Guide To Eloping In The San Juan Mountains
planning on eloping in the San Juan Mountains? Then this guide is for you! The San Juans are the perfect your vows at an epic alpine lake and mountains location that is secluded. From mountains, rivers, wildflowers and blue alpine lake- you can find the best location for your day. Here are some reasons why you should plan a elopement day in the San Juans,
Quick Look: Guide to eloping in the San Juan Mountains
- Why you should elope in the San Juans
- Places To Stay
- Choosing where to elope
- San Juan Mountains Elopement Ideas
Why you Should Elope In the San Juans
1) Stunning Views
From Ridgeway to Telluride, you can find stunning views all around. Whether you prefer panoramic mountain views, alpine lakes, a field of wildflowers or the river – the San Juan Mountains has it all! In the summer, lush green scenery all around combined with beautiful wildflowers in full bloom. You can say your vows by a clear blue alpine lake after exploring the wildflower fields and mountains. You can also explore waterfalls like Bridal Veil falls in Telluride. The San Juan Mountains has many stunning views no matter which season you choose to elope.
2)Accessible Locations
If you love the stunning views but prefer little to no hiking, there are trails accessible locations that may be perfect for you. Locations like Velocity Basin, the Ridgeway Visitor’s center, San Sophia Overlook and the Telluride river trail are some of my favorite spots. This is perfect if you’re inviting friends and family.
3)Easy To Elope
Eloping in the San Juan Mountains is easier than most national parks. First, you can self- solemnize which allows you to perform your marriage ceremony without an officiant. You do still need to obtain a marriage certificate from the county. Second, most locations require a special permit to get married there but you don’t need permits for a lot of the locations in the San Juan mountains. Which saves you more time and you don’t have to stress over any permit processes.
4) Best Places To Stay
Finally, you can find the best places to stay around in the mountain towns surrounding the San Juans. Ridgeway, Ouray, Telluride and Silverton are the best towns to stay when you are eloping in the San Juan Mountains. As a former interior designer, I think that Telluride has the best Airbnbs. It’s more modern and upscale compared to the other locations. But, Ouray has a unique charm to it that will make you fall in love instantly. Some of the Airbnbs also have amazing architectural details and structures.
Where to elope in the San Juan Mountains
The best mountain towns in the San Juans include Ouray, Telluride, Ridgeway and Silverton. Each of these towns has its own perks. Ouray is the best spot for mountain lakeside elopements and especially if you want a Jeeping elopement. There are plenty of 4×4 tour companies and a lot of amazing trails to explore. The town of Ouray itself is so beautiful and a little underrated compared to Telluride. Ouray has amazing local shops and businesses. It’s definitely one of the spots I would recommend to visit to anyone I know.
Ouray is also the best spot to elope in the summer if you want to experience the San Juans when it’s lush green and wildflowers are blooming everywhere. Some of the best places to elope in Ouray are,
- Yankee Boy Basin
- American Basin
- Governor’s Basin
- Corkscrew Pass
Then we have Telluride! It’s also one of my favorite spots. Telluride has beautiful aspen spots, alpine lakes and mountains. They also have amazing restaurants and shops. Walking down Main Street is an adventure itself. It’s such a special place and such a great spot to elope. There are more accessible trails in Telluride and a variety of things to do. Some of the best Telluride elopement locations are,
- San Sophia Overlook
- Altas Lakes
- Trout Lake
Ridgeway and Silverton are the other best towns to elope in the San Juans. Ridgway is the closest to the Montrose airport so it is more accessible. Silverton has more off-roading spots and there are a lot of gorgeous alpine lakes near Silverton.
San Juan Mountain Elopement Ideas
After choosing your location, you probably want to look into elopement activity ideas. One of the biggest misconceptions about eloping is it has to be a backpacking/ hiking elopement and that’s not the case at all. You get to plan your elopement in anyway you want and kindof define your meaning “adventure”. You get to choose which activities you want to do that are fun and exciting for you. Here are just a few ideas to explore,
- Vows by the lake at sunset
- Luxury picnic at a stunning Airbnb
- Gift exchange
- Hiking
- Rent a Jeep and go off-roading
- Jeep Tours
- Host a small dinner with family and friends
- Explore the stunning wildflower fields
- Stargazing
- Campfire and smores
- Painting together
- Have a first dance
Eloping In The San Juan Mountains
If you are eloping in the San Juan Mountains and looking for a photographer, let’s connect! I’m here to help you plan the best wedding day and experience.
The San Juans are a special place and nothing makes me more excited a Ouray and Telluride elopement photographer than getting to photograph beautiful stories in the mountains. I especially love working with couples are a little adventurous but truly alpine lakes and mountains just as much as I do.
