How to Elope in Crested Butte Colorado
Welcome to Crested Butte, Colorado – a picturesque mountain town located in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. This charming town is the perfect destination for couples looking to elope in a stunning natural setting with plenty of adventure opportunities and professional wedding services.
This elopement guide will provide you with all the information you need to plan your dream wedding in Crested Butte. From choosing the perfect wedding venue to finding the best vendors for your wedding, we've got you covered.
Whether you're looking for a simple, intimate ceremony or an adventurous outdoor wedding, Crested Butte has something for every couple. So grab your partner, pack your bags, and get ready for an unforgettable wedding experience in this beautiful mountain town.
Crested Butte, Colorado is a popular destination for elopements for several reasons:
Natural beauty: Crested Butte is located in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, offering breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks, pristine forests, and colorful wildflowers. The town is surrounded by natural beauty, making it a stunning backdrop for a wedding or elopement ceremony.
Intimate setting: Elopements are often preferred by couples who want a more intimate wedding experience. Crested Butte is a small town with a population of around 1,500 people, which makes it the perfect place to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy a quiet, private wedding ceremony.
Adventure opportunities: For couples who love outdoor adventures, Crested Butte offers plenty of opportunities for hiking, skiing, snowboarding, mountain biking, and more. It's a great destination for couples who want to combine their wedding ceremony with an outdoor adventure experience.
Quaint town: Crested Butte has a charming and picturesque downtown area with historic buildings, shops, and restaurants. It's a great place to spend time with your loved one and soak up the relaxed mountain town atmosphere.
Professional wedding services: I would love to photograph your wedding in Crested Butte!
How to prepare to hike in high altitudes and avoid altitude sickness
How to get there :
The distance from Denver, Colorado to Crested Butte, Colorado is approximately 231 miles (372 kilometers) by car, depending on the route you take. The driving time can vary depending on traffic and road conditions, but it usually takes around 4-5 hours to drive from Denver to Crested Butte. Keep in mind that during the winter months, road conditions can be more challenging due to snow and ice, which may affect travel time.
Where to eat
Paradise Cafe - Every time I tried to eat here it was an hour's wait, but it looked amazing.
Pitas in Paradise- Go here early, it had the weirdest hours often closing by 4 pm. The watermelon Sangria and the chicken pita hit the spot after a day of mountain biking.
Butte Bagel- Ate here every morning for breakfast, the Hippie and the Maxwell are my go-to.
Ryce- Asian Bistro- Loved this place! The beef salad and the panko shrimp were my favorites.
Bonez- A fun Mexican restaurant with a neat atmosphere, It’s not the best I’ve ever had but it’s worth a stop.
Where to Elope
The best time of year to elope in Crested Butte
Crested Butte is a beautiful town located in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. The best time of year to elope in Crested Butte largely depends on your personal preferences, as each season offers unique experiences and scenery.
If you are looking for a winter wonderland elopement, then the best time to visit Crested Butte is from December to February. During this time, the town is covered in snow, and you can enjoy skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing in the surrounding mountains.
If you prefer mild temperatures and stunning autumn foliage, then the best time to elope in Crested Butte is from late September to early October. This is when the aspen trees turn gold, creating a breathtaking backdrop for your wedding ceremony and photos.
If you love wildflowers and lush greenery, then the best time to elope in Crested Butte is from mid-June to mid-July. This is when the town is in full bloom, with wildflowers covering the valleys and mountainsides.
Ultimately, the best time to elope in Crested Butte depends on your preferences and what kind of experience you want to have on your special day. Be sure to check the weather and plan accordingly, as the weather in the Rocky Mountains can be unpredictable.
Where to stay :
Hotels :
Scarp Ridge Lodge: I think this downtown hotel is SO cute! I would love to capture a first look right in front.
Public House Lofts: Well-appointed lofts are located above the Public House, right on Crested Butte’s main drag.
Vaquera House: Luxury meets the rugged mountains. This intimate, 10-room house is perfect for family, and friends, to wind down, connect, and explore Crested Butte.
Lodge Crested Butte: One of the best budget hotels in the area, and where I often stay. Isn’t the most aesthetic so I would recommend staying at a cuter lodge downtown or capturing your getting ready outside of your car at a beautiful location.
Lodge at Mountaineer Square: Located in the heart of the Crested Butte Mountain Resort base area – just steps from the ski lifts, hiking, and biking as well as shopping, ski area services, and restaurants.
Nordic Inn: The longest operating lodge in Gunnison County and is the first and only remaining hotel in Mt. Crested Butte from the first year the ski area opened in 1963. This quaint little Crested Butte lodge was beautifully renovated only a few years ago. The main building reminds me of a European Ski Lodge.
Vendors:
Photography :
Flora Gibson Photography contact me HERE!
Florals :
Misty Mountain Floral - By Keli Massey
MUAH :
Massage :
Escape Bodywork Boutique - ask for Miles. I had a morning massage the day before I was shooting an elopement and it was so needed after the long drive, plane flight, and mountain biking.
Wedding License
To obtain a wedding license in Crested Butte, Colorado, you will need to follow these steps:
Visit the Gunnison County Clerk's Office: The office is located in the town of Gunnison, about 28 miles from Crested Butte. You and your partner must appear in person to apply for the license.
Bring required documents: You will need to bring a valid photo ID such as a driver's license, passport, or state-issued ID, as well as your social security number. If you have been previously married, you will need to bring a copy of your divorce decree or the death certificate of your previous spouse.
Pay the fee: The fee for a marriage license in Gunnison County is $30. You can pay with cash, check, or credit/debit card.
Fill out the application: You and your partner will need to fill out the marriage license application, which includes information such as your full legal name, dates and places of birth, current addresses, and parents' names.
Wait for the license: After you submit the application and pay the fee, you will receive your marriage license. The license is valid for 35 days and can be used anywhere in the state of Colorado.
You can self-sodomize in Colorado so you do not need an officiant if you don’t want one!
My travel essentials!
M & K eloped in last week. They started their wedding day at The La Playa Hotel in Carmel for their get-ready photos then they traveled to the ceremony in a vintage Thunderbird to Fanshell Beach along 17-Mile drive. We then adventured to Big Sur for cliffside sunset photos and their first dance on the beach and a toast to the newly married couple.
California Elopement, Elope Photos, California Elopement Photographer, Carmel Elopement Ideas, Elopement, Beach Wedding, Elopement Inspiration,