Roan Mountain State Park Elopement Guide

Roan Mountain is one of our favorite places to recommend for couples looking to elope in North Carolina and Tennssee! It lies on the North Carolina and Tennessee border in Cherokee National Forest, right on the edge of Tennessee's Roan Mountain State Park. It's a popular location for backpacking and hiking, and a highlight of the NC/TN portion of the Appalachian Trail.

A place close to our hearts: Roan Mountain is also where Becca and I originally fell in love with the Appalachian Trail, and where Becca decided she was going to make the full trek from Georgia to Maine! You could say it's the start of this whole Trail Magic Journey :)

It's no secret that Roan Mountain is absolutely beautiful, with its open balds, grassy meadows, and meandering trails. The views are truly 360 degrees, and it's an incredibly accessible location for couples looking to get married with a few guests out in nature or as an adventure with just the two of you!

Keep reading to learn more tips on how to plan your elopement at Roan Mountain State Park!

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Check out these North Carolina elopements and other guides!

Are you thinking about eloping in Tennessee or North Carolina but need some help or inspiration? We also recommend checking out these guides!

• How to Elope in NC

• How to Elope in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

• NC Spring Elopement Guide

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Logistics to Consider for Your Roan Mountain Elopement

Best Time of Year to Elope at Roan Mountain

The short answer: There truly isn't a bad time to elope at a place as beautiful as Roan Mountain. However, as local experts, we know this place like the back of our hand and would definitely recommend either spring or fall as your best options for consistent, pleasant weather conditions and fewer crowds:

Spring

Spring is incredible on Roan Mountain! The flowers are in bloom—mountain laurels, rhododendrons, and all other types of native species come alive and speckle the landscape.

Spring is a great time for those lush greens in the grass and is much more pleasant temperature-wise than the summer humidity!

If Spring sounds like your vibe, we’d recommend choosing either late May or the first week of June!

Fall

Fall is a surreal time of year in the highlands because the flowers are different than in spring and have darker tones to them. The grasses change, and the landscape is quiet as the season transitions.

It's a great shoulder season for the area, with crisp, incredible weather and very romantic fall vibes.

If Fall sounds like your vibe, we’d recommend choosing early to mid October!

Roan Mountain Wedding Permits

Good news: You don't need a permit to elope on the trail on Roan Mountain when starting from Carver’s Gap, because it is not technically in the state park, which makes planning your elopement significantly easier.

The catch: Although the National Forest doesn't require permits for groups up to 75 in this area, the Appalachian Trail Conservancy only allows groups of up to 10 people in total to have ceremonies along the trail—and this area is protected through this conservancy.

Additionally, if you want to get married in the actual state park, you will need to get permission and a permit. We also recommend that if you have more than 8 guests, to reserve one of their venues in the State Park, through Tennessee State Park’s website.

Pro Tip: Permits are an important aspect to keep in mind, and if you have any questions about this process, it's best to consult a local elopement photographer and planner to make sure you're following the correct regulations, as they can be conflicting (and confusing!) at times.

Parking Logistics at Carver's Gap

Know before you go: Carver's Gap is the trailhead where this area is most accessible to the public, and because of this, it can get incredibly crowded at times. There is limited parking available, and you should only park in designated areas and adhere to all no-parking signs and restrictions!

Parking is strictly enforced by rangers and law enforcement officers in the area, so we absolutely recommend planning ahead for parking and carpooling if you're bringing a group of people to your elopement.

Trail Considerations and Crowds

Because the area is so popular, we have some tips for how you can beat the crowds and have an overall positive elopement experience that is safe, beautiful, and makes minimal impact on this incredible spot:

1. Always Follow Leave No Trace Principles- Leave No Trace is near and dear to our hearts here at Trail Magic, and it's something we champion with our eloping couples. In an area like Roan Mountain, it's important to stay on trail at all times and to remember not to pick wildflowers or remove any natural items from their environment. This area is a pack-it-in, pack-it-out type of place, and if you see trash along the way, be a great neighbor and pick it up if you have the resources!

2. Elope on a Weekday - Our tried-and-true method: the best way to avoid crowds is to go when they aren't around, which is on weekdays!

3. Elope at Sunrise or Sunset - This tip benefits your photos as well. Many hikers tend to enjoy the trail only in the middle of the day, so a great way to beat the crowds is to elope at sunrise or sunset.
   These are also the best times of day for incredible photos, so it's truly a win-win recommendation!

4. Hike Farther, or Start at a Different Trailhead - The farther you're willing to hike, the more privacy you'll get, because many people who start at Carver's Gap don't make it past the first or second bald (we're not going to lie—it can be quite a trek, so do keep that in mind!). There are also different trailhead options nearby for those willing to hike that offer a variety of scenery in addition to the grassy balds!

Roan Mountain Elopement Cost

Although this can differ greatly due to vendor costs, guest count, and your priorities, here at Trail Magic, our couples tend to spend between $12,000 - $20,000 for their entire elopement experience at Roan Mountain.

That total includes the cost of our packages, their activities, accommodations, food, and all other vendors.

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Sample Roan Mountain Elopement Timeline

8-Hour Elopement Day Experience

To give you a sense of what an elopement experience could look like at Roan Mountain, here is a sample timeline from one of our real elopements in the Spring!

• 2:00 PM - Photographer arrives at your Airbnb to capture getting ready photos and cozy vow-writing photos

• 3:30 PM - First look with your partner & photos around Airbnb

• 4:00 PM - Head out to Carver's Gap Trailhead

• 5:00 PM - Hike out to ceremony spot in the Roan Highlands

• 6:00 PM - You're married!! Celebrate with a delicious charcuterie picnic packed by your elopement planner!

• 7:00 PM - Couple portraits out on the bald for sunset

• 8:00 PM - Hike back to car, taking photos with lanterns as the sun leaves the horizon

• 9:00 PM - Have a private dinner back at the Airbnb from a private chef & toast your new marriage!

• 9:30 PM - FaceTime and read letters from family members & cut cake

• 10:00 PM - Coverage wraps up!

Want to see a sample of a real Roan Mountain Elopement? Check out Kayla and Ethan’s full elopement day {COMING SOON!}

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Packages for your Roan Mountain Elopement Day

These tips will definitely help you get ahead on your elopement planning, but if you find yourself wanting extra help, we've got you covered!

Roan Mountain elopements are our specialty here at Trail Magic, and we've put together custom elopement packages that make planning them incredibly easy and stress-free. Some things our packages can include to make your experience amazing are:

• 6-hour to multi-day photography options to capture the full story of your day and trip

• Full-service planning from a certified wedding planner who specializes in elopement experiences and knows the best timelines, tips, and vendors for your perfect day

• Day-of coordination so your day flows seamlessly without you (or any of your guests) having to worry about anything

• Aesthetic picnic setups based on your preferences for an unforgettable (& yummy) elopement activity!

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Conclusion

Hopefully this post has you inspired and informed about the logistics behind planning an elopement at Roan Mountain. It is truly a stunning spot for getting married, and if you love the Appalachian Trail like we do, it's a great place to pay tribute to the trail.

If you're interested in learning more about how we can help you plan your Roan Mountain elopement, we'd love to chat with you!

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Planning your own Roan Mountain State Park Elopement?

Hi, we’re Becca and Hannah! A North Carolina Photographer and Planner!

We’re more than just the vendors setting up table decor and shooting posed portraits after your ceremony.

We’re here to create a safe and community driven space for you to make your meaningful wedding vision a reality, without you having to do any of the heavy lifting!

Elopement planning and documenting is our absolute jam, so if you’re interested, reach out here to schedule your free consultation with us!

Colorado Wildflower Elopement Guide 2026: Best Locations and Timing

Wildflowers are easily the most discussed topic when we're chatting with couples who want to elope in Colorado—well, besides epic mountain views, which in Colorado are almost a given. Colorado is known for its wildflowers, from the state's iconic Columbine to tons of other native species that brighten up the high alpine during the summer months. It's an absolutely magical sight that even I, as a local, still can't get enough of, so I honestly can't blame anyone for wanting to get married while they're in bloom!

Since this is such a hot topic, I thought it would be helpful to consolidate resources on planning an epic wildflower elopement, along with answers to frequently asked questions from real couples!

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Other Guides

If that's not enough information, you can check out these guides for more Colorado elopement tips and inspiration:

• How to Elope in Colorado

• How Much It Costs to Elope

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Best Time of Year for Wildflower Elopements

Spring is typically the time for flowers in most locations around the US; however, seasons are a little different here in the Rocky Mountains! Wildflowers don't start blooming until the summer months, when snow has finally melted in the mountains and there's plenty of moisture and sunshine for them to thrive.

Pro Tip: If you're coming from out of state and you're worried about the "heat of summer," I guarantee that the pleasant 72-degree average in the mountains will change your mind :) Summer is the best time of year here, I promise.

The best months for consistent wildflowers are July and August, since earlier season timing can vary year to year depending on snowmelt and alpine conditions. If you're looking for wildflowers for your elopement, here's when we'd recommend:

Mid to Late July

Mid to late July is consistently amazing for wildflowers across the high alpine areas of the state. If you're interested in lower elevation areas, we'd recommend early to mid-July since summer starts earlier there. Late July is truly the best—the flowers are popping off in all types of locations!

Early August

Early August is peak wildflower season, especially in the high alpine areas. You can expect fewer crowds at this point as well, since popular locations and towns are starting to clear out as kids go back to school and tourists return to work. This is probably our favorite time for elopements in general!

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Best Colorado Locations for your Wildflower Elopement

Wildflowers bloom across the state, so we definitely don't want you to feel locked into a certain location just because you want wildflowers. However, we wanted to showcase some popular locations for wildflower elopements. They're popular for a reason—the wildflowers are incredible in these areas!

Crested Butte

Crested Butte has been coined the "Wildflower Capital of Colorado," so it's no surprise that it tops the list for best wildflower elopement locations! If you're looking to elope among the wildflowers, this quaint mountain town really has it all—stunning views right from town, hiking, off-roading, waterfalls, alpine lakes, camping, coffee shops, delicious restaurants, and so much more!

Crested Butte elopements are best suited for: Couples looking to adventure in multiple scenic spots but who also want to be pampered and will take advantage of all the boutique amenities and experiences this little town has to offer!

San Juan Mountains (Telluride, Ouray, Silverton, Lake City)

The San Juan Mountain range includes areas like Telluride, Ouray, and Silverton, and you can't go wrong with any of them when considering wildflower adventures! This range has some of the best alpine lakes (Gatorade blue!), waterfalls, and insane mountain passes that in the summer are covered in wildflowers for anyone willing to explore.

San Juan elopements are best suited for: Couples looking for an epic and wild Colorado elopement experience, whether that's hiking together or taking a private jeep tour to multiple incredible locations (waterfalls, dramatic mountain passes, crystal blue alpine lakes) and really carving out the adventure of a lifetime!

Rocky Mountain National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park and its nearby town, Estes Park, are well-known classics in the Colorado elopement space, and for good reason! The park is dazzling during wildflower season, and there are tons of areas to explore after your ceremony—either in the park or somewhere nearby!

Rocky Mountain National Park elopements are best suited for: Couples looking for a classic Colorado elopement experience or who have sentimental ties to the park or Estes Park. These elopements are getting trickier with permitting limitations, but they're still incredible!

Hidden Gem Locations

As a local Colorado elopement planner and photographer team, we've done all the research for you and have plenty of other locations—close to and completely separate from this list—up our sleeves that provide a stunning and private elopement experience!

Contact us to start planning your wildflower elopement

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Colorado Wildflower Elopement Tips

We're all about keeping elopements stress-free and enjoyable here at Trail Magic, but there are still some important things to consider when planning your wildflower elopement. Here are some of our best tips and recommendations for keeping things safe, easy, intentional, and fun!

Tip #1: Leave No Trace

We're all about Leave No Trace here at Trail Magic because keeping our public lands beautiful for everyone to enjoy is a top priority! When it comes to wildflower elopements, it's essential that you stay on trails at all times and avoid treading through wildflower fields. Picking wildflowers on public lands and trails is also prohibited.

Tip #2: How to Avoid Crowds

Wildflower season is probably the most popular season for elopements and tourism in Colorado, so well-known locations and trailheads are typically full of crowds. However, we have a few tips for finding amazing, off-the-beaten-path locations that keep the crowds at bay:

• Weekday elopements - The best way to avoid crowds? Go when they aren't around, which is on weekdays!

• Elope at sunrise or sunset - This tip benefits your photos as well. Many tourists tend to enjoy the trails and outdoor areas only in the middle of the day, so a great way to beat the crowds is to elope at sunrise or sunset (or both!). These are also the best times of day for incredible photos, so it's truly a win-win recommendation!

• Hike to your location - The best way to avoid wildflower crowds is to find a less popular trailhead and hike to your location. This extra effort loses so many people—you'd be surprised! There are plenty of mountains in this state where you can find absolute solitude if you're willing to strap on your boots!

• 4x4 drive to your location - Hiking not your thing, but still up for an adventure? One of the best things about Colorado is the accessibility to amazing, off-the-beaten-path locations that are reachable by 4x4 roads. Rent a jeep or plan a private tour with a jeep company for a truly epic and private experience in some insane locations!

Tip #3: Eloping with Guests

If you're planning to elope with guests during wildflower season, make sure they know about Leave No Trace principles and are prepared for an outdoor wedding experience. When choosing a location with guests, it's important to note public land permitting requirements and recommendations. A local elopement photographer and planner are your best resources for this type of elopement, keeping things safe and beautiful for everyone!

Tip #4: Booking & Planning Timeline

Because of its popularity, we recommend booking and planning your wildflower elopement sooner rather than later! Typically 4-9 months in advance is ideal, especially when trying to book lodging and vendors on popular dates or in popular locations.

Tip #5: Vendor Considerations

It can be tricky to find vendors in these popular wildflower locations because of the demand and travel requirements to get to these spots, so start your searches early and consult with a local elopement photographer and planner for personalized recommendations!

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Colorado Wildflower Elopement Packages

These tips will definitely help you get ahead on your wildflower elopement planning, but if you find yourself wanting extra help, we've got you covered!

Wildflower elopements are our specialty here at Trail Magic, and we've put together custom elopement packages that make planning them incredibly easy and stress-free. Some things our packages can include to make your experience amazing are:

• 6-hour to multi-day photography options to capture the full story of your day and trip

• Full-service planning from a certified wedding planner who specializes in elopement experiences and knows the best timelines, tips, and vendors for your perfect day

• Day-of coordination so your day flows seamlessly without you (or any of your guests) having to worry about anything

• Aesthetic picnic setups based on your preferences for an unforgettable (& yummy) elopement activity!

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Need help planning a wildflower elopement? We got you!

Hi! We’re Becca and Hannah, an Elopement Planner and Photographer based in Colorado that specialize in wildflower elopements that are stress-free, beautiful, and meaningful!

If you’re interested, reach out here to schedule your free consultation with us!

Green Mountain Falls Wedding

Megan and Will had their small wedding at an Airbnb in Green Mountain Falls this past March. Colorado is a special place for both of them - Will grew up in the area, and his family is still nearby, so it made sense for them to plan their intimate gathering in a place both accessible, and meaningful to their relationship. They decided to keep things simple by only inviting their immediate families to the wedding, and it turned out to be exactly what they were looking for; a beautiful, laid back day, surrounded by their favorite people and nature.  

In this post I’ll be sharing all of the information about their small wedding in Green Mountain Falls, so you can determine if Green Mountain Falls is the perfect area for your wedding! 

Are you thinking about having a micro wedding in Colorado but need some help or inspiration? We also recommend checking out these guides!

• 9 Colorado Airbnb Wedding Venues

• Colorado Springs Elopement Guide

• Colorado Springs Micro Wedding

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Including Family in Your Green Mountain Falls Small Wedding

Megan & Will’s Approach

Megan and Will made a conscious decision to keep their guest list small. They included only immediate family members, creating space for intentional time with everyone. Since they live far from their loved ones, this time together was non-negotiable.

Their approach was beautifully simple yet meaningful. They played board games together, cooked lasagna as a family, and Will's mom even did Megan's hair. They had an intimate creekside ceremony with readings from both of their siblings, and even had s’mores around the fire afterwards. 

This intentional family focus transformed their wedding from a performance into a celebration. Guests weren't just observers but active participants in every moment. The smaller group allowed for deeper connections and created life-long memories for everyone involved. 

If you’re thinking about ways to include your family in your Green Mountain Falls small wedding, consider planning activities that bring everyone together such as: 

• Board games, yard games, or video games

• Group cooking

• Sentimental activities such as sharing letters, old photograph albums, or telling stories

• A family hike or excursion in nature

Activities like this inspire deep connections and conversations, while also keeping your people engaged. The most important thing to remember when planning things to do is to choose activities that reflect your personalities and values as a couple. If you plan the day around those things, you’ll ensure that your wedding feels uniquely yours, and not forced!

Where to Have Your Green Mountain Falls Wedding Ceremony

While Megan and Will chose their Airbnb property for their ceremony, Green Mountain Falls offers lots of options for ceremony locations in nature, so you get to decide what type of scenery and environment is best for you. Here are some of your options if you’re choosing to get married in Green Mountain Falls: 

• Garden of the Gods -  Its dramatic red rock formations create a unique backdrop for vows. The park offers multiple ceremony spots that are first come, first serve, and free. Many couples choose this location for its accessibility and iconic Colorado beauty.

  • Check out Gabby & Grant’s Garden of the Gods ceremony

• North Cheyenne Canyon Park - The park features meadows, forests, and mountain views that capture Colorado's diverse landscapes. Several ceremony sites accommodate small groups while maintaining privacy and natural beauty.

• Pikes Peak - Whether you drive to the summit or choose a lower elevation spot, the mountain provides stunning views for adventure-seeking couples. 

• Colorado Springs - The town has lots of small wedding venues. These range from historic buildings to modern event spaces, giving couples options beyond outdoor ceremonies. Many venues specialize in intimate gatherings and can accommodate your specific vision.

Outdoor Activity Ideas for Your Green Mountain Falls Wedding

Megan and Will both agreed that nature was an integral part of their relationship, and so, they wanted to be sure to include it as a major part of their wedding day. They chose their Airbnb intentionally because it was immersed in the mountains, and had a beautiful spot on site for their intimate ceremony. As a bonus, the property was connected to miles of hiking trails, and also had lots of nooks to explore. We had a blast climbing over all of the boulders on the property during their couple portraits. They both love rock climbing together, so it felt completely natural to them to climb around in their wedding attire, finding the best views and standing on the most impressive rocks together. Megan even ditched her shoes for most of the photos, so she could have a better grip on the rocks, and feel more comfortable! 

While climbing might not be your thing, Green Mountain Falls is tucked into the mountains, with access to all kinds of amazing outdoor recreation activities. Although Megan and Will stayed on their Airbnb property, there are so many ways to fill your special day with outdoor activities off-site of any venue or vacation rental property to further expand your wedding experience. Here are some outdoor activity options for your Green Mountain Falls wedding:

• Hiking -  There are so many places to hike in and around Green Mountain Falls! Trails range from easy walks to challenging climbs, accommodating all fitness levels. If this is up your alley, consider incorporating a sunrise hike or sunset walk into your wedding timeline if you’re looking for incredible photo opportunities and fewer crowds. The Seven Bridges Trail offers a particularly beautiful option with creek crossings and forest views.

• Water activities (kayaking, paddle-boarding, boating, fishing) - Green Mountain Falls has access to multiple reservoirs that provide opportunities for kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing with incredible mountain views. These activities work perfectly for bachelor or bachelorette parties or post-wedding relaxation with family.

• Pikes Peak - Pike’s Peak is one of Colorado’s most famous 14,000ft mountain peaks. You can hike, drive, or even take a Cog train up to the summit. The views are absolutely incredible, and there are lots of stops you can take along the way to fill up a whole day together in the mountains. This would be a cool activity for couple portraits or private vows with just the two of you, or an activity to share with some of your guests!

• Garden of the Gods - even if you’re not getting married here, Garden of the Gods is worth a visit. The park's unique geological formations provide incredible photo opportunities and accessible hiking options.

• Local waterfalls -  there are lots of different waterfalls in the area that create romantic settings for photos or quiet moments together. Helen Hunt Falls and Silver Cascade Falls are easily accessible and provide stunning natural backdrops. These locations work beautifully for engagement photos or post-ceremony portraits.

Green Mountain Falls Wedding Photos

Megan and Will had the best time during their Green Mountain Falls wedding, because they intentionally built the day around spending quality time with their closest people. They planned a wedding that was so them; full of laughter, simplicity, climbing rocks in their wedding attire, being goofy with their siblings, and creating life-long memories without having to perform for a huge crowd of people. It was such an honor to be welcomed so whole-heartedly into their family for the day, I know that it’s a wedding I will never forget! 

Green Mountain Falls was the perfect setting for them, because it was close to their people, beautiful, and accessible. I hope this post all about their day has inspired you to check out Green Mountain Falls for your own wedding! Keep scrolling to see a glimpse into their gallery! 

Airbnb Venue: Cabin at Pike’s Peak Falls
Photography: Trail Magic Elopements

Inspired to plan your own Colorado elopement or micro wedding?!

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Planning your own Colorado Micro Wedding and need help?

Hi, we’re Becca and Hannah! A Colorado wedding Photographer and Planner!

We’re more than just the vendors setting up table decor and shooting posed portraits after your ceremony.

We’re here to create a safe and community driven space for you to make your meaningful wedding vision a reality, without you having to do any of the heavy lifting!

Micro wedding planning is our absolute jam, so if you’re interested, reach out here to schedule your free consultation with us!

Stony Woods Estate Wedding Venue Review

Tucked away in the mountains above Marshall, North Carolina is the perfect property for your laid-back, outdoor wedding celebration! Stony Woods Estate is a wedding venue unlike any other with many traditional components but with the flexibility to create an event that still feels cozy, intentional, and non-traditional. The property has mountain views in every direction, rivaling those of many well-known wedding venues in Asheville and neighboring mountain towns, while still maintaining the vibe of a cozy backyard wedding. 

It’s a perfect location for couples who love nature and want to get married outdoors, but who also need to accommodate 30 or more guests for their event. Keep reading to explore more of what Stony Woods Estate has to offer for your intimate wedding!

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**Availability Note:
There are still two peak, and multiple non-peak 2025 weekends available at Stony Woods Estate! They are also booking 2026 dates and have plenty of availability for your weekend event!

Looking for a planner and photographer to support your wedding at Stony Woods Estate? Check us out and inquire here!

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My wedding at Stony Woods Estate

Photo from my wedding, shot by Juliana Renee Photography.

Stony Woods Estate will always hold a special place in my heart because it’s where my husband and I got married in November 2024. As an elopement and micro wedding photographer who loves the outdoors, I knew that nature needed to be an integral part of my wedding day. My husband and I also hate being the center of attention, and wanted to have a wedding day that felt uniquely like “us” full of games, picnics, laughter, and time spent intentionally with our small guest list. 

As soon as I found Stony Woods Estate, I knew that it was the hidden gem property I’d been searching for! It had the mountain views we were craving, accommodation for our families and closest friends, rentals for chairs, tables, and an event tent so we wouldn’t have to worry about extra delivery fees, and a communicative host, eager to help us have the best day possible!

It did not disappoint in any way. The moment I stepped onto the property for the first time, just a couple of days before our wedding, it felt like a home away from home and I couldn’t believe we had found a place so beautiful for our wedding weekend.

Photo by Juliana Renee Photography

Photo by Juliana Renee Photography

Photo by Juliana Renee Photography

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Why have your North Carolina wedding at Stony Woods Estate?

Here are some key features about Stony Woods Estate to help you determine if it’s the right venue for your wedding! 

1. Flexible Space  - although not completely a DIY venue, Stony Woods Estate has a lot of flexibility for bringing your own decor, catering, and vibe to the space. You can transform it to be whatever you want, meaning every event at the property is different!

2. Private, stunning mountain views - the entire property is on top of a mountain, so wherever you are on the property has incredible views of the surrounding mountains. The best part about this is that it’s completely private to your event, there aren’t any nearby properties, so you get the views all to yourself!

3. On site lodging - in order to have your event on property, you have to rent the Villa. The Villa sleeps up to 12 people, however, there are also 5 “Treesorts” or cabins on property for more of your guests to stay on site with you. 

4. Furniture Rentals - unlike other vacation rental spaces, Stony Woods has a collection of furniture rentals (chairs, tables, an event tent) that they provide along with their event fee. This cuts down on delivery fees from local rental companies! 

5. Pet friendly - although there is a pet fee for the villa, you can definitely include your furry friends in your wedding at Stony Woods Estate!

6. Accessible parking and spaces - there is plenty of parking available on site in their event lot, and they even offer a shuttle service for guests that need assistance from the parking lot to the ceremony spot. Their updated event tent platform is also wheelchair friendly! 

7. Kind, helpful hosts - Although not event coordinators, Kim and Steve, the owners of the property are such helpful people! They will go above and beyond to help with setup, tear down, and simple coordination for your event. I would still recommend hiring a Day of Coordinator or Planner to have the smoothest event possible because Kim and Steve aren’t able to do everything (and shouldn’t be expected to!)

Event Spaces at Stony Woods Estate

Event Lawn

The main lawn of the villa is where all of the ceremonies take place at Stony Woods Estate. They have two directions for setting up the ceremony: you can face the mountain directly across from the lawn with views of the woods, or you can face the long view that has rolling mountains in the background.

Basic, white chairs are included in the event fee for your ceremony seating, or you can choose to rent church pews for your ceremony set up! They also have a platform and rectangular or circular arch to have at the front of your ceremony set up. 

Event Lawn, for example ceremony set-up see the section “My Wedding at Stony Woods Estate”

Event Tent/Platform

For your reception, they have an event tent available and set up for the majority of their season. It is equipped with string lighting, fans, and plenty of electrical capacity for sound system and projecting needs. In the cooler months, they have heaters available and can lower the sides of the tent to keep the heat inside. In warmer months, the sides of the tent can be lifted for a fully indoor/outdoor vibe! 

For furniture, they have plenty of tables and chairs to accommodate your reception set up without having to outsource to another rental company! 

Photo by Juliana Renee Photography, desserts and design by Trail Magic Elopements & Micro Weddings

Photo by Juliana Renee Photography, design by Trail Magic Elopements & Micro Weddings

Villa Patio

For smaller events (max 30 people) you have the ability to set up an event on the stone patio of the villa. It is equipped with aesthetic patio furniture (and table/chairs can be moved here as needed), string lighting, and plenty of electrical outlets. The patio can also be used as a dance floor, cocktail hour spot, or rehearsal dinner site depending on your event logistics. It’s a nice location for adding variety to your event or weekend if the weather is nice!

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Stony Woods Estate Wedding Planning Considerations

How many guests can Stony Woods Estate accommodate?

Stony Woods Estate can accommodate events up to 75 people. Event fees and requirements differ depending on your total number of guests. Your guest count needs to be confirmed with the venue 30 days prior to your event. 

Lodging Accommodations at Stony Woods Estate

Like other properties in the surrounding mountain towns, Stony Woods Estate offers plenty of on site lodging for your event weekend. 

The Villa - sleeps up to 12

The Villa is the main house on the property and can accommodate up to 12 guests. It has 5 bedrooms including a separate suite off the main house that can be used as a private suite for the couple, or as a place to get ready before the wedding. 

The Treesorts - sleep up to 24

There are 5 treesorts or treehouses on the property within walking distance from the Villa. Three of the treesorts are two-bedroom cabins, and the other two are one-bedroom suites. Similar to a traditional room block, you can put all of the treesorts on hold for the dates of your event (if they are not already in use) for your guests to book on their own, or include them as part of the overall venue fee! 

Photo by Juliana Renee Photography

Stony Woods Estate Wedding Costs

Event weekends at the Villa at Stony Woods Estate begin at $4000, depending on length of stay, time of year, and size of your group. The event cost would include the villa rental for multiple nights, event fee, all basic furniture rentals (tables, chairs, wedding arch, and event tent, church pews available for an extra cost), and venue coordination assistance from the hosts. 

You should also expect to budget for additional costs including: 

• Catering (they do not offer onsite catering options) 

• Florals and decor

• Other wedding vendors such as a planner/coordinator, photographer, officiant, musicians, etc.

Our best planning tip for your Stony Woods Estate Wedding, hire a Planner!

Hiring a Planner and Day of Coordinator will greatly benefit your event at Stony Woods Estate. Unlike a traditional venue, Stony Woods doesn’t have a professional staff on site to help with logistics, nor does it have any on site catering options. You will still have to find additional vendors for your event, and a Planner will be able to help you find and book vendors that perfectly match your vision and budget. 

Having a Day of Coordinator on site for your event will also allow you and your guests to sit back and enjoy the wedding instead of having to set up decorations or manage your vendors. *This is something that I didn’t have at my own wedding, that I definitely would have benefitted from!!

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Can you elope at Stony Woods Estate? 

Yes! You don’t have to be planning a large event to enjoy the benefits of Stony Woods. They have elopement availability on weekdays and still have plenty of availability to accommodate your 2025 elopement! Reach out directly to Stony Woods Estate to learn more about their elopement pricing and package options.

Photo by Juliana Renee Photography

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Photography and Planning services for your wedding at Stony Woods Estate

Convinced that Stony Woods Estate is the perfect place for your small wedding? We totally agree! Stony Woods is one of our favorite venues in Western North Carolina, and we would love to help you plan an amazing event! 

We offer custom Micro Wedding packages that include full-service planning, day-of-coordination, photography and more! Our services are perfect for helping you have a low stress, beautiful wedding at Stony Woods Estate because they include:

• 4hrs - multi day photo coverage, so there’s time to cover the whole story of your event

• Full-service micro wedding planning - you don’t have to know all of the nitty gritty logistics or vendors because we do!

• Day-of Coordination - your day managed seamlessly from setup to tear down so you & your guests can sit back & relax!

Sound like your perfect day? Inquire with us here!

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Ready to plan your own Stony Woods Estate Wedding? We’re here to help!

Hi! We’re Becca and Hannah, a small wedding Planner and Photographer specializing in intimate weddings that are rooted in meaning, adventure, and community. We’re here to create a safe and community driven space for you to make your meaningful wedding vision a reality, without you having to do any of the heavy lifting! NC small weddings are our absolute favorites, so if you’re interested, reach out here to schedule your free consultation with us!

North Carolina Spring Elopement Guide - Updated for 2026!

As an Elopement Planner am I a bit biased when it comes to Spring in North Carolina? Maybe… but it is difficult not to be when it is simply so stunning! The rich, lush greenness that makes Southern Appalachia so breathtaking has returned in full force. It's dotted with the colorful blooms of our wildflowers and soft pinks of our blossoming rhododendrons. The heat of the southern summer has not yet set in. Yet it's warm enough to linger outside and enjoy the later sunsets. Waterfalls are rushing. The wildlife is reemerging. There is just a general sense of peace in the air. Have I painted the vision yet? It's nice, huh?

So, why should you elope in spring in Western North Carolina? Is there still time to plan an elopement for THIS Spring? YES!

Keep reading for a comprehensive guide breaking down the reasons we love a spring elopement.

Table of Contents Show

Looking for more North Carolina Spring inspiration? We got you!

• Great Smoky Mountains Elopement

• How much does it Cost to Elope in 2025?

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When to have your Spring Elopement

Spring in North Carolina offers distinct experiences depending on which month you choose. Each month brings slightly different types of weather and experiences to the Western part of the state. Here is a breakdown for what you can expect for each month of Spring in North Carolina and the advantages for eloping couples!

April

April marks the true awakening of spring in North Carolina. Temperatures range from 45°F to 70°F in the mountains. The landscape begins transforming with early wildflowers and budding trees. Rainfall increases, creating dramatic waterfall scenes perfect for photographs. Tourist traffic remains lower than peak season. Many trails reopen after winter closures. This month offers a beautiful balance of accessibility and natural beauty.

Roan Highlands in April.

Late Spring at a waterfall off the Blue Ridge Parkway.

May

May is one of the best months for a North Carolina elopement and is definitely our favorite Spring month! Temperatures settle into a comfortable 50°F to 75°F range. The mountains showcase vibrant green foliage and colorful wildflowers. Rhododendrons begin their spectacular bloom in higher elevations. Rainfall decreases compared to April. The Blue Ridge Parkway fully opens with breathtaking vistas. Tourist crowds haven't yet reached summer levels. This sweet spot offers ideal weather and stunning backdrops.

May sunrise at Grayson Highlands.

Sunrise in the highlands

June

June brings the official start of summer but retains spring's beauty in higher elevations. Temperatures range from 60°F to 80°F across the region. The landscape features lush, mature foliage and late-blooming flowers. Rhododendrons reach peak bloom in many mountain areas. Weather stabilizes with less rain and more predictable conditions. Water activities become more enjoyable with warmer temperatures. Tourist traffic increases but midweek remains relatively quiet.

June in the Great Smoky Mountains.

Overlook trail in June.

Overall Pros of a Spring Elopement

Still not convinced? Here are some other pros of spring elopements from a North Carolina local! 

• Mild Temperature: Temps rarely exceed 80°F in the mountains and the humidity is low making it perfect for outdoor celebrations!

• Trail Accessibility: All trails and mountain roads become accessible, offering unlimited location options

• Water Access: Towards the end of spring, watering holes and waterfalls are warmer for swimming and other paddling activities.

• Long Days: Extended daylight hours allow flexible ceremony timing and multiple activity options

• Non-Peak Season: Unlike the fall, Spring isn’t a peak season for tourists in NC, so you’ll have more solitude on trails and overlooks

• Wildflowers: Peak wildflowers, like rhododendron, give you a magical vibe

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Best North Carolina Spring Elopement Locations

It’s hard to go wrong with locations in the spring, but we put together a list of some of our favorites and their nearby airports!

Sunset on a grassy bald in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Airbnb near Banner Elk.

Overlook ceremony location in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Nearby airports - Asheville or Knoxville, TN

• Great Smoky Mountains National Park - America's most visited national park is amazing in the spring! Wildflowers fill the woods and meadows, and the greens are rich! There are tons of opportunities for accessible overlooks, scenic drives, and short, secluded trail spots.

North Carolina Mountain Towns

Nearby airports - Asheville, Charlotte, or Knoxville, TN

• Blowing Rock - This picturesque town provides dramatic cliff overlooks and charming gardens. Spring highlights include flowering trees and mountain laurel. The nearby trails offer countless ceremony spots.

• Bryson City - This charming gateway town to the Smokies offers riverfront settings and mountain views. Spring brings mild temperatures perfect for outdoor ceremonies. Nearby Deep Creek features three stunning waterfalls within easy hiking distance.

• Highlands - This upscale mountain town sits at higher elevation. While spring comes slightly later here, it brings spectacular waterfalls and lush forests. The area features dramatic overlooks and lovely vacation rentals.

• Hot Springs - This unique town offers natural hot mineral springs alongside the French Broad River. Spring temperatures make outdoor soaking comfortable. The surrounding mountains feature accessible trails with panoramic views.

• Maggie Valley - Nestled between mountain ranges, this valley town offers pastoral settings with dramatic backdrops. Spring brings colorful wildflower meadows and flowing creeks. The valley's orientation captures beautiful light throughout the day.

• Waynesville - This artistic mountain town sits at the edge of the Smokies. Spring transforms its surrounding landscape with vibrant new growth. The area offers both elegant venues and natural settings.

Beautiful Spots outside of North Carolina

These locations are right across the border of NC and Tennessee/Virginia! We still highly recommend them!

• Grayson Highlands State Park - Just across the Virginia border, this highland park offers open meadows with mountain views. Spring brings wildflowers and the famous wild ponies become more active. The dramatic stone outcroppings create incredible sites for your ceremony!

• Roan Mountain State Park - Straddling the Tennessee border, this mountain range hosts the world's largest natural rhododendron garden. Late spring brings an explosion of pink blooms across the balds. The Appalachian Trail crosses here with panoramic views.

A grassy bald trail in late spring.

Little Hump Mountain near Roan Mountain, Tennessee.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

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North Carolina Spring Elopement Inspiration

There are no right or wrong answers to what you can do for your spring elopement experience. If you love the outdoors, you’ll love being here and there is no shortage of places to explore! Here are some activities we recommend for eloping couples, that pair perfectly with the spring season!

Best Activities for Spring Elopements in North Carolina

Hiking - From easy waterfall paths to challenging summit trails, spring offers ideal hiking conditions. The moderate temperatures prevent overheating.

Campfire Celebration - End your elopement day around a crackling campfire. Toast marshmallows for s'mores under the stars.

Scenic Drives - The Blue Ridge Parkway and other roadways open in the spring. Drive to multiple breathtaking overlooks for different ceremony backdrops. Stop at meadows filled with wildflowers.

Outdoor Picnic - Spring weather creates perfect conditions for elegant outdoor dining. Let your Elopement Planner set up a styled picnic at a scenic overlook or meadow. Bring champagne to toast with mountain views.

Private Chef Experience - Arrange for a chef to prepare a memorable meal at your accommodation. Spring ingredients inspire farm-to-table creations. Enjoy dinner on the deck of your mountain cabin during sunset for an incredibly romantic experience!

Wine tasting and charcuterie picnic experience.

S’mores and campfire experience to end your elopement.

Waterfall Visits - Spring snowmelt and rain create powerful, photogenic waterfalls. Many falls offer accessible viewing platforms. Others reward short hikes with private, natural settings.

Flower Viewing - Track the famous rhododendron bloom that sweeps upward through elevations. Visit the NC Arboretum for cultivated gardens in peak bloom!

Water Activities - By late spring, kayaking and paddleboarding become comfortable on lakes. Exchange vows on a dock then paddle into the sunset. Consider a riverside ceremony followed by a gentle float.

Fishing - Spring brings active fish to streams. Many riverside cabins offer private water access.

Winery or Brewery Visit - North Carolina's craft brewery scene offers beautiful settings. Many wineries and breweries feature outdoor seating with mountain views. Spring weather makes these spots especially enjoyable.

Example timelines for your North Carolina Spring Elopement

Mountain Sunrise Mountain Elopement in Great Smoky Mountains

5:00 AM - Hair and makeup begins at cabin

7:00 AM - First look at cabin overlook

7:30 AM - Drive to Great Smoky Mountains National Park for ceremony

8:00 AM - Hike to ceremony location

9:00 AM - Exchange vows with sunrise mountain views

9:30 AM - Champagne toast and couple portraits

11:00 AM - Picnic breakfast at scenic overlook

12:30 PM - Waterfall hike and photography session

3:00 PM - Return to cabin for rest

6:00 PM - Private chef dinner on cabin deck

8:00 PM - Sunset champagne toast

9:00 PM - Campfire, s'mores and stargazing

Luxury Airbnb Elopement with Mountain Views

9:00 AM - Breakfast delivery from local bakery

10:00 AM - Hair and makeup begins

12:00 PM - Getting ready photos

1:00 PM - First look on Airbnb deck

1:30 PM - Drive to nearby parkway overlook

2:30 PM - Ceremony at mountain overlook

3:00 PM - Couples portraits at several scenic spots

5:00 PM - Return to Airbnb

5:30 PM - Private chef begins preparing dinner

6:30 PM - Sunset cocktail hour on deck

7:30 PM - Intimate dinner for two

9:00 PM - First dance under string lights

10:00 PM - Cut cake and champagne toast

Lodging Inspiration for your North Carolina Spring Elopement

North Carolina is home to so many unique places to stay from cabins tucked away in the mountains, to luxurious spaces or treehouses for two near quaint mountain towns! We wanted to share a few examples to show what your lodging could look like if you decided to elope out here in North Carolina!

Disclaimer: Please read the listings carefully - none of these properties are “event friendly” and would only be able to accommodate group sizes that match their listings. It is unlikely that you will be able to host parts of your day at these properties unless your guest count falls within their allowable group size. If you’re looking for event friendly rentals, check out our blog all about Airbnbs for your Micro Wedding!

*Images courtesy of the vacation rental listings

The Music Box near Marshall (4)

Nature Falls near Waynesville (6)

Red-Shed A-Frame near Bryson City (4)

Lake Toxaway Cottage in Lake Toxaway (6)

Wanderin Lands in Northern NC (6)

Hide Inn Seek Cabin near Highlands (5)

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Planning your North Carolina Spring Elopement

Planning Checklist

We know that planning an elopement this spring may seem overwhelming BUT here are a few steps to get you started on planning your elopement in 60 days or less!

1. Book your key vendors (photographer & planner) as soon as possible - these folks will help you with all the rest of the planning steps, so the sooner you can find the people best suited for your plans, the better! 

2. Choose your ceremony location and secure necessary permits - secure venue space if needed for guest count (12 or less)

3. Secure accommodations (see lodging ideas above) with scenic views and privacy

4. Book officiant for your desired location

5. Book other vendors (food, hair & makeup artists, florists, etc..) 

6. Create a weather contingency plan with indoor backup options

7. Arrange adventure activities and equipment rentals if needed through local outfitters

8. Order wedding attire and any necessary outdoor gear/attire needed

9. Plan timeline around best light and weather conditions

10. Write personal vows

11. Arrange special details (decor, sentimental items) 

12. Have the best day ever!

Including Guests in your North Carolina Spring Elopement

An elopement doesn't have to mean just the two of you. Many couples include their closest loved ones. For a true elopement experience, limit your guest count to 12-15 people. This number allows for your core people to be present while still keeping the number small enough for a ceremony on public lands or at an epic vacation rental. You could also reserve a private dining space for afterward or ask your vacation rental host if a small dinner could be set up at the house!

Guests can be a wonderful addition to your elopement plans and timeline, however, they also come with additional logistics. Always consider your guests ability levels and accessibility needs when choosing ceremony and guest location sites. Thinking about including guests at your elopement? Check out our guide all about How to Elope with Guests (coming soon!)

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Cost of your North Carolina Spring Elopement in 2025

A North Carolina elopement typically costs between $5,000 and $15,000 in 2025. This wide range shows that elopements can truly range from intimate affairs with just the two of you, all the way to full luxury experiences! Some key parts of your budget include:

Photography/Planning - Expect $4,000-$7,000 for professional elopement photography and elopement planner! Make sure you choose someone who’s artistic style you love! It’s also good to find someone that you vibe with personally, since they may be one of the only people present at your elopement!

Accommodations - Budget $200-$650 per night for mountain cabins or luxury Airbnbs. Spring rates remain lower than fall or summer. Weekday elopements see even better rates.

Attire - Allocate $1,000-$3,000 for both partners' attire. Consider comfort and mobility for outdoor activities.

Flowers - Expect $300-$800 for a bouquet, boutonniere, and small ceremony arrangements. Spring offers abundant seasonal flower options at better prices.

Officiant - Budget $300-$600 for a professional officiant. Some photographers can recommend officiants familiar with remote locations.

Food & Beverage - Allocate $300-$1,200 depending on your celebration style. Private chefs typically charge $150-$300 per person for custom menus.

Hair & Makeup - Expect $300-$600 for professional beauty services. Travel fees may apply for remote locations.

How to Save:

• Choose a weekday for better vendor and accommodation rates

• Limit guest count to reduce food, beverage, and seating costs

• Book with vendors that can offer more than one service to maximize budget

Working with an elopement planner can actually save money. They negotiate vendor rates, prevent costly mistakes, maximize your budget for what matters most, and handle logistical challenges that might otherwise create unexpected expenses.

If you want to learn more about the cost breakdown for an elopement in 2025 check out our blog all about How Much it Costs to Elope in 2025 written by our elopement planner, Becca!

Money Saving Tips

Although these intimate elopement experiences aren’t always the cheapest option for getting married, there are some ways to save significantly! 

• Choosing less popular dates or weekdays

• Choosing ceremony locations on public lands (as long as guest count is small enough) 

• Limiting guest count to reduce logistics, and activity/food costs

• Selecting accessible locations near amenities

• Combining ceremony and honeymoon activities

• Hiring an elopement planner to help manage your budget and all logistics with you!

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North Carolina Spring Elopement Packages

Custom elopement packages that include full-service planning, day-of-coordination, photography and more!

Don’t know where to start with planning your own spring elopement in North Carolina? That’s what we’re here for! Our services are perfect for helping you have a low stress, beautiful elopement because they include:

• 4hrs - multi day photo coverage, so there’s time to cover the whole story of your event without feeling rushed

• Full-service elopement planning - you don’t have to know all of the best ceremony spots or vendors because we do!

• Day-of Coordination - your day managed seamlessly so you & your guests can sit back & relax!

Sound like your perfect day? Learn more about our pricing here!

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Ready to plan your own North Carolina Elopement?

Spring 2025 still offers plenty of time to plan your North Carolina elopement full of lush forests, blooming flowers, and endless views of green mountains! Our best advice is to start soon AND work with experienced professionals to help you streamline the process! Your perfect elopement doesn’t require a year of planning or endless stress, we can make it happen before you know it! All you need is your love for each other, a scenic ceremony location, and the right team to bring your vision to life!

If you’re ready to hit the ground running, we’d love to help! Reach out today so we can get the process started!

Planning your own North Carolina Elopement?!

Hi! We’re Becca and Hannah, an Elopement Planner and Photographer specializing in intimate weddings that are rooted in meaning, adventure, and community. We’re here to create a safe and community driven space for you to make your meaningful wedding vision a reality, without you having to do any of the heavy lifting! NC elopements are our absolute favorites, so if you’re interested, reach out here to schedule your free consultation with us!

Colorado Summer Elopement Guide - Updated for 2026!

Summer in Colorado is absolutely breathtaking. The mountains are in full alpine glory with rushing rivers, endless fields of wildflowers, green grasses, and long days with beautiful sunrises and sunsets. It’s the perfect season for being outdoors with moderate temperatures and accessible mountain roads (both paved & for off-roading). It’s no wonder it’s the most popular season for couples to visit and elope - summer has it all! 

As a Colorado Elopement Photographer and Planner, we've helped countless couples create their dream mountain ceremonies allowing them to have the perfect summer elopement without the stress from the planning process! Best of all? The planning process doesn’t have to take that much time.

There's still time to plan your perfect 2025 summer celebration, even if you're just starting your planning journey, and we created this guide to help you get started! 

Table of Contents Show

Looking for more Colorado summer inspiration? We got you!

• Garden of the Gods Elopement

• How much does it Cost to Elope in 2025?

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When to have your Summer Elopement

Summer in Colorado brings unique charm to both city and mountain areas. The season unfolds differently across elevations, creating diverse opportunities for your elopement day. Here is a breakdown of what each summer month looks like and all the different advantages for eloping couples:

Early June in the foothills overlooking Nederland

Early June mountain pass near Dillion

June

June is considered early summer with mild temperatures and blooming wildflowers in the lower elevations. Mountain passes begin opening, though some high-elevation trails may still have snow. Lower elevations like the foothills and metro areas, have lots of  greenery and flowing streams from snowmelt. June is great for quieter trails and better lodging availability.

July dispersed camping area within 2 hours of Denver

July wildflowers in Estes Park

July

July is considered peak summer conditions with warm days and cool nights. Afternoon thunderstorms are regular, but clear quickly, creating dramatic skies perfect for photos. Wildflowers are at peak, especially in areas like Crested Butte, known as Colorado's Wildflower Capital. July is great for alpine lake adventures, or longer off-roading or hiking experiences.

Secluded August sunrise hike to quiet alpine lake

August mountain pass in Rocky Mountain National Park

August

August is an underrated month in Colorado for elopements! It has similar long, warm days and cool nights to July, but lower tourist crowds and fewer afternoon thunderstorms. Mountain trails and roads reach peak accessibility, allowing for full-range of outdoor activities! August is great for stargazing, and high alpine trail experiences with more solitude.

Overall Pros of a Summer Elopement

Still not convinced? Here are some other pros of summer elopements from a Colorado local! 

• Mild Temperature: Temperatures rarely exceed 80°F in the mountains making it perfect for outdoor celebrations

• Trail Accessibility: Nearly all trails and mountain passes become accessible, offering unlimited location options

• Water Access: Water activities like kayaking and paddleboarding become available for unique activity options

• Seasonal Road Access: Driving mountain roads requires no special vehicle or equipment, making planning easier

• Long Days: Extended daylight hours allow flexible ceremony timing and multiple activity options

• Wildflowers: Peak wildflowers give you a magical vibe

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Best Colorado Summer Elopement Locations

It’s hard to go wrong with locations in the summer, but we put together a list of some of our favorites and their nearby airports!

Mountain pass in the San Juans.

Mountain Lake outside of Boulder.

Mountain Pass near Winter Park.

Near Denver International Airport

(Locations within 2 hours of Denver)

• Boulder - blends outdoor adventure with urban amenities. The Flatirons create dramatic ceremony backdrops and are incredibly close to town, so you could easily hit up a restaurant or local brewery after your ceremony!

• Nederland - offers easy access to Indian Peaks Wilderness without the crowds. It’s a perfect for couples seeking solitude, accessibility to longer hiking adventures, and even those looking to backpack for their elopement!

• Estes Park - provides the perfect gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park. There is plenty of wildlife to see, large, accessible lakes to explore, and drivable high alpine roads for epic photos.

Near Aspen or Gunnison Airports

(Locations within 4 hours of Denver)

• Aspen - delivers luxury amenities amid spectacular mountain scenery. It is home to the famous Maroon Bells accessible by shuttle reservations. There are also some well known mountain passes for photos nearby as well as dispersed camping areas for more solitude.

• Crested Butte -  is the wildflower capital. It has a very laid-back mountain atmosphere with lots of off-roading adventure opportunities to share private vows with no one else around. The town is also super charming for a post-elopement dinner or brew!

• Buena Vista - combines mountain views with Arkansas River adventures. The views from town are spectacular and there are so many big mountain adventures to explore nearby with the Collegiate Peaks, hotsprings, and alpine lakes.

Near Montrose Airport

(Locations within 6 hours of Denver)

• Telluride - combines Victorian charm with stunning mountain views. It’s wellknown for it’s box canyon setting that creates unforgettable ceremony backdrops. The free gondola in town offers unique photo opportunities and easy mountain access.

• Ouray - known as the "Switzerland of America," offers dramatic cliff walls and historic hot springs. This area is great for a jeep rental to explore nearby mountain passes and hidden waterfalls without having to hike!

• Silverton -  provides authentic mountain town vibes with fewer tourists than better-known destinations. The Alpine Loop offers incredible backdrops for adventurous couples.

Mountain pass near Crested Butte

Short hike near Georgetown

Arapahoe National Forest

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Colorado Summer Elopement Inspiration

There are no right or wrong answers to what you can do for your summer elopement experience. If you love the outdoors, you’ll love being here and there is no shortage of places to explore! Here are some activities we recommend for eloping couples, that pair perfectly with the summer season!

Best Activities for Summer Elopements in Colorado

Hiking - Hiking on your elopement day allows you to access intimate views and landscapes that are less accessible and more private than popular spots off roads. There are options in Colorado for every type of hiker based on your preferences and skill level!

Camping - Camping under the stars is such a romantic way to spend your first nights as newlyweds! There are many dispersed camping areas that can offer unique landscapes and  complete privacy off the grid. You could also opt for more luxury glamping options available for upscale experiences.

Jeep tours - Jeep tours are incredible options for couples looking to access remote mountain locations without strenuous hiking. There are some roads that are fine for renting your own vehicle, but you can always hire local guides to ensure safe passage and hidden gem spots! Jeeping is an awesome option if you want to bring guests to a more remote ceremony location. 

Making breakfast burritos and coffee before the sun rises.

Enjoy coffee together in complete privacy before eloping

Swimming -  Ever thought about jumping into or swimming in a crystal clear alpine lake? Why not add it into your elopement day timeline?! Many lakes offer complete solitude for morning ceremonies - you can share private vows and then hop in the water to relax before a picnic breakfast! 

Kayaking - Kayaking and/or paddleboarding is such a fun elopement activity to create a dynamic day. There are many lakes where you can paddle, and you can even bring your own inflatable kayak to almost any alpine lake in the state! Many outfitters provide equipment rentals too!

Fishing - If fishing is your vibe, it’s an awesome activity to share together during your elopement. Fishing allows you to it back and enjoy quiet moments together in nature. There are lots of locations that allow walk-in access to prime spots too! 

Have an outdoor picnic - Alpine picnics elevate your celebration with gourmet meals in spectacular settings. Interested in this? Let us know! We offer alpine picnics for elopements as add-ons to our elopement packages!

Example timelines for your Colorado Summer Elopement

Sunrise Mountain Pass Elopement:

4:30 AM - Hair and makeup begins at your cozy mountain cabin

6:00 AM - Drive to trailhead

7:00 AM - Hike to ceremony location at the top of the pass

8:00 AM - First look and private vows as alpenglow starts on the mountains

8:30 AM - Intimate ceremony with family & friends who drove up to meet you 

9:00 AM - Celebration picnic with guests and couples photos around the ceremony spot

11:00 AM - Return hike with stops for additional photos

1:00 PM - Afternoon adventure activity (guided jeep tour)

6:00 PM - Intimate dinner celebration at local restaurant with guests!

Afternoon Lake Elopement:

10:00 AM - Relaxed breakfast and preparation at Airbnb

12:00 PM - Hair and makeup

2:00 PM - Scenic drive to alpine lake

3:00 PM - First look

4:00 PM - Lakeside ceremony with closest friends & family

4:30 PM - Paddleboard adventure together

6:00 PM - Sunset photos on nearby trail with mountain views

7:00 PM - Private chef-prepared dinner at Airbnb

9:00 PM - Stargazing, campfire with s’mores and hottubbing at your Airbnb

Lodging Inspiration for your Colorado Summer Elopement

Colorado is home to so many unique places to stay from ski chalets and Airbnbs, to glamping tents and free dispersed campsites under the stars! We wanted to share a few examples to show what your lodging could look like if you decided to elope out here in Colorado!

Disclaimer: Please read the listings carefully - none of these properties are “event friendly” and would only be able to accommodate group sizes that match their listings. It is unlikely that you will be able to host parts of your day at these properties unless your guest count falls within their allowable group size. If you’re looking for event friendly rentals, check out our blog all about Airbnbs for your Micro Wedding!

*Images courtesy of the vacation rental listings

Pioneer Retreat at Moose Lodge (14)

Alpenglow Cabin at Twin Lakes (4)

Lookout Lodge near Alma (10)

Broken Rod Lodge near Lake City (8)

Lakefront Getaway Idaho Springs (7)

Cielo Vista near Ouray (8)

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Planning your Colorado Summer Elopement

Planning Checklist

We know that planning an elopement this summer may seem overwhelming BUT here are a few steps to get you started: 

1. Book your key vendors (photographer & planner) as soon as possible - these folks will help you with all the rest of the planning steps, so the sooner you can find the people best suited for your plans, the better! 

2. Choose your location and secure necessary permits - secure venue space if needed for guest count (12 or more typically)

3. Plan accommodation and transportation 

4. Book other vendors (food, hair & makeup artists, florists, officiant if needed, etc..) 

5. Create a weather contingency plan with indoor backup options

6. Arrange adventure activities and equipment rentals if needed through local outfitters

7. Order wedding attire and any necessary outdoor gear/attire needed

8. Plan timeline around best light and weather conditions

9. Write personal vows

10. Arrange special details (decor, sentimental items) 

11. Have the best day ever!

Including Guests in your Colorado Summer Elopement

Eloping doesn’t mean you have to run away with just you and your partner! It’s ok to include your closest family & friends, and honestly, most of our couples do! We recommend limiting guest counts to 10-12 people to keep the experience incredibly intimate and to also allow the most flexibility for ceremony spots on public lands. As soon as guest counts get higher than 12 people, it gets tricky to maintain safety and leave-no-trace principles on trail. 

Guests can be a wonderful addition to your elopement plans and timeline, however, they also come with additional logistics. Always consider your guests ability levels and accessibility needs when choosing ceremony and guest location sites. Thinking about including guests at your elopement? Check out our guide all about How to Elope with Guests (coming soon!)

Small wedding at Garden of the Gods in July

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Cost of your Colorado Summer Elopement in 2025

Colorado elopements typically range from $7,000 to $15,000, depending on choices and scale. Key expenses include:

• Photography: $3,000-$6,000 for full-day coverage

• Planning services: $2,000-$4,000 for full-service support (booking other vendors, coordinating the flow of the day, etc).

• Vendors (hair, makeup, officiant): $1,000-$2,000

• Activities and permits: $500-$1,500

• Attire: $1,000-$3,000

• Accommodation: $200-$1000 per night depending on how many guests you are looking to host

• Transportation: $300-$800 for mountain-ready vehicles

• Colorado Marriage License: $60

If you want to learn more about the cost breakdown for an elopement in 2025 check out our blog all about How Much it Costs to Elope in 2025 written by our elopement planner, Becca!

Money Saving Tips

Although these intimate elopement experiences aren’t always the cheapest option for getting married, there are some ways to save significantly! 

• Choosing less popular dates or weekdays

• Choosing ceremony locations on public lands (as long as guest count is small enough) 

• Limiting guest count to reduce logistics, and activity/food costs

• Selecting accessible locations near amenities

• Combining ceremony and honeymoon activities

• Hiring an elopement planner to help manage your budget and all logistics with you!

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Colorado Summer Elopement Packages

Custom elopement packages that include full-service planning, day-of-coordination, photography and more!

Don’t know where to start with planning your own summer elopement in Colorado? That’s what we’re here for! Our services are perfect for helping you have a low stress, beautiful elopement because they include:

• 6hrs - multi day photo coverage, so there’s time to cover the whole story of your event without feeling rushed

• Full-service elopement planning - you don’t have to know all of the best ceremony spots or vendors because we do!

• Day-of Coordination - your day managed seamlessly so you & your guests can sit back & relax!

Sound like your perfect day? Learn more about our pricing here!

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Ready to plan your own Colorado Elopement?

There’s still plenty of time to plan your Summer 2025 elopement! The possibilities for your day are endless from jeeping up to a remote mountain pass to chilling playing corn hole at a local brewery with your guests. While popular dates are booking quickly, having an experienced planner on your side can help you create a magical celebration in no time, with low stress!

If you’re ready to hit the ground running, we’d love to help! Reach out today so we can get the process started!

Planning your own Colorado Elopement?!

Hi! We’re Becca and Hannah, an Elopement Planner and Photographer specializing in intimate weddings that are rooted in meaning, adventure, and community. We’re here to create a safe and community driven space for you to make your meaningful wedding vision a reality, without you having to do any of the heavy lifting! Colorado elopements are our absolute favorites, so if you’re interested, reach out here to schedule your free consultation with us!

How Much Does it Cost to Elope in 2025?

Building Your 2025 Elopement Budget

Let’s be real- weddings are not a cheap event. It seems the second that something is deemed “wedding” related, the price tag increases tenfold. With the average traditional wedding cost escalating by the day, it is no surprise that one of the key reasons couples are choosing to elope is to cut some costs. So how much can you expect to spend on your elopement?

Elopements can be executed on a wide range of budgets. Ultimately, you can pay for the cost of your marriage license and get hitched at the courthouse if that is what you envision. At the end of the day, it all comes down to your priorities, and the experience that you want your wedding day to be. We are firm believers here at Trail Magic that choosing to elope does not mean that you have to sacrifice creating joy-filled memories of your once-in-a-lifetime day. There are still costs to consider, and services that we recommend choosing to invest in to bring your dream day to life, and to make sure it is beautifully documented for years to come! 

Curious how to build your elopement budget, and what costs you can expect to pay? Keep reading for professional advice from an experienced elopement planner! 

Identifying your priorities

The first step in planning your elopement budget is to identify your priorities for your elopement experience. The best way to do this depends on you, and how your planning brain works. Some different ideas include:

• Journaling your dream day

• What do you want to do?

• Where do you want to be?

• How do you want to feel? 

• Creating a spreadsheet

• Identifying different potential vendors/components of a wedding day

• Rating them on a scale of 1-10, from least to most important to your vision

• Having conversations with your partner

• Bouncing ideas off of each other

• Listening to what your partner envisions for the day

• Researching

• Reading about different types of elopements

• Reading blog posts about actual elopements

• Reading about couples’ real life elopement experiences

Ultimately, no one can tell you what your priorities are for your elopement day. One of the most beautiful things about elopements are the unique nature of them, and how specifically they can be catered for your individual love story. Is it essential for you that you elope somewhere there are beautiful sunset views, because that is how you ended your first date together? Do you want a bouquet of lilies because they were your mom’s favorite flower? Do you envision a meal cooked by a private chef after your ceremony? It can happen! 

When you feel like you have your general vision and priorities in mind, write them down in the most direct, tangible way possible. This will help you to gain an understanding of exactly what you need to be able to accomplish fulfilling your vision. For example, if your vision is…

… photos with your sister as she helps you get ready for your ceremony.

You should write down…

… photographer to cover getting ready moments, nice place to get ready at.

Or

… having a mountain top picnic & cake-cutting after your vows. 

You should write down…

… a cake from a local bakery, a vendor that will set up your picnic for you. 

Spelling out your priorities in this fashion will help you identify what services you need to research as you organize your budget!

Researching your Vendors

Once you have identified what vendors you may need, the next step is to get an idea of the price range of what each vendor can cost. You don’t need to select any vendors in this step. In fact, the more vendors you look at per category, the better idea you are going to have of  what your budget will look like.

What vendors are most common in the elopement space? We would say the number one most popular elopement vendor across the board is an elopement photographer. Some other popular vendors include hair & makeup artists, videographers, officiants, planners, and florists, amongst others! Let’s break down some average costs associated with these potential vendors.

Elopement Photographers

The largest chunk of your elopement budget will likely be spent on photography services, and for good reason! Choosing to document your day with beautiful images is not only a great way to have keepsakes of your special day forever, but it is a great way to share your day with the people you love who were not present!

When researching photographers, I’m sure you’ll come to find that there is a very wide range of price points that photographers start at. Ultimately, you’ll find that for an experienced photographer, prices will generally fall in the $3k-$7k+ plus range, with some more luxury/niche photographers charging $10k+ for their services. Although this seems like a large investment, these photographers are there for the entire experience of you elopement, from location recs & timeline planning to delivering a full experience day of, to curating a stunning gallery of your day.

With a photographer, as well as all of the following vendors as, you are paying for a wealth of experience, artistry, and refined skills. Keep in mind that the price is often a reflection of the quality of the craft!

Hair & Makeup Artists

Not every bride opts to have a professional do their hair and makeup for their elopement, but many do! In places where elopements are very popular, you can even find Beauty vendors that will meet you at the trailhead! What we see most often is artists who come to the vacation rental our couples are staying at to get them all dolled up there. Depending on your distance from the actual salon, if the salon has any service minimums, if you would like trail services, etc, costs can vary. I would estimate that you can expect to spend $500-$600 on your wedding hair & makeup.

Videographers

If you would like further documentation of your day beyond photography, videographers are an awesome addition to your day! They’ll tag along for the elopement adventure, and create a film capturing the most magical moments for you to watch and re-watch for years to come! Videography services generally start at a minimum of $1500, and typically range in the $3-4k range, with some options exceeding $6-7k. Some important things to look for in an elopement videographer include the length of video they create, if they offer drone footage (if that is of interest to you!), and package lengths.

Officiant

Whether or not you need an officiant for your ceremony is dependent on your location (i.e. if you’re getting married in Colorado, you can self-solemnize), many couples opt to have one to lead their ceremony. In many places, you have the option to choose a friend or family member to officiate, given they are willing to get ordained for you. However, if you are choosing to invest in a professional, it its likely that you can expect to spend around $500+ for these services. How much you spend is also dependent on personalized you would like your ceremony to be, how far your officiant is traveling, and how many hours you are expecting their services for (which is generally not super long, but if they are hiking a mile to your ceremony location, that is something to keep in mind!).

Planners

I know what you’re thinking… a planner… for an elopement? But as the elopement industry grows, and the meaning of elopement evolves into less of a spontaneous act that defies the wishes of your family and more into an intentional, private way to spend your wedding day together, planners are stepping in to help! As an elopement & micro-wedding planner myself, I believe that couples choosing to elope are just as deserving of a relaxing and stress-free wedding day and wedding planning experience as couples choosing the traditional route! An elopement planner will help you with all additional vendors, help you location scout & choose your ceremony spot, help with accommodations, work with your other vendors to create the perfect timeline for your day, and will often provide day-of-coordination services to bring your vision to life. Depending on the extent of services you are seeking, you can expect to spend between $2k and $5k for elopement planning services. Your planner will also help you to build your overall budget, and to stick to it!

Florists

Although most couples seeking florals for their Elopements are not looking for the full floral shebang that weddings entail, we still love recommending local florists to our couples for their bouquets, boutonnieres, and ant decorative florals they may wish to include (stunning arch, anyone?). Although the cost of your flowers relies heavily on the extent of your vision, you can expect to spend around $200-300 on your bridal bouquet, and $30 or so on a boutonniere. If you are looking for something more large scale, like arch decor, you can expect to spend up to $700-$1k for partial displays, and $4-$5k for fully designed arches. Florals can be done on a wide range of budgets, though, and there are other options to investigate. We also love dried florals, and silk florals (especially for spots that don’t allow real flowers!).

Choosing Your Location

Location is often the biggest price difference between elopements and traditional weddings. Realistically, you can spend as little as $0.00 on your ceremony site, a jarring juxtaposition from the thousands that many venues start at. Of course, not every location is free to get married at, so let’s chat about potential costs!

Permits

The first step when you are interested in eloping somewhere is to research whether or not the site requires a permit. If it is on National Park Service land, it is pretty much a guarantee that it will. These permits vary quite a bit in price, with permits in parks like Great Smokey Mountain National Park costing $50, and permits in Rocky Mountain National Park costing $300. These permits also do not include park of parking passes required to get into/be in the parks, so that is something to consider as well!

Venue

When it comes to public land, there is no guarantee that although you got the necessary permits to reserve a site, you will be the only people there. There won’t be another couple eloping there, but you cannot guarantee full privacy from the general public. For this reason, some couples opt to book private spaces, like an Airbnb accommodation, or a natural, but privately owned venue like Weddings Over Waterfalls in Western North Carolina. Although these options are going to likely cost more than utilizing nearby public land, the guaranteed privacy is important to couples who opt for this route. We’ll break down some more vacation rental costs in the next section.

 
Accommodations

Once you have selected your ceremony site, the next move is to select where you’ll stay for your elopement experience. The majority of couples we work with are eloping a little ways from their home, or wish to have a different space to celebrate their wedding experience. We love vacation rentals for this purpose, because they can provide a bit more seclusion than a hotel stay would. Obviously these can hugely vary in cost, with some smaller spaces in less popular areas starting at $100-$200/ night, while more luxury rentals in more popular places can start at $500+ a night. It is important to know when booking your accommodation if you are looking to elope or have any photos/video taken on the property, so that you can ensure that is allowed on the premises before booking!

Eloping With Guests

As with any wedding, the guest count of your elopement will affect the overall cost. It can be a bit difficult to define what exactly the line is with guest counts and qualifying as an elopement, but here at Trail Magic Elopements, we generally classify an elopement as having less than 10 guests. So how does including guests impact your overall budget?

Dining

If you are planning to celebrate your elopement with a nice dinner out, a reserved private space, or some other form of small “reception,” including guests will up the costs associated. Of course this is not always the case, and sometimes a guest (or multiple guests) will pitch in to split the bill, but make sure you have budgeted ahead of time with the expectation of covering this cost.

Accommodation

Something we see fairly often in the elopement space is couples choosing to book an accommodation that will comfortably fit part or all of the group they are inviting to their elopement. Renting out a larger space will increase your budget by a fair bit, with the cost of 3-4+ bedroom house often starting at closer to $500 or $600/ night, and going up from there. Another thing to consider in this situation is if you’ll be stocking the fridge, providing food for the length of the stay, etc.

Limitations on Land & Vendor Limits

It is important to keep in mind when eloping with guests that not every ceremony site and vendor is going to have the same definition of an elopement. When including guests, you may end up having more limitations on certain locations, and may want to prioritize booking a more private, venue like space to ensure comfortability for your guests.

Ultimately, your elopement budget is entirely up to YOU and YOUR priorities for your day. For some couples, this looks like $5,000, and for others this looks like $15,000. At the end of the day there are no wrong answers if you are following your heart and vision. We always encourage our inquiring couples to reflect on what their priorities are, and how they want to remember their big day in the years to come. We believe that your love story is worth investing in, and just because you are choosing to have an intimate affair does not mean you need to skimp on the things that will make it beautiful and memorable. This is a once-in-a-lifetime kind of day to celebrate your once-in-a-lifetime kind of love, and that alone deserves the very best!

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Planning your own Elopement and need some help?

Hi, we’re Becca and Hannah! A North Carolina and Colorado based wedding Photography and Planning team!

We’re more than just the vendors setting up table decor and shooting posed portraits after your ceremony.

We’re here to create a safe and community driven space for you to make your meaningful wedding vision a reality, without you having to do any of the heavy lifting!

Elopement planning is our absolute jam, so if you’re interested, reach out here to schedule your free consultation with us!

9 Colorado Airbnb Wedding Venues for Micro Weddings

Airbnb weddings have been gaining popularity, specifically in the micro wedding community in the past 5 years. It’s not hard to figure out why - who wouldn’t want their wedding venue to include amazing views, privacy, and built-in accommodations for part of or even their entire guest list?!

As a Colorado Micro Wedding Photographer and Planner, we’re no strangers to couples looking to host their small weddings at Airbnb or vacation rentals! Personally, we think they are some of the best weddings ever! But, we know it can be difficult to find the perfect rental, so keep reading to learn more about Airbnb Wedding Venues in Colorado!

Table of Contents Show

Looking for more Colorado micro wedding inspiration? We got you!

• Best Colorado Small Wedding Venues

• Colorado Springs Micro Wedding

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Tips for your finding your Colorado Airbnb Venue

Our best advice for finding your Colorado Airbnb wedding venue is to start your search with a clear strategy. Look for properties that welcome events. Check their maximum guest capacity. Verify they can handle both your ceremony and overnight stays. Here are some of our top tips for finding an amazing Colorado Airbnb venue:

• Choose your preferred Colorado region first: Think about what types of views you want. Are you looking for something waterfront? Mountain views? If you know a bit more about what you’re looking for, it can help narrow down your search.

• Know your overnight guest count: This number helps narrow down suitable properties quickly.

• Consider hiring a micro wedding planner: Planners can provide pre-vetted venue options and know the area. This saves countless research hours for you to focus on other parts of your wedding! **We have over 80 event-friendly vacation rentals saved in our client portals and love sharing new finds with our couples!

Colorado VRBO Weddings

Many couples overlook VRBO. This platform often works better than Airbnb for wedding venues.  VRBO has an “Events Allowed” search filter. This saves valuable planning time. As a platform, Airbnb limits hosts on whether they can allow events or not. VRBO doesn’t have the same restrictions.

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Planning your Colorado Airbnb Wedding

When it comes to planning your Colorado Airbnb wedding, success requires a lot of attention to detail. Many crucial elements aren't obvious in property listings, and there are lots of logistics to consider.

Below is a basic checklist, but if you want to learn more, we recommend checking out our full guide How to Plan An Airbnb Wedding in 2025 - coming soon!

Your Colorado Airbnb Wedding Planning Checklist

1. Review all event policies carefully: make sure to check guest limits on the listings, understand parking rules and limitations, and note any special event fees. 

2. Connect with local rental companies: You'll need tables, chairs, and backup weather equipment. Most vacation rentals don’t offer these types of items. 

3. Understand local ordinances: many Colorado mountain towns have occupancy limitations, event insurance requirements, and noise ordinances.

4. Create the site layout: understand the limitations of the house. Maybe the ceremony needs to be offsite, or a reception dinner venue would be better.

5. Secure your vendors & communicate openly with the hosts: keep communication open and make sure vendors, like caterers, florists, etc are aware of where the property is located. Since many of these properties can be remote or require high clearance vehicles to get to, it’s best to be open with your vendors and plan accordingly. Communicate everything with your hosts so they consent to all elements of your event! 

Cost of your Colorado Airbnb Wedding

Let's break down the numbers. Event-friendly properties in Colorado vary widely in price. Most range from $700 to $3,000+ per night. Although there are more budget-friendly options available if you’re willing to sacrifice some amenities. Premium properties cost more during peak seasons. 

On average you can expect to spend around $5,000 for a wedding-suitable property to sleep about 10-12 guests. This typically covers a three-night minimum stay. Final costs depend on property, guest count, and any event fees that can vary in price.

Best way to manage costs? Hire a Micro Wedding Planner

One of the best ways to manage the cost of your Airbnb wedding is to hire a wedding planner, specifically one with expertise in these types of micro weddings. A planner can help reduce overall expenses by bringing vendor relationships, knowing how to negotiate, and helping avoid hidden fees. They will also be your partner during the planning process, keeping you accountable to your outlined budget and helping cut costs on non essential items.

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Best Colorado Airbnb Venues for a Wedding

Below are 9 examples of vacation rentals you can rent around Colorado to host your micro wedding! I’ve arranged them from lowest average nightly cost to highest to help with budgeting!

Disclaimer: At the time of publishing all of the listings are vacation rentals that allow events. However, I recommend that you check the listings carefully to find information regarding rules, guest limits, and additional fees and always reach out to the hosts before booking or assuming your event is allowed at the space!

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Lower Budget Options

Vega Lake Retreat

The Wapiti Retreat

Gunnison Home

Vega Lake Retreat | Book It

Location: Collbran, Colorado
Nightly Price in Summer 2025 - $425
Max Event Attendees: ask host for details
Sleeps: 20

What we love about this property: This property is a great blank canvas for a micro wedding with beautiful views of Vega Lake, one of Colorado’s State Parks! You could have the ceremony overlooking the lake from the lawn or even travel down the state park for your ceremony and then come back to a candlelight reception dinner with twinkle lights on the outdoor deck. A great option for the lower nightly cost, while still accommodating most of your guests!

The Wapiti Retreat | Book It

Location: Walden, Colorado
Nightly Price in Summer 2025 - $490
Max Event Attendees: 30
Sleeps: 16

What we love about this property: We love the remote and ruggedness of this property. It has beautiful floor to ceiling windows perfect for getting ready or indoor photos, but also has a sweeping property with lots of places to explore. It would be perfect for hosting an intimate wedding with stunning mountain views. This cabin is also close to miles of beautiful hiking trails for a private adventure just the two of you!

Gunnison Home | Book It

Location: Gunnison, Colorado
Nightly Price in Summer 2025 - $543
Max Event Attendees: ask host for details
Sleeps: 19

What we love about this property: This home is a cozy little spot close to areas like Crested Butte, Gunnison, and the mountain passes in between Crested Butte and Buena Vista. It would be a great house to have a cozy outdoor reception that is paired with a ceremony out in a more epic, nearby mountain location. It’s also a great option to keep costs for your lodging lower, while still being able to house quite a few people with you!

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Mid-Range Budget Options

Secluded Mountain Retreat

Creekside Quakie Cabin

Crestview Ranch

Secluded Mountain Retreat |Book It

Location: Dolores, Colorado
Nightly Price in Summer 2025 - $570
Max Event Attendees: ask host for details
Sleeps: 34

What we love about this property: This property is stunning and remote, the perfect place for an intimate mountain retreat with your favorite people! It has secluded mountain views and a meadow a short walk from the house with benches and an arch for hosting a stunning ceremony among the aspen trees. This is a beautiful place for a quintessential Colorado fall wedding for a very reasonable price!!

Creekside Quakie Cabin |Book It

Location: Durango, Colorado
Nightly Price in Summer 2025 - $840
Max Event Attendees: 15
Sleeps: 15

What we love about this property: This property is gorgeous and would be perfect for a small group gathering or outdoor dinner after an elopement ceremony up in the mountains. It’s surrounded by forest giving you and your loved ones privacy to enjoy each other's company tucked away in nature.

Crestview Ranch | Book It

Location: Grandby, Colorado
Nightly Price in Summer 2025 - $1545
Max Event Attendees: 50
Sleeps: 25

What we love about this property: This property is huge! There is so much space to sleep most of your friends and family, and the hosts are very familiar with micro weddings. There are lots of things like tables, chairs, ceremony arch etc..included in the event fee that will save you on costs from other rental companies. Plus the ranch has mountain views and a sweet little lake in front!

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Luxury Options

Alta Lakes Observatory

High Country Lodge

Crested Butte Mansion

Alta Lakes Observatory | Book It

Location: Telluride, Colorado
Nightly Price in Summer 2025 - $2000
Max Event Attendees: 50
Sleeps: 12

What we love about this property: Alta Lakes is more than just a home rental, it’s an investment in a full mountain experience! This property has an alpine lake right off the patio where you can paddle with your new spouse right after your ceremony! It’s an amazing spot to celebrate with your favorite people in a rustic, mountain setting with tons of accessibility to Telluride, and other outdoor activities in one of the most beautiful spots of Colorado!

High Country Lodge | Book It

Location: Breckenridge, Colorado
Nightly Price in Summer 2025 - $3599
Max Event Attendees: 50
Sleeps: 25

What we love about this property: This property is beautiful all year long and set up for hosting weddings. You’re tucked away outside of Breckenridge with gorgeous mountain views, it doesn’t get more “Colorado” than this! Not to mention there is lodging and space for so many of your people to stay on site! Worth the high price point if you’re looking to house people in a beautiful mountain setting and have a bigger event with facilities.

Crested Butte Mansion | Book It

Location: Crested Butte, Colorado
Nightly Price in Summer 2025 - $4500
Max Event Attendees: 40
Sleeps: 23

What we love about this property: If you’re dreaming of a quintessential and luxurious Colorado micro wedding without having to leave the property of your Airbnb, this property is for you! It has all types of amenities (including a private pickleball court!), stunning mountain views and incredible windows for beautiful photos inside and out of the home. If you have the budget to rent this home for your wedding weekend, I guarantee you (and your guests) won’t regret it! 

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Hidden Gems

This post has some amazing properties that we highly recommend, BUT as an intimate wedding Planner and Photographer team, we love providing our clients with even more recommendations, including our favorite local hidden gem spots! If you’re interested in learning more, contact us here!

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Colorado Airbnb Wedding Packages

Custom Micro Wedding packages that include full-service planning, day-of-coordination, photography and more!

Don’t know where to start with planning your own Airbnb wedding? That’s what we’re here for! Our services are perfect for helping you have a low stress, beautiful wedding at vacation rental because they include:

• 6hrs - multi day photo coverage, so there’s time to cover the whole story of your event

• Full-service micro wedding planning - you don’t have to know all of the best spots or vendors because we do!

• Day-of Coordination - your day managed seamlessly from setup to tear down so you & your guests can sit back & relax!

Sound like your perfect day? Learn more about our pricing here!

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Conclusion

There are so many different types of properties for micro weddings in Colorado, but it’s always good to check multiple listings and talk with the hosts until you find the best spot for your unique event! These types of wedding also aren’t as cost-effective as they may seem upfront, but they can be extremely beautiful and intimate for your group of people. I hope you found this post helpful in starting to plan your dream intimate wedding!

Planning your own Colorado Airbnb Wedding?

Hi! We’re Becca and Hannah, a Micro Wedding Planner and Photographer specializing in intimate weddings that are rooted in meaning, adventure, and community. We’re here to create a safe and community driven space for you to make your meaningful wedding vision a reality, without you having to do any of the heavy lifting! Intimate weddings at vacation rentals are our absolute favorites, so if you’re interested, reach out here to schedule your free consultation with us!

Brainard Lake Engagement Photos in the Fall

Nestled in the mountains just behind Boulder, Brainard Lake Recreation Area provided an amazing backdrop for Karryn and Rob's adventurous fall engagement session, full of yummy food, a gorgeous sunrise, and their favorite game to play as a couple. It was such an authentic and laid back session, I hope it inspires you to plan something similar for your engagement photos!

Keep reading to hear the story of their day and how you can plan an amazing Engagement Session at Brainard Lake in Colorado! 

Looking for more Colorado engagement inspiration? We got you!

• Couples Session near Boulder with a Dog

• Spring Proposal at Echo Lake Park

Navigating Brainard Lake Timed Entry Reservations

Brainard Lake is a stunning and accessible location near the Denver Metro area, which means it is popular for photographers and hiking enthusiasts alike! In recent years the park service has started a timed entry reservation system to help manage crowd levels and keep the area protected for future enjoyment!

The Timed Entry system can be a bit confusing and can change year to year, so here are the basic things you need to know for 2025: 

• Timed entry reservations operate from June through mid-October. In 2024 the main Brainard Lake gate closed for the season on October 13th. 

• Entry times are available in interval time frames from 5am - 8pm, 7 days per week. 

• Reservations are for a particular parking lot in the Brainard Lake Recreation Area. 

• Reservations are available to purchase for $16 on recreation.gov (America the Beautiful and Interagency Passes can be applied to the reservation to lower the fee) 

If you’re planning an engagement session for Brainard Lake Recreation Area during the summer or fall months, I’d suggest reserving your timed entry ticket sooner rather than later because they do sell out quickly, especially on weekends. In addition to booking our entry tickets early, Karryn, Rob, and I opted to arrive at the gate by 6am to enjoy sunrise and avoid the mid-morning crowds. 

Arriving before sunrise at Brainard Lake Recreation Area

After a 4am wake up call, Karryn and Rob arrived at Brainard Lake with camping chairs, a portable stove, and all the fixings for their traditional breakfast ritual. The decision to begin their session before sunrise gave us lots of time to enjoy the area without crowds and allowed us to witness a beautiful sunrise while eating warm breakfast burritos and chocolate chip muffins!

The morning didn’t go without a couple amusing mishaps. One of Karryn and Rob’s favorite things to do together is make their morning coffee and Karryn made sure to bring  their favorite brand with them for the session. Unfortunately, when she was about to pour it into their cups, the  kettle toppled over onto the rocks and we lost the whole pot! She ended up saving a little, but it made for a big laugh & a promise to visit their favorite coffee shop in Nederland after the session. 

Cooking breakfast, skipping rocks, and playing some Cribbage

My favorite part of Karryn & Rob’s engagement session was their decision to incorporate activities that genuinely reflected their relationship. Instead of solely focusing on posed portraits, I got to capture the story of their morning engaging in their favorite pastimes. It allowed for incredible images full of sweet, candid moments. 

One thing Rob insisted we do was set up the Cribbage board. It’s a tradition they've maintained on their camping adventures together, so he wanted to capture that. Their cribbage game became some of my favorite photos of the session because it was full of laughter and playful banter that  perfectly captured their dynamic relationship and shared value of having fun together.

Essential Tips for Your Brainard Lake Engagement Session

If you’re looking to have your own engagement session at Brainard Lake, here are my top tips for a memorable experience like Karryn & Rob:

Best time of Day

The optimal timing for engagement photos at Brainard Lake typically falls within the golden hours – either just after sunrise or before sunset – for a beautiful, soft light across the lake and mountains.

*Pro tip: My personal favorite time of day is sunrise because of the direction of the light and mountains. You get that dreamy pinkish alpine glow on the peaks behind you! 

Best Season

Brainard Lake Recreation Area is open year-round, and there truly isn’t a bad time to visit.

• Summer season ranges from June - mid October
  Summer season is best for hiking all of the different trails in the area and parking closest to the lake. Bring your kayak or Stand Up Paddleboard for a truly memorable experience!

• Winter season is from Mid October - June.
  If you visit in the winter, you have to park at Gateway Trailhead and walk 2 miles into the park to reach the lake. Don’t let this discourage you though, it’s a spectacular place to snowshoe!!

Weather & Climate

Brainard Lake is tucked deep in the mountains at 10,000+ ft above sea level. This means that weather conditions can change rapidly at this elevation, so bringing appropriate layers and weather-proof gear ensures comfort throughout your session regardless of unexpected weather shifts.

Always come prepared and if you’re unsure,  hire a local engagement photographer that knows the area and can help you with all the preparation & advice! 

Multiple Locations for all types of adventurous couples

While Brainard Lake offers accessible shooting locations directly from the parking area with no hiking required, numerous trails provide opportunities for more adventurous couples seeking varied backdrops, from dense pine forests to pristine alpine lakes like Mitchell Lake and Lake Isabelle. 

Tips for candid, beautiful photos

Incorporating meaningful activities that reflect your relationship, as Karryn and Rob did with their breakfast preparation and cribbage game, can help create natural, relaxed moments that translate beautifully in photographs.

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Karryn and Rob's engagement session at Brainard Lake exemplifies how incorporating genuine interests and activities can transform a photo session from a potentially awkward experience into a fun, goofy, and natural celebration of your relationship. The success of their engagement photos stems from their willingness to be truly themselves – making breakfast burritos at altitude, playing their favorite game, and simply enjoying each other's company in one of my favorite spots in Colorado. I hope their story serves as inspiration for you and your mountain engagement session! 

Looking for a Colorado Engagement Photographer to help you plan an amazing session?

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Looking for your own Brainard Lake Engagement Photos?

Hi, I’m Hannah!
I’m a Colorado Elopement photographer specializing in meaningful adventure sessions and elopements. I’m all about documenting moments, emotions, and experiences and care about the process and feeling of our time together just as much as the final images!

If you’re looking for a photographer to capture your love, let’s chat! Reach out here to schedule your free consultation with me!

Intimate Vineyard Micro Wedding in Elkin NC

Brook and Luke celebrated their micro wedding in October of 2024 in Elkin, North Carolina! It was not their originally planned day, but Hurricane Helene hit Western North Carolina a week before, so their plans shifted dramatically. Although it was not what they had originally envisioned, they were able to celebrate exactly how they wanted with gorgeous views, incredible weather, and fun activities with their closest people! Keep reading to hear more about the planning process and story of their day!

Are you thinking about having a micro wedding in North Carolina but need some help or inspiration? We also recommend checking out these guides!

• Best North Carolina Intimate Wedding Venues

• Incredible Vacation Rentals for your Blue Ridge Mountain Wedding

• How to Elope on the Blue Ridge Parkway

• How to Elope in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Their original vision in Western, NC

Brook and Luke reached out to us wanting an incredibly intimate day. They knew that they wanted to include their immediate families, and most importantly, their 1 year old son. Brook had always envisioned her wedding to be romantic, with a spot for her and her father to share the classic “walking down the aisle” moment. They eventually decided on having their ceremony in Great Smoky Mountains National Park for stunning fall views of the mountains and then having their reception at a cidery in Hendersonville.

Pivoting plans after Hurricane Helene

A week before their big day, Hurricane Helene devastated Western North Carolina, including roads into and around Great Smoky Mountains National park and Maggie Valley where they had planned to stay. There was no clear plan on how the state would recover, so we decided to pivot plans for the wedding to be in Elkin, North Carolina instead of the Appalachian mountains. After many hours on the phone and checking emails, Becca was able to secure Dobbin’s Creek Vineyard for Brook and Luke’s intimate celebration. Thanks to Leslie’s kindness, we were able to host the entire event on the property. Brook and Luke could not have had a more perfect day!

Inspired to plan your own North Carolina Micro Wedding?!

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Planning your own North Carolina Micro Wedding and need help?

Hi, we’re Becca and Hannah! A North Carolina wedding Photographer and Planner!

We’re more than just the vendors setting up table decor and shooting posed portraits after your ceremony.

We’re here to create a safe and community driven space for you to make your meaningful wedding vision a reality, without you having to do any of the heavy lifting!

Micro wedding planning is our absolute jam, so if you’re interested, reach out here to schedule your free consultation with us!