The Ultimate Guide to Your Breckenridge Elopement

Posted On | August 18, 2022

We believe that a Breckenridge elopement is one of the best locations in Colorado to get married! Here is an ultimate guide for everything you need to know to plan your own Breckenridge elopement.

Contents

Why Have a Breckenridge Elopement? 

Breckenridge elopement by We The Light Photography

Views on Views on Views! 

The biggest thing that draws couples to Breckenridge time and time again is the views. Breckenridge is home to so many different types of landscapes within a short drive. From alpine lakes to waterfalls to wildflower-covered meadows to tall green forests to dramatic snow-capped peaks, it’s impossible to find a bad view! 

All-Season Destination 

Breckenridge is one place in Colorado that is awesome year-round! Summer months bring lush, green hillsides with wildflowers everywhere you look and crystal-clear alpine lakes. With fall comes orange, yellow, and red aspens and crisp, comfortable temperatures. Breckenridge becomes a winter wonderland as the snow begins in winter and stays through spring, and the mountains come alive with winter sports! 

Ample Activity Options 

It’s almost impossible to get bored in Breckenridge. Whether you’re planning on eloping just the two of you or bringing your closest friends and family along for the ride, there are plenty of activities to choose from to keep you occupied while you’re in town. Check out our favorite activities here!   

Accessibility 

Breckenridge is just a two-hour drive from Denver International Airport, and is one of the more accessible mountain towns! You can rent a car (which we highly recommend doing to give you more flexibility as you explore!) or even take a shuttle directly from DIA to town if you’d rather not drive.   

It’s Easy to Get Married! 

The whole state of Colorado makes it very easy to get married. In Colorado, you are not required to have a witness or an officiant. Instead, you are allowed to “self-solemnize” if you choose, which means all that is needed to make your marriage legal is the two of you signing your marriage license! For more information on how to get your marriage license in Colorado, visit this helpful blog post.

Dog Friendly 

Breckenridge is an incredibly dog-friendly town. Many hotels and rentals allow four legged friends to stay, and most restaurants and breweries will allow dogs on the patios. Many even provide water dishes and treats for your pooch! Because Colorado does not require a witness in order for your marriage to be legally binding, most counties, including Summit County, will allow your dog to sign your license with their paw print! 

Lodging + Vendor Availability 

Breckenridge offers a wide selection of both vendors and lodging. Whether it’s a florist, private chef, hair and make-up artist, officiant, or even a baker, Breckenridge is serviced by a wonderful vendor community. There are also hundreds of lodging options both in Breckenridge and the surrounding towns, allowing you and your guests the opportunity to find exactly what you’re envisioning. Be sure to check out some of our favorite options here! 

Affordability 

While it’s no secret that ski towns are known to be a bit pricey, Breckenridge is definitely one of the more affordable options in Colorado. There are numerous locations that are perfect for ceremonies that are free or low-cost in the area, and prices for food, vendors, lodging, and gas tend to be more comparable to Denver than other mountain towns in Colorado. 

What is the Best Time of Year for a Breckenridge Elopement?

Breckenridge is a choice destination year-round, so it really depends on the type of weather and scenery you are envisioning! 

Breckenridge Summer Elopement 

Summer elopement in Breckenridge Colorado

Beginning mid-June and lasting through the beginning of September, summertime in Breckenridge is every hiking lover’s dream. You can expect to see lush, green hillsides with large patches of wildflowers, full alpine lakes, long, warm days, and cool nights perfect for stargazing. Summer activities in Breckenridge include hiking, horseback riding, biking, and boating. View Lindsay and Frank’s summer elopement in Breckenridge to get a feeling of what your summer wedding could look like.

Breckenridge Fall Elopement 

Fall elopement in Breckenridge Colorado

Beginning in mid-September and lasting through early November, fall is one of the most popular times to elope in Breckenridge due to the vibrant color dotting the mountainsides! While it’s hard to predict exactly when the leaves will change, you can usually find aspens turning from green to various hues of yellow and orange from late September through early October, providing a scenic backdrop for your elopement photos! The temperature tends to be comfortable (low 60s to upper 70s) during the day at the start of fall, with it beginning to slowly dip as we get later into the year. It’s not unheard of to start seeing snow in October, but the real snowfall usually begins sometime in November.  View Brandon and Grace’s fall elopement near Breckenridge to get a feeling of what your fall wedding could look like.

Breckenridge Winter Elopement  

Winter elopement near Breckenridge Colorado

Starting mid-November and lasting through the beginning of April, winter in Breckenridge is every snow lover’s dream! With several ski resorts in the area, you can expect to see lots of people taking advantage of the snowpack, especially on the weekends. Winter provides a gorgeous, romantic setting to explore snow-covered trails on skis, snowboards, dog sleds, snowshoes, or snowmobiles. Temperatures can range anywhere from below freezing to the mid-40s during the daytime, and while the days tend to be shorter, there’s still plenty of light for exploring!  View Kacey and Sarah’s winter elopement in Breckenridge to get a feeling of what your winter wedding could look like.

Breckenridge Spring Elopement 

Spring elopement near Breckenridge Colorado

Springtime in Breckenridge tends to be shoulder season. Prices tend to be a bit lower for lodging this time of year, and Breckenridge is definitely at its least busy. From mid-April to the beginning of June, the snow starts to melt and trails tend to be muddy. But don’t let this scare you off!  While many of the trailheads at higher altitudes won’t open until late June/early July, there are still a plethora of locations to explore at lower elevations! Springtime is a wonderful time to elope in Breckenridge if you’re looking to avoid crowds and take advantage of lower prices!  View Selena and Kelvin’s summer elopement near Breckenridge to get a feeling of what your spring wedding could look like.

Should You Have a Weekend or Weekday Elopement in Breckenridge? 

Breckenridge elopement with Isaac Heartstone wooded troll

Because Breckenridge is a year-round destination for outdoor enthusiasts, we highly recommend eloping on a weekday in Breckenridge! Traffic on I-70 can get pretty intense Friday-Sunday, making a 2-hour drive from Denver into a 3+ hour drive. Trailheads tend to fill up quickly on weekends, and lodging and vendor availability is much more limited. If privacy is a top concern on your wedding day, a weekday is going to be your best bet! 

If you are set on having a weekend elopement, it is still possible to find some privacy by visiting lesser-known trails, or eloping at sunrise!  

Breckenridge Elopement Locations 

Loveland Pass Elopement 

Loveland pass elopement by colorado elopement photographer We The Light Photography

Reaching an elevation of 11,990 feet at the top, Loveland Pass is the highest road in the US that is open year-round! During warm months, Loveland Pass is home to lush aspen groves, wildflowers, alpine lakes, high alpine tundra, and scenic mountain views. Ceremony locations are relatively accessible with a 10-15 minute walk and are perfect for groups up to 10 people. 

Snow is typically present from November through mid-June. During winter months, Loveland Pass is home to three ski resorts and offers incredible views of the snow-covered peaks! Snowshoeing and backcountry skiing are both popular activities in the winter months along Loveland Pass. Check out the following Loveland Pass elopements to get a sense for what it’s like to elope there year-round! 

Grace + Brandon’s Fall Loveland Pass Elopement 

Kyla + Chris’ Spring Loveland Pass Elopement 

Sapphire Point Overlook Elopement 

Sapphire Point elopement by We The Light Photography

Sapphire Point is one of the most popular places in Breckenridge to elope, and for good reason! Overlooking Lake Dillon, Sapphire Point can be reserved for two hours at a time and is perfect for groups of up to 35 people. Reservations can be made up to a year in advance and go quickly, especially on weekends. It is handicap accessible and available year-round! Check out Jamie and Jeff’s Sapphire Point Elopement! 

For more information about eloping at Sapphire Point, be sure to check out our guide below!

Sapphire Point Wedding Guide

Windy Point Group Campground Elopement 

Windy Point Campground elopement by colorado elopement photographer

For those looking to elope with a larger group, Windy Point Group Campground might be the perfect solution! Located on the shore of Lake Dillon, there are scenic mountain views as well as a picnic shelter that can accommodate up to 100 people. There are two parts of the campground that can be rented out – the Lake Loop and the Forest Loop. Reservations can be made up to a year in advance and go quickly. Windy Point is open from late May through the end of September. 

Breckenridge Mountain Pass Elopement 

Breckenridge mountain pass elopement by We The Light Photography

This pass near Breckenridge is perfect for the couple who wants to hike, but doesn’t want to go too far! With mountain views beginning less than a quarter mile into the hike, this pass offers a look into a valley as well as the surrounding mountain ranges. Due to the narrow nature of the trail, this pass is not suitable for groups larger than 5. Check out Anne and Danny’s sunrise winter elopement! 

Lake Dillon Elopement

Lake Dillon elopement by colorado elopement photographer We The Light Photography

Lake Dillon offers numerous locations along its shore to share your vows, enjoy a picnic, watch the sunset, or even get out on the water! You can bring your own watercraft, or rent anything from a paddleboard or kayak up to a pontoon at nearby marinas! Eloping along the shores of Lake Dillon is perfect for groups up to 10 people. Check out Jake and Caiti’s kayaking elopement on Lake Dillon!

Alpine Lake Elopement 

Alpine lake elopement near Breckenridge by We The Light Photography

If there is one thing Breckenridge has a lot of, it’s alpine lakes! Whether you are looking for something easily accessible by car, or want to get your heart pumping with a hike, Breckenridge’s alpine lakes are a calm place to share your vows and soak up Colorado’s beauty! These lakes are perfect for groups of up to 10 people. Check out Lindsay and Frank’s elopement at one of our favorite alpine lakes in Breckenridge!

Waterfall Elopement 

Waterfall elopement in Breckenridge by colorado elopement photographer

Less than 15 minutes from Breckenridge are two gorgeous waterfalls, providing a perfect backdrop as you share your vows! One waterfall is a short walk from the car, while the other is a 15-20 minute easy hike. These waterfalls are great for groups of up to 10 people. Check out Kasey and Veronica’s waterfall elopement! 

Breckenridge Summer and Fall Elopement Activities 

Summer kayaking elopement near Breckenridge

When the weather gets warm, it’s not difficult to find an activity to do outdoors! Here are a few of our favorite activities to consider including as you adventure on your wedding day. 

Hiking 

There are hundreds of trails within a short drive from Breckenridge to explore. From lakes and rivers to thick forests and high alpine tundra, it’s not difficult to find a trail that suits what you’re envisioning!  

Boating 

Looking to cool down? Consider renting watercraft from a nearby marina like Lake Dillon Marina or the Frisco Bay Marina! Dillon and Frisco both have options to rent paddleboards, kayaks, canoes, and even pontoons. Lake Dillon is full of little islands to explore, and the only way to get to them is via boat! 

Picnicking  

We’re big fans of food around here and will never say no to incorporating a picnic into a wedding day. What better way to relax than with some delicious food and a scenic view?! 

Roasting S’Mores 

So long as no fire ban is in place, ending the day around a campfire, roasting s’mores, and listening to your favorite music is a wonderful option to wind down and relax! 

Grabbing a Pint 

If you’re a beer lover, you’ve come to the right place. Breckenridge is close to several breweries with delicious craft beer.

Hammocking 

Want to take a few moments to relax and swing in your hammock? It’s always an option! 

Gondola Ride 

With four ski resorts within 20 minutes from town, there are numerous options to choose from for a gondola ride! Most ski resorts operate lifts for mountain biking, hiking, and scenic rides from mid-June through Labor Day during the summer season. If you want the thrill of an open-air chairlift, check out A-Basin’s scenic chairlift ride. Or, if you want the comfort of an enclosed gondola, Breckenridge Ski Resort is right up your alley

4×4 Trails 

If exploring new places behind the wheel is more your style, you’ll be happy to know that Breckenridge has numerous 4×4 trails nearby! Whether you want to drive a jeep or try your hand at driving an ATV, we can make it happen! 

Stargazing 

Perhaps one of our absolute favorite summer activities, stargazing is a great way to take an intentional moment to relax and be still on your wedding day while admiring the night sky. Plus, you’ll get some really incredible photos! 

Breckenridge Winter Elopement Activities 

Winter snowmobile elopement in Breckenridge

Skiing/Snowboarding 

Breckenridge is less than an hour away from dozens of ski resorts, and less than 30 minutes away from four: Breckenridge Ski Resort, Keystone Resort, Arapahoe Basin Ski Area, and Loveland Ski Area. Take your pick! 

If skiing or snowboarding down a mountain isn’t your thing, you can always choose to do a scenic gondola ride instead! 

Dog Sledding 

Looking for something unique? Consider going dog sledding with Good Times Adventures! Private tours are available, and you get lots of time to love on the pups before and after! 

Snowmobiling  

If you’re an adrenaline junkie, consider booking a snowmobile tour with Good Times Adventures! You’ll get to see gorgeous views while going on an adventure! 

Sleigh Ride 

If nothing sounds more romantic than a horse-drawn sleigh ride through the snow, Breckenridge Stables and Colorado Sleigh Rides both have private options! 

Snowshoeing

Just because there’s snow on the ground doesn’t mean hiking trails are off-limits! Strop on a pair of snowshoes and explore everything Breckenridge has to offer! Both REI and Christy Sports offer snowshoes rentals! 

Warm Up at a Coffee Shop or Brewery 

Whether you’d rather warm up with a cup of something hot or a cup of something cold, there’s never a bad time to take a break and grab a drink.

How to Get a Marriage License in Breckenridge 

Couple signing marriage license in front of waterfall in Breckenridge Colorado

While you can get your marriage license from ANY county in Colorado, Breckenridge is located in Summit County. 

As we mentioned above, Colorado allows for couples to self-solemnize their marriage certificate, which means no officiant or witness is needed to make your marriage legally binding! Because of this, Summit County allows your pup to sign as a witness with their paw print! 

In order to get your marriage license in Summit County, you will need to visit the Summit County Clerk and Recorder’s Office, located on the 4th floor at 208 Lincoln Avenue in Breckenridge. As of August 2022, appointments are required and can be reserved up to 3 weeks in advance. 

For up-to-date information on getting your marriage license in Summit County, click here! 

Our Favorite Breckenridge Wedding Vendors

Wedding cake baker near Breckenridge Colorado

Favorite Breckenridge Elopement Hair + Makeup Artists 

Need someone to work their magic with hair and makeup on your wedding day? Here are some options that serve the Breckenridge area! 

Favorite Breckenridge Elopement Flowers

Want a bouquet or boutonniere to complete your elopement day? Here are our favorite florists in the Breckenridge area that specialize in elopement flowers.

Favorite Breckenridge Elopement Officiants

If you want an officiant to make your wedding ceremony feel like the real deal, here are our favorite Breckenridge wedding officiants.

Favorite Breckenridge Bakeries

A slice of cake or a taste of something sweet is the perfect way to toast to getting married. Here are our favorite wedding bakeries in the Breckenridge area.

Favorite Breckenridge Coffee Shops 

If cuddling up with a cup of something warm sounds up your alley, here are a few of our favorite local coffee shops!

Favorite Breckenridge Breweries 

Craft beer lovers rejoice! Summit County has a vibrant craft beer community. Here’s a list of our favorite breweries within 20 minutes of downtown Breckenridge! 

Favorite Breckenridge Restaurants for Large Elopements

If you’re envisioning a nice dinner with friends and family after your ceremony, here are some local restaurants that can accommodate large groups! 

Favorite Breckenridge Restaurants for a Romantic Dinner

If an intimate dinner with just the two of you seems more your speed, check out these local options.  

Favorite Breckenridge Caterers/Private Chefs 

Breckenridge is home to several fabulous private chefs and catering services. If you’re looking to hire someone to cook for you, you can’t go wrong with any of the options below! 

Overwhelmed with How To Plan A Colorado Elopement?

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40+ pages of ideas, tips, and a step-by-step checklist to make your dream elopement come to life.

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wedding couple in the mountains on cover of We, The Light Photography's Colorado Elopement Planning Guide and Checklist

Ready For Your Own Breckenridge Elopement? 

Meet Larissa + Bailey! As two born and raised Coloradoans who have photographed 200+ couples in 100+ locations across Colorado, we specialize in creating a different kind of wedding day that is just as adventurous as you are. We use our experience and knowledge to craft a different kind of wedding day that feels completely authentic to you. Want to hike to a high alpine lake? We can give you trail options for that! Want to canoe along the banks of a mountain lake? We can tell you the best lakes to do it on! Want to watch the sunset from the top of the world? We’ll lead you to our favorite spots for sunset! Book your Breckenridge elopement photographer today

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