A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Elope in Colorado from a Colorado Native Elopement Photographer.
If you’re dreaming of ditching the traditional wedding for an adventurous, stress-free, wildly romantic elopement……Colorado is calling your name. With sweeping mountain views, golden aspen forests, alpine lakes, and endless blue skies, there’s no better place to say “I do.”
As a born-and-raised Colorado native and elopement photographer, I’ve helped countless couples craft unforgettable elopement experiences. I don’t just show up with a camera, I guide you every step of the way so your day feels like a true reflection of your love.
Here’s my tried-and-true guide to help you elope in Colorado—with everything you need.Steps on How to Elope in Colorado:
- Choose a Date Range
- Find your Photographer
- Plan the Perfect day
- Pick up your Marriage License
- Elope and Have the Best Day Ever
- Wait for your Magical Images
Are you ready to Elope in Colorado? Click here for Pricing
1. Don’t choose 1 date, Choose a Date Range .
The first thing I encourage all my couples to do is choose a flexible date range when planning. Why? Because Colorado’s weather is wild and wonderful. This means it can snow in May and hit 70° in November. By keeping your dates open, we can work around ideal weather, avoid busy tourist seasons, and even sneak into hidden gems when they’re at their peak.
I’ll help you choose a timeframe that works best for your vision. Want wildflowers? Aim for late June to early August. Dreaming of golden aspens? Late September is our window. I’ll guide you through it all so you don’t have to stress about timing or logistics.
2. Find Your Photographer (That’s Me!)
Finding the right photographer is more than just pretty photos, it’s about finding someone who gets your vision and has the local expertise to bring it to life.I’m not just snapping photos, I’m helping you:
- scout the perfect location
- navigate trails
- build a custom timeline
- Send local vendor recommendations
- carry your bouquet if needed!
I know the secret sunrise spots, the trails less traveled, and the times when the lighting is chef’s kiss. When you work with me, you’re not just hiring a photographer, you’re gaining a guide, creative partner, and mountain-loving friend who’s got your back the entire way.
3. Plan the Perfect Day
Forget the pressure of a traditional wedding timeline. This is your day. Want to hike to a mountaintop and exchange vows at sunrise? Let’s do it. Prefer a cozy, private ceremony with your kiddo and pup by your side? I’ve got the perfect cabin in mind.
I help you build your dream day from the ground up. That includes timelines, logistics, activity ideas, backup weather plans, vendor referrals, and packing lists. You’re not doing this alone, I’m right beside you making sure your day feels fun, free, and totally you.
4. Pick Up Your Marriage License
Good news: Colorado makes it super easy to get married. You don’t need an officiant or witnesses (yes, you can self-solemnize!), and you can pick up your license at any county clerk’s office.
I’ll send you everything you need to know. How to apply, what documents to bring, and tips to make the process smooth. Want to sign your license at the top of a mountain or next to a glacial lake?
I’ll help you plan that moment and capture it beautifully. No stress, just love.
5. Elope & Have the Best Day Ever
Now comes the best part: your elopement day! This is when everything you’ve envisioned comes to life, and I’m right there making sure it all runs seamlessly.
From steaming mugs of coffee at sunrise to laughter-filled hikes and quiet, tearful vows, I’m capturing every second. I’ll help with dress fluffing, wind wrangling, hydration reminders, and timeline pacing. My goal is to create a space where you can be fully present with each other while I document the joy, intimacy, and realness of your day.
6. Wait for Your Magical Images
After the adventure winds down and you’re floating in that just-married bliss, I get to work editing your story with heart. I’ll send you sneak peeks within a few days, so you can start reliving the magic right away. Then comes your full gallery, filled with every glance, laugh, and golden beam of light from your day.
These aren’t just images. They’re moments that bring you back to how it felt. I pour my soul into every photo I deliver, because you deserve more than pretty pictures, you deserve an experience that lingers long after the last sunset photo.
Ready to Elope in Colorado?
Eloping in Colorado is all about creating a day that feels true to you. Whether that means exchanging vows on a mountaintop, hiking to a hidden alpine lake, or celebrating in a quiet meadow surrounded by wildflowers.
While the logistics can feel overwhelming at first, you don’t have to figure it all out alone.
From taking care of permits and securing the perfect location & lining up backup spots, recommending the best vendors, building a personalized timeline, and capturing every emotional, joy-filled moment, I’m here to make your Colorado elopement as effortless as it is unforgettable. When you’re ready to start dreaming up your perfect day, I’ll be right by your side to plan it all and preserve the memories for a lifetime.”Ready to bring your dream elopement to life?
Let’s start planning together!
