How to Plan Your Crested Butte Elopement In 2024

Crested Butte is one of our favorite low-key elopement destinations for good reason! This charming mountain town offers everything you need for an intimate and magical celebration in 2024. Here’s everything you need to know about planning your Crested Butte Elopement.

Seven Reasons To Elope in Crested Butte 

1. It’s Remote

Nestled in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, Crested Butte boasts pristine wilderness and panoramic views without the hustle and bustle of larger tourist destinations. Located about four and a half hours from Denver International Airport, it’s one more the more remote locations in the state, which means fewer crowds! Say your vows surrounded by towering, colorful peaks, rushing waterfalls, golden aspens, lush meadows, and vibrant wildflowers—it’s the quintessential Colorado experience.

2. Laid-back Atmosphere

Leave the stress of wedding planning behind and embrace the laid-back atmosphere of Crested Butte. Here, it’s all about kicking back, soaking in the scenery, and savoring every moment with your partner. As one of the more laid-back mountain towns in the state, Created Butte has a reputation for having more of a local feel. 

3. Affordable Options

Despite its remoteness, Crested Butte offers plenty of low-key and affordable options for your big day (especially compared to other mountain towns!) 

4. Spectacular Views

Known as the Wildflower Capital of Colorado, Crested Butte boasts stunning vistas in every direction. Whether you’re eloping in the summer amidst a sea of wildflowers in the summer, exchanging vows against a backdrop of golden aspens in the fall, or hitting the snow-covered slopes in the winter, you’re guaranteed to have breathtaking views that you’ll remember for a lifetime.

5. Endless Activities

Looking for adventure? Crested Butte has it all. Lace up your hiking boots and explore scenic trails, paddleboard on serene alpine lakes, or spend a night under the stars camping in the wilderness. And for adrenaline junkies, there are ATV/4×4 trails to conquer and world-class skiing and snowboarding in the winter months.

6. Dog-Friendly Destination

Want to include your furry friend in your elopement? Crested Butte is a dog-friendly destination, so you can bring your beloved pup along for the adventure. Plus, your pup can even act as your witness and sign your marriage license with their paw print! 

Fall Crested Butte Elopement

Months: Late September to mid-October 
Average High/Low Temperatures: 60°F/30°F (15°C/-1°C)

During the short fall season, aspen trees set the mountains ablaze with hues of gold, orange, and red, creating a breathtaking backdrop for your elopement. The air is crisp, and the scent of autumn fills the air. Fall is the perfect time to elope if your dream wedding day consists of leaf-peeping hikes through golden aspen groves, scenic drives along Kebler Pass, or horseback riding through colorful forests! 

Winter Crested Butte Elopement

Months: December through March 
Average High/Low Temperatures: 30°F/10°F (-1°C/-12°C)

A winter wonderland awaits with snow-capped peaks, frost-covered meadows, and icicles glistening in the sunlight. The town is blanketed in snow, creating a cozy and romantic atmosphere. For those who love the snow, winter is an excellent time to elope! Eloping in winter means you have the chance to ski or snowboard on world-class slopes, snowshoe through pristine forests, take a sleigh ride under the stars, explore trails on a snowmobile, or cozying up by the fire in a mountain lodge! 

Spring Crested Butte Elopement

Months: late March through early June  
Average High/Low Temperatures: 50°F/20°F (10°C/-7°C)

Spring in Crested Butte is often considered “mud season,” but don’t let that keep you from exploring the outdoors! As the snow begins to melt, creeks flow with crystal-clear water, and the mountains come alive with the sound of wildlife awakening from winter. During the springtime, you can expect to spend time exploring trails as the snow begins to melt, hiking to see cascading waterfalls, mountain biking on newly accessible trails, and enjoying quiet moments in town before the summer crowd arrives! 

Woods Walk Elopement 

Maximum Number of People: Small intimate ceremonies, typically up to 30 guests
Estimated Cost: $350 for no guests, $1500 for up to 30 people 
Best Time of Year: Available year-round 
Website: https://www.cblandtrust.org/weddings/ 

Nestled amidst towering aspen trees and fragrant wildflowers, Woods Walk offers a secluded and serene setting for your elopement ceremony. One of three wedding sites owned by the Crested Butte Land Trust, reservations are accepted up to 7 days before the event. Availability can be confirmed on their website! 

Peanut Lake Elopement 

Maximum Number of People: Small to large-sized gatherings, typically up to 100 guests
Estimated Cost: $350 for no guests, $1500 for up to 100 people 
Best Time of Year: Summer through Fall
Website:  https://www.cblandtrust.org/weddings/ 

With its tranquil waters and stunning mountain views, Peanut Lake is a picturesque location for your elopement, and is an excellent choice for a larger group! Located minutes from downtown, it’s a convenient location for those wanting to hold a reception or dinner nearby. One of three wedding sites owned by the Crested Butte Land Trust, reservations are accepted up to 7 days before the event. Availability can be confirmed on their website! Check out Michael and Caitlin’s summer elopement for inspiration! 

Gunsight Bridge Elopement 

Maximum Number of People: Small intimate ceremonies, typically up to 30 guests
Estimated Cost: $350 for no guests, $1500 for up to 100 people 
Best Time of Year: Summer through Fall 
Website: https://www.cblandtrust.org/weddings/ 

Spanning the Slate River and minutes from town, the Gunsight Bridge wedding site offers sweeping views of the surrounding mountains. Say your vows against the backdrop of rushing waters and towering peaks for a truly unforgettable ceremony. One of three wedding sites owned by the Crested Butte Land Trust, reservations are accepted up to 7 days before the event. Availability can be confirmed on their website! 

Lake Irwin Elopement 

Maximum Number of People: Intimate ceremonies only, typically up to 10 guests 
Estimated Cost: Free 
Best Time of Year: Summer and Fall
Website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/gmug/recarea/?recid=33340 

Tucked away in the mountains, Lake Irwin is a hidden oasis of crystal-clear waters and alpine beauty. Whether you choose to elope on the shores of the lake or venture out onto the water in a kayak, you’ll be surrounded by breathtaking scenery at every turn.

Emerald Lake Elopement 

Maximum Number of People: Intimate ceremonies, typically up to 10 guests
Estimated Cost: Free
Best Time of Year: Summer and Fall 
Website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/gmug/recarea/?recid=33264 

True to its name, Emerald Lake boasts stunning emerald-green waters and panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Exchange vows on the rocky shoreline or venture out onto the water in a canoe for a truly unforgettable ceremony. Check out Laura + Joel’s couples session and Emilie and Jacob’s elopement at Emerald Lake for inspiration! 

Mountain Pass Elopement 

Maximum Number of People: Small gatherings, typically up to 10 guests
Estimated Cost: Free
Best Time of Year: Summer and Fall 

Surrounded by towering aspen trees and vibrant wildflowers, numerous near-by mountain passes offer a scenic and serene setting for your elopement ceremony. Ranging from easily accessible trails to serious off-roading trails that require a 4×4 with high clearance, there are many breathtaking spots to choose from! 

Alpine Lake Elopement 

Maximum Number of People: Intimate ceremonies, typically up to 10 guests
Estimated Cost: Free
Best Time of Year: Summer and Fall

Accessible via a scenic hike or 4×4 trail, several alpine lakes in the area offer stunning views of snow-capped peaks and pristine alpine waters. We keep these locations secret to limit the impact on their resources, but are always willing to share them with our booked couples! 

Gothic Road Elopement 

Maximum Number of People: Intimate ceremonies, typically up to 10 guests
Estimated Cost: Free
Best Time of Year: Summer and Fall

Winding its way through lush meadows and dense forests, Gothic Road offers endless opportunities for scenic elopement spots. Whether you choose to exchange vows amidst the wildflowers of summer, the golden foliage of fall, or the rushing Slate River, you’ll be surrounded by natural beauty at every turn. Check out Laura + Joel’s summer couples session for inspiration! 

Best Microwedding Venues in Crested Butte

Wanting to include your loved ones for your Crested Butte microwedding? You’ve chosen a destination known for its stunning scenery and charming venues. From rustic lodges to picturesque gardens, Crested Butte offers a variety of options for couples seeking an intimate and memorable celebration. Let’s explore some of the top microwedding locations in this mountain town:

Scarp Ridge Lodge Microwedding

Maximum Number of People: Up to 75 guests
Estimated Cost: Starting at $15,820
Website: https://elevenexperience.com/scarp-ridge-lodge-colorado-summer/ 

Nestled in the heart of downtown Crested Butte, Scarp Ridge Lodge offers a luxurious and intimate setting for your ceremony or intimate reception! With its rustic-chic decor, panoramic mountain views, and impeccable service, this lodge provides the perfect backdrop for your special day as well as your all-inclusive luxury lodging for up to 18 people.

Rocky Mountain Biological Lab Microwedding 

Maximum Number of People: Up to 128 guests
Estimated Cost: Starting at $7,500
Website: https://www.rmbl.org/private-events-and-for-profit-conferences/ 

Surrounded by pristine wilderness and breathtaking mountain vistas, the Rocky Mountain Biological Lab offers a unique and unforgettable setting for your microwedding. Exchange vows amidst towering pine trees, wildflower-filled meadows, and crystal-clear streams for a truly magical experience.

Crested Butte Town Ranch Microwedding 

Maximum Number of People: Up to 150 guests
Estimated Cost: Starting at $700
Website: https://crestedbutteco.myrec.com/info/facilities/details.aspx?FacilityID=13414 

Situated on the outskirts of town, the Crested Butte Town Ranch is a charming and picturesque venue for your microwedding. With its rustic barn, expansive meadows, and stunning mountain views, this ranch provides a beautiful backdrop for your special day.

Mountain Wedding Garden Microwedding 

Maximum Number of People: Up to 125 guests
Estimated Cost: Starting at $800
Website: https://mountainweddinggarden.com/#rental-info

Located minutes from downtown, the Mountain Wedding Garden is a tranquil and picturesque setting for your microwedding. With its lush gardens and stunning mountain views, this venue offers a private space for your ceremony, as well as the option to reserved a covered pavilion for your reception! Check out Michael and Caitlin’s summer elopement for inspiration! 

Taylor Ridge Lodge Microwedding 

Maximum Number of People: Up to 40 guests
Estimated Cost: Starting at $49,600
Website: https://elevenexperience.com/taylor-river-lodge-summer/ 

Located on the outskirts of Crested Butte, Taylor Ridge Lodge offers a serene riverside setting. The property consists of several cabins and a communal lodge and provides the perfect setting for an intimate and romantic microwedding, as well as all-inclusive luxury lodging for up to 32 guests. 

Sopris House Microwedding 

Maximum Number of People: Up to 50 guests
Estimated Cost: Starting at $19,400
Website: https://elevenexperience.com/sopris-house-weddings/

Located in the heart of downtown Crested Butte, the Sopris House is a historic and charming venue for your microwedding that also acts as your all-includive luxury lodging for up to 10 people! With its Victorian architecture, cozy rooms, and intimate courtyard, this house provides a romantic and elegant backdrop for your ceremony or intimate reception. 

How to Get Married in Crested Butte

Let’s talk about the practical stuff: getting your marriage license. Don’t worry, it’s easier than you think! 

In the state of Colorado, you can go to ANY country clerk in the state to obtain your license. If you’re staying in Crested Butte, the Gunnison County Recording Office will be the closet location! As of February 2024, appointments are still required to for marriage license applications, so be sure to plan ahead! You’ll need to bring along a form of ID (usually your drivers license or passport), as well as $30 to pay the fee. 

In Colorado, you have the option to self-solemnize your marriage, which means you can legally marry yourselves without the need for an officiant or witnesses. It’s a unique and romantic way to tie the knot and perfect for couples who want to exchange vows in a private and intimate setting. Because no witnesses are required, you can even have your dog sign with their paw print! 

After you’ve exchanged vows, be sure to sign your marriage license and submit the signed license to the same Clerk and Recorder’s Office that you picked it up from to make it official! 

For more in-depth information on obtaining your marriage license, check out our post on How To Self-Solemnize In Colorado! 

Crested Butte Elopement Vendors

As you’re planning your Crested Butte elopement, it’s inevitable that the need for additional vendors will come up. Here are a few of our favorites in the area! 

Crested Butte Wedding Florists

• Fanciful Floral & Weddings | Primarily service Estes Park and Crested Butte 
• Bramble and Bloom Floral | Based in Crested Butte 

Crested Butte Wedding Private Chefs/Catering 

• Alpen Chef | Based in Crested Butte 
• Crested Butte Personal Chefs | Based in Crested Butte 

Crested Butte Wedding Hair & Makeup Artists 

• New Moon Salon | Based in Crested Butte 
• Natalie Duke Beauty | Based in Crested Butte 
• A Vow to Artistry (Hair, Makeup, and Day-of Assistance!) | Based in Westcliffe but travels all over Colorado 
• Wild Brides Backcountry (Hair, Make-up and Day-of Assistance)  | Based in Denver but travels all over Colorado 

Crested Butte Wedding Officiant 

• Small Circles Ceremonies | Based in Boulder but will travel anywhere in Colorado 
• Wandering Honeymooners | Based in Fairplay but will travel anywhere in Colorado 
• NearlyWed Coaching | Based in Denver but will travel anywhere in Colorado 
• Elevate Wedding Officiant | Based in Denver but willing to travel anywhere in Colorado 
• Phil Gallagher | Based in Breckenridge but willing to travel anywhere in Colorado  

Crested Butte Elopement Packages