a BIG WEDDING just isn't for you
You want a perfect day with your partner that is intentional, meaningful, and unforgettable. Some folks may think that eloping is sort of 'coping out' of taking the time to plan a big wedding. While yes, you don't have to deal with the stress and finical obligation to accommodate 100+ people when you elope, but that doesn't mean planning it is easy. Big weddings have a pretty set timeline and format to follow and you are able to add your personal touch to the day but there isn't a template on how your elopement day should look. One of the best things about eloping is you can truly go to the most awe-inspiring places in the world to say your vows. While there are many decisions to be made, one thing you have decided on is choosing Colorado as your elopement destination, so let's get to it.
How to Elope in Colorado
One reason so many people choose to elope in Colorado is that you can self-solemnize, meaning they don’t need the signature of an officiating party. All you have to do is walk into a County Clerk’s office with a photo ID (appointment may be required), fill out some quick paperwork, and sign your names. There’s no waiting period, so you can file it right then. This allows for the truly intimate and meaningful day you were hoping for. You can find more information about obtaining a marriage license by following this site link to the denver.org website.
And let me guess, you are wondering if it's legal for your four legged friend to sign your marriage license in Colorado? Well then get excited, because the answer is YES! Since Colorado doesn’t require witness signatures, you can get creative. If you want your dog to sign - which hello, would be adorable - then I suggest bringing an ink pad so you can stamp their paw.
When to Elope in Colorado
BEST SEASON
The great thing about Colorado is that you can elope year round but it's up to you to decide what season fits your style best. Summer and fall are by far the most popular seasons to elope in Colorado. These seasons are truly next level with the budding flowers and changing leaves and you have a lot more accessibility to places that are closed off in the winter due to snow.
Winter can still be a great time to elope and absolutely gorgeous. Could be blue skies the day of your elopement or it could be freezing cold. It is very hard to predict the weather that far in advance. While it can be cold, there are a lot of ways to stay warm if a winter elopement is something you want to do - hand warmers, jackets, fur wraps, or even eloping in a cozy Airbnb.
SUNRISE VS SUNSET
For the best lighting, I always recommend planning your elopement around sunrise or sunset. These are the best lighting conditions no matter if you're getting married or simply having portraits taken. Sunrise elopements can be great because you are less likely to run into large crowds of people and you can typically avoid the possibility of afternoon thunderstorms, which are very common here in Colorado. On the flip side, a sunrise elopement does mean you have to get up pretty early so if you are not an early bird, I would definitely recommend a sunset elopement.
BEST DAY OF THE WEEK
If you are wanting more privacy and don't want to wake up before dawn, I would recommend planning your elopement during the week. Many of the locations will be far less crowded on a weekday vs the weekend. If you are leaning towards a weekend elopement then time can be an important factor in securing the date. Some locations may require a reservation and can fill up quickly, so the sooner you have an idea of the day, the better.
Where to Elope in Colorado
There are a number of beautiful locations to pick from in Colorado. Whether you want to go on an epic hike or just find some breathtaking views, there are so many great options to choose from. Here is a short list of some of my favorite locations to get those wheels turning.
YANKEE BOY BASIN
IMOGENE PASS
GRAND LAKE
ALTA LAKES
THE BLACK CANYON
BLUE MESA
CRESTED BUTTE
TAYLOR PARK
WHITE RIVER NATIONAL FOREST
CHAFFEE COUNTY
LOVELAND PASS
GARDEN OF THE GODS
PAINT MINES
ESTES PARK
ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK
Some places are going to require permits but no worries, I am here to help guide you through that process.
What to do during your Colorado Elopement
You decided not to go the traditional route, but what now, what do you do? When you throw out the rulebook and take back all the choices on how you get married, the floodgates open and the possibilities are endless. It is YOUR day to plan all of your most favorite activities and truly make it a day to remember. Here are a few ideas for you.
Pop some bubbly and bask in the breathtaking views Colorado has to offer.
Hit up your favorite brewery after you tied the knot at the courthouse and take photos downtown.
Get hitched in one-of-a-kind experience of true weightlessness with The Zero G Experience in Denver.
Put on your hiking boots and and hit one of Colorado’s many trails or parks.
Want to bring a few guests, we can plan a private dinner for your friends and family.
Or we can set up a cozy picnic with the beautiful Colorado scenery as your backdrop.
THE POSSIBILITIES ARE ENDLESS!
Eloping is supposed to remove a majority of the stress and worries that come along with traditional big weddings so that you can focus on the memories that you will be making with your significant other, but that doesn't mean any “big day” will not have its own challenges. As your elopement photographer, I will be there from the moment we connect to help create the perfect day for you two - from location scouting, figuring out the logistics of everything, to making it as stress free as possible - all while capturing memories that will last a lifetime. So are you ready to start planning your Colorado elopement?
