How to Elope in Colorado in September

Alpine lake elopement in the fall

September is an amazing month to elope in Colorado! Early in the month, it usually still feels summery, but with fewer crowds than peak summer months. By the middle of the month, the temperatures start to cool down and the aspen leaves in many mountain locations will start to change to brilliant yellows. The end of the month offers peak fall color in a lot of the mountains, and you’ll likely even get picturesque snow-capped mountains peaks.

Updated February 8th, 2026

Aspen trees and mountains elopement photo
LGBTQ elopement couple in the fall
Lisa and Alex kiss above an alpine lake

We’re Lisa + Alex

We are an inclusive husband and wife elopement photography and videography team based in Colorado.

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We wholeheartedly believe that elopements are for everyone

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We will create a safe and inclusive space for you. No matter your race, religion, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, or immigration status, we will celebrate your love.

We will empower you to create the elopement day that feels just like you. You’ve probably never done this before and are feeling a mix of nerves and excitement as you set off on your elopement journey. We’re here every step of the way to demystify the process to make it easy and fun!

Mountaintop alpine lake elopement

Table of Contents

What is the weather like in September?

We generally find that September has pretty comfortable weather in the Colorado mountains. The early part of the month is usually warm, but with cooler temperatures than August. Temperatures get cooler as the month progresses, with snow becoming more of a possibility at higher elevations.

    • Early September

      • Highs around 65° F and lows around 35° F (source)

      • 26% probability of precipitation - most likely rain (source)

    • Mid September

      • Highs around 60° F and lows around 30° F (source)

      • 22% probability of precipitation - most likely rain, chance of snow (source)

    • Late September

      • Highs around 55° F and lows around 27° F (source)

      • 18% probability of precipitation - likely rain, chance of snow (source)

    • Early September

      • Highs around 71° F and lows around 35° F (source)

      • 18% probability of precipitation - most likely rain (source)

    • Mid September

      • Highs around 66° F and lows around 31° F (source)

      • 17% probability of precipitation - most likely rain, chance of snow (source)

    • Late September

      • Highs around 61° F and lows around 27° F (source)

      • 17% probability of precipitation - most likely rain, chance of snow (source)

    • Early September

      • Highs around 72° F and lows around 38° F (source)

      • 30% probability of precipitation - most likely rain (source)

    • Mid September

      • Highs around 68° F and lows around 43° F (source)

      • 26% probability of precipitation - most likely rain, chance of snow (source)

    • Late September

      • Highs around 63° F and lows around 29° F (source)

      • 22% probability of precipitation - likely rain, chance of snow (source)

    • Early September

      • Highs around 71° F and lows around 44° F (source)

      • 23% probability of precipitation - most likely rain (source)

    • Mid September

      • Highs around 67° F and lows around 40° F (source)

      • 22% probability of precipitation - most likely rain, chance of snow (source)

    • Late September

      • Highs around 62° F and lows around 35° F (source)

      • 21% probability of precipitation - likely rain, chance of snow (source)

    • Early September

      • Highs around 86° F and lows around 54° F (source)

      • 21% probability of precipitation - most likely rain (source)

    • Mid September

      • Highs around 82° F and lows around 48° F (source)

      • 16% probability of precipitation - most likely rain (source)

    • Late September

      • Highs around 74° F and lows around 42° F (source)

      • 13% probability of precipitation - most likely rain, chance of snow (source)

    • Early September

      • Highs around 68° F and lows around 40° F (source)

      • 22% probability of precipitation - most likely rain (source)

    • Mid September

      • Highs around 64° F and lows around 36° F (source)

      • 17% probability of precipitation - most likely rain (source)

    • Late September

      • Highs around 59° F and lows around 31° F (source)

      • 11% probability of precipitation - most likely rain, chance of snow (source)

Fall color alpine lake elopement

When is the best time to see fall color in September?

Fall color in Colorado varies greatly depending on where in the state that you plan to elope. So we suggest either choosing your location first and then basing your date around when fall color is most likely to peak in that spot, or choose your date first and pick your location based on where you’re most likely to see peak fall color at that time. It is important to note that every year is a little bit different, but an experienced Colorado elopement photographer should be able to guide you in finding the best aspen groves and choosing the perfect date for your vision!

Couple runs down a road lined with aspen trees

Best September dates for fall color by region:

  • Breckenridge, Colorado - the last 2 weeks of September

  • Estes Park, Colorado - the last 2 weeks of September

  • Buena Vista, Colorado - the last 2 weeks of September

  • Aspen, Colorado - the last 2 weeks of September

  • Crested Butte, Colorado - last week of September

  • Telluride, Colorado - last week of September

  • Ouray, Colorado - last week of September

Elopement in a mountain meadow at sunset

What causes the leaves to change:

As mid-September comes around, the weather in the Colorado mountains begins to change. The temperatures begin to drop and the days get shorter. These cooler temperatures and less sunlight is what causes the leaves to change color. A majority of the leaves in the mountains of Colorado turn a brilliant golden yellow, but it is possible to find pockets of orange and red leaves.

Climate factors that affect when the leaves change:

  • An early snow or frost can damage the leaves and cause the leaves to fall early.

  • Severe drought can cause the leaves to fall early.

  • Unseasonably warm temperatures can delay color change.

Top 7 places in Colorado for your September elopement

Couple runs with yellow and orange aspens behind them
Alpine lake with sharp mountain peaks

Estes Park in September

  • What kinds of views to expect: Aspen groves, alpine lakes, mountaintop hiking trails

  • Our favorite spots to elope in Estes Park: Sprague Lake, Trail Ridge Road, and Dream Lake

  • Dates to avoid: Labor Day weekend, the annual Elk Fest

Check Out Our RMNP Elopement Guide
Elopement at alpine lake with fall color

Breckenridge in September

  • What kinds of views to expect: Aspen groves, large reservoirs, alpine lakes, mountaintop hiking trails

  • Our favorite spots to elope in Breckenridge: Sapphire Point Overlook, Lake Dillon, and Loveland Pass

  • Dates to avoid: Labor Day weekend

Check Out Our Breckenridge Elopement Guide
Check Out Our Sapphire Point Overlook Guide

Mid September Small Wedding in Breckenridge

Late September Elopement in Breckenridge

Late September Small Wedding in Breckenridge

Sunrise elopement at a mountain lake

Buena Vista in September

  • What kinds of views to expect: Aspen groves, alpine lakes, mountaintop hiking trails, off-road adventures

  • Our favorite spots to elope in Buena Vista: Collegiate Peaks Wilderness, Turquoise Lake, and Twin Lakes

  • Dates to avoid: Labor Day weekend

Early September Elopement in Buena Vista

Mid September Small Wedding in Buena Vista

Late September Elopement in Buena Vista

Sunrise Maroon Bells elopement

Aspen in September

  • What kinds of views to expect: Aspen groves, alpine lakes, waterfalls, mountaintop hiking trails

  • Our favorite spots to elope in Aspen: Maroon Bells Amphitheater, Crater Lake Trail, and Aspen Mountain

  • Dates to avoid: Labor Day weekend

Mid September Small Wedding in Aspen

Elopement at a lake with fall color

Crested Butte in September

  • What kinds of views to expect: Colorado’s largest aspen grove, alpine lakes, waterfalls, mountaintop hiking trails, off-road adventures

  • Our favorite spots to elope in Crested Butte: Mountain Wedding Garden, Gothic Road, and Kebler Pass

  • Dates to avoid: Labor Day weekend

Elopement at a lush waterfall

Telluride in September

  • What kinds of views to expect: Aspen groves, alpine lakes, waterfalls, mountaintop hiking trails, off-road adventures, ghost towns

  • Our favorite spots to elope in Telluride: San Sophia Overlook, Bridal Veil Falls, and Last Dollar Road

  • Dates to avoid: Labor Day weekend

Check Out Our Telluride Elopement Guide

Early September Elopement in Telluride

Mid September Elopement in Telluride

Late September Elopement in Telluride

Lake with fall color and mountains

Ouray in September

  • What kinds of views to expect: Aspen groves, alpine lakes, waterfalls, mountaintop hiking trails, off-road adventures, ghost towns

  • Our favorite spots to elope in Ouray: Ridgway State Park, Million Dollar Highway, Ophir Pass

  • Dates to avoid: Labor Day weekend

Check Out Our Ouray Elopement Guide

Early September Elopement in Ouray

Late September Elopement in Ouray

Late September Small Wedding in Ouray

View our favorite September elopements

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Alpine lake and mountain elopement

Let’s work together to make your Colorado elopement dreams come to life!

We have been planning and capturing elopements for over 10+ years and have captured over 275+ elopements. We are so lucky to work with about 20 couples each year and show them some of our favorite places.

Are you looking for a meaningful and adventurous day in Colorado? We would love to get to know you!

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Published February 8th, 2026