The Ultimate Breckenridge Elopement Guide (2025)
Hi hi, mountain lovers! Thinking of a Breckenridge elopement? Swoon! As someone who grew up visiting Breck for family vacations and now calls these mountains home, I'm absolutely in love with everything this special place has to offer. From the stunning alpine lakes to the charming downtown, Breck creates the perfect backdrop for intimate celebrations. And getting to capture love stories here as a Breckenridge-based elopement photographer? Total dream job!
Let's dive into why Breck is pure magic for your elopement day and how we can create an intentional celebration that feels 100% you.
Breck Elopements: Pure Magic
Snuggled right into the mountains, Breckenridge sits in the heart of the Continental Divide – we're talking peaks on peaks on peaks! This charming mountain town is absolutely bursting with adventure and has something for everyone.
Between the jaw-dropping scenery, amazing food, world-class slopes, and endless hiking trails, you'd be hard-pressed to find a downside to eloping here. Breck (as us locals call it) is the perfect spot to enjoy the days before and after your elopement, with plenty to keep you and your partner entertained. Plus, you can sip cocktails, browse local shops, hit the slopes, or hike to a summit all in the same weekend. Talk about the perfect wedding getaway!
Why Choose Breck Over Other Mountain Towns?
Okay, here's the real deal on why Breck is such a perfect choice for your Colorado elopement:
Location, Location, Location: Under 2 hours from Denver International Airport! Such an easy travel day, and any guests you invite won't have a long journey. Compare that to two of my other favorite Colorado cities: Crested Butte (4+ hours from Denver) or Telluride (8 hours away)!
Easy Access to Epic Spots: One of my favorite things about Breck is that most of the stunning ceremony locations don't require 4WD vehicles or long hikes. You can absolutely get to breathtaking spots without sacrificing your cute wedding heels!
Dog-Friendly Heaven: Planning to include your doggos? Breck is incredibly dog-friendly with tons of pet-welcoming accommodations and outdoor spaces.
Main Street Magic: Breck's Main Street is seriously the cutest! It's lined with amazing boutiques, incredible restaurants, and a super fun bar scene for celebrating after you say "I do."
The Perfect Home Base: Even if you choose to adventure a bit further for your actual ceremony, Breck makes the perfect home base for your elopement weekend with its perfect blend of mountain adventure and small-town charm.
WHEN SHOULD I PLAN TO HAVE MY BRECKENRIDGE ELOPEMENT?
Thinking about the best season to say "I do" in Breck? Honestly, all of them have their charm (except Spring, keep reading…) — it just boils down to what you're picturing, the activities you’d like to include, and the backdrop you're craving. Here's a breakdown:
SPRING (Apr-May): Since the town of Breckenridge is all the way at 9,600 ft of elevation, we consider Spring (April-May) “Mud Season”. This is when the snow is melting away and the hills are quite literally, muddy. I recommend waiting to elope in Breck for wildflower season which kicks off in June-July.
PRE-SUMMER (June): Due to our elevation, I consider June “pre-summer” in the Rockies. It’s just starting to get warm and summer is on the horizon. If you’re looking for an alpine lake celebration, Lake Dillon is the perfect spot for you. From private coves to sandy beaches, this area is the first to thaw out. I have a few favorite secret spots that I’d LOVE to share with you once we’re booked.
SUMMER (July-Aug): Blooms start blooming, warm mountain air. Imagine being surrounded by wildflowers in a meadow with mountains in the distance. Sunshine galore, clear skies. Ideal for an outdoor bash — maybe lakeside or surrounded by the mountains. Trails and sunshine vibes? Yes, please!
FALL (Sept-Oct): Fall is my favorite time to elope in Breck (who am I kidding, they’re all my FAV). Nature puts on a color show, cozy sweater weather. Imagine your vows with a backdrop of vibrant leaves or cozying up by a firepit with your nearest and dearest. Dependent on weather, the leaves start to change mid Sept and are golden into early Oct. Come late Oct and Nov, the seasons begin to collide with snow-capped peaks!
WINTER (Nov-Mar): Snow blankets everything, a true touch of winter wonderland magic for the months of Nov-Mar (yes, winter lasts forever up here which is great for ski season!). For winter elopements, I highly recommend renting out your dream mountain cabin for a dedicated, cozy space. Bonus if your rental has amenities like a hot tub or ski in/ski out feature. Think cozy indoor moments in an A-Frame and embracing the snowy wonderland for an outdoor affair — choices, choices!
Your wedding, your call. Each season is like a different flavor for your adventure.
Where to Say "I Do" in Breckenridge
One of the biggest questions my couples ask is where they should say their vows in Breckenridge. The location sets the scene for your entire experience & photo gallery, so it's definitely something to think about carefully!
When we're planning together, I'll share my exclusive Breckenridge location guide that features all my favorite spots (some that even locals don't know about!). But for now, here's a taste of what Breck has to offer:
Alpine Lakes
Breckenridge is surrounded by some of the most stunning alpine lakes in Colorado! Lake Dillon offers sandy beaches and private coves that are perfect for intimate ceremonies. From May through June, the lake isn't filled to capacity with snowmelt yet, which exposes those gorgeous sandy areas along the shoreline.
BONUS: You don't need a permit to host your elopement or intimate wedding on Lake Dillon. That's right—it's free to elope here! Need I say more??
I have tons of inspo for an elopement or intimate wedding on/near Breck’s alpine lakes! Head here for inspo for your intimate wedding, head here for sailboat elopement inspo, and even a little western-chic engagement photo inspo!
Mountain Passes & Overlooks
For those epic mountain views that Colorado is famous for, there are several stunning mountain passes near Breck that make for incredible ceremony backdrops. Imagine saying your vows with 360° views of snow-capped peaks stretching as far as the eye can see! I have a blog with all the cozy, fall vibes to show you what a fall elopement with those epic mountain views can look like!
Wildflower Meadows
In summer (July-August), the meadows around Breckenridge explode with wildflowers. Picture exchanging vows surrounded by a natural bouquet of colorful blooms with the mountains rising in the background—it's literally magic!
Aspen Groves
For fall elopements (late September-early October), nothing beats the golden glow of an aspen grove. The light filtering through those yellow leaves creates the most magical setting for intimate ceremonies.
A Note for Larger Groups
If you're planning a day with more than 10 guests, we'll want to choose a location that's both accessible for everyone and gives us the privacy you deserve. While elopements (just you two && up to 8 guests) have tons of options on public land, larger groups will need a dedicated space. I have all my favorite spots for intimate weddings broken down here!
A Quick Note on Permits
Some locations in and around Breck require permits, especially if you'll have more than 10 guests. Don't worry though — our team handles this process for you! We'll make sure everything is properly permitted so you can focus on the excitement of your day.
For all the nitty-gritty details on the elopement process itself, check out my Complete Guide to Eloping.
Where to Stay for Your Breck Celebration
You're gonna spend a good chunk of time at your rental — getting ready, writing vows, morning coffee, and maybe even hosting an intimate dinner. That's why picking the right place is SO important! Here are a few of my absolute favorites:
Bootsy's Basecamp
This place is western-inspired heaven and I could honestly live here forever happily! With tons of natural light and beautiful finishes, your getting ready photos will look straight out of a magazine.
Breck Haus A-Frame
A-frame magic complete with a sauna and a stunning deck with mountain views. This spot is perfect for couples who want that cozy cabin vibe with all the modern touches. Morning coffee on that deck? Pure heaven.
For Micro Weddings (15+ Guests)
If you're planning a day with more than 15 guests, hear me out: you need a dedicated, private space for your ceremony and reception. While Breckenridge itself has limited options for micro venues, there are gorgeous spots within an hour's drive.
The Terrace on Main in Buena Vista (about 60 minutes from Breck) gives you total Italy vibes in the Rockies! As a preferred vendor there, I can tell you it's worth the short drive for the stunning setting.
For more of my favorite venue options, check out my guide to the Best Small Wedding Venues in Colorado & Beyond.
Another perfect option for a Breck intimate wedding is Whispering River Ranch. You can host an event with up to 75 guests in a gorgeous mountain setting.
Top 5 RESTAURANTS IN BRECKENRIDGE:
Radicato (upscale Italian - simply the best!)
Blue River Bistro (best happy hour in town - 2 for 1 martinis & 2 for 1 apps)
Briar Rose (rustic, fine-dining steakhouse)
BoLD (for brunch)
Sanchos (best margs + tacos in town)
Aurum (upscale American - great for an intimate reception!)
Best Boutiques IN BRECKENRIDGE:
Lace & Lariat (new hat bar & Indie Western boutique - my new fav!!)
Breck's got it all. Check out my tried-and-true favorites, all linked above. It's your adventure — choose your season, let me help you pick your spot, and make it uniquely yours. It’s the place where your dream day meets mountain magic. Consider this your one-stop shop for eloping in Breckenridge!
A Sample Dream Day in Breck
What could your dream Breckenridge elopement look like? You day can look however you want it to! (&& that’s where we come in to help you figure that all out) Here's a little inspo for you to get a taste of what your day could look like:
Morning:
Wake up slowly in your cozy mountain rental
Coffee on the deck while soaking in those views
Get ready together or separately (with champagne, obviously!)
First look on your private deck with the mountains behind you
Afternoon:
Intimate ceremony at one of our secret mountain spots
Pop some bubbly and celebrate being MARRIED!
Adventure session at 1-2 beautiful locations (no hiking boots required unless you want them!)
Picnic lunch in a scenic spot with your favorite treats
Evening:
Private chef dinner at your rental
Cake cutting on the deck as the sun sets
Cozy up around a fire pit with s'mores and your favorite drinks
Stargaze from your hot tub (the stars here are UNREAL)
This is just one possibility! Your day should reflect what feels most meaningful to you two. Want to start with a sunrise ceremony? Go for a hike? Include your pups? We can make it all happen!
How to Build Your Dream Vendor Team
Building the right vendor team is essential for creating your perfect day! Here's my tried-and-true approach to finding and booking the perfect people:
1. Inquire Via Their Website
Most vendors (myself included!) prefer inquiries through their website. This ensures they don't miss your message and gets the conversation started with all the right info in place.
2. Include All the Details
Share your date, location, vision, and any must-haves right from the start. The more details you include, the better! Get them excited about your day and the unique touches you're dreaming of.
3. Make It Personal
Many of us take on a limited number of weddings each year to ensure we can give our couples the best experience. Let vendors know why you feel connected to their work and why you want to work together.
4. Be Ready to Secure Your Spot
If you find a vendor you absolutely love, don't wait! Most require a signed contract and deposit to officially book, and the best ones fill up quickly (especially for prime dates).
The best way to find the perfect vendors? Hire a planning team with local vendor knowledge! I'm happy to recommend my favorite Breckenridge vendors once we start planning together.
Why Trust Us as Your Breckenridge Experts
I'm not just another photographer who visits Breck occasionally for shoots. This place is my home! I've been based here for over 2 years (and counting), and I've been vacationing here since I was too little to understand how lucky I was.
Our team has spent countless hours boots on the ground exploring these mountains, building relationships with local vendors, and finding those perfect hidden spots that don't show up on Google.
When you work with us, you're getting more than photographers — you're getting local guides who can help with all aspects of your Breckenridge elopement experience:
The most stunning (and lesser-known) photo locations
The best trails for every ability level
Where to grab that perfect post-wedding dinner
The cutest shops for last-minute needs
The best happy hour spots to celebrate afterward
We approach every elopement with a documentary-style approach, focusing on capturing authentic moments as they unfold. You won't find us making you pose awkwardly for hours — we're all about capturing the real magic between you two in an incredibly beautiful setting.
The Seamless Planning Experience
"We know we want to elope in Breckenridge, but we're not sure how it all works or what our day could look like..."
Sound familiar? A lot of my inquiry calls start exactly like this. And honestly? That's where our team shines!
Our couples absolutely love our done-for-you approach — you share your vision, we make it happen. That's it! No need to stress about finding hidden ceremony spots, researching permits, or tracking down the perfect vendors. We handle all of that for you.
When you book with us, you're getting:
Our exclusive Breckenridge Planning Guide with secret locations
Vendor recommendations and booking assistance
Timeline creation that allows for a relaxed, intentional flow
Permit guidance and application help
Documentary-style photography that captures authentic moments
The best part? You get to enjoy the entire planning process without the stress. Just show up and soak in every moment of your day while we handle the details. That's what eloping should be — simple, meaningful, and true to who you are as a couple.
Ready to Create Your Dream Breck Elopement?
If you're dreaming of a day that feels intentional, elevated, and completely yours, let's chat! Our team specializes in crafting seamless, stress-free elopement experiences in Breckenridge, Colorado, and beyond.
Planning can (and should!) be fun, and you definitely don't have to do it alone. We're here to bounce ideas off of, answer all your questions, and handle all the details so you can focus on creating memories that'll last a lifetime. Looking for even more Breckenridge elopement info? I got you! Ready to lock it in and chat all the things about your dream day? Let's chat about your Breckenridge elopement!
Want more elopement planning inspo? Follow along on Pinterest and grab my free elopement planning checklist to get started! Happy planning!
