
Why Elope in Breckenridge
Breckenridge has a small town charm with a romantic feeling to it. It's modern with an adorable and lively downtown area. It's nestled right in the middle of the gorgeous 10 Mile Mountain Range. This mountain peak is famously named for having 1 peak for every mile for.. you guessed it.. 10 miles.. That's a lot of mountain views to choose from in a small area.
It's remote and beautiful + easy to access.
Close to airport - you'll be out of the Denver airport and breathing that fresh mountain air in less than 2 hours!
It's Got a "Rich" History | Mining roots
Breckenridge has gold mining roots, what a cool foundation to lay your marriage on. And think of the potential good implications it could have for both your life and your marriage! The history is actually quite interesting and even a little controversial so I'm going to leave the telling to the professionals. I highly recommend taking one of these tours: Breckenridge History Tour
What time of year to elope in Breckenridge?
Winter Elopements - Breckenridge is beautiful literally any time of the year. If you ask a skier or a snowboarder they'll tell you to go December- March for the most snow. Which makes for beautiful pictures! If you're interested in a winter wonderland wedding this is the spot. You get beautiful scenic snowfalls and the average temperature stays in the 30's year round. In March the average temperature is 38 and sunny!
Spring Elopements - Spring is beautiful in the mountains but expect "Mud Season" to be between Mid-April to Mid-May. Still very doable but I would suggest booking a venue over doing anything involving hiking in a wedding dress at this time.. if you want to keep your dress clean anyway. If you don't mind the mud I don't either!!

^ this picture was taken mid May and the bride was fine in these shoes
Summer Elopements - Breckenridge starts to warm up in June. Mid June is also the start of wild flower season in the mountains and that is something phenomenal to experience. Imagine hiking to your elopement through a field of wild flowers.
Fall Elopements - Imagine mountain views dotted in yellow aspen trees, a fresh dusting of snow. Fall is the mountains is quick! But seriously magical.
How do you elope in Breckenridge?
Currently, the Clerk & Recorder in Breckenridge now allowing non-residents of Summit County to apply for marriage licenses. If you are eloping in Breckenridge, you will need to make an appointment by calling their office. They are limiting appointments to just three per day, so be sure to call as soon as possible to schedule yours. Breckenridge Appointment Times: Monday - Friday / 9:00 AM / 11:00 AM / 2:00 PM If there are no appointments available, you can get your marriage license in any county in the state, just be aware that you will need to return your license to the same location afterward. Click here to see a list of all Clerk & Recorder offices in Colorado. We recommend checking out Park County (office in Fairplay), Clear Creek County (office in Georgetown), Denver County (office in Downtown Denver), Jefferson County (office in Golden), and Adams County (office in Brighton, near Denver International Airport). Full-time residents of Summit County do not need to make an appointment and can come to the office Mondays-Fridays, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM. **This information is up-to-date as of December 13th, 2022.
Summit County Clerk & Recorder Location: 208 Lincoln Ave, Breckenridge, CO 80424 (Click here to view in Google Maps) Hours: Monday - Friday, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM / Closed Holidays Appointments for Marriage Licenses are Required
How to Get a Marriage License in Summit County
Step 1: Make an appointment by calling the office. Step 2: Fill out the marriage license application. Step 3: Print out your marriage license application and bring with you to your appointment.
Who can sign a Colorado Marriage License?
Colorado is unique - you can choose to self solemnize your own marriage here! This means that you do not need an officiant or any witnesses to make your marriage legal.
How much does it cost to elope in Breckenridge, Colorado?
Colorado marriage licenses cost $30. In addition, it is suggested that you also get at least 3 certified copies, this will be an extra fee (typically around $3/copy). These are good to have for your records as well as for the name-change process, if you plan to do so. Plan to spend $40.
Where to Elope in Breckenridge?
Sapphire Point: Colorado Rockies with stunning panoramic views of Lake Dillon, Sapphire Point is an idyllic location for elopement photography. You can exchange vows against the stunning backdrop of the lake - which is less than 250 feet from the parking lot making this a great option for people with mobility issues. After the ceremony guests can choose to walk the charming 1 mile loop back to the parking lot or return the way they came. Easily accessible year round.
Permits are $118 for 2 hours and can be reserved one year in advance. Warning* These permits can be quite competitive but don't worry because if we don't get the permit there are still soo many wonderful (if not even better) options.
Loveland Pass: Just a short drive from Breckenridge, Loveland Pass is a high mountain pass that promises awe-inspiring vistas. Standing at an elevation of 11,990 feet and directly on the Continental Divide, this location offers expansive mountain views. This is the perfect dramatic landscape for those looking to put on some hiking boots and want more of an adventure elopement.
Blue Lakes: Boasting crystal-clear alpine lakes surrounded by towering peaks and lush meadows. This hidden gem is perfect for couples seeking a serene and intimate elopement experience. You will need a 4WD or AWD vehicle to get here. But how fun would it be to rent some jeeps? Once you park there are breathtaking views a short walk from the car. The walk is steep though so I do not recommend this as an option for anyone with mobility issues. Whether you dream of an intimate ceremony by the lakeside or an adventurous hiking trail to higher vantage points Blue Lakes promises an unforgettable experience however it is only accessible in the summer months.
Officers Gulch: Easy to access, Officers Gulch has high reward scenery without having to put in all the effort. With its picturesque meadows, dense forests, and a meandering creek, this location offers a delightful blend of natural elements. Did I mention the hike is completely flat?! Located near Vail, Breckenridge and Copper Mountain, there will be tons of great lodging for your guests to choose from. The vibrant colors during the summer and the golden hues of autumn provide a stunning backdrop for your elopement photos, while the peaceful ambiance adds a sense of tranquility and intimacy to your special day. Easily accessible in the winter months. This spot can be busy during peak season so I would recommend planning your ceremony for the morning if you want a more private elopement during this time.
It's one of my favorite ceremony locations because doesn't require a permit to get married (with just a few restrictions) which makes it great for those planning a last minute elopement. Ask me fore more info about getting married at Officers Gulch here.
Mayflower Gulch: If you're looking for a location that truly encapsulates the spirit of the Colorado wilderness, Mayflower Gulch is a remarkable choice. Surrounded by beautiful mountains and dotted with wildflowers during the summer months, this sweet alpine valley offers a captivating and romantic atmosphere. A short easy hike into a valley perfect for couples who want to elope alone or with a small group.
Lake Dillon: Picture getting married on the shores of Lake Dillon, sailboats in the background surrounded by majestic mountains and lush greenery. The best part? If you have a group 10 or less it doesn't require a permit making it a great option for couples doing small elopements. If you want something that can accommodate for more people there are also large group sites that can be rented out for 2 days at a time specifically for this sort of thing - a really cool way to do it in my opinion. They have clean bathrooms and a large wooden structure you or your event planner can decorate however you'd like. Your guests can choose between getting a luxury airbnb or pitching a tent. Windy Point is the better of the two options, probably my favorite spot. Learn more about this idea here.
- KEEP READING FOR MORE OPTIONS -
Hiking Adventure Elopement - This is my personal favorite, I LOVE planning these with you. There are seriously soo many amazing hikes around Breckenridge and I've done so many of them that are just dying to be the location of your elopement. Some feature alpine lakes and/or waterfalls. Some are 1.5 miles long, others are 14 miles RT. All with gorgeous views! Reach out to me and let me know what you want I'll give you all of my best options.
4x4 Elopement - Want the gorgeous views but don't want to make everyone hike? Rent 4x4s! I've already got a car that can meet you there. I've got apline lakes in mind that would be perfect for a picnic. Or even a river in a canyon next to a secluded hot springs.
Silverthorne Pavillion - another great venue in Summit County, located directly on the shored of the Blue River with views of the Gore Range Mountains all around.
Rent an air bnb with a view - Just minutes away from Sapphire Point! An option to consider is to splurge on a fancy air bnb that will cover the cost of the venue and the lodging for your inner circle. Check out this dreamy option minutes away from Sapphire Point: Airbnb with epic views from porch in Keystone, Colorado
OR this one that's minutes away from Sapphire Point and directly right on the river!
Check out the listing for the Rivertree Lodge in Breckenridge.
Have a Lake Side Wedding at Windy Point Camp Ground : Get married on the shores of Lake Dillon! This is actually a campground for you adventurous types! You can have both the ceremony here as well as host a reception underneath a covered pavilion on the shore of Lake Dillon with sweeping mountain views in every direction. Your guests can choose from tons of nearby resorts or opt to camp right at the site of your reception. More information about the campsite.
Where to get dinner afterwards?
Breckenridge Distillery - The world's highest distillery has an attached restaurant and the elevated dining experience is amazing.
Hearthstone - Of course this one had to make the list. Great food, views, and service.
Tavern West - In house smoker and wood fired grill. 15 minutes from Breckenridge this might be the best restaurant in the county! The atmosphere here is great and the happy hour better! But make sure you call ahead for reservations.
How to get around Breckenridge? Uber? Bus?
I'm reading on other blogs people telling you to Uber and I need to tell you DO NOT rely on Uber in Summit County. For whatever reason there are no drivers and you WILL get stuck in the middle of the night if you do this.
I would recommend renting a car or using their FREE public transportation in the county. Yes the buses are free, but it limits you on hiking locations.
Getting From the Airport via Public Transportation: There are expensive ride shuttles you can take to get to Breckenridge and then there is the much cheaper Bustang and unfortunately nothing really in between.
I help all my couples plan an execute their dream elopement photography.
I travel back and forth between Hawaii and Colorado frequently and don't charge any travel fee's to photograph your elopement in Colorado.
If you're planning an elopement in Breckenridge and want some help I would love to chat!
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