Breckenridge Elopement Essentials for 2025: What You Need to Know
Posted On | January 13, 2025
We believe that a Breckenridge elopement is one of the best ways (and places) to get married in Colorado! Here is an ultimate guide for ideas, essentials, and everything you need to know to plan your own elopement in 2025.
Why Couples Chose to Elope in Breckenridge
Many couples choose Breckenridge as their home base for their elopement. Breckenridge has all the quintessential mountain-charm feels, is easy to get to, has tons of amenities and activities, and stunning mountain views. But, what most couples don’t realize about Breckenridge is that the area it covers is relatively small compared to the rest of Summit County. Even though most couples choose accommodations that are located in Breckenridge, there are a plethora of locations to elope at in Summit County that are within a 40-minute drive from Breckenridge.
Best Elopement Locations Near Breckenridge
Loveland Pass Elopement
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.
Sapphire Point Elopement
Sapphire Point is one of the most popular places in Summit County 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!
Windy Point Group Campground Small Wedding
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.
Hoosier Pass Elopement
Hoosier Pass, which connects Breckenridge to Fairplay, 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.
Lake Dillon Elopement
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.
Blue Lakes Elopement
If you want an alpine lake, they are plentiful! Whether you are looking for something easily accessible by car, or want to get your heart pumping with a hike, Breckenridge’s Blue 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.
Boreas Pass Elopement
Boreas Pass offers one of the most breathtaking and intimate settings for an elopement. Perched at over 11,000 feet, this mountain pass boasts sweeping views of the Tenmile Range, lush alpine meadows, and aspen groves that come alive with vibrant gold hues in the fall. You can chose the easily accesible scenic drive or, for more privacy, couples can chose to hike one of the many trails off Boreas Pass. This pass is perfect for groups of up to 10 people.
Officer’s Gulch Elopement
Officer’s Gulch is an easily accessible elopement location just off I-70 in between Frisco and Copper Mountain – roughly a 25-minute drive from Breckenridge. The area features a small lake, mountain views, and dense evergreens, making it a scenic but low-effort location. Parking is available on-site, though limited, and no permits are required for a small ceremony. There are no on-site facilities, so plan accordingly. The only downside to Officer’s Gulch is the road noise from the nearby major highway, but if you’re open to walking 10-15 minutes, you can get away from most of it. Officer’s Gulch is ideal from elopements with 10 or less guests.
Airbnb Elopement
If you like the convenience and flexibility to have your ceremony and reception in the same location for your small wedding in Breckeridge, a rental home/AirBnb elopement may be the perfect fit. You can bring in catering or hire a private chef and create a truly unforgettable and intimate atmosphere. But, you must confirm that your rental allows events before hosting your wedding there. Here’s a list of rentals that allow events in the Breckenridge area.
Elope On A Trail
There are endless trailheads in Summit County within a 10-60 minute drive from Breckenridge. Trailheads allow eloping couples to access stunning scenery and choose how far they want to hike. Many trailheads require less than 15 minutes of hiking to get to a great view. As Breckenridge elopement photographers, we help all our couples with in-depth location planning and ideas. If you want our secret, hidden-gems, let’s work together!
What’s the Best Time of Year to Elope in Breckenridge?
Breckenridge is a choice destination year-round, so it really depends on the type of weather and scenery you are envisioning!
Summer Elopement
Beginning mid-June and lasting through the beginning of September, summertime in Breckenridge is every hiking lover’s dream.
Expect to see lush, green hillsides with large patches of wildflowers, full alpine lakes, long, warm days, and cool nights perfect for stargazing. Temperatures are lovely with highs in the low to mid 70s and lows in the upper 30s.
This area does receive afternoon thunderstorms during this time, but they typically pass within a few minutes to an hour and often result in stunning sunsets.
View Lindsay and Frank’s summer elopement to get a feeling of what your summer wedding could look like.
Fall Elopement
A fall Breckenridge elopement is one of the most popular times due to the vibrant color dotting the mountainsides. Fall in the mountains lasts from mid-September through early November
While it’s hard to predict exactly when the leaves will change, you can usually find yellow or orange aspens from late September through early October.
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 to get a feeling of what your fall wedding could look like.
Winter Elopement
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 to get a feeling of what your winter wedding could look like.
Spring Elopement
Springtime in Breckenridge tends to be shoulder season. Prices tend to be a bit lower for lodging this time of year, and Summit County 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 to get a feeling of what your spring wedding could look like.
Breckenridge Summer & Fall Elopement Activities
When the weather gets warm, it’s not difficult to find an activity to do outdoors in Summit County! 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?!
Hammocking
Want to take a few moments to relax and swing in your hammock? It’s always an option!
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 Breckenridge elopement 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. (Pssst, as Breckenridge elopement photographers, we think there’s no better photo op than this.)
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.
Gondola Ride
With four ski resorts in Summit County, all 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
Breckenridge Winter Elopement Activities
Breckenridge is a top destination choise for couples who love the snow. Here are our favorite winter activities to include on your elopement day.
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!
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! Strap on a pair of snowshoes and explore everything this area has to offer! Both REI and Christy Sports offer snowshoes rentals!
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!
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!
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 during your elopement, there’s never a bad time to take a break and grab a drink.
How to Get a Marriage License in Breckenridge
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. 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!
Real Breckenridge Elopements
The Proof Is In The Pudding! Check out a few of the 50+ Wedding Days We’ve Photographed As Breckenridge Elopement Photographers
Matt & Natalie’s Waterfall Elopement
JOrdan & Kellen’s Rainy Elopement
Sarah & Kacey’s Snowmobiling Elopement
Carolyn & Kailee’s Intimate Elopement
Eva & Juliano’s Summer Sapphire Point Elopement
Megan & Eddie’s Epic Star Elopement
Natassja & Thomas’ Skiing Elopement
Mercedes & KAin’s Windy Point WEdding
BRittany & Ray’s Dogsledding Elopement
Our Favorite Breckenridge Wedding Vendors
(that serve Summit County and beyond)
HAIR & MAKEUP ARTISTS
Mountain Glo | Based in Breckenridge, CO
Golden Roots Salon | Based in Golden, CO
Candelaria Beauty | Based in Denver, CO | LGBTQ+ Owned, LGBTQ+ Employees
Wild Brides Backcountry | Based in Denver, CO
Wise Artistry | Based in Boulder, CO
Cate Hair Makeup | Based in Denver, CO | LGBTQ+ Owned
FLORISTS
Garden of Eden | Based in Breckenridge, CO
Bloom Flower Shop | Based in Breckenridge, CO
Emma Lea Floral | Based in Golden, CO
Fern and Bloom | Based in Denver, CO
WEDDING OFFICIANTS
Phil Gallagher | Based in Breckenridge
Dan Gustad | Based in Denver, CO
Small Circles Ceremonies | Based in Boulder, CO
Wandering Honeymooners | Based in Fairplay, CO
NearlyWed Coaching | Based in Denver, CO | LGBTQ+ Owned, LGBTQ+ Employees
CATERERS & PRIVATE CHEFS
The Happy Cuisiniere | Based in Breckenridge, CO | LGBTQ+ Owned, LGBTQ+ Employees
Black Diamond Gourmet Catering | Based in Breckenridge, CO
Breck Chefs | Based in Breckenridge, CO
The Noshing Platter | Based in Breckenridge, CO | LGBTQ+ Employees
Where to Stay Near Breckenridge
While Breckenridge itself has some great options for lodging, the nearby towns of Blue River, Frisco, Silverthorne, Dillon and Keystone are with looking into as well! The links below are a great place to start your search for lodging in the Breckenridge area.
Disclaimer: Some of the links in this article may be affiliate links, which means we may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you if you decide to purchase through one of our recommended partners. We would never recommend anything we don’t use ourselves.
Breckenridge Elopement Photographers
Who We Are
We’re two born and raised Coloradoans who have spent our whole lives exploring every corner of this state. Summit County has been a favorite of ours for backpacking, camping, hiking and kayaking.
Larissa (left) is the person who always chimes a smiley “hi!” on the hiking trail.
Bailey (right) is the person who will absolutely cry at your wedding.
Together we’ve planned and photographed 400+ elopements in Colorado (50+ in the Breckenridge area alone), collectively been to 46 countries, and agree that cracking a local beer around a campfire is the best way to end a day.
We’re More Than Just Photographers
We’re here to make this process easier than “accidentally” binge-watching the newest season of your favorite show.
Every single elopement package includes:
There are a ton of Breckenridge Elopement photographers out there. What makes you different?
We’re Born and Raised in Colorado.
We’re not ones to brag, but when it comes to Colorado, we’re kiiiiinda experts. We have spent our whole lives camping, hiking, and exploring every corner of Colorado and have fostered solid relationships with Summit County elopement vendors. We know of epic locations that you won’t find on AllTrails, and have a deep understanding of the quirky things you need to keep in mind when planning your wedding here: weather patterns, seasonal closures, high altitudes, and wildlife.
We’ve Photographed a Crap-Ton of Elopements.
250+ to be precise (75+ in Summit County alone). We know what to do when it rains, when wildfires change your plans, and use our vast experience as a sounding board as you plan your elopement.
Lots of Photographers are in it for Publications and Taking Epic Shots. We’re In It For You.
Our first priority is always your experience. The most epic, heartfelt, jaw-dropping images are created when you’re fully present in the moment, experiencing the best freaking day of your life. We’re here to document your memories, not create content for our portfolio.
We’re Pretty Fun.
We don’t take ourselves too seriously. We want to celebrate with you, and not just be a bystander following you around with a camera. We care about YOU and work to foster a relationship that goes beyond your wedding day.
We Capture Real, Raw Moments.
The perfect photo is overrated. We tell your story with all of the goofiness, imperfection, emotion, and realness it entails.
Need some proof that we know what we’re talking about (and are pretty dang good at it)?
Breckenridge Elopement & Small Wedding Packages
What’s Included
4+ Hours of Photography Coverage With A Breckenridge Elopement Photographer
We intentionally document your day with both digital and film. Includes high-resolution digital images, printing rights, a shareable online gallery, and free album design.
Full Elopement Planning Assistance
When we say we help with it all, we mean it. Location scouting and ideas. Vetted, LGBTQ+ allied, Summit County wedding vendors who know elopements. Recs for activities to do on your elopement day. Stress-free timeline planning. Planning resources and ideas. Unlimited communication because we never leave you high and dry.
Packages start at $5400 with an average investment of $8400
Frequently Asked Questions about Eloping in Breckenridge
Overwhelmed with How To Plan A Colorado Elopement?
Download Our Free Colorado Elopement Planning Guide & Checklist
40+ pages of ideas, tips, and a step-by-step checklist to make your dream elopement come to life.
Are You Freakin’ REady?
We’re 100% here for whatever day you’re dreaming up. Fill out our contact form to start chatting.
Are You Freakin’ REady?
We’re 100% here for whatever day you’re dreaming up. Fill out our contact form to start chatting.
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