If you want to learn more about what I offer & how I can help, contact me to learn more! ... actions taken or not taken based on any or all of the contents of this information to the fullest extent permitted by law. Weather, trail closures, rock slides, blizzards, & more can affect your original plans for an elopement. If you’re really in for an adventure, more difficult 14ers like Mount Sneffels can be a fun challenge to conquer together. One day I shot in what was basically a blizzard in Rocky Mountain National Park. Colorado elopements have become a little more common & that’s a GREAT thing! There is so much to see and do, you’ll want an all day Colorado elopement experience to explore! Wildlife is common in Colorado. I love using Google Flights & Kayak when looking for flight deals. Utah & Arizona are not the only places to find red rock, Colorado has quite a bit as well & even has red mountains. Most mountain passes will be closed, and blizzard conditions as well as avalanches often cause closures on the main mountain highways (such as I-70, Hwy 36, and Hwy 285). Wildflowers take a longer time to mature because of the long winters & many wildflowers are uncommon & rare. Colorado is such a diverse beautiful state, we have 14,000 ft mountains, desert sand dunes, red rocks, alpine lakes, rivers, hot springs, cute little mountain towns and a bustling cities. After hiking, Jeeping, or doing whatever you did on your elopement day, the hot springs are always a welcome end to a great day. An attorney should be contacted for advice on specific legal issues. Colorado is one of the most dog friendly states! The middle of the week is one of the best times to elope. It’s a great way to add something really special to your day. But even many locals will be surprised. Photographing couples on the most special day of their lives is a true honor for me. The landscapes can make storms suddenly change or shift direction. Found! If physical activity isn’t really your thing, eloping in Colorado can involve a snowmobile tour, hiring a Jeep driver, renting an ATV, or taking a private helicopter ride! That’s why it is important to hire vendors that can help you plan your elopement & that know & research the areas well. Equal Pay for Equal Work Act (SB 19-085): The most significant employment-related bill passed during the 2019 legislative session, this Act is intended to “ensure that employees with similar job duties are paid the same wage rate regardless of sex.” Elopement Ceremony Planning Guide. When traveling in the state of Colorado, be prepared for driving on mountain roads. Colorado is a wild place that varies with the seasons, but this guide fully prepares you for your celebrat The national monuments throughout the state are Colorado National Monument, Browns Canyon, Canyons of the Ancients, Chimney Rock, Florissant Fossil Beds, Hovenweep, Yucca House, & Dinosaur National Monument. Did you know that you can get married in Colorado without an officiant or celebrant? More & more, Colorado is becoming known for it’s craft brews & microbreweries. I always love going to the Ouray Brewery in summer. Many people think of summer as being very hot and uncomfortable. Your email address will not be published. Summer is one of the best seasons to elope in Colorado because the weather is mild and somewhat more predictable. In the spring wildflowers are blooming down in the valleys while the mountains are still a winter wonderland. The San Juan Mountains are some of the most beautiful mountains in the state of Colorado, and certainly some of the least crowded. You can snowshoe or ski if it is winter. You might even want to check out this list of dreamy and fun ways to elope for inspiration! Storms build up against the mountains & can release with great force. Colorado Elopement Laws: Applying for a Marriage License. The mountains so high, the greenery so lush and the beautiful landscape give the place a breathtaking view. You don’t even need an officiant or witnesses to legally get married in Colorado! Weekends are usually more convenient for people which is when many get out & hit the trails. Colorado Elopement Guide | Your guide to planning a wedding or elopement in Colorado - everything you need to know about finding the perfect ceremony spot, permits, and self-solemnization. These trails take you on top of mountains, miles & miles away from towns & paved roads. There is Rocky Mountain near Estes Park, Mesa Verde near Cortez, Great Sand Dunes near Alamosa, & Black Canyon of the Gunnison near Montrose. If you’re looking for quality vendors for your elopement in Colorado, keep in mind that Colorado is a more expensive state to live in & … Because of this, higher elevations start the color change sooner. Below is a list of the marriage law requirements for Colorado and the documents that you’ll need to have with you when you apply for your marriage license! Check out my 4 Tips to Plan a Colorado Elopement! Crested Butte is the wildflower capital of Colorado. Popular areas & crowds might affect where you decide to elope & it can be hard to know these things if you’re not familiar with the areas. But the national forests and other pubic lands are pretty much all open to dogs. Do some research and talk to your partner about what has the most meaning for both of you! Colorado Microweddings (Microweddings LLC) is an all-inclusive wedding planning and coordinating service that provides everything needed packages for affordable small wedding ceremonies and vow renewals in the Colorado area. But Colorado also has adventure for everyone. Want to go all out in a jaw-dropping ball gown? Our packages include anything you want that's elopement wedding-related. Telling Friends and Family… Colorado Marriage Laws. Specializing in bold and vibrant wedding and elopement photography. Marriage License Information from the Larimer County Clerk & Recorder’s Office. Alpine environments, especially above tree line, are very sensitive to human impact. Marriage in Las Vegas is quick and the scenery is beautiful for an outdoor celebration. In fact, last summer we had snowstorms on the first day of summer in June! passport, driver’s license, military ID, or birth certificate). CHECK OUT THE ANNOUNCEMENT HERE. Make your elopement day in Colorado truly special. Click to read more. If you aren’t comfortable with eloping, then consider a small wedding ceremony. In order to preserve the amazing public lands we have here in Colorado, everyone needs to do their part in leaving no trace in Colorado. If you want to get married in the most private & intimate way possible, self solemnizing in Colorado might be for you. 5 Helpful Elopement Tips How long will it take to get ready? Usually other visitors are very respectful of elopements. It is always fun to see other couples having an amazing wedding day outdoors & there is room for everyone. Elope in Colorado! You’ll drive up to the top and be surrounded by alpine meadows with views of the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. In short – YES, eloping is legal. There are many things that go into eloping in Colorado which is why elopement planning is so important. With the diverse terrain that Colorado has, it is beautiful no matter what time of year it is. Colorado Elopements. We actually have an unofficial holiday in Colorado called “color Sunday” on the last Sunday of every September. One of the most fun parts about an elopement is that you can still borrow traditional parts of a normal wedding as you wish. But trust me, a sunrise elopement is worth it & can make for some great memories. Then you just mail it back or drop it off after your ceremony. Colorado is truly the state of many seasons, which gives you infinite choices depending on your vision. Mesas & book cliffs are some unique landscapes of western Colorado such as areas around Palisade & Mount Garfield. But I’ve made it my mission to take it one step further than that. When sharing your elopement photos on social media, be sure to tag responsibly. Colorado Marriage Laws – Wedding Ideas from Sundance Trail Ranch! Elopement ceremonies tend to be private and small; just be the two of you or perhaps a few family and friends join the gathering. During the summer, it will rain almost every day in the mountains. The law focuses on passenger vehicles, as commercial vehicles have their own restrictions. ... Elopement Ceremony Planning Guide. However, if you’re thinking something more tropical or something abroad, the opportunities are endless. The storms that do come through, come through quickly. Elopement Ceremony Charges . The snow blankets the mountains & trees & much of the state becomes a winter wonderland. In love with the idea of stunning photographs capture it all? If you’re looking for how to get married in Colorado, there really isn’t much to it! Winter days in Colorado can either be very mild and almost warm, or quite cold! • Lighter traction devices for your shoes like Yaktrax, • Water & mud proof hiking shoes or boots. A Colorado elopement with the wildflowers in bloom is sure to be a beautiful & romantic experience. There are also many micro breweries throughout Colorado that specialize in making their own craft beers. And you’ll likely be a long ways from cell phone service range. Our dude ranch has been hosting elopement weddings for years. But you can pretty much always be guaranteed snow in the mountains. The rain usually comes in the early to mid afternoon. Other off highway vehicles & side by sides are also commonly available for rent to take you beyond the interstates & highways to explore all that Colorado has to offer. Colorado is an idyllic place to elope, but the excitement of planning your wedding can quickly dissipate when you face the challenge of organizing all the details from afar. Don’t do something like popping confetti or throwing your bouquet off a cliff just to “get the shot”. The cost of living in on the rise with Colorado being a popular location, so just keep this in mind when looking for Colorado wedding vendors! Things to look out for if you are eloping in Colorado. There are outdoor locations in Colorado where you can accommodate having guests at your elopement. An attorney should be contacted for advice on specific legal issues. I thought I would write this as it may help people who are going through a similar situation. While we do get a few scattered nice days, the chances for freezing temperatures and snow are high. If you want to elope with arches in the background but avoid the crowds of Moab, Colorado might be your answer! passport, driver’s license, military ID, or birth certificate). Colorado, USA; Colorado is dreamy. You don’t have to have a pastor or someone with “the power vested in them” to marry you. You should, however, prepare yourself for their reactions. As a Colorado elopement photographer, I pride myself on not just documenting your Colorado self solemnization elopement, but helping you navigate the little details as well — like helping you figure out the perfect time of year for your mountain elopement ceremony or whether or not preparing some sort of elopement wedding ceremony script would be a good idea. Contact me if you need help with locations! How to Avoid Crowds During Your Outdoor Elopement. End your day with a meal by a private chef & chill in some hot springs. I’ve also written guides on eloping in … This is called “self solemnizing” where you can basically marry yourselves in Colorado without the need for anyone else. So many people visit the park during spring through fall that there can be traffic jams & parking lots will be full. Check your local state marriage laws here. But wherever you go, there is sure to be a brewery nearby! Want to elope with your dog in Colorado? Colorado Marriage Laws – Wedding Ideas from Sundance Trail Ranch! You can legally marry yourselves without the need for anyone else there. Many people hear about how beautiful Rocky Mountain National Park is, but don’t think to look beyond the park. Heels are ok for flat, even terrain but literally nothing is flat or even about the natural outdoor areas in Colorado! It may be challenging for you to elope if you have a big family, but the first thing you should keep in mind that no matter what style of wedding ceremony you have, at the end of the day it is your  wedding. However, the less guests you have, the more location options that open up. Sometimes if you want photos at more popular locations, we can find you a quieter location & go to other locations to explore & take more photos. Winter elopements in Colorado are always something different! • Hiking shoes or boots that can handle a variety of environments such as snow, mud, & water, • An outer shell covering to help with moisture in case of rain or snow. You might be tempted to pick the wildflowers to make a natural bouquet for your elopement. Our search for the perfect Colorado elopement location with an alpine lake eventually led us to the Indian Peaks Wilderness region of the Rocky Mountains. It’s very important that you stick to trails & durable surfaces to avoid harming the mosses, lichens, & wildflowers. We help couples plan elopements all over the US, and offer insight for more than just photography: from planning assistance, finding and booking locations, vendor references and more! Location scouting & personalized recommendations for elopements are part of what I offer with my services. Hi I’m Kim, a Denver, Colorado based photographer specializing in Adventure Elopements in Colorado and worldwide! These alpine tundra environments are sensitive even to people taking a few steps off of the trails. Colorado Elopement Laws: Applying for a Marriage License In order to apply for a marriage license in the state of Colorado, you must be 18 years or older, have a Social Security number, and have a valid form of ID (i.e. Colorado is definitely famous for its mountains, but there are also so many different types of landscapes. 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