How to Elope in Summit County
01: WHY CHOOSE TO ELOPE IN BRECK?
02: WHEN TO ELOPE IN BRECK?
03: HOW TO ELOPE IN SUMMIT COUNTY?
04: WHAT TO DO + WHAT TO BRING
01: WHY CHOOSE TO ELOPE IN BRECKENRIDGE
Why Elope?
Eloping gives you the freedom to create a day that feels like you. It’s intimate, intentional, flexible, and often more affordable than a traditional wedding. You get to skip the stress and celebrate your love with adventure, meaning, and no pressure.
Why Breckenridge & Summit County?
This region offers some of the most iconic alpine scenery in Colorado: towering peaks, alpine lakes, and charming towns with year-round adventure. Breck is easy to access, full of cozy stays, and perfect for both scenic views and post-ceremony celebrations. Plus, it’s in a county that supports self-solemnizing marriages!
Types of Elopements Here:
- Fall Aspens & Summer Wildflowers – Peak colors, blooming trails, and dreamy mountain meadows.
- Sunrise Elopements at Alpine Lakes – Stunning alpine lake reflections and early morning magic.
- Adventure Elopements at Mayflower Gulch or Loveland Pass – Big views, short hikes, unforgettable vows.
- Micro-Weddings at Sapphire Point or Mountain Airbnbs – Intimate gatherings with epic backdrops.
- Hiking Adventures at Upper Blue Lake or Mohawk Lakes – More privacy, more views, more adventure.
02: WHEN TO ELOPE IN BRECKENRIDGE
Best Seasons to Elope:
- Spring (April–June):
- Snow begins melting (YAY!). Lower elevation accessibility. Expect lingering snow at higher elevations.
- Summer (July–September):
- Best weather, wildflowers, and open roads to alpine lakes and passes. Peak season (busy, busy, busy).
- Fall (late September–October):
- Mountains painted perfectly yellow by aspen groves everywhere. Cooler temps, & quiet trails.
- Winter (November–March):
- Winter elopement wonderland. Perfect for snowy vows, cozy a-frame cabins, and fireside celebrations.
Seasonal Considerations:
- Weather: Can shift quickly — especially on mountain passes. Expect aftnernoon storms, especially in spring and summer.
- Crowds: Super busy in summer and during fall foliage weekends. Sunrise and weekdays are the way to go.
- Accessibility: Many locations close seasonally. Boreas and Loveland Pass may be snow covered until June or July.
Best Time of Day:
- Sunrise: Best for more privacy & morning mountain light
- Sunset: For slow mornings & warmer temps
- Midday: Can get super hot & crowded! Find less popular trails for more privacy. As your photographer, I’ll help your perfect spot!
Events/Holidays to Consider:
- The Crested Butte Wild Flower Festival in July; Crested Butte is the wildflower capital of the world!
- 4th of July in mountain towns
- Breck’s Octoberfest & Fall Colors
- Peak leaf season for 2 weeks of September
Pro Tips:
- Bring extra layers year-round
- Consider altitude: elevation is no joke (bring sunscreen + be sure to drink lots of water!)
- Book permits and lodging early! I handle permits as your elopement photographer because planning your perfect elopement should be fun & easy!
03: HOW TO ELOPE IN SUMMIT COUNTY
Legal Requirements:
Marriage License:
- Pop by the Summit County Clerk in Breckenridge
- Cost: up to $30
- Valid immediately, no waiting period
- Expires in 35 days
Permits & Reservations:
- Required for popular ceremony locations like Sapphire Point
- Apply through the U.S. Forest Service
- Expect fees between $50–$200
- I help guide you through this!
Officiant Rules:
- Self-solemnization is allowed in Colorado — no officiant required
- Your pets can sign your marriage license, and I can officiate if needed!
Summit County Elopement Planning Steps:
- Hire Your Photographer (hi, it’s me — here to help you plan every detail of your day!)
- Choose Your Ceremony Location
- Pick Your Ideal Season + Date
- Book Your Vendors
- Apply for necessary permits
- Book lodging in Breck, Frisco, or Dillon
- Get your marriage license in town
- Finalize your elopement timeline
- Say your vows + celebrate!
04: WHAT TO DO + WHAT TO BRING
What to Pack:
Clothing:
Warm layers, waterproof shoes, and gloves (even in warmer seasons), outfits you feel comfortable moving (+ maybe getting dirty) in
Adventure Gear:
- Daypacks
- Water + snacks
- Headlamps for sunrise/sunset
- Microspikes in winter/spring
- Emergency layers
Photo Extras:
Vow books, rings, florals, a picnic, custom signs, heirlooms, etc.
Activities Nearby:
- Ride the gondola in Breck
- SUP or kayak on alpine lakes
- Quick & easy hikes: Sapphire Point, Officer’s Gulch, Loveland Pass
- Fireside receptions
- 2WD & 4WD dispersed camping options
Where to Stay:
- Pet-friendly Breck cabins
- Lakeside Airbnbs in Dillon
- Boutique mountain town inns
- Ski resorts
Some of the Best Breckenridge Elopement Locations:
Sapphire Point: Easy access, overlooks Lake Dillon. Amphitheater reservation required.
Boreas Pass: Wide open mountain views, fall colors. Seasonal road. Designated dispersed camping!
Loveland Pass: Alpine views above 11,000ft. Windy but stunning. Not one alpine lake, but two!
Quandry: Lakeside spots with wildflowers, rushing waterfalls, and mountain backdrops.
Frisco: Quiet, pine-covered lake trails, picnic-friendly.
Looking for a little more privacy? I’ll help you find a location off the beatten path!
BONUS: BOOKING YOUR DREAM BRECKENRIDGE ELOPEMENT VENDORS
Vendors to Consider:
📸 Photographer (that’s me!)
🎥 Videographer (optional add-on)
🌼 Florist
💅 Hair & Makeup
📜 Officiant
🧭 Day-of Coordinator
Photography Packages:
Includes:
- Full-day photo coverage
- Permit + location planning
- Custom timeline
- Day-of coordination
- Sneak peeks in 72 hrs
- Optional add-on: videography
READY TO PLAN YOUR SUMMIT COUNTY ELOPEMENT?
Let’s turn the mountains into your backdrop and your vows into a wild adventure.
