I often see couples on social media asking for ideas on elopement locations that double as a honeymoon destination, and there are so many amazing options for that near me that I wanted to create a guide for other couples looking for the same thing! It is a great idea, after all, to combine your vacation for a destination elopement with a built-in honeymoon. Colorado may not be everyone’s idea of a honeymoon destination, but if you’re not seeking the usual tropical environment, there is so much to do in these beautiful areas! I’m focusing today on elopement locations near me – Western Colorado and Eastern Utah. Let’s dive in…
Elopement Locations that Double as a Honeymoon Destination
Palisade
Palisade, Colorado is the Napa Valley of Colorado. With 30+ wineries to enjoy on your stay, anyone who enjoys a wine tasting may already be sold. Did I mention Palisade lies along the Colorado River? You can float from one end of our valley to the other to cool off in the summer and enjoy the cool high desert scenery.
The town is also the Peach capitol of the west with a lot of local agriculture including cherries, apricots, nearby Olathe sweet corn, tomatoes, plums, lavender, apples, pears, and so much more. You can rent a bike to pedal around this quaint little town from vineyard to farm stand, tasting wines and loading your basket with fresh produce for dinner or eggs for tomorrow’s breakfast. Sunday mornings the downtown comes alive with Palisade’s Farmer’s Market: one of the fastest growing markets in the state!
It’s a short drive over to the Colorado National Monument by Grand Junction/Fruita – a red rock canyon area that is a must-visit if you’re in the area. Speaking of road trips, Palisade is 2 hours or less from Moab, Glenwood Springs, and Black Canyon National Park, making it a great home base for anyone wanting to explore the western slope.
Palisade is also home to a number of popular festivals, like the Bluegrass Festival, the Peach Festival, Colorado WineFest, Lavender Festival, and more. You can time your visit right to enjoy the festivities while you’re here.
Aspen
If you’re considering Colorado for your elopement and honeymoon destination, you’re likely already familiar with Aspen. There is world class dining and shopping in this little mountain town. You can explore unique parts of the area like the famous Maroon Bells, or the off-the-beaten-path ghost town of Ashcroft. It’s a short drive over to Glenwood Springs to soak in the hot springs too. There is plenty of hiking, mountain biking, and outdoor recreation in Aspen as well if you’re looking to spend your time outdoors in these beautiful mountains!
Ouray
Ouray, known as the Switzerland of America, is a hot spot for recreation on the western slope. With tons of off roading adventures to be had throughout the San Juan mountains, you’ll want to bring or rent a Jeep or similar vehicle, or take one of the Jeep Tours, to see the wild parts of this area.
Ouray also has hot springs, both public and private, to relax after a long day in the mountains. Grab a beverage from the rooftop bar or brewery, or hit the distillery for a cocktail. There’s local desserts at Mouse’s Chocolates and plenty of fun shopping downtown too. Hike the Perimeter Trail for a 360 degree view of Ouray, hike to the Cascade Falls or Box Canyon Falls, or find one of the area’s ghost towns to explore a bit of history. You can even tour a mine or head to Telluride or Silverton for a day trip!
Silverton
Similar to Ouray, Silverton is a great vacation destination in the San Juans. Not only is it a major Jeep and off-roading destination into the wild backcountry of the mountains, there are many cool nearby sights to see. Take the Silverton-Durango train through the backcountry and see part of the area you’d never see otherwise. Ride out to Animas Forks ghost town, or find a wild hot spring to dip in. There are a number of waterfalls to discover, and old mines to learn about the history of Silverton! Take a day trip to the other towns in the region, or one of the (relatively nearby) National Parks.
Glenwood Springs
One of the most famous hot springs destinations in Colorado, Glenwood Springs is a great vacation destination for your elopement and honeymoon. Being right on I-70, it’s an easy day trip to a number of great towns like Aspen, Vail, or even over to Palisade or Moab! Right in town there is a number of great dining and shopping. Stay at one of the local historic hotels, dip in a hot spring, white water raft down the Colorado River, head up the mountain to the amusement park, or go for a hike around the area.
Moab
Using Moab as your elopement location that doubles as a honeymoon destination is increasingly becoming a staple of couples looking to elope in the west. Adventure for your big day and continue the adventure as you explore and enjoy the area for your honeymoon. Explore the area’s two National Parks, Canyonlands and Arches, or the state park Dead Horse Point, or head into the wild for less popular red rock arches and towers. From world class Jeeping, hiking, rafting, helicopter tours, dinosaur history, and so much more – the outdoor recreation in Moab is unmatched.
Your Elopement Photographer
Need a photographer for your elopement in one of these areas? I am an expert in these locations and love to help my couples with every step of the journey, from finding a location, to suggesting things to do, advice on where to stay, tips and tricks, and so much more. Click here to learn more!
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