One of the most common types of unions happening throughout the country are elopements. These small, intimate ceremonies provide the perfect, romantic unification for so many couples every year. Deciding on the right location for your elopement is one of the most important parts of the elopement planning process. One of the best places to elope in the United States is right here in Colorado Springs, CO. Our team at Dgass Photography has put together a list of everything you and your partner need to know before tying the knot.

Top 6 Reasons to Elope in Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs is Easy to Get To

Most couples choose to elope in another city, state, or even country. Colorado, with its central location and incredible airport, is the perfect location for an easy to access destination wedding. Colorado Springs, located in the mountains south of Denver, is a 70 mile drive down scenic I-75. Just a quick jaunt, made even more enjoyable by the incredible and beautiful locations you drive through. 

You Can Perform Your Own Wedding

Colorado has an interesting rule that makes eloping even easier; in Colorado, couples can marry themselves. That’s right, if you and your partner don’t want an officiant for your elopement, or can’t find one, you don’t have to have one. Self-solemnization in Colorado makes it so couples can legally perform their own ceremony. Make sure to complete your marriage certificate and return it to the proper county clerk office within 60 days of the wedding or elopement.

No Witnesses

Not only are officiants unnecessary at a Colorado elopement, but you can skip the witnesses as well. Here in Colorado, you don’t need any witnesses at your elopement. This is great news for introverts and anyone looking for the smallest, most intimate ceremony possible. If you and your partner prefer to have a small, simple, and private elopement, then come to Colorado Springs.

Colorado Has Same Day Marriages

Many states require couples to wait after applying for their marriage license. For some states, couples must wait up to six days for their marriage license to be issued. Some states even require couples to wait up to three days after their marriage license is issued. Not in Colorado. Couples eloping in Colorado Springs can get married on the same day that they apply for their marriage license. Because here in Colorado, we know that love can’t wait.

The Best Backdrops for Your Elopement Photos

One of the biggest pulls for Colorado are the mountains. Here in Colorado, we have tons of them. 15 different mountain ranges and more than 50 different peaks over 14,000 ft. We don’t just have beautiful mountains though, everything else is pretty wonderful too. Rolling meadows of wildflowers, lazy streams, alpine lakes, and an ocean of trees. Colorado is a nature-lover’s paradise and perfect for small, natural weddings.

 

The best part about the beauty of Colorado is that it’s literally everywhere. Here in Colorado Springs, we have beautiful natural sites like the Garden of the Gods, Pikes Peak, and Palmer Park. The key to finding the most beautiful places for wedding or elopement photos in Colorado Springs is by finding a local elopement Photographer. These local gurus know all the best spots and can easily help you find the right place for you and your partner.

Some of the Most Gorgeous Wedding & Elopement Venues in Colorado

It’s no secret that Colorado has some of the most beautiful wedding venues in the world. While you can easily find a beautiful location for a wedding just about anywhere in Colorado, Colorado Springs holds some of the best in the state.

Best Wedding Venues in Colorado Springs for Eloping:

• Garden of the Gods
• Pikes Peak
• Cheyenne Mountain State Park
• Black Forest
• Cave of the Winds Mountain Park

What Do You Need to Elope in Colorado Springs?

After deciding to elope in Colorado Springs, there are a few things to keep in mind. These three things make the process much easier, taking even more of the stress of wedding planning off of you and your partner.

Elopement Photography Services

First on the list, wedding photography services. While it is important to make sure you hire the right photographers to get the best shots of your perfect day, there’s more to these local artists. When you find the right photographers, they help you find the most beautiful, and sometimes secret, places to take wedding pictures. Not only do you get help finding the perfect location for you and your partner, you also get romantic and sentimental pictures of your wedding day.

Permits for Eloping in the Colorado Springs Parks

Next on the list is easy to forget but essential to the whole elopement, obtaining any permits to elope. If you and your partner decide to get married in one of the beautiful parks in Colorado Springs, then you may need to obtain a permit. It’s important to check with the parks to make sure if, when, and where you can get married.

Proper Paperwork for Eloping in Colorado Springs

Finally, make sure you have all the proper paperwork before your elopement or, if you’re coming from out of state, before you leave for Colorado. Not having the right paperwork can throw a wrench in the whole elopement so it’s incredibly important to make your checklist. Also, keep in mind that once you get your marriage license, you must get married within 35 days or you will need to get a new license.

Everything You Need to Elope in Colorado Springs:

• Marriage license from El Paso County Clerk Office, apply online
• Fill out your marriage affidavit and email it to copyrequests@elpasoco.com with copies of both sides of you and your partner’s valid I.D.s.
• Valid I.D.s for proof of age and marriage I.D.; either your birth certificate, driver’s license, passport, military I.D., or Alien Registry Card
• Have your social security number on hand for verifying your information
• $30 application fee

Make Your Elopement a Vacation

Whether it’s for the couple or their guests, most elopements in Colorado turn into vacations. The state is full of fun, adventurous, and romantic things to do. This ensures you, your partner, and your guests have a great time. Here in Colorado Springs, we have something for everyone in your group.

Fun Things to do in Colorado Springs

• Take flight 1200 ft above the ground, on the highest zipline in America at Royal Gorge Bridge & Park.
• Raft the Arkansas River, a great trip for people of all skill levels.
• Summit America’s Mountain, Pikes Peak, right here in Colorado Springs.

• Enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner on a train ride through the rockies aboard the Royal Gorge Route Railroad.
• Take a trip to a gold rush inspired restaurant at Restaurant 1858, located at the Broadmoor Seven Falls.

Don’t Forget the Elopement Photography and Videography Services for Your Wedding or Elopement in Colorado Springs

Ensuring your Colorado Springs elopement has the best photography and videography services is absolutely essential. Here at Dgass Photography, not only do you get some of the best photography and videography services in Colorado Springs, but we also help you find the best locations for your elopement photos. 

 

Don’t wait any longer; give us a call at (402) 708-8812 or send us a message here. If you want more tips and tricks for your eloepement, then check out our blog and make sure to follow our Instagram and Facebook.