Ultimate Guide for a Crested Butte Elopement
If you’re looking for an underrated place to elope, Crested Butte, Colorado should be at the top of your list. Whether you love colorful wildflowers in the summer or a cozy ski town blanketed in snow, Crested Butte has it all. From its charming, quaint downtown to the gorgeous hikes in the surrounding area, there’s a location (and a season!) for a breathtaking wedding backdrop to fit any vibe. My personal favorite is wildflower season in summertime, which I’ll get into in this ultimate guide to eloping in Crested Butte. I’ve rounded up all the best spots to stay, must-try local activities, permit information and more for a stress-free Crested Butte elopement.
About Crested Butte, Colorado
Located just 5 hours from the Denver airport or 3.5 hours from the Colorado Springs airport, Crested Butte is a ski destination that’s frequented by seasoned skiers. Since ski towns like Breckenridge and Vail are more easily accessible from a major airport in Denver, the casual ski crowd usually heads there rather than making the trek to Crested Butte. Even though it’s a little further, the drive from the Denver airport is absolutely beautiful, and really not too long at all. While it is first and foremost a ski town, it’s also fantastic in summer. In June and July, this area comes alive with vibrant wildflowers. Its wildflowers are in fact so iconic, that there’s even a Wildflower Festival there every summer.
When to plan a Crested Butte elopement
That brings us to the best time of year for a Crested Butte elopement. Of course, it’s most well-known for its cozy but cool ski vibes during the winter season, which make the perfect backdrop for winter elopement photos. If summer is more your vibe though, you would have a hard time finding a more beautiful mountain elopement location than summertime in Crested Butte.
That’s mainly thanks to wildflower season, which runs late June through July. You haven’t seen wildflowers until you’ve seen Crested Butte in summer! I shot bridal portraits here during the Wildflower Festival in July this year and it was easily one of my favorite shoots to date. Because its a ski destination, it’s far less busy in the summertime. The scenery was absolutely gorgeous, and we were able to find a trail that was secluded enough to get some amazing shots at golden hour without crowds. Usually I like to recommend shoulder seasons for elopements, but the wildflower season is so beautiful here, it’s worth it to plan around it.
How to legally elope in Crested Butte
When it comes to legal paperwork and permits, eloping in Crested Butte is actually not too difficult. I rounded up all the info here to help make the process as smooth as possible.
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You can obtain a marriage license at any Colorado County Clerk & Recorder for $30. It will be valid on issue, BUT it must be used within 35 days. Both parties must be present to pick up the license, unless you fill out the absentee affidavit and have it notarized. If you wanted to keep it simple, you’ll probably want to wait and just do it when you both arrive in Colorado for your elopement.
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One of the most unique things about a Colorado marriage license is that you can self-solemnize. This means you can pronounce yourselves married without any officiant or witness present!
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Since there are no specific state or national parks in Crested Butte, there isn’t a blanket rule when it comes to park permits. However, I do recommend checking with the specific location you choose for your elopement to make sure you are good to go without one!
Best locations for a Crested Butte elopement
There are plenty of trails in the area that would make for an absolutely stunning Crested Butte elopement. However, one thing to note about Crested Butte is the higher elevation. If you’re not used to it, you could have more difficulty hiking some trails or even experience altitude sickness. While these spots I’ve listed are at a lower, more attainable elevation, there are more challenging options out there. If you’d prefer an elopement location like that, it might be helpful to arrive several days ahead of your wedding to get yourself acclimated to the higher elevation.
These location options are right near town and only require a short drive, but there are plenty of other trails in the surrounding area if you’re up for a longer drive. Don’t underestimate these spots though - the photos on this post were taken at several of these stops!
Snodgrass Trail
Snodgrass Trail is a short hike lined with thick aspen groves and lush wildflower meadows against a backdrop of mountain views. It closes seasonally, but if you’re planning to elope in Crested Butte in the summertime, it’s a great spot for wildflower photos above town.
Upper and Lower Loop
These loops are close to downtown Crested Butte and are relatively easy to navigate. They follow the Slate River through the valley to wetlands, which is surrounded by lush forest and gorgeous views of the mountains. If you want riverfront scenery for your elopement, this is a great spot.
Emerald Lake
One of the most picturesque spots for a Crested Butte elopement is Emerald Lake. When you see the color of the water, you’ll totally understand how it got that name! The lake sits in a valley surrounded by pine trees and hills carpeted with wildflowers. Peeking out from the backdrop are the Elk Mountains, which add depth and beauty to this location!
Book a venue through Crested Butte Land Trust
If you’d rather have a designated wedding location rather than eloping along a trail, check out the venues offered by Crested Butte Land Trust. They have 3 distinct venues with tranquil mountain scenery that you can reserve for your big day.
Woods Walk is their most popular venue that requires a short walk from Kebler Pass Road. It opens up to a stunning view with Mount Crested Butte towering in the background. Peanut Lake is a great choice for larger wedding parties, as it’s easily accessible and can accommodate up to 100 guests. The Gunsight Bridge venue puts you right on the banks of the Slate River.
Whether you’re looking for a waterfront setting, lush rolling hills full of wildflowers and fir trees, or magnificent mountain peaks and calming lake vibes, they are all breathtaking venues for a charming Crested Butte elopement.
Cottonwood Pass
Adjacent to Crested Butte, you’ll find Cottonwood Pass, which is an amazing location for elopement photos. The landscape colors are astonishing on this high mountain pass which peaks about 500 feet above the treeline. Even if you don’t have your ceremony here, it’s a great spot to plan on stopping for photos.
Taylor Park Reservoir
Another gorgeous spot that isn’t in Crested Butte proper but still offers beautiful views is the Taylor Park Reservoir. If you want to skip the hiking, this location is perfect because you can drive your car straight up to the water’s edge.
Where to stay when you elope in Crested Butte
Scarp Ridge Lodge – This classy and beautiful lodge with 6 bedrooms is the perfect boutique stay for an intimate guest list.
Taylor River Lodge – If you’re considering eloping at either Cottonwood Pass or Taylor Park Reservoir, this lodge, located in Almont, CO, is a great choice. Owned by the same company as Scarp Ridge, Taylor River Lodge offers similar cozy and boutique cabin style vibes for you and your guests. This lodge can also be used as a venue for your elopement!
Elk Mountain Lodge – The Elk Mountain Lodge was built in 1919 as a miner’s hotel in downtown Crested Butte and is newly renovated for a quaint but modern experience.
Crested Butte Mountain Resort – As the official ski resort in Crested Butte, there are several different lodging options here that vary from hotel room style accommodations to condos.
Woodcreek West Retreat Condo – condo in the ski area on Airbnb
Cozy Retro Chic Condo – trendy mid-century modern condo
Wild Child Miner’s Cabin – cute cabin with a hot tub and beautiful spiral staircase
Moose’s Loft with Hot Tub – another spiral staircase gem
Paradise on Prospect House for a bigger group – large mountain cabin that can accommodate 12 people
Things to do for a Crested Butte elopement
Although it’s a smaller town, there’s so much to do and see in Crested Butte. With so many enchanting views, my first recommendation is to obviously visit any of the Crested Butte elopement locations for couples portraits or just for fun. Beyond that, local artisans and restaurants add to the charm of this cute town, so I rounded up a few recommendations for your time there.
Food
Breadery CB – A sourdough and vegetable forward eatery, bar, and bakehouse. This was one of the most amazing meals I have ever had!
Soupcon – Upscale French & American Bistro
Izakaya Cabin – Japanese sushi bar & grill
Jose at Elevation – Elevation Resort’s go-to dining for tacos + tequila, along with gorgeous mountain views
Rumors Coffee and Teahouse – Full-service espresso bar in downtown Crested Butte
The Dogwood – Small plates, creative cocktails, comfortable ambiance
Crested Bucha – Kombucha mountain tea brewed in Crested Butte
Public House – Modern Colorado saloon serving local food and drinks
Activities
Paddle board Taylor Park Reservoir with Wheelies and Waves – getting out on the water here would be such a fun way to experience this picturesque area
Get a custom hat made for your elopement at Bjorkstam Hat Co. – we stopped in here during our trip and all I could think of was how perfect it would be to have a custom made wedding hat!
Buy a piece of local art from Studio One Eleven as a wedding keepsake – I love local art and these paintings of the local landscape would look great hung up next to your wedding photos
Rent ATVs with Action Adventures Snowmobiles – I love an adventurous wedding! This would be such a fun and unconventional wedding week activity
Go on a horseback riding tour through the mountains and valleys with Fantasy Ranch – riding horses through the wildflowers - so romantic!
Taste rums at Montanya Distillers – this female founded distillery is popular in the Crested Butte area
Take a day trip to Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park – Black Canyon of the Gunnison is about 2 hours from Crested Butte. If you love national parks as much as I do, taking a day trip to check it out is a must!
Let me help you plan a Crested Butte elopement!
Does a Crested Butte elopement sound like a dream for you? Let me help you make it a reality. I’d love to help coordinate and capture an unforgettable wedding experience for you! Whether you’re ready to bundle up for the slopes in the winter, or you’d rather indulge in the wildflower season over the summer, I’m ready to adventure to Colorado with you and capture every special moment.