Durango Colorado Weddings: A Guide to Eloping in Durango, CO

If you want your wedding day to feel slow, intentional, and cinematic — Durango, Colorado is the place to do it. Think sun-washed meadows, calm mountain lakes, soft wind on the water, and endlesssss San Juan Mountain views (!!!). 

Whether you want a canoe elopement, a lakeside ceremony, or a quiet meadow moment at golden hour, Durango gives you EVERYTHING you need for a relaxed, romantic, adventure-filled day.

Stick around for the best places to elope,, the best time of year, and what your experience looks like when you choose a Durango Colorado elopement with me.

Why Choose a Durango Colorado Wedding?

Durango is peaceful, easy to access, and full of variety. 

• Lakes that glow at sunrise and sunset
• Mountain backdrops without big crowds
• Meadows, forests, alpine passes, and private docks
• A slower pace that actually lets you enjoy your day

It’s one of the most underrated locations for San Juan elopements — especially for couples wanting something intimate and cinematic.

Head to this blog to learn literally anything and everything you could ever need to know for your San Juan Elopement

Best Lakes for a Durango or San Juan Elopement

1. Little Molas Lake

Open meadows, glassy water, and some of the dreamiest sunrise light in Colorado. Perfect for soft, romantic portraits or a quiet, just-us ceremony. See some of my work at Little Molas Lake, here and here!

2. Andrews Lake

A calm, pine-lined lake made for couples who love slow mornings, docks, and canoe elopement moments. Cozy, peaceful, and gorgeous year-round.

3. Vallecito Lake

If you want a lakeside VRBO or cabin stay, Vallecito is your spot. Great for private first looks on the dock and a full weekend wedding experience.

4. Electra Lake

Elegant, quiet, and surrounded by mountains. Ideal for couples who want a refined, editorial-style elopement without giving up adventure.

Wanting a different vibe? I share 17 places to elope in the San Juans in this blog!

When to Plan Your Durango Colorado Elopement

Late Spring: Cool, quiet, and perfect for privacy.
Summer: Peak lake season — warm sun, deep greens, and perfect canoe elopement weather.
Fall: Golden aspens + crisp air = cinematic perfection.
Winter: Quiet, snowy, and moody. Great for cozy cabin weddings.

How to Elope in the San Juans (The TL;DR Version)

1. Choose your season + locations.
   Lakes? Meadows? Canoe? Sunrise or sunset?
   
2. Book your cabin or VRBO.
   Most couples choose Vallecito or the lakeside pockets near Molas.
   
3. Get your Colorado marriage license.
   No witnesses needed — you can self-solemnize in Colorado!!
   
4. Build your timeline.
   I help you craft it around weather, light, and the vibe you want.
   
5. Choose a photographer who knows the area.
   The San Juans change fast — experience actually matters here.

Your Durango Colorado Elopement Experience With Me!

Your day should feel like a breath of fresh mountain air.
No rush, no pressure, just real moments and cinematic photos that feel like you.

Every Durango & San Juan elopement package includes:

• Location + permit guidance
• Timeline planning
• Activity ideas (canoe, picnic, forest walk, sunset photos)
• Unlimited planning help
• Candid, cinematic photography
• 72-hour sneak peeks
• Full gallery delivered in 2 weeks, flat. PERIOD. 

Most couples book 4–8 hours depending on how many spots they want to explore.

Sample Durango Colorado Weddings Timeline Ideas

If you want a wedding day that feels soft, intentional, and deeply romantic with mountain views and lake reflections you’ll remember forever — Durango is the place.

Let’s plan your Durango Colorado Wedding?

Your cinematic mountain day starts here. Inquire for your date here!