how to have an epic crested butte elopement
Crested Butte elopement guide
Ask any Coloradan what their favorite mountain towns in Colorado are and chances are good that Crested Butte will be near the top of the list. There are SO many reasons for it (and we’ll get into those!) but the simple fact is this: Crested Butte (or “CB” as it’s known to the locals) is BEAUTIFUL. And in a state FULL of gorgeous spots, that’s say something!
In this guide we’ll talk about how to elope in Crested Butte and give you everything you need to know to start planning your own epic CB elopement or itty bitty wedding!
(Updated 4/16/24)
why eloping in crested butte is the best idea!
In a state full of special places, Crested Butte has to be near the top. It’s a little bit off the beaten path making it a little quieter than places like Breckenridge and Rocky Mountain National Park … and it’s every bit as beautiful.
Crested Butte is known for its epic mountain biking, its stunning hikes, its adorable little town, and its endless fields of wildflowers. It also has ample lodging, great food, and my favorite coffee shop in all of Colorado!
If you’re looking for a unique Colorado elopement location, this is for you!
Crested butte elopement locations
Crested Butte has so many epic elopement locations that the hardest thing you’ll have to do is pick the right one! Fortunately there are no NO bad choices here!
Here are some of my favorite Crested Butte elopement locations
gothic road
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mountain passes
CB is surrounded by rugged mountains that can be accessed by both road and foot. If you’re up for a hike, there are plenty of gorgeous spots to get to! Don’t want to hike? CB has stunning options for you too!
in a wildflower field
Crested Butte’s reputation as the wildflower capital of Colorado is well-earned! When the wildflowers are going off it is truly a magical place. Think loads of color and in some places wildflowers as tall as you are!
in an aspen grove
Crested Butte’s reputation as the wildflower capital of Colorado is well-earned! When the wildflowers are going off it is truly a magical place. Think loads of color and in some places wildflowers as tall as you are!
At a vacation Rental
Vacation rentals (such as AirBnBs and VRBOs) can serve as the perfect home base for your Crested Butte elopement or intimate wedding. This is an especially good option for couples who are having guests at their elopement. You can have your ceremony at your cabin/condo/etc. with your family and friends (with easy accessibility, bathrooms, and a place to go in the event of bad weather!) and then venture off site for photos. This is also an excellent option for couples who want to hire a private chef (highly recommend!!) to cook up a bougie dinner or brunch!
Event friendly vacation rentals in crested butte for your elopement or microwedding
I have found VRBO to be far more event friendly than AirBnB and tend to recommend looking there first if you are looking for a kick ass vacation rental where you and your guests will be welcome!
when is the best time to elope in crested butte?
Crested Butte is beautiful year round so figuring out the best season to elope in Crested Butte will largely depend on the vibe you want for your day and how you want to spend it! With that in mind, here are the best times of year to elope in CB.
Summer Elopements in Crested Butte
Summer in the mountains is magical and it’s especially gorgeous in CB! Summer in these parts means beautiful hikes, green meadows, rushing waterfalls, and SO. MANY. WILDFLOWERS. If you like long, warm days that give way to cool nights, summer in CB is for you!
Fall elopements in Crested Butte
Fall is my FAVORITE time of year in the Colorado mountains and that definitely applies to CB. The weather is GLORIOUS, the aspens are yellow, and everything just feels a little bit more cozy. (FYI – Fall is also the busiest time of year for most Colorado elopement photographers so I recommend booking your vendors early!)
winter Elopements in Crested Butte
During the colder months CB becomes a winter wonderland (and a world class ski destination). If you want to ski , snowshoe, or cozy up in a cabin in the woods, winter is the time to do it.
winter elopements in Crested Butte
If I am being totally honest, spring is my least favorite time around here. The weather is HIGHLY variable and hard to predict, remote locations can be difficult to access, and when things DO melt out it gets muddy. Skip the mountains in the spring (and head to the desert!).
crested Butte elopement planning
Planning a Crested Butte elopement can seem overwhelming at first but I promise you can do this! Here’s how to get started.
1. book your crested butte elopement photographer / planner
I don’t say to start with this because I’m biased (although I am admittedly a little biased). I say it because your photographer will help you with the rest of these steps! Find someone you feel like you vibe with and nail down a date!
Pssst …. want me to help you out? Get in touch!
2. Choose your crested butte elopement location
Now is the time to figure out where the heck you are going to go! A good photographer will help you find the perfect spot – whether that involves a long hike up a ridge or somewhere you can drive right up to!
3. book your lodging and any other vendors
If you want to hire a hair and makeup artist, florist, private chef, helicopter tour, or anything else, now is the time to do it! Your photographer will likely be able to suggest awesome vendors who *get* the elopement vibe!
4. Have the best damn day of your life!
The day is here and it’s time to kick back and relax (or strap on those hiking boots and hit the trail). This day is going to FLY by so make sure you take a minute to savor every moment. Slow down. Breathe. Soak it ALL in!
Meet your crested butte elopement photographer!
I’m here to help make your crested butte elopement easy and epic!
I’m Jen Dz! I’m an outdoors-loving, IPA-drinking, dog-obsessed elopement photographer. Since 2016 I’ve helped over 100 couples have unforgettable elopements and intimate weddings in Crested Butte, throughout Colorado, and in locations around the globe.
I’m here to help you have the best damn day of your life in the mountains I call home. Get in touch and let’s make this epic!