Colorado Elopement Planning Guide

You want to elope in Colorado? I don’t blame you! Colorado is one of the most beautiful places on earth. When you elope in Colorado it is so hard to chose a location, there are so many beautiful spots! Do you want to stand on at the edge of a mountain and profess your love? Do you want to hike to a secluded blue lake? Do you want to get married in a open field with mountains surrounding you? Colorado has it all.

You have probably heard by now how stressful wedding planning really is. Not for you, I am here to help everyday I can! I will go over some location ideas and even some tips and tricks to make your day perfect!

I am Delaney and I am a Colorado Photographer!

I have been living in Colorado for 5 years now and have got all the hot spots and i’m ready to share them all!

One of the most common questions I receive is “Where do I start planning my elopement?” Thats what I am here for! I want to take all that stress of of you and make your day perfect and stress free.

How to Choose the Best Elopement Location for You

The first thing you want to decide on is the type of views you’re dreaming about. Many couples want stunning mountain top views while others want to be at the edge of a lake. I suggest making a list of any landscapes or locations that stick out to you during your initial research. When a couple hires me, I am able to use this information and narrow down the location options and only suggest locations that would fit their vision.

The second thing you want to decide on is how far you’re wanting to drive from Denver. There are many incredible spots within 2 hours of Denver, my favorite spots are a 4-6 hour drive. The further into the mountains you go the more private your elopement can be.

The third thing you want to decide on is how far you are wanting to hike. I know the altitude can be a bit of a issue for non-colorado residents and you want to do whats best for you. Colorado has so many hiking trails that can take you to your dream elopement location. If you are not a hiker I know many stunning locations that are accessible by driving.

Colorado Elopement Location Ideas

One of the best things about eloping is that you don’t always have to have a venue! Here are some ideas to help get you started on your search!

Red Rocks

You have most likely heard of red rocks, as well as being a great concert venue it is a fantastic place to elope. I you’re wanting the red rocks as your scenery, a 30 minute drive from Denver, and accessible by car this might be for you!

Chautauqua Park

This Boulder location is one of my favorites! You can get married in an open field with the mountains in the background its a dream! This location is easily accessible you are able to get married at the bottom with no hiking involved or you can choose to hike further up.

Garden of the Gods

By now I am sure you have seen Garden of the Gods on many lists when researching location ideas. It may be a popular tourist attraction but its like that for a reason! You are able to find all different types of scenery in this park. Although it is popular there are some ways to avoid the crowds. I recommend a sunrise elopement to best avoid the crowds but you are able to find small secluded areas. This is definitely a great location if you are not wanting to hike.

Palmer Park

Palmer park is one of the lesser known areas in Colorado Springs. You won’t really run into any tourists just a lot of dogs! This is a great location for those who want mountains in the distance. This is by far the best location if you’re looking for privacy without going into the mountains. There is not any hiking involved just a short walk! There are many different locations within Palmer Park besides this one that you can get eloped at.

Lookout Mountain

This is by far my favorite location. You know what they say, save the best for last. I have yet to shoot an elopement here but its my favorite are to shoot couples photos! Its an easy drive up the mountain and a short walk from where you park. This is completely secluded you will be the only ones here! This is a perfect location for those who want no hiking but breathtaking views.

The Best Time of Year to Elope in Colorado

Colorado is breathtaking year round. One thing I ask my couples to consider before picking a date is deciding what their ideal weather is. Do you want snow or even blizzard conditions? Or are you wanting it to be warm and sunny? Do you want the trees to be changing colors? I use all these questions to help you choose the perfect month to elope.

In my opinion I believe the best time or year to get married in Colorado is fall or summer. You will be able to have access to more locations. If you’re wanting to get married in the mountains a lot of roads might be closed due to heavy snow fall.

January - April: These are considered winter months in Colorado. Most mountains passes and even main mountain highways will be closed due to avalanches and blizzard conditions.

May: You can expect a chilly temperature and snow in the mountains. Mountain passes typically begin to open at the end of the month unless it was a particularly snowy year.

June: This is typically when Colorado starts to warm up. June is sort of our spring. There still might be some snow on the mountains. Most mountain passes should be accessible by the middle/end of the month.

July: July is when it starts to really feel like summer. Still, at high elevation temperatures will be chilly.

August: Like July, August has an almost guarantee access to hiking trails.

September - October: These are my favorite months to elope in Colorado. The month starts off with warm weather but slowly temperatures will start to drop when going into October. In the mountains the open leaves start changing and the mountains are filled with yellow and orange. Snow is a real possibility during these months especially at higher elevations. Towards the end of October mountain passes begin closing for the season.

November - December: This is when winter starts kicking off. Most mountain passes will be closed and temperatures will be dropped.

How to Avoid Altitude Sickness

Elevation sickness is something that can affect anyone traveling to Colorado. If you’re planning on getting married in the mountains, I recommend spending 1-2 days in the Denver area and then spend 1-2 days in the mountains before the elopement. I recommend taking these days slow!

Drink lots and lots of water!

Pack snacks especially with a good source of carbs!

Buy bottled oxygen from any suvioner store, it might sound silly but it helps!

Symptoms of Altitude Sickness: Headache, Dizziness, Shortness if Breath, feeling tires, Nausea and Vomiting, Faster Heart Rate, Difficulty Sleeping, Loss of appetite, and overall just not feeling good.