How to Get Married in Telluride

How to Get Married in

Telluride, Colorado

Best for couples who want jaw-dropping views with a touch of luxury.

Telluride is one of Colorado’s most iconic mountain towns, and for good reason. With massive peaks towering over town, a historic downtown full of charm, and access to some of the most scenic spots in the state, this place is a dream for elopements. Whether you’re riding the gondola up to a stunning overlook, hiking into the San Juans for a private ceremony, or celebrating with a gourmet dinner afterward, Telluride is perfect for couples who want both epic adventure and a little bit of indulgence.

Great for couples who:

  • Want a mix of adventure and upscale mountain town charm.

  • Love the idea of eloping somewhere with stunning peaks, waterfalls, and alpine lakes.

  • Are excited about hiking, off-roading, or taking the gondola up for unbeatable views.

Frequently Asked Questions About Telluride

  • The weather in Telluride is beautiful year-round and you can’t go wrong with any season for a wedding in Telluride. While mud season closes a lot of lodging, restaurants, and shops in early May and late October, most other times of year are great to elope in Telluride. If you’re open to snowshoeing or snowmobiling, winter can be a great time to get away from the crowds. Hiking locations however are harder to get to in the winter!

  • February, March, April - Snowier season but more expensive because of ski season

    June, July, August - Summer months as roads open up, hills turn green and wildflowers bloom. Keep in mind that summer is monsoon season in the mountains and you’ll want to have a morning centric elopement to avoid summer rainstorms

    September - while much busier when the aspens change in late September, still a beautiful month as leaves start changing even in the high country

    October - a very underrated month as a lot of trees die off and places close but accessibility can still be an option to some places with far fewer crowds

  • Flying: The closest airport to Telluride is Telluride Regional (TEX). Another option is Montrose (MJT) which is 30 miles East (has a Southwest terminal), or Grand Junction (GJT) about 2 1/2 hours north. Durango/La Plata (DRO) is another option from the south.

    Driving: If driving from Denver and the front range, you can take route 50 through Gunnison, or you can take I-70 over through Grand Junction and then south. Either way, you’re to see SO much of Colorado and all of the beautiful diverse scenery it offers. You can even make it a loop!

  • Telluride is one of the most expensive mountain towns since it has a ski resort and most of the area is new builds. Hotel rooms typically run $400 a night. For cheaper lodging options, look into Placerville (15 minute drive) and Ridgway (40 minute drive).

  • Most locations in Uncompahgre National Forest do not require a permit for small, low-impact elopements. However, larger gatherings, chairs, arches, or professional setups may require a special use permit. Always reach out to the local forest service office to double check permit info!

    • Best for Luxury & Mountain Views:

      • Dunton Hot Springs – A high-end, secluded resort with private cabins.

      • Madeline Hotel & Residences – Five-star luxury in Mountain Village.

    • Best for Cozy & Unique Stays:

      • Alta Lakes Observatory – A rustic, remote cabin near a high-alpine lake.

      • Mountain Airbnbs in Mountain Village – Secluded, with stunning views.

    • Best Budget-Friendly Options:

      • Telluride Town Campground – Affordable camping with mountain views.

      • Bivvi Hostel – Great for adventurous couples or small groups.

    • 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.

    • High-alpine meadows and tundra are fragile—stay on established trails.

    • Fires and confetti are prohibited in most areas.

Why elope in Telluride, Colorado

Why elope in Telluride

If you’re looking for the epic quintessential Colorado mountain backdrop then the San Juans are definitely your best bet. Unlike the front range, the San Juans are a 7 hour drive from Denver and DIA making them a bit further out of reach for crowds and tourists. If you’re looking to see some seriously jagged peaks and really settle into life in a Colorado mountain town Telluride might be for you. Unlike Ouray, Telluride is a bit more accessible and has a lot more to do that doesn’t need 4WD or require you to go over steep mountain passes.

How To Get Married in Telluride, Colorado

How to obtain a marriage license in San Miguel County

You may apply for the license at the Clerk & Recorder’s Office Monday - Thursday, during the hours of 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. License Fee is $30, payable by cash or checks only. Certified copies are $3 each. You will need to fill out an application and both be present with ID’s to sign for the license. For more information, check out the San Miguel County Clerk and Recorder Office.

How To Get Married in Telluride, Colorado

Elopement Friendly Activities

  • Take the Gondola – Ride up for sunset views over the San Juan Mountains.

  • Hike to a Waterfall – Bridal Veil Falls or Bear Creek Falls.

  • Off-Road Adventure – Rent a Jeep and explore Imogene or Ophir Pass.

  • Hot Springs Soak – Dunton Hot Springs for a relaxing post-elopement retreat.

  • Mountain Biking or Paddleboarding – Tons of trails and alpine lakes nearby.

How to Include Family & Guests in Your Telluride Elopement

Easy Access Ceremony Locations:

  • San Sophia Overlook (reservable venue with gondola access).

  • Alta Lakes (short drive, incredible high-elevation scenery with overnight accommodations).

  • Dunton Hot Springs – Luxurious and secluded hot spring resort.

  • Telluride Town Park – A beautiful riverside spot with mountain views, great for small ceremonies.

  • Schmid Ranch – A private, historic ranch with expansive mountain views and room for guests.

  • Activities for Guests:

    • Gondola rides, scenic drives, or guided Jeep tours.

    • Fly fishing, horseback riding, or relaxing at the spa.

  • Post-Ceremony Celebrations:

    • Private chef for a mountaintop picnic or catered dinner.

    • Brewery tour or cozy cabin reception.

    • Sleigh rides or wagon rides to backcountry dinner with Schmid Ranch.

    • Get your adrenaline pumping on the Via Ferrata.

Activities to Do in Telluride

  • Hike the 3 waterfall trail to Bridal Veil Falls

  • Go paddle boarding on Trout Lake

  • Hike to Hope Lake

  • Drive Ophir Pass

  • Camp at Town Park in downtown Telluride

  • Enjoy the six course prefix menu at The Tunnel

  • Take the free mountain village Gondola

  • Ski or snowboard at Telluride Ski Resort

  • Take a snowmobile tour to Alta Ghost Town

  • Go paragliding with Telluride Paragliding

  • Dine at the highest restaurant in America (in the winter only) at Alpino Vino

  • Take a hot air balloon ride with the San Juan Hot Hair Balloon Adventure

  • Ride the 19 mile mountain bike trail the Galloping Goose

  • Go river rafting with a guide from Telluride Outside

  • Take a chuckwagon grill out or sleigh ride with Telluride Wranglers

  • Climb the Telluride Via Ferrata

  • Go ice skating at one of the three ice rinks

  • Take an overnight day trip to Dunton Hot Springs

  • Take a day trip to Ouray

Telluride Elopement Timeline Example

6:00 am

Rise and shine in your cozy Telluride cabin or lodge! Get ready for an epic day together! Enjoy a leisurely morning, fueling up with a hearty breakfast to prepare for your adventures ahead!

7:00 am

Time to soar! Hop on the scenic gondola ride up to Mountain Village! Marvel at the jaw-dropping views of the mountains and valleys as you ascend! It's the perfect start to your unforgettable day!

8:00 am

Welcome to Bridal Veil Falls, one of Colorado's tallest free-falling waterfalls! Exchange your heartfelt vows with this majestic backdrop! Afterwards, explore the area hand in hand, taking in the beauty around you!

9:00 am

Head over to Trout Lake, a serene spot just a short drive from Telluride! Take a leisurely stroll along the shore together! For a bit more adventure, consider renting a kayak or paddleboard and explore the lake's crystal-clear waters!

11:00 am

Lace up your hiking boots! It's time to conquer Hope Lake! Embark on a scenic hike through the San Juan Mountains! Enjoy a picnic lunch at the lake's edge, surrounded by stunning alpine vistas! What a perfect way to refuel and relax together!

3:00 pm

Return to Telluride and take a breather! Freshen up and indulge in a couple's massage! Or take a leisurely stroll through town, exploring the charming shops and galleries! Grab a coffee or snack to recharge for your evening adventures!

5:00 pm

Chase the sunset! Drive to a scenic viewpoint to watch the sky light up with vibrant colors! It's the perfect backdrop for unforgettable photos and a moment to soak in the magic of the day together! What a way to capture the love and adventure of your elopement!

7:00 pm

Dinner time! Choose from Telluride's cozy restaurants for a romantic dinner! Toast to your new life together over delicious food and good company! Celebrate the day's adventures and all the memories made in this breathtaking mountain town!

9:00 pm

Wrap up your amazing day with a leisurely evening stroll through Telluride! Reflect on your day together, savoring the memories you've created! Hold hands and enjoy the peaceful ambiance under the starlit sky, knowing this day will be cherished forever!

Where To Get Married

in Telluride

Where to get married in Telluride: Last Dollar Road

Last Dollar Road

Best for couples who want a classic Colorado backroad adventure.

If golden aspen groves, rolling ranchland, and panoramic views of the San Juans sound like your dream elopement backdrop, Last Dollar Road delivers. This scenic dirt road winds through some of the most breathtaking landscapes near Telluride, offering plenty of pull-offs for private vows. In summer, expect lush green meadows and wildflowers, while fall turns the hills into a golden wonderland. While some sections are accessible to most vehicles, high clearance or 4WD is recommended for the full route.

Best for couples who:

  • Want a stunning drive with plenty of spots to pull over for photos.

  • Love the idea of a rustic, open landscape with rolling fields and towering peaks.

  • Are visiting in the fall and want some of the best golden aspen views in Colorado.

Where to get married in Telluride: Bridal Veil Falls

Bridal Veil Falls

Best for couples who want a dramatic waterfall backdrop.

Towering at 365 feet, Bridal Veil Falls is Colorado’s tallest free-falling waterfall, making it a jaw-dropping elopement location. You can hike up for a close-up view or admire it from below with the stunning box canyon as your backdrop. The road leading up to the falls requires 4WD, but you can also hike or bike up for an added adventure. The best time to visit is late spring through early fall when the waterfall is at its fullest.

Best for couples who:

  • Want a dramatic, high-energy waterfall as their ceremony backdrop.

  • Are up for a bit of a hike or a bumpy 4WD road to get there.

  • Love the idea of exchanging vows in a stunning alpine canyon.

Where to get married in Telluride: Jeeping elopement with bride and groom at Gold King Basin in Telluride

Alpine Lakes and Basins

Best for couples who want high-alpine seclusion.

There are so many hidden gems just outside Telluride, offering a stunning mix of rugged peaks, wildflower meadows, and total solitude. Many of these locations are accessible via a moderate 4WD road, and once you’re there, it feels like you’ve stepped into an untouched alpine paradise. It’s perfect for couples who want to be surrounded by towering peaks and feel like they have the whole world to themselves.

Best for couples who:

  • Want a private, high-elevation basin with stunning scenery.

  • Love wildflower-filled meadows and dramatic mountain backdrops.

  • Are up for a bit of an off-road adventure to reach a secluded spot.

Where to get married in Telluride: San Sophia Overlook

San Sophia Overlook

Best for couples who want an iconic Telluride backdrop with easy access.

If you want a breathtaking mountain overlook with the convenience of a dedicated ceremony site, San Sophia Overlook is the way to go. Located at the top of the Telluride gondola, this reservable venue comes with seating, a platform, and a stunning backdrop of the San Juan peaks. While it requires a significant rental fee, it offers a seamless, high-end experience for couples who want an epic view with all the logistics taken care of.

Best for couples who:

  • Want a high-elevation ceremony site without the need for hiking or 4WD.

  • Prefer a structured, reservable venue with an iconic mountain backdrop.

  • Love the idea of taking the gondola up to their ceremony site.

Where to get married in Telluride: Overlook at Trout Lake in Telluride

Trout Lake

Best for couples who want a peaceful lake with towering peaks.

Trout Lake is a stunning high-altitude lake near Lizard Head Pass, offering crystal-clear water, dramatic mountain views, and plenty of quiet spots for an intimate ceremony. It’s easily accessible by car, and the mix of water, peaks, and forest makes for a dreamy elopement setting. In the fall, golden aspens add even more magic to the scene.

Best for couples who:

  • Want a stunning lake location that’s easily accessible.

  • Love reflections, mountain backdrops, and a peaceful atmosphere.

  • Are eloping in the fall and want gorgeous golden aspens.

lizard Head Pass

Best for couples who want wide-open spaces with massive mountain views.

Lizard Head Pass offers some of the most dramatic, panoramic mountain views in the Telluride area. This high-elevation pass is surrounded by rolling meadows, jagged peaks, and winding dirt roads leading to hidden gems. If you want a remote, open-air feel with easy access, this is the spot.

Best for couples who:

  • Love wide, open landscapes with endless views.

  • Want an easy-to-access but incredibly scenic elopement location.

  • Are up for exploring nearby 4WD trails or meadows for the perfect ceremony spot.

Ophir Pass + Other 4WD Roads

Best for couples who want an off-road adventure with unbeatable views.

Ophir Pass is one of the most stunning (and thrilling) 4WD roads in Colorado, winding up to jaw-dropping high-altitude views. The journey itself is part of the adventure, and once you reach the top, you'll be surrounded by towering peaks and open tundra. Whether you choose Ophir or another scenic 4WD route like Imogene Pass or Black Bear Pass, these rugged locations offer a true middle-of-nowhere experience.

Best for couples who:

  • Want an adrenaline-fueled drive to a secluded mountain pass.

  • Love the idea of exchanging vows at 12,000+ feet with nothing but peaks around them.

  • Are up for an off-road adventure to find their perfect ceremony spot.

The bendy aspen trees

The bendy Aspen Trees

Best for couples who want a fairytale-like forest setting.

This unique aspen grove features tall, twisted trees that look like something out of a dream. The light filters through beautifully, creating an enchanting, intimate setting for a ceremony or portraits. It’s especially stunning in the fall when the leaves turn gold.

Best for couples who:

  • Want an ethereal, storybook-like setting for their elopement.

  • Love the idea of a private, tucked-away forest spot.

  • Are eloping in the fall and want magical golden aspens in their photos.

Easy Access Alpine Lakes

Best for couples who want a remote, high-elevation alpine lake.

Telluride has incredible alpine lakes, offering pristine blue water surrounded by rugged peaks. This spot feels completely untouched and is perfect for couples looking for an intimate, high-altitude elopement. The drive up is a 4WD adventure, followed by a quick but hard hike up, but the payoff is a breathtakingly secluded lake with unbeatable scenery.

Best for couples who:

  • Want a hidden alpine lake with total privacy.

  • Are up for an off-road journey to a remote, high-elevation spot.

  • Love the idea of being surrounded by towering peaks and crystal-clear water.

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