Name: Adventure Elopement
Brand: Wedy

Question 1

Do I need a permit to get married in Colorado?

Accepted Answer

It depends on where in Colorado you choose to hold your ceremony. Rocky Mountain National Park requires a $300 non-refundable permit (apply via email to romo_fees_permits@nps.gov up to one year in advance). Maroon Bells Amphitheater costs $200 for a full-day reservation through Recreation.gov (reservations open one year in advance). Sapphire Point runs $120–$142 for a 3-hour block, also on Recreation.gov. Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs is one of the rare iconic locations that requires no permit at all — it's free and first-come, first-served. Your Wedy planning team can help coordinate permit logistics as part of your planning process.

Question 2

How many guests can I have at a Colorado adventure elopement?

Accepted Answer

Guest limits vary by location. Rocky Mountain National Park caps most sites at 10–30 total people (couple + guests + all vendors). Maroon Bells Amphitheater allows up to 50 but feels most intimate with 20. Sapphire Point has a hard limit of 30, with 15–20 being ideal. Garden of the Gods accommodates up to 50 at its six ceremony plazas. Great Sand Dunes caps on-dune ceremonies at 15. Importantly, your photographer, officiant, and all vendors count toward the total at every federal and state park site. Most Colorado adventure elopements work best with 10–25 guests.

Question 3

When is the best time to elope in Colorado?

Accepted Answer

Late June through October is Colorado's prime elopement window. July and early August bring peak wildflower season — meadows around Crested Butte and the San Juans are carpeted in lupine, columbine, and Indian paintbrush. Late September is many locals' favorite: aspen trees turn brilliant gold, afternoon thunderstorms stop, crowds thin, and skies run crystal clear. For fewer tourists and easier permits, plan your elopement on a Tuesday or Wednesday. Avoid March–May ('mud season') when unpaved mountain roads are impassable.

Question 4

How do I get a marriage license for a Colorado elopement?

Accepted Answer

Visit any Colorado county clerk's office — you do not need to get the license in the county where you're getting married. Both partners must appear in person with a government-issued photo ID and Social Security number. The fee is $30 statewide (Summit County charges $39 including certified copies). There is no waiting period — the license is valid immediately and good for 35 days. Boulder County offers remote/video applications if you can't appear in person. Return the signed license to the clerk within 63 days after your ceremony.

Question 5

How much does a Colorado adventure elopement cost?

Accepted Answer

A Colorado adventure elopement typically ranges from $5,000 to $15,000 depending on how much you include. A full-day all-inclusive package (photographer, officiant, florals, planning) runs $7,900–$11,000 on average. Key individual costs: photography ($4,500–$7,000), permit fees ($0–$300 depending on location), marriage license ($30–$39), officiant ($0 in Colorado if you self-solemnize), and travel/accommodations ($500–$2,000+). Colorado's all-inclusive packages from Wedy bundle the core services — check the listing for current package tiers and pricing.

Question 6

What's included in a Wedy Colorado adventure elopement package?

Accepted Answer

Wedy's Colorado adventure elopement packages are all-inclusive and typically bundle professional photography, a licensed officiant, planning coordination, and florals into a single price. Higher tiers may add videography, hair and makeup, additional shooting locations, or extended coverage. The exact inclusions vary by package tier — check this listing for current package details and what's covered at each level. Your Wedy planning team will also help coordinate permits, location selection, and timeline based on your chosen Colorado ceremony spot.

Question 7

What should I wear to my Colorado adventure elopement?

Accepted Answer

Waterproof hiking boots or trail shoes are essential — heels are impractical on mountain terrain. Even in July, elevations above 10,000 ft can drop to 45°F, so bring a lightweight jacket or cozy wrap even on sunny days. Light, flowy fabrics like chiffon and soft tulle photograph beautifully in mountain breezes, while heavy structured fabrics weigh down in wind. Avoid long trains that snag on rocks and pine branches; a detachable train works well if you want the look for photos. Apply SPF 50+ sunscreen — UV radiation is significantly stronger above 10,000 ft. Pro tip: change into ceremony clothes at the trailhead rather than hiking in wedding attire.

Question 8

What time should I schedule my Colorado elopement ceremony?

Accepted Answer

Plan your ceremony for the first 2–3 hours of daylight. In summer, sunrise is around 5:40 AM and sunset around 8:20 PM — morning golden hour hits the peaks with stunning alpenglow. In fall, sunrise is around 6:40 AM and sunset around 6:40 PM, with October mornings crisp and clear. Spring sunrise is around 6:15 AM with sunset around 7:45 PM. The critical rule for high-alpine Colorado ceremonies: be off exposed ridges and above-treeline spots by noon to avoid afternoon lightning storms, which are daily in July–August. Sunrise ceremonies at Maroon Bells and RMNP are particularly spectacular and avoid both crowds and thunderstorms entirely.

Question 9

Do I need an officiant for my Colorado elopement?

Accepted Answer

No — Colorado allows self-solemnization, one of the most permissive states in the US for couples who want to marry without an officiant or witnesses. You and your partner can legally marry each other with no third party present. Simply exchange your vows, both sign the marriage license on the officiating party line (write 'Self-Solemnize' on the title line), and mail the completed license back to the county clerk within 63 days. If you prefer a traditional ceremony, online ordinations (Universal Life Church, American Marriage Ministries) are fully accepted in Colorado. Wedy's packages include a licensed officiant if desired.

Question 10

Where should we stay near our Colorado adventure elopement location?

Accepted Answer

Colorado offers lodging options near every major ceremony region. For Summit County (Sapphire Point, Breckenridge area): stay in Breckenridge with options from $150/night condos to the Lodge at Breckenridge ($500+/night). For Rocky Mountain National Park: Estes Park has dozens of hotels, cabins, and B&Bs — the Stanley Hotel is iconic. For Aspen/Maroon Bells: Little Nell and Hotel Jerome are luxury options; consider Carbondale (30 min away) for more affordable stays. For Telluride and San Juans: book 3–6 months in advance for summer. For Colorado Springs/Garden of the Gods: the Broadmoor Resort is nearby, or choose from dozens of hotels along I-25.

Question 11

Do I need witnesses for my Colorado elopement?

Accepted Answer

No — Colorado requires zero witnesses. If you self-solemnize, only you and your partner sign the marriage license. If you use an officiant, they sign in place of the couple on the officiating line and no additional witness signatures are needed. This makes Colorado one of the most legally streamlined states in the country for elopements — your photographer, planner, and guests are entirely optional from a legal standpoint.

Question 12

What are the restrictions on decorations and music at Colorado ceremony locations?

Accepted Answer

Most Colorado public land ceremony sites have strict no-decoration policies. At Maroon Bells, Rocky Mountain National Park, Sapphire Point, and Great Sand Dunes: no arches, tables, tents, flower petals, confetti, rice, or permanent decorations are allowed. Amplified music is prohibited at most public land sites (a small Bluetooth speaker at low volume is typically tolerated, but speakers over 60 decibels are explicitly banned at several parks). Drones are strictly prohibited throughout RMNP, Maroon Bells, and most federal land. Garden of the Gods prohibits decorations attached to any rock formation. Simple handheld florals, ribbon wands, and minimal natural-material elements are generally acceptable.

Question 13

How do I get to Colorado adventure elopement locations from the nearest airport?

Accepted Answer

Denver International Airport (DEN) is the main hub with direct flights from everywhere in the US. From DEN: Breckenridge and Sapphire Point are ~1.5 hours, Rocky Mountain National Park/Estes Park is ~1.5 hours, Colorado Springs and Garden of the Gods are ~1.25 hours, and Aspen/Maroon Bells is 3.5–4 hours. For western Colorado (Telluride, San Juans): fly into Montrose Regional (MTJ, ~1.5 hours to Telluride) or Durango (DRO, ~2 hours to Silverton). For Crested Butte: Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional Airport (GUC) is 45 minutes away. A rental car is essential — Uber/Lyft is not reliable for reaching most ceremony spots.

Question 14

What if it rains or storms on my Colorado elopement day?

Accepted Answer

Afternoon thunderstorms are common above treeline from July through mid-August — lightning is the biggest weather risk in Colorado. The best defense is scheduling your ceremony before noon so you're off exposed ridges before storms build. If morning storms threaten, your options include moving the ceremony 1–2 hours earlier, shifting to a lower-elevation sheltered location (forested canyon, valley meadow), or rescheduling within your trip window. Colorado weather moves fast — what looks ominous at 10am often clears by 2pm, and vice versa. Your Wedy planner will help you build a weather contingency plan specific to your chosen ceremony location.

Adventure Elopement

Explore Pre-Designed Packages

Adventure Elopement — Essential

Colorado Paddle Boarding Elopement — Essential

Adventure Elopement — Essential

Colorado Paddle Boarding Elopement — Essential

Ceremony & Reception Locations

Maroon Bells Amphitheater

Sapphire Point Overlook

Rocky Mountain National Park — Multiple Designated Sites

Garden of the Gods

Maroon Bells Amphitheater

Sapphire Point Overlook

Rocky Mountain National Park — Multiple Designated Sites

Garden of the Gods

Maroon Bells Amphitheater

Seaside Ceremony

Wedding + Reception

Luxe Elopement

How It Works

Pick Your Package

Seaside Ceremony

Wedding + Reception

Luxe Elopement

Meet Your Planner

Choose Your Vendors

Show Up & Celebrate

How It
Works

Pick Your Package

Meet Your Planner

Choose Your Vendors

Show Up & Celebrate

Traditional Planning
vs Wedy

Enhance Your
Experience

Videography

Luxe Picnic

FAQs

Adventure Elopement

Explore Pre-Designed Packages

Adventure Elopement — Essential

Colorado Paddle Boarding Elopement — Essential

Adventure Elopement — Essential

Colorado Paddle Boarding Elopement — Essential

Ceremony & Reception Locations

Maroon Bells Amphitheater

Sapphire Point Overlook

Rocky Mountain National Park — Multiple Designated Sites

Garden of the Gods

Maroon Bells Amphitheater

Sapphire Point Overlook

Rocky Mountain National Park — Multiple Designated Sites

Garden of the Gods

Maroon Bells Amphitheater

Seaside Ceremony

Wedding + Reception

Luxe Elopement

How It Works

Pick Your Package

Seaside Ceremony

Wedding + Reception

Luxe Elopement

Meet Your Planner

Choose Your Vendors

Show Up & Celebrate

How ItWorks

Pick Your Package

Meet Your Planner

Choose Your Vendors

Show Up & Celebrate

Traditional Planningvs Wedy

Enhance YourExperience

Videography

Luxe Picnic

FAQs

How It
Works

Traditional Planning
vs Wedy

Enhance Your
Experience