Boulder Elopement Ceremonies & Micro Weddings
If you are looking for a Boulder elopement officiant, I offer simple, meaningful wedding ceremonies in Boulder, the foothills, and Colorado mountain locations.
A Boulder elopement or micro wedding is a really lovely, moving and memorable way to get married…less production, less stress, and more room to stay close to what actually matters.
But keeping it small does not mean the ceremony should feel generic.
Your “marriage launch” deserves more than an assembly-line, one-size-fits-all elopement ceremony. With the popularity of Boulder and Colorado as elopement destinations, there are plenty of cookie cutter offerings out there. But in some ways, I think elopement ceremonies deserve more attention than larger weddings. I mean… this is it. You’re skipping the pomp and circumstance, you’re skipping the shenanigans and pressure of a huge production…
My unsolicited (and obvs biased) advice? Make your wedding day count. Have your ceremony be as beautiful as it could possibly be.
What I care about most in an elopement ceremony:
>> that it feel like you
>> that it feel grounded, personal, real… and a little other-worldly
>> that you feel well held, and well guided
>> that it feel like a true threshold has been crossed
Elopement Ceremony Options
I have a few different approaches, depending on what you want for your elopement or micro wedding. (A conversation really helps us figure out what is best for you. Reach out, and we can chat all things ceremony.)
Paperless Ceremony
This is for couples who want something super simple, and are not looking for a pre-written ceremony.
The gist is that I create your elopement ceremony in the moment, backed by my years of experience facilitating ceremony. It still feels like a special event, and you still have the feeling of crossing a threshold. We still create a strong ceremonial space.
We may schedule a short call beforehand, just so I can hear a little bit about who you are, what matters to you, and what tone you want the ceremony to have.
Simple & Beautiful
This is for couples who want to keep the process simple, without sacrificing beauty.
I use a beautiful and heartfelt pre-written ceremony, and you come ready with your vows, or opt to use vows I suggest. You might send me a reading or poem you would like to include. You answer a few questions ahead of time so I can get to know you, even just a bit.
This is a good fit for couples who want an officiant present for their elopement or small wedding ceremony, but do not need a deep pre-marriage process.
Custom Ceremony
I still offer custom elopement ceremonies for couples who want something more personal and more tailored.
This is a chance to take a deeper dive into your relationship, values, and vision. Your ceremony becomes a fuller reflection of the two of you, and we spend more time getting to know one another in advance.
This option can be especially lovely for micro weddings or elopements that include a few guests, family, or a little more community.
The Difference an Officiant Can Make
Colorado lets couples self-solemnize, and for some people, that is absolutely the right fit.
That said, I have heard so many stories from photographers over the years about couples who arrive at the moment of the ceremony and realize they are not quite sure what to do. They look at each other, or at the photographer, like, “Okay… what do we do now?”
And sometimes, without someone holding the shape of the ceremony, the whole thing can end up feeling a little awkward, rushed, or flatter than they hoped.
If you want your elopement ceremony to feel like more than a quick legal formality, an officiant can make a real difference. I help create structure, pacing, and real ceremonial vibes, so you are not having to invent the moment on the fly. You get to relax and actually be in it.
That said, if you are considering self-solemnizing, I created a guide with ritual ideas and ceremony structure for couples who want to create something with a bit more shape and intention on their own. It will absolutely help you avoid that dreaded “what now?” moment. [Check out the self-solemnizing guide]
“Jen was warm, loving and kind throughout the experience. She reassured us that her only goal was to amplify our love during our ceremony (I loved that). On the day of our ceremony Jen was there, smiling and happy to see us, and we all ventured into the snow for the most magical ceremony. It was filed with love, light and good energy. Jen truly helped to make our elopement an absolute dream come true, if not better. It was such a phenomenal experience.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Do we need an officiant for a Colorado elopement?
Not necessarily. Colorado allows couples to self-solemnize, which means you can marry yourselves without an officiant.
That said, some couples realize in the moment that they do want someone there to guide the ceremony, create a little structure, and help the whole thing feel less awkward and more like an actual ceremony. There is a difference between getting legally married and having a real ceremonial moment.
Do you officiate elopements only in Boulder?
I’m primarily a Boulder elopement officiant, but I also officiate elopements and micro weddings in Estes Park, up and down the foothills, and most Colorado mountain locations.
Can we keep the ceremony very simple?
Absolutely. Some couples want something short and low-key. Others want something simple, but still personal and beautifully held. Both are welcome.
What if we want a more elaborate elopement ceremony?
That works too! I have created beautiful and involved, ritual dense, ceremonial elopements for many a couple who really want to sink in deep to their ceremony.
What is the difference between an elopement and a micro wedding?
Usually, it is just a matter of size. Elopements are often just the couple, or the couple plus a witness or two. Micro weddings usually include a few more guests, but still keep things intimate and small. I officiate both.
Do you help with vows, readings, or ritual ideas?
Yes. Depending on the type of ceremony you choose, I can help with your personal vows, readings, ceremony flow, and simple ritual ideas.
How do we get a marriage license for a Boulder elopement? Or for our Estes Park elopement?
I am always happy to point couples in the right direction, but you will want to check the Boulder County Clerk or Larimer County Clerk process for the latest details and timing. You do not need to get your license in the county in which you will be married. You can get your license from any county clerk in CO, and use it for a ceremony anywhere in CO.
Do we need a permit for a Boulder elopement ceremony?
Sometimes, yes. It depends on the location and the size of your gathering. Some Boulder-area locations have permit or reservation requirements, so it is always worth checking ahead.
What happens if the weather turns on my wedding day?
This is Colorado, so weather is always a character in the story. If your ceremony is outdoors, it is wise to have a little flexibility, a backup plan, or at least a sense of what “we are going for it” looks like. You can check out some of my elopement tips here.
Get in Touch
If you are looking for a Boulder elopement officiant for your elopement or micro wedding, and you want something more than a quick legal formality, I’d be glad to hear what you are envisioning.
Small can still be beautiful. Simple can still feel like a real ceremony. And if you want a ceremony that feels grounded, personal, and not cookie cutter, we may be a good fit.