, ensuring every aspect of your celebration is thoughtfully planned. I’ve got even more resources and inspiration to help you along the way, and I’m excited to help bring your vision to life. When you’re ready to start planning, simply fill out the contact form below, and we can begin planning a day that’s unapologetically yours!

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Don’t feel like you have things fully figured out? No worries! Most couples who inquire with me don’t yet know their date or location.
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