A San Juan Mountains elopement in southwest Colorado is a magical and adventurous choice! As a photographer and planner for destination elopements, I don’t want planning your San Juan Mountains elopement to feel stressful, complicated, or overwhelming. That’s why I’ve created this guide- to provide you with all the essential info you need to start planning your dream elopement.

Let’s dive into how you can start planning your San Juan Mountains elopement.

Your Guide To Eloping in the San Juan Mountains

Eloping in the San Juan Mountains is an ideal destination if you and your partner are looking to escape the crowds and have a jaw-dropping backdrop for your elopement day.

Before diving into what you need to do, be sure to bookmark this page so you can easily refer back to this guide!

Here’s what you need to do to plan your San Juan Mountains elopement:

Choose Your Location

There are so many stunning spots within the San Juan Mountains where you could tie the knot. Here are some spots that I would recommend:

Telluride

Think alpine beauty, waterfalls, and mountain views. Here, you’ll also find the iconic Bridal Veil Fall. This location is famous for its free gondola rides. It also offers plenty of lodging options, charming shops, and incredible restaurants. There’s even a small airport you could fly into as well for your elopement.

Ouray

Ouray is referred to as the "Switzerland of America" because of its high mountains and landscape that looks like it came straight out of a travel magazine. It’s a quaint town with hot springs, cascading waterfalls, dramatic mountain views, and snow-capped summits. There is no shortage of adventure to be had.

Silverton

Silverton is a charming, historic mining town with rugged mountain backdrops. It’s right in the middle of all the gorgeous mountains and has a few waterfalls and lakes. No matter where you go in Silverton, you’ll be surrounded by views that are nothing short of spectacular.

Ridgway State Park

Ridgway State Park offers a serene setting with reservoirs and mountain views. If you plan your elopement here, you’ll have a variety of backdrops to choose from, including mountain vistas, scenic overlooks, or lakes.

Ice Lake Basin

Ice Lake Basin is near Silverton, Colorado, and it’s absolutely beautiful—pictures simply don’t do this spot justice. The lake is turquoise blue, and there’s even an island right in the middle of the lake! Something to be aware of is that the trail to access the basin can be difficult, but trust me, the scenery is well worth the trek.

Secure the Required Permits

After a location is selected, the next step is to secure the required permits (if applicable). Many public lands, such as national forests, state parks, and national parks in Colorado, require permits for ceremonies. If you’re wondering if a permit is needed, it’s best to contact the local ranger district/park office in the location you choose to check. Also, don’t forget to ask about a permit for your photographer! They may need one for public land.

If we work together, you don’t have to worry about any of this. Once you pick your dream location, I will help you navigate this portion! This is part of my job—being a guide!

Get your marriage license

Before you can say “I do,” you and your partner need to get your marriage license in Colorado. Luckily, Colorado is one of the easier places to get married. You can obtain a marriage license from any Colorado County Clerk's office.

Once you make an appointment you’ll need to go with your partner and bring a photo ID with you. At your appointment, you’ll fill out paperwork and pay the $30 fee required to file. There is no waiting period and your license is valid immediately. You are required to return the signed license within 63 days to the same place you received it.

To learn more about getting your marriage license in Colorado, go here.

Pick the Right Season and Understand the Weather

Each season in the San Juan Mountains has something different to offer and the season you choose can impact your elopement experience in the mountains. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect from each season:

Summer (June - August)

In summer, you’ll find the trails and alpine locations are typically snow-free and easy to access. You are also likely to encounter vibrant wildflowers in full bloom in July and early August, which are gorgeous to have as part of your backdrop.

Be mindful that July and August are also a part of the monsoon season. Afternoon thunderstorms are common at this time of year which is why I recommend planning to have a morning ceremony to avoid any weather interruptions. Pop-up thunderstorms and lightning are both real hazards and something I take very seriously! I plan timelines around factors like these!

While this is generally a snow-free time, there is still a chance that you’ll run into snow in June. This may mean that some trails are closed, so we will be sure to do research and have a backup plan, just in case!

Fall (September-October)

Fall brings with it the famous golden aspens and the crisp mountain air. Early fall is ideal for catching the best foliage, but be aware that many couples want to elope at this time and there are many tourists. Also, temperatures can drop quickly during this season and snow may start falling unexpectedly.

Winter (November-April)

Winter is a magical time of year to elope as the mountains transform into a dazzling, snowy wonderland. It’s a great time of year if you and your partner would describe yourselves as adventurous, as you can ski, snowshoe, or snowmobile. However, winter also brings with it lots of snow and ice. You might find that some trails and roads are inaccessible or you may encounter delays due to snowstorms.

Spring (May)

Spring weather in the San Juan Mountains can vary. You might encounter warm sunny days or, vice versa, sudden snow or rain showers. During this time of year, the trails at higher elevations may still be snow-covered or muddy. However, you’ll notice that the snow has begun melting, and underneath it, you'll find lush greenery. You’ll encounter lots of flowing, roaring waterfalls.

The elopement featured in this blog happened during the spring!

General Weather Tips:

Mother Nature has a mind of its own, but that doesn’t mean you can’t be prepared - especially if you follow the weather tips I’ve laid out for you in this guide. Here are some additional things to do to prepare for your elopement for the best experience possible:

Be aware of the high-altitude

The San Juan Mountains' high elevations mean that you’ll encounter cooler temperatures all year round, so how can you prepare? First, layers are non-negotiable. Also, make sure that you pack plenty of water for your elopement—especially if you are doing a long, uphill trek.

Bring sun protection

The sun is intense at higher altitudes, so make sure you pack sunscreen, layers, and sunglasses. No one wants a sunburn on their wedding day.

Prepare for unpredictable weather

Always, always, always check the forecast on the day of your elopement. In the San Juan mountains, a gorgeous sunny morning can turn into a stormy afternoon. Make sure you have alternative indoor or sheltered locations in case of inclement weather.

Plan for the outdoors

To ensure that your celebration goes without a hitch, prepare for the outdoors. This means bringing attire that allows for movement and layers for warmth. You will also need to pack sturdy, waterproof shoes for hiking or uneven terrain and bring extra items such as blankets, jackets, extra socks, a rain jacket, hand warmers, etc. PLEASE break in your hiking shoes beforehand!

Hire Your Vendors

Next on your checklist: hire your vendors! Having vendors will make planning and executing your elopement much easier and less stressful. I wouldn’t recommend trying to do everything on your own, especially if you’re trying to plan your elopement in a location that you’ve never visited before.

Here are some vendors to consider:

Officiant: Colorado allows self-solemnization, so you can marry yourselves without an officiant if you want! On the other hand, if you work with an officiant, they will help you with all the paperwork you need to legally get married in Colorado. Fun fact - I’m an officiant! I can do more than plan and photograph your special day.
Photographer: You’ll want to document your elopement, and part of the elopement planning process is deciding how you want to make it happen. As a photographer myself, I recommend you hire a photographer who is experienced with mountain/ adventure elopements. They will have the experience to help you plan and prepare for your elopement while also taking into weather conditions and other essential logistics. Bonus tip - look for an elopement photographer and planner all in one such as myself.
Videographer: You’ll love having video footage of your elopement to look back on for years to come that preserves all the feelings and emotions. Check out my Super 8 page here!
Hair and Makeup Artist: Hiring a hair and makeup artist means that you can have peace of mind. You won’t have to stress about your makeup smudging or hairstyle falling out especially if you work with a hair and makeup artist who has experience with mountain elopements and mountain weather.

Plan elopement activities

Your elopement doesn’t have to just be about having a quick ceremony and signing paperwork. One of the best things about planning an elopement is that you can make room in your budget for fun, adventurous elopement activities, and Colorado has a ton of options for you to choose from.

Some elopement activities you could include are:

A private helicopter ride
Off-roading on a 4x4 trail to access secluded spots
Hiking to a remote alpine lake or peak
Soak in the natural hot springs, such as the Dunton Hot Springs, or you can hike to the Rainbow Hot Springs
Try out a half-day white water rafting adventure
Skiing or snowboarding at a resort

Choose your accommodations

There are many incredible accommodations near the San Juan Mountains. For instance, you could stay in a cozy mountain lodge, cabin, or luxury hotel. You can also choose an off-the-grid cabin or Airbnb for a unique elopement experience. Some spots you could consider are The Bonnie Belle Cabin, Red Mountain Lodge, or Dunton Hot Springs.

Also, when picking your accommodation, consider whether there are options available for post-ceremony festivities, such as being able to enjoy a hot spring soak or a romantic dinner cooked by a private chef. For example, the couple featured in this blog went to the Western Hotel in Ouray to enjoy drinks after their wedding ceremony.

Ready to Plan Your San Juan Mountains Elopement?

I hope you found this advice on eloping in the San Juan Mountains helpful! The San Juan Mountains are a gorgeous place to plan your elopement, especially if you love the idea of arriving at your ceremony spot on an off-roading trail in a jeep, exploring the backcountry, or picking a location where you will be rewarded with incredible views.

Do you want a wedding experience where you embrace genuine, authentic moments and have those captured? Would it be a dream come true to work with a photographer who can help you find specific vendors, trails, and accommodations?

If that sounds exactly like what you’re looking for, then let’s get started planning your elopement or wedding day in the San Juan Mountains and beyond! You can get in touch with me here or learn more about my services here.