Breckenridge Elopement Guide
Step-by-step how to elope in one of the most magical locations in all of Colorado—Breckenridge. This will cover how to plan your Breckenridge elopement, including things to do, best time of year to elope, where to stay, locations, and more.
Contents of this Guide
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Why Breckenridge?
The adventures are endless (and accessible).
Breckenridge is one of the most gorgeous areas in one of the most beautiful states in America, with expansive mountains, alpine lakes, peaks, valleys, wildflowers, and gorgeous locations for an elopement ANY time of year. And, the plus side is, you don’t have to be a professional mountaineer to have a mountain elopement there. Of course there are more difficult treks with crazy terrain to elope at if that’s your thing, but there are plenty of accessible and easily-hikeable trails and spots to elope at as well.
Breckenridge has is ALL.
Yes, I mean allllll. Whatever kind of mountain scenery you could want, it has. Snow capped peaks, wildflowers, lakes, rivers, creeks, back roads, you name it, we got it.
Elopements are kind of our thing.
Because of the reasons I listed above, Colorado has become known as one of the elopement hot-spots in America, with Breckenridge being one of most beautiful spots to do it. It’s so easy, accessible, and FUN to elope here, so couples have been flocking here to do it for the last decade. For this reason, there are a lot of elopement vendors that specifically specialize in elopements. Our demand for elopements is extremely high, so many vendors have made the shift to specializing specifically in helping couples plan an amazing elopement experience (including myself).
Colorado elopement perks.
The number one reason couples choose to elope in Colorado is because they can self-solemnize. Self-solemnization means that you can officiate your own wedding. The state of Colorado does not require an officiant for your wedding, so you can spend an intentional day EXACTLY how you want. Of course, you can always hire an officiant to lead your ceremony if you’re not comfortable doing it yourself, but it is not required by the state. Also, the state of Colorado also does not require you to have witnesses present for your ceremony. Colorado is the only state that does not require an officiant OR witnesses for a wedding ceremony to be legally legit. This also means your pet can legally sign your marriage certificate.
Things to do around Breckenridge
Explore the outdoors (more casual)
There are plenty of amazing locations to take a beautiful afternoon stroll, or just marvel at the beauty outside your car window. Here are some of my favorite accessible activities:
Sapphire Point Overlook
Boreas Pass
Hoosier Pass
Ride the FREE BreckConnect Gondola
Explore the outdoors (in adventure mode)
There are tons of incredible activities to partake in while exploring the area apart from just hiking (although the hiking is INCREDIBLE). Here are some more activity ideas, and where you can rent equipment from:
Horseback riding at Breckenridge Stables - ride here
Sleigh Ride at Golden Horseshoe Sleigh Rides - giddy up
Paddle board or kayak Lake Dillon - rent here
Mountain bike one of the countless bike trails - rent bikes here
Stargaze at any of the campgrounds near by. The night sky is so vibrant out here.
Grab some food from local small businesses
Coffee: The Crown, Cool River Coffee House
Breakfast: The Crown, Cool River Coffee House, La Francaise
Restaurant: Check out Breckenridge Dining Club for a full list of the best
Desert: I Scream Gelato, Stir-Pan Creamery
Best Time of Year to Elope in Breckenridge
Summer
Summer is by far my favorite time of year in Breckenridge. The warm air, wildflowers, vibrant greens of wilderness, turquoise alpine lakes, waterfalls, and sunshine all hit different this time of year. Summer elopements in Breck are best from late June to late August. August and July are my favorite months for elopements. In other parts of the US, you can expect 90+ degree weather, but in high-altitude mountain towns, you can expect lovely 65-75 degree days.
Fall
Breck is one of the most beautiful spots in all of Colorado to view the changing aspens. The vibrant yellows and oranges are incredible to witness. Fall elopements in Breckenridge are best from mid September to early October. Be aware that winter conditions are unpredictable, and snow may come earlier. Keep that in mind when selecting your fall date.
Winter
Winter is by far the most unpredictable time of year anywhere in the Colorado mountains. I have learned to love the unpredictability of it over the years, so if you are adventurous and love the winter chill, winter is for you. Winter conditions in the mountains are from roughly mid-October to March, March being the snowiest month statistically. Christmas time Breckenridge is spectacular, so don’t miss the opportunity for a sleigh ride in fresh pow, or skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, or snowshoeing.
Spring
Following close behind in the unpredictability scale is spring. Spring happens at all different times depending on the altitude. In Denver, spring happens in April with some random freezes here and there. However, the mountains are a completely different story. The photo above was taken in late June at 10,000+ ft altitude, where we had to trek through mud and streams due to snow melt. As a rule of thumb, mid June is when you can expect most winter conditions to be melted away, but still prepare for snow well into June. Spring elopements are essentially mud, snow melt, and brown vegetation. Proceed with caution!
Where to Stay
Breckenridge is known for it’s fabulous mountain homes with incredible views, and a large majority of them get listed online as vacation rentals. Enjoy privacy, mountain views, and luxury accommodations while staying in Breck.
Here’s where to stay in Breckenridge.
Summit County Marriage License Requirements
Depending on the county you apply for your marriage license from, it may vary in time and speed of your marriage license. However, here’s how it works in Summit County (where Breckenridge resides).
Make an appointment over the phone 3 weeks ahead of when you’d like to go apply for your license in person. I suggest making your appointment at least 1-3 days before your wedding date. There is no waiting period, and you’ll walk out with your marriage license in hand. If you are a resident of Summit County, CO, you do not need an appointment.
At your appointment in person, bring your marriage license application filled out - fillable PDF found here! Print this out and bring a hard copy with you, along with a valid ID.
The cost is $30, and you’ll walk out with your license in hand.
Not able to get an appointment within 3 weeks of your day? Here’s a complete list of counties in Colorado you can obtain a marriage license through!
After you’re married, return the completed marriage license within 64 days from your date. I recommend sending it in right away so that you don’t forget, but you have time if you need to wait for any reason.
Breckenridge Locations
While I reserve most of my specific locations for my couples, here are some inspiration images around Breck to help convince you this place has everything.
Continental Divide
Mountain views, mountain views, and more mountain views. Breckenridge is only a 30 minute drive from the Continental Divide, meaning you get to enjoy some truly epic views.
Mountain Valleys
Next to Lake Dillon, there’s a gorgeous valley with wildflowers where you can watch the sunset over the mountains. It’s truly amazing.
Aspen Groves
Fall in Breckenridge is an absolute wonderland of fall colors. Many high-alpine roads and passes in the area will take you along your own private viewing area, where you can take in the amazing aspens without others around you.
4X4 Jeep Trails
There are plenty of opportunities for off-roading in the area. Although not as many as the 4x4 capitol of the state in the San Juan mountains, there are still some gorgeous passes to explore.
Alpine Lakes
Up for a hike? There are many alpine lakes in the area that you can explore, where there’s a slim chance of running into anyone. These alpine lakes and waterfalls are worth the effort to get to, and you won’t regret making a sweat to see them.
Hiking Trails
There’s an amazing array of hiking trails in the Breckenridge area, ranging from extremely accessible walks, to very challenging 14ers. Hiking on your wedding day is one of my favorite activities to suggest to my couples.
Epic Ski Slopes
Love winter? Love snow? You’re in luck, because Breck has some of the most popular ski slopes in the state surrounding the area. A word of advice, if you decide to have a ski elopement, pick a weekday to avoid the traffic and lines.
Wildflowers
There are lots of beautiful areas to views wildflowers in the summer months. Expect to see wildflowers in high alpine locations from late June to early August.
Breckenridge Elopement Galleries
I photograph more and more Breckenridge elopements every year, and I fall more and more in love with them each year. Want a local expert to be a part of your elopement day? Make sure to check out my pricing page, and fill out my contact form so we can get started planning your day!
Alexis + Matt Breckenridge Summer Hiking Elopement
Nicole + Nathan Loveland Pass Fall Elopement
Maria + Alan Loveland Pass Summer Elopement
Meagan + Derrian Fall Breckenridge Elopement
HEY You!
I’m Emily, a Colorado Elopement Photographer with a passion for giving joyful, badass couples the ultimate adventure-filled elopement! I’m ready to help curate your adventure and get our boots dirty in the process. Are you?
I build a custom elopement experience for every couple (yes, even you!!!) that makes you feel on top of the world.
