Location, location, location. Choosing the perfect location for your elopement is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make in creating a memorable and intimate experience. Your location creates the backdrop and overall atmosphere for your elopement, and it’s not an easy decision by any means! There are so many incredible elopement locations in Colorado and neighboring western states that it can seem nearly impossible to choose.

The good news is that’s where I come in as your elopement photographer and planner! I provide each couple with a customized location guide and recommendations to choose from based on their unique vision for their elopement location. I’ve spent over a decade hiking, driving down unmarked dirt roads, and searching maps for the most jaw-dropping locations. Here are some tips to help you choose the perfect location:

Think about Seasons and Weather

Before a couple chooses their location, they need to choose their preferred date. When determining your date, it’s important to consider seasons, weather, etc. If you’re wanting to incorporate snow activities into your elopement, consider a winter elopement. If you want to be able to hike a high-elevation trail for your elopement, summer is going to be your best bet. Once you’ve determined your date, we can start putting together your locations.

Consider Meaningful Locations

If there is a location that has sentimental value to you and your partner, that may be the perfect location for your elopement. It could be the place where you first met, or a location that holds special memories.

Decide if You Want to Include Guests

Determining whether you want to invite friends and family to your elopement will have a big effect on your location options. For more than 10 guests, I normally recommend renting some sort of venue so that you can guarantee a designated spot for your elopement. Many free forest land locations have limits on the number of people who can recreate on the land at one time.

Determine Your Budget

Your budget may play a role in determining where you can elope, especially if you have guests coming. While many of the locations I suggest are free, some couples may want to elope in National Parks or other areas where a paid permit is necessary for all elopements, no matter the size. While these reservations are typically far cheaper than renting a traditional wedding venue, it’s still important to take that into account.

Visualize Location Scenery

Before you make a decision on your location, sit down as a couple and visualize the setting of your dream elopement. What scenery do you picture? Do you want a beach, mountain, forest, or desert setting? Do you see a waterfall or a meadow of wildflowers? This will help narrow down your location choices.

Take Activities Into Account

If you plan on including activities into your elopement (which I always recommend!), you’ll want to figure out what types of activities you might want to do, because those will also have a bearing on what locations you may want to choose. If you want to paddle board or canoe, you’ll want to choose a late spring or summer date and a location with a lake! If you want to Jeep in the desert, you’ll want a spring or fall date and a location with 4x4 accessible roads.

Check Legal Requirements

Again, it’s important to make sure the location you choose allows elopements and find out if you need any permits or licenses to get married there. As your elopement photographer, I will note any locations that require a permit when I send over your location recommendations guide.

Consider Accessibility and Proximity

Choose a location that is accessible for you, your partner, and any guests you may have. Consider travel time, transportation, and lodging options nearby and ensure that your chosen location is somewhat close to those options so you don’t spend your entire elopement day driving.

Research Local Vendors

Before choosing a location, consider the vendors in that area. If your dream photographer is located somewhere else, will they be able to photograph your elopement in another state? Look for vendors such as florists, bakeries, caterers, and officiants in the area to make sure you’ll have access to all the services you need for your elopement.

Overall, choosing the perfect location for your elopement requires careful planning and consideration. Take the time to research and explore different locations to find the one that will create a memorable and intimate experience for you and your partner. And, as always, lean on me as your elopement photographer to help you find your dream elopement location!

How to Choose Your Elopement Location