Why you should elope in the San Juan Mountains
I’ve been an elopement photographer for over 6 years now, and have spent those years traveling the world, seeking out the most wild, beautiful destinations I can find, from Moab to Alaska, to Yosemite, but something always brings me back to the San Juan Mountains of Colorado.
Maybe it’s my own personal bias – I grew up in Texas, but when I was eight years old, my family spent our first summer living in the San Juan Mountains. Those mountains became my second home – every summer we’d return to explore hidden alpine lakes, discover secret waterfalls, and hike every trail. Those summers shaped me into who I am today.
Now I get to help my couples elope in the same places that changed my life as a child.
To me, these mountains are so much more than just a pretty backdrop for photos. There’s something deeply meaningful about helping couples begin their lives together in the landscapes that helped shape my understanding of beauty, love, and the power of wild places.
I love the area so much, I even eloped here myself! Check out my wedding blog here!
If you are unfamiliar with the San Juan mountains, then prepare to have your mind blown. The San Juan mountain range is home to the most spectacular scenery in Colorado, making it the PERFECT place to plan your elopement. With a plethora of breathtaking locations, you truly can’t go wrong with any spot. This region of Colorado is home to hundreds of Jeeping trails, making some of the most incredible mountain locations easily accessible! Whether you want beautiful wildflowers, rugged mountain peaks, cascading waterfalls, or an alpine lake – we have it all!
This area of Colorado is my favorite place in the entire world, so I’m excited to share with you exactly how you can plan a meaningful San Juan Mountains elopements!
Where to Elope in the San Juan Mountains
The San Juan mountains are located in the Western slope of Colorado, and is made up of 3 main towns: Ouray, Silverton and Telluride. The San Juans are made up of 3 different mountain towns, each completely charming and historical in their own way, offering a totally unique type of elopement experience. These 3 towns are located about 45 minutes away from each other, so it’s incredibly easy to explore all 3 regions during your trip! I often have couples who will even explore multiple locations all within their elopement day. Here is a little more information about 3 different towns:
Ouray:
Although you can’t really go wrong with any of these 3 towns, Ouray is my personal favorite! Ouray is the most centrally located of the 3 towns, and the easiest to access. From Denver, it takes about 5 1/2 hours to reach Ouray by car. The easiest way to get there is to fly into the Montrose Regional Airport, which is located about 30-40 minutes from Ouray. It’s a super small airport, but they typically have great flight options, and the flights aren’t all that more expensive than if you fly into Denver! Plus, flying into Montrose saves you an entire day of driving, so I think it’s well worth it!
Ouray is the perfect, happy medium between Telluride and Silverton! It isn’t super luxurious, so it’s easy to find relatively affordable lodging and food options, but it’s also not too remote and quiet! There are plenty of of amenities in town to make your elopement experience enjoyable, even including a well stocked (small) grocery store! There is also TONS do in Ouray, from local breweries, to swimming at the local hot springs, hiking the Perimeter Trail, exploring Box Canyon Falls, or trying out the Via Ferrata.
If you want to learn more about eloping in Ouray, check out my guide here!
Silverton:
Silverton is the smallest, and quietest of the 3 towns! It’s located about 45 minutes from Ouray, and you’ll have to drive the Million Dollar Highway to reach it! The Million Dollar Highway is one of the most beautiful roads in the entire country (if not the world), and is not to be missed! The town of Silverton is a very historic mining town, and is home to only 613 people. Although the town is tiny, there are some great lodging options, and some awesome restaurants! A lot of the best hiking and Jeeping trails are located just outside of Silverton as well, making it one of the best spots for an elopement! Because the town is so remote and small, many of my couples will end up staying in Ouray, and we will just pop over to Silverton for their actual elopement!
Telluride:
Telluride is the biggest of the 3 towns! The easiest way to get to Telluride would be to fly into the Telluride Regional Airport, but because that airport is so small, the flights can be pricey. Most of my couples opt to fly into the Montrose Regional Airport instead! Telluride is located about 1 1/2 hours from Montrose, and the drive is absolutely spectacular with views of the Mount Sneffels (the local fourteener). While still historic, and super charming, Telluride is home to the Telluride Ski Resort, making it a very popular tourist destination! Telluride has tons of lodging options, lots of incredible restaurants, great local shopping, and some amazing coffee shops. Telluride is also absolutely stunning, with so many incredible, easily accessible locations, including gorgeous alpine lakes, and hiking trails surrounded by aspen groves, making it a great option for your elopement! Telluride is definitely the most luxurious and high end of the 3 towns, which can make it a great place to stay for your elopement. There are tons of options for really luxury hotels, gorgeous mountain cabin airbnbs, and unique off-grid cabins. It can be a little pricy though, so I usually recommend staying in Ouray if you are looking for something a bit more affordable.
You can learn more about eloping in Telluride here!
When to Elope in the San Juan Mountains
Summer:
You truly can’t go wrong with any season for your elopement in the San Juan Mountains! The San Juans are absolutely gorgeous year round. Summer is going to offer the best opportunity adventures in the outdoors, so if you love the idea of epic hikes to high alpine lakes, rock climbing, trying out the Via Ferrata and Jeeping deep into the mountains, then summer might be the perfect time for your elopement! The summer months are absolutely gorgeous too. Everything is lush and green, and the mountain basins fill with wildflowers that grow waist high. The waterfalls are also raging this time of year from the snow melt, and the alpine lakes are the most beautiful turquoise color you will ever see.
The best dates for a summer elopement are going to be mid July – mid August. This is when the wildflowers peak! Anything before that and you risk the trails not being fully open yet, and you also run into the 4th of July crowds! Anything after that and you will miss the wildflowers! It’s gorgeous the entire summer, but by the end of August most of the wildflowers have died off, so it’s not quite as nice.
Fall:
Fall is my personal favorite time of year in the San Juans (and is when I held my own elopement). Fall is spectacularly beautiful, with vibrant red, orange and yellow colors blanketing the landscape, and fresh snow dusting the mountain peaks. The fall is still a great time for outdoor activities! You can still do all of the Jeeping and hiking trails (unless an early snow hits), and the weather is wonderful this time of year! There is a briskness in the air, but it’s not too chilly!
The best dates for a fall elopement in the San Juans are going to be the last 2 weeks of September – the first week of October. Typically the fall colors peak during that first week of October, so this 3 week timeframe is always absolutely beautiful. Any dates before that, and you will miss out on any color (and will be stuck with dead wildflowers instead), and any dates after that you risk missing the peak, which means all the leaves will fall off the trees, and everything becomes barren! The later into October you get, the more likely chance of there being a big snow too, which can definitely mess up your elopement plans!
Winter:
Winter in the San Juans is absolutely magical, and opens up tons of opportunities for winter sport activities! The San Juans are one of the best places for a winter elopement, because there is so much access to adventure! From ice climbing, to jet skiing, to snow-shoeing, you could never get bored! Winter weather is actually typically pretty mild! While there is the occasional snow storm, most days you’ll experience blue skies, and sunny weather! When it does snow though, it’s absolutely gorgeous. You’ll feel like you are eloping in a snow globe!
The best time for a winter elopement in the San Juans would be December – February! This is when the snow is going to be the best! Anytime before that and you might not have a full blanket of snow, and anytime after that you can risk getting into mud season (when all the snow starts to melt and everything turns to mud).
The Best Places to Elope in the San Juan Mountains
Do you need a venue to get married in the San Juan mountain?
I’m sure at this point you already know the answer is no! The majority of the weddings I photograph in the San Juan mountains don’t happen at normal venues! Most of my couples choose to elope in the surrounding wilderness areas, national forests, BLM land, campgrounds and even at vacation rentals. The San Juan mountains are known for their spectacular scenery, so it’s easy to find incredible locations for your ceremony. You don’t have to pay thousands of dollars for a venue, to have a beautiful wedding experience here – mother nature has some pretty incredible venues, for free! I have a whole list of incredible, hidden gem spots that I share with all of my couples.
Learn More: Telluride Elopement Packages | Ouray Elopement Packages
The Best San Juan Mountains Jeeping Trails for an Elopement
All of my absolute favorite elopement locations in the San Juans are accessible by OHV (off-highway vehicle)! The San Juans have hundreds of miles of off-roading trails, so there are some pretty spectacular locations where you can say your vows. There is a huge variety of routes, ranging in all levels of difficulty, so whether you want something a bit easier, or you are up for an adventure, there is a trail for you! I absolutely love Jeeping elopements because you can visit some of the most remote, incredible mountain locations without a grueling 8 mile hike, or having to charter a helicopter! * Please keep in mind that Jeeping can be dangerous, and you need to be prepared and knowledgeable when adventuring in the San Juan backcountry, especially at elevations above tree line.
Here are some of my favorite Jeeping Trails:
Yankee Boy Basin
Yankee Boy Basin is one of the most popular trails in the San Juan mountains! It’s a beginner level trail, that boasts some incredible mountains views. The drive through the valley presents some spectacular scenery – abundant wildflowers, views of Mount Sneffels, the famous Twin Falls waterfall, and lush greenery. This is one of my all-time favorite elopement locations! This spot is especially great for elopements with guests, due to how easily accessible it is! Check out this Yankee Boy Basin Elopement for some inspiration here!
Governor Basin
Governors Basin is another incredible trail, with some awesome wildflower viewing spots along the way up! Once you reach the top, you are rewarded with incredible views of the dramatic mountain peaks, alpine meadows, and old abandoned mines! The mountain views are unlike anything I’ve seen before! Just keep in mind, this spot is at a very high elevation, so make sure you are prepared!
American Basin
American Basin is possibly one of the most beautiful trails in all of the San Juans. This high alpine basin features the most incredible views of 14,000 ft. cliffs, gorgeous wildflowers, and a winding creek. You can also take the hiking trail up to Sloan Lake, which is not to be missed! This is another high elevation location, so make sure you prepare properly!
My favorite secret spot!
This is one of my FAVORITE spots in the San Juans. It has not one, but TWO gorgeous lakes, within about a 5 minute drive of one another! There’s also a secret waterfall, incredible lush greenery, and meadows full of wildflowers. This location is super unknown, and I rarely see another person on this trail when I’m out there. For that reason, I’m gonna keep this spot a secret, exclusive only to my eloping couples! It’s the perfect location for a private, intimate elopement ceremony.
The Alpine Loop
This spot on the Alpine Loop is one of my favorite places in the world. There is nothing like standing on the edge of a cliff, overlooking a vast valley below, as you read your vows with the wind howling around you! This is the best place in the San Juans to watch the sun set on your elopement day!
Check out this luxury Silverton elopement to see what a full elopement gallery at this spot looks like!
The Best San Juan Mountains Hiking Trails for an Elopement
The San Juan mountains have tons of world class hiking trails! Spending the day hiking to a remote, scenic alpine lake to say your vows, is an incredible way to get married. I’m all about creating an experience on your elopement day, and hiking is the perfect way to do that! Fair warning though, most of these trails are not easy! The views are worth it though! Just remember, you are hiking at extremely high elevations, so it’s important to be prepared, and aware of the dangers.
Here are some of my favorite hiking trails for an elopement in the San Juans:
Ice Lake + Island Lake
This is my all-time favorite trail in the San Juans. This trail can be extremely difficult. It is just under 8 miles round trip, with over 2,000 ft. of elevation change, but the views when you reach the top are well worth it. Island Lake is one of the most beautiful lakes I have ever seen. You can probably guess by the name – there is an island right in the middle of the lake. The water is also truly as turquoise as it looks in the image below.
Lower Blue Lake
This trail is about 6 miles roundtrip, with 1200 ft. of elevation change. Blue Lake is an incredible, bright blue color, with gorgeous mountain peaks all around it. This is one of the most popular hikes in the area, because of how stunning it is!
Sloan Lake
You’ll need a Jeep to get to the Sloan Lake trailhead! The drive up is absolutely gorgeous! Once you reach the trailhead, the hike is 4.4 miles roundtrip through American Basin, to reach Sloan Lake. This lake is a gorgeous blue color, with rugged mountain peaks behind it.
Where to Stay for your San Juan Mountains Elopement:
The San Juans have some pretty amazing off the grid cabins, and Air-Bnb options that would be incredible spots to elope! These gems are super unique, and could completely elevate your elopement experience! Some of these options are closer to town, while some are much more remote and secluded!
Here are some of my favorite off the grid cabins:
The Bonnie Belle cabin is located in the heart of the San Juan mountains, sitting at 12,000 ft. in Picayune Gulch. The cabin is remote, and only accessible by four wheel drive vehicle. There are plenty of activities to keep you busy, such as hiking, Jeeping, biking and fishing, just to name a few. The Bonnie Belle can accommodate up to 8 guests, and is the perfect spot for a remote, backcountry elopement.
Campfire Ranch is an off the grid cabin, located near the top of Red Mountain Pass, between Ouray and Silverton. This cabin sits at 11,200 ft., nestled into the San Juan Mountain Range, with outdoor access in all directions. The hut is all-inclusive, and includes a private chef to cook your meals while you stay. Campfire Ranch can accommodate up to 8 guests, and is the perfect place to host a remote cabin elopement.
Red Mountain Lodge is a backcountry lodge off of highway 550 (located between Ouray and Silverton). Being so centrally located, it has impeccable access to all the best trails the San Juans have to offer. The lodge operates year round, and can accommodate up to 22 people. It also includes premium chef prepared dinners, full breakfast options, and trail lunches! They do an incredible job of taking care of their guests here, so if you want to enjoy the outdoors, while also being pampered, this is your spot!
This solar powered, off the grid cabin features an incredible suspension bridge, over a deep gulch. This cabin is only accessible by four wheel drive, and there are no neighbors for miles – so you’ll have the mountains all to yourself! This is a really unique location, that was built to intentionally allow you to disconnect and be present. The cabin sleeps 6, so it’s perfect for an elopement!
The Dunton Hot Springs is a restored 1800’s ghost town, nestled deep in the San Juan mountains. Dunton is a collection of secluded cabins, which combine the remote, rugged landscape and historic architecture, with luxurious accommodations. The property features private hot springs, that were used years ago by the miners, and the Ute Indians before them. Dunton can accommodate up to 44 guests. It is not cheap, but it is well worth the price, for the incredible experience.
Alta Lakes are some of my favorite lakes in the San Juans! They are incredibly quiet, and peaceful, with the smell of campfire in the air, and water so clear you can see the trout swimming. The Observatory is a remote, backcountry cabin nestled under 13,000 ft, peaks, just off of one of the three lakes. This spot combines adventure, with luxury, and would be the perfect place for an elopement. Alta Lakes Observatory can accommodate up to 45 people for an outdoor wedding celebration.
The Best Intimate Wedding Venues for your San Juan Mountains Elopement
For couples that want to have an intimate experience, but still include a group of guests in their ceremony, and host a nice dinner, an intimate wedding venue can be the perfect choice! Air-Bnb limits the maximum guest size to 16 people, so for groups larger than that, I recommend renting a small wedding venue, or a space for a reception! This will take a lot of the stress and complexities out of planning, while still offering a unique and intimate experience.
Here are some of my favorite small wedding venues:
This is one of the most gorgeous venues in the entire country. Located at the Telluride Ski Resort, you ride the gondola to reach the venue. The overlook features gorgeous views of the town of Telluride, and Wilson Peak. It is an incredibly picturesque spot! Thinking you want to elope here? Check out this blog post about How to Elope in Telluride!
The Eureka Lodge is an incredibly unique wedding venue. The lodge was built in the 1920’s, and was originally a mining complex. The building has been renovated over the past 24 years, and now has 17 rooms available. This lodge has pristine mountain views and sits on the Animas River, making it the perfect spot for an intimate wedding.
The Wyman Hotel is a stunning modern hotel, that contrasts the rustic charm of Silverton, Colorado. The hotel was built in 1902, and has been renovated as an urban boutique space, with 15 rooms available. The hotel is located on Main Street, and can host small weddings.
The Avon is an incredibly unique hotel with rugged, western charm, located in the heart of Silverton! Previously an old Saloon built in 1904, the building has been renovated to now have 14 unique guest rooms. Unlike some renovated spaces, this hotel has maintained a lot of the historic charm. The basement offers space for a unique music venue, and there is also an outdoor area, perfect for hosting a group of guests.
Top of the Pines is an incredibly beautiful outdoor recreation area, located at the foot of the iconic Sneffels range. The open space has a gorgeous meadow, with spectacular mountain views that can be used for a stunning outdoor ceremony. It also has an enclosed pavilion structure with multiple amenities.
The Western Hotel is one of the newest hotel additions to the San Juan Mountains, and has quickly become one of my favorites. It was built in 1891, and was recently restored into an absolutely stunning, luxurious and rustic piece of history. The Western is located in Ouray, Colorado and is the perfect place to host a small group of guests.
Exceptional Stays: The Pinnacle
This gorgeous vacation rental is located in Mountain Village, just outside of Telluride. The property sleeps up to 12, and features beautiful gorgeous panoramic windows with views of the surrounding mountains, and a balcony and patio space perfect for hosting an intimate dinner.
Dunton Hot Springs is one of my top recommendations for an intimate wedding venue in the San Juans! Dunton Hot Springs was originally a historic mining town, and was meticulously restored and now offers a completely unique, retreat experience unlike anything else in the world. The accommodations are made up of private log cabins, that sit nested deep in the remote Telluride Mountains. The grounds are home to a gorgeous, private waterfall, natural hot springs, and beautiful mountain views – perfect for a laid back, luxurious elopement experience.
Gold Mountain Ranch is the newest intimate wedding venue in the San Juans, and it is absolutely incredible! The venue sits nestled above the town of Ouray, and offers some of the most incredible, expansive views in all of Colorado. The ranch offers incredible lodging and can sleep up to 18 guests (including a honeymoon suite). The ceremony location overlooks the surrounding mountains, and there is an outdoor patio and bar area!
The Best San Juan Mountains Elopement Vendors
Choosing which vendors you want to hire can have a big impact on your elopement experience! Throughout my years as a photographer, I’ve gotten a pretty good idea of which vendors are worth considering for your day. By no means do you need to hire every single vendor I’ve listed below, but I highly recommend choosing where you want to prioritize your money, and investing in your incredible vendors who will give you the experience of your dreams.
Photography:
My number one piece of advice when planning your elopement is to hire your photographer before you do anything else! A great photographer will not *only* take great photos, but they will also provide you with a lot of guidance through the elopement planning process. Investing in a good photographer is truly priceless, and they are the most important vendor you will hire for your day. Eloping can be confusing, and logistically challenging, so it’s important to hire someone who is knowledgeable about the area, and experienced shooting the kind of wedding day you are looking to have.
For a San Juan Mountains elopement photographer, of course I am going to recommend myself! I take pretty great photos, but even more than that, I know the area like the back of my hand. Having spent over two decades exploring every hidden corner of these mountains, I know things like where you can exchange vows without another person around for miles, or exactly which time the wildflowers peak at each elevation, or the alpine lakes that will still have water in September. I’ll recommend locations based on your specific vision – whether you want dramatic peaks, intimate alpine lakes, or secret waterfalls. Beyond that, my connection to these mountains, combined with 7 years of experience documenting elopements, allows me to offer something truly unique: a deep level of love and reverence for the landscape that’s evident in every single photograph. This mountains are special, and I love nothing more than getting to share them with couples. You can contact me here, and we can get started planning your day.
Florist:
Florals are such an incredible way to elevate your elopement experience and make the day feel extra special. Incredible florists can also incorporate pieces of the landscape into your bouquet, making it even more meaningful. Here are a few of my favorite florists in Colorado:
Hair and Makeup:
Hiring a hair and makeup artist is a great thing to splurge on if you think it will help you feel absolutely incredible on your elopement day! It’s important to hire someone who has experience working with brides who are getting married in the outdoors, to make sure that your hair and makeup will stay put through all of your adventures! Here are my favorite recommendations:
- Brianna Macias Co
- Brianna Miller Hair
- Salon Envy
- Telluride Beauty Co
- You Got Moxie
- Hair 9 Salon
- Telluride Makeup Artist
Jeep Rental and Guides:
Most of my couples choose to Jeep for their elopement day, so choosing a Jeep company to guide them is one of the most important, impactful decisions they make for their day! Switzerland of America is by far my favorite company (and really the only one I recommend), and pretty much all of my couples work with them! The SOA team and I have been working together for years to create a seamless, incredible experience for our eloping couples!
Planning your San Juan Mountains Elopement with Intention
Lastly, I want to talk about planning your elopement day with intention.
Eloping gives you so much freedom, and with that comes so many choices to make. While yes, eloping is about going against the mold, and doing things that feel authentic to you, I’ve found that it’s easy to get caught up in all the things you “should” be doing, similar to the pressure you’ll find in the traditional wedding industry. Only with elopements, instead of feeling like you have to have the most incredible bridesmaid dresses, or the most Pinterest-worthy table settings, you’ll be feeling the pressure to elope on the most Instagrammable mountain top, or have the most adventurous experience.
I want to encourage you to leave that all behind though, and instead take the time to truly prioritize what matters to you, and plan a day that is rooted in the significance of your marriage, not a day that’s meant for social media. The more you can focus on the why behind what you are doing, the more clear your vision will become, and the easier it will be to make choices that align with that vision, and to ditch the things that don’t. This day isn’t meant for anyone but you two. This is your legacy, and the true beauty of an elopement is that it can be all about the vows, the commitment and the marriage.
So focus on that and leave everything else behind.
San Juan Mountains Elopement Photos
I specialize in documenting elopements in the San Juan Mountains, and have photographed countless love stories here. If you are looking for a wild, rugged elopement destination where you can say your vows in complete solitude, I truly can’t recommend the San Juans enough. Here are some of my favorite San Juan Mountains elopements that I have documented so you can get inspired with planning your own elopement experience.
View all my San Juan Mountains Elopement Stories Here
Let’s get started planning your elopement in the San Juans!
I’ve spent the last 7 years helping couples just like you elope in the San Juan Mountains. Maybe you’ve visited before and fell in love with the area, or maybe you saw a photograph and instantly knew this was the place you wanted to say your vows – however you ended up here, I am beyond excited to help you bring your dream elopement to life.
I’ll take you from feeling overwhelmed, to a fully planned, intentional elopement experience.
I truly love nothing more than getting to share this special place with my eloping couples. I provide a customized list of location options for all my couples, and my experience exploring the area means that I know of a ton of secret spots. Learn more about how to elope in Ouray Colorado and contact me here to get started planning your dream elopement experience!
