Colorado is well known for its stunning mountains and high alpine lakes. They're the reason most people choose to elope here. But what if you want something different for your elopement day? What if you could plan something that made people go, "Wait, you can do that for your wedding?" The five ideas I've laid out below go a little outside the classic 'mountain elopement' box in a way that's fun and unique but still highlights the astounding beauty of Colorado.
Take A Train Ride
Colorado is home to multiple narrow gauge railways that are still in operation and a lot of fun to ride! These trains were in use back when Colorado went through its mining boom, and are now operated as a way to teach people about Colorado's history. Eloping on a train isn't something you usually hear about people doing, but it is absolutely possible! The three main railways in operation are available to book and have designated routes with stops along the way.
Georgetown loop railroad
The closest to Denver is the Georgetown Loop Railroad, which is a passenger train pulled by a classic steam engine. The route starts just outside historical downtown Georgetown and winds up the mountain to the old mining town of Silver Plume, where it makes a stop for people to explore before heading back down to Georgetown. The ride itself isn't too long and there is an option to add a mine tour onto your experience. This railroad is incredibly accessible- you can see it from i70!- and is right near the scenic Georgetown Reservoir and the entrance to Guanella Pass, one of the top spots for leaf peeping in the state.
leadville railroad
Embarking from Leadville, CO to halfway up Fremont Pass, the Leadville Railroad is one of my FAVORITES for the fall. The train travels through some pretty stellar aspen groves and the views across the valley are unparalleled when the leaves are at their peak. It has enclosed cars as well as open air and runs year round. They schedule special rides for different times of year, such as for the wildflowers, the aspens, and the winter holidays, so planning in advance is essential. The railroad is within walking distance of downtown Leadville, which has some amazing food such as Moe's BBQ and America's Highest Brewery, as well as historical buildings to check out such as the Tabor Opera House and the Silver Dollar Saloon.
durango & silverton railroad
This historic railway runs through the San Juan mountains from Durango to Silverton through the Animas Canyon. This railway by far has the most flexible options for stops and timelines. The full round trip from Durango to Silverton and back again takes around nine hours, but there are multiple alternatives such as taking the train one way and a coach bus back or staying overnight in Silverton and catching the train back the next day. This train runs all year round and in the winter, it gets a full makeover as the Polar Express (with hot chocolate and elves and everything!). If you're looking for an extended train adventure, this railroad is the way to go.
Say Your Vows In A Hot Air Balloon
Yeah, that's possible. Just make sure you don't drop the rings!
There are multiple companies across Colorado that offer hot air balloon rides, and saying your vows way up in the air is certainly a memorable way to celebrate your love. Do it at sunrise in the summer with the sun coming up over the peaks, or at golden hour in the dead of winter for some absolutely epic photos. Pair it with lunch and drinks at a local brewery or a stay at some hot springs and you've got yourself a low-exertion, unique to you elopement day!
Have Your Ceremony In A Ghost Town
Another vastly overlooked feature of Colorado is its numerous ghost towns. Almost all of them were once thriving mining towns that slowly died as the ore ran out. Some are very accessible, some take a 4x4, and some you can only get to by hiking. They vary from almost perfectly preserved to some standing buildings to just the foundations or even just an open prairie where the buildings used to stand. Aside from being scenic and incredibly interesting historically, my inner witch side loves the concept of promising new love and new life in a place that's long since gone quiet. Throw in some golden aspens, a black dress, and a little autumn fog and you've got yourself a perfect gothic-western-nature-witchy wedding. There are dozens of ghost towns throughout Colorado, but I've listed some of the ones I've been to below, with a brief description.
ST. elmo
One of the most accessible and well-preserved ghost towns in Colorado. You can drive right to it and visit the small store that's still open. There are more roads to walk that just the main street, and several trails that branch off from the area. It's located outside of Buena Vista in the Collegiate Peaks Wilderness, not far from Mt. Princeton Hot Springs.
Ashcroft
Another one of Colorado's best preserved ghost towns, Ashcroft sits outside Aspen in the next valley over from Maroon Bells. It's also very accessible, with the town being a two minute walk from the parking lot on an easy trail. There are several buildings still standing and multiple ruins/foundations and outlines of the old streets. There are also multiple picnic areas right along the river nearby. It costs $5 to enter and unfortunately no pets are allowed.
independence
Just up the road from Ashcroft on Independence Pass is what remains of the town of Independence. When silver was found in the roaring fork valley, Independence was at its peak. Now there are a handful of buildings still standing and several well preserved foundations, as well as the ruins of the old mill about a quarter mile walk away.
twin lakes
Twin Lakes is a ghost town that still has a little life to it. Located at the bottom of Independence Pass on the Leadville side, the town of Twin Lakes is a well traveled stop along the Colorado Trail. There is a store and a hotel as well as a couple of places to eat, but across the road from the inhabited buildings sits the original town of Twin Lakes, including the town hall and the hotel. There are trails that wind along the edge of the lake and through the willows around the edge of the old town. Not far away, there is a longer hike out to the ruins of the Interlaken Resort, an old hotel build in 1879 that was abandoned as the mining rush died.
Alta
Located deep in the San Juan Mountains not far from Alta Lakes Observatory sits the remains of Alta. The structures of this old mining town sit along a path that leads up to the lower Alta Lakes. At the Observatory, which is one of the highest-elevation rentable structures in the U.S. (and absolutely stunning for elopements), there are also the ruins of the old mill and some of the tram cables out behind the observatory itself. It's about 30 minutes from Telluride and the road from the highway to the town is rough. It would be best to have at least AWD and somewhat high clearance (I made it just fine in my Subaru Forester) although I do know someone who made it to the lower lake in a Prius- but I would NOT recommend it!
gothic
Yeah. A ghost town called Gothic. Could you ask for a better Halloween elopement spot? Gothic is located just north of Crested Butte up a dirt road. This is one of the best valleys for wildflowers in the summer, and although the area is mostly uninhabited, the Rocky Mountain Biology Lab uses the townsite as their headquarters. There's also a really good coffee shop that operates in the summer! In the winter, Gothic is accessible by snowshoe, cross country skis, and snowmobiles.
marble mill/crystal mill
These two sites are both located out of the tiny town of Marble, CO, which is home to- you guessed it- a giant marble mine. The marble from this mountain was used for the Lincoln Memorial and The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Washington, D.C. The mine is still very much operational and there are year round residents that live in Marble itself, but there are two unique sets of ruins in the area. One is the Marble Mill site- located in town right by the river are the remains of the original marble mill. The ruins extend quite a ways down the riverbank, with some of the remaining walls and pillars standing as well as some of the floor. It really gives off the sort of ruined palace vibe you wouldn't expect to find in Colorado. The other site is the Crystal Mill and the Crystal Ghost town- located five miles outside of Marble and accessible either by hiking or high clearance 4x4, the Crystal Mill is one of the most iconic Colorado sights. The old mill sits right above the Crystal River with the Elk Mountains in the background, and the town site is just up the road in a picturesque meadow surrounded by dramatic peaks. If you're looking for someplace that looks like Switzerland, this is it. And after, you can stop at Slow Groovin' BBQ in Marble for some of the best barbecue in the state!
Go Dogsledding
When it comes to Colorado, everyone things of skiing. The lesser known activity that is WAY more fun (in my opinion) is dogsledding! Not only because you get to hang out with some adorable pups, but because it's something people don't always think of to do. Most people associate it with Canada or Alaska or Scandinavia, but it's possible to do right here in the Rocky Mountains. There are a handful of dogsledding operations, mostly in the Central Rockies such as Summit County, Leadville, and Steamboat Springs. Can you imagine the photos you could get of your dress streaming off the back of of a sled with a bunch of cute huskies tossing fresh powder everywhere? Mushing out to a remote area and saying your vows in a stand of snow-dusted pines is definitely a memorable way to have a wedding.
Rent A Sailboat
Sailing? In the mountains??
Yep. There's exactly one spot in the mountains of Colorado where you can rent a sailboat and say your vows on the open water- Dillon Reservoir in Summit County. It's best if you already know a bit about sailing before you decide you want to do this for your elopement, but whether you know how to sail or not the Dillon Marina requires you to take a class prior to your rental because of the unique air currents and weather patterns of the mountains. If you're not quite up to the sailboat, there's also the option to rent out pontoon boats too! So if you were dreading having to decide between the beach and the mountains for your elopement, here's your solution! Well, this or Sand Dunes NP in May.
ready to step outside the box and plan your unique elopement?
Let's chat!