Everything You Need to Pack and Plan
You’ve picked your location, booked your photographer, and now you need to make sure nothing gets forgotten on the actual day. This Colorado elopement checklist breaks down everything to pack and plan, section by section.
(Grab the free printable PDF version at the bottom of this post.)
Your Marriage License
Sort this as soon as possible. Colorado is a self-solemnizing state, so you don’t need an officiant, but you do need a valid license from a Colorado county clerk’s office. Both partners must be present to apply. Get it a few days early, not the morning of. The Colorado Secretary of State’s website has county-specific details. And don’t forget to bring it on your elopement day!
Clothing to Bring
Layer for the mountain weather, not just the forecast. Temperatures can swing 20 degrees in an hour, and afternoon storms roll in fast above treeline regardless of season.
- Your outfit, packed and ready the night before if you are changing at your location
- Light jacket or wrap (summer and fall)
- Heavy insulated coat (winter)
- Thermal base layers (winter)
- Comfortable, broken-in shoes for the terrain (hiking boots are encouraged if you’re walking around a lot, pack the nice shoes)
- Extra socks, wet feet end elopements faster than altitude does
- Sunglasses (no hats)
- A small bag or clutch if you want somewhere to put your phone during the ceremony
What to Pack
Bring at least one backpack between you. As your photographer I will have a pack that you can add some things too, but I won’t be able to carry everything for all of us.
Hydration and fuel
- Water, at least 2 liters per person if it is an all day adventure. Water is the best thing for you when you feel the altitude sickness (although water does not itself treat altitude sickness)
- Electrolyte packets or a sports drink (altitude dehydration sneaks up fast)
- Trail mix, granola bars, or your favorite snacks for the trail
- A real meal if your day is long, think sandwiches, wraps, or something you can eat without utensils (coordinate with your photographer on timing so it fits naturally into the day)
- A small celebratory treat, chocolates, a slice of cake, whatever feels like you
Sun and skin
- Sunscreen, SPF 30 or higher (UV is intense above 10,000 feet)
- Lip balm with SPF
- Bug spray, especially July through September
- Any makeup and hair touch-up items you want on hand
Safety and comfort
- Basic first aid kit: blister pads, ibuprofen, any personal medications
- An emergency whistle
- A light rain jacket or packable layer, even in summer
- Small trash bag to pack out everything you bring in
Before You Leave the House
Check these off before you walk out the door.
- Marriage license in a protective sleeve in your bag
- Rings accounted for
- Have my number saved directly in your phone, not just in an email thread
- Offline maps downloaded for your specific location
- Weather checked the morning of
- Phone charged above 80% with a portable charger packed
- Parking pass or America the Beautiful pass if your location needs one and your photographer isn’t handling that
- Road and trailhead access confirmed, especially in winter (many close seasonally)
- Itinerary and expected return time left with someone at home
- Vows saved somewhere offline – highly recommended you write them down
- Any meaningful objects packed: heirlooms, flowers, something sentimental
Winter Add-Ons
Winter elopements are some of the most stunning you can have in Colorado, and they ask a little more from your packing list. Check road closures before you finalize any location. CDOT’s road conditions page is the most current source.
- Heavy insulated coat, not just a thick fleece
- Waterproof gloves, bare hands in the cold make rings hard to feel
- Thermal base layers for both of you
- Waterproof pants if snow is on the ground
- Traction cleats for icy trails
- Warm hat that still photographs well
- Hand warmers, bring more than you think you need
- Hot drinks in an insulated thermos
- Confirmed road access for your specific location and date
Key Takeaways
- Your marriage license must come from a Colorado county clerk, and both partners need to be present to apply.
- Pack at least 2 liters of water per person, it’s the biggest thing you can do to help prevent altitude sickness.
- Sunscreen SPF 30 or higher, even on overcast days.
- Download offline maps and save my number directly in your phone before you leave.
- Winter elopements need real gear: heavy coat, waterproof gloves, traction cleats, and confirmed road access.
- Check weather the morning of and leave an itinerary with someone at home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do we need a witness for a Colorado elopement?
No. Colorado allows self-solemnization, which means you can marry each other without an officiant or witnesses. You still need a valid marriage license and must complete and return the paperwork according to your county clerk’s instructions.
Are there permit requirements for eloping in Colorado?
It depends on the specific location and the rules of the agency or property owner managing it. A small guest count does not automatically mean a ceremony is permit-free.
Confirm ceremony permissions, permit requirements, group limits, and any separate entrance or reservation requirements before committing to your location.
What if the weather turns bad on our elopement day?
Talk through a backup location, timing options, and a weather plan with your photographer before your date. We can adapt the day rather than relying on the weather to cooperate.
Thunderstorms require a safety response, not just a change to the photo plan. If you hear thunder, seek shelter in a substantial building or an enclosed, hard-topped vehicle. Wait at least 30 minutes after the last thunder before returning outdoors.
Read the National Weather Service’s lightning safety guidance.
Is the America the Beautiful pass worth it?
It can be, depending on which federal recreation sites you plan to visit and the fees you would otherwise pay. Compare your itinerary with the current pass options before purchasing.
The pass covers qualifying entrance and standard amenity fees at participating federal sites. It does not replace wedding permits, timed-entry reservations, or separate activity and camping fees.
Check current pass prices and coverage, including eligibility and residency requirements.
How far ahead should we apply for our marriage license?
Check your chosen county clerk’s appointment availability and application process early. Build time into your trip to obtain the license before your elopement day rather than leaving it until that morning.
Colorado marriage licenses must be used within 35 days of issuance, so plan your appointment within that window. Follow your issuing county’s instructions for completing and returning the license.
Let’s Plan Your Day
Want help thinking through locations, timing, and what your day could actually look like? Read more about where to elope in Colorado and when to elope in Colorado to keep planning, or reach out directly and we can talk through the details together.
