Colorado offers endless places to elope. No matter where you go, you’re surrounded by beauty. You can stay close to Denver or drive deep into the mountains. Either way, you’ll find stunning spots to exchange vows and start your forever.
In this guide, I’m sharing nine of my favorite elopement locations in Colorado. Each spot includes tips and short stories to help you picture your perfect day.
If you’re ready to elope in Colorado, I’m here to help you plan every detail.
Top 8 Places to Elope in Colorado
- Piney River Ranch
- San Juan Mountains (Ouray, CO)
- Frisco, CO
- Crested Butte, CO
- Garden of the Gods
- Leadville, CO
- Breckenridge, CO
- Loveland Pass
- Rocky Mountain National Park
Piney River Ranch – A Hidden Gem Near Vail
Piney River Ranch sits only 40 minutes outside Downtown Vail. The drive feels like an adventure on its own. When you arrive, you’ll see mountain peaks, a sparkling lake, and endless scenery.
Piney is beautiful because it works for both weddings and intimate elopements. You can rent the ranch with its cozy cabins or purchase a simple elopement permit. For the most romantic setting, you can even reserve the dock for your ceremony.
This location truly has everything. There are canoes, wildlife, trails, and calm mountain views. It is peaceful, private, and incredibly scenic. Once you visit, you’ll want to return every year.
San Juan Mountains – Adventure in Ouray, Colorado
The San Juan Mountains require a bit of travel, but the journey is worth it. From Denver, the drive takes about 5.5 hours. You can also fly into Gunnison and drive less than two hours.
To reach this ceremony spot, we rode in a 4×4 open-air jeep for about 40 minutes. The trail winds through rugged terrain and dramatic mountain cliffs. It felt exciting and unforgettable—perfect for an adventurous couple.
We began at a high overlook and then made our way down to an alpine lake. The area was quiet, private, and full of stillness. The couple read their vows and exchanged rings with no one else around.
Tip: Even in July, it gets cold. Bring warm layers and prepare for unpredictable weather. The adventure and the privacy make it worth it.
Frisco, Colorado – A Charming Mountain Town
Frisco is only 1.5 hours from Denver. It’s ideal for couples who want a mountain wedding without a long drive. The town has a relaxed vibe and beautiful scenery.
One of my favorite elopements here included ten family members who traveled from Canada. The couple started their day by running a 5K together. Then they got ready at their Airbnb while laughing and sharing stories. They also chose to keep things traditional by not seeing one another before the ceremony.
They reserved a private ceremony space that felt like their own mountain. After their vows, everyone celebrated at a cozy wine bar with charcuterie, wine, and cake. It was simple, fun, and meaningful.
Frisco lets you create a day that feels personal and unique.
Crested Butte – Wildflowers and Winter Charm
Crested Butte is about a 4–5 hour drive from Denver. In the summer, the town is known as the wildflower capital of Colorado. In winter, it becomes a cozy ski town with quiet streets and deep snow.
The area has alpine lakes, tall peaks, rivers, and great hiking trails. If you love adventure, Crested Butte has plenty to offer.
What makes it special for elopements is the privacy. Compared to busier towns like Vail or Breckenridge, Crested Butte feels more secluded. You can often find quiet ceremony spots without tourists nearby. It is the perfect mix of beauty, privacy, and adventure.
Garden of the Gods – Red Rock Beauty in Colorado Springs
Garden of the Gods is a public park in Colorado Springs. It is 1–2 hours from Denver depending on traffic. The park is famous for its dramatic red rock formations and wide-open mountain views.
This is a popular location, so the best time to elope is sunrise on a weekday. Early mornings help you avoid crowds and give you the softest light.
Garden of the Gods is perfect if you want red rocks, mountain views, and easy access to Colorado Springs.
Leadville, Colorado – Historic Charm Meets Mountain Views
Leadville is about two hours from Denver. The town feels remote but is still easy for guests to reach. Just a short walk from the parking area, you’ll find lakes, mountain views, and wide open spaces.
During one elopement, a quick rainstorm passed over us. It lasted only 15 minutes but left the landscape looking dramatic and moody. It made the photos unforgettable.
Leadville is also home to Mt. Elbert, the tallest peak in Colorado. The town has historic charm, local character, and lots of adventure. You can hike, ski, ride the historic train, or explore trails with your dog.
Each season brings something different:
- Summer: wildflowers and warm air
- Fall: golden aspens
- Winter: snowy scenery
- Spring: melting snow and fresh blooms
Leadville is perfect for adventurous couples who love the outdoors.
Breckenridge – A Classic Colorado Mountain Destination
Breckenridge is about 1.5 hours from Denver. It offers stunning mountain scenery year-round. Adventure is always close, from skiing to hiking to biking.
Nearby Sapphire Point Overlook is a popular elopement spot. You can bring just the two of you or a few guests.
Breckenridge allows couples to skip the traditional wedding stress. The natural scenery creates a beautiful backdrop with little extra décor needed.
Loveland Pass – High Alpine Views Close to Denver
Loveland Pass is about one hour from Denver. The road climbs high into the mountains and offers dramatic views. It connects I-70 to Keystone and stays open year-round.
Winter comes with risks, though. The pass often closes due to snow, avalanches, or icy conditions.
If you want to elope at Loveland Pass, consider choosing a summer date. Another option is to keep your plans flexible in case the road closes.
When the weather cooperates, the views are incredible.
Rocky Mountain National Park
Rocky mountain National Park sits outside of the town of Estes Park, which is around 2 hours away from Denver. To access the park you must have a National Pass and a Reservation on most dates during peak hours. There are different locations around the park with different lakes, cliffs, and overviews. You can elope alone or have guests join you. The possibilities here are endless!
Ready to Start Planning Your Colorado Elopement?
Choosing a location is just the beginning. I’m here to help you plan everything from timelines and permits to the best lighting and photo spots. My goal is to make your day smooth, meaningful, and unforgettable.
Wherever you choose to say “I do,” I’ll be there to capture the moments you’ll want to relive for a lifetime.
Ready to plan your Colorado elopement? Let’s start dreaming up your perfect day
