Summer elopement in Telluride, Colorado photographed by Chuck & Shiloh

When it comes to choosing the best time of year to get married in Colorado, you are tasked with considering several factors. For some couples, the decision is pretty cut and dry. But for others, it is a decision that involves research, weighing options, and compromise. And I’ll be honest: as a Colorado wedding and elopement photographer, my opinion changes frequently! So as you embark on the wedding planning journey, just know that your best time of year to get married is completely dependent on what you want your experience to be. Spoiler alert: your day will be perfect, regardless of the date on the calendar.

Whether you’re traveling from out of state for a Colorado elopement, or you’re a Colorado native who is planning a wedding in your home state, it will come as no surprise that the seasons vary greatly in the Centennial State. It is also important to note that a warm, early Spring day in Trinidad is not the same as an early Spring day in Boulder. As you peruse the remainder of the blog, just keep that in mind. I highly recommend extensively researching weather patterns for whatever area of Colorado you are considering for your nuptials.

Best Time of Year to Get Married in Colorado

Spring Weddings and Elopements in Colorado (March-May)

Spring in many parts of Colorado brings fresh blooms, rushing waterfalls, and mild temperatures — making it a beautiful time to say “I do.” The season is especially magical for couples who love vibrant greenery, the smell of fresh mountain air, and mild temperatures.

Historically, March is the snowiest month in Colorado. If hitting the slopes or cozying up in the sparkly snow is what you’re envisioning for your Colorado wedding day, I’d recommend choosing a more northern location. While most ski resorts are still open throughout March, many of them do close in early April — so just be aware when building your itinerary.

A whimsical Spring elopement in Colorado

Pros of a Springtime Wedding in Colorado:

Enjoy mild temperatures in the lower elevations.
Rushing river and waterfalls, thanks to snowmelt (AKA: epic photo backdrops.)
New vegetation, growth, and wildlife running about in lower elevations. Everything seems to emerge from hibernation as the temperatures start to trend upwards.
Spring isn’t a super popular tourist season in Colorado, so you’ll enjoy less crowds.

Cons of a Springtime Wedding in Colorado:

Mud season (April and early May) can make outdoor venues less accessible.
Depending on the exact month you choose for your wedding, there may still be an abundance of brown/dead vegetation until greenery emerges.
Like much of the county, despite looking at historic weather patterns, Spring weather is never guaranteed. Planning a Colorado wedding in the Spring can be unpredictable, and even a little more stressful if you’re relying on a certain type of weather.
Heightened avalanche risks thanks to the warming temperatures, and late Spring snowstorms.
Late March and early April brings Spring Break for students across the state. Take that into account when selecting dates to avoid excessive crowds.

Summer Weddings and Elopements in Colorado (June-August)

It should come as no surprise that summertime is the most popular time for a wedding in Colorado. Thanks to the long, sunny days and access to hundreds of trails, what’s not to love? With July being the hottest month in Colorado, high temperatures typically hover in the upper 80s, with lows in the mid 50s. Unlike the Midwest or East Coast, Colorado has relatively low humidity, which makes for the best kinda days!

With Summertime being the most popular time of year to get married in Colorado, it is also the most popular time to visit Colorado. Keep this in mind when planning your wedding — whether you are eloping or having a traditional wedding.

Pros of a Summer Wedding in Colorado:

Warm, predictable weather, especially throughout June and early July.
Gorgeous wildflowers reach their peak in July.
Outdoor venues are fully accessible, from mountain peaks to rustic ranches.
Sunset ceremonies are made even more spectacular with longer daylight.

Cons of a Summer Wedding in Colorado:

Tourist season is in full swing come the summer months. If you’re eloping, be prepared to rise early to avoid large crowds.
MOSQUITOES. Need I say more?! They can be especially bad after a wet season…which leads me to my next “con”.
Afternoon rain showers are most common in July and August. While they do pass quite quickly, it’s a mosquito’s dream.
Popular wedding venues and accommodations get snagged up quickly. Book things as soon as possible.
Higher elevations may still feel cool, especially in the evenings.

How to include your dog during your Colorado elopement

Fall Weddings and Elopements in Colorado (September-November)

I don’t know about you, but Fall has a special place in my heart. But Fall in Colorado is otherworldly! Early Fall in Colorado ushers in those dreamy warm colors across the landscape, and takes those pesky afternoon rain showers with it.

Keep in mind that while Fall isn’t the “most popular” time to visit Colorado, there is still an abundance of visitors hoping to see some Fall foliage in the mountains.

Pros of a Fall Wedding in Colorado:

Cooler temperatures arrive, which makes wearing formal wear way more tolerable.
Crowd sizes dwindle, giving way to the possibility of a more intimate experience.
Enjoy breathtaking photo opportunities with the quickly fleeting Fall foliage. Despite the limited window, there is still so much beauty to marvel in from September through November.
If you’ve always dreamt of snowcapped mountains in the background as you say “I do”, but don’t necessarily want to hike through the snow, early Fall is perfect for you!

Cons of a Fall Wedding in Colorado:

Predicting peak Fall foliage is nearly impossible.
Weather can change quite rapidly, with snowfall possible as early as mid-to-late October in the foothills. Snowfall can arrive far sooner in the mountains and higher elevations.
Once the Fall leaves have all fallen, the landscape can look quite desolate. Trees are left bare, grass has turned brown, and the skies feel far more gloomy.

Winter Weddings and Elopements in Colorado (December-February)

A winter wonderland wedding in the Colorado mountains

Calling all snow-lovers! Colorado winters absolutely deliver. For couples who are dreaming of a snow-covered wonderland, cozying up in a cabin, and embracing the cold weather, a winter wedding is right up your alley. In While December is the official start of Winter in Colorado, January is typically pretty dry.

Pros of a Winter Wedding in Colorado:

Stunning snowy backdrops for photos, especially in the mountains and higher elevations.
Fewer tourists, leading to more venue and vendor availability.
Opportunities for unique activities like ski-in ceremonies or sleigh rides.

Cons of a Winter Wedding in Colorado:

January is the coldest month in Colorado, as well as the driest. You might not get the “winter wonderland" landscape until later in the Winter.
Travel can be unpredictable due to snowstorms, road closures, etc.
Because of the limited daylight hours, it will be especially important to optimize your wedding day timeline. Rather than sunset portraits at 8:00 pm, you will be looking at 4:30 pm. Plan with your photographer accordingly.

Unique Winter wedding ideas for adventurous couples in Colorado

The Best Month to Get Married in Colorado

As I mentioned before, the “best month” to get married is completely dependent on the kind of adventure you’re wanting to embark on. But considering weather, tourist season, and breathtaking scenery, September strikes the best balance. Whether you’re planning a traditional wedding, or an adventurous elopement is speaking to you, September is a beautiful time to of the year to get married in Colorado.

What to Know About Colorado Weddings and Elopements

No matter the season, Colorado offers unparalleled beauty and charm. From brilliant wildflower blooms, to golden aspens, winter wonderlands, and everything in between, there’s no bad time to bring your Colorado wedding vision to life. But here are some tips to make your nuptials even better!

Be Prepared for All Types of Weather— If you haven’t already gathered that the weather in Colorado is unpredictable, here is your reminder! If you’re opting for an outdoor wedding venue, or plan on spending much of your wedding day out and about, make sure to have a backup plan.
Layer Up— Yep, even in the summertime! Evenings can be cool, so plan accordingly for you and your guests.
Altitude Awareness— As a Midwest-native, the altitude has given me a run for my money since moving to Colorado Springs. I cannot stress enough how important it is to stay hydrated and acclimate yourselves to the altitude. It is also important to remind guests if they are traveling into the area for your mountain wedding.
Book Accommodations Early— Popular wedding venues and vendors book up quickly, especially during peak seasons like Summer and Fall. While I might be a little biased, I recommend snagging your wedding photographer first and enlisting their expertise to help you book other accommodations and vendors.
Do It the Right Way— Legally speaking, of course! I have a couple blogs about wedding planning if you need some direction. But I think the coolest part of getting married in Colorado is that your dog can serve as a witness during your wedding ceremony…so that’s pretty dang cool.

Now that you’ve got some solid info on choosing the best time to get married in Colorado, it’s time to dive into all the other fun details! Still on the search for a Colorado wedding photographer and videographer? My husband and I have gotcha covered! Connect with Chuck and Shiloh Photo & Film here. Be sure to peruse our Colorado Wedding and Elopement Planning Resources down below. And of course, give us a follow over on the ‘Gram (@chuckandshiloh).