Colorado Small Wedding & Elopement Guide (2026)
Hey there! My name’s Iver Marjerison.
I’ve personally planned 500+ small-weddings and elopements in Colorado, and am happy tell you—it can be very simple!
Planning a small wedding or elopement in Colorado? This guide covers everything you need to know — from the best ceremony locations like Rocky Mountain National Park, Sapphire Point, and Garden of the Gods, to permits, timing, weather, and how to get your Colorado marriage license. Whether you're dreaming of saying your vows on a mountaintop at sunrise, in a wildflower meadow in July, or surrounded by snow-covered peaks in winter, Colorado offers some of the most stunning backdrops in the country for intimate weddings.
And the best part? Colorado is one of the few states that allows self-solemnization, meaning you don't even need an officiant or witnesses — you can do this thing with just the two of you if you want!
Everything You Need to Know About Planning an Elopement in Colorado
How to Elope in Colorado
Super simple: pick your date and location, hire vendors (photographer and officiant are most common), get your marriage license from any Colorado County Clerk & Recorder’s office, and get married. Most couples celebrate after with dinner at a local restaurant.
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When to Elope in Colorado
The most popular months are mid-June through mid-October for snow-free conditions, and February or March for winter weddings. The best time of day is sunrise, or two hours-ish before sunset, which gives the best lighting for photos. The best day of the week is Tuesday–Wednesday, when parks are the least busy, and you can get the best rates with vendors.
Jump to When to Elope in Colorado
Where to Elope in Colorado
Colorado has a ton of awesome locations for small weddings and elopements—many of which are free to use! Denver, Boulder, Breckenridge, Colorado Springs, and Estes Park tend to be the most popular areas of the state for elopements, and are all within a couple hours of Denver International Airport.
Jump to Where to Elope in Colorado
Costs of Eloping in Colorado
The only required cost to elope in Colorado is the $30 marriage license. Many couples use a free location for the ceremony, and then simply pay the cost of dinner at a local restaurant for their “reception.” Beyond that, many couples choose to add-on vendors like: photographer, officiant, flowers, stylist, videographer, and cake—with the pricing of these vendors ranging significantly. There’s also wedding planners (like me!) who offer packages, with my Colorado MicroWeddings all-inclusive elopement packages starting at $1,300.
Jump to Costs of Eloping in Colorado
Colorado Elopement FAQs
Yes, your dog can sign your marriage license in Colorado. Yes, your friend can officiate your wedding. No, you can’t throw flowers on public land. Sometimes, you’re allowed to set up chairs…. and lots more!
Jump to Colorado Elopement FAQs
How to Elope in Colorado
Let’s keep this super simple…
Step 1 - Choose a Date and Location
It’s really as simple as that, find a date that works for you, and find a location that you like!
Step 2 - Hire Vendors
Technically this is all optional, but hiring a photographer and officiant is fairly common. Many couple also get flowers and find a hair and makeup stylist.
Step 3 - Get the Marriage License
Regardless of where you’re from, you’ll need to go to a county clerk in Colorado to get the license. This is super simple! You’ll need to make an appointment and go in with your partner during business hours. The license will cost $30, and only takes about twenty minutes to get.
Here’s my full guide: How to Get Legally Married in Colorado.
Step 4 - Get Married!
On the day of the wedding, you’ll meet up with your wedding vendors at the ceremony site. You’ll exchange vows, kiss, sign the license and then head off to celebrate! Most couples simply head to a local restaurant for the “reception,” but others bring in a private chef to their rental home, or rent out the rooftop of a local brewery!
When To Elope in Colorado
The Best Month to Elope in Colorado
Mid-June thru Mid-October is the best time to elope in Colorado for no-snow conditions. If you want a winter wedding, plan for February or March. With that being said, we plan elopements all year round in Colorado. The “shoulder seasons” like May and November are the slowest months, and can have more random weather, but they are a great time to get good deals on travel!
Here’s my full guide: The Best Month to Elope in Colorado
The Best Time of Day to Elope in Colorado
For an outdoor wedding, you always want to do sunrise, or two hours before sunset. This gives the best natural lighting for photos. If photos aren’t a priority, you can have a wedding anytime! If your doing an indoor wedding the timing is much more flexible, and anytime during the day works.
Here’s my full guide & with sunrise/sunset timing calculator: The Best Time of Day to Elope in Colorado
The Best Day of the Week to Elope in Colorado
Generally speaking, Tuesday or Wednesday is the best day of the week to elope in Colorado. This is simply because elopements are often on public land or in national parks where crowds get busy on the weekends. By working with a Monday-Thursday you may also get better rates with vendors, venues, and on travel. Of course, weekends are the most common time to elope in Colorado—and also a good option!
Where to Elope in Colorado
Colorado offers a massive variety of locations that are great for small weddings, and last minute elopements. Many of these iconic parks are free to use, and do not require a wedding permit. Below you’ll find links to my free guides that explain: permits, planning, weather, and tips for Colorado’s most popular elopement locations.
Click here to browse all my Colorado Wedding & Elopement Location Guides
Rocky Mountain National Park
Located in Estes Park, Colorado, Rocky Mountain National Park is an iconic elopement destinations that hosts hundreds of weddings each year. They have a variety of designated ceremony sites, that allow groups of up to 30 people. However, they do require a $300 wedding permit, and only issue a limited number of them per year.
Elevation: ~7,600 ft
Max Group Size: 30 people total in your group (the couple + guests + vendors)
Permit Fee: $300 wedding permit required
Accessibility: All year around
Distance from Denver International Airport: Estimated 1.5 - 2 hours
Nearest Town: Estes Park
Click here for my RMNP Wedding & Elopement Guide
Garden of the Gods
Located in Colorado Springs, Colorado, Garden of the Gods is one of the most popular locations for elopements and small weddings in Colorado. It’s easily accessible, offers beautiful views, and they offer designated ceremony sites for weddings that are free to use! Keep in mind—this park is almost ALWAYS crowded.
Elevation: ~6,400 ft
Max Group Size: 50 people total in your group (the couple + guests + vendors)
Permit Fee: No wedding permit required
Accessibility: All year around
Distance from Denver International Airport: Estimated 1.5 - 2 hours
Nearest Town: Colorado Springs
Click here for my Garden of the Gods Wedding & Elopement Guide
Chautauqua Park
Located in Boulder, Colorado, Chautauqua Park is a beautiful location for simple micro-weddings and elopements. It does not require a wedding permit for small groups, but you are required to stay on the trails—which can be a bit uncomfortable.
Elevation: ~5,710 ft
Max Group Size: 12 people total in your group (the couple + guests + vendors)
Permit Fee: No wedding permit required (photographer needs a $25 permit)
Accessibility: All year around
Distance from Denver International Airport: Estimated 1 hour
Nearest Town: Boulder
Click here for my Chautauqua Park Wedding & Elopement Guide
Sunrise Amphitheater
Located in Boulder, Colorado, Sunrise Amphitheater is one of the most affordable small wedding locations that offers true privacy for the ceremony. Nestled in the foothills above Chautauqua Park, the amphitheater offers panoramic views and built in seating.
Elevation: ~6,983 ft
Max Group Size: 100 people (the couple + guests + vendors)
Permit Fee: $100 - $400
Accessibility: Early May through end of October
Distance from Denver International Airport: Estimated 1 hour
Nearest Town: Boulder
Click here for my Sunrise Amphitheater Wedding & Elopement Guide
The Denver Botanic Gardens
Located in Denver, Colorado, The Denver Botanic Gardens offers a variety of wedding venues for groups of all sizes, and allows groups to take photos anywhere within the sprawling gardens. It can be a bit pricey for small groups, but the photo opportunities are unmatched.
Elevation: ~5,280 ft
Max Group Size: 250 people
Permit Fee: $500 - $12,000
Accessibility: Open all year around
Distance from Denver International Airport: 30 - 60 minutes
Nearest Town: Denver
Click here for my Denver Botanic Garden Wedding & Elopement Guide
The Denver Clock Tower
Located in Denver, Colorado, The Denver Clock Tower is truly one of the most unique elopement locations in Colorado. There ceremony site is located at the top of the tower, just behind the clock face, making for an intimate, and beautiful elopement experience.
Elevation: ~5,280 ft
Max Group Size: 30 (for ceremony-only packages)
Permit Fee: $900 - $2500
Accessibility: Open all year around
Distance from Denver International Airport: 30 - 60 minutes
Nearest Town: Denver
Click here for my Denver Clock Tower Wedding & Elopement Guide
Lost Gulch Overlook
Located in Boulder, Colorado, Lost Gulch Overlook is an iconic elopement destination that offers dynamic mountain top views, and requires no wedding permit for small groups. With that being said, the location is small, and often packed with people. I suggest sunrise if you want to beat the crowds.
Elevation: ~7,333 ft
Max Group Size: 12 people total in your group (the couple + guests + vendors)
Permit Fee: No wedding permit required—photographer needs a $25 permit
Accessibility: All year around, but may close in the winter
Distance from Denver International Airport: Estimated 1 hour
Nearest Town: Boulder
Click here for my Lost Gulch Overlook Wedding & Elopement Guide
Maroon Bells Amphitheater
Located in Aspen, Colorado, Maroon Bells Amphitheater is the most competitive micro-wedding site in all of Colorado, with thousands of couples attempting to book it each year, and only a fraction of those able to secure permits. When you see the photos, you’ll know why.
Elevation: ~9,580 ft
Max Group Size: 50 people total (the couple + guests + vendors)
Permit Fee: $200
Accessibility: Early June through early October
Distance from Denver International Airport: Estimated 4-5 hours
Nearest Town: Aspen
Click here for my Maroon Bells Amphitheater Wedding & Elopement Guide
Sapphire Point
Located near Breckenridge, Colorado, Sapphire Point is an incredibly popular wedding overlook that offers beautiful ceremony views for groups of up to 30 people. While the views are tough to beat, the privacy, parking, and logistics can be a bit annoying.
Elevation: ~9,500 ft
Max Group Size: 30 people total in your group (the couple + guests + vendors)
Permit Fee: $142
Accessibility: Year round
Distance from Denver International Airport: Estimated 1.5 – 2.5 hours
Nearest Town: Breckenridge
Click here for my Sapphire Point Wedding & Elopement Guide
Windy Point
Located near Breckenridge, Colorado, Windy Point has become a very popular ceremony site for groups that are wanting a simple, beautiful, and affordable wedding—and don’t want to deal with the headaches of Sapphire Point.
Elevation: ~9,000 ft
Max Group Size: 100 people
Permit Fee: $260
Accessibility: Late May through late September
Distance from Denver International Airport: Estimated 1.5 - 2.5 hours
Nearest Town: Breckenridge
Click here for my Windy Point Wedding & Elopement Guide
Sawmill Reservoir
Located near Breckenridge, Colorado, Sawmill Reservoir is a beautiful public park that has become a popular destination for small weddings and elopements. While it offers nice views, and does not require a wedding permit, the area is very small, and tends to be quite crowded. I’d only suggest it for very small groups, and only at sunrise.
Elevation: ~9,938 ft
Max Group Size: No official number (in my professional opinion, it’s only comfortable with 0 guests)
Permit Fee: No wedding permit required
Accessibility: In theory all year around, but not comfortable with snow (late-October through late-May)
Distance from Denver International Airport: Estimated 2 hours
Nearest Town: Breckenridge
Click here for my Sawmill Reservoir Wedding & Elopement Guide
Costs of Eloping in Colorado
The cost of eloping in Colorado varies significantly based on venue, vendors, and group size, but generally speaking, most elopements in Colorado cost between $30 and $5,000.
Marriage License
The Colorado Marriage License costs $30, and is the only legally required element of eloping.
Venue / Ceremony Site
Colorado has a bunch of free parks that are free to elope in, along with some nice ceremony sites for small groups that range from $150 - $2,500.
Reception / Dinner
Most small weddings and elopements simply head to a local restaurant for dinner after the wedding. So calculating an “elopement reception” is very simple—just add up the estimated cost per person for food at your desired spot.
Officiant
Expect to pay $450 - $750 for a elopement wedding officiant in Colorado. Colorado MicroWeddings offers officiant packages starting at $300.
Photographer
This one varies a lot, with many Colorado elopement photographers offering specialized all-day adventure wedding packages that can be very expensive. Generally speaking, expect to pay $800 - $4,500 for an elopement photographer in Colorado. Colorado MicroWeddings offers 1 hour photography packages starting at $500.
Videographer
Expect to pay $1,500 - $3,500 for an elopement videographer in Colorado. Colorado MicroWeddings offers 1 hour videography packages starting at $900.
Florist
Expect to pay $175 - $450 for a bridal bouquet in Colorado. Colorado MicroWeddings offers a bouquet and boutonnière packaging starting at $125.
Hair & Makeup Stylist
Expect to pay $500 - $600 + travel for on-site bridal hair and makeup in Colorado, and $300 - $400 for in-salon bridal services. Colorado MicroWeddings offers a $400 + travel on-site stylist package.
Cake
Expect to pay $40 - $350 for a small wedding cake in Colorado, pending on the level of customization.
Checkout my full guide here: What Does it Cost to Elope in Colorado?
Colorado Elopement FAQs
What is an Elopement?
There’s really no set definition, but basically, an elopement is a small wedding ceremony that involves just the couple — or a few close friends and family. An elopement is also referred to as a “mini-mony”, micro-wedding, or tiny wedding. They’re all the same thing — an intimate gathering with no set rules! Most couples do a simple ceremony at the top of a mountain, or in a backyard, and then head to a local restaurant for a casual dinner reception.
Why Should I Elope in Colorado?
Simple: traditional weddings are expensive, stressful, and logistically limiting. Colorado offers a simple destination to have a beautiful and affordable small wedding—and get awesome photos! Eloping helps you set aside all these worries, get the most out of your budget, and enjoy your wedding to the fullest. Plus, since you don’t have to worry about the logistics of feeding and entertaining 200 guests, you can get more creative with your day! How about a helicopter/dog-sled ride to the top of a mountain? More info on our Adventure Wedding page.
Who can Elope in Colorado?
Anyone can elope in Colorado! Regardless of what state you’re from. While every state is a bit different, Colorado makes the legal aspects of getting married incredibly simple. To get a marriage license, you don’t need to be a resident of Colorado, there is no waiting period, no witnesses required, no blood-tests, and you don’t even need an officiant! For more info, checkout my other article: “How to Get Legally Married in Colorado”.
The Best Place to Elope in Colorado
Some of the most popular locations to elope in Colorado are: Garden of the Gods, Maroon Bells Amphitheater, Rocky Mountain National Park, Denver Botanic Gardens, Denver Clock Tower, Chautauqua Park, Sunrise Amphitheater, Sapphire Point, Windy Point, and Lost Gulch Overlook. In general Denver, Breckenridge, Colorado Springs, Boulder, and Estes Park are some of the most popular areas to elope in Colorado. Each region offers very different scenery, rules, and overall experiences — from city venues and historic buildings to mountain overlooks and national parks!
Is Eloping Legally Recognized in Colorado?
Yes, eloping is fully legally recognized in Colorado. The state makes getting married incredibly simple—you don't need to be a Colorado resident, there's no waiting period, no witnesses required, and no blood tests. Once you sign your marriage license, your marriage is completely legal.
Can You Elope in Colorado Without an Officiant?
Yes, Colorado is one of the few states that allows self-solemnization. This means the couple can legally marry themselves by simply signing the marriage license—no officiant required. Many couples still choose to have a friend or family member perform the ceremony for the experience, even if they're not signing the license.
Want to learn more about the best ceremony sites and venues in each area? Start with my Colorado Small Wedding & Elopement Guides, where I break down permits, guest limits, timing, and the real pros and cons of each location.
How Many Guests Can I Elope With?
There are no set rules, but generally an elopement has 6 or less guests. With a group this small, it’s easy to find a free-to-use park or mountain overlook for the ceremony. Anything larger than that, is more of a “micro-wedding” and tends to be more comfortable using a designated ceremony site that offers privacy and seating—but this can still make for a simple, beautiful, and affordable wedding day!
Can My Friend Officiate My Colorado Elopement?
Yes! It is perfectly legal, and quite common, for your friend to officiate your ceremony, checkout this guide on how to have your friend officiate your ceremony in Colorado.
Can My Dog Sign the Marriage License in Colorado?
Yes! Your dog can sign your marriage license as your witness in Colorado, but as of 2026, this is only allowed in certain counties. Check out this article about having your dog sign your marriage license in Colorado.
Do I Need a Permit to Elope in Colorado
Many popular elopement locations in Colorado are on public land, and don’t require a permit to elope. However, every park, location, and venue are different. Always be sure to read local rules and regulations on group sizes, photography usage, and event permits.
Should I Elope in Colorado?
I recommend sitting down with your partner and answering the following questions to help give you an idea of your priorities and options…
1) How many people would we invite to our elopement?
2) What is our budget for an elopement, would would the day look like?
3) How many people would we invite to our regular wedding?
4) What is our budget for a regular wedding, and what would the day look like?
5) What are the things we care most about having on our wedding day?
If you decide you wanna do something simple… an elopement could be the move!
How Much Does it Cost to Elope in Colorado?
Generally an elopement in Colorado ranges from $1,000 - $9,000. It’s really hard to give an exact number without knowing what the couple is looking for. Some couples spend $8,000 on a photographer alone, others have their sister take the photos on her iPhone. Here’s a full guide about what it costs to elope in Colorado.
Here’s a sample budget for a wedding I recently planned for a group of 6 people…
My planning fee $500
Venue - free (top of a mountain!)
Marriage License - $35
Photographer (1.5 hours) - $650
Officiant - $300
Flowers - $100ish
Hair & Makeup Stylist - $350
Videographer - $900
Dinner (for 8) - $450ish
Colorado Micro-Wedding & Elopement Packages
Starting at $1,300
7+ Years | 300+ Happy Couples
The best small-wedding venues in Colorado.
A hand-picked team of the top vendors.
Everything you need for a beautiful and stress-free small wedding!
—Officiant (starting at $300)
—Photography (starting at $500)
—Videography (starting at $900)
—Flowers (starting at $100)
—Wedding Planner (starting at $500)
All-Inclusive | 100% Customizable | 0 - 80 Guests
Vendors | Venues | Marriage License | Permits | Dining | Lodging
Text or Email the word “Info”
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Iver@ColoradoMicroWeddings.com
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