Your Ultimate Guide to Planning an Epic Colorado Elopement
I’m Bobak Radbin, a wedding & elopement photographer dedicated to helping you craft a day that’s authentically yours. Ready to dive in? Let’s create magic together!
Why Elope in Colorado?
Colorado is a dream destination for couples who crave adventure, intimacy, and awe-inspiring scenery. From majestic peaks to red rock wonders, the state offers a diverse range of backdrops for every type of love story.
Not quite sure what eloping means? No worries—check out this article to get the full scoop! And feel free to reach out anytime—I’m here to help!”
“Wow!! Bobak was an amazing photographer. He cracked jokes and had us laughing the entire hour. He knew great places in the Garden of the Gods to take pictures all in great lighting. The photos turned out perfectly.”
Kristie
Why Colorado is the perfect choice for your elopement
• Self-Solemnization: In Colorado, you can marry yourselves without an officiant or witnesses. It’s as personal as it gets.
• Diverse Landscapes: Snow-capped mountains, wildflower meadows, and desert dunes—Colorado has it all.
• Adventure Opportunities: Combine your vows with activities like hiking, skiing, or stargazing for a truly unique experience.
Even though self-solemnization is an option, I’m an ordained officiant and happy to guide you through your ceremony if you need one!
Best Locations for Your Colorado Elopement
Explore the Best Spots for an Unforgettable Elopement.
Rocky Mountain National Park
Distance from Denver International Airport (DEN): 1 hour 30 minutes by car
Nearby Airports: Boulder Municipal Airport (WBU), Fort Collins-Loveland Municipal Airport (FNL)
Elevation: 7,500 to 14,000 feet (2,286 to 4,267 meters)
Rocky Mountain National Park offers alpine lakes, panoramic mountain views, and dense forests, providing a magical and intimate setting for your elopement. Permits are required for ceremonies, and seasonal restrictions apply, so be sure to check ahead.
Garden of the Gods
Distance from Colorado Springs Airport (COS): 20 minutes by car
Nearby Airports: Denver International Airport (DEN), Pueblo Memorial Airport (PUB)
Elevation: 6,400 feet (1,950 meters)
Famous for its red rock formations and the stunning backdrop of Pikes Peak, Garden of the Gods is a free public park with easy access. It’s perfect for a stunning elopement ceremony with a breathtaking view. No formal permit is required for ceremonies.
Check out John and Deborah’s Elopement Session at Garden of the Gods.
Pikes Peak
Distance from Colorado Springs Airport (COS): 30 minutes by car
Nearby Airports: Denver International Airport (DEN), Pueblo Memorial Airport (PUB)
Elevation: 14,115 feet (4,302 meters)
One of Colorado’s most iconic peaks, Pikes Peak offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, making it a breathtaking setting for a high-altitude ceremony. Permits are required for events on the summit, so be sure to plan ahead.
Check out Eileen and Dave’s Elopement Session at Pikes Peak Summit.
Check out Eileen and Dave’s Elopement Video.
Timing is everything! Here’s what each season offers
When to Elope in Colorado?
Spring (March-May): Blooming wildflowers at lower altitudes and snowy peaks up high.
Summer (June-August): Perfect weather and lush greenery. Start early to avoid crowds.
Fall (September-October): Stunning golden aspens and crisp air.
Winter (November-February): Magical snowy landscapes with fewer crowds.
Costs & Planning Essentials
Budgeting for your Colorado elopement is key. Here’s a breakdown:
Permits: $50–$500 (depending on location and use).
Marriage License: $30–$60.
Travel & Stay: Flights ($100–$600) and lodging ($150–$400+ per night).
Photography: $2,000–$5,000+ (let’s make it me!).
Floral Arrangements: $150–$500.
Hair & Makeup: $150–$600.
Your total cost can range from $2,000 to $8,000+ depending on the level of detail and adventure you choose.
Elopement vs. Traditional Wedding Costs
The average cost of a traditional wedding in 2024 is around $33,000, while elopements in Colorado typically range from $2,000 to $8,000, offering a more intimate and budget-friendly option.
Planning your wedding involves costs, and it’s important to know what to expect. While traditional weddings can be expensive, elopements offer a more affordable and intimate option. Here’s a breakdown of the costs in 2024-2025:
Traditional Wedding Costs (2024-2025)
Average cost: $30,000
Venue: $5,000–$15,000
Catering (per guest): $50–$150 (totaling $7,500+ for 100 guests)
Photographer/Videographer: $3,000–$6,000
Attire: $1,500–$3,000+
Floral & Decor: $1,000–$3,000
Entertainment (DJ, live band): $1,000–$3,000
Other expenses (invitations, favors, etc.): $1,000+
Total Estimated Cost for Traditional Wedding: $30,000–$50,000+
Elopement Costs (2024-2025)
Elopement Package (photography, videography, planning): $2,500–$6,500
Travel & Lodging: $500–$2,000
Marriage License: $30–$60
Permit Fees: $50–$500
Floral Arrangements: $150–$500
Officiant: $300–$1,000
Total Estimated Cost for Elopement: $3,500–$10,500
Crafting Your Timeline
Here’s a sample 8-hour elopement timeline:
8:30 AM – Morning Start in Your Cozy Cabin or Airbnb
Begin your Colorado elopement in style with a relaxing breakfast in your private mountain cabin or romantic Airbnb near Colorado Springs or Estes Park. This quiet time is perfect for getting ready photos, capturing your excitement and anticipation for the day ahead.
9:30 AM – Elopement Preparation
Time to get dressed for your elopement ceremony. Whether you’re getting ready in a charming mountain lodge or your cozy airbnb in Colorado Springs, we’ll capture the intimate moments of getting dressed and ready for your epic adventure wedding.
10:15 AM – First Look & Private Vows
Your first look is a truly special moment! We’ll take you to a secluded spot in nature (maybe at Garden of the Gods or a mountain summit), where you can exchange your personal vows. Capture this intimate moment against a stunning Colorado backdrop.
11:00 AM – Adventure Elopement Session
Ready for adventure? We’ll explore Colorado’s beautiful grand nature and capture you two in love on a mountaintop, in a canyon, or beside a hidden Colorado waterfall. This is where the magic happens—adventure photos for your elopement album.
12:30 PM – Colorado Elopement Ceremony
Whether you’re eloping in Rocky Mountain National Park or another iconic location, we’ll create the perfect elopement ceremony that reflects your unique love story. Say “I do” surrounded by nature’s beauty—mountains, forests, or open meadows.
1:15 PM – Family Photos (if applicable)
If you’re sharing this adventure with family and friends, we’ll capture group shots at your elopement venue. This is where everyone joins in the celebration of your big day.
2:00 PM – Scenic Couple’s Portraits
We’ll take some more time to capture beautiful portraits of you two, using Colorado’s iconic views—mountaintops, forests, or flower fields as the backdrop. This is the perfect time to make your elopement photos truly epic.
3:30 PM – Lunch & Relax
Relax with a packed picnic or a casual Colorado restaurant lunch to recharge before the afternoon adventure. This is your chance to reflect on the day and just enjoy each other’s company before heading into the next phase.
4:30 PM – Sunset Photos
Golden hour is an elopement photographer’s dream! We’ll take advantage of Colorado’s amazing sunsets to capture glowing portraits at a breathtaking viewpoint in places like Pikes Peak or Boulder. Perfect time for sunset wedding photos!
5:30 PM – First Dance & Toasts
Take a moment to enjoy your first dance in a private, intimate setting—maybe on a mountaintop or under the Colorado sky. Afterward, we’ll capture your celebration toast to cap off the day.
6:00 PM – Starry Night Photos
The beauty of eloping in Colorado doesn’t stop at sunset! We’ll wrap up your epic elopement day with some breathtaking starry night photos, taking full advantage of Colorado’s clear skies.
7:00 PM – End of Day
Time to relax and enjoy the peace and quiet of the Colorado mountains as you begin your new adventure together.
What is Self-Solemnization?
In Colorado, you can legally marry yourselves—no officiant needed! Simply apply for a marriage license at any Colorado county clerk’s office. It’s intimate, personal, and even allows your pet to “sign” the license with a paw print!
