SO EXCITING! You’re thinking about eloping in Colorado? A may be bias but I don’t think there’s a better place you could choose. Did you know you or your pet can marry you in Colorado?? Yeah its definitely the best. It may be a little overwhelming though especially if you aren’t from here and know all the ins and outs. Here’s how to elope in Colorado! Here’s step by step what you should do to get the ball rolling!

1. Chose a time of year and date range

This is first up on how to elope in Colorado. Do you want wild flowers and greenery, snow covered peaks? Maybe you want a sea of yellow aspens? Colorado has a lot to offer which makes it hard to choose! Once you figure out what time of year you can start to narrow down a date and start your vendor search! Having a slightly open date helps with finding the perfect vendors for your date to grantee their availability.

2. Book Your Photographer

Most elopement photographers act as both a planner and photographer making it super helpful early on in the booking process. They can often times be the guide to your other vendors as well, especially if you aren’t local to the area with all your own preferences. I send out a list of all recommendations to my couples right after booking and also help them narrow down a date and an exact location for their big day!

3. Book your other Vendors

Elopements are just like other weddings in terms of having a vendor team. You’ll want a hair and makeup artist, a florist, an officiant if you two don’t plan to marry yourselves, and maybe even a private chef or catering! After getting your date down now is a good time to start booking!

4. Book your lodging and flights

This and step 3 can be interchangeable. If you’re planning on a cabin stay you’ll want to put this in as soon as you know your date so you can make sure you and your partner have the perfect place to stay during your elopement. Your photographer can also usually help with recommendations on places to stay if they’re familiar with the area! They’re your number one resource after all! If you’re planning to camp or backpack for your elopement a lot of the times in Colorado that requires a reservation or permit so make sure you talk to your photographer as well about what is required for the type of elopement you plan to have!

5. Buy your dress/suite or formal attire

Its time to start dress and suite shopping! This to me is one of the most exciting parts. You really get to visualize yourself on your elopement day. Make sure when shopping you keep in mind you will probably get dirty and need a little more movement for a mountain elopement. Also keep in mind what time of year you will be eloping. The mountains in Colorado experience all seasons at all points of the year. Meaning just because its July or August doesn’t mean its not going to be freezing or snowing. Hiking boots with your dress are usually a must as well for any kind of hiking in Colorado.

6. Marriage license

Around 30 days out you’ll want to apply for your marriage license. You will pick this up at the counties office when you arrive! Here is Denver’s forum and resources.

7. Pack those bags!

At this point its time to pack those bags, your elopement day is here! Get excited! Make sure you get plenty of rest the day before your flight and HYDRATE HYDRATE HYDRATE the week coming. Denver is a mile high and depending on where you are planning your elopement it could be just over 14,000 feet high! Elevation sickness is no joke out here so plenty of water and electrolytes is a must. I highly recommend coming a few days before hand if you’re coming from sea level to get accustom to the elevation, it will make your elopement day that much more comfortable.

8. Get Married

You did it! The days here, have as much fun as possible and remember to be in the moment, your day is going to fly by so make sure to take it all in as much as you can. I hope this guide on how to elope in Colorado was helpful to you and your partner on your journey or maybe convincing you that eloping is easier than it seems!

I’d love to help you plan your elopement here in Colorado as a local expert!

For more resources on eloping in Colorado check out my location guide here.