Elopements in Every Season: Your Guide to Getting Married in Colorado Year Round
You can elope during any season in Colorado and each season has its own unique backdrop for your wedding day. However, different seasons pose different challenges in the Rocky Mountains. Most locations in the mountains are snow-covered from mid-October through mid-June and many roads, trails, and high-mountain passes are inaccessible until early summer. Choosing your season is more than closing your eyes and picking a date—it’s selecting the setting you envision for your dream elopement.
When it comes to understanding the seasons in Colorado, I always recommend a local who is able to not only suggest locations based on the season, but who is also able to scout location conditions prior to your big day so there are no surprises! Below is an overview of how and where to elope in each of Colorado’s and what you might expect during that time.
Magical Winter Elopements
Colorado's winter wonderland sets the stage for a magical elopement and winter elopements are some of my favorite experiences in the mountains. Picture snow-covered peaks, snowflakes falling gently on towering pines, and the warmth of a cozy fire or warm drink to celebrate your wedding day.
Winter elopements do require additional planning and consideration. If you want your day to be magical and memorable, then you have to make sure we've planned everything out beforehand so your elopement can go as seamlessly as possible--whether it's bluebird skies or a blizzard. Here are some quick tips for planning your winter wedding:
For my winter elopement couples, I always recommend choosing one of Colorado’s famed ski resort areas, even if they don’t ski. This is because these mountain towns offer the most options for lodging, restaurants, and things to do. Whether or not you ski, mountain towns offer plenty of other winter activities to include in your day like snowshoeing, horse-drawn sleigh rides, dog sledding, snow tubing, cross-country skiing, scenic gondola rides, and much more!
The Best Winter Elopement Locations in Colorado
Breckenridge, Vail, Keystone
Crested Butte
Aspen
Steamboat
Winter Park
Rocky Mountain National Park - RMNP trails are well maintained for winter use
Check out my full Winter Elopement Guide!
Spring Elopements
As the snow melts away, the high Rockies of Colorado descend into what we locals call “Mud Season” because the runoff from the snow creates a muddy experience on trails and dirt roads. Spring in the mountains isn’t the best time to elope, unless you’re envisioning more of a wintery elopement feel and are prepared for snow at high-alpine locations. Spring weather is unpredictable—one day can be 55 degrees and sunny and the next day can be blowing snow with a high of 25 degrees.
It’s also a slow season for mountain towns and many restaurants and shops will take a brief hiatus and close to prepare for summer crowds. If you do want to elope in the Spring, areas in the Front Range like Denver, Boulder, Colorado Springs, Golden and Denver will a more quintessential spring feel. Snow in the higher-elevation mountains will generally stick around until mid to late June and sometimes even July! I always recommend couples either choose a lower-elevation area for their spring elopement or consider moving their date out to summer if they want a warmer mountain feel.
Best Places for Spring Elopements in Colorado
Since March and April still get heavy snow in the mountains, I often recommend couples who don’t want a snowy elopement to consider a lower-elevation location in Colorado like the Front Range or the Western Slope, which will give you a more desert-like feel with sweeping red-rock vistas and warm spring air. Some of my favorite locations for Spring elopements in Colorado are:
Boulder
Estes Park/ Rocky Mountain National Park
Colorado Springs/ Garden of the Gods
Gunnison
Grand Junction
Canon City
Summer Mountain Elopements
As the snow melts away, Colorado transforms into a tapestry of colors. There is nothing quite like summer in the High Rockies—vibrant green leaves have returned to the trees, wildflower fields are in full bloom, and trails to our favorite alpine lakes, waterfalls, and mountain summits are accessible again.
Summer is by far my favorite season in Colorado and also the easiest time to elope in the mountains in terms of accessibility, weather, and overall comfort. From late June to late August temperatures are glorious (high 70s during the day and 50s or 60s at night), 4x4 roads and mountain trails are open and free of snow, and the mountains take on a lush green atmosphere.
Colorado summer provides opportunities for all the outdoor activities we love for summer like hiking, picnicking, camping, canoeing, fishing, scenic drives, and much more, which can be included in your elopement day! Most trails, dirt roads, and mountain passes are finally open and free of snow making hiking and off-road driving to ceremony spots finally an option! And during the summer, Colorado mountain towns start offering a variety of things to do from food, film, and music festivals to farmer’s markets and outdoor celebrations.
There is so much to do in Colorado during the summertime that it’s truly one of the best seasons our state has to offer for your dream wedding day.
Best Areas in Colorado for Summer Elopements:
The San Juan Mountains - Silverton, Ouray, Telluride
Crested Butte and Aspen
Summit County - Breckenridge, Dillon, Silverthorne
Buena Vista and Salida
Winter Park
Cozy Fall Elopements
Fall in Colorado brings a breathtaking display of colors and crisp mountain weather. If you picture your wedding day surrounded by golden Aspens and cool autumn air, fall elopements are truly something magical.
If you have your heart set on the golden Aspens and fall colors, September and October are gorgeous and great times to elope in the mountains. Colorado starts seeing snow as early as October, so plan for an earlier fall elopement to catch the changing Aspen leaves and avoid early-season snow. While it changes a bit each year, the best time to catch the changing leaves is generally mid September through early October.
While fall in the Colorado Rockies is a gorgeous time to get married, it’s also one of the busiest time to get married here! I always let couples know to book their elopement vendors for things like flowers, hair and makeup, etc. as soon as you can since many of these vendors will have booked out well in advance with larger traditional weddings. If you have your heart set on a fall elopement, there is nothing quite like it.
The Best Places for Fall Elopements in Colorado
Aspen and Crested Butte
Breckenridge, Vail, Frisco
Telluride, Ouray, Ridgway
Buena Vista and Salida
Steamboat
Winter Park
Choosing the Best Season to Elope in Colorado
Choosing your date and season for eloping in Colorado is a personal choice unique to every couple. Each season offers a different backdrop, weather, and activities available. Still, there isn’t a “wrong” choice, which can make the decision a bit tougher.
When choosing which season to elope in Colorado, ask yourselves these questions:
What scenery do we picture?
Are we cold-weather people, or do we prefer to be warm?
What type of activities would we like to include?
Is there a specific location we have in mind? When is it most accessible?
What are the busiest months for where we want to elope? (pro tip: September is the busiest month for elopements and weddings in Colorado!)
Are there specific holidays we want to avoid for crowds?(July 4th, Spring Break, Labor Day, Thanksgiving/Christmas, etc.)
Ultimately, any season will be gorgeous and unforgettable for your Colorado elopement. Whether you envision a snowy escape, a blooming spring affair, a sun-soaked summer celebration, or a fall-foliage romance, Colorado offers the perfect backdrop for your perfect elopement day.
Ready to Plan Your Elopement in Colorado?
Whether or not you have already chosen your elopement season, feel free to reach out! I’ve helped so many couples choose the date that’s right for them by providing a local’s perspective. I’m with you every step of the way of your elopement planning process, including personalized recommendations, location guides, and expert tips to make your elopement an unforgettable experience.