The Ultimate Ouray CO Elopement Guide

If you’re dreaming of mountains that feel dramatic without feeling crowded, and a wedding day that actually feels calm, an Ouray CO elopement is hard to beat.

Ouray is one of those places in the world that just makes your jaw hit the floor the moment you see it IRL. Located in the San Juans, Ouray has this rare mix of alpine scenery, small-town charm, and easy access to wild places. You can go from coffee in town to standing in front of a full blown mountain backdrop in under 15 minutes. No hiking for hours. No overly produced “look-at-me” wedding energy. Just mountains doing what they do best.

For couples who want their elopement to feel intentional, cinematic, and very personal, Ouray makes that ridiculously easy.

What I love about an Ouray CO Elopement

Ouray is one of those places that photographs beautifully without forcing it.

What I love most:

• The light changes constantly (in the best way)
• The scenery feels big, but never overwhelming
• You can build a slow, flexible timeline without driving all day
• It works just as well for sunrise elopements as it does for golden-hour vows

It’s also incredibly forgiving. Weather shifts? We pivot. Crowds pop up? There’s always a quieter option nearby. That flexibility matters more than most couples realize, especially when you want your day to feel relaxed instead of rushed.

Ouray Elopement Guide: Locations, Permits, Timing, and Photo Tips

This is the practical part of this blog post – AKA what you probably came here for! 

Best Places to Elope in Ouray

Ouray is FULL of incredible ceremony spots, whether you want something simple or a little more adventurous. Ouray has it. 

A Few Favorites: 

• Yankee Boy Basin – Beautiful wildflowers in the summer! Insaneee waterfalls, high alpine lakes. Requires 4×4 offroading.
• Right off Highway 550 – also known as Million Dollar Highway
• Western Hotel – the perfect spot to have a lowkey ceremony & not have to worry about where you’re staying after. Although, I do have that part covered for you here.
• Crystal Lake – this spot is super close to the Million Dollar Highway and is also more accessible if you want to see the Red Mountains, but want to avoid the trek up there. 
• Gold Mountain Ranch – a sweet spot that feels like you’re on top of the world
• Lake Como – You’re literally on top of a mountain. Below you is lake como, one of the most beautiful high alpine lakes ever. Requires 4×4 offroading
• Ouray Amphitheater – honestly, it’s a classic & it’s close to town which can be great for elopement day activities before or after. You will need a Jeep or 4WD to get to the top & this is definitely a spot you may want to avoid during “muddy season”. 

Notable Adventurous Locations: 

• Ice Lake – this spot requires a TON of hiking, but the outcome is worth it. This spot is only available a few times a year because of the weather. The best time to plan your elopement here is July-September
• Red Mountain Pass – this is another cool spot that is only available during the summer months due to the high elevation & weather. However, there are beautiful ice blue lakes at the top and with the red hue from the mountains? Chef’s kiss. 
• Secret Falls – a very cool spot if you don’t mind walking through some icy water. This spot is located right off the Million Dollar Highway and can be tricky to find on maps, but once you’re there – it’s incredibly romantic and intimate because of the seclusion you get here. 
• Cascade Falls – see one of the tallest waterfalls in CO with a pretty accessible hike (mostly paved)

Do You Need a Permit to Elope in Ouray?

Short answer: sometimes.

It depends on:

• Where you’re eloping
• Guest count
• Whether the land is city-managed, county-managed, or forest service land – Most destinations in Ouray are forest land & do not require a permit.

There have been conversations of regulating the area with special-use permits, but as of January 2026, that has not been put in place.

Colorado is a self-solemnizing state which means you can marry yourself & sign your license. You can head to the Ouray Clerk’s office to get your marriage license for $30. Be sure to not get your license no more than 35 days from your elopement date.

Best Time of Year to Elope in Ouray

Summer is the obvious choice, mostly because it opens up the most location options—especially at higher elevations. Off-roading destinations are typically inaccessible from November through mid- to late April.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Epic hiking? → Summer / Early Fall
• Off-roading locations? → Summer
• Swiss Alps vibe? → Winter
• Peak hot springs energy? → Winter
• Golden aspens? → Fall

There’s no wrong season, just different experiences.

What an Ouray Elopement Timeline Can Look Like

One of the biggest perks of eloping in Ouray? You don’t have to rush.

Your day could include:

• A slow morning together
• Getting ready at your hotel or Airbnb
• A first look or private vows at Ouray Amphitheater
• Exploring a couple of scenic locations along Million Dollar Highway
• Time to breathe, snack, and soak it all in – maybe a dip in the Hot Springs?!?
• Sunset portraits or a cozy evening back in town

Half-day, full-day or even multi-day elopements work beautifully here.

What to Wear for an Ouray Elopement

Mountain elopements are all about balance: style + function.

A few things I always recommend:

• Layers (even in summer – a wind breaker is a go-to)
• Comfortable, secure footwear
• Wind-friendly fabrics
• Something you can move in

You don’t need to sacrifice style to stay comfortable and your photos will reflect that confidence.

How to Make Your Ouray Elopement Feel Personal

The most meaningful elopements aren’t about doing more—they’re about doing what matters.

Ideas couples love:

• Private vows
• Letters or notes to each other
• Sharing a meal or drink afterward
• Exploring somewhere new together

Ouray gives you space to slow down and actually feel your day while it’s happening.

Why No Two Ouray Elopements (or Photo Galleries) Are Ever the Same

I shoot elopements in a cinematic, documentary-driven way, which means your photos aren’t about recreating a checklist of poses or moments. They’re about telling the story of your day as it actually unfolds.

The light in Ouray changes constantly. Clouds roll in. Wind picks up. The mountains shift color by the minute. Because of that, no two elopements and no two galleries ever look the same, even at the same location.

Your experience shapes the photos:

• The way you move through the day
• How you interact with each other
• The pace you choose
• The conditions we’re given

All of that creates natural variety and built-in uniqueness without forcing anything.

That’s why I don’t believe in cookie-cutter elopements or one-size-fits-all timelines. Your day deserves to feel like yours, not like a copy of someone else’s Pinterest board. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How many guests can we have at an Ouray elopement?

That depends on the location. Some spots are best suited for just the two of you, while others can comfortably accommodate a small group. If having guests is important to you, we’ll choose locations that make sense without sacrificing the experience.

What’s the best month to elope in Ouray?

June through September offers the most access, especially for off-roading and high-elevation locations. Fall is perfect if you want aspens and fewer crowds. Winter elopements are quieter, moodier, and ideal if you love snow and hot springs. There’s no “best” month—just the best fit for you.

Can we still elope in Ouray if the weather changes?

Absolutely. Weather shifts are part of mountain elopements, and Ouray is one of the most flexible places to pivot. Alternate locations, timeline adjustments, and embracing the conditions often lead to some of the most cinematic moments of the day. This is where working with a local Ouray photographer comes in handy! 

Can we combine Ouray with another San Juan location?

Absolutely! This would be a great idea for a multi-day elopement experience! I have lots of resources on other destinations located in the San Juans.