How to Elope in Colorado Without a Permit
2026 Guide & Legal Locations
In Colorado many locations you elope in require permits, but sometimes permits are not a possibility for couples for a multitude of reasons.
And I get that, you spend $300 on a national park permit just to be denied the opportunity to elope in the ever popular Rocky Mountain National Park. That money is an administrative fee, and won’t be returned to you if you don’t receive a permit for your date. If you are for any reason tied to a specific date without flexibility this may be one reason you don’t want a permit.
Another reason is time, eloping last minute (with 4-12 week lead time) is a very popular. Permits for National Parks and other areas sometimes take weeks or months to have returned which can be somewhat nerve wracking if you want your planning experience to be stress free.
Many permits are for a specific time on a specific date. What if there is a thunderstorm during your permit time and you only have an hour in that spot for your ceremony?
This guide helps you avoid the need for a permit in Colorado from Boulder to the San Juans!
Do you need a permit to elope in Colorado?
Short answer, sometimes, but not in every case! You can legally get married almost anywhere, but there are many locations, especially in the front range area of the state (Denver, Colorado Springs, Boulder…) where permits are required to get married on public lands. Sometimes it’s for a general wedding or vows ceremony, and other times it’s for photography.
Public Lands - Sometimes require permits
National Parks - Almost always require permits, especially in Colorado.
Private Venues - Handled by the property but there is almost always a cost associated which far exceeds the cost of any permit.
Places You Don’t Need a Permit to Elope in Colorado
There are so many beautiful areas throughout Colorado to elope where you don’t need a permit!
Keeping your total group size small is the key (no more than 10-15 people). When you start adding in more people needing a permit or a venue starts to become more of a reality.
Getting married on public lands often comes with a certain set of rules whether you have a permit or not. Large set ups like arches and chairs increase the need for getting a permit. If this is a must for your ceremony I definitely recommend finding a venue which caters to micro weddings such as an event friendly VRBO.
And finally, always respect Leave No Trace principles so these public lands continue to allow elopements on site without the need for a permit.
Common no-permit options include:
National forests (outside of regulated areas): some popular locations include Loveland Pass, Guanella Pass, Brainard Lake Recreation Area (there is a time entry fee which I recommend reserving in advance), Crested Butte, Officer’s Gulch, St. Mary’s Glacier, and locations throughout the San Juan Mountains (Ouray, Telluride…)
Garden of the Gods allows for elopements and small weddings up to 50 guests in some locations. No permit is required, but a donation to the park is always welcome.
Denver Mountain Parks allows for elopements so long as the total group size is under 5 people. This includes your vendors such as photographer, videographer, officiant, and you two! Some of the most popular locations for elopements in these public lands are Red Rocks, Echo Lake, & Summit Lake Park (Mt. Blue Sky, formerly Mt. Evans).
Where do you need a permit to elope in Colorado?
There are several location you need permits to elope! The following list is meant as a guide to help you better navigate permits and their costs. While this doesn’t list every place in Colorado you need a permit to elope, it checks off some of the most popular locations!
Rocky Mountain National Park
If you are having a ceremony of any kind whether that is the two of you just exchanging vows and not even legally getting married or having a more formal legal ceremony with a handful of guests, you need a permit. Rocky Mountain National Park is also fairly strict on where you can have ceremonies and vow exchanges within the park. Portraits however, can be taken almost anywhere in the park as long as a ceremony is not occurring outside of the designated permit area. The cost of a permit at Rocky Mountain National Park is $300. I highly recommend applying for this permit in advance.
Great Sand Dunes National Park
Ceremonies can be done in Great Sand Dunes National Park in any area open to the public unless there are over 15 people. Any groups over 15 people will be directed to get married in the park’s amphitheater. The permit is $200.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
Permits in Black Canyon of the Gunnison are a bit more relaxed since this isn’t as popular of a location for elopements. Permits are required for all weddings, but only $100.
Sapphire Point Overlook (Summit county)
It’s very easy to make a reservation for this site and it isn’t so much as a permit as it is a group site fee in the National Forest. Due to Sapphire Point’s popularity there is a site fee for all weddings. This site allows up to 30 guests and ranges from $120-$142 depending on the time of year you are getting married.
Windy Point Campground (summit county)
You can rent this entire group campground and beautiful picnic shelter for your intimate wedding! There is a maximum of 100 people allowed here making it perfect for couples who do want more of a full wedding. The cost of the site per day is $268.
Chautauqua Park (Boulder)
There is no wedding permit required for ceremonies under 50 people, however, your photographer does need a commercial use permit which is $50.
Lost Gulch Overlook (boulder)
This location is highly recommended for smaller intimate elopements, but is also a popular place to get married. This location requires the same photography permit as Chautauqua Park which is $50.
Sunrise Amphitheater (Boulder)
Alternatively you can rent out a space for your elopement in the Boulder area! Sunrise amphitheater is one of the most popular locations and can be rented for $159 per hour. This is not a permit, but again a rental so obtaining this is a little less complicated than a permit.
Hermit Park Pavilion (estes Park)
If you’re having a full outdoor wedding and looking for a budget friendly ceremony location Hermit Park Pavilion allows up to 150 guests on site, a ceremony set up with chairs/decor, and is only $500.
Roxborough State Park (near denver)
There are two locations you can elope in Roxborough State Park with up to 25 guests/vendors in your group. The cost of the permit is $150-$250.
AA Barn (Grand Lake)
The AA Barn is a National Forest group picnic site meaning this is another rental, but doesn’t actually require a permit. It’s $100 and this also gets you access to the barn (reception space!).
Maroon Bells
This is one of the most sought after locations to elope or have an intimate wedding in Colorado. The rental cost is $200 and only available June-September (primarily only weekdays). It books up very quickly!
How to Legally Marry in Colorado
One of the biggest reasons couples choose to marry in Colorado, besides the incredible scenery, is the ability to self-solemnize their marriage without the need for an officiant or witnesses.
Self-solemnization is very easy! To self-solemnize in Colorado, you must obtain a marriage license from any county clerk, sign it yourselves within 35 days (no officiant or witnesses required), and return it within 63 days of the ceremony. Couples must be 18+, pay a $30 fee, and can conduct the ceremony, such as reading vows, anywhere in the state.
Licenses are valid within 35 days of obtaining them and there is no wait period. Once your say your vows simply sign the license and mail it back! A few counties in Colorado also allow your dog to “sign” your license! Please be sure to check which counties allow that so your marriage license is not marked as invalid.
Timelines for Stress Free Colorado Elopements
4 hour sunset elopement
4:00pm Get ready at the cabin & first look
5:00pm Drive to trailhead
5:20pm Hike trail to ceremony location
6:00pm Ceremony & vows
6:20pm Champagne and cake picnic
6:40pm Sunset portraits
7:30pm Hike back in headlamps
8:00pm Arrive back at the trailhead and go to dinner
8 hour micro wedding with 30 guests
12:00pm Get ready at the VRBO
1:30pm First Look
2:00pm Travel to trail for the vows
2:30pm Hike
3:00pm Private vows and portraits
4:30pm Travel back to VRBO for ceremony
5:30pm Ceremony
6:00pm Family Portraits & candids of cocktail hour
7:00pm First Dance, Toasts, & Dinner
8:00pm Sunset and dancing
What photographers actually help with
Most people think they’re hiring someone to show up, take photos, and send a gallery a few weeks later. But the right photographer—especially for an elopement or intimate wedding—is so much more than that.
You’re not just getting photos. You’re getting a guide.
From the moment you reach out, I’m helping you navigate decisions that shape your entire experience—not just how it looks, but how it feels. That can look like: Helping you choose a location that actually fits your vision (not just what’s trending). Recommending the best time of day for light, privacy, and atmosphere. Building a timeline that gives you space to be present instead of rushed. Because the truth is, most couples have never done this before. And you shouldn’t have to figure it out alone.
I help you create a day that feels like you
There’s a difference between a wedding that looks good and one that feels right while you’re in it. I help you strip away expectations and build something intentional. Your photos are a reflection of those choices. So we start there.
I’m paying attention to what you don’t see
The way your partner looks at you when you’re not paying attention. The pause before you say your vows. The in-between moments that most people miss. That’s where the real story lives. I’m not there to manufacture moments—I’m there to notice them, hold space for them, and document them honestly.
I step in when you need it—and disappear when you don’t
Some parts of the day need guidance. Others need quiet. I’ll gently direct when it helps you feel more comfortable or connected. And I’ll step back when something real is unfolding so it can stay uninterrupted. You’ll never be left wondering what to do—but you’ll also never feel like you’re performing.
I help with the things you didn’t even know to ask
Permits. Weather backups. What to pack. Where to change. When to start. How to make it legal in Colorado. These are the details that can quietly add stress if no one is thinking about them. I am.
At the end of it, this isn’t just about photos
It’s about creating a day that felt honest while you were living it— and having images that bring you right back to that feeling.