There is nowhere more wild and more remote than the San Juan Mountains of Colorado. It’s truly one of the most breathtaking places we’ve ever traveled to (and we’ve done a lot of traveling). So if you’re looking for the elopement experience of a lifetime, read on below about how to elope in the San Juan Mountains.
Table of Contents
Why you should elope in the San Juan Mountains
Where are the San Juan Mountains
– How to get to the San Juan Mountains
How to elope in the San Juan Mountains
When to elope in the San Juan Mountains
Where to elope in the San Juan Mountains
– Ouray
– Telluride
– Silverton
– Ridgway
– Off-roading locations
– Hiking locations
San Juan Mountains Intimate wedding venues
Permits for your San Juan Mountains elopement
How to get legally married in the San Juan Mountains
Where to stay in the San Juan Mountains
Activities for your elopement
San Juan Mountains elopement timeline
What to pack for your elopement
Tips for your elopement
Elopement Packages
Why you should elope in the San Juan Mountains
Breathtaking scenery
The bluest lakes you’ve ever seen. Check! Jagged mountain peaks and vast alpine meadows of colorful wildflowers? Check! Seriously, the view in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado is unparalleled. It’s honestly got every type of scenery you could want for your Colorado elopement: alpine lakes, mountain peaks, waterfalls and streams, forests of pine and aspen, and gorgeous summer wildflowers. It’s the reason it’s called the “Switzerland of America” – it truly feels like you’re in the Alps or in the midst of a fairytale land.
Full of adventure
Adventure is the San Juan Mountains’ middle name, there’s nowhere quite like it if you’re planning an adventurous elopement (it’s why we love it so much!)
It’s home to the best 4×4 roads in all of Colorado. But truly, there are so many fun adventurous activities you can include in your San Juan Mountains elopement: hiking to alpine lakes, kayaking or paddle-boarding, backpacking to one of the 14ers, taking a helicopter tour, or soaking in the many hot springs.
Unmatched privacy
We all know what it’s like going to a gorgeous scenic location just to be overrun by tourists, and that’s exactly what you don’t want on your elopement day (hello, Rocky Mountain National Park, anyone?) It’s definitely a remote region of Colorado, but you’re 100 percent rewarded for it.
Eloping in the San Juan Mountains means you get those epic views and the privacy of not a single soul around – just you and the mountains.
Where are the San Juan Mountains?
The San Juan Mountains are located in the southwest area of Colorado and encompass Ouray, Telluride, and Silverton. Each of these towns is so special and offers something unique. The best part: tons of off-roading trails, hikes, and scenic roads connect all three.
How to get to the San Juan Mountains
Traveling to the San Juan Mountains isn’t the easiest. There’s a reason it’s more private and remote than places like Breckenridge, and that just means a longer drive or connecting flights.
There are three main ways to get into the San Juan Mountains if you’re driving: from Denver, from Grand Junction, and from Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Airports:
While you will have to drive from most airports, we honestly recommend flying into Denver International Airport – it’s the cheapest and has the most direct flights from other states. Plus, the drive from Denver is gorgeous.
Denver International Airport: Has the most flights from other states, a 6-hour drive
Montrose Regional Airport: Largest regional airport close to the San Juans, 1-hour drive
Telluride Regional Airport: Only has select flights, no drive needed
Grand Junction Regional Airport: 5 cities fly direct to Grand Junction, a 2-hour drive
How to elope in the San Juan Mountains
- Hire an experienced elopement photographer
- Choose your season and date
- Choose your location
- Get all the legal paperwork & permits
- Decide on your guest count
- Book vendors and lodging
- Plan out your day with epic activities
When to elope in the San Juan Mountains
Spring (May)
Spring in Colorado, especially in the San Juan Mountains, is honestly a weird time. Typically, we go straight from winter into summer and skip past spring, but May is that complicated month where you’ll have spring weather in the lower elevations with green meadows and trees, but tons of snow in the mountain passes which renders them inaccessible. It’s also unceremoniously called “mud-season” because, well, it’s muddy. However, if you do want to elope in the lower elevation valleys and want to avoid all the crowds, May is a great month to elope.
Spring is best for: Privacy, snowy backdrops, hiking, and kayaking
Summer (Late June – August)
This is where the San Juan Mountains shine! The high elevation mountain passes tend to open in late June/early July, and you’ll be greeted with stunning alpine meadows of wildflowers, crystal blue alpine lakes, jagged mountain peaks, and amazing weather. If you’re looking for a San Juan Mountains elopement experience, then summer is truly the time to elope here. Note: Summer may also bring afternoon thunderstorms, so it’s best to be flexible!
Summer is best for: off-roading, hiking, kayaking, paddle-boarding, wildflowers, and alpine lakes
Fall (September – October)
Fall color in the San Juan Mountains is something to behold – crisp air, gorgeous yellow aspens, cozy fires – it’s truly amazing. If you’re looking for prime fall colors, we recommend eloping during the end of September into the first week and a half of October, as those are when the aspens are in peak fall color. You’ll also get fall colors in the alpine mountain sides – even without trees, which can be a lovely contrast if you’re eloping at one of the blue alpine lakes.
Fall is best for: hiking, off-roading, fall colors, fires, and hot springs.
Winter (November – April)
We do love winter elopements, but winter can be a tricky time to elope in the San Juan Mountains: all of the higher alpine passes and campgrounds are closed and there’s snow everywhere. This makes driving and flying-in a bit more tedious, especially along the Million Dollar Highway. Telluride is your best bet for a stunning winter wonderland elopement where you can ski, snowshoe, and relax in your Airbnb. We honestly don’t recommend eloping in Ouray or Silverton during winter as they have fewer amenities than Telluride for winter sports.
Winter is best for: Telluride elopements, skiing, snowshoeing, dog-sledding, hot springs
Choose a weekday for your San Juan Mountains elopement
No matter where you’re eloping in the San Juan Mountains, elope on a weekday. Weekends can be busier, both in town (Telluride is nuts on a Saturday) and on the trails, so weekdays will offer you privacy for those special moments in your elopement day. We also recommend planning your elopement to include either sunset or sunrise, or both – the golden light and privacy of these times of day can’t be beat!
Where to elope in the San Juan Mountains
Ouray
Ouray is one of our favorite towns in all of Colorado, it’s just so quaint. It is also super easy to get to and connects to Silverton. Host to four hot springs and nestled amongst towering cliffs, Ouray truly earns its name of “Switzerland of America.” You’ll also find that Ouray has that classic mountain town feel and is a great option for many of the iconic off-roading elopement locations, including Yankee Boy Basin.
Accessible elopement locations in Ouray:
- Million Dollar Highway
- Box Canyon
Telluride
Luxurious and epic: that’s how I’d describe Telluride. Telluride is nestled amongst the mountains in a valley and resembles a gorgeous European mountain town. Although Telluride is known for its world-renowned ski resorts, it’s just as epic in the summer and fall. You can even ride the country’s only free gondola both in summer and fall. Offering high-end experiences including world-famous restaurants, spas, and festivals, Telluride is the perfect place to elope if you’re wanting to go all in on your elopement!
Accessible elopement locations in Telluride:
- Last Dollar Road: While this is a dirt road, you don’t need a 4×4 to access it. It’s got gorgeous views of sweeping mountains and forests.
Silverton
Silverton is the base for tons of off-roading trails and hikes, including the iconic Handies Peak (a tough, but amazing 14er hike). The Wyman Hotel is probably the most popular hotel in Silverton – it’s such a cute boutique hotel and a great place to stay for your elopement. Silverton is a great central location, especially if you’re looking to explore areas near Lake City or Durango. You could even ride the Durango-Silverton train during your elopement day – though it gets booked pretty far in advance!
Accessible elopement locations in Silverton:
- Molas Lakes – One of our favorite car accessible locations in the San Juan Mountains, sunset here is gorgeous!
Ridgway
Yes, it’s really spelled that way. Ridgway isn’t as close to the mountains as Ouray and Telluride, but it’s basically the gateway into the San Juan Mountains. Located just 20 minutes from Ouray, Ridgway offers plenty of adventure opportunities, including the trailhead of the Blue Lakes trail. The town itself has some great accommodations, including Hotel Palomino – perfect for all of you wild west lovers.
Accessible elopement locations in Ridgway:
- Ridgway State Park – If you’re looking for a lake view with epic mountains in the background, then this state park is a treat!
- Top of the Pines
Off-roading San Juan Mountains elopements
Nothing, and I truly do mean nothing, beats the feeling of off-roading in the San Juan Mountains, windows down and taking in the epic scenery! Off-roading for your elopement means you can elope in some of the wildest and remotest locations in all of Colorado.
Off-roading elopements are just pure fun and a must if you want to get into the mountains without hiking – no exhausting 6-mile hike needed – it’s the easiest way to elope in the San Juan Mountains. There are miles and miles of jeep trails located all throughout the San Juan Mountains, so you’ll definitely have your choice of elopement locations. Some of those trails are easy, some moderate, and some are very difficult, and we wouldn’t recommend doing it on your elopement day unless you’re a very experienced off-road driver.
A quick note: if you’re thinking of off-roading during your elopement, rent a specialized off-road jeep from places like Switzerland of America Jeeps or Diff. Also, make sure you are comfortable driving on off-road trails with exposure and/or ledges; if you aren’t, hire a professional jeep driver for a tour. Below are some of our favorite jeep trails for your San Juan Mountains elopement:
Yankee Boy Basin
One of the first San Juan Mountains elopement locations we ever photographed in, Yankee Boy Basin holds a special place in our hearts. This epic jeep trail travels through forests up to the alpine valley between the mountains! You definitely will get some dramatic views here with ragged mountains, raging waterfalls, an alpine lake, and alpine meadows of columbines! This is one of the easier 4×4 trails in the area (and it’s close to Ouray), and as such, it’s pretty popular, and great for eloping with a few guests too. All in all, it’s a stunning elopement location!
Alta Lakes
Alta Lakes is one of those great alpine lakes that has a dedicated campground. While the top lake is private and owned by The Observatory at Alta Lakes, the lower two lakes are gorgeous.
Alpine Loop
The Alpine Loop is a connection of 6 miles of jeep trails connecting Ouray, Silverton, and Lake City. There are some absolutely epic basins, lakes, and passes on this trail, plus you can combine multiple locations and/or hikes along the Alpine Loop for a truly adventurous all-day elopement experience in the San Juan Mountains.
Governor Basin
Traveling along some of the same trails as Yankee Boy Basin, this separate basin is more private and has even more epic views of the mountains. You’ll also be treated to alpine meadows and old mining ruins.
Epic alpine lakes and hidden waterfalls
There are truly so many epic alpine lakes and waterfalls in the San Juan Mountains. If you’re longing for a location that feels truly wild, we have some locations that just might fit the bill. These locations are exclusive for our eloping couples, so they remain unspoiled and wild.
Hiking elopements in the San Juan Mountains
Just like off-roading, hiking elopements in the San Juan Mountains can’t be beat! Nothing is more magical than hiking up to a pristine blue alpine lake surrounded by wildflowers and towering peaks. Hiking elopements are a great way to really create that elopement experience – spending all day out adventuring!
Ice and Island Lakes
One of the iconic San Juan Mountain hikes, this trail features two gorgeous aqua blue lakes and expansive views. It’s definitely one of the more strenuous hikes in the area, but it’s so worth it!
7.3 miles RT, 2650 ft elevation gain
Best time to hike: mid-summer to Fall
Lower, Middle and Upper Blue Lakes
Honestly, this is our favorite hike in the San Juan Mountains – it’s truly the perfect place to elope in the San Juan Mountains! This hike features three more stunning blue alpine lakes. The first is the lowest and easiest to get to, while the middle and upper lakes are an even steeper climb. The overlook on this trail is truly a sight to see!
8.6 miles RT, 2506ft elevation gain for the whole hike
Best time to hike: mid-summer to fall
Hope Lake
This moderate hike has views all the way up to the lake of towering peaks and forests. This trail is especially beautiful in fall, when the orange colors of the mountains contrast beautifully against the blue alpine lake. Note: you’ll need a 4×4 with high clearance to get to the trailhead.
4.8 miles RT, 1348 ft elevation gain
Best time to hike: summer to fall
San Juan Mountains Intimate wedding venues
For those wanting groups larger than 15, we typically recommend renting a venue in the area! The other plus side of renting a venue is the flexibility it comes with – if there’s bad weather, you can move inside, and there are accessible areas for any older or disabled guests.
Top of the Pines
Top of the Pines is an outdoor elopement and wedding venue located in the foothills of the Sneffels range. It has grand views of the mountains and forests closer to Telluride! They offer both a larger wedding rental for $3000 plus a $500 deposit, or a weekday 50-person rental for $1000 plus a $250 deposit. The larger meadow and pavilion are easily accessible for any guests who have accessibility issues.
Ridgway State Park Overlook
A lake with epic views of the San Juan Mountain ranges, need I say more? Ridgway State Park offers a gorgeous overlook for weddings of up to 100 guests. You can book the overlook at any time of year – which makes it the perfect accessible spot in winter and spring! It costs $200-$250 a day to rent, depending on what day of the week, but it doesn’t have a space for a reception.
The Observatory at Alta Lakes
At the end of a dirt road, just south of Telluride, is The Observatory at Alta Lakes – a gorgeous cabin and outdoor space for your San Juan Mountains intimate wedding. You’ll be able to have your ceremony next to a gorgeous alpine lake and have a fun dinner reception in the same place – plus you can stay on the property too! Prices range from $8000 to $17,000, depending on guest count and length of stay. You may have up to 75 guests.
San Sophia Overlook
Epic views of the Telluride mountains and a gondola ride to the top, San Sophia Overlook does not disappoint. This overlook is 10,540 ft up the mountains with breathtaking 360-degree views and can be booked June-October and from December to March. The space holds up to 250 guests and is only used for ceremonies.
Gold Mountain Ranch
Located in Ouray, Gold Mountain Ranch offers epic ceremony views of Ouray and the Sneffels Mountain range. The ceremony space has benches for up to 18 guests, and an outdoor patio area to host a dinner or cocktail hour. It truly is the perfect intimate wedding venue in the San Juan Mountains.
Permits for your San Juan Mountains elopement
Do you need a permit to elope in the San Juan Mountains? Well, it depends.
National Forests – Almost all of our favorite elopement locations are in the National Forests of Colorado – we love how easy it is to elope in them. You don’t need a permit as long as you keep your guest size small and adhere to all rules. You will not be allowed to set up any arches or chairs.
State Parks – Depending on the state park, you may need a permit and/or a reservation. We recommend looking up the permitting rules on the state park’s website and contacting the permitting office.
As always, follow Leave No Trace Principles so we can keep the San Juan Mountains wild and beautiful!
How to legally get married in the San Juan Mountains
All you need to get legally married in the San Juan Mountains is your marriage license. As with the rest of Colorado, you don’t need an officiant or any witnesses, which makes it so easy! You must use your license within 35 days of obtaining it.
How to get your marriage license: Apply at any county clerk’s office. The marriage license is $30, and you can use it the same day you apply, but we recommend getting it a day or two before; that way, you don’t have to worry about it on your elopement day.
Telluride: 305 W Colorado Avenue 1st Floor, Telluride, CO 81435, Monday – Thursday 7:30 am to 5pm, walk-in only
Ouray: 541 4th St #2, Ouray, CO 81427, walk-in Monday-Thursday between 9 am and 4 pm.
Silverton: 1557 Greene St, Silverton, CO 81433, Monday-Friday 8:00 am to noon and 1:00 pm to 3:45 pm.
Tips: If you’re eloping on the weekend, arrive a day or two early to get your marriage license, as the County Clerk’s Office is only open on weekdays. Planning to elope with your dog? Make sure you call to ask if your pet can be a witness on your marriage license. If so, ask if their paw prints are allowed on your marriage license (some counties don’t allow it). Last, but not least, we recommend making an appointment beforehand if you can – this makes it super easy.
Where to stay in the San Juan Mountains
Places to stay in Telluride
Airbnbs
Fox Farm Lodge – luxury open space lodge with hot tub, aspen groves & mountain views. 8 guests, 4 bed, 3.5 bath, $1315/night
Luxury Ski Ranch Home – modern Telluride home with a European vibe, hot tub, and deck, 8 guests, 2 bed, 3 bath, $932/night
Architectural Masterpiece – this luxury home is just epic, with large windows, stunning views of mountains and aspen forests, and a hot tub. 8 guests, 3 bed, 2 bath, $1249/night
Sunset Circle Chalét – beautiful mountain chalet with open windows and views, hot tub, and is dog friendly. 7 guests, 2 bed, 2 bath, $590/night
Hotels and Lodges
- Telluride Ski Resort
- Mountain Lodge Telluride
- The Peaks Resort and Spa
- Inn at Lost Creek
- Dunton Hot Springs
- Opus Hut
Places to stay in Ouray/Ridgway
Airbnbs
Cozy Cabin- Beautiful Views of the Peaks- Hot Tub – rustic cabin with epic mountain views! An outdoor hot tub and lots of space to run around and explore! 4 guests, 2 bed, 1.5 bath, $539/night
Yeti Summit Studio – This cute studio is perfect for a “just us” elopement. Has hot tub, deck, and firepit. 2 guests, 1 bed, 1 bath, $460/night
Lavish Ouray Downtown Getaway – Modern downtown home with fire pit, close to hot springs. 8 guests, 4 bed, 2.5 bath, $917/night
Hotels and Lodges
Places to stay in Silverton
Airbnbs
Elevated Living Mountain Retreat – 360 mountain & river views, modern western home. 8 guests, 3 bed, 2 bath, $730/night
Silver Fox – modern luxury home close to OHV road, with sauna. 8 guests, 3 bed, 2.5 bath, $496/night
The White House – lovely, cozy modern apartment with fireplace and views. 4 guests, 2 bed, 2 bath, $490/night
Hotels and Lodges
Activities for your San Juan Mountains elopement
Off-roading
Who doesn’t love taking a jeep to the top of one of Colorado’s wildest places? Honestly, we’ve mentioned off-roading before, but nothing really beats it. It’s such a fun adventure for everyone, and a great way to explore so many remote locations!
Helicopter tour
Seeing the San Juan Mountains from the air is nothing short of breathtaking. Take a helicopter tour as part of your elopement day and truly experience something new!
Kayaking
Looking for a relaxing but adventurous activity to include on your elopement day? Kayak on one of the alpine lakes. This one is perfect for either Molas Lake or if you’re renting a 4×4 with space to take a kayak up to one of the many stunning alpine lakes.
Paddle-boarding
Another relaxing but adventurous activity. There are plenty of rental companies in the San Juan Mountains to rent paddleboards from. Typically, they’re easier to transport than kayaks, which makes it a perfect elopement day activity to include. Imagine spending an hour just paddling around the most crystal blue lake you’ve ever seen! Prepare to get wet!
Hiking
Hiking is a staple of adventure elopements, especially in the San Juan Mountains. With so many trails to choose from, you really are spoiled for choice. There are hikes for every skill level and every kind of mountain scenery you could want in your day.
Hot springs
After a long day hiking or off-roading, why not soak in the hot springs? The San Juan Mountains have countless hot springs – some hidden and natural, and some more developed and more commercial. Dunton Hot Springs is a favorite, as it truly feels like a unique experience.
Horseback riding
Horseback riding through some of the most magnificent trails in Colorado? Sign us up! Honestly, this is another great way to see those amazing views without hiking a grueling 8 miles. Telluride Wranglers offers trail rides through many of the trails near Telluride. Plus, you’ll get to really have that wild-west experience!
Via Ferrata
It wouldn’t be a blog about the San Juan Mountains without mentioning Via Ferrata. It translates to “iron path” or “iron road” and is also a method of rock, this is a very European style of traversing the mountainside. There is a Via Ferrata in both Ouray and Telluride (the Telluride one is even more epic than the Ouray one). It’s basically rock-climbing along a set path with a guide – a super unique and fun activity to include in your day.
San Juan Mountains Elopement Timeline
8:45 am: Meet at Airbnb, you spend some time having a cozy morning. Cook breakfast together, put finishing touches on vows. Get Ready and first look at Airbnb
12:45 pm: Drive up mountain passes, stop at any cool, spontaneous spots that you both want to explore
2:00 pm: Arrive at the alpine lake for some paddle-boarding
2:45 pm: Picnic
3:15 pm: Drive up the mountainous 4×4 roads, explore a gorgeous alpine lake basin, and go on a hike to a nearby waterfall
5:30 pm: Reach the top of the mountain pass where you want to say your private vows, there’s an alpine lake, and stunning mountain views for miles. You have a first dance together and watch the sun over the mountains
6:10 pm: Golden Hour photos, exploring the area as the sun sets behind the mountains, and head back to your Airbnb
7:00 pm: Catered Dinner
8:00 pm: S’mores, campfire, and stargazing
Every timeline for every elopement is unique and different, so the above is just an example. Honestly, you could easily have an epic two-day elopement experience combining hiking to Blue Lakes and going off-roading in the San Juan Mountains! There’s just that much to explore in this area of Colorado and it’s why we offer two-day elopement experiences.
What to pack for your elopement
- Hiking boots (an essential)
- Sunscreen – the UV is strong in Colorado
- Water, lots of water
- Vow books, rings, details, attire
- Jackets/layers
- Snacks, this can include cake (please avoid Cheetos though, no one wants messy cheese fingers)
- Any activities you want to bring equipment for
Tips for eloping in the San Juan Mountains
Below are some of our tips for eloping in the San Juan Mountains.
- Being flexible with weather and having a backup date and location is always 100% worth it (and we help with this!)
- Since the San Juan Mountains are higher in elevation than cities like Denver, you’ll want to arrive an extra few days before your elopement to acclimate. Make sure to drink plenty of water and eat nutritious food to avoid getting altitude sickness.
- The off-roading trails here take longer to drive than Google Maps says they do (which is why we build out plenty of time to off-road in our couple’s elopement timelines)
- If you’re afraid of heights, there are some off-roading trails you’ll want to avoid.
- If you’re in Ouray or Silverton, some restaurants close early, and since there isn’t a huge selection, this is just something to be wary of.
San Juan Mountains Elopement Packages
It’s no surprise that we absolutely adore San Juan Mountains elopements, after all, we’re all about inspiring couples to have intentional and wild elopement experiences in breathtaking landscapes!
So, how do we help? Well, we’re glad you asked! Included in all of our packages:
- Husband and wife photography team
- Elopement day coverage, ranging from 6 hours to 2 days
- Customized planning expertise, so it’s a day that’s perfect for the two of you
- Location, lodging, vendor, and activity recommendations
- Consult calls and unlimited support
- Tons of resources to help you plan out your day
- Colorful and candid photography
Are you excited about eloping in the San Juan Mountains? Let’s do it! We promise it’ll be the most amazing elopement experience.
