Colorado is hands-down one of the best states in the country for adventurous, intimate elopements. Between alpine lakes, towering peaks, red rock formations, and hidden gems tucked into the mountains — you truly don’t need a massive venue to have a breathtaking wedding day.
If you’re dreaming of an intimate Colorado elopement with 10 or fewer guests, these locations allow you to get married without paying for a permit (as long as you follow local rules and Leave No Trace principles).
Let’s dive in. 🤍
1. Echo Lake (near Denver)
Why couples love it:
Echo Lake is truly one of Colorado’s hidden gems. You get stunning mountain views reflecting over the water, forest backdrops, and easy accessibility — all in one location.
It’s also incredibly convenient if you have family flying in, since it’s relatively close to Denver International Airport.
Guest Limit:
Up to 10 people total (including vendors) to avoid a permit.
Important Rules:
- Must follow Colorado’s Leave No Trace laws
- No chairs, arches, or tables set up
- Keep the area natural and undisturbed
To Keep in Mind:
- Because this location is nestled in the heart of the rockies, most cell providers are iffy at best if they even reach out here. So make sure you download offline maps before making the drive up into the mountains
Bonus Perks:
- Covered pavilion (perfect backup if it rains!)
- Two picnic tables underneath if you want to do a small cake cutting or celebratory meal
- Forest trails nearby for romantic portraits
- Minimal walk from the parking lot to the lake
If you want mountain + water + trees all in one spot? This is your place.
2. Officers Gulch (near Frisco)
If you want a location that feels straight out of a mountain fairytale, Officers Gulch delivers.
You’re surrounded by jaw-dropping peaks in every direction, plus a peaceful alpine lake and the cutest little bridge that makes for the sweetest ceremony backdrop.
Guest Limit:
Up to 10 people total (including vendors) to avoid a permit and reservation fee.
Why It’s So Good:
- Easy access from the parking lot
- Gorgeous year-round
- Close to downtown Frisco for dinner, drinks, or a celebratory stroll- this allows for more variety in your photos
Like Echo Lake, you must follow Leave No Trace principles and cannot set up decor or seating.
This is perfect for couples who want mountain magic without hiking miles into the wilderness.
3. Garden of the gods ( Near Colorado Springs)
What Eloping at Garden of the gods looks like
You can have up to 50 total guests depending on the ceremony location.
If you choose High Point Overlook, you’ll have Pikes Peak towering behind you. It’s iconic, dramatic, and absolutely stunning.
But here’s what you need to know:
- This is one of the most touristy spots in Colorado.
- It’s a public park — which means tourists are not cleared for your ceremony.
- Parking can be limited depending on the ceremony site.
While some ceremony areas allow up to 50 guests, I personally don’t recommend maxing that out. The more guests you have, the harder it is to control space in a public park.
This is where working with a photographer who knows timing, lighting, and low-traffic ceremony windows makes a HUGE difference.
If red rocks + epic Colorado Springs views are your vibe? This one is for you.
4. Twin Lakes Elopement (Near Leadville)
Twin Lakes might be one of the most underrated elopement locations in Colorado.
You get towering mountains AND a beach-like shoreline at the same time. It feels private, peaceful, and wildly romantic.
Guest Limit:
Up to 10 people total (including vendors) before a permit is required.
Important Notes:
- Leave No Trace applies
- No chairs or ceremony setup
- The sun sets behind the mountains earlier than many Colorado locations
Because of that earlier sunset, timeline planning is key. You’ll want to work closely with your photographer to make sure you’re getting that dreamy golden hour glow before it disappears.
If you want mountain-meets-coastal vibes in Colorado? Twin Lakes is IT.
Loveland Pass (Near Frisco)
Loveland Pass is hands down one of my absolute favorite free Colorado elopement locations.
Two small alpine lakes. Endless mountain views. Open field vibes if you angle it right. It is quite literally a photographer’s dream.
I still remember the first time I shot here — I broke down in tears. It’s THAT breathtaking.
Guest Limit:
Up to 10 people total (including vendors) to avoid permits.
Things to Keep in Mind:
- Since this spot is nestled in the mountains, cell service can be spotty at best, so make sure you download offline maps
- While this spot is gorgeous, you have to be willing to make a small hike to the ceremony spot to get the mountain and water overlook
Rules:
- Strict Leave No Trace
- No seating or ceremony setup
- Natural rock seating only
If you want dramatic, jaw-dropping mountain views in every direction — Loveland Pass is unbeatable.
What You Need to Remember About Free Colorado Elopement Locations
While these spots don’t require a permit under certain guest counts, they are:
✔ Public
✔ Shared with tourists
✔ Subject to weather
✔ Strict about Leave No Trace
It can feel overwhelming trying to plan all of this — guest count rules, sunset timing, parking logistics, vendor limits.
But here’s the good news:
You don’t have to figure it all out alone.
The right Colorado elopement photographer will help you:
- Choose the best location for your vision
- Build a timeline around lighting + privacy
- Guide you on guest count logistics
- Help you create a stress-free experience
Your elopement doesn’t have to feel complicated. It should feel intentional, intimate, and wildly YOU.
🤍 Ready to Elope in Colorado?
If you’re planning a 2026 or 2027 Colorado elopement, I would be honored to help you create something unforgettable.
When you inquire, mention:
✨ “ELOPEMENT 5” ✨
And you’ll automatically receive 10% off upon booking.
Let’s make your mountain magic happen!
Inquire here for your 2026/2027 Elopement!
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