How To Elope In Colorado | Elopement And Micro Wedding Guide
Planning a Colorado Micro Wedding Or Elopement
Without A Traditional Venue
The pandemic has made us look at ourselves in different lights and focus on what’s important. A lot of couples feel pressured into having large weddings while feeling that their wedding day should be about the love shared between eachother. Without the stress of a large wedding at a traditional venue your day becomes about being present together and focusing on you two and your closest friends and family. It may be awkward to share private moments with your mom's twice removed cousin that you felt pressured into inviting but given the situation with ‘19, this brings bloated guest lists and frivolous expenses into question. Our goal is to educate couples planning their elopements and weddings during the uncertainty with the pandemic and how to navigate permits and locations. With all this in mind, we must all do our part in following social distancing and current safety guidelines set by local counties and cities within Colorado.
Cost Of A Colorado Elopement Vs Traditional Wedding
The average cost of a wedding in Colorado is around $32,000 and the average cost of a reception venue is around $4000. Most couples spend $7,000-$15,000 to elope, far less than the national average for a traditional wedding. Eloping helps couples cut out the things they don't care about and pay a little more for the things they do. Couples looking to still have a party with their closest friends and family can have a private reception at a later date.
Can you officiate your own wedding in Colorado? Yes.
Self Solemnization
You can forego an officiant and marry yourselves in the state of Colorado for your elopement or micro wedding. The only difference is you don’t need any witnesses or an officiant. Colorado is one of very few states that allows this which makes Colorado a great destination for an intimate elopement. The process is essentially the same; you obtain your marriage license and sign it where the officiant normally would. Out of state couples may pick up their license at any Clerk and Recorder office in Colorado after submitting their online application here (for Denver). It must be signed within 35 days of acquisition and returned within 63 days.
How To Get Married In A National Or State Park In Colorado
For a Colorado adventure wedding without the huge price tag a great place to save money and time on your elopement is by using public lands. You may be wondering how so many couples get married in national or state parks and want to know what it takes to exchange your vows at one of these beautiful locations. Many parks offer permitting for small events through their websites and in person. Obtaining a permit is a streamlined process that requires a little bit of planning beforehand. Most Public lands permitting is quick and easy but more popular locations can take up to several weeks to obtain a permit. Our recommendation is secure a permit for your date as soon as you have one selected. Many national parks offer site permits for less than $300. You’re able to hike and go anywhere in the park before or after for photos but you’ll want to check with the national park to see if there are restrictions on where your ceremony can be performed. Each national or state park has plenty to offer from specific sites that can accommodate a Colorado micro wedding like amphitheaters with seating, parking, and restrooms nearby or permitted remote spots if you prefer to say your vows in an intimate setting. Either way being surrounded by the breath-taking nature of Colorado is sure to create unique memories that a traditional venue could not compete with. So, where are the best places in Colorado to elope?
Can You Get Married In A National Or State Park In Colorado? Yes.
Rocky Mountain National Park
Welcome to the Rockies. Rocky Mountain National Park is without a doubt Colorado’s #1 attraction. Drawing large crowds in the summer months and having limited to no access to many popular areas in the winter. Every year RMNP is a highly sought after location for out of state couples eloping or having their engagement photos taken. Popular locations for engagement or elopements in RMNP are Trail Ridge Road, 3M Curve and Dream Lake. Always make sure to take proper supplies when hiking out into the high-elevation exposure of the Rockies. This means proper clothing, snacks and lamps if you plan on staying out after sunset. $250 Wedding Permit required through RMNP NPS. Applications are submitted by email to their permit office up to one year and at least 7 days in advance of your date. Weddings must be under 100 guests (including all guests and vendors) and most ceremony sites accommodate less than 20.
Information on RMNP Weddings here
Estes Park Wedding Venues & Lodging
Estes Park is a small town & great location to consider for elopement or micro weddings due to proximity to Rocky Mountain National Park, ample lodging for guests, & restaurants for rehearsal dinners & catering. Situated in northern Colorado, Estes Park is known as base camp for Rocky Mountain National Park & is home to wildlife including elk and bears, plus miles of trails. The park’s main road winds past craggy peaks, forests and tundra which make for an ideal backdrop for your big day. We could write a standalone post about the many wedding locations Estes Park has to offer, but some quick mentions: The Stanley Hotel, Della Terra Moutain Chateau and YMCA Of The Rockies.
Garden Of The Gods Park In Colorado Springs
Garden Of The Gods is one of those places that you’ll find at the top of almost every travel guide in the state next to Rocky Mountain National Park. The Garden of the Gods Park is a registered National Natural Landmark in Colorado Springs. This 1,334-acre natural park is free to enter throughout the year and has been voted the best city park in the country. It’s known for it’s uniquely red mars-like rock formations and sprawling natural features and wildlife. Easily accessible from both Denver and Colorado Springs. No fees or permits are required to enter or have a photography session in Garden Of The Gods, but there has been speculation of a potential change to this in the near future. Keep yourself informed on this ongoing situation. Weddings at the Garden of the Gods are allowed provided they are small, brief ceremonies & most sites accommodate 25-50 guests.
Information on Garden of The Gods Weddings here
Great Sand Dunes National Park Near Alamosa
The dunes in Great Sand Dunes National Park are out of this world. The National Park is located four hours south of Denver near a small town named Alamosa. With panoramic views of the Sangre De Cristo Mountains and unique features throughout the park with access to public campgrounds and activities such as sand boarding, hiking and more. A photography permit is required and fluctuates depending on your guest count; from $150 - $750 per day.
Information on Sand Dunes National Park Weddings here
Paint Mines Interpretive Park in Calhan, Colorado
Paint Mines Interpretive Park is one of Colorado’s most unique open spaces for engagement or elopement photos. With four miles of trails to explore and incredibly dynamic landscapes and geological formations - what the Paint Mines lacks in elevation it makes up for in it’s own charming way. Easily accessible from both Denver and Colorado Springs. This is also the only location on the list that does not require your photographer to register a permit with the Park Office - always double check as these rules may change over time.
Information on Paint Mines Interpretive Park Weddings here
Sapphire Point Overlook In Keystone, Colorado
Sapphire Point Overlook is a popular elopement destination in Colorado due to it’s proximity to resorts such as Keystone and Breckenridge off Swan Lake Rd. Overlooking Dillon Reservoir, this ceremony site puts you at 9,500’ of elevation with access throughout all seasons. It is a day use area reservable for two hour blocks with a guest limit of 35 guests. Accessible to disabled and elevation sensitive guests, being a short two minute walk from the trail head parking lot.
Information on Sapphire Point Overlook Weddings here
Boulder Open Space & Lost Gulch Overlook on Flagstaff Mountain
We could easily list other nearby Boulder Engagement or Elopement locations like Flat Irons in Chataqua Park or the nearby Indian Peak Wilderness - but Lost Gulch is undeniably the most easy to access with high bang-for-buck views. Just a 20 minute drive from the heart of Boulder, you’ll find yourself driving up Flagstaff Mountain and taking a quick walk to the west-facing overlook spot. Photography session permit will be required through the City Of Boulder. Paid parking available at the Overlook lot.
Leave No Trace - Best Practices For Outdoor Weddings
Leave No Trace refers to an ongoing effort within the outdoor and photography community to help preserve nature and wildlife areas to be enjoyed by everyone. Micro weddings and elopements minimize waste compared to larger weddings. These 7 Leave No Trace principles will ensure your event is adhering to sustainable practices when outdoors.
Plan and prepare. Secure your permit and check to see if you need a photography permit for your location.
Travel on durable surfaces. Use established venues for your wedding, avoid sensitive areas such as high alpine meadows and any place fenced off for rehabilitation efforts.
Dispose of waste properly. Avoid confetti even if it is marked “biodegradable” flower petals can contain seeds to what may be invasive plants in your area.
Leave what you find. Use the natural landscape and avoid making rock sculptures or log furniture.
Minimize campfire impacts & be careful with fire. Use established fire rings if they are provided.
Respect wildlife. To avoid attracting animals, contain food preparation in one place. Don’t dump foods or liquids into rivers or streams.
Be considerate of other visitors. Avoid loud music in crowded spots and remember that uphill hikers have the right of way. Looking for more privacy? Consider a weekday elopement or micro wedding.
Backyard Weddings & Vacation Rentals - Larger Options For Micro Weddings With More Guests
You’ll stumble across a variety of vacation rentals on AirBnb or Vrbo for hosting a private ceremony. Eloping and Micro Weddings are becoming the new normal as gathering sizes become uncertain, giving couples a flexible, worthwhile option that can host groups of 10 to 20 guests. Make sure to always communicate your intentions clearly with property owners. Whether it’s just you and your significant other or a handful of your closest family and friends tagging along for the ride, these three unique elopement locations may be the perfect option for couples looking to experience the Rockies in a unique and memorable way. As a disclaimer, these locations are best suited for smaller, intimate weddings or elopements with less than 25 guests and 4WD/AWD vehicles are recommended for access through mountain roads.
#1 Smith Cabin in Aspen, Colorado
Experience the best parts of Aspen in a luxurious, rustic cabin with sweeping views of the Maroon Bells Snowmass Wilderness Area. Perched up at 11,300ft, the Cabin has unique amenities such as - 2 fire pits, wifi, wood burning stove high end appliances and 3 bedrooms to accommodate up to 9 guests. The diverse nearby scenery and backdrops give the entire experience a unique touch. Large enough to accommodate tents and elaborate decor.
#2 Wolf Den Cabin in Twin Lakes, Colorado
Located at the base of Mt. Elbert, Colorado’s tallest peak in Twin Lakes, Colorado - The Wolf Den is our easiest to access on the list. At a lower elevation of 9,700’ and (mostly) paved roads to reach this location, this may be the best option for larger guest lists (5 bedrooms 3.5 bathrooms and spacious sq ft) and those with children and elderly travelers. Incredible views of Mt. Elbert and the majestic glacial waters of Colorado’s Twin Lakes just a short walk away. Roughly 30 minutes away from Aspen, Leadville and Buena Vista, Wolf Den offers an excellent starting point to your stay in the Rockies.
#3 Puente Cabin in Lake City, Colorado
At 11,500’ the Puente Cabin has one of the most unique and charming accommodations on the list. Off grid and remote with a beautiful suspension bridge decorated with Tibetan prayer flags in the Uncompahgre Wilderness. Just below the cabin is a flowing waterfall and fire pit - and a nearby 15 minute drive from Engineer Pass. Suitable to sleep 6 guests (2 Bedrooms/4 Beds), this location takes pride in it’s no-distractions absence of WiFi and cell phone service.