Elopement Planning, Without the Overwhelm

A real-life example using Colorado

If you’ve found yourself googling “how to elope” at 11:47pm with 14 tabs open and zero clarity, hi, you’re not alone. Elopement planning can feel deceptively simple. No big guest list, no seating chart, no chicken-or-fish dilemma… and yet somehow it still feels overwhelming. So let’s slow this down and talk through it like friends.

I’m going to walk you through how elopement planning actually works, using Colorado as a full example because it’s one of the most elopement-friendly places out there and honestly? A great case study for how peaceful this process can be.

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First Things First: What an Elopement Actually Is

An elopement isn’t about skipping the meaningful stuff. It’s about skipping the stuff that doesn’t matter to you. At its core, elopement planning starts with one question:
How do you want your day to feel?

Not what it should look like.
Not what Instagram says.
Not what your aunt expects.

Do you want quiet? Adventure? Slow morning energy? A city wander with coffee and pastries? A mountain overlook with wind in your hair? Everything else comes after that.

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Why Colorado Is an Elopement Favorite (And For Good Reason)

Colorado makes eloping refreshingly uncomplicated. From a legal standpoint alone, it’s kind of a dream:

• No waiting period for your marriage license
• No witnesses required
• And yes, you can legally marry yourselves (self-solemnization)

That means you can land, grab a license, get married the same day, and keep the ceremony as private and intentional as you want. No officiant required unless you want one. No extra logistics just to make it “official.”

From an experience standpoint? Colorado gives you options:

• Mountain towns
• National parks
• Quiet trails
• Urban spots like Denver or Boulder
• Cozy Airbnbs with views for getting ready slowly

You don’t have to go full adventure mode unless that’s your thing.

PERSONAL SPOTS THAT I LOVE AND THEIR PERMIT PRICES

RMNP – One of the most iconic elopement locations in the country, giant peaks, alpine lakes, tundra views, and endless scenic variety. Bear Lake, Sprauge Lake, 3M Curve, Trail Ridge Road, Hidden Valley, Moraine Park

• Permit: You must secure a Special Use Permit for a ceremony (~$300) through the park’s wedding permitting system.
• Entrance Fees: Park entry fees are separate (e.g., ~$30 per vehicle daily) and may apply.
• Vibe: Big mountain magic, dramatic landscapes, and a bucket-list experience; best for couples okay with planning ahead (permits are limited and competitive).

Maroon Bells Amphitheater

That poster shot Colorado locale: twin red peaks reflected in a glassy alpine lake.

• Permit: Typically requires a location permit (~$200) and shuttles or timed access in peak season.
• Vibe: Dreamy and scenic, great for sunrise/sunset ceremonies, plan early for permits.

Sapphire Point Overlook

Accessible mountain overlook with sweeping water + peak views just off a paved road.

• Permit Cost: ~$120 to reserve a spot.
• Vibe: Great for couples who want mountain views without a long hike.

Loveland Pass

Epic high-elevation spot with dramatic snowy peaks and alpine lakes.

• Permit Info: Check local jurisdiction or state lands, often free or low-cost if on public land with departure from strict park rules.
• Vibe: Bold, high-altitude backdrop without ceremony permits (when on general public lands).

Garden of the Gods (Colorado Springs)

Striking red rock formations set against Pikes Peak, one of the easiest, natural elopement backdrops in the state.

• Permit/Cost: No permit required for small elopement ceremonies, and most spots are first-come, first-served (no reservation fee).
• Vibe: Dramatic red rocks, super accessible, and great for photos without costs, especially beautiful at sunrise or sunset.

Golden Gate Canyon State Park

Big views, open meadows, and forested backdrop just west of Denver.

• Permit/Cost: Some sites in the park are reserve-able; general entrance fees (example ~$9 per vehicle) may apply.
• Vibe: Lush pines + mountain panoramas, a bit quieter than the busiest national parks.

Denver Area Favorites

The Mile High City blends city vibes with nature moments, perfect for urban elopements or quick nearby escapes.

• Red Rocks Park & Amphitheater: Epic geological formations within the city limits, many couples choose sunrise ceremonies here.
• Panorama Point: Wide-open views of the Rockies and city skyline.
• Lookout Mountain: Quick mountain feel near the city, great for easy access elopements.
• Standley Lake: Calm lake reflections + mountain backdrop.
• Cheesman Park: Green lawns, open skies, and a classic city park feel.
• Mount Falcon: Close-in nature with big sky views just outside Denver.

Permit Notes: Many city parks involve special event permits for ceremonies or professional photography (cost and rules vary by municipality), so check with local parks departments, but some spots are free for smaller, casual elopements (especially without chairs, arches, or rentals).

Urban + Street Art & Neighborhood Vibes

While not parks per se, these areas add texture and personality to urban elopement photos, great for city wander segments or mini ceremonies near murals, cobblestone streets, and cool architecture:

• RiNo Art District – A creative northeast Denver neighborhood full of bold murals, industrial chic backdrops, and vibrant streetscapes that photograph beautifully and feel distinctly Denver.
• Union Station & Surrounding Blocks – Historic station facade, fountains, and classic brick make this a popular elopement and photo stopping point, especially for an upscale, classic urban vibe.
• Larimer Square & Downtown Core – Iconic cobblestone streets lined with string lights and historic buildings, perfect for evening or night portraits

A Realistic Colorado Elopement Planning Flow

Let’s say you’re eloping in Colorado. Here’s what planning might actually look like.

Step 1: Choose Your Location (Without Spiraling)

Instead of asking “Where should we elope?”
Ask: “What kind of space feels like us?”

Do you want:

• Somewhere secluded and quiet?
• Easy access with minimal hiking?
• A place you can legally marry without permits?
• A location that allows a few loved ones?

In Colorado, this could look like:

• A scenic overlook with easy access
• A quiet trail just outside a mountain town
• A courthouse ceremony followed by wandering downtown
• A private rental property with views

Pro tip: always, always have a backup plan. Weather is part of the experience here, and flexibility is what keeps the day calm.

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Step 2: The Legal Stuff (It’s Easier Than You Think)

Here’s the part people stress about, but Colorado makes it simple. You’ll go to a county clerk’s office together to get your marriage license. It costs around $30, you’ll need valid IDs, and that’s pretty much it. No waiting period, no witnesses required. Because Colorado allows self-solemnization, you can:

• Exchange vows privately
• Sign your own license
• Skip an officiant entirely if you want

After the ceremony, you return the signed license to the county and request certified copies if needed. Done. That’s it. Truly.

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Step 3: Build a Timeline That Feels Human

One of the best parts of eloping? You’re not building a day around a clock, you’re building it around energy. A Colorado elopement timeline might look like:

• Slow morning getting ready together
• Coffee, music, quiet moments
• Heading to your ceremony location when the light feels right
• Time to breathe after the ceremony
• Portraits that feel more like wandering than posing
• A celebratory meal or drink after

There’s no rush unless you create one.

Step 4: What You Wear Actually Matters (Comfort Wins)

Colorado weather can change fast, so layers are your best friend. Comfortable shoes matter more than almost anything else. And your outfit should let you move, sit, laugh, and exist without fussing with it all day. If you remember nothing else: If you’re comfortable, you’ll look like yourselves in photos.

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What Makes an Elopement Feel Meaningful

The couples who walk away feeling most grounded after their elopement aren’t the ones who planned the most, they’re the ones who made space for intention. That might look like:

• Private vows
• Letters exchanged before the ceremony
• A shared playlist
• Coffee, champagne, or your favorite takeout after
• Doing things out of order because it feels right

There’s no script. And that’s the point.

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A Quick Reality Check (In a Good Way)

You don’t need to do everything. You don’t need to optimize the day. You don’t need to make it make sense to anyone else. Colorado is a great example of how elopements can be simple, flexible, and deeply personal, but this mindset applies anywhere. The goal isn’t perfection. It’s presence.

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Final Thoughts (From a Friend)

If you’re considering eloping and feeling unsure, overwhelmed, or like you’re “doing it wrong”, you’re not. Elopements are about choosing yourselves on purpose. And planning one doesn’t have to feel chaotic to be meaningful. If you ever need help untangling the logistics, grounding your ideas, or figuring out how to make your day feel like you, that’s literally why I’m here. Coffee optional. Support guaranteed.