When Is the Best Time to Get Married in Colorado for Elopements?
If you plan to elope and have your sights set on Colorado, you’re probably wondering: “When is the best time to get married in Colorado?” And while, yes, some months are more conducive to an outdoor wedding than others, the truth is — the best month to elope depends on you!
Are you dreaming of an intimate winter wedding at a ski resort? Do you want your elopement photos filled with colorful wildflowers in the mountains? Or have you always wanted to say “I do” with a backdrop of beautiful aspen trees bursting with fall colors?
As a Colorado-based elopement photographer, I’ve created a month-by-month breakdown of what to expect during each month in Colorado to help you determine which month is best for your elopement. Let’s get started!
Month-by-Month Breakdown for Elopements in Colorado
January
If you want to guarantee a stunning winter wonderland elopement in Colorado — January is the perfect month to choose. Though January is the coldest month to elope in Colorado, it’s also one of the driest months, so you can enjoy the beauty of the snow without getting caught in a storm.
February
February is similar to January in terms of weather in Colorado — there’s snow in the mountains, though the bitter cold and wind have subsided a bit. The likelihood of storms starts to pick up in February, meaning more overcast days (which isn’t always bad for elopement photos!).
February is Colorado's most popular month for skiing and snowboarding, with deep powder conditions and a high chance of fresh snow. So, while February is an excellent month for an elopement in a ski resort town, plan around holidays and weekends if you want a quiet, intimate elopement.
March
While spring has sprung in other parts of the country in March — we’re still in full-blown “winter mode” here in Colorado! March is Colorado’s snowiest month, with Denver averaging at least a foot of snow and the high-elevation mountain towns often seeing much more than a foot.
March is not ideal for Colorado elopements because of the blizzard-like weather — the worst thing that could happen is getting snowed out of your elopement! That said, if you want to elope in March, choose a location that won’t be impacted by closed mountain roads during storms.
April
It’s still not spring by April in Colorado (but at this point… we all wish it were!).
Though the snow is beginning to melt in lower-elevation areas, like Denver, the landscapes are muddy, without leaves, grass, or flowers to liven them up. If you elope in April, head to a high-altitude location like Breckenridge or Rocky Mountain National Park. While high-altitude regions will still have snow on the ground, it will be warmer and sunnier than the other winter months, like January and February.
May
Ahhh, finally… it’s spring in Colorado! But… wait for it… that doesn’t mean it still won’t snow in May.
Snow is still possible in early May, though the likelihood of a storm drastically decreases by the end of the month. If you want to elope in Colorado in May, I highly recommend the end of the month, after the bleak, muddy terrain has transformed into a tapestry of lush, green trees and grass. However, be sure to plan your May elopement before Memorial Day… otherwise, you might have a cameo from tourists in your elopement photos!
June
When it comes to Colorado elopements, June is the perfect month for couples who want a little bit of everything. June offers lush landscapes, snowcapped mountains, pleasant weather, and even some colorful wildflowers at the end of the month!
Colorado experiences rain in June, although most showers occur during the early afternoon and usually clear up by the evening (bring a raincoat just in case… trust me!). June also has the longest days of the year, making it ideal for sunrise or sunset elopements in Colorado.
July
July marks the start of summer in Colorado, with warm weather, gorgeous greenery, and colorful wildflowers in bloom at higher altitudes. Mountain passes usually open by July, and alpine lakes and waterfalls are at their best because of the snowmelt.
All in all, July is a stunning time to get married in Colorado (which is why it’s one of the most popular months for elopements!). Just be aware of afternoon thunderstorms in July. I recommend sunrise elopements in July to dodge the storms, especially for couples who want to do an adventurous hike in the mountains.
August
August is similar to July in terms of weather for Colorado elopements. There is gorgeous greenery and wildflowers, open mountain passes for long, adventurous hikes, and warm, sunny days.
August tends to be drier and warmer than July, making it ideal for mountain elopements. Though summer tourism is still hot at the beginning of August, the trails quiet down by the end of the month, making the last few weeks of August ideal for an intimate elopement in Colorado.
September
September is an excellent month to elope in Colorado — especially if you want to have gorgeous fall colors in your wedding photos!
For mountain elopements, the aspen leaves begin to change colors in September and usually hit their peak by the end of the month. The actual “peak” time does vary, so while you can likely count on some fall colors in your September wedding photos, please know there is no way to guarantee them. In addition to fall colors, Colorado also enjoys lovely weather in September!
October
October is an excellent month for an elopement in Colorado. Most summer and fall tourists have returned home by this time, so you’ll find wide-open, empty trails perfect for an intimate elopement.
If you’re planning an elopement at a high elevation, remember that the weather gets chilly in October, and there is a strong chance of snow (especially later in the month). If you’re getting married at a lower elevation, you’ll likely experience warmer weather and may even be able to capture the last traces of fall in your wedding photos in early October.
November
While November might be “fall” in the rest of the country — winter has already arrived by November in Colorado!
In all honestly, November isn’t a great time to elope at lower elevations. It’s too warm for the snow to stick but cold enough for all the leaves to shrivel up, leaving the landscapes dry and barren. However, if you head into the mountains, you’ll usually find a light layer of snow, making November an excellent time to elope at high elevation without a strong chance of heavy snowfall or intense storms.
December
December is a cold, snowy month in Colorado. The snow begins to stick at high and low elevations… and you can expect plenty of deep powder in the ski towns!
December does have the shortest days of the year, so you’ll need to plan your elopement timeline accordingly. But, if you want stunning sunrise photos without waking up at the crack of dawn… December might be the perfect month for your elopement!
Capture a Stunning Colorado Elopement in All Seasons with Claire Hamilton Photography
Dreaming of an intimate winter wedding in a cozy alpine village? Or an adventurous summer hiking elopement in the mountains? Regardless of which month you’d like to get married in Colorado, I would love to help you capture all the special moments and memories from your one-of-a-kind elopement!
Contact me to learn more — I look forward to hearing from you!
