How to Elope in Colorado
So, you're thinking about eloping, but you have no idea where to start? You're in the right place! Gone are the days when eloping meant sneaking off to the courthouse in secret. Over time, the meaning of elopement has completely transformed. Now, it's all about intentional, intimate wedding experiences—just you and your partner (or maybe a small group of your closest people) saying your vows in a way that feels right. Just a wedding day that actually feels like you.
So, you're thinking about eloping, but you have no idea where to start? You're in the right place! Gone are the days when eloping meant sneaking off to the courthouse in secret. Over time, the meaning of elopement has completely transformed. Now, it's all about intentional, intimate wedding experiences—just you and your partner (or maybe a small group of your closest people) saying your vows in a way that feels right. Just a wedding day that actually feels like you.
Whether you’re dreaming of exchanging vows on a mountaintop, skipping the stress of a big wedding, or just focusing on what truly matters—you and your love—eloping gives you the freedom to create a wedding experience that’s completely your own.
The best part of planning an elopement? Choosing the perfect location to say “I do.” With elopements being smaller and more flexible, you have the freedom to get creative with your location. This is your chance to turn that dream destination into the backdrop of your wedding day—whether it’s a rugged mountaintop, a secluded alpine lake, or that one place you’ve been dying to cross off your bucket list.
When planning your elopement, it’s the little details that make your day truly yours. Choose attire that fits both your style and your setting—whether that’s a flowing dress, a sharp suit, hiking boots, or something totally non-traditional.
Book your accommodations early, especially if you’re heading to a popular destination. And don’t forget to plan experiences that make the day unforgettable—a sunrise hike, an after ceremony picnic, a chef prepared dinner, or even something adventurous like a helicopter or a hot air balloon ride. This is your moment—make it as unique as your love story.
Eloping is all about creating a day that’s authentically you. Whether it’s just the two of you or a handful of your closest people, focus on the experience and embrace the freedom that comes with eloping.
From choosing a breathtaking location to planning meaningful moments—every detail is yours to shape. It’s a stress-free, intentional way to say “I do” without the pressure of tradition. This part of the planning process is all about letting your imagination go wild, and envisioning the most enjoyable day for the two of you, that would celebrate your relationship in the most authentic way.
Forget about any restrictions for a moment and just dream big—that’s where you’ll find what speaks most to you. You’ll have time to figure out the details later.
How to Get Started
1. Book Your Photographer
Most couples reach out before they start planning—and for good reason! I’m here to guide you through everything, from picking the perfect date and location to handling permits, finding the best local vendors, and making sure your day is completely stress-free.
2. Choose Your Location
Once you’ve set a date with us, you’ll get access to our exclusive elopement guide, packed with stunning spots that fit your vision. I’ll help you navigate reservations, permits, and all the logistics, so you can focus on dreaming up your perfect day.
3. Plan the Details
Now it’s time to book your lodging, transportation, and vendors (think hair & makeup, florals, officiant— I’ll send my top recommendations if needed!). Together, we’ll craft a timeline that includes all your dream locations and activities, ensuring a seamless day full of breathtaking moments. Pro tip: Don’t forget your marriage license!
4. Say “I Do” & Make Magic
Your elopement will be nothing short of unforgettable, and we’ll be there to capture every raw, emotional, and joy-filled moment. Within the first week, you’ll get sneak peek photos, and your full gallery will be ready in 90 days. The hardest part? Deciding which ones to print and cherish forever.
Let’s make your elopement happen! It’s time to start looking for your dream location here!
See My Colorado Location Guide Here
Autumn in Telluride, Colorado
Nestled in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, Southwest Colorado boasts a breathtaking landscape that becomes truly enchanting during the fall season. As the aspen leaves turn into a fiery display of red, orange, and gold, it sets the perfect backdrop for intimate elopements. The Magic of Southwest Colorado in Fall.
Nestled in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, Southwest Colorado boasts a breathtaking landscape that becomes truly enchanting during the fall season. As the aspen leaves turn into a fiery display of red, orange, and gold, it sets the perfect backdrop for intimate elopements. The Magic of Southwest Colorado in Fall.
Picture-perfect scenes unfold as the crisp mountain air carries the scent of pine and the rustle of leaves fills the atmosphere. Southwest Colorado's rugged terrain, with its towering peaks and winding trails, offers endless opportunities for stunning photographs. Every turn reveals a new vista painted in the rich hues of autumn, making it a dream location for couples seeking an intimate and picturesque wedding experience.
One of the most captivating aspects of photographing an elopement in Southwest Colorado during the fall is the interplay of light, color, and the ever-changing weather. As we climb in elevation, the weather can shift rapidly, adding an element of unpredictability to the day. Our day started out against the backdrop of golden aspens and snow-capped peaks. These two decided to have a first look in a secluded mountain clearing where they also exchanged gifts and enjoyed their beautiful cake. It was sunny and very nice for early October but that quickly changed once we started out off-road adventure!
As the day progressed the soft, golden glow of the autumn sun bathed the landscape in a warm, ethereal light, casting enchanting shadows and highlighted the vibrant hues of the changing leaves. But just as quickly as the weather can turn fair, a snowstorm may move in, blanketing the landscape in a serene white powder. Which is exactly what happened as we climbed in elevation. These two adventurous souls saw an opportunity to say their vows in a raging snow storm and couldn’t wait to hop out of our Jeep! The wind was blowing so hard that as they sealed their vows with a kiss it caught the umbrella and blew it inside out!:)
Braving unpredictable weather, led to some of the most breathtaking and magical photos. At they end of the day we found a gorgeous overlook to celebrate with a picnic and the signing their marriage license.
Photographing an elopement in Southwest Colorado amidst the vibrant fall colors of the mountains is an experience like no other. It's a journey of exploration, creativity, and celebration, where every photo tells a story and every moment is a treasure. A timeless reminder of love, beauty, and the magic of the mountains, where even the weather adds its own dramatic flair to the narrative, especially for a couple experiencing the majesty of the Rocky Mountains for the very first time. We are so thankful for the trust our couples put in us and especially on a day with so much unpredictable weather!
Considering a Telluride elopement or intimate wedding? Check out my work or contact me, I’d love to celebrate with you!
Had an amazing team of vendors with this one:
Hair&Makeup: Salon Envy-Ouray Cake: Mermaid Bakery-Denver Dress: Studio I Do-Roanoke, Virginia Designer:Stella York Flowers: The Perfect Petal-Denver Charcuterie: Beyond the Board -Ouray
Maroon Bells Intimate Wedding
In the heart of the Rocky Mountains, where the air is crisp and the landscapes are awe-inspiring, lies a magical destination perfect for an intimate wedding ceremony - Maroon Bells, Colorado. This picturesque location, surrounded by snow-capped peaks and alpine lakes, sets the stage for a romantic elopement, especially during the warm embrace of July.
In the heart of the Rocky Mountains, where the air is crisp and the landscapes are awe-inspiring, lies a magical destination perfect for an intimate wedding ceremony - Maroon Bells, Colorado. This picturesque location, surrounded by snow-capped peaks and alpine lakes, sets the stage for a romantic elopement, especially during the warm embrace of July. Imagine saying your vows amidst the beauty of nature, with close family by your side, capturing every moment as you explore the iconic Maroon Bells for photos, followed by a private dinner prepared by a chef in the comfort of your AirBNB. Let's delve into the details of this dreamy elopement experience.
Maroon Bells, nestled within the Maroon-Snowmass Wilderness, is renowned for its breathtaking scenery. Towering peaks of maroon-colored rocks, reflected in the pristine Maroon Lake, create a backdrop that is nothing short of enchanting. July brings a burst of wildflowers, adding to the already stunning landscape. The crisp mountain air and the gentle rustling of aspen leaves set the stage for an intimate and memorable celebration.
These two chose to exchanging vows amidst the towering aspen trees, in the ceremony space created in the middle of the Bells. The serene ambiance of Maroon Lake, with its mirror-like reflection of the surrounding peaks, provided an ethereal backdrop for their commitment to one another. With close family as witnesses, they had a beautiful mix of American and Indian tradition. The groom, wanted to include a few of the special traditions, many times the groom gifts the bride with a necklace of black and gold, the mangala sutra(auspicious thread) and with that the bride is said to receive special blessings throughout the marriage. Another special tradition is gifts of gold from parents, which was a gold chain for him, and a gold bangle for her. I felt so honored to witness so many beautiful traditions, this ceremony became a cherished and intimate affair, surrounded by the beauty of nature.
After the vows have been exchanged, we took the opportunity to explore the surroundings for some unforgettable photos. We wandered along the Crater Lake Trail & ventured into the Maroon-Snowmass Wilderness for more secluded spots. The July weather gave us vibrant wildflowers in full bloom, creating a colorful tapestry against the majestic mountains. There was no shortage of breathtaking backdrops to immortalize this special day.
After a day of adventure and love, we returned to a cozy AirBNB for an intimate dinner prepared by a private chef. This personalized dining experience allowed everyone to savor a delicious meal crafted to their preferences, without the distractions of a crowded restaurant. Toast were made, with many laughs and even some tears, as wonderful stories were told during this private celebration.
Conclusion: Eloping at Maroon Bells in July with close family offers a unique and intimate wedding experience surrounded by the natural beauty of the Rocky Mountains. From heartfelt vows in a serene setting to exploring the iconic Maroon Bells for photos, and ending the day with a private chef-curated dinner at your AirBNB, this elopement promises to be a celebration of love, nature, and cherished moments that will last a lifetime.
Considering a Maroon Bells elopement or intimate wedding? Check out my work or contact me, I’d love to celebrate with you!
Telluride Mountain Elopement
Telluride, Colorado, with its breathtaking landscapes, charming town, and picturesque waterfalls, is an idyllic destination for couples seeking an unforgettable elopement experience.Telluride is nestled within the San Juan Mountains of southwestern Colorado, boasting a landscape that blends rugged peaks, lush forests, pristine alpine meadows and stunning waterfalls.
Telluride, Colorado, with its breathtaking landscapes, charming town, and picturesque waterfalls, is an idyllic destination for couples seeking an unforgettable elopement experience.Telluride is nestled within the San Juan Mountains of southwestern Colorado, boasting a landscape that blends rugged peaks, lush forests, pristine alpine meadows and stunning waterfalls.
Eloping at the breathtaking Telluride Mountain ski lodge is a dream come true for adventurous couples seeking a unique and intimate wedding experience. Jeff and Alexa, a couple deeply connected to nature, made the heartfelt decision to forgo traditional wedding plans and instead opted for an intimate, mountain elopement in early June in the picturesque setting of Telluride. Surrounded by towering snow-capped peaks and pristine alpine beauty, Telluride offers the perfect backdrop for an elopement filled with romance and awe-inspiring vistas. Before saying "I do" outside the lodge, we did an off-road adventure to a breathtaking mountaintop where they did a private first look, with their two precious pups. After the ceremony and they surprised their guest with a fun first dance-it was fantastic!! Later we embarked on an unforgettable adventure by exploring the majestic Bridal Veil Falls, with its cascading waters and towering cliffs, the Falls provide a picturesque setting for stunning wedding photos.
Following our amazing time at the Falls, the newlyweds and their cherished loved ones convened at Rustico Ristorante, an enchanting Italian restaurant nestled in Telluride's charming streets. Embarking on an evening of joyous celebration, filled with laughter, tender moments, and delightful toasts, they cast aside any reservations and embraced the profound joy of being in each other's company, eagerly embracing the promising future that lay ahead.
“I can’t say enough amazing things about Dawn (and Dan)! She absolutely crushed it with our wedding photos and made our entire day one to remember. She was always available to chat in the months leading up to our wedding and was a constant calming energy for me. She made the day so comfortable and fun. We had the best time laughing with her and Dan. And the PHOTOS!!! INCREDIBLE is an understatement. They are everything we hoped for and more and I’m so very thankful to have them as they captured the love and beauty of the day perfectly. Can’t recommend her enough! Thank you Dawn for making our wedding day the most magical day we could imagine!” Alexa&Jeff
Considering a Telluride elopement or intimate wedding? Check out my work or contact me, I’d love to celebrate with you!
Garden of the God's Elopement
When Emma and Evan told me they wanted to elope in Garden of the Gods park, my heart jumped for joy! This is an area from my childhood, I know it so well and it’s always so much fun to go exploring. Emma dreamed of getting married in the mountains surrounded by red rocks and Garden of the Gods in Colorado was the perfect fit.
If you’ve never been to Garden of the Gods in Manitou Springs, Colorado, be prepared to be amazed. The stunning red rock formations are huge and easy to explore! While this isn’t a national park or a state park, it’s one of the most popular in Colorado. Great for hiking, rock climbing, mountain biking, horseback riding, Garden of the Gods park in Colorado is 1,400 acres of spectacular scenery…and perfect for a spring elopement!
Besides hiking and climbing all over the red rocks in Garden of the Gods, there’s a whole area to explore in Colorado Springs & Manitou Springs. Manitou Springs is a beautiful mountain town full of restaurants, unique shops, and entertainment. A few miles down the road is the iconic Pikes Peak mountain, Crystal Creek + North Catamount Reservoirs, which are gorgeous blue mountain lakes that are great for kayaking, camping, and fishing. It’s an area that’s perfect for two or a family to have fun and explore!
When Emma and Evan told me they wanted to elope in Garden of the Gods park, my heart jumped for joy! This is an area from my childhood, I know it so well and it’s always so much fun to go exploring. Emma dreamed of getting married in the mountains surrounded by red rocks. Garden of the Gods was the perfect fit. They wanted their families and closest friends to be part of their day. So they planned some beautiful, traditional elements. They decided to get ready in two different Airbnb’s so they wouldn’t see each other. Emma, along with both mom’s and all her bridesmaids were together for hair and makeup. When it came time for Emma to put on her dress, the bridesmaids went into a different room so she could have a special moment with her mom. After the first look with the bridesmaids, they all gathered for a prayer and lots of hugs! After Evan and the groomsmen all got dressed, they surrounded him and prayed together too.
These are just a few of the traditional elements, see more of the story looking through the photos of this incredible day!
Emma and Evan wanted some traditional elements included in their Elopement day. They had two different Airbnb’s so they wouldn’t see each other, Emma did a first look with her bridesmaids and her dad, while her mom helped her get dressed.
After the ceremony, we went and took a few photos from around the park and Emma’s favorite rock formation “The Three Graces”. They both were exhausted after such a busy morning & afternoon so we all went and rested up for a few hours and we met back up for some food at their favorite burger place…”IN-N-OUT”
As it was getting closer to sunset, we went back to the park to explore and take some epic photos. We even caught some amazing views of Pikes Peak!
Ouray Colorado Mountain Elopement
Ever wonder how to elope in Colorado when you live in Nebraska? Well I’m here to help! When Krystal and Ben first contacted me and told me they wanted to elope in Colorado, I was super excited. I’ve literally spent my whole life in and out of Colorado. I grew up spending every summer there camping with my parents and when I learned how to ski, that became my reason to spend time there in the winter! I know and understand the state so well.
Ever wonder how to elope in Colorado when you live in Nebraska?
Well I’m here to help! Krystal and Ben first contacted me and told me they wanted to elope in Colorado, I was super excited. I’ve literally spent my whole life in and out of Colorado. I grew up spending every summer there camping with my parents and when I learned how to ski, that became my reason to spend time there in the winter! I know and understand the state so well.
So helping Krystal and Ben plan an elopement in Colorado felt very natural. They wanted somewhere beautiful but different. We talked about several different places but we all ended up loving the idea of going to Ouray. Ouray is known as the Switzerland of the U.S. and once you experience the rugged mountain ranges with year round snow, it’s easy to see how it got that name.
Krystal and Ben wanted a day for just the two of them. They love being adventurous and the outdoors but not into super long hikes. So I started doing some research on the area and found some beautiful trails that don’t require a lot of hiking. I found the perfect spot but it requires 4 wheel drive- Thankfully we drive a Jeep Wrangler so we were set!
Everything about this day was perfect from beginning to end. I re-live this day every time I look through these photos and I’m so grateful Krystal and Ben chose me to be the one to capture their beautiful love story.
We started their elopement day with a 6am first look. We were hoping for a beautiful sunrise but the day ended up being overcast, but the mountain views were so stunning, none of us even cared. After our morning together we were exhilarated and exhausted at the same time…so we decided we all needed a little nap break:) we met up again a few hours later.
We picked up Krystal and Ben at their B&B to head to the location I had researched so they could say their vows. After a fun drive up the mountain trails, we arrived at the most magical spot. We literally had 360 views complete with a roaring mountain creek. It. Was. Stunning! The perfect location to say some of the most heartfelt vows I’ve ever heard.
Everything about this day was perfect from beginning to end. I re-live this day every time I look through these photos and I’m so grateful Krystal and Ben chose me to be the one to capture their beautiful love story.