Is there a location that is special to you?

If you are unsure about locations, I recommend thinking of places that are special to you and your partner. Are there any places that are significant to you both? For example, is there a park where you had your first date? Alternatively, try thinking of things that you love to do together. If you love hiking together, perhaps consider a location that offers hiking trails where the photos can showcase your relationship and what you love to do together. Ultimately, I recommend picking a location that will represent you and your partner. 

Accessibility

Accessibility can mean a lot of things. Think about how far you want to drive (from home or from an airport), how far you want to hike, what kind of facilities (if any) you want available, and whether you want guests to be with you. If you are inviting guests to your ceremony or any other part of the day, you'll need to think about picking a space that can accommodate you and your guests. Some locations are more suitable to just the couple and up to 10 guests, while other locations can accommodate more people. If you are inviting guests, you will also need to consider their physical abilities in getting to a location. 

What kind of vibe and landscape do you envision? 

What type of location do you envision? Colorado has an incredible variety of beautiful locations including mountains, red rocks, sand dunes, streams, canyons, or even urban areas. If you have a landscape or vibe in mind but not a specific location, let me know and I'm happy to help you decide on a specific spot. 

Things to think about when picking a location

Permits and Additional Fees

A lot of locations require a permit to have a ceremony of any kind at their site. These permits may require additional fees or processing time. National Parks, some state parks, and some privately owned properties require permits, and you will be responsible for covering the permit fees or entrance fees. Don't let this intimidate you though! I will let you know if an area needs a permit, and I will help with the permitting process. If I have never shot at a location that you're interested, I will do the research about permits and such. I'm just giving you a heads up that permits and entrance costs are a thing. :)

Where and how do you want to say your vows?

Your vows are a really important part of your elopement day (if not THE most important). I recommend that you start your planning process by thinking about your vows, where you want to say them, and what you want the experience to be like. For example, do you want to say your vows privately or with guests? Do you want to say your vows on a mountain or by a lake? 

How much hiking do you want to do? 

First, I want you to know that hiking is definitely NOT a requirement for an elopement in Colorado! Think about how much you want to hike, and whether you want that experience as part of your elopement day. There are lots of incredible locations that require anywhere from a couple miles to multi-day backpacking adventures, but there are also plenty of spots that are easily accessible and require little to no hiking. 

What kind of activities do you want to do for the day? 

What activities do you want to include in your day? For example, do you want to hike, watch sunset, have a picnic, soak in hot springs, ski, rock climb, or have a relaxing day close to your accommodations? Do you want to have a first look? Get ready together? The possibilities are endless!