How to Elope at Colorado National Monument
Colorado National Monument is truly a hidden gem in Colorado. While it’s known for its world class climbing routes, the canyons that weave and wind endlessly, and the towering sandstone mesa, Colorado National Monument truly has something for everyone.
The history of Colorado National Monument
John Otto was one of the first preservationists who sought to protect the land that Colorado National Monument sits on. He was vital in the creation of the first rugged road through the monument, Trail of the Serpent, which is now a hike that consists of 52 switchbacks and climbs up the eastern entrance of the monument.
With the help of John Otto, Colorado National Monument was established on May 24, 1911, as a presidential proclamation by President Taft under the authority of the Antiquities Act.
The monument today has two entrances, one in Grand Junction, Colorado, and one 30 some miles away in Fruita, Colorado. The road through the monument is paved with many overlooks and trails connecting the top of the Monument with the valley down below.
What is the best season to elope at Colorado National Monument?
Honestly, every time of year is a good time depending on what you’re looking for.
Winter elopement at Colorado National Monument: The pros, it’s cooler, we usually have clear days that can be relatively warm in the winter as the temp stays in the 30’s and 40’s, and the sun is usually out. Being the winter, you can also find spots with more seclusion and privacy. Cons, it can get cold, especially once the sun starts to set, and it can often be cloudy if we have an inversion or hazy if the wind isn’t strong enough to push the weather through the valley. Click here to learn more about eloping in Colorado in the winter.
Spring elopement at Colorado National Monument: probably my favorite time of year in the valley in general, spring in CNM is the perfect time to elope because the days are warmer, usually in the 50’s - 70’s. Early spring can be muddier if we’ve had cool weather and snow or rain in the last couple of weeks, but by late spring most of the soil is dry again. Thunderstorms are usually a norm in the evenings, so it’s best to be flexible with your timeline this time of year.
Summer elopement in Colorado National Monument: the pros, it’s summer so if you’re a desert lizard and can take temps in the 100’s, then this season is for you haha. Summer elopement’s I really recommend sunrise as your start time because once the sun comes up, it gets hot quick. Another thing to contend with in summer is the possibility of wildfires and smoke. Whether there is a fire in the valley like 2020’s Pine Gulch Fire, or smoke being blown in from neighboring states, fires are usually something we have to contend with. Smoke also gets worse in the evening so mornings are usually clearer.
Fall elopement in Colorado National Monument: another great time of year to elope in Colorado National Monument, fall brings cooler day time temps. Fall in the valley is usually around late October, early November, unless we have a particularly dry year like 2020 or what I can only assume is also going to be like this winter since we’ve had pretty light snowpack around Colorado. The monument is pinyon-juniper woodland so woodland trees and gambel oak and other deciduous trees do change colors and shed their leaves in the fall. Sagebrush, rabbitbrush, and other common shrubs do change through the year but can still stay pretty throughout the year. Click here to learn more about how to have a fall wedding in Colorado.
Where can we elope at in Colorado National Monument?
If your group size is smaller, or it just the two of you and your photographer or videographer, you can say your vows in one of the designated spots and then head to one of the more scenic spots around the monument for additional photos. There are some real hidden gems around the monument that help you get away from the few crowds that the park does sometime see. Some of my favorite spots are:
Balanced Rock View
Fruita Canyon View
Book Cliffs View
Canyon Rim Trail
Monument Canyon Trail
Coke Ovens Overlook
Artists Point
Cold Shivers Point
Devils Kitchen Trail
This is also when hiring a local comes in handy, as we know of spots that aren’t on the park map to give you unique and private location options, like the slot canyon pictured below that is accessible without technical skills. For more information on locations, check out this guide on Best Locations for Engagement Photos in Colorado National Monument.
Where can we have a small wedding Colorado National Monument?
If you’re having a larger wedding with guests, you can still get married in the monument! Colorado National Monument allows weddings in the following locations:
Book Cliffs View (groups of 25 or less)
Book Cliffs Shelter (groups of 15 of less)
Saddlehorn Amphitheater
Saddlehorn Picnic Area
Devils Kitchen Picnic Area
The permit is $150, and the National Park Service is pretty quick about turnaround time for your permits, but I’d recommend starting the process at least 30 days in advance.
What can we do during our elopement at Colorado National Monument?
Colorado National Monument has endless opportunities for things to do! You can hike, climb, backpack, have a picnic, bike, etc. You can also head outside of the park to explore other areas of Grand Junction and Fruita: raft the Colorado river, 4x4 round the Bookcliffs or Bangs Canyon, bike down the Palisade Plunge, camp on the BLM land, paddle board around the Grand Mesa, etc. There is no shortage of outdoor opportunities in Grand Junction and Mesa county!
Where can we stay during our Colorado National Monument elopement?
We have so many incredible Airbnbs, VRBOs, B+Bs, boutique hotels, and campgrounds in Grand Junction. They vary in distance from Colorado National Monument, with Palisade being about a 45-minute drive, Grand Junction being a 15-30 minute drive depending on what part of the monument you are going to, and Fruita being about a 10-30 minute drive also depending on what part of the monument you are going to. Click here to learn more about how to have a camp themed wedding.
One of my favorite boutique hotels is Hotel Maverick, located on the CMU campus.
Who are some of your favorite local vendors?
We have no shortage of stunning vendors who will go above and beyond for you. My favorite florists are Country Elegance, 3 Leaf Floral and Wander West Picnics can all make great additions to your elopement! You can also peruse places like Rocky Mountain Brides Western Colorado Guide, Wed West Slope, or even instagram hashtags to find your dream vendors! Click here to learn more about what it’s like to work with me as your photographer.
What all can we do at our elopement?
I cannot stress enough how an elopement isn’t an all day photoshoot - but it is your wedding day.
When you look back on your wedding photos or video a year, 5 years, 25 years from now, you’re going to want photos from this day. You’re going to want to see your partner getting dressed and ready to love on you for the rest of their life. You’re going to want to see the road you drove down to say your vows, the first meal you shared as newlyweds, the people you celebrated with after.
The memories from the day will fade, but the tangible photos or video that you have will last a lifetime.
Some moments you can choose to have photographed during your elopement day:
Making breakfast together
Getting ready, together or separately
Family or friends helping you into clothes
First look, with each other or family and friends
Ceremony / vows
Photos with family, friends and guests
Romantics
First dance, cutting cake, any traditions you’d like to include
Click here to see more ideas of what activities you could incorporate into your wedding day.
Click here to see what all there is to do in the town of Grand Junction.
How do we get a marriage license in Mesa County?
Both applicants need to appear in order to obtain the license. (If just one appears, another form will need to be completed.)
Arrive prior to 4:30 p.m. (Marriage/Civil union licenses will not be issued after 4:30 p.m.).
License is valid for 35 days from date of issuance.
License is only valid for use within the state of Colorado.
$30.00 Cash Only license fee; other fees may apply.
Parent or Legal Guardian information is required regardless of the age of the applicants.
Death or divorce information required (if applicable).
Must be 18 years of age.
Must have valid proof of identification.
As of 2021, you may be able to request and fill out your marriage license application online!
Do we need an officiant in Mesa County for our elopement?
Colorado is THE BEST for eloping, not just saying that because I’m biased and live here. In Colorado you can self solemnize your marriage which means you don’t need an officiate for your ceremony!
Every couple is different, but my couples usually
Ask a friend or family member to act as an officiate
Hire an officiate
Go to the County Courthouse for a Judicial Officer (Judge or Magistrate)
Forgo the officiate and self solemnize
How do we tell our family that we’re eloping?
Whether you want to give your friends and family the heads up, or go the old fashioned route and let them know after the fact - here are some great ways to tell people you’ve eloped!
Send out announcements
Send out announcements and invites to celebrate with them after
Send “we eloped!” announcements
Let friends and family know in person
Sometimes telling friends and family that you are choosing to elope isn’t the easiest conversation to have, but it is often times necessary. Communication is key here, and simply reassuring them that this is what you want to do, can help.
How can we include family and friends in our elopement?
While traditionally an elopement meant to sneak away and get married without telling anyone, you can still elope and have family and friends present. Whether that be by:
Inviting them! You can find ways to include family and friends in any moment of the day, whether that is getting ready with them, having them present at your ceremony, or by celebrating with them after.
Ask them to write letters to you for you to read after you say your vows.
Incorporate details that remind you of them, like by repurposing wedding attire, or including jewelry, etc, in your day.
Celebrate with them either before or after your big day.
