San Juan Mountains Elopement Guide
So, you're thinking about eloping in the San Juan Mountains - I'm so excited for you!
I may be a little bit biased but the San Juans Mountains are the most stunning location in Colorado!
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.
Hey, I'm Hawa!
Your San Juan Mountains Elopement Photographer
Let's Do It!
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.
Waterfalls
Alpine Lakes
Lake como
Yankee Boy Basin
Southwest Colorado Elopement Locations
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.
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.
What towns are near the San Juan Mountains?
What's the 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.
Colorado Elopement Resources
The Best Places To Elope
In Colorado
14 Colorado Elopement Ideas
How to elope in the San Juan Mountains
"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
Let's Do It!
