Ouray Elopement Photographer

Elopements, weddings, and engagements in Ouray, Colorado

Hey There!

I’m Katie Dawn, your Ouray elopement photographer

And I can’t wait to show you around when you elope in Ouray. Ouray is the adventure capital of the US and the “Switzerland of America. There are Jeeping trails all over the mountains surrounding the town, multiple waterfalls right in town, a via ferrata, and some of the most beautiful hiking trails to blue glacial water in Colorado.

I was born and raised in Colorado, and have spent multiple summers exploring the landscape of the San Juans. Whether you’re looking for a spot you can access by Jeep, a day hike, or even backpacking, I’m the girl that can get your there.

How to plan an elopement in Telluride

Pick a location:

The great thing about Ouray and surrounding locations is that there’s not many people around compared to anywhere closer to Denver, so you can’t really go wrong with anywhere. The thing about Ouray is, though, a lot of places are pretty hard to access- you’re probably gonna need to go on a steep hike or rent a Jeep to access many of the stunning locations in the area- but honestly, in my opinion, that makes the journey all the more worth it!

Pick up your license:

Colorado is an extremely easy state to get married in, even easier than Vegas. You can self solemnize, which means that all you have to do to get married in Ouray is pick up the marriage license from the county clerk’s office, sign it with both your signatures, and return it. You don’t need an officiant, witnesses, or a waiting period. If you want, you can even have your pet sign their paw print as the witness!

Do something fun:

You can just say your vows and be done with the day, but I specifically only photograph couples who want to make the most of their wedding day and turn it into a whole adventure. Just because you aren’t having a big wedding doesn’t mean it can’t still be a day full of fun. In Ouray, there’s no shortage of things to do- go on a hike, drive a Jeeping trail, have a picnic, hire a private chef, spend time in a secluded cabin together, etc. Spend your day doing what feels special to you.

Best time to elope in Ouray

Summer: Late June-early August

Summer in Ouray is wildflower season, and my personal favorite time to capture elopements in the San Juans. Some great trails to see wildflowers that are right in Ouray are Yankee Boy basin and Silver Basin. The weather can sometimes be unpredictable and stormy in the afternoons, though, so just be sure to bring an umbrella and be ready to make the most of whatever mother nature brings your way.

Fall: September-early October

Fall in the the San Juans is stunning, when the aspens change color, the mountains light up with gold veins, it breathtaking. If you want to be able to visit Ouray during peak fall colors, the last week of September and first week of October are usually the best times to see quaking aspens in all their glory. This is also usually a good time for waterfalls as well, because the snow runoff has lessened, making them less powerful and better for photos.

Winter: November-March

Ouray is pretty quiet in the winter. You can still explore some waterfalls, and there’s even an ice climbing competition in the winter. Most locations, however are closed due to the snow, and many businesses will be shut as well, since it’s the off season. Telluride or another ski town would be better option if you’re looking at a winter elopement.

Spring: April-early June

I do not recommend a spring elopement in Colorado. It’s very muddy, grey, and brown. There’s too much snow to hike or Jeep, so locations are extremely limited. The weather is very unpredictable and just all around very “blah”. Spring lasts until at least early June. If you want to be able to access most locations, late June will be the earliest, but if there is a lot of snow in the winter, July is sometimes the earliest you can get up high in the mountains on many trails.