Your Ultimate Guide to Eloping or Planning an Intimate Wedding in Colorado
Are you ready to embark on a journey of love amidst Colorado’s awe-inspiring landscapes? Let’s map out the perfect intimate wedding or elopement tailored just for you. Here’s your personalized guide to a celebration filled with romance, adventure, and unforgettable moments. You deserve to have an authentic, and epic experience on your wedding day! Here is how it is done. In this blog I will go over the steps to plan a successful day, a few locations to check out, and a list of ideas to fill your day with unique activities. Be sure to watch the film at the end of the blog!
Steps To Plan Your Intimate Wedding or Elopement in Colorado
Step 1. Finding Your Dream Location
Picture this: saying “I do” with the Rockies as your witness or sharing vows by a serene lakeside. Colorado offers a treasure trove of scenic locations perfectly suited for your vision. Whether you crave the dramatic heights of a mountaintop ceremony or the cozy seclusion of a forest clearing, let your imagination run wild as you choose the backdrop for your love story. Colorado intimate wedding and elopement days are truly unmatched.
Step 1 and Step 2 can be interchangeable. Simply because often times your photographer and your videographer can assist you with picking a location. If you have already decided on Colorado, but not sure where in the colorful state, hiring these vendors may be your next thing to decide. If you are hiring a seasoned intimate wedding and elopement photographer / videographer, they will then assist you with picking a location based on their knowledge. However, if you are already set on a location then more power to ya!
Step 2. Hire your Photographer and Videographer
Your love story deserves to be immortalized in stunning imagery and heartfelt videos. Beyond just snapping shots, your chosen photographer and videographer will become your partners in planning. They’ll assist with scouting the perfect spots, chasing the best light, and weave together a narrative that reflects the essence of your love. Act fast to secure these creatives- their calendars fill up quick.
Your wedding day is a symphony of emotions, a whirlwind of love, laughter, and heartfelt promises exchanged beneath the vast Colorado sky. While photographs freeze moments in time, a wedding film breathes life into your memories, preserving not just what was said and done, but how it felt. A wedding film isn’t just a recording; it’s a time capsule of emotions, a treasure trove of precious moments that you’ll revisit time and time again. Don’t skip documenting your wedding day!
Step 3. Planning for Your Loved Ones (If Any)
While eloping can be just the two of you, some couples opt to include close friends and family. Keep in mind any location restrictions, especially if you’re envisioning a larger gathering. Communication is key – let your guests know what to expect, from hiking trails to altitude considerations, ensuring everyone can share in the joy of your special day.
Inviting guest may limit where you can have a ceremony – but it can also make your ceremony that much more meaningful. Many couples will include an adventure in their day before or after a ceremony where a few loved ones are invited to attend. Some couples even do private vows before their ceremony to keep it that much more personalized while still including a few guests.
Step 4. Hire Any Other Desired Vendors
From hair and makeup artists to officiants and florists, each vendor plays a vital role in bringing your vision to life. Collaborate closely with them to ensure every detail – from your bridal bouquet to the words spoken during your ceremony – reflects the beauty and authenticity of your love.
I have had couples get elaborate cakes or cupcakes from local bakers, inspired by the local scenery. I have seen couples set up beautiful arches next to a lake covered in florals – and I have also seen bride’s florals extend to only a bouquet. Hiring a HMUA is always worth the investment. My brides always love feeling truly beautiful on their special day.
As far as an officiant goes – my recommendation is to convince a family member or friend to get ordained online and conduct your ceremony. It makes it more personalized to you two as a couple. If this is not your jam, you can also hire great officiants who will absolutely make your ceremony so special. Although, if you are eloping just you two – you can simply exchange vows + rings and skip the ‘ceremony’ or an officiant all together. In that case though, one of your vendors (usually the photographer) will have to be ordained and can sign your license / assist you with the legal side of making it official!
Step 5. Navigate The Legal Things
Before you say “I do” against Colorado’s breathtaking backdrop, ensure all legalities are in order. Obtain any necessary permits for your chosen location and secure your marriage license well in advance. Crossing these tasks off your list early will leave you free to focus on the joy and excitement of your impending celebration.
Some locations (especially if they are in a national or state park), require a permit to get married on the land. Don’t let this stop you! It is meant to protect the space. Usually local government websites will let you easily learn about what permits need to be obtained. Also, look into what it takes to get a marriage license. If you are eloping alone, many times your photographer and videographer can be your witness. In my experience, many elopement photographers are ordained and can sign your marriage license if needed.
Stunning Colorado Locations To Consider
In Colorado, the possibilities for your intimate wedding or elopement are as vast and varied as the state’s breathtaking landscapes. From the rugged peaks of Vail to the charming streets of Telluride, each location offers its own unique charm and allure. Whether you envision exchanging vows amidst the serene beauty of Estes Park or against the iconic backdrop of Maroon Bells, there’s a perfect spot waiting to become the canvas for your love story. Take the time to explore the diverse options Colorado has to offer, allowing your hearts to guide you to the place that feels like home for your special day. Here is a list of places to look into! (In no particular order).
It is also important to consider the time of year as many of these location turn into a busy ski area or become inaccessible in the winter months. The best time to have these weddings in Colorado are June thru October. I also highly encourage you considering a weekday, as the weekends tend to get very busy with tourists. If you want a winter elopement, a ski town with open amenities may be your best option!
- Crested Butte
- Ouray
- Breckenridge
- Rocky Mountain National Park
- Estes Park
- Vail
- Twin Lakes
- Aspen / Maroon Bells Area
- Telluride
- Garden of the Gods
- Great Sand Dune National Park
- San Juan Mountains
- Loveland Pass
- Sapphire Point Overlook
- Sunrise Amphitheater (Boulder)
Activity Ideas To Make Your Day An Experience
Besides getting beautiful photos and videos taken, sharing vows + rings, and actually getting married – I always recommend doing something on your day to make it more of an experience for you two! Because you already chose to do something less traditional, so why the hell not! Make it more personalized to who you are as a couple, or go all out and truly do something epic. Here is a list of things I have seen other couples do, as well as a few ideas of my own!
- Get tattoos (I once saw a couple hire tattoo artists to come to them)
- Go on a helicopter ride (I had a couple do this in Zion, and it was epic!)
- Take a boat ride
- Have a picnic
- Go on a sunrise or sunset hike
- Hire a private chef to make you a dinner at your rental property
- Hot air balloon ride
- Go canoeing or kayaking
- Rent 4×4’s or jeeps and go off roading
- Have a private first dance by a lake or cliffside
- Do a stargazing tour or photoshoot
- Pop champagne
- Depending on the legality of the state you’re in, smoke a little. (I once had a couple in Joshua Tree do a joint ceremony… if ya know what I mean.)
- Read letters from people who aren’t in attendance
- Wine tasting
- Cliff jump
- Ski / snowboard
- Hot tub or got to a hot spring
- Have a campfire and roast s’mores
- Do a cake cutting
- Make a charcuterie board
I hope all this information was helpful for planning a Colorado elopement or intimate wedding. As always, be sure to inquire for videography packages by heading to my contact form. I also have a wonderful list of recommended vendors to share with my clients. Including a list of fantastic photographers who specialize in elopements and intimate weddings.
