Eloping in Colorado used to mean running away in secret. Today, it means something very different and much more intentional. Modern elopements are about freedom, connection, and experience. They’re about choosing a wedding day that feels aligned with who you are instead of following traditions that never felt right in the first place. And in a place like Colorado, eloping isn’t about doing less it’s about doing more of what matters.

What Is an Elopement? (And What It Isn’t)

An elopement isn’t:

• A rushed courthouse ceremony
• A “backup plan”
• A watered-down wedding day

An elopement is:

• An intentional wedding experience
• A day (or days) built around your relationship
• A celebration focused on connection, adventure, and meaning

You can invite no one, a few loved ones, or a small group the defining factor isn’t guest count.
It’s intention over expectation.

Why Couples Are Choosing to Elope in Colorado

Colorado has become one of the top elopement destinations in the country and for good reason.

Couples are choosing to elope here because it offers:

• Epic mountain landscapes
• Diverse terrain within short distances
• Year-round beauty
• Endless adventure opportunities
• The freedom to design a day that feels personal

Places like Telluride, Ouray, Durango, and Pagosa Springs offer dramatic scenery without the chaos of traditional venues.

But beyond the views, couples are choosing elopements because they want their wedding day to feel like them not a performance for others. For more information click here.

What Do You Actually Do During an Elopement in Colorado?

This is one of the biggest questions couples ask:

“Okay… but what do we do all day?”

And this is where elopements truly shine.

Your elopement isn’t a 15-minute ceremony followed by “now what?”
It’s a full-day experience sometimes even multi-day designed around the things you love doing together.

Adventure & Adrenaline Elopement Activities in Colorado

If you and your partner thrive on movement, excitement, and unforgettable experiences, Colorado is a dream. Some of the most popular adventure-focused elopement activities include:

Helicopter Elopements

Fly into remote alpine locations that would otherwise take hours to hike. Perfect for couples who want jaw-dropping views without the crowds.

Hot Air Balloon Rides

Float above valleys and mountains at sunrise peaceful, surreal, and incredibly romantic.

Jeeping & Off-Roading

Explore rugged mountain passes and hidden overlooks. Ideal for couples who love getting off the beaten path.

ATV & Side-by-Side Adventures

For high-energy couples who want adrenaline, dirt roads, and a little chaos in the best way.

Horseback Riding

Ride through alpine meadows, forest trails, or high desert landscapes adventurous yet timeless.

Hiking to Epic Locations

From short scenic walks to full-day hikes, your ceremony location can feel earned, immersive, and unforgettable.

Playful & Unexpected Elopement Experiences in Colorado

Elopements don’t have to be serious or solemn they can be fun as hell.

Some couples choose to:

• Visit a local carnival or fair
• Ride Ferris wheels or roller coasters in wedding attire
• Eat cotton candy or funnel cake after their ceremony
• Wander mountain towns hand-in-hand
• Grab tacos, pizza, or ice cream in the middle of their day

These unscripted moments often become the most meaningful memories because they’re real.

Intimate & Cozy Elopement Days (Perfect for Introverts)

Not every elopement needs adrenaline and that’s the beauty of it.

For couples who value privacy, comfort, and quiet connection, elopements can look like:

• Renting a secluded Airbnb or mountain cabin
• Soaking in a private hot tub with views
• Hiring a private chef for an intimate dinner
• Playing board games or video games together
• Reading vows by a fireplace
• Stargazing or slow mornings with coffee

Eloping gives you permission to slow down and actually experience your wedding day instead of rushing through it.

Blending Adventure and Rest for the Perfect Elopement Flow

Many couples choose a mix of both worlds:

• Morning adventure (hike, jeep, balloon, helicopter)
• Ceremony in a scenic location
• Golden-hour portraits
• Evening celebration back at their Airbnb
• Hot tub, champagne, private dinner

There’s no timeline pressure just intention.

Top Colorado Elopement Locations for Experienced Based Weddings

Colorado supports a wide range of elopement styles, especially for couples who want more than just a ceremony. In addition to Telluride, Ouray, Durango, and Pagosa Springs, couples also love:

Rocky Mountain National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the most iconic and sought-after places to elope in Colorado but it comes with specific rules couples must understand before planning their day.

The park’s dramatic alpine terrain, towering peaks, serene lakes, and rolling meadows make it a dream backdrop for weddings and elopements, but it is also a protected environment with strict permitting policies that help preserve the landscape and visitor experience.

Official Elopement & Wedding Permits

If you want to exchange vows inside RMNP, whether it’s just the two of you or a small celebration, you are required to apply for a Special Use Permit. This permit is mandatory for any wedding, elopement, vow exchange, or similar ceremony within the park even if just a photographer and officiant are present.

👉 Official Park Permit Info:
Rocky Mountain National Park Wedding & Ceremony Requirements (National Park Service)
https://www.nps.gov/romo/planyourvisit/weddings.htm

The application is accepted up to one year in advance of your date, and spring through fall is highly competitive, especially in peak months. There are monthly limits on ceremonies, and the permit process is first-come, first-served.

Permit & Location Limitations

• A Special Use Permit is required regardless of group size even for elopements with only two people.
• Permits come with an administrative fee (around $300) and must be finalized and signed before your ceremony.
• All ceremonies must take place at designated ceremony sites within the park. You cannot legally say your vows just anywhere on a trail or overlook without a permit.
• Park rules and limits vary by site and season, and sometimes certain locations are only available in winter or have reduced capacity in peak months. For more information visit.

Crested Butte

Crested Butte is one of Colorado’s most beloved mountain towns a place that perfectly blends wild, dramatic landscapes with a charming historic community. Once a coal mining town, it’s now a premier destination for outdoor adventure, seasonal beauty, and unforgettable elopement experiences deep in the Rocky Mountains.

Located in Gunnison County and nestled in the Slate River Valley, Crested Butte is known for its rugged peaks, endless trails, and a vibrant atmosphere that both adventurous and intimate couples adore.

Best Elopement Locations Around Crested Butte

Crested Butte offers a wide range of natural backdrops from rivers and alpine lakes to wildflower-dotted meadows and high mountain passes that are perfect for elopement ceremonies and portraits.

Some of the most talked-about locations include:

Kebler Pass

A scenic drive lined with vast aspen groves, especially stunning in fall when the foliage turns vivid gold. It’s one of the most iconic spots near Crested Butte and a favorite backdrop for elopements and photos.

Emerald Lake

Known for its striking turquoise color and high-alpine setting, Emerald Lake makes for a breathtaking elopement site. This location is particularly beautiful in summer but often requires a 4×4 vehicle due to rough roads.

Upper and Lower Loop Trails

These trails follow the Slate River through lush valleys and rolling hills, making them a perfect choice for couples who want a riverfront elopement with a bit of adventure.

If you prefer a ceremony with a bit more structure or space for a few guests, locations like Woods Walk or Peanut Lake managed by the Crested Butte Land Trust can be reserved ahead of time. Visit here.

When to Elope in Crested Butte

Timing your elopement can drastically shape your experience and photos:

🌼 Summer (Late June–August)

This is the peak wildflower season Crested Butte is known as Colorado’s “Wildflower Capital,” with blooms peaking in July and creating stunning natural backdrops for ceremonies and portraits.

🍁 Fall (September–Early October)

Golden aspens arrive and bring rich color to the landscape, especially along Kebler Pass and forest trails.

❄️ Winter (November–March)

If you love snow, cozy winter elopements or ski-in ceremonies are a magical choice, though access and weather should be carefully planned.

Buena Vista & Salida

Buena Vista and Salida sit in the heart of the Arkansas River Valley and are two of Colorado’s most underrated elopement destinations. Surrounded by the Collegiate Peaks — including Mount Princeton, Mount Yale, and Mount Harvard — this area offers dramatic mountain scenery, river access, hot springs, and a laid-back, adventurous vibe that’s perfect for couples who want freedom over formality.

Best Elopement Locations in Buena Vista & Salida

This region is packed with ceremony and portrait locations that range from rugged alpine terrain to peaceful riversides.

Collegiate Peaks Wilderness

For couples craving dramatic mountain backdrops, this wilderness area delivers towering 14ers, alpine lakes, and quiet trails. Perfect for sunrise ceremonies, intimate vows, and epic post-elopement hikes.

Cottonwood Pass

One of the most scenic drives in Colorado, Cottonwood Pass offers sweeping mountain views, tundra landscapes, and easily accessible overlooks — ideal for couples who want jaw-dropping scenery without a long hike.

Arkansas River

If water plays a role in your story, the Arkansas River creates stunning ceremony backdrops. Think riverbanks, golden light reflections, and peaceful sounds of flowing water — especially beautiful in the morning or golden hour.

Mount Princeton Area

With massive peaks, forested trails, and nearby hot springs, this area is perfect for couples who want both adventure and relaxation woven into their elopement day.

When to Elope in Buena Vista & Salida

🌼 Late Spring – Summer (May–August)

This is prime elopement season. Snow melts, trails open, wildflowers bloom, and the rivers come alive. Summer offers the most activity options and long daylight hours for extended adventures.

🍁 Fall (September–Early October)

Fall brings crisp air, fewer crowds, and golden aspens throughout the valley. Cottonwood Pass and surrounding hillsides glow with fall color, making this one of the most photogenic times of year.

❄️ Winter (November–March)

Snowy elopements here are magical — especially when paired with hot springs. Access can be weather-dependent, but winter offers unmatched intimacy and dramatic landscapes.

Epic Elopement Activities in Buena Vista & Salida

This region is a dream for couples who want their elopement to feel like an experience, not just a ceremony.

High-Adrenaline Adventures

• Whitewater rafting on the Arkansas River
• ATV or off-road exploring through mountain passes
• Jeeping to high-elevation overlooks
• Rock climbing or scrambling routes for adventurous couples

Laid-Back & Intimate Experiences

• Soaking in Mount Princeton or Cottonwood Hot Springs
• Private chef dinner at your Airbnb
• Sunset picnics with mountain views
• Board games, wine nights, or movie marathons for introverted couples

Unique Elopement Add-Ons

• Sunrise mountain hikes followed by hot springs
• Riverfront vows with champagne toasts
• Multi-day elopement weekends mixing adventure and rest

This area is perfect for couples who want options — adrenaline when you want it, calm when you need it.

Permits & Planning Considerations

Many ceremony locations in the Buena Vista and Salida area fall under:

• San Isabel National Forest
• Collegiate Peaks Wilderness
• BLM land

Some locations require special use permits depending on guest count, setup, and land management rules. Wilderness areas often allow small ceremonies but restrict decorations, amplified sound, or large gatherings.

This is where having a local elopement photographer who understands permits, timelines, and access points becomes crucial.

Helpful Resources to Check Out:

Breckenridge

Breckenridge is one of Colorado’s most iconic mountain destinations — and for good reason. With alpine lakes, dramatic peaks, historic charm, and year-round accessibility, Breckenridge offers an incredible balance of adventure, beauty, and convenience for eloping couples.

Best Elopement Locations in Breckenridge

Breckenridge offers a wide range of ceremony and portrait locations from quiet alpine lakes to sweeping mountain overlooks.

Sapphire Point Overlook

One of the most popular elopement locations near Breckenridge, Sapphire Point offers panoramic views of Dillon Reservoir and surrounding peaks. It’s easily accessible and perfect for intimate ceremonies with a small guest count.

(Permits required and time slots fill quickly planning ahead is key.)

Hoosier Pass

Sitting at over 11,500 feet, Hoosier Pass delivers wide-open mountain views, tundra landscapes, and dramatic skies. This is an excellent option for couples who want epic scenery without a long hike.

Blue Lakes

For couples craving that “high alpine” feel, Blue Lakes offers stunning turquoise water surrounded by peaks. Best accessed in late summer and early fall, this location is perfect for adventurous couples willing to hike for the views.

Boreas Pass

Boreas Pass blends mountain scenery with history. The road is accessible most of the year and leads to breathtaking overlooks, aspen groves, and wide-open ceremony options.

Adventure Elopement Activities in Breckenridge

Breckenridge is perfect for couples who want their elopement day to feel like a choose-your-own-adventure.

High-Energy & Adrenaline Activities

• Snowshoeing or skiing elopements in winter
• Off-roading and Jeeping on mountain passes
• Paddleboarding or kayaking on alpine lakes
• Hiking to hidden overlooks and ridgelines

Laid-Back & Intimate Experiences

• Cozy cabin elopements with mountain views
• Private chef dinners or catered Airbnb celebrations
• Fireside champagne toasts
• Board games, movies, or slow mornings together

Unique Elopement Add-Ons

• Sunrise vows followed by brunch in town
• Golden hour ceremonies with blue-hour portraits
• Multi-day elopements combining Breckenridge and nearby towns

Breckenridge works beautifully for both adrenaline-loving couples and introverts who want meaningful, intentional time together. Breckenridge Info.

The San Juan Mountains

Why the San Juan Mountains Are One of Colorado’s Most Epic Elopement Regions

San Juan Mountains are hands-down one of the most dramatic and awe-inspiring places to elope in Colorado. Located in the southwestern part of the state, this rugged mountain range is known for jagged peaks, alpine basins, endless wildflower meadows, and some of the most scenic mountain passes in the entire U.S.

This region is perfect for couples who want:

• Big, bold, cinematic mountain landscapes
• True adventure and off-the-beaten-path locations
• Fewer crowds than Front Range destinations
• A destination elopement feel without leaving Colorado

Eloping in the San Juans feels wild, intentional, and deeply immersive the kind of place where your wedding day becomes a once-in-a-lifetime experience, not just an event.

Top Elopement Destinations in the San Juan Mountains

The San Juan Mountains cover a large area, offering an incredible variety of landscapes and vibes depending on where you choose to elope.

Telluride

Telluride delivers jaw-dropping alpine views paired with a charming, high-end mountain town. Think waterfalls, dramatic box canyons, and panoramic mountain backdrops. It’s ideal for couples who want luxury, adventure, and scenery all in one place.

Ouray

Often called the “Switzerland of America,” Ouray is surrounded by towering peaks and steep canyon walls. This area is perfect for intimate elopements, waterfall hikes, and couples who love dramatic landscapes with a cozy mountain-town feel.

Silverton

Raw, rugged, and wildly scenic Silverton is ideal for couples who want a true adventure elopement. Jeep roads, high-alpine passes, and wide-open wilderness make this area perfect for adrenaline-loving couples.

Durango

Durango blends mountain adventure with accessibility. With nearby alpine terrain, forests, rivers, and historic charm, it’s a great option for couples who want flexibility and variety in their elopement experience.

Adventure Activities to Include in a San Juan Elopement

This region is a playground for adventurous couples who want their elopement to be more than just vows.

High-Adrenaline Experiences

• Jeeping mountain passes like Imogene, Engineer, or Ophir Pass
• ATV or off-road exploring
• High-alpine hiking to remote overlooks
• Rock scrambling and ridge walks

Chill & Intentional Moments

• Soaking in nearby hot springs (Ouray is a favorite)
• Private chef dinners at your Airbnb
• Sunrise coffee with mountain views
• Stargazing under some of Colorado’s darkest skies

Multi-Day Elopement Ideas

• Day one: adventure + ceremony
• Day two: slower explorations, portraits, and relaxation
• Optional third day: hot springs, scenic drives, or town hopping

The San Juans are ideal for experience-based, multi-day elopements that feel deeply personal and unrushed.

Eloping Isn’t About Doing Less-It’s About Doing What Matters

At its core, eloping is about choice.

You’re not choosing a smaller wedding.
You’re choosing a more intentional one.

Whether your dream day includes:

• Adrenaline and adventure
• Playful, joy-filled moments
• Quiet intimacy and connection
• Or all of the above

Eloping gives you the freedom to create a wedding day that actually reflects who you are — and Colorado is one of the best places in the world to do it.

If you’re dreaming of an elopement that feels like an experience not just a ceremony Colorado offers endless possibilities. Your wedding day should feel intentional, personal, and unforgettable. Inquire with me and we will get started www.bop-stacyfirkus.com