5 Tips For Planning Your Breckenridge Elopement
Having a Breckenridge elopement is not only one of the best decisions you can make, but it’s extremely easy too! As a Colorado Elopement Photographer it’s my passion to help educate people of the beauty of Colorado. If you’re planning an elopement or small wedding, you may feel like you’re doing everything alone. My goal as a Breckenridge elopement photographer is to make sure that you have all of the tools to make your elopement planning go as smoothly as possible, and you get the best photos as well!
This is a step-by-step guide that I have curated specifically for couples eloping in Breckenridge so that they know exactly what to expect when getting married in this beautiful town. From the best time of year to elope, to what you’ll need to have to obtain a marriage a license, this guide will help take the stress of the logistics away from your planning and allow you to focus on what’s really important, your love!
1. Pick the ideal season for your Breckenridge Elopement
Depending on the season and time of year your planning for your elopement in Breckenridge, you’ll notice that there are certain spots that may or may not be accessible around town. If you’re curious about the differences between each season in Breckenridge and which might be the best for you, check out the information below:
SUMMER
Summer is an amazing time to have a Breckenridge elopement. So much so that it is my top-recommended time of year to get married in Colorado. The options are endless this time of year for a few reasons:
The snow is melted: While there are a lot of couples who envision a snowy wedding day, sometimes the snow can get in the way of doing activities you envision for yourself, or locations that wouldn’t be accessible in the snow. This can make it harder to have exactly what you’re looking for. This is why having a summer elopement in Breckenridge is a great choice. It’s perfect for a couple who loves outdoor activities in the sun.
Warmer days: It’s pretty obvious that the summer season brings warmer, sunny, days. If you’re someone who has a hard time with the cold/snowy weather, summer is the season for you!
The days are longer (typically get beautiful golden-hours): One of the best parts about a summer elopement in Breckenridge is that the hours in a day are much longer. This allows for more time to explore, longer sunsets, beautiful rosy-golden sunsets, and just warmers days in general.
You aren’t limited with the amount of activities your can add to your elopement day: Summer activities include hiking, horse-back riding, kayaking, swimming, having a picnic, and more!
WINTER
Breckenridge is known for their infamous ski town due to the large amounts of snow they get each winter. Because of this, there are specific locations around the area that are only open from October to May. This is due to the fact that they aren’t accessible in the winter due to road maintenance and not being able to clear the snow.
If you’re hoping for snowy elopement in Breckenridge, you don’t have to go far for stunning views. However you will want to pick somewhere that either doesn’t require driving off road, or you may decide to snowshoe/ski/snowmobile. Luckily you have multiple options depending on how adventurous you want to be:
Breckenridge Gondola – Winter operation is November through April from 8:30AM to 5:30PM (it is free)
SPRING
Eloping in Breckenridge in the Spring and Winter is pretty similar when it comes to snow. The snowfall in the Breckenridge area is prominent until about May. In the high elevated areas you may see some snow-capped mountains until June or even July. With the snowmelt you’re going to find a lot of muddier areas that may otherwise be dry later in the year.
You should expect random snowy days in the spring in Breckenridge, and an average of 50 degree highs. It definitely is cooler during this season of the year, so if you’re looking for a warmer time of year spring is probably not the best option for you.
FALL
Fall is one of the most beautiful times of year to elope in Breckenridge. The burnt yellows and oranges of the colors of the trees make for sure a beautiful backdrop in photos. The weather is also similar to summer but a little cooler. It’s my overall second recommended season for couples looking to have their Breckenridge elopement.
No matter the season, you want to take into consideration the sunset or sunrise during each season through the year. During the summer months the sun doesn’t set until 8 or 9PM, and during the winter is could be closer to 5PM. The same difference goes for sunrise. I work hand-in-hand with my couples to make the perfect timeline, paired with incredible locations for their Breckenridge elopement so we get the most stunning images of their love story.
2. Dress appropriately for the season you want your Breckenridge elopement in
Once you’ve selected the season and month that you want to elope in, you then want to start thinking about what you’re going to wear, and how you’re going to accessorize. I think it’s important to prioritize comfortability along with functionality and style when choosing what to wear for your Breckenridge elopement.
This obviously depends on the seasons, but I always recommend bringing a pair of good shoes. Some good options are hiking boots or snow boots. If you want to wear your dressier shoes, then you can bring them along and change into them when we get to the desired location of your elopement. Sometimes you won’t have to walk far, as there are certain places that are directly off the road. However, some places might require a hike (up to several miles), so always be prepared for those conditions.
If it’s winter, you’ll want to have a jacket/gloves/hat. If it’s summer, it can still get cool during the mornings/evenings so packages a jacket and other accessories accordingly so you won’t get chilly. Always check your weather app ahead of time to be prepared for what you should bring with you.
3. Prepare for any type of weather on your Breckenridge elopement day
Weather in the mountains is always unpredictable. It’s best to prepare for anything and not let it get to you if your wedding day weather isn’t exactly what you had hoped. Don’t let the weather hinder the real reason why you are making the intentional decision to get married in this way.
Examples: rain in the spring, hail in the summer, smoky mountains from summertime fires, 70-degree days in the winter, etc.
In order to prepare for different types of weather you’ll want to make sure you continually check weather apps and make sure to carry the necessary things you’ll need to make you happy on your day.
Examples: clear umbrellas, rain jackets, puffer coats, hiking boots, rain boots.
4. Don’t forget to get your marriage license! (per Summit County, Colorado)
There’s only one location in Breckenridge where you can obtain your license – Summit County Clerk Office. They ask that you fill out the Marriage License application ahead of time, and they prefer typed instead of handwritten. The best part is that there is no waiting period in the state of Colorado for Marriage Licenses. Couples can apply anytime within 35 days of their ceremony and licenses are issued the day the couple applies. You can even go and obtain it the morning of your elopement and it’s no problem. *Side note: the meeting only takes 20 minutes (unless there is a wait) and the cost for the license is $30!
Did you know that Colorado is one of only states where you don’t have to have an officiant? The term is called self-solemnization and it basically means that you and your partner can marry each other without the need for someone else to make it official! This is super great for eloping couples because that is one less vendor that you need to worry about. You technically don’t even need to have 2 witnesses either. So, eloping just the two of you is that much easier! Click here to read more about how to elope in Colorado.
Lastly, if you’re a dog lover like me, Colorado allows you have your dog ‘sign’ as your witness if you want! How cool is that? All you have to do is get a little ink on their paw and put in on the line! Amazon has some great options that are low-mess for ink to use, check them out here. Easy AND fun!
5. Make sure you have the required permits and/or required reservations for your chosen locations for eloping in Breckenridge
Sapphire Point – reserve your date/spot with recreation.gov or call White River National Forest at (877) 444-6777.
Quandry Peak or McCullough Gulch Trails – need a require reservation for parking. Call (970) 668-4169.
Please keep in mind that these are some of the most heavily trafficked areas in Breckenridge and are extremely popular for elopements and intimate weddings. If you’re looking for a more secluded area to celebrate your love story, I have plenty of recommendations!
NEED A BRECKENRIDGE ELOPEMENT PHOTOGRAPHER?
Hi, I’m Rachel, a Colorado elopement and wedding photographer and Breckenridge is definitely one of my most favorite elopement locations! For all of my couples, I aim to capture the purest, most intentional moments behind my lens & I’m here to help you plan your Breckenridge elopement or wedding! Reach out and we can plan your stunning wedding here in Breckenridge, Colorado!
