Elopement Guide
Eloping in Colorado offers an unforgettable experience, with some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the country from alpine lakes and rugged mountain peaks to desert cliffs and forested trails. One of the most exciting aspects of eloping here is the variety; no two locations feel the same, and each setting provides a unique backdrop for your story.
However, planning an elopement in Colorado does come with a few important considerations. Many scenic locations especially popular mountain areas, state parks, and protected lands require advance permits or special use approvals for ceremonies and professional photography. These requirements can vary depending on the location, group size, and even the time of year, so it’s essential to plan ahead and ensure everything is properly secured to avoid any disruptions on your day. Another thing to keep in mind is your event date when choosing a location. Some access roads are closed at certain points throughout the year.
Another key factor to keep in mind is Colorado’s diverse and often unpredictable weather. It’s not uncommon to experience sunshine, wind, rain, or even snow all within the same day, regardless of the season. Higher elevations tend to have cooler temperatures year-round, and conditions can change quickly. Being flexible, prepared, and open to a little adventure is all part of the experience and often leads to the most memorable moments and stunning images.
With the right preparation and guidance, eloping in Colorado can be an incredibly seamless and meaningful experience. From navigating permits to helping you choose the perfect location and timeline, having a photographer who understands the landscape and logistics ensures that you can focus on what truly matters, celebrating your love in a place that feels wild, beautiful, and uniquely yours.
Below I've included a few of my favorite locations!
Garden of the Gods
This iconic destination is one of Colorado’s most breathtaking and accessible elopement locations. Known for its towering red rock formations, dramatic mountain views, and sweeping open skies, it offers a stunning natural backdrop that feels both grand and intimate. With Pikes Peak rising in the distance, the scenery is nothing short of unforgettable.
One of the biggest advantages of choosing Garden of the Gods is its simplicity, no permits or special approvals are required for small ceremonies or photography sessions, making it a stress-free and a popular choice for couples.
Its combination of striking landscapes, easy access, and flexibility has made it a favorite for those looking to elope in a setting that is both beautiful and effortlessly convenient.
Red Rock Canyon Open Space
This gem offers stunning and slightly more secluded views.
With its vibrant red rock formations, winding trails, and sweeping views of the surrounding foothills, it provides a beautiful natural backdrop that feels both peaceful and expansive.
One of the biggest advantages of Red Rock Canyon Open Space is its simplicity like Garden of the Gods, no permits or special approvals are required for small ceremonies or photography sessions. This makes it an easy, stress-free option for couples who want incredible scenery without added logistics.
Located just minutes away from Garden of the Gods, this spot offers the same iconic Colorado landscape with a bit more privacy and flexibility, making it a favorite for those looking for a relaxed, scenic, and accessible elopement experience.
Lake Isabel
Nestled in the scenic mountains of southern Colorado, Lake Isabel offers a peaceful and picturesque setting surrounded by dense forest, calm waters, and sweeping alpine views.
This location is especially beautiful for couples seeking a more secluded, nature-focused elopement experience, with reflections on the lake and mountain backdrops creating a truly serene atmosphere.
Unlike some of Colorado’s more accessible locations, Lake Isabel does require prior approval and permits for ceremonies and professional photography. Planning ahead is essential to ensure everything is in place for your day. Additionally, the entrance road to the lake typically closes around mid-October due to seasonal conditions, limiting access during the winter months and making timing an important factor when considering this location.
Lake Isabel is also well known for its abundant wildlife, most notably the moose making it a unique and memorable setting. While wildlife sightings can be an incredible experience, it’s important to remain aware of your surroundings at all times and maintain a safe distance.
Combined with its higher elevation, couples should also be prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions, as temperatures and conditions can shift quickly throughout the day.
With thoughtful planning and awareness, Lake Isabel offers a stunning and tranquil backdrop for those looking to elope somewhere that feels both wild and beautifully untouched.
Kenosha Pass
This iconic Colorado destination is especially known for its vibrant fall colors, when golden aspen groves and striking white birch trees transform the landscape into a breathtaking display. With sweeping mountain views and open meadows, Kenosha Pass offers a stunning, elevated backdrop that feels both expansive and intimate, making it a favorite for couples seeking that classic Colorado autumn aesthetic.
Due to its popularity and protected status, Kenosha Pass does require prior approval and permits for ceremonies and professional photography. Planning ahead is essential to ensure a smooth and uninterrupted experience.
It’s also important to note that access to this area can be impacted by seasonal weather, particularly in the fall and winter months. Road conditions can change quickly, so checking conditions in advance is highly recommended before traveling to the location.
With a little preparation, Kenosha Pass provides an unforgettable setting filled with color, texture, and some of the most beautiful views Colorado has to offer.
St. Mary's Glacier
This is a breathtaking alpine destination known for its year-round snowfield, crystal-clear lake, and sweeping mountain views.
The short but scenic hike to the glacier offers a perfect mix of adventure and accessibility, making it a favorite for couples looking for a dramatic, high-elevation backdrop without an extensive trek.
One of the biggest advantages of this location is its simplicity no permits or prior approvals are required for small ceremonies or photography sessions. However, visitors should plan for a small parking fee, typically ranging between $5–$20, depending on the lot and time of year.
With its rugged beauty, reflective waters, and towering peaks, St. Mary’s Glacier provides a stunning and memorable setting for an elopement. As with any alpine location, it’s important to be prepared for changing weather conditions and higher elevation, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience from start to finish.
Great Sand Dunes
Is one of the most unique and awe-inspiring landscapes in the state. Home to the tallest sand dunes in North America, this destination offers a striking contrast of rolling golden dunes set against the dramatic backdrop of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The ever-changing textures, light, and shadows create a truly magical setting that feels both expansive and intimate.
Due to its protected status, elopements and professional photography within the park do require prior approval and permits. Regulations can vary depending on group size, location within the park, and the time of year, so planning ahead is essential to ensure everything is properly arranged.
Another important factor to consider is the environment itself. The dunes can become extremely hot during the day, especially in the summer months, while temperatures can drop quickly in the evening. Wind conditions are also common and can shift the visibility throughout the day.
With the right preparation and timing, the Great Sand Dunes offer an unforgettable and truly one-of-a-kind elopement experience unlike anywhere else in Colorado.
Black Canyon at Gunnison National Park
is one of the state’s most dramatic and awe-inspiring landscapes.
Known for its steep, towering cliffs and incredibly narrow canyon walls carved by the Gunnison River, this location offers a bold and striking backdrop unlike anywhere else in Colorado. The deep, shadow-filled canyon paired with sweeping overlooks creates a powerful and intimate setting for an unforgettable elopement experience.
For most ceremonies and photography sessions along the rim and designated viewpoints, permits are not required, making it a relatively simple location to plan. However, for those seeking a more adventurous experience by hiking into the inner canyon, a wilderness use permit is required due to the rugged terrain and protected nature of the area.
With its sheer cliffs, breathtaking views, and quiet, less-crowded atmosphere, Black Canyon of the Gunnison is perfect for couples looking for something truly unique. As always, it’s important to be mindful of elevation, steep drop-offs, and changing weather conditions to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
