Combining Your Elopement and Honeymoon: Colorado Destination Ideas
Eloping is an increasingly popular choice for couples seeking a more intimate, personalized wedding experience. Combining your elopement with your honeymoon can make the event even more special, allowing you to start your married life with an unforgettable adventure. Colorado, with its stunning landscapes and diverse activities, is an ideal destination for couples looking to elope and honeymoon in one go. Here are some fantastic Colorado destination ideas to help you plan the perfect elopement and honeymoon.
1. Rocky Mountain National Park
Elopement
Rocky Mountain National Park offers some of the most breathtaking scenery in the United States, making it a perfect backdrop for your elopement. Choose from locations like Sprague Lake, Bear Lake, or the Moraine Park Amphitheater, all of which provide stunning views of the mountains, lakes, and forests. With its diverse landscapes, the park offers a variety of settings for your ceremony, whether you prefer a lakeside vow exchange or a mountaintop proclamation of love.
Honeymoon
After your elopement, explore the park's many hiking trails, ranging from easy walks to challenging treks. Wildlife watching, scenic drives, and stargazing are just a few activities you can enjoy. Stay in a cozy cabin or lodge within the park or in nearby Estes Park, where you can find charming accommodations and dining options.
2. Aspen
Elopement
Aspen is renowned for its luxurious yet laid-back atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for a sophisticated elopement. Consider tying the knot at the Maroon Bells, one of the most photographed locations in Colorado, or at the top of Aspen Mountain, accessible via a scenic gondola ride. These locations provide stunning alpine views that will make your ceremony truly magical.
Honeymoon
Aspen offers a wealth of activities year-round. In the winter, hit the slopes for world-class skiing and snowboarding. During the summer, enjoy hiking, mountain biking, and rafting. Indulge in Aspen's vibrant cultural scene, with art galleries, live music, and film festivals. Treat yourselves to luxurious accommodations and gourmet dining, making your honeymoon as unforgettable as your elopement.
3. Telluride
Elopement
Telluride's picturesque beauty and charming small-town vibe make it an excellent choice for an elopement. Exchange vows with the stunning San Juan Mountains as your backdrop, whether at the top of Bridal Veil Falls or in the serene Telluride Town Park. The town's historic buildings and beautiful landscapes create a romantic and intimate setting.
Honeymoon
Telluride is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. In the winter, enjoy skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing. During the warmer months, hike to stunning waterfalls, explore mountain biking trails, and take scenic drives. The town also boasts a lively arts scene, with music festivals, film festivals, and theater performances. Relax in luxurious lodges or boutique hotels and savor gourmet meals at the town's top-notch restaurants.
4. Breckenridge
Elopement
Breckenridge combines the charm of a historic mining town with the beauty of the Colorado Rockies. Consider eloping at Sapphire Point, which offers panoramic views of Lake Dillon and the surrounding mountains. Alternatively, the Breckenridge Ski Resort provides breathtaking venues for winter or summer ceremonies, with ski lifts and gondolas offering unique access to scenic spots.
Honeymoon
Breckenridge offers activities for every season. In winter, enjoy skiing, snowboarding, and ice skating. Summer brings opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, and fishing. Stroll down Main Street to explore quaint shops, art galleries, and delicious eateries. Stay in a cozy mountain cabin or a luxurious resort to complete your honeymoon experience.
5. Great Sand Dunes National Park
Elopement
For a truly unique elopement, consider the Great Sand Dunes National Park. Exchange vows atop the tallest dunes in North America, surrounded by an awe-inspiring landscape of sand dunes, mountains, and sky. The contrast between the sand and the alpine peaks creates a dramatic and unforgettable setting for your ceremony.
Honeymoon
After your elopement, explore the park by sandboarding or sledding down the dunes. Hike to the summit of the dunes for panoramic views or explore the diverse ecosystems in the surrounding areas. Stay in nearby Alamosa, where you can find charming accommodations and local dining options. For a unique experience, consider camping under the stars in the park.
6. Garden of the Gods
Elopement
The striking red rock formations of Garden of the Gods create a stunning backdrop for an elopement. Choose a location like the iconic Kissing Camels or the Cathedral Spires for your ceremony. The park's unique geological features and natural beauty will make your elopement photos truly spectacular.
Honeymoon
After your ceremony, explore the park's numerous hiking and biking trails. The nearby city of Colorado Springs offers a range of activities, from visiting the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo to taking a scenic drive up Pikes Peak. Enjoy a relaxing stay at a local bed and breakfast or a luxurious resort, and indulge in the city's dining and cultural offerings.
7. Steamboat Springs
Elopement
Steamboat Springs is a picturesque mountain town known for its natural hot springs and charming downtown area. Consider eloping at the scenic Fish Creek Falls or on top of the Steamboat Ski Resort, accessible by gondola. The stunning views and serene atmosphere make it an ideal elopement destination.
Honeymoon
Steamboat Springs offers a variety of activities for your honeymoon. In winter, enjoy skiing, snowboarding, and hot springs. Summer activities include hiking, mountain biking, and river tubing. Relax in the natural hot springs at Strawberry Park or the Old Town Hot Springs. Stay in a cozy mountain lodge or a luxury resort to complete your honeymoon experience.
Conclusion
Colorado's diverse landscapes and charming towns provide endless possibilities for combining your elopement and honeymoon. Whether you're seeking adventure in the mountains, relaxation in natural hot springs, or the charm of historic towns, Colorado has something to offer every couple. By choosing a destination that resonates with your personal style and interests, you'll create unforgettable memories as you embark on your new life together.
