Ten Places to Elope in Colorado that Aren’t Rocky Mountain National Park

With the park wedding permits becoming incredibly limited in recent years, you may be looking for places to elope in Colorado that AREN’T Rocky Mountain National Park. If you had your heart set on those beautiful views, don’t worry! There are actually way more amazing places to elope in Colorado with stunning mountain vistas. Here are ten places to elope in Colorado that aren’t Rocky Mountain National Park:

Maroon Bells, Aspen

One of the most iconic places in Colorado that you can elope is Maroon Bells. Odds are, once you see photos from Maroon Bells you will realize you recognize it! Reservations are currently (early 2021) required and a wedding permit is needed for this space. While it is an incredibly popular destination, it’s not quite as hard to get into as Rocky Mountain National Park.

Colorado National Monument

The Colorado National Monument is a red rock park located in Grand Junction along I-70. Think of it as a miniature Grand Canyon with daring cliffs like Moab! You can get breathtaking views of the canyons below without hiking far at all. If you did want to explore more, there are dozens of hiking trails both above the canyons and down in them for incredible views.

Ouray

Dubbed the “Switzerland of America”, Ouray is known for ice climbing in the winter and off-roading in the summer. Enjoy a 4×4 ride into the mountains for a secluded and stunning elopement backdrop! You might run into a private natural hot spring to soak in, too.

Telluride

Telluride is a small mountain town with an upscale feel. Home to Bridal Veil Falls, nearby ghost towns, alpine lakes and Telluride Ski Resort venues, there is a wide and diverse array of backdrops for your elopement.

Crested Butte

The secret of Crested Butte seems to be out. This lovable little mountain town is quickly becoming a destination for out-of-state tourists, and it’s easy to see why. Alpine lakes, mountainside venues, miles and miles of national forest land, and hidden waterfalls give this area incredible views with plenty of space to get secluded in nature. Click here for my Crested Butte Elopement Guide!

Palisade

Colorado’s wine country, Palisade offers wineries, orchards, and more for a backdrop to your elopement. If you’re looking for greenery of the peach trees and vines or fields of lavender, and an array of activities for your whole stay, Palisade is the place for you.

Buena Vista

In the heart of the Rockies, Buena Vista boasts incredible mountain views, nearby ghost towns, lakes, forest and more. Nearby Twin Lakes is a popular destination, and Buena Vista also has views of multiple of Colorado’s 14ers. If “views for days” is your goal, this might be the perfect spot for you.

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

Looking for national parks to elope in Colorado that aren’t Rocky Mountain National Park? Luckily for you, there are three others! Black Canyon of the Gunnison is the steepest canyon in America and offers some pretty incredible views for a backdrop. Surrounding the canyon there are also great views of nearby mountain ranges and forest land. Montrose, the town on one side of the national park, also offers an airport.

Vail

Many people visiting Colorado know of Vail. Beyond the Vail Village, though, are incredible and more private areas for an elopement. Piney River Ranch and the area offer a lake with stunning mountain views, and back roads around the Vail area also offer a wide range of adventures for your elopement.

Red Mountain Pass

From Silverton to Ophir to Durango and more, Red Mountain Pass and its offshoots are a wild area home to incredible lakes, some of the most rugged mountain peaks, abandoned ghost towns, and private waterfalls you could wish for. If an adventure is what you’re looking for, with some of the best views in the state, this is the area for you!

 

Are you looking at places to elope in Colorado that aren’t Rocky Mountain National Park and ready to to start planning? My elopement photography collections include location ideas, tips and tricks, vendor recommendations, and more! Click here to schedule a zoom meeting to see if we’re a good fit.