Eloping in Colorado: What to Know | CO Elopement Photographer - Kept Record | Allie + Sam
Aspen’s beauty is no secret, but Allie and Sam managed to elope there in a way that felt incredibly private; it was like all of Colorado stayed inside so that they could have the serene, adventurous wedding they so hoped for. Colorado is a place breathtaking in its beauty and seemingly created for intimate moments like this. They exchanged handwritten vows in a lovely ceremony officiated by Allie’s sister, surrounded only by mountain peaks and their closest family members, just outside of Apsen city limits and about an hour away from where they were staying in Carbondale. As the two committed their lives to each other, voices trembling, the only sound you could hear was the soft crunch of snow beneath boots. It was nothing short of magic. Afterwards we left the quiet comfort of the deserted mountain for another side of Aspen - one more vibrant! The newlyweds, joined with Sam’s son, Ty, as well as their parents and siblings, ate at one of Aspen’s most renowned restaurants, Acquolina (I died and went straight to Heaven!) Over glasses of wine and shared platters of Italian meats and cheese, Allie and Sam stole glances above Ty’s head, radiating pure joy, ending their wedding day in a state of sheer celebration.
Read on for tips on planning your own elopement in Colorado + see photos from Allie and Sam’s absolutely stunning, emotional day in Aspen!
Why Elope in Colorado?
Allie and Sam chose to elope in Colorado because they love outdoor sports and enjoy skiing in Colorado’s epic landscapes! They hadn’t spent much time in Aspen before but it felt like the perfect way to honor their wedding day, experiencing someplace new together that felt distinctly special as the place they got married.
Colorado’s gorgeous scenery means that whether you’re hoping for your elopement to include red rocks, snowy mountain peaks, or 4-wheel driving through sprawling sand dunes, it’s possible!
There are tons of perks for getting married in Colorado - one of which is self-solemnization. What does that even mean? You don’t need an officiant to make your wedding ceremony legal! This is pretty unique as most states do require an officiant. For couples eloping in particular, this is a major appeal because it keeps a small gathering as small as can be!
When to Elope in Aspen
If you’re thinking of eloping in Aspen keep in mind peak tourism times: ski crowds flock to Aspen during winter months, so you’ll have a higher chance of running into crowds December through February. It should come as no surprise then that it’s snowiest around those months, but snowfall varies and some years it begins mid-to-late November and generally lasts through mid-April, but sometimes into May. Other places to consider getting married in Colorado might be Garden of the Gods or Pikes Peak (about an hour and a half south of Denver), Estes Park (about an hour and a half north of Denver), or the Great Sand Dunes National Park in the San Luis Valley (roughly 4 hours south of Denver - more if you take this scenic drive!)
Elopement + Wedding Lodging in Colorado:
Travel + Leisure’s Best Hotels List ranked Hotel Jerome, The Gant Aspen, and The Little Nell among the best of the best when it comes to Aspen multiple years running. However in winter months (peak tourism season) expect to see a price increase. Instead you may look into Carbondale - that’s where Allie and Sam’s gorgeous Airbnb was located! A little further away in Glenwood Springs, there will probably be more options, though the accommodations may be less luxurious.
For those traveling throughout Colorado, Madeline Hotel and Residences, Auberge Resorts Collection in Telluride has ranked highly for multiple years. For lodging with tons of personality but a more rustic feel, stay at C Lazy U, a beautiful property in Granby.
Dog-friendly lodging does exist in Colorado, but in my experience, it was a little more difficult to find than in other states. That being said, if you can book this gorgeous mountain Airbnb in Salida, or this Mid-Century Modern spot near Colorado Springs I think your pups would have a doggone good time ;) Then again, we’ve spent many a night in La Quinta hotel rooms, and I assure you my dogs haven’t complained once!
Winter Wedding FYI
Getting married in Colorado may mean cold temps + snow! Probably doesn’t need to be said but, just in case.
Winter weddings in snowy locations aren’t for the faint of heart- keep in mind that inclement weather may require you to change plans or prepare for your wedding in ways more moderate seasons wouldn’t require (thick socks! Hand warmers!). Snowstorms, delayed traffic, snowchains on your tires… these are all things that may mean driving slower to be safe. When planning your wedding, try to keep this in mind to find alternatives nearby just in case! A willingness to be flexible will work in your favor!
Winter also means getting to explore fun fashion options that aren’t available in other seasons! (See this article from Junebug Weddings on winter fashion accessories!) I love when clients get to incorporate things like sweaters, jackets, scarves and boots because sometimes mixing up just a few items can really change the entire look and feel, adding variety into your wedding photos.
For more winter wedding outfit inspo see Katie + Taylor’s winter Lake Tahoe elopement - it was even featured in Tahoe Unveiled for Best Dress of 2020!
Unique things to Do Near Aspen:
Of course Aspen’s known for skiing (visitors come from across the world each year for this top-quality powder, but there are other great alternatives to skiing and snowboarding - instead, book a nighttime sleigh ride at Pine Creek Cookhouse or end the day with snow tubing at Snowmass. And fuel up with a pastry and coffee at the highly-rated Paradise Bakery! If you have some extra time to spare, I highly recommend checking out some slightly lesser-known areas. Downtown Glenwood Springs felt so sweet with all of the mom-and-pop shops. I could have explored all day!
Other great Winter Elopement Locations outside of Colorado
Colorado has endless possibilities for elopement locations, but I often tell my clients: if you think it’s beautiful, odds are others do too! To protect the landscapes, many of the National Parks within Colorado have implemented restrictions on how many ceremonies can take place per year. Depending on how many other couples have already submitted requests, the location you’re considering may be unavailable.
If you’re looking for a great location to elope for that snowy winter wedding look, Lake Tahoe, NV and northern Utah should definitely be on your shortlist for consideration too! If you’re looking to escape cold climates, maybe instead you should check a personal fave of mine: Joshua Tree. It does get chilly + snow on rare occasions, but you’ll get a fraction of the snow you’d see in northern California, Utah, or Colorado.
Ready to elope in Colorado? Let’s make it happen!
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