Colorado Elopement Checklist
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- 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
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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.