Colorado Elopement Checklist
Step into MY GENTLE world of creativity and inspiration of Justyna E Butler, Colorado elopement Photographer
- Legal Requirements in Colorado
To get married in Colorado, you need to obtain a marriage license from any county clerk.
You don’t need an officiant or witnesses; you can self-solemnize.
Make sure to bring valid IDs.
The fee is usually around $30.
The license is valid immediately and must be returned within 63 days.
Popular counties for obtaining licenses include:
- Location & Permit Planning
Choose a location for your ceremony and check the permit rules.
Here are some common elopement spots in Colorado:
- Maroon Bells
- Garden of the Gods,
No wedding permits or reservation fees are required for small, brief ceremonies at Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs. Ceremonies operate strictly on a first-come, first-served basis at designated public sites without exclusive use. You can review official guidelines directly on the parks. - Rocky Mountain National Park
- Sapphire Point Overlook, Weddings at Sapphire Point Overlook require an advance reservation through Recreation.gov, costing $120 to $142 depending on the season, with a maximum capacity of 30 people
Checklist:
- Check if a ceremony permit is needed.
- Confirm guest limits.
- Review parking and shuttle rules.
- Verify photography permit requirements.
- Vendors to Book
Even for elopements, it’s good to have a few vendors.
Essential vendors include:
- Elopement photographer
- Hair and makeup artist
- Florist for the bouquet and boutonniere
- Officiant (optional in Colorado)
- Videographer (optional)
Optional extras:
- Picnic company
- Private chef
- Adventure guide for hiking or skiing elopements
- Travel & Lodging
Plan your logistics early, especially when heading to the mountains.
Checklist:
- Book flights into Denver or Aspen.
- Reserve lodging close to your ceremony location.
- Rent a 4WD vehicle if going into the mountains.
- Arrive 1-2 days early to adjust to the altitude.
- Elopement Day Essentials
Pack a small backpack with:
- Marriage license and pens
- Rings
- Vows
- Bouquet
- Water and snacks
- Warm layers, as mountain weather can change quickly
- Comfortable hiking shoes
- Headlamp or flashlight
- Sunscreen
- Ceremony Details
Write personal vows.
Plan the music, whether using a speaker or considering a live musician.
Decide how you will sign the license.
Choose a post-ceremony activity, such as a toast with champagne, a picnic, or a hike.
- After the Ceremony
Sign and complete the marriage license.
Return it by mail or in person to the county clerk who issued it.
Celebrate!
Here are some ideas for celebration:
- Dinner reservation
- Sunset photos
- Private cabin stay
- Adventure activity, like a jeep tour, hiking, or skiing
Feeling Inspired?
Feeling inspired? Here’s how to start planning your Colorado elopement.
Dreaming of an intentional, adventurous day? Let’s make it happen.
From locations to timeline, I’ll guide you through every step.
👉 Start planning your Colorado elopement here
FEATURED ELOPEMENTS & INTIMATE WEDDINGS
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Key Takeaways
- To marry in Colorado, obtain a marriage license from any county clerk; it’s valid immediately and self-solemnization is allowed.
- Popular elopement spots include Maroon Bells, Garden of the Gods, and Rocky Mountain National Park; check permit rules beforehand.
- Essential vendors for elopements are photographers, hair and makeup artists, and florists; optional extras include picnic companies and adventure guides.
- Plan travel logistics by booking flights, reserving lodging, and renting a 4WD vehicle; arrive early to adjust to the altitude.
- Bring essentials on your elopement day, such as the marriage license, rings, vows, and snacks; celebrate with post-ceremony activities.