Colorado Mountain Elopement Guide

Getting Your Colorado Marriage License

Basic Requirements

Both applicants must be at least 18 years old (16-17 requires a court order). You can obtain your license from any County Clerk’s office in Colorado, regardless of where your ceremony will take place.

What You Need

• Valid photo ID (driver’s license, passport, state ID, military ID, or birth certificate with certified translation if not in English)
• Last four digits of both applicants’ Social Security numbers (if you don’t have one, you’ll need to complete an affidavit)
• $30 fee (most counties accept cash, check, or credit card with convenience fee)

The Process

1. Many counties allow you to fill out the online application in advance, then make an appointment to pick up your license in person
2. Both partners typically need to appear in person (one can submit an absentee affidavit if necessary)
3. Your license is valid immediately and must be used within 35 days of issue
4. After your ceremony, the completed license must be returned to the County Clerk’s office within 63 days or you’ll face a $20 late fee (up to $50)

Colorado’s Unique Advantage

Colorado allows self-solemnization, meaning you can legally marry yourselves without an officiant or witnesses. Simply sign your marriage certificate together.

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Mountain Locations with Low/No Permit Fees

FREE LOCATIONS (No Permits Required)

Garden of the Gods – Colorado Springs

Entry is free with no fees required for eloping. Features magical red rocks, hiking trails, and multiple ceremony sites. Best for couples wanting iconic red rock formations without crowds (especially on weekdays).

Best Season: Year-round, but late summer and fall are ideal

National Forest Lands

Find a free campsite in the National Forest, hike to a beautiful spot, and exchange vows. Perfect for the ultimate budget elopement.

Best Season: June through September for accessibility

San Juan Mountains (Telluride/Ouray Area)

Most locations in the San Juan mountains don’t need permits for small elopements of 15 people or less. Features pristine alpine lakes, dramatic mountain peaks, and virtually no crowds.

Drive Time: 6-7 hours from Denver Best Season: July to September

Loveland Pass

High reward, low effort location offering panoramic mountain views at 11,991 feet elevation without a long trek. A special use permit is sometimes necessary through the National Forest Service but doesn’t guarantee reserved space.

Best Season: June, July, and August (accessible year-round but weather-dependent)

LOW-COST PERMIT LOCATIONS

Lost Gulch Overlook – Boulder Area

Your photographer must have a Boulder Open Space & Mountain Parks (OSMP) commercial photography permit. Daily permits are $50, plus a $5 parking fee. Features dramatic mountain views and rocky overlook perfect for sunset elopements. Limited to just you, photographer, and officiant (no guests, chairs, or decorations allowed).

Best Season: June through October Pro Tip: Sunrise on weekdays for fewer crowds

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

Wedding permits cost $50, with additional fees for photography or videography depending on the site. Features dramatic gorges, boundless canyons, and vertical mountainside rivers.

Drive Time: 5 hours from Denver Best Season: May through October

Great Sand Dunes National Park

As of January 1, 2024, no permits required for small weddings with no props. Unique dune landscape surrounded by mountains.

Drive Time: 4 hours from Denver Best Season: April, May, October

Sapphire Point – Dillon

Permits cost $110 and are available up to six months in advance at 8:00 AM Mountain Time. The site accommodates up to 30 people and overlooks Lake Dillon.

Available: Year-round

MODERATE PERMIT FEES

Rocky Mountain National Park

Special Use permit with a $250 application fee required. The park caps total elopements per day, so apply early. Offers 12 designated ceremony sites across 415 square miles.

Drive Time: 1.5 hours from Denver Pro Tip: For sold-out dates, have your ceremony just outside the park in Estes Park, then do photos inside RMNP with a photography permit

Maroon Bells – Aspen

$200 application fee to elope in Maroon Bells Wilderness Area. Features Colorado’s most iconic peaks, alpine lake, and aspen trees.

Best Season: Fall for golden aspens

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Sample Elopement Timelines

Sunrise Adventure Elopement (Full Day)

6:00 AM – Wake up, get ready with hair and makeup at your accommodation 7:30 AM – Meet photographer at trailhead or location 8:00 AM – Sunrise ceremony at alpine lake or mountain vista 8:30 AM – Couple portraits with morning light 10:00 AM – Hike to second location or breakfast picnic 12:00 PM – Return to accommodations to rest and change 4:00 PM – Explore mountain town, grab coffee/beer 6:00 PM – Sunset photos at different location 8:00 PM – Private dinner at restaurant or with private chef

Best for: Couples who want multiple locations and the full Colorado experience

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Half-Day Intimate Elopement

3:00 PM – Get ready at your accommodation or Airbnb 4:30 PM – Meet photographer at ceremony location 5:00 PM – Exchange vows during golden hour 5:30 PM – Couple portraits and exploration 7:00 PM – Champagne toast or sunset celebration 7:30 PM – Wrap photography 8:00 PM – Dinner reservation in nearby town

Best for: Couples on a budget or with time constraints

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Multi-Day Elopement Experience

Day 1: Adventure Day

Morning – Pick up marriage license at County Clerk Afternoon – Jeep tour or guided hike to scout ceremony location Evening – Relaxed dinner and early night

Day 2: Elopement Day

Sunrise – Private ceremony at chosen location Morning – Portraits and exploration Afternoon – Spa treatments or rest Evening – Celebration dinner

Day 3: Exploration Day

Full Day – Visit nearby attractions, different mountain town, or adventure activity (rafting, hot springs, etc.)

Best for: Couples who want to experience multiple aspects of Colorado and have guests visit

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Quick & Simple Elopement (Budget-Friendly)

10:00 AM – Pick up marriage license from County Clerk ($30) 11:00 AM – Drive to free location (Garden of the Gods, National Forest) 1:00 PM – Arrive and explore location 2:00 PM – Self-solemnize ceremony, take photos on phone or tripod 3:00 PM – Sign marriage license 4:00 PM – Celebrate with dinner in town

Total Cost: $30 + meals + accommodation

Best for: Spontaneous couples or those on a tight budget

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Planning Tips

Timing Your License

Wedding permits for popular months (May-October) at Rocky Mountain National Park can sell out by mid-February, so book one year in advance or by January.

Best Time to Elope

Mid-June through the end of September offers the most predictable weather and accessible locations. For fewer crowds, choose weekdays over weekends.

Budget Planning

Ultra-Budget: $30 (license only) + accommodations + food Mid-Range: $2,000-5,000 (photographer, license, lodging, dinner) Luxury: $10,000+ (multi-day photographer, high-end resort, private chef, activities)

What to Pack

• Marriage license and IDs
• Comfortable hiking boots/shoes
• Layers for changing mountain weather
• Sunscreen and sunglasses
• Water and snacks
• Vow books or notes
• Champagne/celebration drinks

Important Reminders

• Colorado weather changes quickly in the mountains – always bring layers
• Altitude affects everyone differently – arrive a day early to acclimate
• Cell service is limited in remote areas
• Leave No Trace principles apply everywhere
• Most locations don’t allow decor or furniture
• Weekdays = fewer crowds and better availability

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Next Steps

1. Book your photographer first – They’ll help with location selection and permit guidance
2. Choose your date and location – Consider season, weather, and accessibility
3. Apply for permits – Submit applications 6-12 months in advance for popular locations
4. Get your marriage license – Obtain within 35 days of your ceremony
5. Plan activities – Book accommodations, restaurants, and any adventure activities
6. Enjoy your elopement! – Relax and savor your intimate mountain wedding

Pro Tip: Colorado’s self-solemnization law means you can keep your ceremony completely private and intimate, or have a friend lead your ceremony without official ordination. The flexibility is entirely yours!

Self Solemnizing

The Basics

Colorado is one of only two locations in the U.S. (along with Washington DC) that allows couples to marry themselves without any witnesses, additional paperwork, or conditions. This means you and your partner can legally marry yourselves without an officiant present.

Key Requirements

Getting Your License:

• Both partners must be at least 18 years old and not closely related by blood or adoption
• You’ll need to obtain a marriage license from any Colorado county clerk’s office (bring photo ID)
• The fee is typically $30
• No residency requirement – you can be from any state
• No blood test or waiting period required

Timing:

• Your ceremony must happen in Colorado within 35 days of receiving the license
• You have 63 days from your wedding date to return the signed license to the same county clerk’s office where you got it

How It Works

• The marriage license is the same whether you self-solemnize or not – you and your partner simply both sign on the line where the officiant typically would sign
• No witnesses are required (though you can have them if you want)
• Your ceremony can be whatever you want it to be – traditional vows, alternative rituals, or something completely unique

Fun Bonus

In most Colorado counties, your dog (or other pet) can even sign your marriage license as a witness, though Arapahoe and Denver County don’t allow this

Need help finding the right county clerk’s office or have questions about planning your ceremony?