Ouray, Ridgway and Telluride, Colorado are consistently named among the most beautiful mountain towns in America. Here are 10 more reasons why western CO might be the right place for your adventure elopement!

See “Part 1” of this blog by clicking here.

11. No Officiant needed

That’s right! When you get married in Colorado, it is not required by law to have an officiant present, or witnesses. That means you can hike to the highest mountaintop and say your vows with only your photographer there. If you do choose to have an officiant perform your ceremony, we have recommended vendors for Elope Telluride that we can book for you.

12. Best wildflowers in the U.S.

The mountain wildflowers here are absolutely beautiful! There are elopement locations where you can be surrounded by nothing but wildflowers and still have a mountain view to take in. People travel from all over the world just to see these amazing flowers during the peak season (July-August). There are over 750 species of wildflowers found in Colorado.

13. Fall Colors!

For a short amount of time every year, the leaves on aspen trees turn bright yellow and they are breathtaking! This is when the western slope of Colorado is the busiest. We can’t predict exactly when the trees are going to change, but the last week in September and the first week in October are usually peak on the western slope. This is where elopements have a huge advantage over big weddings. If the trees aren’t yellow where you plan to get married, we can simply go somewhere where they are still yellow! With just two people, it’s so easy to make anything happen last second!

14. Talented local vendors like video, flowers, stylists, PHOTOGS…

There is no shortage of talent on the western slope of Colorado! In fact, most of the vendors that live here, do so because they love the lifestyle and being in the presence of the mountains! So, not only are they talented, but they are loving life here, which means you get better pictures, video, flowers, hair and make-up…. better everything and you’re supporting local businesses at the same time!

15. Sightseeing like old mining/ghost towns, guided tours, historic main streets in the small towns

There is so much to do here. The history is rich and the views are amazing. When you travel to get married in the mountains, you will more than likely pass an old abandoned mine or ghost town. After you have your day, saying “I do” and taking amazing pictures, you can spend the rest of your time going on tours, hiking and enjoying the small towns. One quick example, is Ridgway, where they filmed True Grit starring John Wayne! Most of the buildings that were in the film, still stand today. If you want, I can even plan for you to say your vows in the very field where John Wayne has his final battle in True Grit! It’s a beautiful place, surrounded by aspen trees and an awesome view of Courthouse Mountain!

16. Greatest concentration of 14’ers in the state!

The San Juan Mountains are the staple of the western slope of Colorado. They are the mountains you see on a Coors can. They are the backdrops of so many movies, and they are a thrill to hike and drive up! You can get married at the top without hiking, if you rent a Jeep while here which is a must have. The views on the way to your ceremony site will leave you speechless and only local vendors know the best spots. We hike and drive these different places all the time. It’s why we moved here and why Elope Telluride can get you to the places that no one else can take you to!

17. Most breweries of any state

Colorado is a great place to start a brewery and they are growing like crazy on the western slope of Colorado! No matter what town you get married in, there’s a brewery there or close by. I also happen to have connections with the best brewmaster on the western slope, so it’s very possible to have your own private beer made to enjoy after you say your vows. However, I do advise couples to not drink your first day at this new high altitude. Your body will need some time to adjust, so that you can have the time of your life on your elopement day!

18. Super Dog Friendly

We love dogs here in Colorado! So much so, that you will see them walking around in businesses like Home Depot or running along on the trails as their owners hike beside them! If you have dogs and you want to bring them with you, we can help you make that happen! TIP: You can actually have your dog “sign” their paw print as a witness on your marriage license!

19. Hot Springs! There are plenty of them

I’ve talked about the mountains, flowers, trees changing colors, but one of the best surprises on the western slope are the hot springs! If your idea of the perfect elopement is saying your vows in the mountains and then relaxing in the hot springs, then look no further than Ouray. The town has multiple hot springs, and even hotels with their own private springs for their guests.

20. Get Married in a National Park!

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is a hidden gem for adventure elopements, located just east of Montrose, CO. Black Canyon is the 2nd deepest canyon in the US, next to the Grand Canyon. You can see the rushing Gunnison River at the bottom of the steep canyon walls, and the views are breathtaking! There are multiple lookout points and dramatic hikes, with several great spots to exchange vows. This national park is an incredible spot for an adventure elopement, exclusive only to western Colorado!

We would love to answer any questions you have about eloping in Colorado, or contact us to check our availability.

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