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:
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!
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!
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!
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!
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!
