Telluride Elopement: Your Ultimate Guide to a Spectacular Day
When it comes to incredible ski towns in Colorado, Telluride has to be one of the most popular – and for good reason! Its historic Victorian-era homes, beautiful ski resorts, gourmet restaurants, and spectacular scenery make it an amazing destination any time of year, but particularly in the winter. It also happens to be an amazing place for an elopement! If you’re looking for a spectacular setting for an intimate and adventurous “I do,” check out this Ultimate Guide to Eloping in Telluride! There’s nothing quite like an unforgettable Telluride elopement!
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Plan Your Telluride Elopement With This Ultimate Guide!
When You Should Elope in Telluride & How to Pick Your Date
Telluride’s seasons, like most mountain towns in Colorado, have patterns but can be unpredictable. I’d pick your elopement date primarily based on the weather and the kind of surroundings you’d like to have in your epic photos.
For example, summer is an amazing time to elope in Telluride. The wildflowers are blooming in abundance, the town is lively and bustling, and the summer air still has a crispness to it. Plus, the jeep trails are clear and usually pretty perfect for adventuring. It can get pretty rainy consistently in the summer afternoons, though, so consider an early morning sunrise elopement if possible!
Fall is another spectacular option for an elopement. The mountains come to life with rich autumn colors, and it’s generally a quieter time as far as tourism goes. Just be prepared for chillier weather and maybe a snowstorm or two as October moves in. The winter is a spectacular time for capturing Winter Wonderland photos that make it look like you’ve stepped into a snow globe. Just keep in mind that off-roading trails can frequently be closed due to snow, and it’s also Telluride’s busiest (and most expensive) season as a ski town.
The only season I would encourage you to avoid is spring; Telluride locals and vendors tend to take the season to recoup after a busy winter, so it can be challenging to find what you need for your elopement. It still offers cooler weather and fewer crowds, but just know the season may be working against you a bit.
Telluride Elopement Locations
Telluride is home to so many stunning sites that are perfect for elopements. Whether it’s just the two of you or a small group of friends and family by your side, there are plenty of locations to accommodate your dream elopement. Here are a few of my favorite spots!
Bridal Veil Falls, other than being appropriately named for an elopement, is one of Telluride’s most popular destinations. At over 360 feet, it’s the largest waterfall in Colorado and is an extraordinary setting for an elopement. You can access it by hiking, but it’s not a beginner trail due to rugged terrain and elevation. You can also access it with a high-clearance 4WD vehicle if you prefer!
Alta Lakes Observatory is a stunning private cabin high in the mountains that gives you a landing place for an elopement. Stay overnight in their cozy accommodations and use it as a home base as you wander the area, taking photos and finding a secluded spot for your vow exchange. Up to 12 guests can stay at the cabin, but for an additional fee, you can invite up to 45 to join you for a celebration.
Adventurous couples will love exploring various Telluride mountain passes and making their way to some of the extraordinary alpine lakes throughout the mountainsides. Whether you view it as an opportunity for some rugged hiking or want to try out some exciting off-roading, we’ll find the most incredible, secluded spots for your elopement.
How to Get a Telluride Marriage License
Getting a marriage license in Telluride is probably one of the easiest parts of planning your elopement! The state of Colorado requires you to bring the necessary documentation (that can be found on their website) to any county clerk’s office in the state. Pay a small fee, fill out the paperwork, and voila – you’ll walk out with your marriage license and no waiting period. You don’t even need witnesses or an officiant to be officially married in Colorado!
Bonus: Telluride is home to one of the most charming county clerk’s offices in the state. You can absolutely get married right there, capture some adorable shots, and then venture out to the mountains for more scenic photo ops.
What to Wear to Your Telluride Elopement
Your elopement attire can be anything you dream it to be!! There’s nothing quite like an ethereal white gown set amongst the mountain meadows and wildflowers, in my opinion, but the most important thing is that you feel comfortable and absolutely gorgeous. Wear whatever you like – just think ahead by bringing solid hiking boots and a few layers just in case a cool mountain breeze picks up while you’re out adventuring.
How Much Does a Telluride Elopement Cost?
Telluride’s popularity as a ski town does make it one of the more expensive places to elope. While winter is its most popular season, you can pretty much expect to be paying more any time of year, particularly when compared to other nearby mountain towns. Keeping that in mind, your budget can be as flexible as you want it to be. You’ll want to account for important line items like your marriage license fee, any required site fees (I’ll help you navigate those), and, of course, travel and accommodations.
If you’re planning on off-roading, consider the costs of renting a jeep or another 4-wheel Drive vehicle to get to where you want to go. Then there are the typical vendor costs for things like attire, photography, florals, hair and makeup, and any other special touches you need for your perfect day.
Hiring a Telluride Elopement Photographer
With all of the thought and planning you put into your Telluride elopement, don’t let a single moment pass by. As your photographer, I will make sure that you and your partner have an incredible album of unforgettable photos capturing the incredible adventure of your elopement. Plus, as someone who specializes in epic elopement photography, I’ll help you every step of the way to make sure your day lives up to your incredible expectations.
You Will Love Your Absolutely Stunning Photos From Your Dream Telluride Elopement
Ready to start planning? Feeling hyped up about a Telluride elopement? Let’s connect! I’d love to tell you everything I know and help you find the perfect way to celebrate your day.