Best Places to Elope in Colorado in 2027
If you’re planning to elope in Colorado, you’ve probably already realized how many incredible locations there are to choose from. From mountain peaks to alpine lakes to meadows of wildflowers, it can be hard to narrow it down.
If you’re searching for the best places to elope in Colorado, especially in Telluride or Ouray, this will give you a good place to start.
We’ve photographed hundreds of Colorado elopements, and while there are beautiful places throughout the state, one area is tops for epic views:
The San Juan Mountains.
(The “San Juans” is simply the name for the part of the Rockies in southwestern CO.) In our opinion, this part of Colorado offers some of the most scenic, private, and overall best places to elope. Within this region, there are a couple towns that stand out the most for beauty, lodging & honeymooning.
We have created helpful Elopement Guides for all three of these towns, explaining how to elope there, best months to elope, and photos of each town’s ceremony locations! Click below to link to each town’s Elopement Guide:
Telluride, CO Elopement Guide
Telluride is one of the most well-known places to elope in Colorado, but it still manages to feel quiet and tucked away. What makes Telluride stand out is how much access you have to different types of scenery without needing to go far. Within minutes, you can be at a waterfall, an alpine lake, or high up in the mountains with wide open views.
There are also a lot of options depending on how you want your day to look. Some locations are easy to get to and only require a short walk. Others involve a 4x4 road or a little more effort, but give you more privacy. (We will drive you there in Bruiser, included in our elopement packages.)
That flexibility is a big part of why so many couples choose to elope in Telluride. You don’t have to commit to one type of experience. You can keep things simple, or you can turn it into a full day in the mountains.
Another thing that makes Telluride different is how uncrowded it still feels compared to other mountain destinations in Colorado. Even during the summer, it’s still possible to find quiet locations without a lot of people around.
If you’re starting to look into a Telluride elopement and want help narrowing down locations, permits, and how to plan your day, you can read more here:
Telluride elopement guide with locations, permits, and planning tips
Ouray, CO Elopement Guide
Ouray is often called the “Switzerland of America,” and once you’re there, it’s easy to see why. It is picturesque like a postcard!
It’s a smaller town than Telluride, and tends to be a little quieter, which can make it feel more relaxed overall. The mountains rise up steeply around the town, and there are waterfalls, mountain peaks, and scenic overlooks in every direction.
One of the things we like most about Ouray is how accessible everything is. You don’t have to go far to find an epic ceremony view, and many spots we can off-road drive to in Bruiser.
For couples who want incredible scenery without wanting to hike or deal with crowds, Ouray is a really solid option.
If you’re considering Ouray, we put together a more detailed guide here:
Ouray Elopement Guide with ceremony locations and planning info
Why the San Juan Mountains Are the Best Place to Elope in Colorado
Telluride and Ouray are both part of the San Juan Mountain range, but there’s so much more to explore beyond the towns themselves. This area is known for its rugged terrain, high mountain passes, and wide open views. It feels a little more wild and less developed than other parts of Colorado, like Rocky Mountain National Park or Breckenridge.
There are countless locations throughout the San Juans where you can have a ceremony with no one else around, including the lesser-known towns of Ridgway and Silverton. Areas around Silverton are accessed by dirt roads or 4x4 routes, which we can drive you to in Bruiser (included in our packages).
In the summer, you’ll find wildflowers and waterfalls. In the fall, the aspen trees change and the whole landscape shifts to gold. Every season offers something different.
How to Choose the Right Location
When couples ask us where they should elope, the answer usually comes down to what kind of experience they want to have. We’ve been photographing elopements in Telluride and the San Juan Mountains for over 8 years and have helped hundreds of couples plan their day here.
Some couples want something easy and close to town. Others are looking for a more adventurous day, like off-roading high into the mountains. Colorado has no shortage of beautiful places to get married, but the San Juan Mountains continue to stand out.
Between Telluride, Ouray, and the surrounding mountain areas, you have access to some of the most scenic and least crowded locations in the state. If you’re trying to decide where to elope in Colorado, this is always a good place to start.
Updated for 2027.