The Best Month to Elope in Colorado
Hey there! My name’s Iver Marjerison.
I’m a Colorado micro-wedding planner, and over the years I’ve helped plan hundreds of small weddings and elopements across the state. This guide covers everything you need to know about the best month and season to get married in Colorado.
When is the best time to elope in Colorado? June and September are the most popular months, offering warm weather, stunning scenery, and access to iconic ceremony sites like Rocky Mountain National Park, Maroon Bells, and Sapphire Point. But Colorado is a year-round destination — winter brings snowy mountain backdrops, late September and early October offer golden aspen foliage, and shoulder seasons like May and November mean fewer crowds and better deals. This guide breaks down Colorado elopement weather month by month, plus tips on wildflower season, fall colors, alpine trail access, and what to expect in popular locations like Estes Park, Breckenridge, and Aspen.
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Everything You Need to Know to Pick the Best Month & Season to Elope in Colorado
Let’s keep it simple:
June and September are the most popular wedding months in Colorado, and are arguably the “best” in terms of weather and conditions. With that being said, we plan Colorado weddings outside all year around!
Peak Wedding Season in Colorado:
June - October
Want snow?
January thru March is best.
Want no snow?
Mid-June thru Mid-October is best.
Want fall colors?
Aspens generally change last week of September and first week of October.
But it really comes down to personal preference!
January
If you are thinking about a winter elopement, you should know several things that come with cold weather in Colorado. For instance, in Denver, you should expect a high of 49 and a low of 20 degrees. Up in Breckenridge and Estes, it is usually chillier, with highs around 31 and lows near 19.
We are likely to see some winter storms and cold weather, especially in the mountains, with snow coming and going in Denver, Boulder, and Colorado Springs. So, make sure to bundle up with boots, leggings, a scarf, gloves, and a warm jacket! If you want a dreamy wedding in the mountains, Colorado’s snow can make that happen for sure!
February
In February, the weather is similar to January. Namely, the temperatures in Denver usually range from a high of about 49 degrees to a low of around 20 degrees. Meanwhile, Breckenridge and Estes can expect even cooler temperatures, peaking at 31 degrees and dropping to about 19.
Winter storms and cold conditions are pretty likely, especially in the mountains, with snow moving in and out around Denver, Boulder, and Colorado Springs. With that said, this may not be the best time to elope in Colorado. If you do decide on it, however, make sure to dress warmly with boots, leggings, a scarf, gloves, and a good jacket!
March
If you want a March elopement, then you can count on some dreamy snowy features. In March, expect the weather in Denver to be pretty mild with highs around 58 and lows down to 29. However, if you are heading to Breckenridge or Estes Park, temperatures will be a bit chillier, with highs around 38 and lows near 25. March is the snowiest month of the year, so be ready for winter storms and cold weather!
Moreover, dress warmly - boots, leggings, a scarf, gloves, and a jacket are all great ideas for this time of year! Your elopement might require layers of clothing, but the landscapes will be magical!
April
As April rolls around, Denver starts to warm up a bit, with highs reaching around 65°F, while Breckenridge and Estes Park see cooler temperatures around 43°F. It is that time of year when winter storms are still fairly likely in Colorado, especially in the mountains, where some snow is still lingering.
Be prepared for some mud as the snow begins to melt. So, if you are planning a Colorado elopement in the mountains, you should know that white attire might not be the best choice.
May
May brings a bit more warmth, with Denver hitting highs of 73°F and Breckenridge/Estes Park warming up to 52°F. Although there is still a chance for winter storms, we are in “shoulder season” territory now.
This means the ski resorts are winding down, and the crowds are starting to thin out before summer tourism picks up. This means that if you want some privacy for your elopement in Colorado, this is the perfect time!
June
June is one of the best months to elope in Colorado! With highs in Denver reaching a warm 86°F and Breckenridge/Estes at 66°F, you can finally trade in those winter clothes for lighter attire. That said, early June might still surprise you with some chilly days or muddy patches until summer really settles in.
There is about a 30% chance of light rain, but do not let that dampen your spirits. The rain usually comes and goes pretty quickly!
July
When July comes, it is officially summer! Denver heats up to around 92°F, while Breckenridge and Estes Park enjoy pleasant temperatures of about 72°F. It is warm and sunny for the most part, perfect for outdoor activities and enjoying the beautiful scenery.
However, you should keep an eye on the skies, as there is still that 30% chance of light rain. Nothing too concerning, just the occasional sprinkle to cool things off! So, this can be an ideal time for elopement photos in spectacular scenery!
August
August keeps the summer warmth going, with Denver seeing highs around 90°F and Breckenridge/Estes Park cooler at about 68°F. The weather is generally dry, making it the best time to elope in Colorado.
You can enjoy the long days and beautiful mountain views before we shift gears into fall. Plus, you can make your elopement in Colorado adventurous and unforgettable!
September
As we transition into September, the temperatures start to soften a bit, making it one of the most comfortable months of the year! Denver fluctuates around 82°F while Breckenridge and Estes Park are slightly cooler, with highs of 63°F. The Aspens generally start changing color in late September!
This month is also very popular for weddings! What better backdrop than the stunning fall colors in the mountains?
October
October brings cooler air, with Denver’s highs dropping to about 68°F and 50°F in Breckenridge/Estes Park. While the first half of the month is generally nice, be prepared for random winter storms as we slide into the second half. The Aspens are generally still changing color first week of October!
It is another “shoulder season” time as summer tourism wanes and ski resorts start gearing up for winter. If you are heading to the mountains for your elopement, make sure to bring your warm gear!
November
November signals the start of winter, especially in the mountains. In Denver, the highs dip to around 57°F, while Breckenridge and Estes Park cool significantly to about 39°F.
You can expect some random snowstorms to begin popping up, and it is definitely a quieter time in these mountain towns before the ski season kicks off. This is a perfect time for couples who do not want crowds for their Colorado elopement!
December
Finally, we reach December, and winter is in full swing! Denver cools down to highs of 49°F, while Breckenridge and Estes Park are nipping at a chilly 30°F. Winter storms are fairly likely, especially in the mountains, where you might start seeing snow accumulating.
It is that time of year again to bundle up in pretty much everything you have got from winter attire. These are the essentials for Colorado’s wintry wonderland, especially if you plan to have an outdoor elopement!
Wedding Planner’s Opinion:
If you are planning an elopement, you should know that June to October is peak season (with June and September being the most popular wedding months), and that means venues and vendors can get booked up pretty quickly on weekends. However, if you are looking for more flexibility and potentially better prices, consider having your wedding between November and May. Just keep in mind it can be a bit chillier during those months.
On the other hand, if a winter wonderland is on your wish list, February to April is the best time to find snow on the ground. And if you are a fan of wildflowers, be sure to plan your wedding in late spring, as that's when they really start to bloom. Plus, if you love vibrant fall colors, late September and early October offer some stunning scenery with all the leaves changing.
Now that you have all the information you need for the best time to elope in Colorado, it will probably be easier for you to decide on the date. But, be sure that Colorado offers magical landscapes all year round, so whatever you choose, it will not be a mistake!
FAQs
What should I wear for a winter elopement in Colorado?
Plan for cold weather with a warm base layer, and bring a big jacket you can take on and off for photos. Footwear is most important — you need something that can handle traction on ice and snow. A pair of clip-on crampons or ice cleats can go over regular shoes and provide solid traction on an icy day.
Can it snow during a summer elopement in Colorado?
Yes, it can absolutely snow during a summer elopement in Colorado. Snow falls regularly from late October through early June, with the most snow in the mountains and the least in Denver. Even in May, surprise snowstorms are possible at higher elevations.
What months should I avoid for a Colorado elopement?
If you want to avoid cold temperatures, avoid late October through late May. May in particular can also be muddy as the snow melts. That said, winter elopements can be stunning if you're prepared for the conditions.
Does it rain a lot during summer in Colorado?
It does rain during summer in Colorado, but storms tend to come and go quickly and often don't last all day. Afternoon showers are common in the mountains, but they usually clear up within an hour or two.
When do the alpine trails open in Colorado?
Alpine trails in Colorado generally open in mid-June, once the high elevation spots have lost most of their snow. Before then, trails may be icy, muddy, or closed entirely.
What is the best month to elope in Rocky Mountain National Park?
Rocky Mountain National Park is great for elopements all year round. Mid-June through October is the most popular time, but RMNP is also a beautiful spot for winter elopements with snow-covered peaks and fewer crowds.
What is the best month to elope at Maroon Bells?
Maroon Bells Amphitheater is only open for elopements in the summer, typically early June through early October. Any time during their open season works well, though September is especially popular for fall colors.
More Elopement Planning Info
Check out all my Colorado Elopement Planning Tips & Guides here
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