How To Elope In The State Of Colorado
Eloping in Colorado can be a romantic and adventurous way to tie the knot. With its stunning mountain landscapes, gorgeous outdoor settings, and easy-to-follow elopement laws, Colorado is a popular destination for couples who want to elope. In this blog, we'll go over everything you need to know about how to elope in the state of Colorado.
Step 1: Obtain a Marriage License
The first step to eloping in Colorado is to obtain a marriage license. You and your partner will need to visit a county clerk's office in person to apply for the license. Any Colorado county clerk’s office can issue the license, even if it’s not the same county as the one where you’re eloping. Office hours are open 8am-4:30pm Mon-Fri, and most accept walk-in appointment .The application process is straightforward, and you'll need to bring valid identification, such as a driver's license, passport, or birth certificate. The cost of a marriage license in Colorado is around $30 to $50, depending on the county.
Once you have your marriage license, there's a waiting period of three days before you can get married. However, you can waive the waiting period by obtaining a waiver from a county judge. This is helpful if you're traveling from out of state and don't have time to wait for three days. You have 35 days to use it before it expires.
Step 2: Choose Your Elopement Location
Colorado has plenty of stunning locations to choose from for your elopement. Whether you want to exchange vows in the mountains, near a waterfall, or in a beautiful garden, you're sure to find a spot that suits your style. Some popular locations for elopements in Colorado include Rocky Mountain National Park, Maroon Bells, Garden of the Gods, and Vail Mountain. I have a whole list of spots if you aren’t sure!
Before you choose your elopement location, make sure to research any permit requirements, reservation fees, or restrictions. Some locations require a permit, while others may have limits on the number of guests or types of ceremonies allowed.
Step 3: Find an Officiant - Or Don’t
In Colorado, you actually can marry yourselves! If you do want an officiant - anyone can perform a wedding ceremony, as long as they're over 18 years old and ordained (you can do this online) or recognized by a religious organization. You also don’t need a witness. Or your dog could be your witness. How great is that?
Step 4: Plan Your Ceremony
One of the benefits of eloping is that - this is all about the two of you and what YOU want! You can have a ceremony that's unique and personalized to you and your partner. Maybe you want to hike a 14er or have a getaway with your 10 closest friends. Get a camper van and drive until you find a spot you love. Get an Airbnb surrounded by trees in the middle of fall. The options are limitless.
When planning your elopement ceremony, I do recommend hiring a photographer (oh, hi) to capture the moment. This will give you something to look back on and share with loved ones who couldn't be there in person.
Step 5: Celebrate!
After you've exchanged vows and said "I do," it's time to celebrate! Whether you choose to have a romantic dinner for two or an intimate gathering with close family and friends, make sure to savor the moment and enjoy your special day.
In conclusion, eloping in Colorado is a beautiful and memorable way to get married. By following these steps, you can plan a stress-free and personalized elopement that reflects your love and commitment to each other. Let me know if you want more info about location, permits, best time of year, etc!