How to Elope in Colorado | A Complete Planning Guide
Dreaming of a wedding day that feels as wild and true as your love story? Welcome to Colorado — the land where love runs free, the mountains stand witness, and your elopement becomes an unforgettable adventure. ✨
I’m Sandy, and around here, we do things a little differently — a little more heart, a little more soul, a lot less pressure. If you're wondering how to elope in Colorado, friend, you're in exactly the right place. Let’s dive in.
Why Eloping in Colorado Just Hits Different
Imagine standing on the edge of a golden alpine meadow, hand in hand with your love, with nothing but wide-open sky, soft winds, and a couple of marmots cheering you on.
No crowds. No timelines. No stress.
Colorado makes that possible.
Self-Solemnization: Here, you don’t need an officiant. You don’t even need witnesses if you don’t want them. In Colorado, you and your partner have everything you need to marry yourselves — just the two of you and the mountains as your witnesses. (And if you do want your dog to sign your license with a muddy paw print? Hell yes you can.)
LGBTQ+ Affirming: Love wins here — and I’m proud to live and work in a state that protects and honors that love at every level.
Scenery That'll Knock Your Socks Off: Whether you're dreaming of sun-drenched cliffs, golden aspens, snowy mountaintops, or deep forest hideaways, Colorado's got a vibe to match your heart.
Colorado Elopement Laws: The Easy Breezy Breakdown
When I say Colorado makes eloping easy, I mean easy. Here's what you need to know:
Marriage License: You can get married in any county and elope anywhere in Colorado — no need to match them up. Just roll into a county clerk’s office with your driver’s licenses (or passports), fill out a quick application, and walk out legal. Same-day service, baby.
No Witnesses Needed: That's right — you don't have to invite anyone you don't want to. Your ceremony can be 100% private, just the two of you. (Or you can roll deep and have your whole family sign. Your choice, always.)
Self-Solemnization: This isn’t some boring legal loophole — it’s a radical honoring of your autonomy. You can craft your vows, your ceremony, your sacred moment exactly how you want it, without any extra steps or paperwork.
Pet-Friendly Signing: Have a fur baby that's part of your family? They can "sign" your marriage license with an ink paw print. (I've seen it done, and yes, it made me cry.)
Cost: Most marriage licenses cost about $30. No blood tests. No waiting periods. No hoops. Just love.
Best Times of Year to Elope in Colorado
Okay, so here's the thing about Colorado — she’s got seasons like moods, and they all bring their own kind of magic. ✨
Summer (June-August): Long golden evenings, fields of wildflowers, mountain passes wide open. Ideal for hikers and adventure-seekers.
Fall (September-October): If you've ever wanted to say your vows under a cathedral of fiery aspens, this is your moment. Crisp air, golden trees, dreamy sunsets.
Winter (November-March): Snow-dusted vows, cozy cabin celebrations, or mountaintop ceremonies for my wild snow lovers.
Spring (April-May): Baby wildlife, fresh green meadows, uncrowded trails — though keep in mind the high country can still be snowy!
Where to Elope in Colorado
No matter your vibe, there’s a place here for you. Some of my faves?
Rocky Mountain National Park: Classic, sweeping views. Permit required (I’ll help you snag it).
Great Sand Dunes National Park: Ethereal, dreamlike landscapes you won’t believe exist here.
San Juan Mountains: Honestly? Jaw. Dropping. The wildest peaks, the deepest intimacy.
Garden of the Gods: Easy access but still SO stunning — crazy red rock formations against blue skies.
Hidden Gems: I have a whole location catalog packed with secret spots — because your day deserves somewhere as special as your love.
Psst — I also offer full custom location scouting for my couples, so if you want a totally off-the-beaten-path adventure? I'm your girl.
How I Help You Create the Elopement of Your Dreams
Choosing to elope isn’t just about skipping the big wedding — it’s about choosing yourself. Choosing your connection. Choosing your story. And I’m here to make sure your day reflects all of that magic.
Timeline Crafting: We build a slow, beautiful timeline around the natural light, your vision, and your activities — whether that's hiking a trail, sipping coffee by a lake, or dancing under the stars.
Customized Location Help: I'll help you pick the spot that feels like home to your love story — whether that's an iconic view or a hidden corner of the wild.
Planning Guide: All my couples receive an Elopement Planning Guide packed with everything you need to know: packing lists, activity ideas, local vendor recommendations, and tips for making your day stress-free.
Hands-On Support: From your first inquiry to your final gallery delivery, you’re not just "hiring a photographer." You’re gaining a guide, a teammate, and a hype woman who believes fiercely in your story.
What past couples are saying:
“We do not live in Colorado and had no idea about the area, but she guided us to the perfect location for our elopement and was always available for questions or concerns leading up to our wedding day.”
“My husband and I are from out of state so Sandy scheduled a video call with me so that we could hash out location details and such. She was incredibly knowledgeable about the location and made planning the elopement from 500 miles away (something that could’ve been extremely stressful) the easiest and happiest experience. ”
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Eloping in Colorado
Because listen, friend — the wild beauty of Colorado will sweep you right off your feet… but a little prep goes a long way toward making sure your day stays dreamy instead of dicey.
Here’s a few common pitfalls I help my couples dodge:
Not Preparing for High Altitude: Colorado’s elevation is no joke, especially if you're coming from sea level. Altitude sickness can hit fast and hard — so plan to arrive a couple of days early to acclimate, hydrate like crazy, and take it slow on those first few hikes.
Forgetting About Permits: Some locations, especially in national parks and certain wilderness areas, require special permits for ceremonies and photography. It’s not a huge deal — but you don't want a park ranger crashing your vows. I guide all my couples through this process to keep it simple and stress-free.
Underestimating the Weather: Colorado weather is a moody little creature. 🌦 You might start the day with sunshine and end it with snow — even in June. Always have layers, backup plans, and the spirit of adventure tucked into your wedding day mindset.
Not Planning for Light: Light changes fast in the mountains — and when that golden hour hits? It’s pure magic. I build custom timelines for my couples to make sure we’re in the right place at the right time for those heart-melting, soul-soaring photos.
Trying to “Do It All”: This is your day to slow down, soak in the moment, and be with each other. You don't need a million activities stacked up. Focus on the few things that feel the most like you — and let the rest fall away.
Pro Tip:
When you work with me, you don’t have to keep all these details straight yourself. I’ll walk you through every step, every choice, every what-if — so you can just show up and live your love story fully.
More Words From Past Wild Hearts:
“She planed everything out for us, kept in constant communication and answered any and all questions. But on the most important day of my life, she kept me calm and laughing.”
“She captured our elopement & made us look so naturally good together! These pictures look like a dream! The whole experience was amazing, and most importantly i was comfortable with her. ”
