How to Elope in Telluride and Ouray
Plan Your Elopement in Colorado’s San Juan Mountains
Updated June 2nd, 2024
Eloping in Colorado’s San Juan Mountains
If you’ve heard of the San Juans before then you’re either a local, or one of just a handful of people that know about this majestic region of Colorado. The geologically “young” mountains in the region often have sharper peaks and steeper slopes than many other regions of the state. For this reason, it might just be our favorite place to elope in the entire state.
A lot of our couples choose to get married in the San Juans because of the views, obviously, but also because a lot of them can be reached via off-road trails. Renting a Jeep will give you easy access to locations that require little to no hiking but will absolutely take your breath away. And if you still want to hike, don’t worry. Some of the best hikes in the state are also in this region, leading to crystal blue alpine lakes, waterfalls, and fields of wildflowers.
There are a few mountain towns in the area, but the ones that get mentioned the most are Telluride, Ouray, and Silverton. Each has their own vibe and personality along with a variety of stunning views nearby.
Telluride, Colorado
If you’re looking to elope in a location with a higher concentration of accommodation (as well as higher end options) Telluride is probably a good fit for you. This is also true of restaurants. You might not associate being this deep in the mountains with fine dining, but there is some very high quality food to be had! Telluride is one of the fancier towns in the Colorado mountains, with some 5 star hotels and usually a couple of James Beard award winning chefs running at least a few of the restaurants. The free gondola will take you up to the nearby ski resort so you can stand on top of the mountain and enjoy the view overlooking town.
Ouray, Colorado
Ouray has the nickname “Switzerland of America” and we don’t disagree with that sentiment. The town has a charming, classic, but well kept mountain town vibe. The edges of town abruptly end due to the sheer cliffs on either side, towering over quaint streets and hot springs below. As you head south out of town you reach the Million Dollar Highway, which is really less of a highway and more of a winding road that takes you through the canyon, past huge groves of aspen trees and vast overlooks.
Silverton, Colorado
Silverton is the smallest town of the three and feels a bit more like the old west. The one and only drag of old buildings, many built around the year 1900, has been renovated and maintained to keep its classic charm. It may be less nestled into a canyon than Silverton, but you’re hard pressed to find a bad view, as different mountains flank the area on all sides. There’s also a beautiful, working steam train at the edge of town that will take tourists on a day trip from Durango to Silverton, and then back.
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What’s in this Telluride and Ouray elopement guide?
Table of Contents
Best Time of Year to Elope in Telluride and Ouray
What is the Best Time of Year to Elope in the San Juans?
You’ll have beautiful options year-round for your elopement in the San Juans. We find that the couples we work with are most often drawn to the locations that require traveling off the beaten path, so in our opinion, summer and early fall are the best times to elope in Telluride, Ouray, or Silverton. So this guide will focus on those months!
June in the San Juan Mountains
As it’s one of the more remote areas of the state, many of the off road and hiking trails in the region aren’t maintained the way other regions are. For this reason, going in June can be a hit or miss. Many mountain passes may still be inaccessible due to snowpack. This isn’t true every year, and some roads start opening in May! Just be sure to have low-elevation backup plans
July in the San Juan Mountains
Because the snowpack and high-elevation road openings can vary so much year-to-year, the first time we really start to feel more confident in accessibility is in July. There may be a pass or two that still aren’t open, but most everything should be. It’s likely that some fields will be in full wildflower bloom at this point in the season as well.
August in the San Juan Mountains
Come August, everything should be open, even in a year with heavy snowfall. Depending on moisture levels, wildflower season can often extend into August as well. This is full summer, but don’t be too afraid. Highs in the regions are still in the 70s and the temps on mountain tops are even more mild. For late August elopements the crowds dwindle as many people have kids back in school at that point.
September in the San Juan Mountains
The first few weeks of September are a slow transition from summer to fall as the temperatures begin to cool off. Crowds maintain a lull from summer highs but ramp back up as we approach the end of September. The final week of September is often referred to as leaf peeping season. Fall color in the San Juans tends to peak during the last couple days of September and the first week of October.
October in the San Juan Mountains
The first week or so of October is a great time to elope if you’re looking for peak fall color. Early mornings and late nights have the chance to be cold, or maybe even bring some of the first snow of the season. This can make high-elevation locations dangerous to access, so be sure to have low-elevation backup plans. But even then, the juxtaposition of snow capped mountains and bright yellow/orange foliage is really a special thing to behold.
Elopement Ceremony Locations in Telluride and Ouray
Elopement and Small Wedding Venues in Telluride
San Sophia Overlook in Telluride
San Sophia Overlook is a popular ceremony location for small weddings and large weddings alike. It sits high on the mountain, above the town of Telluride, and is accessed via the free gondola. The space can accommodate up to 250 guests, and is available from June through October, as well as December through March.
As of 2024, the three-hour rental costs between $5,000 and $8,500 depending on the time of year and the day of the week. However, Thursday through Sunday also requires you to reserve a reception site for an additional cost. Part of booking the site is Telluride Ski Resort providing a coordinator who will handle letting folks know that the space is reserved, in addition to chairs and a station for drinks. For availability and up to date information you can contact Telluride Ski Resort.
Palmyra Lookout in Telluride
Another option that is also overseen by Telluride Ski Resort is their new Palmyra Lookout. It is at the top of a ski lift, can accommodate 150 guests, and is available June though September. As of 2024, the cost to reserve the site ranges from $4,000 to $6,000 depending on the day of the week. For availability and up to date information you can contact Telluride Ski Resort.
The Observatory at Alta Lakes in Telluride
The area of Alta Lakes is broader than just The Observatory at Alta Lakes, and includes several alpine lakes, a campground, and lots of forest. The Observatory, is a private rental situated beyond the campground, tucked into its own little corner of the basin with a private alpine lake. The wooden, three story house looks like it might have been there since the old mining days, but is actually much more modern. The inside has all the comforts you could need in a clean, well maintained space with a great kitchen.
The rental can sleep 12, requires a two-night minimum, and is $2,000-2,500/night. Additional fees apply for special events that have more than 12 guests, with a maximum of 45 people (vendors are not included in this count). We also highly recommend having an SUV to access the cabin.
More Venues in Telluride
Elopement and Small Wedding Venues in Ouray and Silverton
Kendall Mountain Community Center in Silverton
The lawn outside of the Kendall Mountain Community Center is near the edge of town, and has largely uninterrupted views of the mountains at the edge of the valley. Being in Silverton makes this a convenient and very accessible location for an elopement or small wedding.
Ridgway State Park in Ridgway
Ridgway State Park is located just north of Ouray and has a ceremony overlook available for just $200-250/day, and can hold up to 100 guests. The view from the deck shows off Ridgway Reservoir and the San Juan mountains beyond it. Reservations can be made up to 1 year in advance.
Top of the Pines in Ridgway
The meadow at Top of the Pines is a fully private option for a small or large wedding ceremony. It is located north of Ouray and guests can drive right up to the pavilion.
A one day rental with 50 guests or less is $1,000, a $250 damage deposit, and a certificate of insurance provided by the couple (cost varies, around $200 last we checked). If you want to rent the space for 2 nights and use the tent camping sites, you can! The cost of reservation goes up to $3,000 with a $500 deposit, and the same certificate of insurance.
More Venues in Ouray and Silverton
Beaumont Hotel in Ouray
Eureka Lodge in Silverton
Wyman Hotel in Silverton
Still looking for the perfect ceremony space?
Get our list of 215+ Colorado elopement and small wedding venues
Elopement Adventure Locations in Telluride and Ouray
Our Favorite Elopement Adventure Locations in Telluride, Ouray, and Silverton
The San Juans have a variety of the best features of the Rocky Mountains scattered throughout the region. Depending on what it is about being in the mountains you love most, you should be able to find it here. Below we’ve broken down a few of the categories that we find ourselves going back to time and time again
Off Road Trails in the San Juan Mountains
We have yet to find a better region to go off-roading anywhere in the United States. You can find just about any type of view you want this way, and often with more privacy than you’ll find anywhere else. We only recommend easy to moderate off-road trails to our couples, all of which are comfortably handled by a Jeep rented from one of the many off-road companies in the region. So even if you’re a total beginner, you can incorporate this brand new adventure activity into your elopement day!
Be aware that some locations may require permits!
Most popular off-road trails:
Ophir Pass between Silverton and Telluride
Yankee Boy Basin in Ouray
Imogene Pass between Ouray and Telluride
American Basin between Silverton and Ouray
Last Dollar Road in Telluride
Hidden gem off-road trails:
We have spent countless days exploring the San Juan mountains by Jeep in search of incredible and lesser-known trails. We keep our favorites for the couples who hire us as their photographers!
Don’t feel like driving? Hire a driver!
If you want to explore off-road trails but don’t feel comfortable driving yourself, you can hire a professional driver! Many of the Jeep companies in Ouray and Telluride offer custom tours for weddings or just for fun!
Interested in learning more about eloping on an off road trail?
Check out our Off Road Elopement Guide
Alpine Lakes in the San Juan Mountains
Along with mind-blowing mountain views, Telluride, Ouray, and Silverton also have some incredible alpine lakes to explore. Some of these locations are super easy to get to, others require some hiking, and others require a high-clearance vehicle on some bumpy dirt roads. But we assure you they’re worth the effort!
Be aware that some locations may require permits!
Easily accessible alpine lakes:
Crystal Lake near Ouray
Trout Lake near Telluride
Alpine lakes to hike to:
Island Lake and Ice Lake near Silverton
Lower, Middle, and Upper Blue Lakes near Ridgway
Alpine lakes on off-road trails:
Alta Lakes near Telluride
Hidden gem alpine lakes:
We have spent countless days exploring the San Juan mountains in search of incredible and lesser-known alpine lakes. We keep our favorites for the couples who hire us as their photographers!
A note about Crystal Lake near Ouray: The Forest Service recently found a crack in the dam of the lake. They have not announced their plans for repair, but they have warned of possible closures beginning in 2024.
Waterfalls in the San Juan Mountains
If you’re looking for waterfalls, the San Juans might just be the perfect fit for you! In our opinion, Telluride, Ouray, and Silverton have some of the most beautiful waterfalls in the state! Because of snow run-off, May through July are the best months to see waterfalls in the San Juans, but many of the waterfalls flow through the entire summer until things start to freeze. The most popular waterfall in the region is Bridal Veil Falls in Telluride.
Be aware that some locations may require permits!
Stargazing in the San Juan Mountains
You don’t have to travel far outside of Telluride, Ouray, or Silverton to be surrounded by dark skies. When you’re able to get far from city lights, the Milky Way really becomes visible to the eyes! For many people, it’s rare to get deep enough in the wilderness to see so many stars and sometimes even shooting stars! For this reason, we love stargazing with our couples either at the beginning of their elopement day or as a great way to end their elopement day.
Ghost Towns in the San Juan Mountains
The San Juans have a rich mining history. When exploring the area, you don’t have to look hard to find mining ruins and ghost towns. If you want to see ghost towns, Animas Forks and Alta are good options. If you’re looking to see mining ruins, take a drive on the US Basin off-road trail to see the Yankee Girl Mine.
Be aware that some locations may require permits!
The Million Dollar Highway between Ouray and Silverton
The Million Dollar Highway is a 25-mile stretch of road that connects Ouray and Silverton. It’s known not only for its views, but its steep drop-offs and hairpin turns. We say this a lot about mountain roads in Colorado: Why aren’t there guardrails? But we assure you that the drive is worth it, just drive safely!
The drive itself is a destination, but some popular stops on the Million Dollar Highway include the Ouray Perimeter Trail, Crystal Lake, and Red Mountain Pass.
Be aware that some locations may require permits!
Are you looking for a team to help you plan your elopement in Telluride or Ouray?
Let us take the stress out of planning your elopement!
We’re Lisa and Alex! We’re Colorado-based elopement photographers and videographers! We specialize in helping our couples plan their dream elopements in beautiful places.
We’re lucky enough to spend a few weeks each summer exploring Telluride, Ouray, and Silverton, and we can’t wait so share our love for the region with you!
Some of our favorite elopements in Telluride and Ouray
What to Do While in Telluride and Ouray
Our Favorite Things to Do in Telluride, Ouray, and Silverton
Above and beyond the normal hiking options you’d experience just about anywhere in the mountains of Colorado, the San Juans region has some unique opportunities that you won’t find in many other places. Any of these can be a fun inclusion for your elopement day itself, or a great activity to do before or after your elopement while you’re in the area.
Telluride Via Ferrata
The Italian phrase “via ferrata” translates to “iron road,” which may not sound like much fun. But what it is in practice, is essentially a guided rock climbing experience. You will complete the route with a guide, and maneuver along permanent fixtures that make it much less strenuous or scary than normal rock climbing.
Ouray Via Ferrata
Ouray has their own via ferrata! This guided rock climbing experience takes you along a preset route with handholds and bridges so that you can experience the thrill of rock climbing with the safety and comfort that aren’t usually associated with the activity.
Jeep Tour
The San Juans have been referred to for generations as the “Switzerland of America”, and a unique culture of off roading has entrenched itself in the area alongside that. There are several different rental companies that allow you to get your own fully kitted out Jeep, or you can take it one step further and hire a private driver to handle the off roading for you while you soak in the expansive views.
Box Cañon Falls in Ouray
Just outside of the town of Ouray is a slot canyon that has been carved out by the roaring waters within it. You can explore along a steel walkway to get inside and see the waterfall for yourself, and although you’ll get a little wet from the mist, at least you won’t have to swim upstream to get there.
Durango - Silverton Train
Aboard a classic steam engine train, you can venture from Durango to Silverton and back, while taking in views of the San Juans as you journey alongside the Animas river. If you want, you can even do so with a beverage (alcoholic or otherwise) in hand from the on board concession car.
Ouray Hot Springs
These hot springs directly in the town of Ouray are actually fed by natural hot springs in nearby Box Cañon. Due to the unique mineral content of the region, the hot springs are free from the sulfur smell that can sometimes be associated with other hot springs. It can be a great place to unwind at the end of a long day of hiking or climbing in the region.
Where to Stay in Telluride and Ouray
The Best Places to Stay in Telluride
Home Rentals in Telluride and Mountain Village
We find that renting a house (or townhouse) for your elopement is typically more convenient than a hotel. Renting a house will give you more space and privacy when compared to a hotel. And if you’re traveling with a small number of guests, it can be very economical to share a larger house instead of having everyone stay in their own accommodations. Most of our couples book their stays through Airbnb or Vrbo.
Our Favorite Vrbo Rentals in Telluride and Mountain Village
Be sure to read the rules and descriptions of each rental before booking as these may have changed since this article was published. Also, make sure to read reviews before booking! Listings have a note if they are pet-friendly or if they are event-friendly.
The Peaks Penthouse in Mountain Village
Sleeps 4 (1 Bedroom, 2 Bathrooms)
Pets Allowed
Etta Place Too in Telluride
Sleeps 4 (1 Bedroom, 1 Bathroom)
South Oak Treehouse in Telluride
Sleeps 4 (1 Bedroom, 1 Bathroom)
Located in Telluride
Heaven in the San Juans Cabin in Placerville
Sleeps 4 (1 Bedroom, 1 Bathroom)
Pets Allowed
Secluded Mountain Retreat in Placerville
Sleeps 6 (2 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms)
1 Pet Allowed (with fee)
Retreat on Trout Pond in Placerville
Sleeps 5 (2 Bedrooms, 1.5 Bathrooms)
Pets Allowed
Chalet Chic Apartment in Telluride
Sleeps 6 (2 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms)
Base Camp Boutique in Telluride
Sleeps 4 (2 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms)
Townhome Near Lift 7 in Telluride
Sleeps 6 (3 Bedrooms, 2.5 Bathrooms)
Columbine Townhome in Telluride
Sleeps 6 (3 Bedrooms, 2.5 Bathrooms)
Riverside Condo in Telluride
Sleeps 6 (3 Bedrooms, 3 Bathrooms)
Villa Mendia in Telluride
Sleeps 8 (4 Bedrooms, 6 Bathrooms)
Splendid Home in Telluride
Sleeps 8 (4 Bedrooms, 4.5 Bathrooms)
Gondola District Home in Telluride
Sleeps 8 (4 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms)
Overlook Haus in Mountain Village
Sleeps 10 (4 Bedrooms, 4.5 Bathrooms)
Luxury Penthouse in Mountain Village
Sleeps 10 (4 Bedrooms, 4 Bathrooms)
The Tucker Inn in Mountain Village
Sleeps 10 (5 Bedrooms, 4 Bathrooms)
Mountain Comfort in Telluride
Sleeps 12 (5 Bedrooms, 4.5 Bathrooms)
Events Allowed (with fee)
Luxury Home in Telluride
Sleeps 12 (5 Bedrooms, 6.5 Bathrooms)
Pets Allowed with Approval
Events Allowed (with fee)
Polar Queen in Mountain Village
Sleeps 16 (6 Bedrooms, 4.5 Bathrooms)
Pets Allowed
The Best Hotels in Telluride and Mountain Village
Madeline Hotel & Residences - A luxury hotel located in Mountain Village (view on Expedia) (view on Hotels.com)
The Hotel Telluride - A European-style chalet located in Telluride. (view on Expedia) (view on Hotels.com)
Lumiere with Inspirato - A boutique luxury hotel in Mountain Village (view on Expedia) (view on Hotels.com)
Mountain Lodge Telluride - A rustic retreat in Mountain Village. We’ve stayed here a couple of times! (view on Expedia) (view on Hotels.com)
The Auberge Residences at Element 52 - A luxury hotel in Mountain Village. (view on Expedia) (view on Hotels.com)
The Peaks Resort & Spa - A luxury hotel in Mountain Village. (view on Expedia) (view on Hotels.com)
Fairmont Heritage Place, Franz Klammer Lodge - A luxury hotel in Mountain Village. (view on Expedia) (view on Hotels.com)
Inn at Lost Creek - A luxury boutique hotel in Mountain Village. (view on Expedia) (view on Hotels.com)
New Sheridan Hotel - Historic hotel in Telluride. (view on Expedia) (view on Hotels.com)
Camel’s Garden Hotel - A hotel located at the bottom of the slopes in Telluride. (view on Expedia) (view on Hotels.com)
The Best Places to Stay in Ouray, Telluride, and Ridgway
Home Rentals in Ouray, Telluride, and Ridgway
We find that renting a house (or townhouse) for your elopement is typically more convenient than a hotel. Renting a house will give you more space and privacy when compared to a hotel. And if you’re traveling with a small number of guests, it can be very economical to share a larger house instead of having everyone stay in their own accommodations. Most of our couples book their stays through Airbnb or Vrbo.
Our Favorite Vrbo Rentals in Ouray, Telluride, and Ridgway
Be sure to read the rules and descriptions of each rental before booking as these may have changed since this article was published. Also, make sure to read reviews before booking! Listings have a note if they are pet-friendly or if they are event-friendly.
Stellar Cottage in Silverton
Sleeps 2 (1 Bedroom, 1 Bathroom)
Pets Allowed
Heaven in the San Juans Cabin in Placerville
Sleeps 4 (1 Bedroom, 1 Bathroom)
Pets Allowed
Updated Loft in Ouray
Sleeps 4 (2 Bedrooms, 1 Bathroom)
Historic Loft in Silverton
Sleeps 4 (2 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms)
Events Allowed with Approval
Contemporary Loft in Ouray
Sleeps 4 (2 Bedrooms,1 Bathroom)
Secluded Mountain Retreat in Placerville
Sleeps 6 (2 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms)
1 Pet Allowed (with fee)
Downtown Condo in Ouray
Sleeps 6 (2 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms)
Hummingbird House in Silverton
Sleeps 6 (2 Bedrooms, 1 Bathroom)
Wonderful Townhome in Ouray
Sleeps 6 (3 Bedrooms, 2.5 Bathrooms)
Modern Loft in Silverton
Sleeps 6 (3 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms)
1 Pet Allowed (with fee)
Luxury Condo in Ouray
Sleeps 6 (3 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms)
Riverside Home in Ouray
Sleeps 8 (3 Bedrooms, 2.5 Bathrooms)
Pets Allowed
Modern Retreat in Ouray
Sleeps 10 (3 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms)
Luxury Log Home in Ridgway
Sleeps 9 (4 Bedrooms, 4.5 Bathrooms)
Mountain Retreat in Ridgway
Sleeps 12 (6 Bedrooms, 4.5 Bathrooms)
The Best Hotels in Ouray, Silverton, and Ridgway
Timber Ridge Lodge - A mid-range hotel just outside of Downtown Ouray. (view on Expedia) (view on Hotels.com)
Abram Inn & Suites - A mid-range hotel located in Downtown Ouray. (view on Expedia) (view on Hotels.com)
Hot Springs Inn - A mid-range hotel just outside of Downtown Ouray. (view on Expedia) (view on Hotels.com)
Matterhorn Inn Ouray - A mid-range hotel just outside of Downtown Ouray. (view on Expedia) (view on Hotels.com)
Quality Inn - A mid-range hotel located in Downtown Ouray. (view on Expedia) (view on Hotels.com)
Beaumont Hotel & Spa - An adults-only, historic hotel located in Downtown Ouray. (view on Expedia) (view on Hotels.com)
China Clipper Inn - A bed and breakfast located in Downtown Ouray. (view on Expedia) (view on Hotels.com)
The Imogene Hotel - A luxury, historic hotel located in Downtown Ouray. (view on hotel website)
Chipeta Solar Springs Resort - Hotel with spa and warm pools located in Ridgway. (view on Expedia) (view on Hotels.com)
Inn of the Rockies - Alma House - A bed and breakfast in Silverton. (view on Expedia) (view on Hotels.com)
The Avon - A small, historic hotel in Silverton. (view on Expedia) (view on Hotels.com)
The Wyman Hotel - An updated historic hotel in Silverton. (view on hotel website)
Need even more ideas for your Colorado elopement?
Check out our Colorado Elopement Guide
Where to Get Your Marriage License Telluride and Ouray
You can pick up your marriage license in any Colorado county and use it in any Colorado county. So it might make sense to pick up your marriage license in Denver on your way into the mountains, or you can pick your marriage license up where you plan to stay!
Ouray County Clerk & Recorder in Ouray
Location: 541 4th Street, Ouray, CO 81427 (Click here to view in Google Maps)
Hours: Monday - Thursday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM / Closed Holidays
Phone Number: (970) 325-4961
Appointments for Marriage Licenses: They issue marriage licenses on a walk-in basis.
County Website: Click here to learn more about marriage licenses in Ouray County
San Juan County Clerk & Recorder in Silverton
Location: 1557 Greene St, Silverton, CO 81433 (Click here to view in Google Maps)
Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM, 1:00 PM - 3:45 PM / Closed Holidays
Phone Number: (970) 387-5671
Appointments for Marriage Licenses: The website doesn't mention that appointments are required, we recommend giving them a call to be sure.
County Website: Click here to learn more about marriage licenses in San Juan County
Marriage License Application: Click here to view the San Juan County marriage license application
San Miguel County Clerk & Recorder in Telluride
Location: 305 W Colorado Avenue, 1st Floor, Telluride, CO 81435 (Click here to view in Google Maps)
Hours: Monday - Thursday, 7:30 AM - 5:00 PM / Closed Holidays
Phone Number: (970) 728-3954
Appointments for Marriage Licenses: They issue marriage licenses on a walk-in basis.
County Website: Click here to learn more about marriage licenses in San Miguel County
Marriage License Application: Click here to view the San Miguel County marriage license application
Requirements for a Colorado Marriage License
One form of valid, photo identification, such as a driver’s license or passport.
Both parties must be present to pick up a marriage license.
Colorado marriage licenses cost $30. In addition, it is suggested that you also get at least 3 certified copies, this will be an extra fee (typically around $3/copy). These are good to have for your records as well as for the name-change process, if you plan to do so.
Colorado does not have a waiting period for marriage licenses, you can sign it on the same day that you pick it up! However, we do suggest picking up your marriage license at least one day early in case there are any delays.
Colorado marriage licenses are only valid to be used for ceremonies in the State of Colorado. You can’t pick up a Colorado marriage license and then have your ceremony in another state.
Once you’ve picked up your marriage license, your ceremony must take place within 35 days. After that, your marriage license will no longer be valid and you will need to reapply.
After your ceremony, you will return your signed marriage license to the county clerk & recorder office that you picked it up from. For most locations, you can either drop it off in person or mail it in. You have 63 days to return your marriage license, but we recommend doing it as soon as you can!
Who Can Sign a Colorado Marriage License
One thing that makes eloping in Colorado unique is that you have the option to self-solemnize your own marriage! This means that you do not need an officiant or any witnesses to make your marriage legal. And in many counties, you can even have your dog put their paw print on your marriage license!
Why you might consider self-solemnizing your own elopement:
You don’t want to hire an officiant.
You don’t have any guests and you imagine hiking out into the mountains and saying your vows with just your partner (and photographer, of course).
You are inviting guests, but you would rather lead your own elopement ceremony instead of asking a guest to officiate.
You have a guest who you’d like to officiate, but you don’t want them to have to make it legal by becoming ordained. Our favorite example of this was when our couple’s children officiated their elopement!
If you are interested in having your dog put their paw print on your marriage license, be sure to ask about this when you pick up your marriage license (or better yet, call them ahead of time). Some counties have specific guidelines for where the paw print can be placed. And lately, some counties have stopped allowing it altogether.
Why you might consider having an officiant for your ceremony:
You want to keep things traditional and give structure to your ceremony by having an ordained officiant.
Hiring an officiant - The San Juans have a few officiants that we love who are available for hire!
Having a guest officiate - You can have one of your guests become ordained for your ceremony (as noted above, becoming ordained is not required in Colorado. Your guest can get ordained online, which is super simple and recognized by Colorado!
Examples of Self-Solemnized Elopement Ceremonies
Examples of Elopement Ceremonies with an Officiant
Let’s Start Your Telluride and Ouray Elopement Adventure!
Are you ready to start your Colorado elopement adventure?
We’re Lisa + Alex (those goofballs in the photo above). We are local Colorado elopement photographers and videographers who are passionate about giving our couples the most incredible wedding day possible. We work closely with each of our couples to offer location options, vendor recommendations, and fun ideas to personalize their wedding day.
Each couple who books with us will receive their own, collaborative Elopement Planning Portal. We know that planning your elopement can seem overwhelming, but we’re here to make the planning process easy and fun.
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