Crested Butte Elopement Planning Guide | Colorado Adventure Elopement Photographer

Nestled amidst the majestic peaks of the Elks Mountain Range in Colorado, Crested Butte stands out as an idyllic destination for couples seeking an intimate elopement experience. Boasting enchanting landscapes, charming venues, and a vibrant community, Crested Butte offers a picturesque canvas for your special day. Pair epic views with activities like 4x4ing, paddleboarding, hiking amongst the wildflowers, camping, horseback riding, kayaking, and world-class skiing. With giant mountain views in every direction, it doesn’t really matter where you go. I wrote this Crested Butte Elopement Guide to help you get started with your planning!

Best Time To Elope in Crested Butte

Late Spring, Summer and Fall are the best time of year to plan an elopement in Crested Butte. They will also be the busiest time of year but the views and vibes of this town are worth it. Just be sure to plan ahead when booking venues, lodging, and rentals. I suggest booking things 6-12+ months in advance because rentals and venues will get booked up.

Winter (Spring is basically also winter and/or mud season – the high mountains don’t usually melt out until early Summer) is also an epic time of year as the views at Ski Crested Butte are some of the best. Most of the areas you can access in the summer are inaccessible. But if you are ski and snowboard lovers then I highly suggest CB as your ski elopement or wedding destination. February, March and early April are ideal months if you’re looking to ski as those are typically Colorado’s snowiest months.

A sunrise ceremony will ensure the least amount of people at the location of your choice. Hiking to a location for sunrise will give you even more solitude for a longer duration. Tuesday and Wednesday will also give you the least amount of people in town as possible.

Crested Butte Ceremony Locations

• Crested Butte Mountain Resort (CBMR): With its panoramic mountain views, CBMR provides an enchanting backdrop for vows and elopement photography.
• Eleven Experience Venues: For an exclusive mountain retreat, consider the secluded elegance of one of the three options with Eleven Experiences; Taylor River Lodge, Scarp Ridge Lodge, and Sopris House.
• Mountain Wedding Garden: Reasonable rates for a beautiful ceremony and reception location if your group is larger than allowed on public lands.
• Crested Butte Land Trust: 3 gorgeous ceremony sites allowing 1 ceremony per day per site. $2000.
• The Wildflower Observatory: you can rent out the facilities for a wedding and it’s so beautiful and unique.
• Plus all kinds of beautiful lakes, mountain passes, and hidden waterfalls that are perfect for just you two or very few guests.

If you’re looking for an amazing elopement location in Crested Butte, I’m here to help with all the best locations! This town is so special and one of my favorites but I don’t share the best locations online. They are being over run and disrespected by so many. If you choose to work with me I will share all the best places for you to elope and adventure in Crested Butte!

Wedding & Reception Venues in Crested Butte:

• The Dogwood Cocktail Cabin: Rustic charm and craft cocktails make this spot ideal for intimate gatherings.
• The Elevation Hotel & Spa: Elevate your experience with event spaces providing scenic views.
• Crested Butte Mountain Resort (CBMR):
  • Offers various indoor and outdoor spaces with breathtaking mountain views.
  • Popular ceremony sites include the Wedding Garden and the Umbrella Bar.
• The Club at Crested Butte:
  • A golf club with stunning mountain views, providing an elegant setting for weddings.
  • Indoor and outdoor spaces are available for ceremonies and receptions.
• The Secret Stash:
  • Besides being a renowned restaurant, The Secret Stash also offers an intimate event space.
  • Ideal for smaller weddings and rehearsal dinners.
• The Dogwood Cocktail Cabin:
  • A rustic yet charming venue that can be transformed into an intimate space for gatherings.
  • Perfect for couples seeking a unique and cozy atmosphere.
• Wedding Garden at Crested Butte Mountain Resort:
  • A dedicated outdoor venue within CBMR, surrounded by mountainous landscapes.
  • Provides a picturesque setting for ceremonies and receptions.
• The Elevation Hotel & Spa:
  • A luxurious hotel offering event spaces with panoramic mountain views.
  • Suitable for both indoor and outdoor wedding celebrations.
• Ten Peaks Event Center:
  • Located at the Crested Butte Nordic Center, it offers a rustic mountain setting.
  • An ideal venue for couples looking for a mountain lodge atmosphere.
• Scarp Ridge Lodge:
  • A private luxury lodge that can be rented for intimate weddings.
  • Offers an exclusive and upscale setting for couples and their guests.
• Irwin Backcountry Lodge:
  • Situated in a remote and stunning mountain location.
  • Ideal for couples seeking a unique and secluded wedding experience.
• Elk Mountain Lodge:
  • A historic lodge with event spaces accommodating small weddings.
    
    Before finalizing any venue, be sure to visit, inquire about availability, and discuss specific details with the venue coordinators.

Vacation Rentals Allowing Events

Vacation rentals can be really nice to host your elopement at. Before you book a rental property for your event or elopement you should reach out to the owner directly and have it approved. Vacation Rentals can cancel on you leaving you scrambling so you want to be upfront with them about hosting a small elopement and get expressed written consent from the owners.

• VRBO: Search VRBO for “events allowed” properties in Crested Butte
• Majestic Views on 35 Acres: a large upscale property that allows weddings up to 25 guests
• Oh Be Joyful Ranch: Private cabin on 7 acre ranch with hot tub up Oh Be Joyful road.

It’s essential to communicate openly with the property owners to ensure that their rental is a good fit for your specific event needs. Always check local regulations and policies regarding events and gatherings in the chosen location.When searching, keep in mind the capacity of the rental, any additional fees for events, and the availability of outdoor spaces suitable for ceremonies and celebrations.

Lodging & Accommodations in Crested Butte

• Purple Mountain Bed & Breakfast: A cozy retreat providing personalized service. No dogs or children under 16 allowed.
• Elevation Hotel & Spa: Upscale lodging with mountain views. This is a ski in/ski out property right at the base of Crested Butte mountain.
• Pioneer Cabins: Quintessential Colorado Cabins
• Elk Mountain Lodge: This historic hotel is located in the heart of downtown CB.
• Crested Butte Hostel: If you’re on a budget this is the only hostel near CB. With 10 private rooms, 2 bunk rooms, and a community kitchen it makes a great place to stay.
• Couple’s Retreat VRBO: If you want a bit more luxury and space for your stay check out VRBO & Airbnb for a wide array of home rentals in Crested Butte.
• Campgrounds: If you’ve got an awesome camp set up CB is known for it’s world class campsites. From serviced campgrounds to backcountry campsites, it has some of the best views ever. Ask me about specifics for some of my favorite sites!
  
  

Local Elopement & Intimate Wedding Vendors

• Florists:
  • Bramble & Blume
  • Crested Butte Florist
  • James Crest Florist
• Hair Stylists:
  • Alpenglow Beauty: Offering on-site bridal hair services for a personalized touch.
  • Crested Butte Hair Salon: Creativity meets style in their hairstyling services.
  • Natalie Duke Beauty
  • Kaitlyn Young
  • Bridal Designs by Amethyst
  • New Moon Salon
• Officiants:
  • Heart Centered Weddings: carolyn@heart-centered-weddings.com
  • julieadriansenart.com/weddings 
• Event Rentals:
  • Alpenglow Events

Outdoor Activities and Recreation in Crested Butte

Embrace the surrounding natural wonders with outdoor activities like hiking, biking, paddleboarding, kayaking, 4x4ing, camping, and skiing, depending on the season. Explore local businesses for outdoor recreation gear rentals, such as Crested Butte Sports and CB Nordic Center, & Wheelies & Waves.

Additional Elopement Planning Tips | Crested Butte Elopement Guide

• Marriage License: Obtain your marriage license via appt only from the Gunnison County Clerk’s Office. You can also get it from any county you pass by as well. You don’t have to get married in the county in which you apply.
• Weather Considerations: Be prepared for changing mountain weather, especially for outdoor ceremonies. Check out my Colorado elopement guide to prepare for the weather.
• Photographers: Consider hiring me as your photographer as I’m familiar with the area’s locations and all the activities!

Local Restaurants

• Soupçon Bistro: A cozy French restaurant known for its exquisite cuisine and intimate ambiance.
• The Sunflower: A farm-to-table gem offering a diverse menu of locally sourced ingredients.
• McGill’s at Crested Butte: Upscale dining with a diverse menu and a focus on locally inspired dishes.
• The Secret Stash: Best pizza! The Hamptons with a burrata ball takes me straight back to Italy.

Crested Butte, with its captivating landscapes, welcoming community, and culinary delights, provides the perfect setting for an intimate and unforgettable elopement experience. Capture the essence of your love amidst the breathtaking scenery of this Colorado gem, followed by a delightful celebration at one of the town’s finest restaurants.

Hey! I’m Nat, I’m an adventure elopement photographer in Colorado who helps couples plan and document their epic celebrations of love across the Colorado Rocky Mountains and beyond. I specialize in showing off your genuine moments & the epic views.

Crested Butte Elopement Guide | Colorado Elopement Photographer

Crested Butte Elopement Guide | Adventure Elopement Photographer serving Colorado’s Rocky Mountains | Aspen, Buena Vista, Durango, Silverton, Telluride, Steamboat Springs, Breckenridge, Estes Park, Vail, San Juan Mountains