Colorado Elopement Tips: 7 Things to Know Before You Elope

Lots of couples dream of a perfect elopement in Colorado, on a beautiful mountain top. And while elopements can be the simplest choice when getting married, don’t let that simplicity distract you from some of the important details. With all the elopements I’ve facilitated, below are some of my best Colorado elopement tips.

1. Above all else, know thyself

This is great advice for any aspect of your life, but here’s how it applies to an elopement. Make sure you are clear that “just the two of you” will truly feel good as you think about your wedding.

For many people, it works. They know that all they want is to be with their beloved on a mountain, with majestic pines and ancient granite as their only company. However, there are a handful of folks who realize too late that they would have loved to have had human witnesses in that magical moment, whether by parents, other family members, or a few close friends.

Know who you are. Know what you want.

2. Hydrate

You’ll be at a minimum of 5,280 feet in elevation in Denver or Boulder, and all the way up to 8,000–12,000+ feet if you want to be on a mountain top. The air is lacking the oxygen you are used to, the climate of Colorado is super dry, and you need to drink lots of water. Really.

I’m going to say that again, bold this time: You need water.

Altitude sickness is a real thing, whether it shows up as a bad headache or the extreme of being completely nauseous and out of it and needing an ER. Most Coloradans I know don’t leave home without a water bottle, ever. Take your lead from them.

Hydrate when you arrive, hydrate while you are here, and bring plenty of water for your ceremony and photo session. If you are having a tiny wedding, make sure your guests know to bring water as well. I have heard more than one story of high-in-the-hills elopements being completely ruined when altitude sickness struck a bride, groom, or guest.

3. Know the weather, and be prepared

The weather in Colorado is extremely variable. I have done elopements in late May in two feet of snow, and February weddings where it was 75 degrees.

There are days when it’s cold in the mountains and folks are skiing, but much warmer in the flatlands and folks are golfing. There is a Scandinavian saying: “There is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing.” Don’t let bad clothing ruin your day.

If you are planning a Colorado elopement, keep a close eye on the weather. Have a backup plan for frigid or sweltering conditions. Long underwear under your wedding dress, a pair of snazzy boots and wool socks, or a warm coat you’d be happy to wear for the ceremony can go a long way.

You can always remove layers for post-ceremony photos, so don’t let being freezing take away your ability to be fully present.

4. Know your location

If you are trusting a photographer, planner, or officiant to pick a spot for your nuptials, ask for details. How far of a walk is it? Is it a walk or a hike? Is it swampy or wet? Treacherous or easy? Is it highly trafficked? Off the beaten path?

I have taken off my own shoes to give to a bride who didn’t realize her photographer had picked a spot that was a ten-minute walk down a rugged path, and she had only brought heels. While I tend to aspire to Mary Poppins levels of taking care of you on your wedding day, my shoes might not always fit you.

And if you are having a tiny wedding, make sure your guests know what they’ll need to walk to your ceremony location. Don’t make Mom hike in heels, either.

5. Pick good people to work with

This is obviously good advice for any wedding, but in my experience, it is even more important for a Colorado elopement. Your “vendor team” might be the only people sharing this moment with you. Make sure they are the kind of folks who get the significance of this event.

There are a bazillion folks involved in the wedding industry, and some vendors can be rather transactional. You might be “just another couple” to them. You want to know, since you won’t have your family and friends around, that you have true allies supporting you on your wedding day, whether it’s the person doing your hair or the photographer who is as interested in you having an amazing ceremony as they are in you having amazing photos.

Trust your intuition about people, and make sure you really connect with the folks you are choosing to support you on your wedding day.

6. Get your marriage license

If you are coming from out of state, make sure you know where, when, and how you are going to get your license. Most Colorado county clerks let you start the process online, well in advance of your wedding day.

If you are planning a Colorado elopement a day or two after your arrival, make sure you have enough time to get that license. Call the county clerk, check the website, and know how they operate before you even get on the plane. Some county clerks may make you wait a day or two, especially in the busy summer season.

7. Have so much fun

Rock your elopement. Be true to you. Truly, the best tip.

You’re clear that you want your elopement to just be the two of you, or you’ve invited a handful of your best people. You’ve gotten yourselves hydrated, prepared for the weather, figured out what kind of shoes you need, chosen the best team to support you, and gotten your license in hand.

Now all you need to do is be present to the joy, the potency of the rite of passage, and make some memorable magic.

Hopefully these Colorado elopement tips help you make the best decisions for your day. And if you’re planning a Boulder or Colorado elopement and want a ceremony that feels grounded, meaningful, and genuinely well held, feel free to get in touch. You can also read more about my Colorado elopement ceremonies here.