I may be a little biased, but there’s no place more magical for a wedding than my home state! From snowy mountaintops to canyons, rivers, forests, and deserts, our scenery provides a stunning backdrop for any celebration. Whether it’s the chic ski town setting of Aspen or Denver’s laid-back Western vibe, there’s a place for everyone to feel at home. And there’s so much for guests to see and experience too. It’s no wonder that Colorado is one of the hottest locations for destination weddings! And as a local wedding planner, I just love showing people everything we have to offer here. I’ve put together some of the most important wedding information into this Colorado wedding guide – just for you!
When to Get Married in Colorado
When it comes to choosing a wedding date for a Colorado destination wedding, the weather will probably play a big role. There are advantages and disadvantages to getting married in every season, so it really depends on what is important to you.
Most Colorado couples marry in the summer, when you can take advantage of sunny days and cool nights, as well as the mountains and meadows in full bloom. Winter is also popular, with many couples dreaming of a snowy Colorado destination wedding. Of course, the weather can be extreme, with mountain resorts receiving more than 300 inches of snow each year. Fall and spring are also popular. Fall brings the most beautiful foliage and temperatures of 23-78 degrees, while spring is also mild (25-62 degrees).
Whichever season you choose, be sure to check the calendar in your wedding location for any major festivals and events. These can be an added bonus! But Colorado is a major tourist destination, so some times of year can be extra busy, causing accommodation shortages and increased traffic. As a Colorado wedding planner, I’m always happy to advise my clients on dates to avoid.
Where to Get Married in Colorado
Whether you’re dreaming of a mountaintop elopement or a more traditional ballroom affair, there are so many incredible Colorado wedding venues to choose from.
You have tons of choices in major centers like Denver and some great selections in Colorado Springs and Boulder. However, some of my personal favorite locations include the smaller towns: Aspen, Beaver Creek, Vail, Keystone and Breckenridge.
Making it Legal
One of the great things about getting married in Colorado is how hassle-free the legal aspects are. Neither of you has to be a resident to get married in the state, and there are no blood tests or waiting period required. To obtain your wedding license, you simply both go to a County Clerk’s office on a weekday and fill out some paperwork. It takes around 20 minutes and you’ll need to bring your IDs. (If either of you is divorced or widowed, some additional documents are required.) The license costs $30. A marriage license from any county in Colorado can be used in any other county in Colorado. However, it must be filed after the wedding (in person or by mail) in the county where it was issued.
Another unique aspect to getting married in Colorado is that the state doesn’t require witnesses. It also allows couples to solemnize their own marriages (meaning that you can technically marry yourselves). You can of course also use a licensed officiant (including clergy, Native American tribal officials, judges and magistrates, and public officials).
Getting There and Around
Getting to and around Colorado for you and your guests is relatively simple and convenient. You can choose to fly into Denver, which connects with many mountain towns via the I-70. If you’re planning a destination wedding in Aspen, you can also fly into the local airport, whether you’re flying private or commercial.
Do be aware that winding mountain roads can be challenging at times, so you may wish to organize a shuttle service to transport groups of guests from the airport to your location. Each town and city has its own public transport services but again, it may be worth arranging transport for guests from church to reception or for a rehearsal dinner.
Whether you’re Colorado born and raised or have just fallen in love with our beautiful destination, there’s no doubt the Centennial State is an amazing place to tie the knot!
Image by Laura Goldenberger Photography.
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