7 Reasons Why You Should Elope in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado
The San Juan Mountains in western Colorado are a unique & beautiful location for an elopement in Colorado. While areas such as Rocky Mountain National Park tend to be very popular, the San Juans are a much less visited place while offering even more unique beauty!
Where are the San Juan Mountains?
The San Juan Mountain range stretches across southwestern Colorado into northwestern New Mexico, with stunning landscapes that span multiple regions. In Colorado, the range runs from Norwood, Telluride, Ouray, Ridgway, Lake City, down to Dolores, Durango, & Pagosa Springs. Crossing into New Mexico, the San Juans continue their journey into the northern part of the state. These majestic peaks are home to several national forests, including the Uncompahgre & San Juan National Forests in Colorado, as well as the Carson National Forest in New Mexico.
7 Reasons to Elope in the San Juan Mountains of Western Colorado
While the Front Range of Colorado—including iconic destinations like Rocky Mountain National Park, Breckenridge, Denver, & Colorado Springs—gets much of the spotlight for elopements, the San Juan Mountains in Western Colorado are truly in a league of their own. This rugged & less-traveled region is full of towering peaks, hidden alpine lakes, & charming mountain towns, offering some of the absolute best spots for you to get married while surrounded by jaw-dropping natural beauty. If you’re envisioning an elopement that’s equal parts adventure & intimacy, the San Juans might just be the perfect backdrop for your big day!
1. Unique & Rugged Mountains
The mountains in western Colorado are steep, high, jagged, & have many unique formations. Iconic landmarks like Mount Sneffels, Dallas Divide, & the Cimarron Ridge showcase the unique character of this incredible range. Whether you’re planning your elopement in the vibrant wildflowers of summer, the golden glow of autumn, or the snowy magic of winter, the San Juan Mountains never fail to impress.
2. Lakes that are Bluer than the Sky
If you haven’t seen the lakes in Western Colorado yet, you are seriously missing out! The first time I saw them, I was blown away. I thought that kind of striking blue only existed in places like Banff, but these lakes prove otherwise. Their waters can be even bluer than the sky, & while they may not be as massive as Canada’s famous lakes, they offer a level of seclusion & vibrancy that’s truly unmatched. You’ve got to see them to believe it!
3. Some of the Best Fall Colors in Colorado are in the San Juan Mountains
The San Juan Mountains truly steal the show in the fall! People actually come from all around to see the fall colors that blanket Western Colorado. Picture this: rugged peaks, blue lakes, open skies, & vibrant foliage all coming together in a display of color. It’s the perfect backdrop for an adventure elopement. If you’re looking for a setting that’s as bold & beautiful as your love story, the San Juans in fall is hard to beat!
4. Waterfalls, Wildflowers, & Sunsets
The San Juan Mountains are a treasure trove of natural beauty, offering experiences that feel like they’re straight out of a fantasy land. There are valleys of waterfalls that look like something you’d find in far-off places like Iceland. Every year, wildflower festivals celebrate the vibrant bursts of color that cover the mountainsides. And let’s not forget the summer rainy season, where dramatic thunderstorms roll through & give way to the breathtaking cloud formations & fiery sunsets. The San Juans truly have it all!
5. The Best Mountain Towns are in the San Juan Mountains
The towns of Telluride, Ouray, Ridgway, & Silverton are some of my favorite mountain towns in the state. Telluride is one of the bigger tourist attractions & offers a lot of events, hiking, & great places to stay & great places to eat. Ouray offers easy access to a lot of off road trails, amazing hikes, & other forms of adventure. Ridgway is down the valley a little ways & is close to some great trails & beautiful county roads. Silverton is located in the heart of the mountains off the Million Dollar Highway with a ton of options for adventure for everyone.
6. Less Crowds
The San Juan Mountains are still a tourist destination but don’t get near the traffic of places like Rocky Mountain National Park. And the San Juans are so much better in my opinion! Even during the busiest times of year we receive less visitors than many other more popular areas. Less crowds means more privacy for your small wedding or intimate elopement.
A couple adventuring in the San Juan Mountains near Telluride for their elopement in Colorado
7. Great Opportunities for Adventure for Everyone
No matter what your level of adventure is, there’s something for everyone. Whether your idea of adventure is taking a Jeep tour or climbing the Via Feratta in Telluride, there are various degrees of adventure for people just wanting a taste of adventure to the people who want the ultimate adventurous experience.
Interested in learning more about an elopement in the San Juan Mountains?
While photography is my specialty, I love helping couples plan each & every aspect of their elopement. Photography is important to document the full story of your elopement day, but you also just need to have fun & enjoy the whole experience! Learn more about planning your Colorado elopement & contact me to learn more about how I can help you plan locations, book vendors, apply for permits, & help with elopement packages for your day!
Elopements in the San Juan Mountains
From Telluride & Ouray, to Silverton & Durango, the San Juan Mountains are my FAVORITE region of Colorado by far! If you’re stuck on where to elope in Colorado, let me just stop you right now & tell you to look into the San Juans. This place is not only home to me but I truly believe it is one of the prettiest places in the United States. These mountains are filled with such variety in locations like insanely blue lakes, gorgeous aspen tree forests, access to mountain tops through epic off-roading routes, remote scenery with no one else around, dark skies where you’re able to see the Milky Way, & so much fun to be had in the outdoors here. So yeah, I love the San Juan Mountains & I’d love to help you plan & photograph your elopement in these mountains. Learn more about me or contact me for more info!
COLORFUL – JOYFUL – STRESS FREE
Hey! I’m Malachi- Your Elopement Photographer for the San Juan Mountains
I’d love to chat more with you about your elopement! As a photographer that has lived in the San Juans for years, I know all sorts of hidden gems. I’d love to chat more about your day & help you plan an amazing day in the mountains.
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