Why Do So Many Texas Couples Elope in Colorado?
Colorado is a super popular state for destination elopements (and it’s easy to see why)! Running off to the mountains together is such a magical way to get married. Colorado is an amazing destination for Texas couples planning to elope.
Why are so many Texas couples eloping in Colorado? There are several reasons Colorado is an appealing elopement destination for Texas couples…
01/ Mountain landscapes
Colorado’s mountains are unmatched as far as elopement backdrops. And they’re a totally different vibe from any of the landscapes in Texas!
02/ Great weather
Texas weather can be brutally hot and humid, which really limits when you can elope in nature. Colorado has mild, dry summers, especially high up in the mountains.
03/ Adventurous vacation
It’s easy to turn your Colorado elopement into a longer trip (or an adventurous honeymoon)! There are so many cool places to see and things to do in Colorado to plan a once-in-a-lifetime vacation.
If you’re considering a Colorado elopement from Texas, you might be wondering…
“Is the altitude going to wreck me? What about the summer heat?”
If you’re not familiar with Colorado’s weather and high altitude, planning a summer trip to the mountains can be a little daunting!
But Colorado actually has super mild summers compared to Texas – perfect for adventuring in the mountains. And while the altitude can take a little adjusting, it’s totally doable if you know what to expect.
I’ve got all the tips and tricks for planning a Colorado elopement if you’re coming from Texas – from the best season to elope here to advice for surviving the altitude.
Table of Contents
- When to Elope in Colorado (Especially If You’re From Texas)
- Planning a Colorado Road Trip Elopement
- Colorado Altitude Advice for Texas Couples
- Off-Roading & Mountain Access in Colorado
- Colorado Elopement Travel & Logistics for Texas Couples
- How to Apply for a Colorado Marriage License (If You’re Coming From Texas)
- Elopement Permits & Location Restrictions in Colorado
- What to Wear For Your Colorado Elopement (If You’re Used to Texas Weather)
- Colorado Elopement Timeline For Texas Couples
- Why Hiring a Colorado-Based Elopement Photographer Matters
When to Elope in Colorado
(Especially If You’re From Texas)
Colorado has very different weather from Texas – especially high up in the mountains! If you’re coming from Texas for your Colorado elopement and not used to extreme cold and snow, I’d recommend eloping in either the summer or fall.
Summer Elopements in Colorado
Colorado’s summer typically lasts from June to early September. It’s a huge contrast from Texas summers – and a perfect time to elope!
Summer highs in the mountains range from 70-80° F (vs. 95-105° in Texas). Colorado also has pretty low humidity, which makes even the hottest days more bearable.
You can expect a typical summer day in the Colorado mountains to be cool in the morning, warm and sunny most of the day, and chilly in the evening. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in July and August – but it’s usually not long before the sun returns.
If you’re planning a fall elopement in Colorado, here are a few important things to consider…
- Mountain weather changes fast. A sunny afternoon can turn into a thunderstorm in a matter of minutes (but it can clear up just as quickly).
- Dressing in layers is key, even in the summer. Because the weather can change so much throughout the day, it’s smart to wear layers so you can adjust. For example, you might wear a t-shirt under a sweater for your morning hike, and pack a raincoat in case of showers.
- Wildflowers don’t bloom when you might expect. If you’re from Texas, you might be thinking of wildflowers blooming in the spring. But in the mountains, peak wildflower season is mid-July to early August!
Fall Elopements in Colorado
Compared to Texas, Colorado gets amazing changing leaves in the fall as the aspens turn gold. Colorado’s peak fall colors happen between late September and early October, so this is the ideal timeframe for a fall elopement!
In late September and early October, you can expect crisp 40-60° days in the Rocky Mountains. By mid-October, it starts to get really chilly, and snow is possible.
If you’re planning a fall elopement in Colorado, here are a few important things to consider…
- The sun sets early in the fall. In Colorado’s mountains, the daylight hours start to get much shorter during the fall, and sunset is earlier than you’d expect. You’ll want to keep this in mind if you have a full day of adventures planned for your Colorado elopement.
- Weekdays are ideal during peak fall colors. Fall is a popular time to visit Colorado to see the changing aspen leaves. If you want your Colorado elopement to be private and peaceful, I’d highly recommend choosing a weekday.
Planning a Colorado Road Trip Elopement
If you’re coming from Texas, I think one of the coolest things you could do is turn your Colorado elopement into a road trip! Here are a few ideas for an epic, multi-day road trip adventure from Texas to Colorado.
Texas to Colorado Road Trip Itineraries
Option 1: Texas → Great Sand Dunes → Crested Butte
- Drive from Texas to Great Sand Dunes National Park
- Watch the sunrise over the sand dunes, then grab breakfast in Westcliffe
- Head up to Crested Butte for an elopement with mountain views
Option 2: Texas → Durango → Ouray → Telluride
- Take a scenic drive on the Million Dollar Highway from Durango to Ouray
- Explore the adorable mountain town of Ouray, called the “Switzerland of America”
- Continue on to Telluride for your elopement day
Option 3: Texas → Colorado Springs → Breckenridge
- Make your first stop at Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs
- Drive through the stunning valleys and mountain passes to Breckenridge
- Elope in Breckenridge at an alpine lake or mountain pass
Packing Your Wedding Attire for Your Colorado Road Trip
If you’re turning your Colorado elopement into a road trip, here’s some advice for safely transporting your wedding attire in the car…
- Pack your wedding dress and/or suit in a breathable cloth garment bag
- If possible, hang your wedding attire from a hook, roll it, or lay it out flat, instead of folding it up
- When you reach your destination, remove your wedding attire from the garment bag and hang it up to let it air out
- Bring a steamer with you to remove any wrinkles before your elopement
Colorado Altitude Advice for Texas Couples
One of the most common questions I get from Texas couples planning an elopement in Colorado is: “What about the altitude?” The elevation change between Texas and Colorado is a serious adjustment – but it’s also totally survivable if you know what to expect!
Colorado vs. Texas Elevation
To put it into perspective, most Texas cities sit between sea level and 1,500 feet of elevation.
In contrast, most Colorado mountain towns are at 8,000-11,000+ feet of elevation.
That’s a huge difference – and if you’re coming from Texas for your Colorado elopement, your body simply isn’t used to being that high above sea level.
Why Does Elevation Matter?
The high altitude in Colorado affects both your body and the environment in ways you might not be used to if you’re from Texas.
You’ll probably get winded more easily doing physical activities (even if you’re in good shape). That’s because there’s literally less oxygen in the air! It’s also easier to get dehydrated, and alcohol will affect you more strongly.
Temperatures are cooler (and humidity is lower) the higher in elevation you go – and because of that, mountain towns often don’t have AC. And finally, the seasons start at different times than you’re probably used to. For example, Colorado has a late summer and early fall compared to Texas.
Tips for Destination Elopements at High Altitude
That might all sound intimidating, but there are some things you can do to prepare for the elevation change…
- Arrive 2-3 days before your elopement to let your body acclimate
- Drink a TON of water to avoid getting dehydrated
- Avoid heavy drinking in the first 24 hours
- Expect to get winded easily, and choose less strenuous hikes and other activities
- Plan a slower timeline so you can take breaks as needed
Off-Roading & Mountain Access in Colorado
Off-roading locations are a great choice for a Colorado elopement, because you can reach some epic views and remote ceremony spots without having to hike.
But if you’re not used to off-roading in the mountains, here are a few things to keep in mind…
- Not all rental cars are created equal. Just because a car has four-wheel drive doesn’t mean it can handle off-roading! If you’re planning an off-roading elopement, I’d skip the SUV at the airport and rent a Jeep from somewhere that specializes in off-road vehicles.
- Check seasonal road closures. Some mountain passes still have snow through June and even early July.
- Hire a guide if you’re not confident about off-roading. There are tons of guided off-road tours in Colorado’s mountain towns, and it’s one less thing to stress about on your elopement day!
- Make sure you’re following Leave No Trace rules. Only drive on established roads and trails – just because your car has four-wheel drive doesn’t mean you can go wherever you want!
Check out my guide to planning an off-roading elopement in Colorado!
Colorado Elopement Travel & Logistics for Texas Couples
Driving vs. Flying to Colorado From Texas
Depending on where you live in Texas (and where you’re going in Colorado), it can take anywhere from 9 to 16 hours to drive to Colorado for your elopement.
Of course, you can turn it into a whole road trip (I’ve got some ideas below)! Plus, it’s definitely easier to pack everything you need for your elopement in your car than in a carry-on.
If you prefer to fly, Denver is the biggest major airport in Colorado. From there, you can rent a car and drive a couple hours to the mountains.
A slightly pricier (but more convenient) option is to fly into a regional airport closer to your elopement location – for example, there are small airports near Crested Butte, Telluride, and Aspen.
Where to Stay in Colorado For Your Elopement
A key part of planning your destination elopement in Colorado is booking accommodations! If you’ve got a full day of adventuring in mind, the place you stay has a pretty big impact on your elopement timeline.
- Avoid booking your lodging before you finalize your elopement location. Once that’s nailed down, try to pick a place close to your ceremony spot.
- Consider if your elopement timeline includes sunset or sunrise. If you’re having a sunrise ceremony, for example, you’ll want to stay close to the ceremony to make logistics easier early in the morning.
- Remember that it can take longer than you think to travel through the mountains. A lot of Colorado towns are super close “as the crow flies,” but you have to drive around an entire mountain to get from place to place. Make sure you’re checking routes between your accommodations and ceremony spot!
Bringing Your Dog For Your Colorado Elopement
Another question I often get from Texas couples planning an elopement in Colorado is: “Can we bring our dog?”
Absolutely! But there are some extra considerations you’ll want to plan ahead for.
Dogs at High Altitude
Dogs are also affected by the elevation difference between Texas and Colorado! If you’re bringing your dog along on a hike, for example, you’ll want to be extra vigilant about making sure they drink lots of water.
Rules for Dogs on Public Land
Different types of public land in Colorado have different rules about where dogs can and can’t go. If you want your dog to be a part of your Colorado elopement, make sure you look up the rules regarding dogs for your specific location. In general…
- National forests typically have the least restrictive rules about dogs. Dogs are allowed in most campgrounds, trails, open spaces, etc.
- National parks typically have the most restrictive rules about dogs. Dogs aren’t allowed at most ceremony sites or trails in Rocky Mountain National Park, for example. (Great Sand Dunes National Park is an exception – dogs are allowed on the dunefield.)
How to Apply for a Colorado Marriage License (If You’re Coming From Texas)
Colorado is actually one of the easiest places to get legally married in – even if you’re coming from out of state!
- You don’t need an officiant or witnesses to sign your marriage license. Chances are, if you’re having a destination elopement in Colorado, you won’t have witnesses lined up to sign your marriage license. In Colorado, you can just sign it yourself (or even have your dog sign it, in most counties).
- You can self-solemnize. Only a few states allow self-solemnization, which means performing the marriage ceremony yourselves, without an ordained officiant. This is perfect if you want your elopement ceremony to be truly just the two of you!
- You don’t need any extra documentation if you’re coming from Texas. In most Colorado counties, all you need to apply for a marriage license is a valid form of ID (driver’s license, passport, etc.) and to appear in person together at the county clerk’s office.
Elopement Permits & Location Restrictions in Colorado
Special-Use Permits
Some spots in Colorado (especially the most popular ones) require a special-use permit to elope there. The rules differ depending on where you’re eloping, but permits for the most popular spots are sometimes reserved up to a year in advance.
Navigating the permit process is honestly one of the biggest reasons I think Texas couples should hire a local photographer for their Colorado elopement. I’m super familiar with how to get an elopement permit at all of Colorado’s best spots – or I can help you find a place to elope that doesn’t require a permit at all.
Trailhead Parking Limitations
Colorado’s most popular trailheads often have extremely limited parking. In fact, there are shuttle systems in place at some trailheads during peak tourist season.
Parking would be a terrible reason to miss sunrise on your elopement day! You can plan ahead to avoid these challenges by including extra time in your itinerary, having a “Plan B” prepared if your first-choice spot is full, and choosing a less busy time to elope.
Sunrises & Weekdays
One of the biggest secrets to planning an intimate, peaceful elopement in Colorado is choosing the right time. Sunrise and sunset are popular ceremony times because of the great lighting – but sunrise is way less busy. If you can brave the early morning, you’ve got a much better shot at a private elopement at sunrise.
Similarly, weekdays are always less busy than weekends at all of Colorado’s coolest elopement spots. And for a destination elopement without guests, there’s no reason not to get married on a Wednesday morning!
What to Wear For Your Colorado Elopement (If You’re Used to Texas Weather)
Layers, Layers, Layers
Yes, even in the summer! An 80° day in the Colorado mountains can get down to 50° at night. Plus, you’re likely to heat up if you’re doing something active. My biggest advice for Texas couples packing for their Colorado elopement is to bring layers you can take on or off as the weather changes.
And if you’re eloping when it’s chilly, layers are your best friend in a different way! Thermal leggings under your wedding dress will keep you warm (and no one will ever be the wiser).
Whatever You Do, Don’t Wear Heels
Even if you’re not hiking during your Colorado elopement, mountain terrain just isn’t suited for heels. It’s not only uncomfortable, it’s downright dangerous!
I highly recommend embracing the Colorado vibes and wearing a good pair of hiking boots with your dress or suit – so you’re ready for whatever conditions your elopement day throws at you.
Sunscreen Has Never Been More Important
You’re literally closer to the sun in Colorado than you are in Texas! Unfortunately, that means the sun is more intense than you’re used to – and it’s easier to get badly sunburned.
Most people probably don’t think a lot about sunscreen on their wedding day. But for a Colorado elopement, you’re definitely gonna want to wear sunscreen and reapply regularly.
Colorado Elopement Timeline For Texas Couples
Your timeline won’t look exactly like anyone else’s! But it could look something like…
- Day 1: Arrive + acclimate
Check into your hotel or Airbnb, hang up your wedding attire… and stay hydrated while you adjust to the altitude! - Day 2: Explore + rest
Sleep in, grab breakfast in town, go for an easy hike, and watch the sunset - Day 3: Sunrise elopement
Wake up early and get ready for your elopement day, exchange vows at sunrise, and spend time taking in the views and getting some epic photos - Day 4: Jeep adventure + celebratory dinner
Go off-roading (or take a guided tour) through a mountain pass, and have dinner at a fancy restaurant to celebrate being married
Why Hiring a Colorado-Based Elopement Photographer Matters
The easiest way to make your Colorado elopement stress-free if you’re coming from Texas is to hire a Colorado-based photographer!
A photographer who’s already super familiar with the place you’re eloping can take so much off your plate, including…
- Physically scouting locations ahead of time to make sure they’re accessible and have the views you’re looking for
- Predicting seasonal weather patterns, like when and where to find the best wildflowers and fall colors
- Choosing accessible routes based on seasonal closures, weather conditions, and your comfort level with off-roading
- Having backup plans already prepped, and using their knowledge of the area to make a new plan on the fly if needed
- Understanding the requirements and applying for special-use permits at different locations
- Creating a realistic timeline for your elopement day that considers the effects of altitude
- Helping you pack for the weather, and coming prepared themselves with an emergency kit, altitude essentials, and off-roading supplies
What a Colorado Elopement Costs (Compared to a Texas Wedding)
Of course, one advantage to eloping in Colorado as a Texas couple that we haven’t discussed yet is cost! The average Texas wedding costs about $30,000 – even going all out, it’d be hard to hit that number during your Colorado elopement!
Sample Colorado Elopement Budget
- Road trip from Texas to Colorado: $500
- 4 nights at a four-star hotel in a mountain town: $1,800
- 12 hours of elopement photography + planning: $7,800
- 2-day off-roading Jeep rental: $700
- Wedding attire: $2,000
- Food + miscellaneous expenses: $1,000
- Colorado marriage license: $30
- Total: $13,830
And compared to the cost of a Texas wedding, you can totally splurge a bit on parts of your elopement that are important to you – like a fun activity, a cool place to stay, or a longer road trip.
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