Everything You Need To Plan A Perfect Crested Butte Elopement
So you’re looking for a scenic Colorado destination to elope – somewhere with panoramic mountain views and alpine lakes, but without the crazy crowds. Somewhere a little more remote. Somewhere, that’s just as beautiful in the summertime as it is in the winter. Crested Butte is a fantastic option for a relaxed, nature-centered, and private elopement that doesn’t sacrifice beauty. About a four and a half hour drive from the Denver International Airport (maybe longer in the winter due to weather), a Crested Butte elopement in a beautiful remote area makes a stunning and cost-effective wedding day.
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Imagine Your Own Stunning Crested Butte Elopement
Crested Butte has all of the charm of a small ski resort town with plenty of opportunities for adventure, no matter the season. They also have a well-established wedding industry and plenty of vendors to bring your dream elopement to life! Also, have I mentioned that Crested Butte is the wildflower capital of Colorado in the summertime?
There are plenty of reasons to consider a Crested Butte elopement. Here are some things to think about as you work to narrow down the perfect spot for your celebration. Consider this your Ultimate Guide to Eloping in Crested Butte!
When You Should Elope At Crested Butte & How to Pick Your Elopement Date
Crested Butte is beautiful in pretty much every season, but you’ll definitely want to take the weather into consideration as you plan.
Summer is one of my favorite seasons in Crested Butte since it’s also wildflower season. The fields come alive with bright, beautiful, and longer days, meaning you get even more hours of sunshine and blue skies.
In the fall, groves of Colorado aspen trees transform into bright autumn colors, setting the scene with breathtaking views everywhere you look. Just be prepared to layer, as fall air in Crested Butte can be crisp, if not downright chilly!
Winter is a great season for snow enthusiasts and adventurers, but you’ll need to be okay with cold temperatures and the unpredictability of snowy weather. Similarly, spring is totally doable in Crested Butte, but the weather is seriously unpredictable. You’ll definitely need to account for a plan B, if not a plan C!
Crested Butte Elopement Locations
Crested Butte Land Trust is home to three beautiful elopement locations that are always great options.
Woods Walk is one of the most popular outdoor venues in the area, with spectacular wilderness and mountain views. It can be reserved ahead of time and is within walking distance to downtown, making it accessible even in the winter. It’s an ideal spot for rustic outdoor elopements followed by an in-town celebration at a nearby restaurant on Elk Ave.
Peanut Lake offers gorgeous waterfront views (especially in the summer and fall) and is surrounded by gorgeous wild grasses and willow trees. It’s another spot that isn’t far from town, making it easily walkable on a beautiful day, and it can accommodate a slightly larger guest list if you’re planning on having friends and family with you.
Gunsight Bridge is ideal for late summer and fall elopements. Nestled into the banks of the beautiful Slate River, the bridge overlooks rushing water and beautiful lush forestry without the hassle of a big hike. It’s also a great spot for seeing the aspens in all their autumnal glory.
How to Get a Marriage License
The state of Colorado makes getting your marriage license pretty straightforward for a Crested Butte Elopement. You can get it in any Colorado county as long as you use it within 35 days of issue and file it in the county in which it was issued. You don’t need witnesses or even an officiant; self-solemnization is legal in Colorado, meaning you can “marry” yourselves! There’s usually a small processing fee associated with applying for a license, so check your county clerk’s website for the most up-to-date costs.
What to Wear to Your Mountain Elopement
It’s your wedding day, so you should wear whatever you like! However, be sure to take into consideration the potential weather on your elopement date. Having a good set of shoes is a must, even if you aren’t doing a lot of intense hiking. Prepare to layer, too; you never know when that high-altitude wind might pick up! In the winter, you’ll definitely want coats and other warm clothing; you can always take them off for photos, but you’ll be glad you have them in between shots.
How Much Does a Crested Butte Elopement Cost?
The budget for a Crested Butte elopement can vary drastically. At the very least, you’ll need to account for your marriage license and any site fees based on where you choose to elope. The rest is all details, albeit details that you’ll likely want to include! Budget for your wedding attire, a hair and makeup artist, a florist, and a photographer at the very least. Depending on where you’re coming from, you may also need to take travel, transportation, and lodging into consideration.
The good news is, your Crested Butte elopement can cost whatever you want it to! Whether you’re dreaming of an extravagant ski resort stay and a celebration jam-packed with activities and adventures or a cozy budget-friendly weekend getaway, your dream elopement is totally doable.
Hiring a Crested Butte Elopement Photographer
Here’s the thing. You’re putting so much thought and effort into planning the perfect elopement, and I promise you’re going to want to remember every incredible detail of the day. Having a trusted photographer to capture every extraordinary view, every tender moment and every romantic gaze means you’ll be able to look back on this incredible day for years to come. As a professional elopement photographer, I will make sure you have an extraordinary album of photos from your Crested Butte elopement that you’ll be able to treasure forever.
You Will Love Planning Your Very Own Beautiful Crested Butte Elopement
A Crested Butte elopement is a wonderful way to begin the next chapter of your love story. It’s the perfect blend of remote mountain beauty and small ski town charm without sacrificing any of the details you’re dreaming of for your special day. Still have questions? Reach out – I’d love to tell you all about why I love Crested Butte elopements or help you find another location that’s even more perfect for you and your partner!
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