Quick, Cheap, & Easy: How To Elope in Boulder, Colorado
Thinking about ditching the big, stressful wedding and heading somewhere gorgeous instead? Boulder, Colorado is one of those spots that feels made for elopements. With mountain trails right on the edge of town, a vibrant downtown scene, and the perfect mix of laid-back and beautiful, it’s a dream location to say “I do” without all the chaos. Here’s how to make it happen quickly, cheaply, and without a headache.
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Step 1: Get the marriage license
First things first—let’s make it official. In Colorado, getting your marriage license is refreshingly easy. Head to the Boulder County Clerk & Recorder’s Office where you can book an appointment online. Bring your IDs, fill out a quick form, and pay about $30. The license is valid immediately, and you don’t need witnesses in Colorado, which keeps things nice and simple.
Step 2: Find a location
Boulder has no shortage of stunning ceremony spots. One of the most iconic is Chautauqua Park, with its sweeping views of the Flatirons. Another favorite is Lost Gulch Overlook, perched high above town with unbeatable mountain and city views. Both require permits, which you can snag through Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks.
Boulder is full of free, picture perfect places. From quiet creekside paths to meadows that explode with wildflowers in summer, you don’t have to spend a dime to find a backdrop that feels magical. You could literally hike ten minutes outside of town and stumble across a view that looks like a postcard.
Step 3: Find vendors
Here’s one of the coolest things about Colorado—you don’t even need an officiant. You can legally self-solemnize, meaning you marry each other with no one else required. Of course, if you’d rather have an officiant guide the ceremony, that’s always an option too.
If there’s one vendor to prioritize, it’s a photographer. You’ll want those “just married” moments captured with the Flatirons behind you. From there, you can keep it simple or add in fun extras like flowers, hair and makeup, or a small cake to cut after your vows.
Boulder has plenty of local options to help you personalize your day, from salons to bakeries and florists. Whether you want a fresh bouquet, a sweet treat, or a little professional styling, you’ll find it here without much searching.
Step 4: Plan your trip
Getting to Boulder is easy. The nearest major airport is Denver International Airport (DIA), about 45 minutes away. Renting a car is your best move—it gives you the freedom to explore ceremony spots, grab dinner in town, and sneak off into the mountains for photos.
For where to stay, you’ve got a mix of cozy and chic. The St Julien Hotel & Spa downtown offers luxury and mountain views. For something more intimate, Basecamp Boulder is a trendy boutique hotel with a fun, adventurous vibe. You can also find plenty of unique Airbnbs and mountain cabins just outside of town if you’d rather keep things quiet.
Step 5: Get married!
And here’s where it all comes together. Show up to your chosen spot, exchange vows, soak in the scenery, and celebrate the start of your marriage. Keep it as simple or as detailed as you like, the day is yours.
When the ceremony’s done, Boulder has no shortage of places to toast your new life together. A few favorites include:
The Kitchen for fresh, farm-to-table dining
Oak at Fourteenth for modern American dishes and cocktails
Flagstaff House for fine dining with some of the best views in town
Simple, affordable, and full of heart—that’s what eloping in Boulder is all about.
Colorado Micro-Wedding & Elopement Packages
Starting at $1,300
—Officiant (starting at $300)
—Photography (starting at $500)
—Videography (starting at $900)
—Flowers (starting at $100)
—Wedding Planner (starting at $500)
Everything you need for a beautiful and stress-free small wedding!
All-Inclusive | 100% Customizable | 0 - 80 Guests
Vendors | Venues | Marriage License | Permits | Dining | Lodging
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