Meet Your Colorado Elopement Photographer
Hi, I am Alina, Colorado elopement photographer. Whether you want to elope in cute mountain towns like Telluride or Ouray or in Rocky Mountain National Park I'm here to capture it in a way that tells a timeless story and I am here to walk you through the process from start to finish.
LGBTQ + Friendly
Eloping in Colorado
Colorado offers a breathtaking backdrop for couples seeking an intimate and stunning way to say "I do." With its majestic mountains, picturesque lakes, and enchanting forests, Colorado provides a dreamlike setting for elopements. Not sure about the exact location? No problem, I am here to help you decide.
Whether you're thinking of eloping in the San Juan Mountains (one of my favorite locations), on a wildflower meadow, or eloping in the Rocky Mountain National Park or any of the cute skiing mountain towns you will have an unforgettable experience.
How to Elope in Colorado?
Just like every state Colorado has its own rules when it comes to eloping and getting legally married.
- Permits: Depending where you choose to elope you may need a special use permit to hold the ceremony. Your photographer might need a separate permit for photography as well. If you're thinking of eloping in the rocky MountainNational Park there are certain logistics to consider when planning a wedding inside a park, and I wrote a blog on 'how to plan an elopement' you can read right here but in general National Parks have a few separate guidelines, restrictions, permit requirements and designated locations for ceremony
- Eloping in a National Forest can be much less stressful and straightforward but withe popularity of elopements in recent years most locations require permits. They're not hard to get and not expensive so please make sure your photographer or yourself do a research if you need one. There are numerous locations on public lands and National Forest that are breathtaking but some might require hiking or off roading to get. Once again the right photographer will help you with that.
- Officiant: Good news is that Colorado is one of a few states in the USA where you can self-solemnize. In other words you can marry yourself and you don't need an officially ordained person to lead the ceremony. Self-solemnizing in Colorado is fairly easy. All you need to do is apply for your marriage license tin any CO county clerk office. You need to bring your IDs into the county clerk, fill it out and sign when you're ready to get married and... you're legally married! No witnesses or officiants are needed to solemnize your own marriage in Colorado. This makes Colorado a great and easy place for elopements.
Top Reasons to Elope in Colorado
Easy Process and You Can Self-Solemnize
What makes Colorado elopements so easy and popular? You can marry yourselves with self-solemnizing option. You don't need an officiant which means you can legally marry yourselves, all in the same day!
Incredible Scenery
With serene alpine lakes, vibrant wildflowers, high mountain peaks, sand dunes and fall aspen colors Colorado offers number of gorgeous backdrops for your epic elopement day! No wonder it's such a popular elopement destination. Best part? You can go on a little hike and escape the crowds to your own private spot to exchange your vows.
Dog and 420 Friendly Locations
If you're planning on bringing your beloved pets and want to include them in your special day there are many options! CO is very dog friendly state and the best part...Your dog can even sign (leave a footprint) the paperwork. Also, CO also allows recreational use of canabis if that's your preference.
Sample 8h Colorado Elopement Timeline
4am Getting ready at your Airbnb
5am leave for the overlook for the first look
5:30am-6:30am first look and hike for sunrise at your first portrait location
6.30am-8am the ceremony at the lake and family portraits. Toast and anything else you want to include.
8.00am-9am breakfast and portraits with kayaking on the lake,
9.15am-11am hike to a 2nd location for portraits and romantic picnic
11am-12pm private vow reading and final portraits plus any activity
12pm- wrap up
All Colorado Elopement Packages Include:
Starting at $4000
- Customized elopement planning assistance including help finding perfect locations- trust me a successful elopement is more just 'taking a few photos)
- Vendor recommendations (UT, CO, WY)
- Hand crafted timeline for smooth and easy day
- Permit assistance
- Digital image gallery with unlimited downloads + printing rights
- Travel costs are included.
- Photography permits up tp $150 included
- Couple’s questionnaire which helps me assist in creating the perfect day and deliver dream gallery
- Sneak Peek Gallery within 48 h
- Unlimited consultation and support until your big day so you're up to date with the whole process. Don't worry, I'll be there for you.
Are you eloping in Colorado?
Best Places to Elope in Colorado
Rocky Mountain National Park
To elope in Rocky Mountain National Park, you need to pay a $300 permit fee to reserve one of the designated wedding ceremony sites in the park. That usually requires booking that permit months in advance. You will also need to pay the $30/car entrance fee to the park or buy a National Park Pass which is $80. Many couples choose to elope in RMNP because of proximity to Denver or Estes Park where you’ll most likely base yourself in (it is a cute town tucked in a large valley, surrounded by mountains. )
Rocky Mountain National Park is an all-year wedding destination for your elopement The best time for hiking elopements is late May through mid October when the trails are clear of snow. Most of the trails are available for snowshoeing during the winter get ready for winter storms.
Crested Butte
This mountain town is known for its laid-back atmosphere and world-class hiking and skiing. Crested Butte is the ideal elopement location for couples looking for more remote locations and celebrate with a quiet, nature-centric ceremony. Crested Butte is located 4.5 hours from Denver International Airport, which means couples eloping here should consider staying in this idyllic town for a few nights. You can read my other blog on how to elope in Crested Butte right here.
Maroon Bells
Eloping at Maroon Bells in Aspen, Colorado offers a great experience in one of the most iconic mountain landscapes in the U.S. With its crystal-clear lakes, dramatic peaks, and vibrant seasonal colors, it's a dream location for couples seeking a serene, nature-filled ceremony. The Maroon Bells Amphitheater is available for reservation through Recreation.gov and provides a private, scenic spot with unbeatable alpine views—especially at sunrise, when the peaks glow with golden light. Colorado’s self-solemnization laws make it easy to marry without an officiant or witnesses, and even your dog can sign the license.
Ouray
Ouray is a small mountain town in San Juan Mountains (many don't know but these are not a part of Rocky Mountains) nestled perfectly between the rugged canyons, and unparalleled beauty of the San Juans, which earned it the titles the “Switzerland of America,” Located in Southwestern Colorado, Ouray is famous for its hot springs (make suer to visit Orvis before you go anywhere else), outdoor activities (hiking, jeep tours, mountain biking), and its historic charming downtown. Anyone looking for for a beautiful scenery and activities will enjoy this little town. You can also take a scenic drive south on the famous “Million Dollar Highway” to Silverton or Durango.
