I've spent ten years filming elopements across Colorado, and the same questions come up in almost every first email. This is the guide I wish I could send every couple on day one — the license, the law, the permits, the timeline, and the honest advice.
Why Colorado is the easiest state in America to elope in
Colorado is one of the only states where you can self-solemnize — legally marry yourselves with no officiant and no witnesses. Just the two of you, a marriage license, and a mountain. Combine that with hundreds of accessible alpine locations and 300 days of sunshine, and it's no mystery why couples fly here from everywhere to elope.
Step 1: Get your Colorado marriage license
Apply at any Colorado county clerk's office — you don't need to marry in the county where you apply. Both partners appear together with photo ID, pay a small fee (around $30 — confirm with the clerk), and there's no waiting period. The license is valid for 35 days, so pick it up within a month of your ceremony. Many couples grab theirs the day they land.
Step 2: Decide who marries you
Three options: self-solemnize (sign it yourselves — my full self-solemnization guide covers it), bring an officiant, or have a friend lead the ceremony while you self-solemnize legally. Most of my couples self-solemnize — the vows feel more personal when nobody's directing them.
Step 3: Choose your location
This is the fun part and the part most couples underestimate. The short version: Telluride for drama, Ouray for waterfalls and basins, the San Juans for wild solitude, Maroon Bells for the postcard, and Rocky Mountain National Park for accessible alpine classics. My where-to-elope guide ranks twelve spots honestly.
Step 4: Check the permit
National parks require ceremony permits. Many Forest Service and open-space locations do too, and popular sites cap group sizes. This trips up more couples than anything else — my permit guide breaks it down by land type, and permit research is included in every one of my film packages.
Step 5: Build the day around light, not lunch
Alpine light is everything. Sunrise ceremonies get still air, empty trails, and glassy lakes. July and August afternoons bring monsoon storms almost on schedule — plan vows for morning and celebration for evening. Fall couples: the last week of September is aspen gold and the most requested week of the year.
What it all costs
Most Colorado elopements land between $8,000 and $20,000 all-in — film, photography, permits, attire, lodging, dinner. Full breakdown in my cost guide.
Quick FAQ
Can you legally elope in Colorado with no one else present? Yes — Colorado allows self-solemnization with no officiant or witnesses required. You sign your own license.
How far in advance should we plan? 8–14 months for peak dates; a determined couple can do it in weeks if the location doesn't need a long-lead permit.
Do we need a videographer AND a photographer? They do different jobs — photos freeze the day, film keeps your vows in your own voices. I'm the film half, and I'll happily recommend photographers I trust.
Planning a Colorado elopement? Check your date — I answer within 48 hours with honest advice, whether or not we end up working together.