So, you’re thinking about ditching the big wedding and doing something more intentional, relaxed, and true to you? You’re in the right place. In this guide, I’m breaking down how to elope in Colorado—from legal requirements and permits to including your dog, and making the day feel like yours.

Whether you’ve got a location in mind or zero clue where to start, I’ve got you. As a Colorado elopement photographer and Super8 filmmaker, I help couples craft meaningful wedding days out in nature with their favorite people (or just the two of them). This post covers everything you need to know to plan a stress-free elopement in Colorado—and why it’s easier than you think.

Let’s get into it.

How to Elope in Colorado: What You Need to Know First

If you’re dreaming of ditching the traditional wedding chaos and doing things your own way—Colorado is the place to elope. Whether you’re hiking a trail with your closest people, exchanging vows in a cozy cabin, or saying hell yes in a wildflower-filled meadow, this state makes it easy to craft a day that actually feels like you.

So why do so many couples choose to elope in Colorado?

First off, the legal requirements here are refreshingly simple (more on that in a sec). You can even self-solemnize, meaning no officiant or witnesses required. That’s right—you can legally marry yourselves. Add in jaw-dropping scenery, easy access to national forests, and locations for every vibe—mountains, lakes, high desert, forest, alpine lakes—and you’ve got a damn good backdrop for an intentional, laid-back wedding day.

And if you’re wondering “Can we bring our dog?” The answer is a big ol’ yes.

As a Colorado elopement photographer and Super8 videographer, I’ve helped couples plan everything from sunrise mountain top vows to riverside micro-weddings with their favorite people. I’m not just here to snap pretty photos—I’m here to help you figure out permits, locations, timelines, and every tiny, meaningful detail in between.

Eloping in Colorado isn’t just doable—it’s fun, simple, and totally yours.

Colorado Elopement Legal Requirements: The Simple Breakdown

Let’s keep this part simple—because it actually is simple to elope in Colorado. One of the best things about eloping here (besides the views)? You don’t have to jump through a bunch of hoops to make it legal.

The Marriage License

You’ll need a Colorado marriage license, which you can get from any county clerk and recorder’s office in the state. It doesn’t have to be the same county you’re eloping in—super convenient if you’re coming from out of town or eloping somewhere remote.

How to Get A Colorado Marriage License

Most counties require an appointment to get your marriage license, and yes—you both have to show up in person to apply. (No virtual or mail-in options here.) Some offices book out in advance during peak wedding season, so plan ahead if you’re eloping in the summer or fall.

The license is valid immediately—no waiting period! It stays valid for 35 days, giving you plenty of flexibility around your ceremony date.

What To Bring To Your Appointment

Both parties need to show up with a valid photo ID (driver’s license, passport, state-issued ID, etc.). If you’ve been previously married, you’ll also need to know the exact date your last marriage ended.

Cost

A Colorado marriage license costs $30. Most offices accept cash, and some take cards or checks, but it’s best to double-check ahead of time.

Witnesses & Officiant

Here’s the kicker: Colorado allows self-solemnization, which means you don’t need an officiant OR witnesses to make it legal. You can literally marry yourselves, just the two of you. And yes, your dog can “sign” the license with a paw print—in most counties. (Been there. Photographed that. It rules.)

After The Ceremony

You’ll fill out your license on your wedding day, then return it to the same county office by mail or in person within 63 days.

Colorado makes it so damn easy to get married. Whether you’re planning something intimate with family or heading off the grid just the two of you, the legal stuff won’t get in the way of making your elopement meaningful.

Self-Solemnize Your Colorado Elopement

When you choose to elope in Colorado, you can legally marry yourselves. It’s called self-solemnization, and it means you don’t need an officiant or witnesses to make your marriage legit. Just you, your partner, a marriage license, and whatever kind of ceremony feels right for the two of you.

So how does it work?
After you get your marriage license from any county clerk’s office, you can literally walk outside and marry yourselves on the spot. Or take it to a mountaintop. Or a cabin porch. Or a pine forest surrounded by your people. You both sign the license, fill out the details, and it’s legal. No one else needs to sign it—not even a witness. That’s it.

Why it’s a game-changer:

• You get to create a ceremony that’s completely your own.
  
• There’s no pressure or performance—just real, intimate moments.
  
• You can still include vows, a ring exchange, or meaningful rituals if you want.
  
• Your dog can “sign” your license. Seriously—paw prints are allowed depending on where you get your license from, more on that later.)
  
• It’s perfect for private elopements or micro-weddings where you want a loved one to speak but not legally officiate.

And if you do want someone to be part of the ceremony—a friend, parent, or chosen family member—you can totally have them “officiate” symbolically without the legal pressure. It’s the best of both worlds: freedom and flexibility.

How to Include Your Dog As Your Witness When You Elope in Colorado

Let’s be honest—your dog is basically family. So why wouldn’t they be part of your wedding day? One of the coolest (and most Colorado) things about eloping here is that your dog can “sign” your marriage license as your witness—with their paw print. Yep, it’s a real thing, and it’s absolutely adorable.

Here’s how it works: Since Colorado doesn’t require an officiant or witness signatures, you can technically have anyone be a symbolic witness. That means your dog can dip their paw in pet-friendly ink and leave their mark right next to yours. It’s cute, personal, and makes for one hell of a photo moment.

Quick heads up: Not all counties allow paw prints on the legal document. El Paso, Denver, and Arapahoe counties prohibit paw signatures on marriage certificates. If you want your dog to sign, you’ll need to get your license from a different county, which is not a big deal at all since you can get a license from any county in Colorado—it doesn’t have to be the one you’re eloping in.

Tips for including your dog in your elopement:

• Choose a dog-friendly location. National forests and many state parks are great options—just double-check leash rules and guidelines.
  
• Pack a little doggy day bag with water, snacks, waste bags, and maybe a cozy blanket or jacket for them.
  
• Bring a helper (aka dog wrangler) if you want some solo time with your partner but still want your pup included.
  
• Add details that honor your pet—like a custom bandana, collar tag with your elopement date, or a little boutonnière.

As someone who’s photographed Colorado elopements with dogs in tow, I’m all about helping you make your day inclusive, relaxed, and memorable—paw prints and all.

Planning the Logistics: Permits, Locations, Guests, and Timing

When you decide to elope in Colorado and start planning, the logistics can feel a little overwhelming at first—but that’s exactly where I come in. Every park, forest, and mountain trail has its own rules around permits, group sizes, and even dogs. I help you navigate all of that so you can focus on the fun stuff—like choosing the spot that makes your heart beat a little faster.

Locations + Guest Size

Whether it’s just the two of you or a micro-wedding with 15–40 of your favorite humans, your location choice matters. Not all scenic spots can accommodate a group, and some have strict rules on gatherings, amplified sound, decorations, or where you can set up. If you already have a place in mind—amazing. I’ll help you double-check the rules and figure out what’s needed to pull it off. If you haven’t nailed down a location yet, I’ll help you choose one that fits your vision, group size, and vibe.

Bringing Your Dog? Let’s Find a Spot That Loves Them Too.

Not every trail or park is pet-friendly, but many are. I’ll help you narrow down dog-okay locations so your furry witness can be part of the celebration without stress.

Permits Required To Elope in Colorado

Most public lands in Colorado (like national forests, state parks, and open spaces) require a special use or ceremony permit for elopements—even the small ones. And those rules vary by location. I help you figure out exactly what’s needed and guide you through the process so you don’t accidentally skip a step and risk getting booted mid-ceremony.

Weather + Timing

Colorado weather is its own wild card. One minute it’s sunny and perfect, the next it’s hailing in July. I’ll help you with time of day, and backup plans based on your location—so you can lean into the magic and not stress the forecast.

Every single couple I work with gets location and logistics support built in. Whether you’re planning a sunrise ceremony with your dog or a dreamy fall micro-wedding with 30 of your favorite people, I help you figure out all the behind-the-scenes details to make it legal, beautiful, and smooth.

Make It Yours: Crafting an Elopement Day That Actually Feels Like You

One of the best things about eloping? There are no rules. Your elopement day doesn’t have to follow a script. It doesn’t have to be a quick vow exchange and a few photos before heading home. This is your wedding day—you get to shape it however you want.

Want to hike to a spot that means something to you two? Hell yeah. Want to include your family in a cozy cabin ceremony before sneaking away for a private sunset picnic? Let’s do it. Want to make pancakes together in the morning, read love letters in the forest, or bring in a friend to play your favorite song? Yes, yes, yes.

Whether it’s just the two of you or you’re including a few loved ones, your day should reflect your relationship—not anyone else’s expectations. That might mean a unity ceremony with a twist, like planting something together, sharing a toast, or including cultural traditions, or it could be as simple as bringing your favorite drinks, wearing whatever you feel like yourself in (you’re not just limited to black and white), or having your dog walk you down the trail.

Your wedding day deserves to be more than just a moment—it should feel like a full, intentional experience.

I’ll help you craft a timeline that builds in time for everything: slow mornings, laughter with friends, private vows, unexpected moments, and all the in-between stuff that makes it real. We’re not rushing. We’re not checking boxes. We’re creating space for connection.

And of course—I’m capturing it all through storytelling photos and Super8 film so you can remember not just how it looked, but how it felt.

Why It’s Easier to Elope in Colorado Than You Think

If planning a big wedding feels like a giant to-do list of things you don’t actually care about, you’re not alone. So many of my couples choose to elope in Colorado because they want something meaningful, beautiful, and—most of all—easy.

And good news? That’s totally possible here.

From the laid-back legal process (self-solemnizing for the win), to the endless public lands with built-in scenery, Colorado is made for couples who want to do things differently. You don’t need a year of planning, a venue contract, or a Pinterest-perfect setup. All you need is the person you love, a little bit of intention, and someone to help you pull it together.

That’s where I come in.

When we work together, I help you with:

• Finding the right location for your vibe, guest count, and dog (if they’re coming!)
  
• Navigating permits and park rules so you don’t have to stress the fine print
  
• Building a relaxed, flexible timeline that leaves room for real moments
  
• Capturing it all in a way that feels like you—from film-inspired photos to Super8 video

You don’t have to figure it all out alone. I’ve got you.

More Than Just Your Colorado Elopement Photographer

I’m not just here to show up with a camera and take pretty photos—I’m here to help you live out a wedding day that feels like the two of you. From start to finish, I’m your go-to for location scouting, timeline building, permit help, and making sure the day flows in a way that feels relaxed, fun, and real.

Whether you’re hiking out to a favorite spot or gathering with your closest people at a scenic Airbnb, I’ll help you plan every detail so you can stay grounded in what actually matters—your connection, your people, and this big, beautiful day you’re creating together.

And when the day arrives? I’m capturing it all.

The quiet glances. The dog zoomies. The mountain breeze. The chaos and the calm. The big “hell yes” moments and the in-between magic. Through earthy, nostalgic, true-to-color photos and grainy, film-inspired Super8 video, your story won’t just be documented—it’ll be felt.

Ready to start planning your Colorado elopement?

Let’s make this thing real. Inquire here and I’ll be in your inbox with all the next steps.