How to Get Married in Crested Butte, Colorado
Wildflowers, alpine lakes, and untouched mountain landscapes—Crested Butte is what elopement dreams are made of.
If you’re after breathtaking scenery, epic hikes, and the kind of solitude that makes you feel like the only two people in the world, Crested Butte delivers. This mountain town is known for its incredible wildflower meadows, crystal-clear lakes, and stunning high-alpine passes. Whether you’re hiking to a secluded spot, off-roading to a jaw-dropping viewpoint, or just taking in the beauty from town, CB is perfect for couples who want that "middle of nowhere" magic.
Great for couples who:
Want to be surrounded by wildflowers, peaks, and alpine lakes.
Are up for a bit of effort to access jaw-dropping views.
Love the idea of a remote, adventure-packed elopement with fewer crowds.
Frequently Asked Questions About Crested Butte
-
The weather in CB is beautiful year-round with summer temperatures staying warm at lower elevations and getting cooler the higher you go. Because of the proximity to the sun, hot days feel hotter, while cool days feel warmer as well.
Winters are typical for Colorado with lots of snowpack after a snowfall and warmer temperatures during the day when the sun is out, before dropping to freezing again as the sun sets behind the mountains.
It’s important to consider mud season when planning your spring or fall elopement around CB - a lot of snow is melted by May/June but forest service roads don’t open until around Memorial Day Weekend, limiting your options for locations and activities. -
June, July, August - if you’re down for a sunrise-centric elopement then July is hands down my favorite time in the mountains. The hills are great, lakes blue, and wildflowers are everywhere, especially in the wildflower capital of Colorado.
September - Crested Butte has a ton of aspen groves around making it a great location to visit when the Aspens are changing in late September as well.
December - if you’re willing to rent a snowmobile then December can be a great time to visit as the weather is still pretty warm but backcountry access becomes by snowmobile only, giving you privacy.
-
Flying: The closest airport to Crested Butte is going to be Gunnison (GUC) which is located just north out of town. Another option is Eagle (EGE) which is 70 miles from Aspen. If coming from Denver International Airport (DIA) the drive is 200 miles and takes about 4 hours when there is no traffic. Keep in mind that traffic coming from DIA through the front range and into the mountains is some of the worst, especially on Friday and Saturday, as well as return trips on Sunday.
Driving: If driving into Crested Butte, be sure to keep up to date on all CDOT construction as one of the main roads in from the west slope (Montrose) is frequently closed for days at a time for construction. Instead, you’ll want to drive through Paonia and up over Kebler Pass (a packed dirt road, 4WD NOT required). If driving from Denver and the front range, you can take the paved highway over through Gunnison, or you can take a longer scenic route over a mountain pass in Buena Vista called Cottonwood Pass (highly recommend!).
-
Crested Butte is one of the more affordable mountain towns in Colorado although hotels and short term lodging are harder to come by. Gunnison and Paonia are good alternatives for locations, being 30 minute and 60 minute drives respectively.
-
Most locations in Gunnison National Forest do not require a wedding permit for small, leave-no-trace elopements. However, larger groups or setups (arches, chairs, etc.) may require a special use permit. Always reach out to the local forest service office to double check permit info!
-
If eloping at a private venue, like Mountain Wedding Garden or Woods Walk, you’ll need a reservation. Some locations may also require a photography permit.
-
Flying: The closest airport to Crested Butte is going to be Gunnison (GUC) which is located just north out of town. Another option is Eagle (EGE) which is 70 miles from Aspen. If coming from Denver International Airport (DIA) the drive is 200 miles and takes about 4 hours when there is no traffic. Keep in mind that traffic coming from DIA through the front range and into the mountains is some of the worst, especially on Friday and Saturday, as well as return trips on Sunday.
Driving: If driving into Crested Butte, be sure to keep up to date on all CDOT construction as one of the main roads in from the west slope (Montrose) is frequently closed for days at a time for construction. Instead, you’ll want to drive through Paonia and up over Kebler Pass (a packed dirt road, 4WD NOT required). If driving from Denver and the front range, you can take the paved highway over through Gunnison, or you can take a longer scenic route over a mountain pass in Buena Vista called Cottonwood Pass (highly recommend!).
-
Wildflower meadows are delicate—stay on trails to protect them!
Avoid confetti, rice, or anything that could disrupt the environment.
Pack out everything you bring in, including decorations and trash.
Why elope in Crested Butte
If you like fields of wildflowers, groves of Aspens, 4WD roads and being able to get away from crowds (on weekdays) then Crested Butte might be the perfect place for you to elope! While the area is somewhat limited to winter weddings because of snowpack and road closures, once the snow melts away, you realize why it’s called the wildflower capital of Colorado!
How to obtain a marriage license in Gunnison County
A marriage license is available by appointment only, please call (970) 641-2038 to schedule you’re appointment. You will need to bring $30, be present with both ID’s, and fill out an application. The license must be used within 35 days and returned to the county clerk and recorder within 63 days. For more information, call the Gunnison County Recording Office.
How to Pick the Best Spot for Your Elopement
Wildflower Season (July-August): Best for vibrant meadows.
Fall (Late September-October): Stunning golden aspens.
Winter (November-May): Mostly inaccessible due to snow.
Hike-in vs. Drive-up Locations: Consider how much adventure you want!
Activities to Do in Crested Butte
Drive Kebler Pass
Take a day trip to Gunnison or Lake City
Eat at any of the independent restaurants
Camp in a designated site among a field of wildflowers
Paddle board on Lake Irwin
Hike through groves of aspen trees
Take a sleigh ride
Take a day trip to Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
Cross country ski on their groomed nordic trails
Take a ride on the ski resort chair lift
Hike Scarp Ridge (one of my favorite trails in Colorado)
Rent a Jeep and drive Schofield Pass
Hike to Emerald Lake to take the free canoe for a spin
Visit one of the half dozen art galleries
Grab a drink at Montanya distillery
Go fly fishing in Almont
Where to Get Married
in Crested Butte
Gothic Valley
Best for couples who want towering peaks and wildflower-filled meadows.
Gothic Valley is one of Crested Butte’s most stunning locations, offering lush green fields, vibrant wildflowers in mid-summer, and rugged mountain backdrops. The dirt road leading in is a scenic drive itself, and there are countless pull-offs for intimate ceremonies or portraits. Sunrise and sunset here are breathtaking, with soft golden light painting the peaks.
Best for couples who:
Want a dramatic mountain valley without a strenuous hike.
Love wildflower fields and lush greenery in the summer.
Prefer easy access with plenty of secluded spots to choose from.
Aspen Groves & Forested Trails
Best for couples who love the soft, golden glow of aspen trees.
If you’re eloping in the fall, Crested Butte is one of the best places in Colorado to see glowing golden aspens. There are endless trails and forested areas where you can find quiet, secluded groves for vows or portraits. Even in the summer, these shaded trails provide a peaceful, intimate setting.
Best for couples who:
Are eloping in late September or early October and want peak fall colors.
Prefer a cozy, tucked-away forest setting over wide-open landscapes.
Want a more intimate and private feel for their elopement location.
Ridgelines & Overlooks
Best for couples who want to feel like they’re on top of the world.
For couples who love those big, sweeping views, Crested Butte has plenty of ridgeline hikes and drive-up overlooks where you can feel like you’re standing on the edge of the world. Whether it’s catching the sunrise over rolling peaks or watching the sun dip below a sea of mountains, these high points offer some of the best scenery around.
Best for couples who:
Want the most dramatic views Crested Butte has to offer.
Don’t mind a little extra effort to get to a high point.
Love sunrise or sunset light for their ceremony or portraits.
Emerald Lake
Best for couples who want a striking alpine lake tucked into the mountains.
Emerald Lake is exactly what it sounds like—a crystal-clear, brilliantly colored alpine lake surrounded by rugged cliffs and forest. The drive up requires a little clearance, but once you're there, the scenery is unreal. It’s a great option for couples who want a peaceful lakeside moment with jaw-dropping views.
Best for couples who:
Love high-alpine lakes with bright blue-green water.
Want a remote, intimate setting with incredible mountain views.
Are up for a scenic drive with some off-the-beaten-path charm.
Lake Irwin
Best for couples who want an easy-access lake with stunning reflections.
Lake Irwin is one of Crested Butte’s most accessible and picturesque lake locations. Whether you want a ceremony by the water or just stunning portraits with mountain reflections, this spot delivers. In the fall, golden aspens line the shore, making it even more magical.
Best for couples who:
Want an alpine lake elopement that doesn’t require a long drive or hike.
Love the idea of incorporating a canoe, paddleboard, or lakeside picnic into their day.
Are eloping in the fall and want gorgeous golden foliage.
High Alpine Passes & Backroads
Best for couples who want a true off-road adventure.
Crested Butte is surrounded by incredible high-alpine passes and rugged backroads that lead to stunning, middle-of-nowhere spots. Whether you rent a Jeep or take a side-by-side up a 4WD trail, these locations offer insane mountain views, wildflower-covered ridgelines, and a sense of complete seclusion. Some of the best spots are only accessible in late summer once the snow melts, making them feel extra special.
Best for couples who:
Want an adventurous, off-road elopement with wild, untouched landscapes.
Love the idea of saying their vows at 12,000+ feet.
Don’t mind a little adrenaline to get to an epic spot.
Wildflower Meadows
Best for couples who want Crested Butte’s famous summer blooms.
Crested Butte isn’t called the Wildflower Capital of Colorado for nothing. From late June through early August, the mountains explode with vibrant blooms-lupine, columbine, Indian paintbrush, and more. Whether you want a short hike through a sea of flowers or a quiet roadside pull-off with wildflower views, there are countless hidden spots to choose from.
Best for couples who:
Want peak wildflower season magic in their elopement photos.
Prefer soft, rolling hills and colorful meadows over dramatic rock formations.
Love that dreamy, fairytale-like mountain meadow vibe.
Secluded River & Streamside Spots
Best for couples who love the peaceful sound of rushing water.
Beyond the big mountain views, Crested Butte also has plenty of quiet creeks, rivers, and hidden waterfalls that make for dreamy elopement locations. Whether you want to dip your feet in the water after a hot summer hike or find a quiet spot to exchange vows next to a peaceful stream, these tucked-away gems offer something different from the usual mountain pass.
Best for couples who:
Want a calming, nature-filled setting for their elopement.
Love the sound of water and the feel of a more intimate, tucked-away spot.
Prefer a forested, green location over wide-open landscapes.
Lodges, Cabins & Airbnbs with a View
Best for couples who want to elope somewhere they can stay the night.
One of the best things about Crested Butte is the number of cozy cabins, mountain lodges, and private Airbnbs that can double as an elopement location. Whether it’s a modern A-frame with floor-to-ceiling windows, a log cabin with a hot tub under the stars, or a secluded rental on acres of private land, these options offer a mix of comfort and adventure.
Best for couples who:
Want the convenience of an elopement and lodging in the same place.
Prefer a more private, controlled setting over a public location.
Love the idea of waking up in the mountains and stepping right outside to say their vows.
Crested Butte Elopement Timeline Example
5:00 AM
Wake up early in your charming mountain lodge or cozy campsite. Enjoy a quiet moment with a cup of coffee or tea while taking in the serene early morning mountain views.
6:00 AM
Head to a scenic overlook to exchange your vows at sunrise. The soft morning light and stunning mountain backdrop create a magical and intimate atmosphere for your special moment.
7:00 AM
Return to your accommodation to get ready for the day. Take your time to prepare, enjoying the process and the excitement of the day ahead.
9:00 AM
Pack a picnic basket with your favorite foods and head into the mountains for a breakfast picnic. Find a picturesque spot, spread out a blanket, and enjoy your meal surrounded by nature's beauty.
11:00 AM
Gather with your closest family and friends for a heartfelt vow exchange in front of them. Choose a scenic location, like a wildflower meadow or a mountain overlook, to make the moment even more special.
12:30 PM
Take a break and enjoy some leisure time. You can explore the town of Crested Butte, visit local shops, or simply relax and take in the beautiful surroundings.
2:00 PM
Head to Emerald Lake for an afternoon of canoeing. Paddle around the clear waters, enjoy the peaceful environment, and create unforgettable memories together on the lake.
4:00 PM
Make your way to Lake Irwin for some paddle boarding. The stunning alpine lake offers a perfect spot to unwind, have fun, and enjoy the breathtaking scenery of Crested Butte.
6:00 PM
Enjoy a delicious dinner at one of Crested Butte's local restaurants, like Secret Stash for gourmet pizza or Uley's Cabin for a unique mountain dining experience.
8:00 PM
Conclude your day with a sunset stroll or a relaxing campfire. Reflect on your beautiful elopement day, share stories, and enjoy the peaceful evening atmosphere.
Ready to Start Your Adventure?
Pin me and save me for later!
Whether you've pictured your wedding since you were young or, like me, the thought never crossed your mind until "I do" was looming on the horizon, piecing it all together is one heck of an adventure -
That’s where I come in.
Howdy hello I’m Kimberly
Learn More about the experience of working with me
