The pros and cons of eloping in Colorado in each season of the year. And what I think is the best time of year to elope in Colorado.
Colorado is one of the best states to experience the natural beauty of all 4 seasons. The weather and wildflowers in springtime, the alpine lakes and pristine hiking in Summer, the fiery colors on display during fall and the untouched beauty of snowfall in winter are huge draws. However there are also downsides to each season here in Colorado as well. So what is the best time of year to elope in Colorado?
It’s important to note that snowpack in the higher elevations can stick around until late summertime. If you’re hiking during the springtime or even early summer, you’ll need to prepare ahead with spikes or tracks of some kind for traction. If you want the scenery during your elopement to be green and totally free of snow, you may want to plan for late summer or early fall.
Springtime
Okay hear me out – in my not so humble opinion, Springtime in Colorado is absolutely unbeatable. Spring is the best time of year to elope in Colorado. Hands down. The temps tend to stay in the mid 70s, with it dropping low at night without sun. It doesn’t get too hot during the days, making it perfect for full-day adventures in the mountains. The flowers are all blooming, the grass is getting green.
People in the mountains are starting to embrace the weather and do more outdoor activities like hiking, biking, fishing, and paddle boarding. The wildlife is all coming back to life as well with elk and deer having their babies and grazing. The snow starts to melt on all the higher elevation trails that take you to the alpine lakes. It is also not quite as crowded as the full-on summertime or fall when the lookey-loos just want to see the changing colors from their car windows.
Springtime is and always will be my favorite season in Colorado personally. It is also my absolute hands -down favorite time of year to do elopements in the mountains with my clients.
PROS
- People love to enjoy the mild, cool weather in the high country.
- Lots of visitors travel to see wildflowers blooming on trails.
- If the snow was good the previous winter, spring skiing is phenomenal.
- If you’re a bit early in the spring season, say in late March or April, the crowds will be less thick than later in the spring or summer.
- Pricing for accommodations and activities can be slightly more affordable this time of year compared to peak summer and winter weeks.
CONS
- This is when the crowds begin to thicken! Come spring break, the population of these little sleepy mountain towns starts to explode with tourists and locals looking to escape and enjoy springtime in the mountains.
- The most beautiful vistas can be harder to access and can feel a lot less private as spots for potentially reciting your vows with your fiancé. We may have to get creative about the timing of our shoots if you are set on a more popular vista (think sunrise and sunset)
- The weather can be slightly more unpredictable in early-mid spring, we have had snow as late as mid-May!
Summer
PROS
- The weather is usually very predictable with hotter temps and showers in the afternoons that cool things off.
- Access to high altitude Alpine lakes is much easier in the summertime. Snowpack on trails can make it more of a struggle to get all the way up to them.
- Ski mountains are awesome photoshoot spots in the summertime, usually all you have to do is take the gondola up to the summit.
CONS
- CROWDS. Summertime brings the most looky-loo tourists of any season to Colorado. Unfortunately they can make it really frustrating to find a secluded, private spot.
- Prices can be a little higher during summertime with the high demand for accommodations and activities.
- It can actually get hot! The sun is very strong here and if you’re not into being sweaty, summer may not be the time to be in a full length gown.
Autumn
PROS
- Fall colors are unbeatable in some places in Colorado. The crops of Aspens can be vast and gorgeous, and add natural character to your elopement images.
- Pricing can be a little bit more affordable in certain areas during this time before ski season begins.
- The weather can be nice and mild, averaging 60-70 in the early fall. But still boasting 360 days a year of sunshine.
CONS
- High traffic spots can be even more popular in the fall than the summer due to the changing colors and milder weather. Leaf-peeping is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.
- Later in the season, the weather can become more unpredictable and we usually have our first snow by October.
Winter
PROS
- Drive- up viewpoints and easily accessible vistas are less crowded during this time of year. Leaving them a little more open for being private spots with no spectators.
- The snow is a gorgeous, unique backdrop for epic photos of you and Colorado landscape.
- If you avoid the ski areas, the pricing of accommodations can actually be lower than all year during the winter season.
CONS
- Snow can be inconvenient and potentially dangerous for out-of-state drivers who are not accustomed to driving in snowy conditions. Not to mention the possibility of being too cold to show off your dress in its full glory.
- Places higher in elevation could be harder to access during winter months, like Alpine lakes.
- Getting those epic sunrise and sunset moments may be more difficult to do in the colder months. Without sunshine, the temperature drops significantly.
Every season has its charms here in Colorado. And it really depends on you and your fiance and what you like to do together to plan which season is going to be best for your dream elopement. If you love to hike and explore the miles and miles of pristine trails, maybe spring or summer would be a better time to capture your time together during your elopement. On the other hand, sometimes timing is out of our control. So I’m here to make it work in every season. Whenever you choose to elope in Colorado I can help make it unique and tailored just for you and your lover.
No matter the time of year, I can plan you an epic, stunning elopement here in Colorado, let’s start chatting!
