Ultimate Guide to Elope in the San Juan Mountains

Why Elope in the San Juan Mountains?

If you’re researching how to elope in the San Juan Mountains, chances are you don’t need much convincing. Is that going to stop me? Absolutely not. Stumbling upon this blog is your sign to go for it! You’re welcome. The San Juan Mountain region is my favorite part of Colorado. This is coming from someone who has spent a couple decades exploring this beautiful state. I can confidently tell you that you will be blown away by the beauty this region has to offer. 

Switzerland of America

Aside from my personal obsession, there is SO much about this region that makes it perfect for elopements or intimate weddings. For starters, Ouray is nicknamed, “The Switzerland of America” and it’s for good reason. The whole San Juan Mountain region is riddled with views that make you feel like you are not in America. The first time I came here I just couldn’t believe this was in Colorado. The mountains here are not like the mountains in the rest of Colorado. They are jagged and colorful. It’s not just the mountains either. The waterfalls, aspen groves, wildflowers, and bright blue alpine lakes make it seriously feel like you are in a fairytale. This place is out of this world. Choosing your elopement destination to be in the San Juans is like your eloping in the Alps. But without all the international travel, language barriers, and jet-lag. Win Win Win!

Remote and Immersive Locations

The other thing I LOVE about elopements in the San Juan Mountains is that it’s not close to Denver. I realize that can make it harder to get to if you are flying into Denver, however, it also means there are less people here. Now, it can definitely be busy however, most of the locations we go to are a little more remote and offer an immersive experience and privacy for vows. 

Lastly, I love that Silverton, Ouray, and Telluride are simply amazing little mountain towns with a lot to offer for restaurants and activities. When you are deciding where to elope, I advise that you think of the days surrounding your elopement too.There is so much to do and see here. A hiker’s paradise. Or if you prefer off roading or roadside views there are plenty of those as well. There is lots of great dining down here which gives you a lot of options for private celebrations with your guests (or just yourselves). From relaxing natural hot springs to thrilling jeep rides, this little corner of Colorado makes a perfect elopement destination.

Best Elopement Destinations in the San Juan Mountains

Let’s dive into the different towns that make a great basecamp for your elopement destination. They are each different and have access to some amazing locations for a ceremony, but I think it ultimately depends on what you are looking for in your stay. 

Ouray Colorado Elopements

Ouray is just the cutest little mountain town! It makes an incredible destination to have an intimate wedding or elope in the San Juan Mountains. It’s nestled in and completely surrounded by mountains in a natural amphitheater. I love Ouray’s down to earth vibes, while still offering upscale experiences for dining and lodging. One of the best things about Ouray is its proximity to 4×4 mountain passes and easy options to rent Jeeps that can handle these roads. You can even hire a driver to take you on a private tour for your elopement. A great way to sit back and enjoy the views without having to navigate these intense roads. It’s about 45 minutes from Silverton and an hour to Telluride. Staying in Ouray make it easy to visit other places. 

Silverton Colorado Elopements

Every time I go to Silverton, I can’t get over how amazing it is. Silverton is slightly smaller than Ouray and a little more remote. But I still think it’s a great destination to elope or have an intimate wedding. Just because it’s small, doesn’t mean it’s not lively. I love how historic the main street feels and some of the best 4×4 roads are easiest to access from here. Plus, it’s only an hour from Durango and that opens up a lot of great options for dining and hot springs. There are some hidden hot springs near Silverton as well. Everywhere you look, you are surrounded by breathtaking views. Honestly, if I was planning to elope in the San Juan Mountains I would probably choose Silverton as the destination. I just love everything about it!

Telluride Colorado Elopements

Telluride is probably my most booked destination for elopements and I can’t say I’m upset about it. Visiting Telluride is what made me fall in love with the whole San Juan Region. If you’re wanting a more luxurious elopement experience, this is the place for you. The town is a little bigger than the others but not too big. I’m obviously very obsessed with having access to great food and drinks. Believe me when I say that some of the best restaurants in Colorado are located here in Telluride. Great for elopements and great for intimate weddings, there’s something for everyone!

Laid Back Luxury Telluride Elopements

What I love about Telluride for a wedding or elopement is that the town is very lively, fun, and luxurious, while also having a laid back, down to earth vibe. It’s perfect. One of the best things about Telluride is that the Gondola is free and the views are so amazing from it, especially in the Fall. 

If you are wanting an elopement location where you don’t need to rent a high clearance jeep, I think Telluride has some incredible options that offer big views and privacy. Especially because most people visiting Telluride stay in town. Telluride is such a great, luxurious option to elope in the San Juan Mountains.

Best time of year to Elope in the San Juan Mountains

Ouray, Silverton, and Telluride are gorgeous year round! However, I’m particularly obsessed with the wildflower season and Fall colors. It’s not just about how the landscape looks, it’s also about accessibility. These mountains are tall and the roads are typically in deep valleys that don’t get a lot of hours of sunlight in the day. The snowmelt from the winter can take a while to clear. Also, the towns are lively and open during the Summer and Fall months. Believe me when I say that there is a slow season for these mountain towns. Many places close down for a few months between seasons. All that to say, the time of year matters!

Wildflowers and Fall Colors

Personally, I think Late July/Early August is the best time of year to elope in Ouray and Silverton because it’s so green and wildflowers are spectacular. While Ouray and Silverton are also beautiful in the Fall, Telluride is hard to beat. The aspen trees in the Telluride area are everywhere. It’s the most beautiful Colorado destination for Fall colors. This is the very reason I offer San Juan Mountains Elopement package dates in these windows. The best for Summery wildflowers and again the best dates for Fall foliage. If you are looking to elope in the San Juan Mountains, these packages are in high demand so don’t wait on reaching out!

Romantic Ideas for a San Juan Mountains Elopement

There is something just so romantic about being with the love of your life in these mountains. I know from personal experience. Getting to explore a new place together and simply be in awe of nature together creates such a special memory. Especially when you are there alone and it’s so quiet and peaceful, it doesn’t feel real. These places have a way of speaking to your soul and it’s truly a powerful way to start your marriage together. 

As a photographer, I believe that your wedding day should be so much more than exchanging vows and taking photos in pretty locations. Yes, we will go to amazing locations. However, I want it to be more about you two taking it in and making real memories together than it is about posing for photos. This is why I place a heavy emphasis on planning romantic activities in your elopement timeline. Your wedding gallery should be filled with images that are linked to memories of the day. Looking at your gallery should bring about the emotion of your love and connection that day. 

What’s great about choosing to elope in the San Juan Mountains is that there are so many ideas of things to do on your elopement day that are truly magical. Here are some of my favorites. 

Hiking Ceremony Elopements in the San Juan Mountains

I realize this might not be what all consider to be a romantic activity, but for couples who love to hike together, I can’t express enough how incredible the hikes are here. What I love about hiking on your elopement day is that you are forced to be totally immersed in the world around you. You get to slow down to experience everything. With the views unfolding more slowly you take more notice of everything you are passing. Even overcoming the difficulty of the hike together is a beautiful way to start your life together. It marks the beginning of an incredible adventure as you journey through life’s ups and downs together. 

I love that hiking elopements are just one activity after another. The hike itself, taking breaks to have coffee and watch the sunrise, exchanging vows in complete privacy while having the most amazing backdrop, first dance at the top of a mountain. These are just a few of the ways you can incorporate more than just exercise into your hiking elopement. 

Off-Roading Elopements in Silverton or Ouray

I can not get over how much fun off-roading elopements are. It’s just wild the places you can get to from Silverton and Ouray without having to hike. Not to mention, it’s just fun to take a Jeep up these roads. Like hiking, you get to have an adventure together to start your marriage. Jeeping for your elopement day is that you can cover a lot of ground and potentially do multiple locations. Plus you have a little room to bring things with you to help you celebrate. Things like fancy picnic supplies, food and celebratory beverages. Maybe even a blow up raft if you are going to one of the pristine alpine lakes in these mountains. Lots of fun options. 

I only suggest Jeeping if you are comfortable with slightly technical 4×4 roads with potential exposure. Or at the very least, willing to have a professional driver drive you. The locations are amazing, but it’s not worth it if it terrifies you or gives you motion sickness. What you do on your day should suit you and there are plenty of places to elope that don’t require a high clearance 4×4 or hiking. 

Private Elopement Picnic

This idea is so dreamy and romantic to me. Imagine getting to have a private meal with your favorite person in the world surrounded by the beauty of the wilderness. Gah! This is one of my favorite ways for eloping couples to slow down and simply be together on their day. It’s one of the best ways to connect and the photos from it are always some of my faves. I love this so much I have picnic supplies I let my couples use for free if they want to include this in their day. 

There are SO many great ways to do a private picnic when you elope in the San Juan Mountains. You can hire a picnic company to set up a luxurious picnic setting which is such a fun way to treat yourselves and celebrate. What I like about this option is that you simply show up and enjoy yourselves. Plus you are hiring someone to make everything look beautiful, comfortable and stocked with your favorite snacks. Here are a few companies that do this:

• Canyons and Chefs
• Telluride Picnic Co
• Durango Picnic Co

DIY Elopement Picnic

Another option is to bring your own supplies and set up something. While it’s not as nice as walking up and having it done for you, it’s still really great. If you want to make it really simple, getting a charcuterie box delivered to where you are staying from The Boarderie is a wonderful option to not have to physically go pick up all the items involved. What I love about doing it yourselves is that you don’t have to rush anywhere and you aren’t limited in location. It’s a fun thing to do together. Plus, if I’m your photographer, I can bring a lot of supplies to make it luxurious and I’m happy to help with the set up. Team effort!

Exploring Scenic Views and Waterfalls in the San Juan Mountains

If you are looking into having your wedding or elopement in the San Juan Mountains, my guess is that you love amazing views and being in nature. This is a romantic activity in and of itself. There is so much opportunity for exploring incredible places in the San Juans. Not only are the mountains unique down here, but there seems to be way more waterfalls compared to the rest of Colorado. And the waterfalls are insanely beautiful. Just imagine having a picnic or writing out your vows together at the base of a waterfall!

Horseback Riding Elopement

I love this idea and the San Juan Region is perfect for it because there are a lot of ranches in the area. What a fun, romantic, and memorable activity to do on your wedding day.

Renting a Canoe

There are several really incredible lakes where you can go out on the water. OMG the notebook vibes! I mean, is there anything more romantic than being on a row boat together? Especially when you’re on a lake surrounded by mountain walls. 

Elopement Ceremony Locations in the San Juan Mountains

You truly can’t go wrong with having your elopement ceremony in the San Juan Mountains. I’ve divided some of my favorite spots into a few categories. These are best for couples who are not bringing guests along for their elopement.

Hiking Elopement Locations in the San Juan Mountains

If you want to hike on your wedding day or make it the majority of your elopement, these hikes are for you! This is my favorite place to hike out of anywhere I’ve been in the US. While some can be challenging, the views make up for it.

Blue Lakes Trail Hiking Elopement

While this one is a very popular hike, it’s for good reason. It features 3 lakes that seem unnaturally teal blue and don’t even get me started on the mountains. This is one that is challenging for sure, but absolutely breathtaking.

Island Lake and Ice Lakes Elopement

I have had my eye on this hike for years and it would be such a cool hike for an elopement. It’s longer but you cover a lot of different terrain within it. Meadows, mountain top views, several mineral blue lakes, even a lake with an island!

Bridal Veil Falls Elopement

This is another popular hiking area. I love it because it’s short (but steep at times) and you get to see 3 gorgeous waterfalls and overlook the canyon. It’s gorgeous. Technically, you can drive up to Bridal Veil Falls, but the road is pretty gnarly so you would need a high clearance 4×4. You would also miss the other 2 waterfalls if you drive up as well. 

Hope Lake Trail Elopement

This is one of my all time favorite hikes. It’s just insane. What I love about it for elopements is that it’s not nearly as busy as some of the other hikes in the area. The views above the treeline are seriously out of this world. It’s also a little shorter for a high alpine hike and really, only one challenging section. It’s amazing!

Handies Peak 14er Elopement

This one is on my dream elopement list. If you are all about summiting 14ers, this would be an incredible option for a hiking elopement. The lake that you pass along the route is the most serene place I’ve ever been. Maybe it was because we were the only ones there. Maybe it’s because of the jagged mountain backdrop coming straight down into the lake. The whole hike to this point was gorgeous and I can only imagine how amazing the views would be at the top. Plus, it’s a pretty short distance for a 14er!

4×4 Elopement locations in the San Juan Mountains

I love this option so much. If you are leaning towards this type of day, I strongly recommend staying near Ouray or Silverton. There are a lot of incredible locations near these towns. This option is great for both elopements with no guests and intimate weddings with a small guest count. There are tours that can fit about 8 guests in one vehicle. Which is what I would recommend if you are wanting to do a family ceremony up a 4×4 road. All of these require a high clearance 4×4 vehicle. 

Keep in mind that you should have some experience with driving these types of roads. They can be dangerous if you’re not careful. If you haven’t had experience in driving technical jeep trails, it’s best to hire a professional driver.

Yankee Boy Basin Elopements

This place speaks to my soul and has so many amazing features all in one location. Amazing wildflowers, cascading waterfalls, and unbelievable 360 mountain views. What more could you want?

Governor’s Basin Elopements

This basin is so cool. I love that it’s so high up but still surrounded by mountain tops. You seriously feel like you are in Switzerland. There are also the most colorful wildflowers up here.

American Basin Elopements

This is one of the most beautiful places in the San Juans. This is a great option if you want to hike but also want to do a family ceremony in a location where no one has to hike with you. There are also amazing wildflowers here in the Summer, are you seeing a theme with the high alpine terrain in the San Juans?

Silverton Jeep Trails

I’m bunching these together because there are a lot of locations you can do all decently close by. The views you get to lay your eyes on in these parts are absolutely wild. 

Accessible San Juan Mountain Elopement Locations

If hiking or off-roading aren’t the types of thrills you’re looking for on your wedding day, there are still some AMAZING places you can elope or have an intimate wedding. Here are some of my favorites. 

Last Dollar Road Elopements

Last Dollar Road is a dirt road connecting Telluride to Ridgway and has wide expansive views. Parts do get a little bumpy so you may need at least an SUV. But it’s nothing like the jeep trails mentioned above. 

Ouray Overlook Elopements

This is a great option for something close to town while still being surrounded by mountains. 

Silverton Elopements

This basin is pretty easy to get up and great for an elopement or intimate wedding near Silverton.

Alta Lakes Elopements

This road is a little more technical at parts but my couples have made it up with cars smaller than a Subaru Outback. I love this area because it’s so peaceful and protected from the wind. There are two gorgeous lakes up here and it’s just a beautiful place for a ceremony

Secret Meadow Telluride Elopement

This option is wonderful because it’s so private and serene. Very tame dirt road to get up to it.  I love this spot for both elopements and intimate weddings near Telluride.

San Juan Mountains Elopement Photography Packages

If you have fallen in love with the idea of eloping somewhere in the San Juan Mountains, lets chat about what you need for the best photography package. As a photographer who specializes in helping you build your dream elopement and is passionate about the experience of the day itself, I highly recommend booking a full day elopement package for this area. It’s just so beautiful, everyone wants to fit in as much as they can. When you have a full day, split day, or multi-day photography package, you get the chance to build your day to incorporate several sites or activities and still have time to enjoy them. That truly makes a big difference in your wedding gallery.

Invest in these irreplaceable memories

Elopements are so much more than vows and a few photos. This is the one thing you get to share with your loved ones. I can’t emphasize enough how valuable it is to look back at your photos and be able to share the story behind it. I always encourage every couple to invest in getting as much of their wedding day story captured as possible. Your wedding day really does go by so quickly. 

My San Juan Mountains elopement packages are designed to help you plan and enjoy your wedding day. While also getting artfully crafted images that tell the story of your day. I love the San Juans so much that I built my schedule to block off dates to only photograph elopements and intimate weddings in this region. During peak wildflower season and Fall foliage none the less. I wanted to make it as easy as possible for couples to elope in my favorite part of Colorado in the best times of year.  These spots book up quickly! If you are considering an elopement in Silverton, Ouray, or Telluride let’s get this process started! 

What’s included in my San Juan Mountain Elopement Photography Packages

What makes my San Juan Mountain elopement packages unique (other than them being at optimal times of year) is that I include a few things other photographers do not. Because I know how overwhelming it can be to plan a wedding, even if it’s small, I don’t want my couples feeling like they are doing this alone. Not only do I help come up with ideas for what to do, location suggestions, and how to structure the day in a way that is optimized for you, but I also include a consultation with an intimate wedding planner. This consultation helps you bring your vision to life. She helps you lay out a plan for everything you need. Shows you how easy it is to add some design elements that really make a big difference in personalizing your day. I’ve found this to be so helpful for my couples to bring clarity in their vision. 

All of my couples have access to my picnic supplies if they would like to include that in their day. Just one less thing you have to bring or worry about. My packages booked for full days or more during my travel dates also receive a $200 print credit in the online print shop. Plus you are booking someone who will be just as excited as you are about the beauty and awe of this place. Someone who truly wants you to have the best day ever and understands the intimacy of elopements is sacred.