Ready To Learn How To Elope In Breckenridge?

If you’re looking for a breathtaking and adventurous location to exchange your vows, Breckenridge, Colorado is the perfect place. With its stunning mountain landscapes and charming small-town feel, Breckenridge offers endless opportunities for adventure and romance. In this guide, we’ll explore the top reasons to elope in Breckenridge, the best locations to say your vows, the ideal time of year, and all the legalities and regulations involved to help you plan the Breckenridge elopement of your dreams!

Ready to dive in? Let’s do this!

Table of Contents:

• 5 Reasons to Elope in Breckenridge
• The Best Places to Elope in Breckenridge
• Best Times of the Elope for a Breckenridge Elopement
• Marriage License & Self Solemnization
• Wedding & Photographer Permits
• Breckenridge Elopement Packages

5 Reasons to Elope in Breckenridge:

Epic Mountain Views Everywhere You Look:

Breckenridge is located in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, surrounded by stunning peaks and breathtaking vistas. Whether you choose to say your vows at the top of a mountain or beside a tranquil lake, the natural beauty of Breckenridge will provide a stunning backdrop for your special day.

Offers An Intimate and Personal Experience:

One of the main benefits of eloping is that it allows you to focus on each other and create a truly intimate and personal experience. With no guests to worry about, you can spend your day enjoying each other’s company and making memories that will last a lifetime.

If you decide to include your loved ones, you can make it a fun and adventurous experience for everyone to enjoy together. From skiing and snowboarding to hiking and exploring the scenic trails, there are plenty of ways to make it a memorable day for everyone involved.

Adventure Awaits Around Every Corner:

Breckenridge is known for its world-class skiing, snowboarding, and hiking, making it the perfect location for adventurous couples. Whether you want to hit the slopes or explore the hiking trails, Breckenridge offers endless opportunities for outdoor adventure.

A Charming Small-Town Feel:

Despite its popularity as a ski destination, Breckenridge has managed to maintain its small-town charm and feel. With its historic Main Street lined with quaint shops and restaurants, Breckenridge offers a cozy and romantic atmosphere that’s perfect for eloping.

A Breckenridge Elopement Can Be Budget-Friendly:

Traditional weddings can be expensive, but eloping in Breckenridge can be a more budget-friendly alternative. With no need to pay for a venue or catering, you can spend your money on creating a unique and unforgettable experience for you and your partner.

Best Places to Elope in Breckenridge:

As a Breckenridge elopement photographer, one of the questions I often get asked is for the best places to elope in Breckenridge. Here is a brief list of some great locations for your elopement!

Please note: While these locations are great, they certainly aren’t the only options. When you hire me, I help you plan your elopement at the most scenic and private hidden gems possible.

Loveland Pass Lakes: 

Loveland Pass Lakes Trail offers stunning mountain vistas and alpine lakes. This hike is perfect for adventurous couples looking for an easy hike and an accessible ceremony location with scenic views. The trail is a .8-mile loop with only 68 feet of elevation gain. This trail is a pull-off from a road, so you can expect some passersby here and there along the trail as well. 

The trail is located just off of the iconic Loveland Pass and sits high up in the alpines, making for a picturesque backdrop with an incredible alpenglow at sunset!

Sniktau Mountain Trail: 

Sniktau Mountain Trail is a favorite among locals for its panoramic views of the Tenmile Range and the Continental Divide. This hike is best for adventurous couples who are up for a challenge, as the full trail is 4 miles long and rated as moderate. 

However, you don’t have to go far down this trail to find some incredible views! The trailhead is only 5 minutes down the road from Loveland Pass Lakes, and you can hike about a half mile up the trail to see incredible sights.

McCullough Gulch: 

McCullough Gulch offers stunning views and is home to White Falls, a cascading waterfall. This location is ideal for couples looking for a short hike with a big payoff. The trail is 1.2 miles one way and is rated easy to moderate and leads to a beautiful meadow nestled in the mountains. 

McCullough Trail is separated into three different trails, the upper, lower, and the waterfall trail. The Upper trail features a picturesque alpine lake, but usually has more foot traffic and is more challenging to complete. The waterfall trail follows the same route as the upper trail but cuts the trip in half. 

The lower trail receives less foot traffic, is much easier to complete, and still features great views.

Boreas Pass Road:

Boreas Pass is a historic mountain pass that offers stunning views of the surrounding mountain ranges. The pass is accessible by car, making it a great option for couples who want to avoid long hiking. There are several beautiful spots to stop and take in the view, making it a great location for portraits and a private ceremony if you find that right spot away from the crowds! 

Hoosier Pass: 

For couples who want to elope at a location with stunning panoramic views, Hoosier Pass is an excellent choice. Located between Breckenridge and Alma, the pass offers sweeping views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. It’s also easily accessible by car, so it’s a great option for couples who want a stunning backdrop without having to hike to a remote location.

Blue Lakes Trail: 

Located just outside of Breckenridge, the Blue Lakes Trail is a stunning hike that offers incredible views of the surrounding mountains and crystal-clear lakes. This location is perfect for adventurous couples who want to incorporate a scenic hike into their elopement day. The trail is considered easy, but be sure to wear comfortable shoes and bring plenty of water and snacks anyways!

Mohawk Lakes Trail:  

Mohawk Lakes Trail takes you through meadows, along a creek, and to the base of the Tenmile Range. The lakes are a stunning backdrop for your elopement ceremony. The trail is a bit more difficult than Blue Lakes, so it’s best for couples who are comfortable with a more challenging hike. The payoff is worth it, though – the views from the top are truly unforgettable.

Dillon Lake:

Dillon Lake is another stunning location to consider for your elopement in Breckenridge. The lake offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and the shimmering blue water adds a beautiful touch to any ceremony. You can exchange vows on the shoreline or opt for a more adventurous approach and hike to one of the nearby overlooks for a truly epic backdrop.

Sapphire Point Overlook: 

Want to add a small group of guests to your ceremony? Sapphire Point Overlook is a popular wedding and elopement site located just outside of Breckenridge and offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. With a large wooden deck and plenty of space for guests, Sapphire Point is the perfect location for an intimate mountain elopement.

This site must be rented out for ceremonies and can be reserved by clicking here.

Best Time of Year to Elope in Breckenridge:

Breckenridge has something to offer for every season, but the best time to elope in Breckenridge depends on your personal preferences. Here’s a quick guide to help you choose the best season for your Breckenridge elopement:

Winter (December – March):

Winter is a magical time to elope in Breckenridge, especially if you’re a fan of snow and winter sports. The town comes alive with holiday lights and festive events, and the snowy backdrop makes for some stunning wedding photos. Keep in mind that winter in Breckenridge can be chilly, so make sure to dress warmly.

Spring (April – May):

Spring in Breckenridge is a quieter season, making it an ideal time for a more intimate elopement. The snow starts to melt, and the mountain wildflowers begin to bloom, creating a beautiful landscape for your wedding photos. Keep in mind that spring can be unpredictable, and it’s not uncommon to see snowfall during this time of year. Some high mountain roads and trails can still be closed due to snow at higher altitudes.

Summer (June – August):

Summer is the peak wedding season in Breckenridge, and for good reason. The weather is mild, and the mountain scenery is absolutely breathtaking. You can exchange vows outdoors surrounded by wildflowers and majestic mountain peaks, or you can rent a cozy cabin for a more intimate ceremony.

At this point, most of the snow and ice at high altitudes have melted away, so most roads and trails in the high mountain passes are open for exploration!

Fall (September – November):

Fall is one of the most beautiful times of the year to elope in Breckenridge. The leaves turn into beautiful shades of orange and red, and the weather is still mild enough for an outdoor ceremony. Fall in Breckenridge is also less crowded than summer, so you can enjoy a more peaceful elopement without the crowds.

Marriage License and Self-Solemnization:

One of the best things about eloping in Breckenridge is that you can self-solemnize your marriage without the need for an officiant. This means that you and your partner can legally marry yourselves, without the need for a third party to perform the ceremony. This is a unique feature of Colorado law and makes it a popular destination for eloping couples.

To obtain a marriage license in Breckenridge, you and your partner will need to appear in person at the Summit County Clerk & Recorder’s Office. Both of you must bring a valid government-issued ID, such as a driver’s license or passport, as well as your social security numbers. The marriage license fee is $30, and the license is valid for 30 days from the date of issue.

Breckenridge Elopement & Photography Permits:

If you plan to elope in Breckenridge, Colorado, it is important to know that you may need a wedding photography permit. These permits vary by location, and it’s essential to research the specific requirements for your chosen spot. In most cases, you’ll need to fill out an application and pay a fee, but the process is relatively straightforward.

I help every couple that hires me with the wedding permit application process if it is required! Some areas require it, and some don’t – but I work with them to ensure that our bases are covered. No one wants to get a hefty fine on their wedding day!

Breckenridge Elopement Packages & Information:

Hey, My name is Ethan! I’m a Colorado elopement photographer who helps adventurous couples seamlessly plan the wedding of their dreams in the Rockies!

Too my couples, I’m much more than just a photographer. I’m your planner, coordinator, adventure buddy, and personal hype man! I’m passionate about helping couples achieve an adventurous, intimate, and love-filled wedding day, just like my wife and I did when we eloped in Colorado!

My Colorado elopement packages start at $4,750 and include:

• 4+ hours of coverage!
• Unlimited Zoom appointments!
•  Personalized location guides!
• Itinerary building and logistics coordination!
• Wedding & photography permit application assistance!
• A selection of high-resolution images edited with Rooted Photo & Film Co’s color palette!
• A teaser gallery with 75 to 125 edited images delivered one week after you say, “I do!” 
•  A private online gallery for image download, printing, and sharing!
• All travel fees within the US are included!

Ready to embark on this adventure? Click here to learn more about the services and experiences I offer and click here to get in touch with me today!

Looking For More Colorado Elopement Resources?

I’ve got you covered! Check out these blog posts and Colorado elopement guides:

How to Elope in Crested Butte – Hidden Gems, Tips & Tricks!

Top Colorado Elopement Locations!

How to Elope in Rocky Mountain National Park – Everything You Need to Know!