Getting Married in the San Juan Mountains: Unique Elopement Destinations
It’s no secret that elopements and destinations weddings have taken the wedding industry by storm. The prospect of traveling to a breathtaking location alongside your favorite person, or inviting your favorite people to tag along — what’s not to love!? With the increase of couples looking to break the status quo of a traditional wedding day, they are also searching for unique elopement destinations. As a Colorado wedding and elopement photo and video team, we believe romance and genuine moments are better than the ordinary and predictable.
Unique wedding and elopement Destinations in Colorado | The San Juan Mountains
And while I might be biased, getting married in the San Juan mountains of Colorado is probably not something that has crossed too many couples’ minds. Whether you’re planning on a destination wedding or an adventurous elopement, Colorado is always a good idea. When most people think of Colorado, they might picture Rocky Mountain National Park covered in a blanket of snow. But what often gets glossed over are the San Juan Mountains, which range from southwestern Colorado to northwestern New Mexico. With a diverse terrain with seasonal beauty and hidden gems just waiting to be discovered, it’s no wonder why the San Juan Mountains gets our vote for the best elopement destination.
But don’t just take our word for it. We’ve put together 5 reasons to consider getting married in the San Juan Mountains to help narrow down your search for the perfect elopement destination. Be sure to stick around until the end to find more Colorado Wedding and Elopement resources. Alright, enough of that — let’s just get into it, shall we!?
Reasons to Get Married in the San Juan Mountains
Breathtaking Scenery
It’s no coincidence that the San Juan Mountains are often called the “Switzerland of America.” Their jagged peaks tower over deep valleys, blanketed in wildflower meadows during the summer and shimmering with snow in the winter. The region’s beauty is both dramatic and serene, with breathtaking vistas around every turn—whether you’re winding through high mountain passes, hiking to secluded alpine lakes, or strolling through charming historic towns that feel like they’re frozen in time.
We recently published a blog all about Choosing the Best Time of Year to Get Married in Colorado, but in general, here’s what you can expect for each season:
Spring in the San Juans means meadows of blooming wildflowers and cascading waterfalls, perfect for an intimate elopement or garden-inspired ceremony.
Summer offers long, sun-drenched mornings with quick afternoon showers. Picture an outdoor wedding ceremony with lush greenery and dramatic peaks in the background, followed by star-gazing under the night sky.
In Autumn, the fiery hues of aspen trees set the stage for a cozy, romantic wedding, complete with crisp mountain air and breathtaking golden scenery.
Come Winter, the San Juans are blanketed in the quiet beauty of fluffy snow. Picture twinkling lights, a crackling fireplace, and a dreamy, snow dusted ceremony.
No matter the season, the San Juan Mountains provide a picture-perfect setting to say "I do," ensuring that your wedding day is as timeless and breathtaking as the landscape itself.
Charming Towns
I don’t know about you, but I love a quaint, small-town vibe. As much fun as it is to explore a big city like Denver or even Colorado Springs, towns within the San Juan Mountains often feel like a step back in time (in the best way possible).
Ouray is a picture-perfect alpine town brimming with Victorian architecture, natural hot springs, and canyon views. The charming Main Street, lined with historic buildings and cozy shops, makes for such a fun place to explore during your wedding weekend. Whether you’re soaking in the famous Ouray Hot Springs, hiking to Box Canyon Falls, or driving the thrilling Million Dollar Highway, Ouray is a true gem for adventure-seekers and romantics alike.
Just over the mountains is the magical town of Telluride, exuding a different kind of magic. Known for its world-class ski resort, this mountain town blends Old West charm with refined luxury. The historic downtown sits beneath dramatic cliffs that seem to tickle the sky. During the summer months, Telluride is buzzing with visitors who come to the area for music festivals and alpine hikes. But winter is when the town truly shines. It feels like a Hallmark movie, transformed into a snowy wonderland perfect for winter sports and cozying up in a rustic lodge.
Each town in the San Juans has its own unique character, but they are all rooted rich history and surrounded by breathtaking scenery and adventure seekers. Whether you’re dreaming of a romantic wedding day or you’re known to do things a little bit differently, these charming towns are hard to beat.
Unique Wedding Venues
Given the breathtaking scenery and charming towns, you already know there are a ton of different unique wedding venues to check out. Whether you’re looking for a history indoor wedding venue, or an outdoor venue perched on a cliffside, the most difficult part will be choosing just one.
Rustic Wedding Venues in the San Juan Mountains
Luxury Wedding Venues in the San Juan Mountains
Outdoor Wedding Venues in the San Juan Mountains
Endless Opportunities for Adventure
The San Juan Mountains have a seemingly endless number of activities to partake in during your destination wedding or intimate elopement. Whether you’re a couple that enjoys a slower pace, or you two are referred to as “adrenaline-junkies”, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. The biggest determining factor for your activities is the weather. If you’re planning a July destination wedding in Telluride…you aren’t going to do much snowshoeing or skiing. But we’ve put together a few unique ideas to get your wheels turning for what you can occupy your time with during your visit to the San Juan Mountains.
Ice Climbing at Ouray Ice Park
Whitewater Rafting on the San Miguel River
Stand Up Paddle Board Rental
Telluride Mountain Village Gondola Ride
Visit the Ouray Alchemist Museum
Tour the Bachelor Syracuse Mine
Soak in the Ouray Hot Springs
Jeep Tour through Durango
Skiing at one of the many Ski Resorts
Zip-line through the mountains in Durango
Intimate and Secluded Options
Because getting married in the San Juan Mountains is a unique, off-the-beaten-path kinda destination, it’s not hard to find secluded options for your nuptials. Even if you choose a wedding venue located in a more populous area, such as Telluride, you don’t have to travel far to find hidden gem to explore. With this being said, we cannot stress the importance of remembering to practice Leave No Trace Principles. We’ve listed them down below to serve as a reminder, no matter where your adventure takes you.
Leave No Trace Principles:
Plan Ahead & Prepare
Travel & Camp on Durable Surfaces
Dispose of Waste Properly
Leave What You Find
Minimize Campfire Impacts
Respect Wildlife
Be Considerate of Others
Colorado elopement photographer and videographer
Whether you’re sold on getting married in the San Juan Mountains, or are just searching for more information on tying the knot in Colorado as a whole, we’ve included several resources below to help make planning a breeze. And if you’re still searching for a wedding photography and videography team, you’re in luck! Connect with Chuck and Shiloh Photo & Film here. Before you go, give us a follow over on the ‘Gram (@chuckandshiloh) to keep up with our latest adventures, get firsthand looks into recent swoon-worthy couples, and more! Until next time, friend. Happy planning!!
Colorado Wedding and Elopement Planning Resources
Choosing the Best Time of Year to Get Married in Colorado
How To Legally Elope In Colorado
Planning an Intimate Wedding That Feels Like You
The Best Colorado Springs Engagement Session Locations
The Ultimate Guide to Eloping in Estes Park
Elope in Paradise: Unveiling the Magic of a Garden of the Gods
5 Reasons to hire a wedding videographer
5 Best Wedding Venues in Colorado Springs, CO
Choosing Your Engagement Photo Location
