WHY YOU SHOULD ELOPE IN the Ridgway
I’m a little biased because Ridgway is one of those towns that just feels like you have the whole world at your fingertips and you really do out here. Unlike Ouray and Telluride which are neighboring towns, Ridgway sits far back from the mountains instead of up in them giving you the most impressive views. The access to locations like Ouray & Telluride are also another great reason to make Ridgway your home base and to elope out here!
HOW TO OBTAIN A MARRIAGE LICENSE IN Ouray County
Both parties must personally appear in the Ouray County Clerk’s Office to complete an application for a Marriage License. If one party is unavailable, an absentee affidavit must be completed and notarized (including a copy of their ID). The fee is $30.00 (cash or check) and the Marriage License is valid for 35 days. For more information, check out the Ouray County website.
WEATHER in Ridgway
Since Ridgway is a bit more high desert and sits at 7,000 feet, the weather out here is great year round and makes an excellent location for winter elopements as well as spring/summer/fall weddings. Some places like the Dallas Creek area and Owl Creek Pass are closed in the winter from mud and snow but there are still some accessible locations when roads are closed.
Best Time to Elope in Ridgway
June - most mountain passes are open by memorial day depending on snowpack, allowing you access to twice as many scenic locations.
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.
September through December - Once the weather starts cooling off Ridgway is a great place to elope as the crowds begin to die down.
FLYING INTO Ridgway
The closest airport to Ouray is Montrose (MJT) which is 20 miles from the north. Grand Junction (GJT), Telluride Regional (TEX) and Durango/La Plata (DRO) are all other great options.
PRICE POINT
Ridgway is a pretty affordable town but there are very few hotels and lodging is best found through short term rental sites like Airbnb and VRBO. Ridgway is very small but one of the things I love most about it is it’s selection of amazing restaurants and proximity to some of the best views in Colorado - all accessible without climbing steep Jeep roads or needing 4WD.
ACTIVITIES TO DO IN Ridgway
Drive Owl Creek Pass
Go paddle boarding or kayaking at Ridgway State Park
Spend the day at Silver Jack Reservoir
Walk around Dennis Weaver Memorial Park
Mountain bike the RAT trails
Take a tour at the Ridgway Railroad Museum
Keep an eye out around town for the workshop where Grammy awards are made
Have the best sandwich and truffle fries at Eatery 66
Take a dip in Orvis Hot Springs
Book a hot air balloon ride with San Juan Balloon Adventures
Relax at Chipeta Spa
Back country tour the San Juan Hut system
Hike Blue Lakes via Dallas Creek
Take a day trip to Telluride
Take a day trip to Ouray
Take a day trip to swim in Blue Mesa
Take a True Grit walking tour via the Chamber of Commerce
INTIMATE WEDDING VENUES IN Ridgway
Top of the Pines an outdoor space in Ridgway, Colorado
Silesca Guard Station a forest service cabin outside of Montrose, Colorado
Chipeta Solar Springs Resort an outdoor mountain view location in Ridgway, Colorado
Ridgway State Park, an outdoor overlook for small weddings in Ridgway, Colorado
Elopement Day Timeline
Where to elope in Ridgway
“Morning Yoga at the beach; a picnic reception at the top of the mountains, vows next to the lake, champagne with intimate friends, and loved ones...”
