Ouray Elopement Guide for a Peaceful & Adventurous Experience

Last edited: 6/19/26
Read time 7 minutes

Why Have A Ouray Elopement?

Ouray (pronounced “your-ay” by locals), Colorado is a fantastic place to elope, trust me. The rugged mountain scenery is a stunning backdrop for your elopement that makes you feel like you’re in some of Europe’s best scenery (it’s literally called “the Switzerland of America”).

But the little town of Ouray also has the convenience of restaurants, hotels, and shops so you don’t have to rough it on your wedding day. It’s the best of both worlds!

Planning Advice for Your Ouray Elopement

You’ll find Ouray, Colorado is a little wilder than many other places to elope, and it’s important to plan ahead for the best experience. Here’s my advice as someone who’s been coming to these mountains for nearly two decades:

Choose The Right Season For Your Elopement

The “right season” is going to be different for everyone– it will depend on your preferences and priorities. Check out these overviews of each season and what you can expect for your Ouray elopement.

Spring – March, April, and early May

Snow is melting on the mountains, but summer isn’t in full bloom yet. This is honestly the least ideal time for a Ouray elopement.

What you should know about a spring elopement in Ouray:

• Many restaurants and businesses haven’t opened yet for the season.
• Average high temperatures are typically in the 40s and 50s.
• 4×4 roads and hiking trails are closed or too muddy to hike.
• Evergreen trees provide color, but other plants are snow-covered or brown.

Summer – June, July, August, and early September

What you should know about a summer elopement in Ouray:

• Peak season means higher prices and more visitors, but shops & restaurants are open.
• Average day temperatures are typically in the 70s, but cooler outside of town.
• Trails are accessible, giving you more options for your elopement location.
• Monsoon season means daily thunderstorms in the afternoons. But this brings wildflowers and full waterfalls!

Fall – Late September to Mid-October

What you should know about a fall elopement in Ouray:

• The area gets less visitors the later in the season you go.
• Bright yellow aspens and golden grasses show off autumnal color. 
• Temperatures drop into the 50s and 60s, and even cooler in the mountains.
• There’s a chance of snow, usually starting mid October.

Winter – November to February

What you should know about a winter elopement in Ouray:

• Some businesses and restaurants are closed, and 4×4 roads are inaccessible.
• Apart from the holiday season, winter is generally less crowded and expensive than summer.
• The Red Mountain Pass is closed (coming from Silverton), and getting to Ouray is more difficult.
• Winter activities like ice climbing are available.

Choose the Right Location

A big question is where do you want to elope in Ouray? There are a few choices, depending on your vision and needs:

• Wedding venues in Ouray – perfect if you plan to have guests, need a reception space, or prefer comfort over adventure.
• Off-Road trails – It can be so fun to take a Jeep to your elopement location!
• Hiking trails – if you don’t mind working for it. 
• Easy to access locations – Ideal if you want to be out in nature, but would rather not go Jeeping or hiking.

An experienced Ouray elopement photographer & planner who knows the area well can guide you to the best option for your needs and even suggest specific locations!

Be Well Prepared

Any time you’re outdoors, especially in the mountains, it’s important to be well prepared. Ouray is home to wild animals (watch for the occasional bear), dangerous roads, and tricky weather. But don’t let these things deter you from eloping in Ouray!

To be well prepared on your wedding day, I recommend:

• Bringing rain jackets or ponchos during the summer and planning for storms in the afternoon
• Staying warm with thermal leggings (under your wedding outfits) and jackets– it can be chilly even in summer!
• Being aware of local wildlife and what to do if you meet any animals
• Watching weather conditions and and having a backup plan (something I create for clients)
• Hiring a driver or riding with me if you’re inexperienced at Jeeping

A little preparation and bringing a few extra items can really make a difference to have the best elopement experience! I always share with my clients what to expect as well as a customized packing list so they don’t have to worry about a thing for their Ouray elopement.

The Best Scenery for Your Ouray Elopement

Ouray is one of the best places to elope in Colorado, and a lot of that has to do with its amazing scenery! Here’s what you can see and enjoy on your elopement day.

Mountains

Ouray has some of the most colorful mountains I’ve seen. In the cliffs surrounding the town, there’s a purple-ish hue to the rocks. In the surrounding areas, you’ll find slopes covered in bright green tundra, jagged gray rock faces, and even iron-rich orange mountaintops. 

If you’re considering a Ouray elopement because you love these kinds of views, check out my Mountain Elopement Guide!

Waterfalls

Several gorgeous waterfalls are scattered throughout Ouray and the surrounding areas. Some are easy to get to (like Bear Creek Falls along the main highway) and others require a bit of a hike or drive in more remote areas. There are even two falls in the town of Ouray itself!

If you love the idea of getting married next to cascades, check out my Waterfall Elopement Guide!

Wildflowers

In July and August, the mountains around Ouray are filled with gorgeous wildflowers! The alpine scenery becomes even more vibrant with pops of yellow, white, orange, pink, and purple. Some of my favorite flowers that you’ll see are Columbine (Colorado’s state flower) and Indian Paintbrush.

Lakes

Tucked into the mountains around Ouray, you’ll find some lovely hidden lakes. While most of them aren’t large, they are absolutely beautiful in their color and surroundings. Ouray’s lakes are great places for saying your vows, enjoying a picnic, or leisurely paddling.

There’s also a nearby reservoir at Ridgeway State Park that’s plenty large enough for both fishing and boating. This is one of my favorite places for micro weddings in the area!

Things to Do for Your Ouray Elopement

🧗Test your climbing skills at Ouray Via Feratta

🥖 Have a scenic picnic with local foods (I love grabbing charcuterie from Ouray Meat & Cheese Market)

♨️ Have a relaxing and romantic soak in hot springs

🌌 Stargaze on a clear night

🌅 Watch the sunrise or sunset from a mountain top

🛶 Paddle on an alpine lake

🥾 Hike though the amazing scenery of Ouray’s mountains

❄️ Ice climb at Ouray Ice Park (usually December – March)

🎶 Dance together in a picturesque landscape

💦 Have a refreshing drink from a waterfall or stream

🌼 View colorful wildflowers (July – August)

🏛️Stroll through Ouray and enjoy the historic architecture

💤 Relax in a hammock among the forest

Getting Married in Ouray

Great news: it’s super easy to legally elope in Ouray, Colorado! Like in the rest of the state, self-uniting ceremonies are allowed, which means you don’t need an officiant or witnesses to sign your marriage license. 

This is great if you’re wanting a totally private ceremony where it’s just you and your partner reading your vows to each other. It’s incredibly special and peaceful!

How Do We Get a Marriage License in Ouray?

Both of you will need to go to the Ouray County Clerk’s Office with a photo ID (driver’s license or passport works) to pick up your marriage license (even if you apply online). Your license costs $30 and is immediately usable. After you and your partner sign the license on your elopement day, take it back to the office within 63 days to have your marriage recorded and receive a certificate. Easy peasy!

The one thing to note is that the clerk’s office is closed on Fridays, so if your elopement is planned for the weekend, arrive no later than Thursday.