Colorado Summer Elopement Guide

Summer is one of the most popular seasons to elope in Colorado. This is 100000% justified because it’s magical here in summer. However, if you’re not familiar with the state, it might be hard to narrow down just one of these “magical” mountain destinations to have your wedding ceremony. Elope Telluride only photographs in elopements in western Colorado, so of course this is our favorite area. But we have good reason! Western Colorado has something to fit just about everyone’s checkboxes. Summer elopements can happen beneath 14,000-foot peaks, meadows of wildflowers, waterfalls, turquoise alpine lakes, forests of green aspen trees, and a canyon so deep, it’s only second to the Grand Canyon. The natural beauty here is mind-blowing, and it’s the main reason we originally moved here. 

In our opinion, the best part of eloping in western CO in summer is that the unpaved mountain passes are open! This means you can access backcountry ceremony locations that are inaccessible in other months due to snow. These high alpine roads are usually open June-early October, but unexpected snow closures can happen in summer! (And we will have a plan B ready for you if that’s the case.)

Our consensus for the best places to elope in Colorado are the towns of Telluride, Ouray, and Ridgway. Taking into consideration 1) variety of elopement ceremony locations, 2) lodging options, 3) honeymoon activities, and 4) scenic views. These towns have the best locations for adventure elopements in the whole state. They may not be household names like Breckenridge, Denver or Rocky Mountain National Park, but they are more laid back and have MUCH better mountain views for eloping.

We have created (year round) 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 an affluent ski town, with the perfect combination of luxury and outdoor adventure year-round. Click here for our Telluride Elopement Guide, to find out how to elope in Telluride and see photos of ceremony locations.

Ridgway, CO Elopement Guide

Ridgway is the gateway to the San Juan Mountains! It’s perfect for hiking elopements, or mountain ceremonies that require no hiking at all! Click here to read about eloping in Ridgway and to see sample pictures.

Ouray, CO Elopement Guide

“The Switzerland of America” is the nickname for Ouray, and it’s also the recreation capital of Colorado. It’s the perfect basecamp for off-roading, high alpine elopements at 13,000 feet. Click to learn about Ouray elopements, and to see photos of ceremony locations.

If you think all three towns are gorgeous, and you still can’t decide - message us and we’ll help make a recommendation based on what you’re envisioning!

Or if you’d like to check our availability or just have a question about eloping, contact us using the button below.