When to Elope in Colorado | Updated for 2024
Updated December 16th, 2023
Updated for the 2024-2025 Wedding Season
When’s the best month to elope in Colorado for incredible photos?
Knowing when to elope in Colorado is key to capturing all its magic on your special day. And even though mention of the Centennial State evokes images of the Rocky Mountains, Colorado also features beautiful plains, dramatic deserts and rolling foothills.
You’ll find majestic mountains mainly in the northern and western portions of the state. Eastern Colorado is mostly high plains, while the arid southwest has more hills and sand dunes. All this interesting topography makes for the perfect backdrop for any outdoor Colorado wedding. It also can cause wild weather, so planning ahead is wise. But don’t worry—I’ll be sure to help with weather updates and recommendations for what to pack.
Plenty of sunshine, gorgeous foliage and cool mountain forests make Colorado a fantastic place for eloping in any season. Spring, summer and autumn photograph wonderfully for weddings. And eloping during winter in Colorado is exciting too, because that’s when you’ll find powdery snow attracting skiers and snowboarders worldwide.
Ready to figure out the best month to elope in Colorado for you? Read on to learn more about Colorado’s seasons and what they each can mean for your wedding planning!
A Winter Wedding in Colorado
If you love a good winter wonderland with lots of powder, your best month to elope in Colorado may be December, January or February. During winter, much of the high country is covered in glistening snow. Frigid temperatures may require some creative planning for an outdoor wedding. The results are so beautiful though, so it’s worth the effort.
But even if your ceremony is in the toasty indoors, as your Colorado elopement photographer I’ll insist we get outside for a few special winter portraits. Plan for any elopement photography to start in mid-afternoon. With sunsets and total darkness far ahead of dinner time, you’ll have to get an early session. In fact, winter days are quite short, but that’s where I come in to help with your timeline planning!
This season is a winter sports-lover’s paradise, so you’ll typically see a lot of traffic as you drive to the mountains for the weekend. Blocked roads due to weather conditions are common in winter. As your guide, however, I’ll have double-checked routes to your ceremony location to ensure we won’t be affected by road closures.
In cities like Denver, the days are not as chilly as the mountains, and the constant sunshine keeps roads clear of snow. Enjoy golfing, hiking, sightseeing, shopping and dining, no matter the weather in the Rockies.
View Kristy + Shannon’s winter wonderland elopement in Breckenridge!
A Spring Wedding in Colorado
Many brides will tell you spring is the best time of year to get married in Colorado because that’s when new life is popping everywhere. But spring is also the most unpredictable time to elope in Colorado because the weather can change from hour to hour.
You may have foggy conditions in the morning that will give way to brilliant sunshine, only to turn into a thunderstorm before settling into snow. But you can also experience brilliant sunshine in a cloudless blue sky, when it’s neither too hot nor too cold, as you’re exchanging vows against gorgeous mountain scenery.
The coming of spring starts the snow melting so it flows fast and furious into the rivers to the delight of white-water rafters. Spring is also particularly famous for wildflowers. This time of year, I love to photograph couples surrounded by newly arrived wildflowers or next to rejuvenated waterfalls.
It’s hard to imagine a more perfect outdoor wedding in Colorado than one on a crisp spring day. You just have to be prepared for anything—including spring-breakers. It’s not just brides who love spring. Students on break from school love the world-class skiing and snowboarding. Which means availability at your favorite Colorado resort might be tight and priced for the season.
Conversely, many Colorado mountain towns aren’t fully open in early spring so your dining and entertainment options may be better at the more lively resort properties. Keep that in mind if you had your heart set on quiet, intimate meals in a romantic inn with scarcely anyone around.
Pack so you can wear layers that are easy to add or shed throughout the day. Make sure you have jackets, too. And it’s always a good idea to have back-up plans if you’ve set your sights on an outdoor wedding ceremony. Again, I will help you plan around the weather in Colorado. You can have your perfect spring wedding day!
Peep Kaitlyn + Levi’s spring elopement at Boulder’s Flagstaff Mountain!
A Summer Wedding in Colorado
Elope in Colorado on a summer day and you’ll be treated to a beautiful, sun-drenched day. The weather can still be unpredictable, with typical Colorado summer days being sunny and mild. Sunsets are usually after 8pm, but if you’re in a valley, it can disappear earlier. In the mountains, Colorado summer festivals are popular, so make hotel reservations early in your planning.
Denver sees at least 300 days of sunshine each year. Humidity is low, so bring plenty of sunscreen, plus extra moisturizer for your face and body. You’ll have to drink lots of water to stay hydrated and feel good, so imbibe at every opportunity. At night, after the sun goes down, Colorado temperatures can also drop. Carry a jacket to throw on so you won’t feel chilled.
Check out Adrienne’s sun-drenched summer bohemian bridal shoot in Crested Butte!
A Fall Wedding in Colorado
The best month for an outdoor wedding in Colorado might be September when the aspens make the mountains shimmer in golden color. The days are cool but sunny, with some occasional snow. The powder will come later. Now it’s crisp and clear and an amazing time to elope in Colorado.
The average high temperature in Denver is 78 degrees F, with average lows of 44. Elsewhere on the high plains and in the mountains, it may be much cooler. Colorado’s gorgeous sunsets come increasingly earlier as the season progresses. You’ll definitely want to catch these amazing fall colors you won’t see anywhere else. As your Colorado elopement photographer, I’ll definitely capture you and your honey enjoying an afternoon in the golden aspens.
Before heading to the peaks, I will check road conditions with the Colorado Department of Transportation and let you know about any blocked routes. Snow and ice can close passes without much notice. We also need to be aware that elk and other wildlife are active during the fall, and herds can make some roads impassable as well. But that’s all part of the charm of this wild state, isn’t it?
Check out Jamie + Lucas’ fall foliage-filled elopement in Crested Butte!
When’s the Best Time to Have a Mountain Wedding in Colorado?
A winter wedding in Colorado may sound like the best time because of the snow-covered scenery that would look fantastic in elopement photos. A cozy indoor ceremony and a few bridal portraits outside would make your elopement extraordinary. The great thing is that in the ski areas, spring and winter can look like one long season—one that lasts for almost half the year. That gives you many options for locations and activities.
In the Western Slope area of Colorado, resort communities are open and welcoming throughout this time. If you avoid Christmas, Spring Break season and Easter, you should be able to find rates to fit your budget. Aim for late spring if you want the best sunshine. You’ll still get to experience the snow without the chilly, cloudy conditions.
Imagine a couple of romantic evenings by the fireplace with hot beverages, a marriage ceremony with fur trimmed wraps and bouquet, topped off with a celebratory sleigh-ride to start your new forever together. An experienced Colorado elopement photographer like myself can capture this winter wonderland perfection!
Summers can also offer you a special mountain wedding in Colorado with mild days, wildflower-covered meadows and snowy peaks in the distance. Many Colorado ski resorts are open and welcoming elopers throughout the summer with a wider variety of locations and activities for your wedding.
You’ll find more availability than in the winter, too, as you’re not competing with skiers for reservations. Summer mountain festivals in Colorado are popular, so you may want to plan to participate in one that sounds the most fun.
But don’t discount fall as the best time of year to get married in Colorado, either. Less crowded than summer, the mountains offer a more relaxed environment as family travel slows. Look for festivals centered around craft beer and music. But the most special feature about a fall wedding in Colorado is the foliage. Colors peak around late September and early October. Hiring me as your Colorado elopement photographer means we’ll get beautiful shots outside by a creek or little church to take advantage of the glorious shades.
The question of when to get married in Colorado can only be answered by taking a look at what you have always dreamed your wedding would be.
What kinds of attire fit your vision? Lots of alpine ski-wear or flowing, fluttering tops and skirts? Faux-fur coats or a strappy wedding dress?
What sports or excursions are you into? Hiking and canoeing or skiing and snow-shoeing? Lake swimming or snowy-hot-springs dipping?
Do you envision an outdoor ceremony with a picnic, or a retreat into a mountain lodge for your reception?
Part of my process working with couples like you is to help you brainstorm and figure out what elements will help create your dream elopement!
Colorado Elopement Laws
It’s very easy to elope in Colorado, as the rules are as relaxed as the vibe. You are able to self solemnize in Colorado, which means you can marry without an officiant—or even any witnesses! Sign your marriage license as the officiant and you are legally married! Even getting a Colorado marriage license is easy. Get yours during the week at the county clerk office and return it after your ceremony. There’s no waiting period in Colorado either. You can literally design the wedding you’ve always wanted with a few family and friends. Or no one there at all, except for the mountain creatures who happen by.
The best time of year to get married in Colorado is anytime you want to be outside. Ask yourself what you enjoy the most about being outdoors. Summer and spring are full of color and nature. If you like the sun and water, hiking or canoeing, these seasons will never disappoint you. For thrilling powder skiing and snowboarding with dramatic snowy scenes, winter is an amazing time to elope in Colorado. For glowing, golden color and refreshing hikes, autumn guarantees a beautiful wedding weekend.
Pick your favorite season, plan a few special touches (I can help!) and you’ll have the wedding you’ve always wanted. Have any questions about how to elope in Colorado? Or how a specialized Colorado elopement photographer like myself can perfectly capture your unique style in any season?
Ready to Book?
Elopement Photographer Andrea Enger (Portrait by Jennifer Garza Photography)
If you’re ready to get the ball rolling to secure your photographer (slash wedding planner!) that’s great!
You can do that by contacting me through my website, emailing me directly at andreaenger.photography@gmail.com, or by calling or texting me at (720) 739-0784. I look forward to hearing from you!
If you’re still in the research phase, I hear ya! Here are some more resources that my couples have found helpful. I hope you do, too!
Colorado Elopement Guide
Elopement Planning Toolkit (free download)
More Resources:
Ready to Celebrate Your Day Your Way?
Find out how I can help make that happen!
Reach out and schedule a time to chat!
