Eloping in Colorado

WHY ELOPE?

Do you want to strip away the pressure, anxiety, and obligation of a traditional wedding—and instead, do you want a day that is more true to who YOU are and what YOU want—a “just us” experience.

Eloping is a beautiful option for people who don’t feel like the traditional wedding route is the right fit for them, and it grants them the freedom to decide how to commit their lives to each other. It creates a magical, intimate way for couples to make their wildest, most romantic dreams about their wedding day come true without asking them to sacrifice a single, intimate moment between the two of them.

By eloping, YOU are free to melt into each other, focus on each other, and celebrate YOUR love in an uninhibited way that makes the most sense for YOU.

No regrets, no stress, no pressure, no distractions—just two people committing their lives to each other.

You’ve decided to elope in Colorado! Where do you go from here?

Do you envision a mountain top elopement in the summertime, above tree line atop of one of Colorado’s famous 14ers, watching the alpenglow dance on the mountains at sunrise. Or a cool Colorado fall day amongst the changing Aspen leaves. Maybe springtime is your more style, something a little more low-key and less crowded. Or maybe you love the idea of a cozy winter wedding amongst snow blanketed pine trees. When you have your season picked out, then we can work together to pinpoint the exact location where you will say I do!

Let’s talk about the legal stuff first! Obtaining your marriage license

In addition to the incredible beauty of Colorado, one of the biggest draws to elope here is the fact that Colorado allows couples to solemnize their own marriage. Meaning you can marry yourselves! You do not need witnesses and you do not need to be a resident to elope here!
However, your marriage license is only good for 35 days after you apply for it, so it is super important that you elope within that 35 day period.
If you are self solemnizing, you can see an example of how to fill out your marriage license here

Questions you will be asked

• The date that you are getting married
• Where you are marrying (license only valid in Colorado)
• The exact date and location of your divorce or previous spouse’s death. Both parties must be able to provide this information. If you were previously in a civil union and are marrying someone else, you must provide the name of your partner in the civil union.
• Know your relationship if related by blood
• The city and state where parents of both parties were born​

Where can you get a marriage license?
Both of you need to appear in person at the county office to obtain your marriage license. You can obtain a marriage license in any Colorado county and there is no waiting period.
Both of you are required to provide a valid US state issued I.D. with your name and date of birth. This I.D. can be a passport, drivers license, or military I.D.  You will also be asked to provide your social security number.

What if one of you cannot be present to get the marriage license?
If either you or your partner cannot appear at the Clerk and Recorder’s office in person to apply for your marriage or civil union license, the absent party must complete an absentee affidavit and have it notarized. The notarized absentee affidavit must be used within 30 days from the date it was notarized.

The party appearing in person must present, on the behalf of the absent partner:

• the completed and notarized absentee affidavit, and
• a clear and legible photocopy of a valid form of identification of the absent intended spouse (faxes not accepted)
• the identification of the absent intended spouse must have the month, day and year of birth
• If the absent party does not have a social security number, an affidavit to accompany the marriage license form must be completed and notarized.
• The absent party’s name written on the forms must match exactly to the ID provided.

The absentee application and affidavit to accompany marriage license may be found here.

Cost of a marriage license
The fee for a marriage license is $30. Payments can be made in cash, check or debit/credit card. Forms of payment may change from county to county, so be sure to check with the county before heading in. 

Other Important Information
The marriage license and marriage certificate are two distinct instruments that appear on the single form. Please do not separate them.  The marriage certificate must be recorded no later than 63 days from the date of solemnization or late fees apply

So you’ve picked a day and location to elope, what’s the next step?
I will help you every step of the way with local vendors (yes, you can have a bouquet!),
detailed elopement day timeline, location selection, alternative locations, permit help,
​what you will need for weather (base-layers, hats, gloves, etc.) and everything in between!

Let’s go on an adventure! You have everything ready to go,
so grab your hiking boots, wedding attire,
​and let’s go on an adventure of a lifetime!