Colorado Elopement Cost Guide (2026): How Much Does It Really Cost to Elope in Colorado?
Planning a Colorado elopement and wondering how much it will cost? You’re not alone. One of the first questions couples ask me is how much they should realistically budget for an intimate mountain wedding. The truth is that Colorado elopement cost can vary widely depending on the experience you want to create, but the beauty of eloping is that you get to choose where your money goes.
Unlike a traditional wedding where you’re often paying for things you don’t really care about, elopements let you invest in experiences that actually matter to you. Whether that’s breathtaking photography, a cozy cabin in the mountains, a private chef, or simply spending the day exploring together, your budget is completely customizable.
In this guide, I’ll break down every major expense, show you real budget examples, highlight hidden costs couples often forget, and share a few tips that can save you money without sacrificing the experience.
Average Colorado Elopement Cost
Most couples spend between $4,000 and $12,000 on a Colorado elopement, although it’s entirely possible to spend less or create a luxury experience costing $20,000 or more.
Here’s a realistic breakdown:
| Expense | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Photographer | $2,000 to $8,000+ |
| Marriage License | ~$30 |
| Hair & Makeup | $250 to $700 |
| Bouquet & Boutonniere | $250 to $600 |
| Officiant (optional) | $0 to $600 |
| Location Permit | Free to $350 |
| Wedding Attire | $800 to $6,000+ |
| Lodging | $200 to $1,000+ per night |
| Private Dinner | $300 to $1,500 |
| Adventure Activity | $100 to $2,000+ |
Remember, this is just a guide. Some couples spend less, while others decide to turn their wedding into a multi-day adventure.
Colorado Elopement Photography Cost
Photography is usually the largest investment, and for good reason.
Long after the flowers have dried and the cake has been eaten, your photographs are what you’ll return to for decades.
A professional Colorado elopement photographer typically includes much more than simply showing up with a camera.
Many photographers help with:
- Finding the perfect location
- Building your timeline
- Permit guidance
- Weather backup plans
- Vendor recommendations
- Activity ideas
- Unlimited planning support
Photography generally ranges from $2,000 to $8,000+, depending on experience, coverage, and what’s included.
Marriage License Cost
Colorado is one of the easiest states in the country to get married.
One of the biggest reasons couples choose to elope here is because Colorado allows self-solemnization.
That means you don’t need:
- An officiant
- Witnesses
Your marriage license costs around $30, making it one of the smallest expenses of your wedding day.
And all details can be found here.
Hair, Makeup & Florals
Professional hair and makeup usually costs:
- Bride: $250 to $500
- Trial + Wedding Day: $400 to $700
Florals typically include:
- Bouquet: $200 to $500
- Boutonniere: $30 to $75
- Floral Crown: $75 to $200
If you’re getting ready in a mountain town, remember to budget for artist travel fees.
Lodging
One of my favorite things about Colorado elopements is that your wedding doesn’t have to be over after the ceremony.
Many couples book:
- Luxury cabins
- Boutique hotels
- Cozy Airbnbs
- Mountain resorts
Expect to spend anywhere from $200 to over $1,000 per night, depending on the season and location.
I almost always recommend staying at least two nights so you can truly relax instead of rushing through your wedding day.
Adventure Activities
This is where elopements become unforgettable.
Instead of spending money on chair covers or favors, many couples choose experiences like:
- Jeep tours
- Paddleboarding
- Canoeing
- Horseback riding
- Helicopter tours
- Hot air balloon rides
- Brewery tours
- Stargazing
- Campfires
- Private picnics
Budget anywhere from $100 to $2,000+, depending on your plans.
Hidden Colorado Elopement Costs Couples Forget
There are a few expenses that often catch couples by surprise.
These can include:
- Park entrance fees
- Permit fees
- Vendor travel fees
- Extra hotel nights
- Pet attendant or dog sitter
- Tips for vendors
- Alterations for wedding attire
- Meals and snacks
- Parking fees
- Wedding insurance (if desired)
They’re usually small individually, but they can add up if you don’t plan for them.
Sample Colorado Elopement Budgets
Simple Mountain Elopement
Estimated Budget: $4,500
- Photographer
- Marriage license
- Airbnb
- DIY bouquet
- Casual wedding attire
- Self-solemnized ceremony
Perfect for couples who want a meaningful, intimate day without a lot of extras.
The Most Popular Choice
Estimated Budget: $8,500
- Photographer
- Hair & makeup
- Professional florals
- Boutique lodging
- Private dinner
- Wedding attire
- Small adventure activity
This is where many couples land. It balances incredible experiences with a realistic budget.
Luxury Colorado Adventure
Estimated Budget: $15,000+
- Full-day photography
- Luxury accommodations
- Designer attire
- Premium florals
- Videographer
- Helicopter tour
- Private chef
- Multi-day celebration
If you want your wedding to feel like the trip of a lifetime, this budget leaves room for unforgettable experiences.
How to Save Money on Your Colorado Elopement
If you’re hoping to keep your Colorado elopement cost lower, here are a few of my favorite tips:
- Choose a weekday instead of a Saturday.
- Elope during the shoulder seasons.
- Self-solemnize instead of hiring an officiant.
- Book a cozy Airbnb instead of a traditional venue.
- Keep your guest list intimate.
- Stay close to your ceremony location to reduce travel.
- Prioritize experiences that matter most to you.
Is Eloping Actually Cheaper Than a Traditional Wedding?
For most couples, yes.
The average traditional wedding in the United States costs tens of thousands of dollars.
Eloping allows you to skip many of those traditional expenses and instead invest in experiences you’ll actually remember.
That might mean spending the morning hiking to an alpine lake, reading private vows at sunrise, enjoying a picnic overlooking the mountains, and ending the day with a private chef instead of a reception.
Your wedding becomes an experience instead of an event.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an officiant in Colorado?
No! Colorado allows couples to self-solemnize, meaning you can legally marry yourselves without an officiant or witnesses.
Do I need a permit?
Some locations require permits while others don’t. Your photographer should help you determine whether one is needed for your chosen location.
Can I bring my dog?
Absolutely! Many Colorado locations are dog-friendly, although each park has its own rules. If your pup is part of your family, there are plenty of beautiful places where they can join your wedding day.
Is Colorado expensive for an elopement?
It can be as affordable or as luxurious as you want it to be. The flexibility of eloping means you choose where to invest your budget.
Final Thoughts
One of the things I love most about photographing Colorado elopements is that no two days are ever the same.
Some couples exchange vows with nothing more than a backpack and their dog. Others spend an entire weekend celebrating with family, incredible food, and unforgettable adventures.
Neither is more “right” than the other.
Your wedding should reflect your story, your priorities, and the way you want to remember this chapter of your lives.
If you’re dreaming of a relaxed, intentional wedding surrounded by Colorado’s mountains, I’d love to help you create a day that feels completely and unapologetically like you. COME SAY HELLO!
ALOHA!
I’m Bea, aka TheWanderingB! I am a traveling wedding photographer based in beautiful Colorado Springs, COLORADO.
