If you’re here, that likely means you’re planning a Crested Butte elopement. If that’s the case, congratulations are in order! I’m so excited that you are here, and I can’t wait to give you all of the information you’ll need to plan the Crested Butte elopement of your dreams! First, let me introduce myself! I’m Amazing (yes, that’s my given birth name!) and I’m a Crested Butte elopement photographer. Because of my experience in capturing Crested Butte elopements, I want to give you all of the information you may need when planning your own, so let’s dive in!
Crested Butte is a beautiful town in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado! It’s best known for its terrain, skiing opportunities, and is also known as “the wildflower capital of Colorado”. Let me tell you, if you’re on the hunt for the best locations to elope in Colorado, Crested Butte should be at the top of your list!
Check out this map showing you where Crested Butte is, along with some places to stay (which we’ll talk more about later), ceremony sites, and great places to eat! Now let’s get into the top five reasons why you should elope in Crested Butte.
Wondering WHY you should elope in Crested Butte, Colorado? There are many reasons to elope here! From its stunning views, intimate settings, outdoor activities, how it’s affordable, and so much more! Let’s get into my top five reasons why you should consider Crested Butte as your elopement destination!
This may be an obvious answer, but you may want to elope in Crested Butte for the views that this Colorado town offers. With pristine lakes, lush forests, and majestic mountains, you’re sure to find some epic and beautiful backdrops for an intimate elopement. If you dream of exchanging vows to the love of your life with blooming wildflowers at every turn or with the backdrops of mountains, then Crested Butte is for you!
If you dream of an intimate elopement versus a more traditional wedding experience, then Crested Butte Colorado offers the perfect setting for a more private and secluded elopement experience!
Crested Butte isn’t just known for its beauty, but also known for it’s amazing outdoor activities such as skiing, mountain biking, hiking, kayaking, and more! Check out this “What to Do: Crested Butte Activities” page for more ideas!
Eloping in general can be a much more affordable option than hosting a traditional wedding. You can eliminate the stress, hassle, and logistics of planning a big wedding and truly focus on the experience and what you and your partner enjoy! Many times this really cuts down on your wedding costs.
Overall, eloping in Crested Butte is going to offer plenty of unique experiences and memories to be made! This will be one of the most important days of your life, so make sure you go somewhere that you can see you and your partner truly enjoying!
Crested Butte isn’t limited when it comes to stunning locations to elope! While there are many locations that are well known or that you can find online, there are also some locations in Crested Butte that are like little hidden gems that only photographers know about. Many photographers know about these locations from hours of location scouting and familiarity of the area.
With that being said, let’s get into some beautiful Crested Butte elopement locations to consider! Keep in mind I know of more locations than below, so if you’d love to work together, we can talk all about locations based on what you’re looking for!
If you’re looking to have your Crested Butte elopement next to a beautiful alpine lake, then you may want to consider Lake Irwin! Another great thing about eloping at Lake Irwin is that the Lake Irwin Campground is right nearby that’s open from June 13th – October 3rd, so you can also stay and make it a camping experience!
If you don’t mind taking a short hike for views of one of the most beautiful high alpine lakes in Crested Butte, then Emerald Lake is the perfect location! It offers beautiful emerald colored waters, wildflower covered hills, and mountain views. It truly is a perfect and beautiful location for a Crested Butte elopement.
Another beautiful elopement location is Woods Walk. It is one of the most popular sites operated by Crested Butte Land Trust, nestled among the aspen trees. With Crested Butte Mountain as your backdrop, it’s sure to be incredibly romantic! Woods Walk is the only winter venue option through the land trust if you’re having a winter elopement!
Peanut Lake is another of the three ceremony sites that you can rent through the Crested Butte Land Trust! The ceremony space is right on the shore of the lake and offers views of rolling hills, mountain peak in the background, and grasses and willows! It’s important to note that this ceremony space isn’t available in the winter. This is a convenient ceremony location just off of Peanut Lake Road that can accommodate up to 100 guests.
And last but not least is Gunsight Bridge. This is the third ceremony site that is available for rent through Crested Butte Land Trust. Located on the banks of Slate River, this picturesque location is surrounded by a beautiful forest. On one side you’ll get stunning views of Paradise Divide, while on the other you’ll have views of Mt. Crested Butte! It’s important to note that just like Peanut Lake, this space isn’t available in the winter!
If you’re dreaming of an elopement in Crested Butte, the five locations listed above are just the beginning. Having explored the area extensively, I’ve discovered a handful of additional stunning spots that offer equally breathtaking backdrops for your special day. From secluded alpine meadows to hidden trails with panoramic mountain views, these hidden gems provide the perfect setting for an intimate and unforgettable celebration. Reach out to learn more about these exclusive locations and let’s find the one that speaks to your love story.
First, I have to start by saying that Crested Butte truly is beautiful all year round’! And I promise I’m not just saying this out of bias. There is something every season of the year here. Choosing the best time to elope in Crested Butte will depend on what you envision your day to look like and what is priority to you and your partner! Let’s get into what each season has to offer.
Spring in Crested Butte, CO is beautiful. It should be noted, however, that the weather can also be unpredictable! I always recommend having back up plans location wise and bringing all of the layers for clothing, because you just never know what the weather will bring!
If you’re looking for the warmer months and beautiful wildflower opportunities, then summer in Crested Butte is where it’s at! There are also plenty of summer activities in Crested Butte for you and your partner to take part in!
If you’re looking for that stunning fall foliage like golden yellows, burnt oranges, and a cooler elopement with the crisp air, then Fall in Crested Butte is exactly what you’re looking for! You’ll definitely want to layer up because it can get a little chilly!
If you’re dreaming of a winter wonderland kind of elopement, I’m here to tell you that Crested Butte is where you need to be. People don’t come all over to ski here for no reason! If you’re good with the snow and cold temps ( you DEFINITELY want to bundle it up!), then a winter elopement may just be perfect for you!
If you’re wanting to legally get married in Crested Butte, then you’ll need to visit the Gunnison County Clerk and Recording Office.
The marriage licenses are done in the Blackstock Government Center which is located at 200 W Virginia Ave, Gunnison, CO 81230.
As far as any permit requirements, it varies depending on which location you are getting married at. I highly recommend contacting the Gunnison Ranger District so ensure that you have everything you need in place to get married at your chosen location!
As a Crested Butte elopement photographer and avid outdoor lover, it’s incredibly important that we all follow The Seven Principles of Leave No Trace in order to protect and preserve this beautiful land that we have access to.
Just like with beautiful Crested Butte elopement locations, there are also stunning places to stay in Crested Butte! Here are some options and ideas from Lodges to Airbnb’s!
Looking for Crested elopement packages? I would love to capture your Crested Butte elopement! I offer several different Crested Butte elopement packages! From a Basic Elopement Package, a Deluxe Elopement Package, and an Adventure Elopement Package! I also offer a choice of two different editing styles that you can choose from to best suit your love story!
Now that you’ve seen my Crested Butte elopement packages and learned a bit about me, let’s start talking about making your Crested Butte elopement dreams come true! If I sound like the perfect Crested Butte elopement photographer for you, then inquire with me on my Contact Page! I can’t wait to hear from you. In the meantime check out more on the blog for follow me over on Instagram for more of my most recent work! @amazingcoloradophotography
Your day isn’t just about saying “I do.” It’s about choosing a day that’s as breathtaking as your love story.
It means trading the ordinary for the extraordinary, the scripted for the spontaneous, and the expected for the unforgettable.
It’s about feeling the wind in your hair, standing on the edge of a mountain, wrapped in golden light, and knowing this moment is yours.
It’s about love without limits, adventure without compromise, and memories that will never fade.
Because your wedding/elopement day shouldn’t feel like just another day.
It should feel like the best day of your life.
And I'm here to capture every moment of it.