How to Elope in Crested Butte, Colorado
Eloping in Crested Butte
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!
Here's Why Crested Butte is one of the BEST Places in Colorado to Elope
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!
Meet Your Crested Butte Elopement Photographer!
Hey! I'm Jen Dz. In 2007 my then-fiance (now husband) and I made good on a long time dream to move from the Midwest to the mountains and we've been romping around these hills ever since.
As avid mountain bikers, Crested Butte was one of the first spots we hit (gotta ride that 401!) when we moved here and we quickly fell in love with the beautiful mountains, the endless trails, and the perfect little town.
I'm stoked to help you elope in Crested Butte!
Where is Crested Butte and how do you get there?
Crested Butte is located in the Elk Mountains of Colorado, approximately 4 hours from Denver. Most visited arrive in CB by flying into Denver International Airport, renting a car, and then making the beautiful drive through the mountains.
There are also small airports in nearby Gunnison and Montrose that offer commercial flights. These will get you closer to CB but will also likely be more expensive.
Gothic Road
Gothic Road is just outside the ski resort and leads to one of the most famous mountain bike trails in Colorado. This beautiful valley has alpine lakes, wildflowers, and a stunning river that runs alongside it. Its easy to access and an awesome spot if you don't want to do a long hike.
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!
Alpine Lakes
The mountains of CB are surrounded by alpine lakes of various sizes and colors (and that require various levels of adventure to access). If you love the idea of eloping next to a mountain lake, this is the spot for you!
Crested Butte Elopement Locations
Waterfalls
While the waterfalls in the CB area aren't quite as huge as the ones in the San Juans, there are still plenty of gorgeous options for you waterfall lovers!
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!
When is the best time to elope in Crested Butte?
Eloping in Crested Butte in Fall
Eloping in Crested Butte in Summer
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!)
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!
Eloping in Crested Butte in Spring
Eloping in Crested Butte in Winter
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!).
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.
How to have a Crested Butte Elopement
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Have the best damn day of your life!
Book lodging and any other vendors
Choose your Crested Butte Elopement Location
Book your Crested Butte 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!
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!
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!
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!
Elopement planning and photography packages begin at $6000.
All packages include:
– A handcrafted, outside the box (and off the grid!) elopement adventure
-Flexible coverage ranging from 4 hours to 2+ days
– Custom location suggestions
– Elopement timeline
-Vendor recommendations
-Permit assistance
– Heirloom elopement book/album
– A CB obsessed elopement expert at your fingertips!
