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Michelle Johns Photography

December 10, 2021

Elope in Colorado How to

A step by step guide to help you plan your dream Colorado Elopement

Are you looking to elope? You’re in the right place! Grab a pen and a piece of paper and let’s get down to business! In this blog I’m going to give you all the juicy details about planning and executing the Colorado elopement you’ve been dreaming of. I’ll be chatting about how to elope in Colorado, the best places for elope in Colorado and so much more! So whatcha waiting for? Let’s get this party started.

First things first congratulations on deciding that you want to celebrate your love in an intimate way. You have to be so excited and ready to start this adventure with your person. I wanna say that I am so excited for you!

When I think about eloping I can’t imagine a more perfect place to elope then in Colorado. There are so many beautiful places and options you might find yourself feeling a little overwhelmed. Fear not my friend I’m going to help you through every step of the way with this blog post.

The best places to elope in Colorado

Here are some of my absolute favorite hidden gems in Colorado that will be perfect for your upcoming elopement. Whether you’re wanting to elope with the Rockies in the background, with a beautiful lake, or even in the sand dunes I’ll give you an option perfect for you.

1. The Great Sand Dunes National Park

Bride and groom walking away during their sandy Colorado Elopement at The Great Sand Dunes National Park.
Cheeky hugs from the bride and groom during their Colorado Elopement at the Great Sand Dunes National Park.
Wide and shot of the couple running through the sand during their Colorado Elopement.

Think about the feeling of sand in-between your toes during your barefoot ceremony. The wind blowing your hair as you look into the eyes of your fiancé. Experiencing the absolute bliss while you take in every single moment together. Creating mental snapshots to try to take in all the beauty to remember every single moment from this day.

If your like me The Great Sand Dunes National Park will leave you with your jaw on the floor. When I first got out of my car at the National Park I was in awe at the beauty. I could not believe that something like this existed. You get the best of both worlds if you elope here. I mean come on where else can you go play in the sand dunes and be surrounded by mountains.

2. Sapphire Point Overlook

Bride and groom holding eachother on the Sapphire Point overlook in Frisco, Colorado.
Veil shot with the bride during her Colorado elopement at Sapphire Point  in Frisco, Colorado.

This overlook will leave you absolutely in awe of its beauty from the cool blue water below to the mountains on the horizon this is one of my favorite places to elope in Colorado. The trail loop is only about half a mile and is incredibly easy to hike. Filled with little scenic spots as well as picnic tables perfect for summer cookouts.

Envision standing on the rocks over looking the water while looking into your partners eyes. The cool breeze blowing your hair back and fourth in sync with the rhythm of the wind. Grabbing a quick kiss from your partner with a smile from ear to ear because you are finally married. You’ll feel like your on top of the world eloping at Sapphire Point Overlook but don’t just take my word for it check out these photos.

3. Officers Gulch

Bride running in her wedding dress during bridal portraits at Officers Gulch.
Bride holding the bouquet over her head during bridal portraits at Officers Gulch in Colorado.
Bride smiling with the mountains and evergreens in the background during her Colorado Elopement.

Right off the highway tucked away in a wilderness of evergreen and aspen trees lies the absolutely beautiful Officers Gulch. The perfect place to celebrate your upcoming Colorado elopement and so much more. The hike from the car is only a couple hundred feet to the pond that is surrounded by mountains on the side closest to the highway. Making it the perfect place to elope in Colorado for those not up for a major hike.

4. North Table Mountain Trail Golden, Colorado

GG and Tray running away from the mountains on North Table Mountain Trail in Golden, Colorado.
GG and Tray during their sunset elopement at North Table Mountain in Golden, Colorado.
Film like portrait of GG and Tray on The North Table Mountain Trail during their Colorado Elopement.
Direct sunlight portrait of GG and Tray during the Colorado Elopement on The North Mountain Trail.

Are you looking for a hike that will lead you up into the clouds overlooking the mountains while taking in the dreamy Colorado sunset. If so then this is the perfect place to elope in Colorado. While the hike is moderate when you finally make it to the top it will all be so worth it but don’t just take my word for it check out this stunning elopement!

How to elope in Colorado

How to elope in Colorado The Great Sand Dunes National Park

First things first we want to plan around the perfect time of year! The sand can get pretty toasty during the summer months. Second we want to look into permits I recommend doing this at least 6 months in advance. This will help ensure a smooth process and help avoid issues with not getting a permit in time. Third plan out the perfect place to stay unless you feel comfortable making the drive. The park is about 4 hours outside of Denver Colorado! Last but not least come ready to elope in Colorado some things that will help this process will be ensuring proper hydration, nutrition and acclimatization to being at mile high.

How to elope at Sapphire Point in Colorado

If you are thinking about eloping at my favorite place in Colorado at the one and only Sapphire Point then this section is for you! First things first we want to look into we into permits I recommend doing this at least 6 months in advance. The overlook fee is $110 for two hours along with an additional $10 reservation fee. You can find more information on Permits to help you prepare for your upcoming Sapphire point elopement. Second you may want to plan ahead for parking. The parking lot can accommodate up to 20 cars but keep in mind others may be hiking the trails as well. Last but not least come ready to elope in Colorado some things that will help this process will be ensuring proper hydration, nutrition and acclimatization for being at mile high.

How to elope at Officers Gulch in Colorado

If your thinking about eloping at Officers Gulch in Colorado then this section is for you! First things first we want to look into we into permits I recommend doing this at least 6 months in advance. This will help ensure a smooth process and help avoid issues with not getting a permit in time. Second we want to plan the time of year for your elopement. The busier months tend to be during the spring and fall but during the winter you might even catch a little snowfall. Last but not least come ready to elope in Colorado some things that will help this process will be ensuring proper hydration, nutrition and acclimatization.

How to elope at North Table Mountain Trail Golden, Colorado

First we want to plan out our foot wear. The hike to the summit is a rock path that wouldn’t fair well in heels. Second we need to look into permits I recommend doing this at least 6 months in advance. Last but not least come ready to elope in Colorado some things that will help this process will be ensuring proper hydration, nutrition and acclimatization. If you want more information about acclimatizing to the mile high air click this website has lots of info.

Lastly Planning a Colorado Elopement is fun!

Finally no matter where you decide to elope in Colorado there isn’t a single place that wouldn’t be perfect to celebrate your love. While I still have you here, here are some of my favorite resources for location scouting for upcoming elopements. Check out All Trails this neat little site lets me do all my location scouting from the comfort of my couch!

If your thinking to yourself I’m ready to take the next steps planning my Colorado Elopement but have some more questions for me get into my dms! If you loved this blog post and want to see more posts like this leave me some love down below!!

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An intimate wedding photographer in Alaska. Letting you live in the moment and sharing a wholehearted gallery that makes you feel seen.Based in Anchorage Alaska.

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