You’ve decided you want to elope in Colorado. Now what?
If you’ve read through my posts on when and where to elope in Colorado, you’ve already done the fun part: dreaming. This post is the practical one. Think of it as your roadmap for turning “we want to elope in Colorado” into an actual day on the calendar.
The good news? You don’t have to figure all of this out alone. Once you know what you want, I handle the parts that tend to trip couples up – permitting, accommodation sourcing, and vendor coordination, so you can stay focused on each other instead of a spreadsheet.
Here’s how the process breaks down.
1. Choose Your Location
Everything starts here. Are you drawn to towering peaks, alpine lakes, red rock canyons, or golden aspen groves? Do you want total privacy, or are you fine sharing a trail with other hikers? How far are you willing to hike, or drive a rough mountain road, to reach your ceremony spot?
This is also where practical limits come in. Elevation, accessibility, and how many guests you’re bringing (if any) all affect what’s realistic. Public land, a private venue, or some mix of both? Once we know your vibe, I’ll help narrow it down and scout the exact spot with you.
2. Permitting
Here’s where a lot of couples get stuck trying to DIY their elopement: permits. Many of the most beautiful spots in Colorado including national parks, national forests, and wilderness areas, require a permit before you can legally hold a ceremony there, and the rules (group size limits, application windows, fees) vary a lot from place to place.
This is genuinely the easiest part of the process for you, because it’s the part I take off your plate entirely. Tell me your chosen location and guest count, and I handle the application, the paperwork, and the confirmation. Nothing for you to file.
3. Get Your Marriage License
This part is on you, but it’s simple. Colorado doesn’t require residency, so you can apply for your marriage license at any county clerk’s office in the state. Just keep a few things in mind:
- There’s a waiting period and an expiration window, so timing matters
- You’ll need to decide whether you’re self-solemnizing (Colorado is one of the few states that allows this) or bringing/hiring an officiant
- Bring the physical license with you on the day. No license, no legal marriage, no matter how beautiful the ceremony was
4. Decide on Activities
This is the part that makes an elopement feel like your day instead of a template. Do you want to build in a hike, off-roading, hot springs, a picnic? Something more adventurous, like horseback riding, a hot air balloon ride, or an ATV tour? Or something lower-key but still memorable, a foraging walk, a private cooking class, a chef-prepared dinner?
I’ve written full posts on unique activities and unique lodging if you want inspiration. Once you know what you’re drawn to, I can help connect you with the right outfitters and guides and build a timeline around it so the whole day flows instead of feeling rushed.
5. Choose Your Lodging
Where you stay is part of the story too, whether that’s a fire lookout tower, a glamping tent, a yurt, or a luxury treehouse. Tell me your vibe and your budget range, and I can source unique accommodation options and help you pick the one that actually fits your timeline and location.
6. Plan the Special Details
This is where your day becomes really personal. Some things to think through together:
- Vows: written by each of you, or a shared reading?
- Attire, including a change and hiking shoes if needed (don’t worry, I always bring a pop-up changing tent if you need it!)
- Meaningful items you want with you: rings, heirlooms, flowers, something borrowed
- Any traditions or rituals you want captured
- Want flowers or a cake? Just say the word, I can source those too, along with other small vendor touches, so you’re not stuck tracking down separate vendors on your own.
7. Decide on Guests
Is this just the two of you, or are a few loved ones joining? Both are completely valid elopements. If you are bringing people, double-check your location’s guest limit (this ties back to permitting), and make sure everyone attending has the timeline and logistics they need well ahead of time.
8. Plan for Weather (and Have a Backup)
Colorado mountain weather is famously unpredictable, sunny morning, afternoon thunderstorm, is a pretty normal forecast in summer. Check seasonal weather patterns for your date, have a backup location or time in mind, and pack layers no matter what season you’re eloping in. This is also where the when to elope post comes in handy if you haven’t already picked your season.
Your Free Planning Checklist
If you want all of this in one place to work through together, I’ve included the full printable checklist here so you can pull it out and go through it over coffee (or a glass of wine).
This checklist is for you to think through what you want. Once you know, I take permitting, accommodation sourcing, and vendor coordination off your plate.
Leave a comment