Authentic Collective

Want to just elope in Vail instead? We’re Sav & Greg from Authentic Collective - we help with planning from start to finish! From the best locations, timing, local vendors & more - we don’t just take epic photos, we plan your day too.

Colorado elopement photographers, videographers & planning team:

Want to learn how to elope in Vail? Comment “VAIL GUIDE” and we’ll send you our full planning guide with location ideas, seasonal tips and everything you need to know 💌

I’d choose eloping in the mountains over a big wedding at a traditional wedding venue any day 🏔️✨

Colorado elopement photographers, videographers & planning team:
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Want to get married here for $200? Reservations for 2027 open in a few days! Here’s how I’ve gotten a reservation in the past and helped others do so…

☑️ SAVE this to come back to when reservations open!

1) Create An Account & Log In Early

To make a Maroon Bells Amphitheater reservation, you’ll need to make an account with recreation.gov. To avoid any delays, be sure to do this well in advance and be signed in.

2) Refresh The Page Repeatedly

Reservations release 1 year in advance of the date at 8am MT and book IMMEDIATELY! Open the reservation page at least 15 minutes early, and consistently and quickly refresh until it becomes available, then add it to your cart! You can also try having a world clock open that shows the seconds, and add it to your cart at 07:59:59.

3) Enlist The Help Of Your Family & Friends

The more people on your team trying to secure a spot, the better chance you have! Consider enlisting the help of your family and friends to try to get a reservation. Be sure to give them all the instructions we provided above.

4) Set Up A Cancellation Alert

Didn’t get a reservation? There’s still a chance. When someone cancels, the date will become available again. You can set cancellation alerts for up to three date ranges. Also, join the Maroon Bells Weddings group on Facebook, as people will post about cancellations in there.

Want the full guide with more info and FAQs about this small wedding venue in Colorado? Comment “MAROON BELLS” and I’ll send it to you! Make sure you’re following or the message may not go through.

Looking for a small wedding venue in the mountains? I found the perfect spot for you! 🏔️

This mountain retreat offers micro wedding packages for up to 40 guests, as well as weekday elopement packages for up to 18.

PLUS it’s not just a ceremony site-your cocktail hour & reception overlooks these views as well. AND onsite lodging for up to 18 people! 🥂

📍 Gold Mountain Ranch, Ouray, Colorado

Looking for more small wedding venues in Colorado? Comment “SMALL VENUES” and we’ll send you a list of our favorite spots perfect for micro weddings in the mountains! (Which includes more info on this place, too)

Make sure you’re following us or the message may not go through. If you don’t get it right away, just send us a DM. 🤝

Yep it’s true! Colorado doesn’t require a witness to sign your marriage license… which means your dog can! 🐾
🥹 And honestly, it makes for the cutest photos.

A few quick tips if you’re planning to have your pup sign:
✔️ Double-check with the county clerk where you get your license- some offices don’t allow pets (Denver, Arapahoe & El Paso included). The good news: you can get your license from any county, as long as you marry in Colorado.
✔️ Grab an inkless paw print pad (Amazon has them!) so it’s safe for your dog and mess-free.
✔️ Do a little practice run before the real thing.

Would you elope in Colorado for your dog “sign” your marriage license?

A lot of couples are anxious to get in front of the camera on their elopement day.. But you don’t have to be nervous! We’ll help with all the prompts and “poses” so you’ll never be left feeling unsure or uncomfy, while also getting fun, natural photos 🤝

All we ask from you is to enjoy the moment, be fully present with each other, and trust the process! 🫶🏼

If it’s just the two of you we can go to almost any epic view on National Forest land and have the ceremony. However when you’re inviting a large group of people to your ceremony, you need a venue or reservable ceremony site.

This is because you’ll need somewhere accessible that’s easy for your guests to get to, enough parking for everyone, room for everyone to gather for the ceremony while staying on durable surfaces, and if you want a set up with chairs, an arbor, aisle runner, etc. you can’t do that on public land, you’ll need a venue.

The good news is that you aren’t limited to just big, traditional venues. There are tons of untraditional wedding venue options for small ceremonies that still offer those beautiful mountain views you’re probably dreaming of.

And if you’re torn between the intimacy of an elopement and celebrating with guests, you can always do BOTH to get the best of both worlds. Spend one day celebrating with your loved ones — and then have another day that’s just the two of you, exploring somewhere epic and sharing vows privately.

If you want our full list of micro wedding venues in Colorado, comment “SMALL VENUES” and we’ll send it over to you! 💌