The how-to's on the I-Do's

There's the legal nitty gritty to get out of the way, then you are on your way to marrying your soulmate in the beautiful state of Colorado. Check out my WordPress blog post to read up on how to elope in Colorado to find all of the information on how to get everything legal and squared away so you can start planning your dream elopement! If there's anything you should know, it's that you can marry yourself in Colorado--now, not just you, yourself, and you, but you and your partner do not require an officiant to preside over the ceremony in order for your marriage license to be legal. This is a unique quality to eloping in Colorado because it simplifies the paperwork but also lets you get creative for your wedding day.

When is a good time of year to elope?

Colorado is known for keeping its citizens on their toes with accurate weather, however the seasons are tolerable year-round, it just depends on your preference! Eloping means to consider your surroundings for your ceremony or vow exchange and you need to be prepared for different things when it comes to the season Here's a light overview of the times throughout the year:

Spring - After the last snow dumps have fallen, the spring season kicks into full gear. The temps are warm during the middle of the day but chilly enough for layers and blankets at night. Spring kicks off usually the middle of April to beginning of May, and you wouldn't want to rule out a rogue snow storm in May either.

Summer - Tourism peaks during the summer months, droves of people come from all around for the climate, views, and the beauty of nature! While parks and attractions start to fill up, this means that there is an increased likelihood that your elopement ceremony could have an audience. Do complete research on a location to ensure that your vows are shared privately, or be prepared for the summer wave of tourists.

Fall - The fall colors are incomparable in the mountains and foothills of Colorado. Snow begins to christen the mountain tops with plenty of sunshine to spare. The higher the altitude, the earlier the colors will change. You can find the colors changing in the high country as early as the first week of September.

Winter - The iconic peaks of Summit County along Highway 70 are often met with plenty of snow. If you're not an experienced driver in winter and snowier conditions, then plan accordingly. This is considered the 'off-season' for most places in Colorado with tourism being slower and the weather preventing a lot of exploring. If you're a snow bunny at heart, then I encouraged you to check out Vail, Aspen, and Breck in the winter. The roads are usually clearer from Denver, but the mountains and snow activities are boundless there!

5 Places to Elope near Colorado Springs

The southern Front Range, also known as Pikes Peak Region, offers so much unique beauty to Colorado. These locations are areas that could be the perfect host for your elopement ceremony. When it comes to eloping, you can customize your special day to the finest of details. If you're looking for any specific vendors, don't you worry, you can count us to have the best vendor recommendations to assist with bringing your vision to life. Let's dive in to some of the beauty that southern Colorado has to offer:

National, Natural Landmark Located in Colorado Springs

Located within fifteen minutes of downtown Colorado Springs, and is definitely worth the visit! The park is one of the most famous attractions, known for its red rocks and breathtaking views of Pikes Peak. There's plenty of activities to explore with the park, just depends on your preference of adventure. You can drive through the park in about twenty minutes on a quiet day but can take significantly longer on holidays and the summer season. You have your selection of horseback riding, rock climbing, hiking, and so much more. The Garden of the Gods Visitor Center handles a lot of the activity coordination, visit their site here to explore more of how you can make your trip to Garden of the Gods the funnest travel experience.

Iconic 14-er near colorado springs

Pike's Peak is a 19 mile long stretch of beauty that is placed right Colorado Springs' backyard. At a staggering 14,115 feet tall, this mountain has so much to discover. The Pike's Peak Region is a source of adventure for all kinds of travelers from ziplines, scenic Jeep tours, adrenaline-pumping hikes, and so much more. Check out this link for more info about the Pikes Peak Region and start planning your adventure!

Pike and San Isabel National Forests

These two forests are intertwined across the Pikes Peak Region, making it adaptive to what you vision for your elopement ceremony. There's evergreen trees, foothills, lakes, rivers, and just about any other slice of Colorado beauty you can imagine. There's destinations close-by like Eleven Mile Canyon and the South Platte River that give you that historic western charm.

Spruce Mountain Open Space

For a quiet intimate getaway that's not too far from the city, approximately thirty minutes from Colorado Springs, with a connection to nature that would surely make a beautiful elopement location. There's a short hike to the main cliffs that offer a stunning view down the mountains, but do not require any intense hiking to access. The trail is well maintained, and can be visited year-round! The fields in the park are also very dreamy as they are a representation of the Colorado scenery.

Although this park is close to Colorado Springs, its maintained by Douglas County which has more information on the parks site and amenities, as well as, regulations and rules for the park, click here to view more.

Note: It's always important to observe the laws and regulations when entering and engaging with the beautiful spaces of Colorado. This blog is to show you the options and opportunities, but its understood that you do your own research before making accommodations for your elopement or any activities that could impact the environments around Colorado.

Black Forest, Colorado

The historic forest has the scenery for all the tree lovers out there! There's a few different spaces in this area located twenty minutes north of Colorado Springs that would make an ideal spot for an elopement ceremony. Fox Run Regional Park is a popular spot for summer activities but it includes a serene gazebo located next to a private pond. The pine forest, which this area is famous for, in the same park has some quieter areas if you're wanting a little bit more seclusion. The Lodge at Cathedral Pines is a wedding venue on beautiful private acreage which could provide that perfect intimate setting for those with larger wedding parties.

Note: It's always important to observe the laws and regulations when entering and engaging with the beautiful spaces of Colorado. This blog is to show you the options and opportunities, but its understood that you do your own research before making accommodations for your elopement or any activities that could impact the environments around Colorado.

Cheyenne Mountain State Park

Located south of downtown Colorado Springs, this state park is a beauty for those who can appreciate the western landscapes that this area is known for. The granite cliffs are some the more notable features of Cheyenne Mountain State Park, but it also neighbors the Cheyenne Cañon that is home to some of the most popular trails in Colorado Springs. The prairies and unique vegetation are what make this area feel more rustic, and can be visited for a low entrance fee. The Park recognizes weddings and elopements as a "special activity" so you would need to make sure you contact the Park directly for permits and permission when it comes to planning your special day. The park is pretty close to downtown Colorado Springs which makes it significantly easy to plan a private vow exchange and then gather at a local brewery or restaurant with your favorite people to celebrate!

Note: It's always important to observe the laws and regulations when entering and engaging with the beautiful spaces of Colorado. This blog is to show you the options and opportunities, but its understood that you do your own research before making accommodations for your elopement or any activities that could impact the environments around Colorado.

Dreamy locations for your special day

One of the best parts of eloping in Colorado, is that there are so many destinations that would serve as your ceremony location and what you want your wedding adventure to look like. Getting the chance to choose where you make your promise to your soul mate is such a memorable choice.