When is the best time to elope in Colorado? It’s hard to answer that question.

Each month has unique aspects that make it beautiful and perfect for some couples.

Best Time to Elope in Colorado

Weather can play a big part in your elopement or photography experience, and you want to make sure you’re prepared! Here’s the first thing you should know about weather in Colorado: it can be very unpredictable in all seasons. Clouds, rain, storms, and snow can appear unexpectedly, and conditions can change fast. The specific location and elevation can make a big difference in weather conditions.

When planning your elopement, it’s really important to work with someone who is very familiar with the area and Colorado in general. Someone local will know things like which roads are closed for the winter, when the snowmelt clears, and where wildflowers are likely to bloom.

This blog includes general notes, but if you have more specific questions, I encourage you to ask your photographer or other local vendor. You can always ask me too. 🙂

Winter in Colorado: November-April

• Winter broadly runs from November-April in Colorado. If you want snow, winter is the season for you to elope in Colorado!
  
• Conditions can vary greatly depending on elevation and location. For example, higher elevation locations like Breckenridge or Rocky Mountain National Park will start getting snow as early as October and will continue to be cold and snowy through April. In comparison, a lower elevation location like Boulder or Colorado Springs will see warmer temperatures and less snow. It could be 20 degrees and snowing in Estes Park while it’s 50 degrees and sunny in Boulder!
  
• Of all the seasons, I’d say it’s most important to be prepared for winter. Winter in the mountains can be cold, windy, extremely sunny, or anything in between. I’d encourage you to be flexible with locations and timing for your elopement because weather can change quickly!

Summer in Colorado: June – August

• Summer in Colorado broadly includes June-August and the weather is generally warm and sunny. June-August are some of my favorite months in Colorado because the snow is mostly gone, roads are open, and wildflowers are abundant. Higher elevation locations are also more easily accessible AND much warmer.
  
• The higher up in elevation you go, the more unpredictable the weather is and the colder it will be, even in the summer. For example, just because it’s supposed to be 70 degrees in Boulder or Denver, that does NOT mean it will be that temperate everywhere in Colorado. Higher elevation locations can have snow well into June or July, while lower elevations will be dry and hot.
  
• In the summer months, thunderstorms can appear unexpectedly, especially in the afternoon at high elevations. I recommend being flexible with time on the day of your elopement in case you need to move the time to avoid storms. 

Spring/Fall: April-May and September-October

• Spring and fall are the most unpredictable seasons in Colorado. The weather could literally be 70 degrees and sunny or 20 degrees and snowing. April is spring for most of the country, but not necessarily in Colorado. High altitude areas still have snow while lower areas could have none.
  
• Aspens usually start to change colors near the end of September, but the timing varies depending on altitude and that year’s conditions.

Cold Weather Elopement Tips

• You want to be comfortable for your elopement, not freezing. I recommend bringing warm clothes to wear, even if not for the photos themselves. You can always take jackets and gloves off when you’re ready, and then put them on again to warm up.
  
• Your hands will get cold faster than the rest of your body. Bring gloves, even if you think you won’t need them. I also recommend bringing hand warmers. I can’t stress this enough! 
  
• Bringing a thermos (think HydroFlask or Yeti) with a hot beverage can be amazing. Trust me. 
  
• Ladies, if you’re worried about wearing a dress in the cold, here are a few tips. You can wear leggings, tights, or even fleece-lined tights under your dress. A dress with a fuller, more flowy skirt is going to allow you to layer underneath and stay warm. You can also consider dresses with sleeves or get a shawl to go over your upper body. 
  
• Remember, the higher in altitude you go, the colder it will be! Check the weather forecast for the town closest to where you will be, NOT just the weather for somewhere like Boulder or Denver.
  

Elope in Colorado

Here are some other resources to help you plan your elopement in Colorado:

• Guide to Engagement Photos in Colorado
• 40 Ideas for Elopement Day Activities
• Tips for Including Your Dog
• How to Pick an Elopement Location
• Beautiful Locations to Elope in Colorado