Colorado is the perfect location for elopements and destination weddings because of the combination of beautiful mountain locations, outdoor adventures and easy to navigate marriage requirements. Couples who want to elope or share a micro-wedding with a few friends and family are flocking to Colorado to celebrate their marriages. Last week’s blog detailed the marriage license process and offers lots of great locations close to Denver with mountain views, without the mountain trek. If you missed it, check out Eloping in Colorado: Part #1, then come back to reading about mountain towns across Colorado that are perfect for elopements and weddings.
Colorado Wedding Vision
The most important things when planning a Colorado wedding is time of year and location, plus what is your dream location going to look at that time of year? What size wedding you are planning and what kind of facilities or accessibility are required? If you are looking for help planning and booking your proposal, elopement, destination wedding or anniversary trip to any area of Colorado, contact me for free quotes at WanderlustwithLaura.agent@gmail.com. Almost any type of wedding vision, slope-side or mountain top locations, meadows with wildflowers, hot springs, rustic barns, etc. can be found in the scenic Colorado mountains.
When considering mountain towns, you also need to consider altitude and the impacts it will have on people and temperature. Plan a few days to adjust to the altitude before getting married and be sure to drink lots of water and even consider an oxygen bar or hydration IV to ensure you feel your best on your big day. Even in warm, summer weather the altitude will make temperatures feel colder and you will need to consider your wedding clothing and pack layers. This is why summer and fall weddings are typically the most popular for Colorado wedding couples.
Fall is typically early in the season and follows the short summer season in Colorado. For the mountain towns off the I70 corridor (Winter Park, Breckenridge & Vail) September through the first week of October is considered peak leaf season and will offer the best golden backdrop to the mountains. Aspen is on the cusp between the I70 corridor peak leaves and the Crested Butte and Gunnison areas that see peak season between September 22nd and October 3rd. Finally, Colorado Springs, Ouray and Telluride areas peak between September 25th and October 7th if you are looking to book during peak leaf season.
The great outdoors, beautiful scenery and adventurous explorations bring many to Colorado regardless of season. Towns and areas throughout the state have opportunities to take part in seasonal outdoor activities. For lots of couples, they want to spend time in the great outdoors during their wedding trip, while others want to actually say “I do” while enjoying their favorite sport. Some of the most unique ideas to Colorado include:
- Ski lift elopements
- Sunrise or sunset hiking elopements
- Kayaking, canoeing or paddle boarding elopements
- Rock climbing elopements
- Tubing or rafting elopements
- UTV or snow machine elopements
If you are looking for a more traditional elopement or ceremony, be sure to plan outings and activities before and after the wedding to create wedding/honeymoon memories that will last a lifetime and offer a beautiful location to return to for future anniversaries. Whether you envision an outdoor ceremony, private elopement for 2 or destination wedding of 30 or less, there are many Colorado towns that will be the perfect fit for your mountain wedding.
Mountain Towns
Winter Park is a beautiful ski town located in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. In fact, when Trail Ridge Road is open in the summer in RMNP you can drive directly from Estes Park to Granby and then on to Winter Park. Any couple looking for a summer Rocky Mountain elopement or wedding ceremony could easily stay in Winter Park for outdoor excitement and accommodations. Obviously, from the name, winter sports put Winter Park on the map, but summer in the high country is a magical season of the year that often feels short. There are mountain top and mountain side ceremony locations to choose from at the Resort and some rustic barn locations available at Headwater Center, Arapaho Valley Ranch or Granby Ranch just outside Winter Park. This is another spot in Colorado that I would caution couples from planning a destination wedding during winter. The main road that goes to Winter Park often closes during snow storms and can be closed for days at a time. If you are planning to elope and can afford to be more flexible on the exact day and time incase of inclement weather might be a better fit for winter weddings.
Breckenridge is located in the White River National Forest and is known for being one of the top winter and summer recreational forests in the country. It is located at the base of the Rocky Mountains’ Tenmile Range and known for its western history as much as its alpine activities. This former mining town has been preserved along Main Street with colorfully painted buildings from 1880’s along eight or so blocks of stores, restaurants, craft breweries, ice cream shops and crepe stands. This town looks like a typical American mountain town, and gives a more relaxed environment than Vail and Aspen, while still being a cultural hub and having some night life. If you want all the mountain views and adventure, in a more relaxed environment, Breck is right for you and only 1.5 hours from Denver. Condo and cabin rentals are more popular than hotels, so arrange accommodations early, especially at high travel times.
Sapphire Point Overlook has recently been finished and allows for 3-hour private gatherings for up to 35 people. It is the only designated wedding ceremony site in the area. There is a slight cost for the space, but this is a very affordable option for elopement and micro-weddings. It offers gorgeous views of Lake Dillion and the surrounding mountain ranges with easy accessibility to Breckenridge for reception, accommodations or recreational activities. Dillion, Frisco, Silverton and Keystone are all within a 15-minute drive and suited for less expensive reception and accommodations.
Vail was the first mountain town that I visited in Colorado, when hubby and I brought the kids out to see if we liked Colorado enough to move here. Spoiler alert, we loved it so much we moved to Denver a month later and Vail is still one of my favorite mountain towns to visit. Vail is a small town located at the base of Vail Mountain and home to the massive Vail Ski Resort. Vail Village is the alpine downtown area that most photos of Vail represent, however there are additional areas of Lion’s Head, East & West Vail, Avon, etc. that are all considered part of Vail. Regardless of accommodations being needed for the couple or a destination wedding room block, Vail is well appointed and has lots of choices.
Vail is set in the White River National Forest and hosts every type of outdoor activity including skiing, snowboarding and snow machines in winter and hiking, biking, golfing and UTVs in the summer. Gore Creek is popular for fly fishing and runs directly through the town center. Vail Village is a European inspired downtown area where the pedestrian streets have unique restaurants, boutique shopping and equipment for activities. The Bavarian style architecture and wildflowers in the summer make this mountain resort feel like Switzerland and the Alps (much more than Ouray, CO which calls itself the “Switzerland of the West”). Get out to see Booth Falls, Shrine Pass, Lost Lake Trailhead and Piney River Ranch to experience the best outdoor offerings of Vail. Ride the Lionshead gondola to play on Adventure Ridge or go for a hike with 360 degree views.
Aspen is another popular ski resort town that is named for its beautiful golden trees and world class ski resorts including Buttermilk, Snowmass and Aspen Highlands. Aspen has a European feel to it too, but more like Vail’s older, snobby sister who’s going to cost a pretty penny. Many famous celebrities have homes in Aspen and are sighted around town. The show stopper that brings so many is the Maroon Bells Amphitheater, with its picture perfect views of Aspen. The mountain peak views, evergreen forest and sparkling lakes are perfect for the adventurous couple who wants a private feel. The Maroon Bells Amphitheater can only be reserved a year in advance and reservations go quickly, so you’ll have to be competitive for your desired elopement date.
Crested Butte is the Rocky Mountain town known as the “Wildflower Capital of Colorado” and is a must see in the summer. Every outdoor activity imaginable is available in Crested Butte from horseback riding, to off-roading and kayaking in the summer and fall. Crested Butte Mountain Resort is a winter wonderland for skiers and snowboarders and a beautiful location to host an elopement or destination wedding in the summer. Gunnison National Park and Monarch Ski Resort is located nearby, but be aware Gunnison is the coldest spot in Colorado every winter, so bring lots of layers!
Telluride is a tiny European-style mining town tucked in a box canyon, surrounded by 13er and 14er mountain peaks in the San Juan Mountains. It is a bit further away, 6 hours from Denver on roads with high mountain passes and roads that often close in the winter or during storms. I highly recommend towns in Southwest Colorado only be booked in the summer and early fall for just these reasons. Your wedding is too precious of a day to chance Colorado’s moody, winter weather. Telluride has received the award of #1 ski resort in the nation and it is perfect for hitting the slopes or a ski lift elopement. One thing Telluride offers that other mountain towns don’t is ice climbing, so if you’re up for a real unique experience for your elopement ice climbing is it! The town features gondolas as a part of its public transportation and shuttles visitors between Telluride and the Mountain Village above it. Camel Garden Hotel sounds like it should be in the Arabian desert somewhere, but it is the perfect location to celebrate an elopement or destination wedding in Telluride. A client of mine recently came back from their 1 year anniversary trip at the Camel Garden Hotel and said that it really was the best location in all of Telluride! The Peaks Resort, Telluride Ski Resort and Mountain Lodge at Telluride are other romantic options for the perfect elopement or destination wedding in Telluride.
Ouray is about an hour away from Telluride and offers a small, western town feel and lots of hot springs options without the sulfur smell. Ouray Hot Springs Pool is similar to a public pool with 4 different depths of pools, including an adults only, hotter, infinity edge pool. Box Canyon Lodge & Hot Springs, Twin Peaks Lodge & Hot Springs and Wiesbaden (named after a famous German Spa) are the smaller hot springs choices in Ouray. Ouray is the starting (or ending) point for the Million Dollar Highway, a harrowing strip of highway on mountain roads without guardrails. In the summer, it is a beautiful ride, but in the winter it’s a dangerous drive! Another area to drive to is Animas Forks, a real Ghost Town located by the Animas River. In the winter, Ouray has an ice park, which is different from other mountain towns (although some have ice castles and ice sculptures). The one thing in Ouray to not miss is Box Canyon Falls! At the base of the Million Dollar Highway, a park with a small entrance fee is located over a rickety single lane bridge. Once parked, explore the metal walkway back to the falls viewing area and hear the roar of the water pressure. The cool mist provides needed relief on hot summer days and the power of the waterfall gorge is ten times better than the two falls on the highway pullover just south of Box Canyon Falls.
Durango is a surprisingly elevated town in southwestern Colorado in the San Juan Mountains and surrounded by miles of forests. Durango is called “The Hollywood of the Rockies” because it has been the set of over 30 movies and films. In this Nationally Registered Historic District you will find historic boutique hotels, award-winning restaurants, art galleries, brewpubs, museums and shops. One of the best shops in Durango is a chocolate shop called Animas Chocolates & Coffee. A former soda shop that has been restored to sell their drinking chocolate and a chocolate counter treats. The in-house chocolate makers create a delicious product and offer the best service, especially for their sit-down guests. This would be the perfect place to elope for chocolate lovers or a unique place in-lieu of a rehearsal dinner or welcome party during a destination wedding.
Durango is much more of a foodie stop then anyone would imagine. I didn’t eat a bad thing the whole time I visited. In the historic downtown there is a place called Jean Pierre Bakery and wine room with lovely breakfast and lunch plates situated like a French bistro. There are numerous food trucks at 11th Street Station if you want to get a group of friends together, but leave the menu up to individuals. Two restaurants that are more formal in the area are Eolus Bar & Dining and Mahogany Grill, inside the Strater Hotel. The Strater Hotel has been kept authentic and true to the time period in its hotel, restaurant and saloon decor (the saloon girls still wear a flapper inspired barmaid’s outfit from the era). The best restaurant award in Durango, year after year, goes to the James Ranch Grill, for their elevated take on grass fed burgers and other ranch favorites. Just 15 minutes north of downtown, you’ll find the sign and inviting property of the James Ranch. Head to the order window first, even if you’re not a big burger fan this is the burger to try! Plus there are salads, kids meals and their specialty cheeses too. You’ll choose a seat inside, on the porch or on the lawn sitting at picnic tables located throughout the property. While you wait for the food, walk around the ranch and visit the cows by the fence-line. After enjoying your amazing meal, stop in the market on the way out for produce, breads, cheese and of course frozen beef. The people ahead of me in line were smart, they brought a cooler in the car with them! This ranch would be a perfect location for a unique elopement or destination wedding and would make perfect photos with the mountain scape in the background.
Additional locations for wedding ceremonies and elopements can be found along a walk of the Animas River or the breathtaking views of the La Plata Mountains. One of the best places to consider for an elopement or destination wedding is about 45 minutes north of Durango at Purgatory Resort. The name originated from the difficulty of crossing the rusty red mountain facades, but today it is a world class ski and summer sport mecca in the San Juan Mountains. The landscape of alpine views, aspen groves or the majestic mountains have 7 ceremony sites. This Resort offers a perfect location for your special day of any size, with location, lodging and fun activities for days. If you can’t get past the name of Purgatory Resort, the rustic and romantic site of the Black Diamond Lodge or secluded and tranquil location at Cascade Village are perfect for nature loving couples.
There are two amazing ways to take in the beauty of the San Juan Mountains and the Animas River flowing below, cutting through the deep canyons. The easiest way is to take the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad for a trip back in time. The historic train has been giving passengers views of Colorado’s rugged landscape and snowy peaks since 1882. The round trip ride takes 3.5 hours to travel from Durango to the historic mining town of Silverton. The observation windows of the vintage locomotive offer panoramic views of nature for the duration, while passengers unplug from the modern world. There is a 2-hour stop in Silverton to enjoy the sights, restaurants, bars and shopping in this miniature western town that is only a main street about 3 blocks long. Then hop back on the train before the steam whistle blows, to make it back to Durango after this full day. Be sure to check the website, since weather does prevent rides in icy and muddy conditions. The other great way to see the scenic San Juan Mountains is by driving the Million Dollar Highway. This strip of highway from Silverton to Ouray, Colorado offers breathtaking mountain, valley and gorge views, as long as the driver can handle the stressful hairpin turns, steep grates and lack of guardrails. Some claim its name comes from the million dollar views, while others report it’s from the million dollar per mile it cost to build the highway.
Additional Considerations
A great consideration would be to come out to Colorado for a visit before the big day to choose the perfect location and backdrop, while testing out and arranging a few important wedding details. I was a laid back bride, but I wish I could’ve seen my venue from all sides and not just the oceanview photos and video clips offered. A trial run to see the location, as well as having a consultation with hair & makeup will calm nerves and set expectations for the big day. Food and cake tasting is my favorite part of preparing for a wedding; I think everyone should look forward to the food on their special day, even if it’s just the wedding couple. If you are planning a destination wedding, set up a sample tasting from the caterer or resort and don’t forget about cake tastings. If you are doing a small elopement, don’t skip the cake! Enjoy a cake tasting and just make a one layer cake or groom’s cake for the intimate celebration that you both love and designed together.
Many couples like to set up an engagement photo session in or near the mountain location for their wedding to use for invitations and announcement stationery as well as engagement photos. Don’t skip them, even if you take them yourselves. Another great idea is to schedule a boudoir photo shoot when you come visit before the wedding. The hair and makeup trial provides the best cover story and gives you time to create a once in a lifetime wedding gift for your new life partner. Susannah Dowell is a lifestyle photographer based in Colorado who provides amazing wedding, elopement, engagement and even boudoir photo shoots. She is down to earth, easy to work with, helps empower all her clients and gets the shots you always knew you wanted and the ones you never thought of on your own. She even has an outdoor location for the perfect, private photoshoot space for rugged Colorado engagement photos or some nudes in nature.
Wedding planning can be stressful and time consuming, from planning a two person celebration to a destination wedding you want everything to go perfectly for your special day. Let me help take the stress out of the planning of your elopement or micro-wedding in Colorado. Let’s look at your Colorado destination wedding or elopement as an amazing trip of a lifetime and Wanderlust with Laura will help you choose that perfect location and plan all your travel needs. Then match your wedding style and dreams with local providers and resorts, or arrange to keep the whole day private.
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