For couples dreaming of wildflowers, mountain air, golden sunsets, and an elopement day that feels playful, connected, and completely free.

Colorado is beautiful year-round, but if you’re trying to decide the best time of year to elope here, I highly recommend summer.

Imagine running barefoot through tall grass, your dress catching the breeze, chasing each other like kids again before being scooped up from behind, giggling and rolling around with puffy clouds above you and mountain peaks towering in every direction.

The weather and temperature on your elopement day makes a huge difference in how you feel physically, emotionally, and even relationally. Winter definitely has a special place in my heart, but if you’re feeling torn about timing, there’s a good chance I might convince you by the end of this that summer is the one.

1. Wildflowers and Alpine Scenery Are at Their Peak

Late June in Colorado has this incredibly magical little window about 2–3 weeks where everything is bursting to life. The grass is lush and green, wildflowers are starting to bloom, and there’s still snow clinging to the mountain peaks. It honestly feels straight out of The Sound of Music. Rolling hills, dandelions, dramatic snowy backdrops; it makes me feel giddy every single year.

As we move into July, the snow melts more from the peaks, but the wildflowers hit their absolute peak. If wildflowers are high on your priority list, July is hands-down my biggest recommendation.

Crested Butte is known as the wildflower capital of Colorado and I can confirm it lives up to the hype. I spent an entire summer there living in my van and photographing elopements, and it was one of the most magical seasons of my life. The hills truly look painted with color, and I would love nothing more than to share that magic with you.

If you’re dreaming of summer but hoping for fewer crowds, August can be a beautiful option. We’re past peak wildflowers, but the mountains are still stunning; longer golden sunsets, more stable weather, and fewer tourists once wildflower season winds down. And honestly, I have plenty of secret strategies to help you find privacy no matter what time of summer you choose.

2. Access to High-Elevation Locations

One of the biggest perks of eloping in the summer is access.

Many of Colorado’s most breathtaking mountain passes, alpine lakes, and backcountry trails are completely inaccessible during winter due to snow. Summer opens up an entirely different world of possibilities and adventure.

Some of my favorite alpine passes to elope include:

• Trail Ridge Road
• Independence Pass
• Yankee Boy Basin

The reason alpine passes are an amazing elopement location is for couples who want epic mountain views but want easy access to those views. These mountain passes give us direct access to these views with little to no hiking involved at all. But these places simply aren’t reachable in winter due to road closures.

If you love the idea of off-roading into the mountains, hiking somewhere remote, standing on a peak while the last golden light dips below the horizon, and saying your vows on top of the world — summer is when Colorado truly delivers that experience.

3. Comfortable Weather Creates Better Connection (This One Matters a Lot)

I’ve been photographing couples for over 10 years in every type of weather imaginable, and I’ve noticed something really consistent:

Warm weather makes it much easier for couples to relax and be themselves.

When couples are freezing, a lot of their mental and physical energy goes toward staying warm and it’s harder to stay present with each other. Sessions often turn into short bursts – take photos for 10 minutes, put coats back on, warm up, repeat. It can feel more like we’re trying to survive the cold while grabbing a few epic images rather than fully sinking into the experience together.

Cold weather can absolutely be beautiful, but it often limits the depth of connection we’re able to capture.

Warmer temperatures take us out of survival mode. Your nervous system relaxes. There’s more emotional space to connect, laugh, play, and be affectionate with each other. We also have more uninterrupted time together, which allows me to create a safe environment where you feel comfortable being fully yourselves in front of the camera.

That comfort is where the magic lives.

What About Summer Thunderstorms?

Thunderstorms are very common in Colorado during summer, and it’s totally normal to feel concerned about that. The good news is that mountain storms are usually predictable — they tend to build in the afternoon and clear out by evening.

Sunrise and sunset elopements are the best way to avoid storms, especially sunrise. I’ve lived here long enough to confidently navigate weather patterns, and storms are generally much easier to work around than winter conditions.

Winter storms can shut down highways, create dangerous driving conditions, and limit access entirely. Summer storms usually pass quickly and are much safer to navigate if they do roll in.

4. Endless Activities to Turn Your Elopement Into an Experience

Summer opens the door to so many ways to make your elopement feel like an adventure rather than just a ceremony.

You could:

• Have a picnic by an alpine lake
• Read together in the mountains
• Go hiking or backpacking
• Off-road in a Jeep
• Paddleboard or swim
• Stargaze under the Milky Way
• Sit around a campfire
• Explore wildflower meadows
• Skinny dipping in the moonlight

Your elopement can feel like a full day (or weekend) experience that reflects your relationship.

5. Longer Days = More Time for Adventure and Privacy

Summer gives us longer daylight hours, which means more flexibility and more opportunity.

We can choose sunrise or sunset — both times that naturally have fewer crowds — and create a quieter, more intimate environment for your vows and photos. Most hikers are out in the afternoon, so early morning and golden hour often feel surprisingly private.

Privacy matters. It’s hard to be emotionally open and deeply connected if you feel watched or rushed. I want you to remember how your elopement felt, not just how it looked.

Summer timelines allow us to slow down, breathe, and create space for real connection.

6. Easier Travel for You and Your Guests

If you’re planning to bring any friends or family with you for your elopement, summer travel in Colorado is simply easier and more predictable. Mountain weather can be beautiful year-round, but winter adds a layer of uncertainty that can create stress — especially for guests who aren’t used to driving in snow or navigating mountain roads.

During the summer months, roads are clear, mountain passes are open, and travel delays are far less common. Flights are less likely to be canceled due to weather, rental cars are easier to drive, and you don’t have to worry about snowstorms disrupting plans at the last minute. There’s a sense of ease that comes with knowing everyone can arrive safely and comfortably, which allows you to focus more on being present for your day rather than worrying about logistics.

Summer also gives you so many more lodging options. Mountain towns are fully open, hiking trails and scenic areas are accessible, and there’s a wider variety of Airbnbs, cabins, and accommodations available for both you and your guests. Whether you’re planning a private just-the-two-of-you elopement or a small gathering with your closest people, summer makes coordinating everything feel smoother and more relaxed.

I’ve also noticed that when couples and their families aren’t battling cold temperatures or unpredictable weather, the overall energy of the day feels lighter. People are more comfortable, more open, and more able to soak in the experience. There’s something really special about sharing a warm mountain evening together; maybe popping champagne after your ceremony, sitting outside with the sunset, or gathering around a campfire, without everyone worrying about freezing temperatures or dangerous road conditions on the way home.

At the end of the day, your elopement should feel joyful and easy. Choosing a season that minimizes stress for travel and logistics gives you more emotional space to focus on what actually matters: your relationship and the experience you’re creating together.

7. Things to Consider Before Eloping in Colorado in the Summer

I know I’ve spent a lot of time raving about summer elopements (for good reason), but I also want to give you a realistic picture so you can feel fully prepared going into your day. Every season has its pros and cons, and part of my job is helping you navigate those details so your experience still feels relaxed and intentional.

Tourist Season

One of the biggest things to consider is that summer is peak tourist season in Colorado. The mountains are beautiful, kids are out of school, and people are traveling; which means popular trails and scenic areas can feel busy, especially on weekends. The good news is that this is very manageable with thoughtful planning. Choosing a weekday for your elopement immediately reduces crowds in a huge way. Timing also makes a difference – sunrise and sunset naturally have fewer people and better lighting, which creates a more private and intimate atmosphere.

Permits and Reservations

Another factor is accessibility and permits. Many mountain locations require parking reservations, timed entry passes, or special permits during the summer months because of increased visitation. This can sound overwhelming, but it’s something I help all of my couples navigate. Knowing where to go, when to go, and how to plan around these systems makes a massive difference in how your day feels.

Preparing for Altitude

Altitude is also something to be aware of. Many of the most breathtaking locations in Colorado sit at higher elevations, and everyone’s body responds differently to altitude. Some people feel completely fine, while others need time to adjust. Staying hydrated, giving yourself a day or two to acclimate before your elopement, and planning intentional pacing can make the experience much more comfortable. I provide guidance on all of this so you feel confident and prepared.

Navigating Thunderstorms

Summer weather itself is generally warm and pleasant, but afternoon thunderstorms are common in the mountains. The reassuring part is that these storms are usually short-lived and predictable. Planning your ceremony around sunrise or sunset significantly reduces the chance of weather interruptions, and I always keep an eye on forecasts leading up to your day so we can adapt if needed.

Heavy Mountain Traffic

Traffic is another consideration, especially in mountain towns and on scenic highways during peak weekends. Again, this is where weekday planning and strategic timing help tremendously. When we build your timeline intentionally, we can avoid the busiest windows and keep your day feeling smooth and relaxed.

Long Days – Preserve Your Energy

And finally, because summer days are longer, it’s important to think about energy levels. Sunrise sessions mean early mornings, and sunset sessions can run later into the evening. Planning rest time, snacks, hydration, and pacing into your day makes a big difference in how you feel throughout the experience. Your elopement isn’t just about photos, it’s about how present and connected you feel with each other so we build the day in a way that supports that.

The beautiful thing is that none of these considerations are obstacles, they’re just pieces of the puzzle. With thoughtful planning, summer elopements in Colorado can feel incredibly peaceful, private, and seamless.

Best Months for a Colorado Summer Elopement

Mid–Late June
Incredible green landscapes with snow still on the peaks; very “Sound of Music” vibes. Some high-elevation areas may still be inaccessible.

July
Peak wildflowers and maximum accessibility. One of the most popular and beautiful months.

August
Fewer crowds, more stable weather, and golden sunsets. Wildflowers begin fading but scenery is still stunning.

Mid-September
Fall begins arriving with early color changes while many summer locations remain accessible.

Plan Your Summer Elopement In Colorado

Whether you’re ready to start planning or just need someone to help bounce ideas off of to get you started, I’m here to help! Reach out to me anytime for a free consultation call. There’s absolutely no pressure to have anything planned or organized before our call – and no pressure to make any decisions at the end of it. I know all the ins and outs of getting married in Colorado and can help you step by step through the whole process. Finding someone who is local to the area you want to get married in is crucial to getting the process started, especially if you have no idea where to start.

If you’re not ready to reach out and want more info, go check out my pricing and packages page! This gives you so much information about what the experience with me is like and a great place to get support! Pricing and Packages

Also be sure to snag this FREE Crested Butte Elopement Guide – Click Here