San Juan Mountains Elopement Guide
The San Juan Mountains are located in a less visited locations in Southwest Colorado and stretches into New Mexico. They are near the towns of Telluride, Ouray, Ridgeway, Silverton and Durango. Telluride and Ouray both are some of my favorite mountain towns in Colorado. Ouray has a very unique charm to it that I can't truly explain and Telluride is more modern and lux. The San Juans are known for the rugged landscapes, stunning blue alpine lakes, wildflowers and remote hiking trails. Whether you are looking to do Jeeping adventures or explore the gorgeous alpine lakes and waterfalls - the San Juan Mountains are a perfect spot to plan an elopement.
San Juan Mountains Jeep Tour/Rental Companies
- There are so many serene alpine lakes
- Tons of trails to explore
- You will find the best fall foliage ever, mostly in Telluride. It's the place to be during the fall.
- Local restaurants and scenery
- Stunning hotels and Airbnbs
- Local tour guides to drive you to gorgeous spots so you can just sit back and have a relaxed day.
The San Juan mountains are my favorite location to photograph elopements for many reasons. It's truly a special place, it's like a piece of Switzerland but in Colorado. It's actually referred to as the "Switzerland of America" and I couldn't agree more with that phrase. With that said, here are a few reasons you should choose the San Juan Mountains for your elopement,
Why You Elope In The San Juan Mountains
There are many small mountain towns near the San Juan mountains including Montrose, Ouray, Ridgway, Telluride, Silverton and Durango. Silverton and Durango are about two hours away from Ouray. Montrose is about an hour from Ouray and Telluride. I recommend staying in Montrose because it has a major airport, lots of shops and it is easy to drive to Ouray or Telluride.
Towns near San Juans
Best time to visit the San Juan Mountains
The best time to visit the San Juans is July through October. Some roads are closed off during the winter and could be dangerous to drive in. But, the snow starts melting by the end of June and trails like Yankee Boy open around that time. Yankee Boy is one of the first trails that opens at the start of the summer season.
How To Get To The San Juan Mountains
- Montrose Airport (MTJ): I would recommend flying into Montrose because it is about an hour away from Telluride and Ouray. The flight cost varies but it is not too expensive.
- Denver Airport(DEN): This is the most cost affective option and since it's a major airport, there are more options to fly from different destinations. But, you fly into Denver and you can drive 6 hours to the Ouray/Telluride area. It is a drive but the views are worth it.
- Durango Airport (DRO): Durango is another good option for flying into the San Juans. Durango also has easy access for airport pickup services and they have good options for Airbnbs as well. Durango is the closest to Silverton but it is 2 hours away from Ouray and Telluride.
- Telluride Airport (TEX): Telluride has their own regional airport. It is definitely the most expensive option.
How to elope in the San Juan Mountains
Choose The Season / Date
The best season to elope in the San Juan mountains is in the summer and fall, from July - October. You can also elope in the winter but some roads won't be accessible especially in Ouray and Silverton.
Choose Your Photographer
Choosing your photographer early in the planning process is important because they can offer recommendations for locations, vendors, permits, etc
Get Your Marriage License
You can apply for you certificate online or you can go to the local county clerk's office and pick it up the same day. The best thing about eloping in Colorado is, it's easy to elope. You don't need an officiant or witnesses.
Choose Location / Craft Your Day
Choose your location and craft a fun day. Think of activities you both enjoy or something you both want to try together.
It's your day so make it fun, unique and very YOU! As your elopement photographer, I will co-create an elopement timeline that is stress-free and fun.
Best Time To Elope In The San Juans
Summer ( July /August):
Summer is the best time to elope in the San Juans. All the trails are accessible, local businesses are operating and it is also wildflower season so there's no better time to get wildflower photos. The weather is also perfect to explore multiple locations and doing multiple activities.
Fall (September - October):
Fall is just so gorgeous in the San Juan especially in Telluride. It's hard to predict peak fall foliage but usually the end of September to the first week of October is the best time to see fall foliage in the San Juans. Trails are also less crowded in the fall so it's the best time to elope.
Spring/Winter (October - June ):
Spring/winter time is hard to elope in this area because roads are dangerous and don't get plowed. The only locations that it might be possible around mid-October/November are Telluride and Durango. There are some accessible locations in these areas but all of the hidden gems are hard to access during the winter. In the Spring, the weather is too unpredictable and it's still very snowy until May. Then, it's just very muddy so I recommend the summer and early in fall for the best times to elope in the San Juan Mountains.
Silverton is the best location for off-roading elopements. Some of the best trails in Silverton are Columbine Lake, Ice Lake Basin, and Molas Lake.
Durango Elopement
Durango is one of the underrated elopement locations in Colorado. There are stunning lakes, rivers and mountain trails. Some of my favorites include, Potato Lake, Animas River, and Cascade Creek.
Silverton Elopement
Telluride is such a cute mountain town, just taking a stroll down Main Street is its own experience. But, as for locations to elope Telluride has spots that can be reached by taking the Gondola like San Sophia. Then there are spots like Last Dollar Road, Bridal Veil Falls, Altas Lakes and Trout Lake.
Telluride Elopement
Ouray has some spots that are easy to access by an SUV but most of the best trails are accessed by a 4x4. Some of my favorite spots near Ouray are, Yankee Boy, Bear Creek Falls, Governor's Basin and American Basin.
Ouray Elopement
Whether you want mountain views, lakes, waterfalls - the San Juans are filled with unique stunning locations. Some of these trails do require a 4x4 or a car with high clearance. I recommend renting a Jeep or hiring local tour guides. They would be able to drive you to your ceremony spots. If you're celebrating with guests, this option is easier and more accessible.
Where to get married in Ouray + Telluride
Where to Stay In The San Juans
Unity Ceremony Ideas
- First look
- Have cake
- Horseback riding
- Paddle boarding
- Have s'mores
- Stargazing
- First dance
- Gift exchange
- Go to different breweries
- Read letters from family and friends
- Get ready together
- Jeep tours
- Hiking
- Ring exchange
- Plant a tree
- Hand-fasting
- Cultural traditions
- Pouring sand
- Custom tradition - make your own tradition!
Elopement Ceremony Ideas
Where to get mountain wedding attire
Best websites to buy elopement dresses and suits
San Juan Mountains Elopement
Resources
The Best Places To Elope
In Colorado
14 Colorado Elopement Ideas
How to elope in the San Juan Mountains
Want to elope in a mountain lakeside location or in a field of wildflowers in Colorado?
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"I will start off by saying that Hawa is an amazing photographer and person. Her photos are absolutely beautiful and they speak for themselves. She took portrait/couple photos for me and left me speechless. Hawa is so fun, attentive and made my boyfriend and I feel so comfortable and we had an amazing time. Hawa sent us our sneak peak pictures in no time and we were blown away. I would always recommend her even before she took my photos and I promise that will never change. Beyond thankful for these memories I get to hold onto forever. Thank you Hawa for all that you do"
olivia & patrick
"Hawa really went above and beyond for our photos! She does her research beforehand, even the location, to figure out the best angles and areas. She asked us questions to get a sense of what we liked and wanted and curated a set of poses based upon our answers. This was very nice especially if you're not sure how you want your photos to be. The photos also arrived quickly and were amazing! I really love my photos and it felt surreal knowing that these are the photos I will be looking at years down the line.She's a great photographer who takes their job serious. I would recommend her to anyone!"
Epiphany & Nash
"I had an amazing couples photo shoot session with Hawaa! She is so sweet and down to earth when you meet her. Her skills as a photographer are phenomenal as she captures the perfect moments with you and your partner. Hawaa guided us through poses and everything felt so natural as she took the photos. The pictures came out beautifully digitally & on print. I’m very happy with how the whole experience turned out I would highly recommend Hawaa & her talent for photography!"
macy & cj
Kind Words
The san Juans are my favorite elopement location in Colorado. Ouray, Telluride and Silverton are all amazing spots for adventure(ish) couples to elope.
As your photographer, I help you not only find a perfect location for an intimate elopement but also plan a customized elopement day experience. You deserve an elopement day that is actually for you.
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