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?
- What is the Best Time of Year to Elope in Breckenridge?
- Weekend or Weekday Elopement in Breckenridge?
- Breckenridge Elopement Locations
- Breckenridge Summer/Fall Elopement Activities
- Breckenridge Winter Elopement Activities
- How to Get a Marriage License in Breckenridge
- Our Favorite Breckenridge Wedding Vendors
Why Have a Breckenridge Elopement?
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
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
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
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
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?
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
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 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!
Windy Point Group Campground Elopement
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
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 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
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
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
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
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
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
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!
- Breckenridge Chopping Block
- Captivate Beauty Services
- Majestic Mountain Beauty
- Weemala Hair + Makeup
- Candelaria Beauty
- Sabrina Deemer Makeup Artist
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.
- Megan Joy Cakes
- Butterhorn Bakery
- Blue Moon Bakery
- Mom’s Baking Co.
- Whole Foods – White Chantilly Cake
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!
- Steep Brewing + Coffee
- Mountain Dweller Coffee Roasters
- Abbey’s Coffee
- Red Buffalo Coffee + Tea
- Cofa Coffee (Formerly The Pour House)
- House of Vibes Coffee + Curio
- Cuppa Joe Cafe
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!
- Dillon Dam Brewery
- Outer Range Brewery
- High Side Brewing
- Breckenridge Brewery
- Angry James Brewing Company
- Broken Compass Brewing
- Steep Brewing + Coffee
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!
- Sauce on the Maggie
- Hearthstone Restaurant
- Quandary Grille
- Breckenridge Distillery Restaurant
- Blue River Bistro
- Kenosha Grill
- Ember
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!
Ready For Your Own Breckenridge Elopement?
Meet Larissa + Bailey! As two Colorado Natives who have photographed over 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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8/18/2022
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