Loveland Pass Elopement Guide
Posted On | February 17, 2025
Thinking about eloping at Loveland Pass? We like where your head is at! Loveland Pass is a great choice for couples looking to have an intimate ceremony surrounded by the stunning beauty of the Rocky Mountains. As two local Colorado elopement photographers who have helped plan and capture countless elopements along Loveland Pass, we put together this guide with everything you need to know as you start planning your Loveland Pass elopement!
Quick Facts About Getting Married At Loveland Pass
COST
Just $35 for your marriage license. No other fees or permits are needed for a group under 10!
CAPACITY
We recommend sticking with 10 people or under.
Coordinates
Elevation
11,990 feet
Accessibility
The top of the pass can easily be reached by car and is accessible year-round. The lake requires a short hike and is usually accessible late-May through early November, depending on snow.
Why Do Couples Love Loveland Pass?
Couples love Loveland Pass because it offers stunning alpine views with surprisingly easy access. Just an hour from Denver and close to Breckenridge, it’s a convenient location for both locals and those flying in, with plenty of nearby lodging and vendors. The pass itself delivers incredible scenery—panoramic mountain views, alpine lakes, wildflowers in the summer, golden aspens in the fall, and wildlife sightings year-round. Best of all, it’s accessible in every season, with short trails leading to breathtaking spots that don’t require a full-day hike.
How Much Does it Cost to Get Married at Loveland Pass?
If you are planning on eloping just the two of you with no vendors, it can cost as little as $30 (the cost of a Colorado marriage license) to get married at Loveland Pass!
When adding in wedding attire, travel, lodging, vendors, guests, or anything else you’re envisioning, the total cost can vary. We put together this guide to help you put together an elopement budget! so you can explore different areas along the road and capture the beauty of your surroundings.
Do You Need a Permit to Elope at Loveland Pass?
Whether or not you need a permit to get married at Loveland Pass depends on your plans.
Typically, if you are planning on eloping with no other paid vendors present outside of your photographer and do not plan on setting up any props (including decorations, chairs, or arches), agree to not block any trails, and agree to follow the 7 Principles of Leave No Trace, you do not need a permit.
However, if you plan on hiring an officiant, wedding planner, or other paid vendor outside of your photographer or would like to set up any sort of seating, decorations, or props, your vendors will need to apply for a Commercial Use Authorization.
Rules and regulations are constantly changing, so we always recommend reaching out to the Dillon Ranger District for the most current information!
How to Get Legally Married at Loveland Pass
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 Breckenridge, the Summit County Clerk & Recorder will be the closest location! As of February 2025, appointments are still required 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 in most counties!
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.
Is Loveland Pass Dog-Friendly?
Colorado is an incredibly dog-friendly state, and that extends to Loveland Pass!
Your pup is more than welcome to join you for your elopement on Loveland Pass. Depending on which county you get your marriage license from, your pup might even be able to sign as a witness with their paw print (P.S. These are our favorite no-mess dog paw print ink pads)!
Please be sure to keep a close eye on them at all times, and pick up after them!
What Is the Best Time of Year for a Loveland Pass Elopement?
Loveland Pass is unique because it is the highest road in the continental US that is open year-round! Let’s dive into what to expect during each season at Loveland Pass.
Summer Loveland Pass Elopement
Months: Late June to early September
Average High/Low Temperatures: 61°F/37°F
Summer is one of the best times to elope at Loveland Pass for many reasons. Towards the end of June, the snow starts to disappear from all of the trails, and wildflowers begin to pop up. July and August are the warmest months of the year, with temperatures being pleasantly warm during the day, and then cooling off quickly after sunset. Summer is a great time to elope for couples wanting to explore the many trails along Loveland Pass, including the green aspen groves and meadows at lower elevations, and Pass Lake and the alpine ridge at the top of the pass! It’s an especially magical time for couples wanting to take star photos, as the milky way can often be seen when there is a new moon!
Fall Loveland Pass Elopement
Months: mid-September to mid-October
Average High/Low Temperatures: 48°F/32°F
During the short fall season, aspen trees set the mountains ablaze as they change color at lower elevations along the pass. The air is crisp, and temperatures begin to drop each day. Towards the top of the pass, the green grass slowly turns a golden hue, and the bushes and shrubs turn vibrant oranges, reds, and yellows. It’s another great time of year to explore one of the many hiking trails along the pass before winter comes and Pass Lake freezes over. Snow typically begins to fall in mid to late September resulting in gorgeous snow-capped peaks juxtaposed with the vibrant foliage!
Winter Loveland Pass Elopement
Months: November through early March
Average High/Low Temperatures: 25°F/5°F
As the ski resorts slowly begin to open, Loveland Pass becomes a winter wonderland! For those who love the snow and are willing to brave the cold, winter is an excellent time to elope. Loveland Pass offers opportunities to snowshoe, backcountry ski, or hit the slopes at Keystone, Arapahoe Basin or Loveland Ski Area, all located along Loveland Pass. It’s important to note that it can get bitterly cold at the top of Loveland Pass in winter, and there are several areas along the pass that are prone to avalanches. This makes it crucial to be dressed for the weather and to keep an eye on current conditions before heading out this time of year!
Spring Loveland Pass Elopement
Months: March through mid-June
Average High/Low Temperatures: 40°F/20°F
Spring along Loveland Pass is very similar to winter. Temperatures slowly begin to rise, but snow typically continues to fall through mid to late May, with occasional storms lasting through early June. In fact, one year we experienced a blizzard with white-out conditions on June 1st along Loveland Pass! Most trails along the pass, especially at the top, will remain snow-packed throughout the spring, with patches slowly starting to melt here and there. The weather can be all over the place this time of year, so it’s ideal for couples who are willing to go with the flow, regardless of what mother nature decides to do. Spring is an excellent time for couples looking for warmer weather, but still wanting to enjoy winter sports, as most ski resorts in the area stay open until mid to late May, with Arapahoe Basin staying open as late as early June some years!
Top Tips for Your Loveland Pass Elopement
Prepare for High Altitude
Loveland Pass reaches an altitude of 11,990 feet, which means altitude sickness can be a real risk. Follow the CDC’s tips for avoiding altitude sickness by giving yourself plenty of time to acclimate if coming from a lower elevation, avoiding alcohol, and making sure you stay well-hydrated. The last thing you want on your wedding day is to not feel well!
Dress Warm (Even During Summer!)
Because of the high altitude, it’s also important to keep in mind that it might be significantly colder than you expect, especially at sunrise or just after sunset, even in the summer! It is not unusual for temperatures in the middle of summer to drop to the low 30s at night. Be prepared year-round with a warm jacket, gloves, and hand warmers to stay comfortable. Check out our guide with more tips to stay warm during your elopement!
Avoid Crowds
One of the few downsides to eloping at Loveland Pass is the potential for crowds. Because it’s so easily accessible, it can get extremely busy on weekends and holidays, as well as mid-day. For the most privacy, we recommend eloping on a weekday (Monday through Thursday is best!). Sunrise also tends to be more private, and has the added bonus of gorgeous alpenglow on the peaks!
Leave No Trace
Loveland Pass is considered to be an alpine tundra, which means its ecosystem is extremely fragile. Plants growing at this altitude can take decades, if not centuries, to recover if damaged, so it is crucial to practice the 7 Principles of Leave No Trace when exploring this beautiful area to keep it protected for generations to come. Those principles are:
- Plan Ahead and Prepare
- Travel & Camp on Durable Surfaces
- Dispose of Waste Properly
- Leave What You Find
- Minimize Campfire Impacts
- Respect Wildlife
- Be Considerate of Others
Have a Plan B (or C!)
While it doesn’t happen often, Loveland Pass is known to occasionally close for hours at a time due to hazardous weather conditions, rock slides, avalanches, and accidents. While we always hope for the best, it’s a good idea to have a Plan B (or Plan C!) in place in case Loveland Pass happens to unexpectedly close the day of your wedding. As elopement photographers who have spent countless hours exploring Loveland Pass, we are always prepared with backup options for our couples!
Where is the best place to stay Near Loveland Pass?
The closest towns to Loveland Pass are Dillon, Silverthorne, Frisco, and Breckenridge. The links below are a great place to start your search for lodging!
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!
Loveland Pass Wedding & Elopement Vendors
LOVELAND PASS 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
LOVELAND PASS 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
LOVELAND PASS 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
LOVELAND PASS 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
Loveland Pass Elopement Pictures
Real Loveland Pass Elopements
The Proof Is In The Pudding! Check out a few of the 20+ Loveland Pass elopements We’ve Photographed
Cheyenne & Florencio
Kyla & Chris
Samantha & Zach
Grace & Brandon
Loveland Pass Elopement Photographers
Who We Are
We’re two born and raised Coloradoans who have spent our whole lives exploring every corner of this state.
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 and small weddings in Colorado (30+ on Loveland Pass 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:
Loveland Pass Wedding Packages
What’s Included
4+ Hours of Photography Coverage With A Loveland Pass 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 Small WEdding Planning Assistance
When we say we help with it all, we mean it. Location scouting and ideas. Vetted, LGBTQ+ allied, Breckenridge 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.
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.
Leave a Reply