Best Colorado Elopement Locations with Breathtaking Views
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Your Guide to Colorado Elopement Locations
This guide to the best Colorado elopement locations is packed with stunning spots to say ‘I do’—from sweeping mountain peaks to hidden alpine lakes. Whether you’re envisioning an adventurous hike to a quiet overlook or a private ceremony in a wildflower-filled meadow, I’ve got you covered with all the most scenic and inspiring places to get married in Colorado.
Looking for a specific or personalized location for your day? It doesn’t have to be all on your shoulders! Included with my elopement photography services is helping match you with the kind of scenery and locations that will check all of your boxes. I also have great relationships with elopement & micro wedding planners who can elevate your day in more ways than you can imagine! If you’d like to discuss your vision or need help finding the ideal spot for your elopement, feel free to contact me today!
Important Notes for Elopements in Natural Spaces
When planning your elopement in a natural setting, it’s essential to keep a few things in mind:
- Leave No Trace Principles: Always respect the environment by minimizing your impact. Simply pack out all trash and belongings, stick to designated trails, and avoid disturbing to wildlife and other visitors. Learn more about LNT ethics here.
- Steer Clear from Flower Petals & Confetti: Even if “biodegradable”, they can cause harm to ecosystems and are not permitted to be left behind. Consider alternatives like streamer sticks.
- Restrictions on Decorations: Many outdoor ceremony spots do not allow arches, chairs, or other setups unless approved through a special use permit. Always confirm with the managing agency.
- Jurisdiction-Specific Rules: Remember that every natural space—whether a National Forest, National Park, state park, or open space—has its own rules and regulations.
- Stay Updated: Rules for outdoor weddings are constantly evolving. Once you decide on your elopement location, reach out to the appropriate authority or private venue to ensure you’re following the most current guidelines.
By being mindful of these considerations, you can enjoy a seamless and environmentally responsible celebration in the great outdoors.
Places to Elope Near Denver & the Front Range
Echo Lake
Up a winding mountain road from Idaho Springs, Echo Lake is a picturesque gem surrounded by towering pines and distant mountain peaks. Whether you envision an intimate elopement ceremony along the lake’s edge, a cozy picnic in the cozy stone pavilion, or exploring nearby hiking trails for post-vow adventure, Echo Lake sets the scene for a laid-back yet breathtaking celebration in the mountains.
Accessibility: Easily accessible lake views with optional hiking. Open year-round (with temporary winter road closures).
Permits & Reservations: Contact Denver Mountain Parks
Halfway House in Boulder
Perched on Flagstaff Mountain, Halfway House is one of Boulder’s beautiful outdoor wedding ceremony sites with lovely views of the iconic Flatirons and a covered stone structure. This wedding site can accommodate up to 49 people and is a very easily accessible and scenic ceremony site for an elopement or intimate wedding.
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible ceremony site, limited parking, available year-round.
Cost: $50-$100 for 1 hour or $175-$275 for 3 hours.
Permits & Reservations: Halfway House for your intimate wedding or elopement through Boulder Open Space
Horsetooth Reservoir
Just west of Fort Collins, this expansive reservoir boasts stunning foothill views, dramatic cliffs, and hidden coves. Its shoreline connects to Lory State Park, offering another gorgeous option for elopements or weddings with up to 25 guests. This spot is especially magical for a secluded elopement in the early morning hours. Groups exceeding 20 guests require a special use permit, and photographers must obtain a permit for any photos taken here.
Accessibility: Easily accessible lake views with optional hiking. Open year-round.
Permits & Reservations: Contact Larimer County
Garden of the Gods
A true Colorado icon, Garden of the Gods is a super unique location for an elopement with its towering red rock formations and sweeping views of Pikes Peak. This free, public park offers several designated ceremony sites, perfect for couples looking for a dramatic yet accessible setting. Sunrise ceremonies provide the best lighting and give you the best chance of fewer crowds.
Check out a Garden of the Gods intimate wedding here.
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible trails and views, open year-round.
Permits & Reservations: No permits necessary unless you are using a wedding planner.
Golden Gate Canyon State Park
Located near Golden, Colorado, this park offers tons of beautiful wedding photo locations and a wonderful wedding site at the Red Barn that you can reserve. The Red Barn feels very secluded, has a beautiful aspen grove, sheltered picnic tables, and open air reception space making it exceptionally ideal for an intimate wedding!
Accessibility: Red Barn is available May through October.
Cost: $150 on weekdays, $200 on weekends
Permits & Reservations: Contact Colorado Parks & Wildlife
Guanella Pass
Located right near Georgetown, Guanella Pass offers breathtaking scenery including meadows, alpine lakes, wildflowers, and stunning views of surrounding peaks. This alpine setting is ideal for couples looking for lots of variety in their photos. Looking for a challenge and adventure? Hike nearby 14er, Mt. Bierdstadt, at sunrise!
Accessibility: The road is typically open between June and November (weather permitting)
Lory State Park
Located just west of Fort Collins, Lory State Park is a beautiful spot for outdoor elopements as well as larger weddings of up to 100 people. The landscape features stunning views of the foothills, wide open meadows, and Horsetooth Reservoir also. For more details or to secure your date, reach out to Colorado Parks and Wildlife.
Accessibility: Easily accessible with hiking trails available, open year-round.
Cost: $75-$300 depending on location and day of week (weekends are more expensive)
Permits & Reservations: A special activity permit is required for weddings and events. Contact Colorado Parks & Wildlife
Sunrise Amphitheater
Up Flagstaff Mountain, not far from Halfway House, you’ll find another outdoor wedding ceremony option! This site offers sweeping views of Boulder, and the amphitheater seating is surrounded by trees, creating a cozy and secluded atmosphere. Before or after your ceremony, take a little hike on some nearby hiking trails! You can reserve this site for up to 100.
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible ceremony site. Available between May 1st and October 30th.
Cost: $100-$150 for 1 hour, $300-$400 for 3 hours
Permits & Reservations: Reserve Sunrise Amphitheater for your intimate wedding or elopement through Boulder Open Space
Places to Elope Near Estes Park, Colorado
Brainard Lake
Near the trailhead for Lake Isabelle is this wonderful mountain lake! This is an ideal Colorado elopement location for a two person elopement or a group of less than 12 (group permit required). This location is also quietest at sunrise! There is a timed entry required to access this area from mid-June to mid-October, and there are road closures during the winter months. During those winter months, you are able to hike up the road, and it’s about 4.5 miles round trip. And of course, during the winter months you’ll see far fewer people!
Accessibility: Road to Brainard Lake open between late June and mid-October, weather + conditions permitting. Park space open year-round.
Cost: $10 Entrance fee
Permits & Reservations: Seasonal timed entry required, and special use permit required for groups of 8-12 people
Hermit Park
Another dog-friendly Colorado elopement location near Estes Park that’s much less busy than Rocky Mountain National Park! Hermit Park is known for great camping, hiking and biking trails. They also have little cabins you can stay in so you’re super close to your elopement location! Enjoy forests, aspen groves, open meadows, and climb to the top of Kruger Rock for those top-of-the-mountain views. There’s even a lovely pavilion + meadow space you can reserve for an intimate wedding.
Check out a Hermit Park intimate wedding here.
Accessibility: The park is typically open between March 1st and December 20th.
Cost: $500 for pavilion with access to restrooms, fire pits, picnic tables, horseshoes
Permits & Reservations: A photography permit is required. Contact Larimer County
Lake Isabelle
Ok, another one of those Colorado elopement locations that’s a very favorite! This one requires a mild ~4 mile round trip hike. This is a wonderfully picturesque location for a summer wedding when the road to Brainard Lake is open! It’s truly majestic here, but also popular. I highly recommend this location as a elopement sunrise hike. And don’t forget to get your timed entry!
Check out a summer Lake Isabelle elopement here.
Accessibility: Open year-round, with a significantly longer hiking distance when Brainard Lake Road is closed between about mid-June until mid-October.
Cost: $10 Entrance fee
Permits & Reservations: Seasonal timed entry required, and special use permit required for groups of 8-12 people
Mary’s Lake
Looking to be in Estes Park and outside of the National Park? Perhaps somewhere dog-friendly, yet still beautiful? Mary’s Lake may just be your spot. Picture both rocky and flat shorelines, pine trees, and even picnic areas. There is a power plant located here, but it’s easy to stay away from (and keep out of photos).
Accessibility: Open year-round.
Permits & Reservations: You must notify Estes Valley Recreation & Park District of your event, and a special use permit is required for groups of 5 or more.
Rocky Mountain National Park
As an Estes Park local, this is unquestionably one of my very places in all of Colorado! Incredible mountain views, an incredible variety in landscapes within a short distance. Hike, or even road trip from scenic location to scenic locations and find yourself in absolute awe the entire time. RMNP does require a permit for any sort of vow reading or ceremony which must be held at a designated ceremony site, but you can hike or wander around for couples photos before or after!
Check out my Rocky Mountain National Park Wedding Guide and learn everything you need to know to get married in this iconic Colorado elopement location.
Accessibility: Open year-round with wheelchair accessible ceremony site options.
Cost: $300
Permits & Reservations: Contact Rocky Mountain National Park
YMCA of the Rockies
YMCA of the Rockies has two locations, one in Estes Park and one in Granby, Colorado. Not only is this a fun and scenic wedding location, but they also offer lodging and an abundance of outdoor activities like zip-lining, horseback riding, fishing, ice skating, cross-country skiing—and the list goes on. It’s great for both an elopement or micro wedding in the mountains, and all the activities make for great photo opportunities as well.
Accessibility: Open year-round.
Permits & Reservations: Contact YMCA of the Rockies
Loving these Estes Park wedding locations? Check out my Estes Park Intimate Wedding Venue Guide for more!
Places to Elope Near Winter Park, Colorado
Berthoud Pass
Berthoud Pass is a great elopement location between Winter Park and Idaho Springs and ideal for couples willing to hike at high elevation to get to their ceremony spot! Soon after the parking area at the pass, about 3/4 of a mile, the trails open up to 360 degree mountain views above tree line! This spot is beautiful at both sunrise or sunset.
Accessibility: Open year-round with possible temporary road closures due to winter conditions.
Jones Pass
Looking for a rugged mountain off-road trail that will lead you up to 360-degree mountain views? This mountain pass between Idaho Springs and Winter Park could be your perfect spot! Jones Pass offers a remote and adventurous route with breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks.
Accessibility: Typically passable from June through early October, conditions permitting.
Rollins Pass
Located near Winter Park, this bumpy dirt road is best accessed with a high clearance vehicle. The road pops you up above tree line where you can hop on some incredibly beautiful hiking trails with alpine lakes! And the stargazing? It’s pretty great up here!
Check out this summer elopement off Rollins Pass.
Accessibility: Road is typically open between mid-June and mid-November.
Places to Elope Near Steamboat Springs
Pearl Lake
Nestled in Northern Colorado near Steamboat Springs, Pearl Lake is a hidden gem for couples seeking a serene and intimate wedding location. Surrounded by dense pine forests and rolling mountains, this picturesque alpine lake offers a tranquil setting perfect for elopements or small ceremonies. Pearl Lake is ideal for couples who love water activities like kayaking or paddleboarding and want endless photo opportunities! There are even some wonderful campsites tucked around the lake, picnic areas, and hiking trails connecting it all.
Check out a Pearl Lake intimate wedding here.
Accessibility: Open year-round with limited services in the winter
Permits & Reservations: Contact Colorado Parks & Wildlife
State Forest State Park
Another underrated Colorado elopement location if you ask me! Located up North, State Forest State Park offers amazing hiking trails, lakes, and even one of my favorite Colorado lakes with an island in the middle! This is a popular area for spotting wildlife, especially moose, and it’s a great area for camping as well!
Accessibility: Open year-round
Permits & Reservations: Wedding permit required and available through Colorado Parks & Wildlife
Steamboat Lake
Steamboat Lake is located just around the corner from Pearl Lake! This lake is significantly bigger, also offers great mountain views, is dog-friendly, and has some wonderful sandy shores. This is clearly a great Colorado elopement location for couples who want to be by water when they say “I do”.
Accessibility: Open year-round
Permits & Reservations: Contact Colorado Parks & Wildlife
Places to Elope Near Breckenridge, Silverthorne, Vail & Dillon
Boreas Pass
A scenic high-mountain dirt road near Breckenridge, Colorado that is known for beautiful mountain views, fall foliage, and an old abandoned mining town to wander about!
Accessibility: Accessible to vehicles May through October.
Hoosier Pass
Hoosier Pass is another one of those Colorado elopement locations that’s accessible year round (weather pending) and also offers stunning high alpine views! It’s a popular spot for camping in the summer season and backcountry skiing during the winter. Take one of the hiking trails on either side of the pass and wander until you find the perfect-for-you spot for your wedding ceremony.
Accessibility: Open year-round with potential road closures due to winter driving conditions.
Loveland Pass
Located at almost 12,000 ft in elevation along the Continental Divide, Loveland Pass connects the towns of Dillon and Empire, Colorado. This pass is open year-round and is popular for backcountry skiing and (steep) hiking. Along the pass, and accessible late spring to late fall, is Pass Lake. A lovely spot to wander and have an elopement ceremony with incredible views.
Accessibility: Open year-round with temporary winter road closures due to conditions. Easily accessible views and optional hiking.
Sapphire Point Overlook
This ceremony site is located between Keystone and Breckenridge and overlooks beautiful Dillon Reservoir. It’s available year-round and can accommodate up to 30 people. This is a very popular spot for wedding ceremonies, so it’s important to apply for your permit as soon as possible! Permits become available 6 months in advance. If reservations sell out, then another a great nearby backup location would by Windy Point!
Accessibility: Open year-round
Cost: $120
Permits & Reservations: Reservations are required for weddings at Sapphire Point Overlook and can be booked through recreation.gov
Windy Point
Another beautiful ceremony spot on Dillon Reservoir, and arguably a little more hidden and less popular than Sapphire Point Overlook. This site can accommodate up to 100 people and is available between mid-May and late-September/early-October. The group site with the pavilion is tucked along a little inlet and a perfect spot for an intimate wedding celebration as well!
Cost: $232-$286
Permits & Reservations: Reservations are required for weddings at Windy Point and can be booked through recreation.gov
Places to Elope Near Aspen
Maroon Bells
One of the most iconic Colorado elopement locations because of it’s picturesque scenery. This location is especially brilliant at sunrise when the warm sunlight hits the red mountains. Wedding reservations for Maroon Bells Amphitheater can be made up to one year in advance, but be advised that they sell out very quickly so be ready if you have a particular date in mind! This site can accommodate up to 50 people.
Check out a Maroon Bells intimate wedding here.
Accessibility: Road to Maroon Bells is typically open late-May through early-October. Winter access by foot or snow-mobile permitted.
Cost: $200
Permits & Reservations: Available through recreation.gov
Independence Pass
The seasonal mountain pass connecting Aspen and Leadville. So many lovely hikes, grottos, lakes, streams, and high alpine mountain views to explore in this area! Combine Independence Pass with Maroon Bells or Twin Lakes, before or after, for a whole lot of variety and epic scenery.
Accessibility: Typically open between late-May and November, conditions permitting
Places to Elope Near Buena Vista
Cottonwood Pass
Ah yes, this beautiful particularly stunning pass located near Buena Vista. Imagine 360 degree scenic views, wonderful hiking trails, and a perfect mix of aspen groves, pine trees, lakes, and obviously, mountains galore.
Accessibility: Typically open between late-May and November, conditions permitting
Permits & Reservations: Contact San Isabel National Forest
Great Sand Dunes National Park
Arguably one of the most unique elopement locations in Colorado, and somewhere you really have to see in person to even wrap your head around. Picture massive (and seemingly endless) sand dunes in front of 13,000+ ft tall mountain peaks. Nearby is a hidden waterfall hike that gives you a complete different scenery too! If you have fewer than 15 people, you can have your ceremony right on the dune field! Otherwise, wedding ceremonies are permitted at the amphitheater.
Check out a GSDNP elopement here.
Accessibility: Open year-round
Cost: $200 wedding permit
Permits & Reservations: Contact Great Sand Dunes National Park
Twin Lakes
Twin Lakes is one of the most grand Colorado elopement locations with postcard like views of the Sawatch Range, towering 14,000+ foot mountains in front of a massive lake with rocky (and even some sandy!) shores. This is a beautiful + picturesque landscape for an elopement ceremony, with plenty of hidden gem hiking trails and photo locations nearby as well.
Accessibility: Open year-round
Permits & Reservations: Contact Leadville Ranger District or Pike and San Isabel National Forest
Places to Elope Near Crested Butte
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
Arguably one of the most underrated National Parks in Colorado, BCG is rugged and dramatic with steep cliffs overlooking the Gunnison River. This remote and awe-inspiring park offers inspiring views at both sunrise and sunset, providing a blend of solitude and adventure.
Accessibility: Open year-round with winter closures on South Rim Drive
Cost: $100
Permits & Reservations: Black Canyon of the Gunnison
Crested Butte Land Trust
The Crested Butte Land Trust protects and manages some of the most beautiful and ecologically significant areas around Crested Butte. To host a wedding or event on their lands, you’ll need to choose from two ceremony sites, Woods Walk or Peanut Lake, and obtain a permit. Since the wedding permit acts as a donation, you’re able to use it as a tax write off! Plus you know it’s going to a great organization.
Accessibility: Woods Walk is available year-round
Cost: $2,000 donation, $500 of which is a refundable deposit
Permits & Reservations: Contact Crested Butte Land Trust
Kebler Pass
Located near Crested Butte, Kebler Pass is a breathtaking spot known for its vast aspen groves, which are among the largest in the world! The area also features stunning mountain vistas, wildflower-filled meadows, and secluded spaces perfect for a meaningful ceremony. There are even horseback riding opportunities at this location! Kebler Pass is typically accessible from late spring to early fall, depending on snow conditions.
Check out a Kebler Pass intimate wedding ceremony here.
Accessibility: Typically open between late-May and November, conditions permitting.
Permits & Reservations: Contact Gunnison Ranger District
Lake Irwin
Just off Kebler Pass is this wonderful recreation area! There’s a campground, dispersed campsites, and lots of hiking activities. This is a wonderful spot near Crested Butte to get out on the water with canoes, kayaks, or paddleboards.
Accessibility: Typically open between mid-June and early-October
Permits & Reservations: Contact Gunnison Ranger District
Love what you see? Then check out my full Crested Butte Elopement & Intimate Wedding Guide!
Places to Elope Near Grand Junction
Colorado National Monument
This is one of the most unique elopement locations in Colorado located near Grand Junction. Picture beautiful panoramic desert scenery and dramatic cliffs. My personal favorite spot for a wedding ceremony here is at Book Cliffs!
Accessibility: Open year-round
Cost: $150 wedding permit
Permits & Reservations: Apply for a wedding permit through Colorado National Monument
Places to Elope Near Ouray & Silverton
Bonnie Belle Cabin
Airbnb wedding with a twist, anyone? This is one of my very favorite Colorado elopement locations near Silverton, Colorado. This cabin is incredibly remote and only accessible by off-road vehicle. It’s a wonderful off-grid cabin with epic mountain views in every direction. Perfect for a 2 person elopement and making bucket-list like memories. Oh, and it’s dog-friendly!
Accessibility: Accessible by capable 4×4 vehicle between July 1st and September 30th.
Cost: $500/night for accommodations (plus taxes + fees)
Yankee Boy Basin
Located near Ouray, Colorado, Yankee Boy Basin is a stunning high-alpine destination perfect for off-road elopements and small weddings. This area offers endless photo opportunities with its dramatic mountain views, rushing waterfalls, and vibrant wildflowers in the summer months. This area is typically accessible from June through early-October, depending on snowfall.
Check out a Yankee Boy Basin intimate wedding here.
Accessibility: Accessible by capable 4×4 vehicle, typically between early May and early-November, snow conditions permitting.
Places to Elope Near Telluride
Alta Lakes & Alta Lakes Observatory
A serene mountain escape near Telluride, Colorado, anyone? Another favorite Colorado elopement destination (and the observatory is a perfect spot for a unique intimate wedding too!). The observatory is a rustic yet cozy retreat. Get ready in the beautiful home, have your ceremony in the “backyard” and then pop out on the lake for some canoeing photos at sunset!
Accessible: Accessible with capable vehicles year-round.
Permits & Reservations: Contact Alta Lakes Observatory
Bridal Veil Falls
Colorado’s tallest free-falling waterfall, right near downtown Telluride! This gem of a location is accessible by either a steep hike or 4×4 road. With its popularity, I would recommend a sunrise start for a location like this. Love what you see? There are other more secretive Colorado waterfalls as well! When you book with me as your elopement photographer, I’ll help match you with the perfect one for your day.
Accessibility: Winter road closures. Accessible by foot year-round, though winter hiking conditions can be dangerous
Dunton Hot Springs
Located in the San Juan Mountains, Dunton Hot Springs is a luxurious all-inclusive resort surrounded by natural beauty and—you guessed it—hot springs. This is one of those Colorado elopement locations that feels like the ultimate splurge in romance and relaxation—the kind you certainly deserve on your wedding day.
Accessibility: Open year-round
Cost: $2,700 + accommodations for elopements
$6,500 + accommodations for intimate weddings
Reservations: Dunton Hot Springs
Hidden Gem Elopement Locations in Colorado
Colorado is home to countless hidden gem elopement locations—special, lesser-known spots that feel like they’re straight out of a calendar (because they probably are). These unique places are perfect for couples who crave intimacy and want their wedding day to feel truly their own as well. Many photographers, myself included, keep these locations under wraps, sharing them exclusively with our clients. Why? It’s part of our commitment to Leave No Trace ethics, of course! Because by preserving the beauty and privacy of these spaces, we can ensure they remain pristine and magical for years to come. When you work with a photographer who values these principles, you’re not just getting a beautiful location—you’re part of a thoughtful effort to protect Colorado’s wild places.
To learn more about how to elope in Colorado, find recommended vendors, and more, check out my Ultimate Colorado Wedding Photography Guide.
How to Elope in Colorado
No matter where you’re coming from, you can indeed legally tie the knot here with a Colorado marriage license! And here’s the best part—Colorado isn’t just one of the most scenic places to get married; it’s also one of the few states where you can self-solemnize. That means no witness, no officiant—just you, your partner, and those especially jaw-dropping mountain views making it official.
Getting your Colorado marriage license is easier than you might think, but it’s important to know that every county clerk’s office has its own process and requirements. Because these rules and systems are constantly being updated, find an office that’s on your route and check their website for the most up-to-date details. Some offices, especially in busier cities, require an appointment, while others accept walk-ins. Planning ahead will save you time and stress, so you can focus on the exciting part—getting married!
Ready to learn more about the ins and outs of eloping in Colorado? Then check out my Ultimate Colorado Elopement Photography Guide.
Your Colorado Elopement Location Matcher + Photographer
Hey, I’m Amber!
I’m an Estes Park, Colorado-based elopement and micro wedding photographer who’s all about capturing your day in a way that feels laid-back, fun, and so you.
Beyond being there to beautifully photograph your day, I’m also here to make the entire process exciting and stress-free—helping you plan, explore incredible locations, and feel completely at ease every step of the way.
Think we might be a good fit? Then fill out the inquiry form below to get started!
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