Planning a Loveland Pass Elopement? Start Here
Trying to find an epic mountain view that does not require a grueling hike or tourist crowds can be tough to find in Colorado if you don’t know where to look. If you want a dramatic alpine backdrop, then a Loveland Pass elopement might be made for you!
Loveland Pass is the ultimate accessible alpine location in Colorado for eloping. You get jaw-dropping, top-of-the-world views without having to strap on a heavy backpack or drive for 6 hours from Denver. Did you know that Loveland Pass is the highest mountain pass in Colorado that stays open year-round?
But planning a wedding at this elevation requires some serious logistics. I live at 8,000 feet and photograph adventurous weddings on top of mountains for a living. I am an absolute expert at making sure these days run flawlessly! I am here to give you the honest, brutally real logistics so your Loveland Pass elopement is absolutely perfect and completely stress-free.
If you’re still on the hunt for the perfect ceremony location and not sold on Loveland Pass, reach out!
I have some hidden gems up my sleeve!
Fast Facts For Eloping at Loveland Pass
Before we dive into the details, here are the most important things you need to know about getting married at Loveland Pass:
Is It Legal to Get Married at Loveland Pass?
Yes! However there are restrictions. It’s important to know that these rules change frequently. Please contact the Clear Creek Ranger District (part of the Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forest) for final confirmation.
Generally you do not need a wedding ceremony permit if you keep the groups small (15 people or less, including the photographer). You need to follow leave no trace principles so please do not throw flower petals or birdseed. Props, chairs, arches, ceremony decor, and rugs are not allowed. Parking is extremely limited, so please carpool.
If you plan to hire an officiant and bring a planner and other vendors then an event/commercial use permit may be required. As mentioned above, contact the Clear Creek Ranger District if you have any questions.
Where Is Loveland Pass?
Loveland Pass is incredibly easy to access from the Front Range. It is located just over an hour away from Denver, driving straight up I-70 West. If you’re coming from the Denver airport, your drive is expected to take 1 hour and 25 minutes, as long as you don’t hit any traffic on I-70.
Full disclosure, the drive to Loveland Pass summit involves tight switchbacks, narrow roads, and some steep drop-offs (some of which have no guardrails). It can be a bit ‘exciting’ if you’ve never driven a mountain pass before. During the winter, snow tires and snow chains may be required.
When you arrive at the summit, there is a paved parking lot right on the side of the highway. Because it is a major scenic pull-off, guests can expect to step straight out of the car and immediately see the Continental Divide sign and massive panoramic views. Parking can be tight during peak weekend hours, which is exactly why I recommend weekdays for a Loveland Pass wedding! Even then the top of the pass can still get busy on the weekdays.
Check out the embedded Google Map link below to see the best hiking trails and wedding ceremony locations at Loveland Pass.
Where Can You Get Married at Loveland Pass?
You are not just limited to the parking lot! There are several stunning spots to say your vows along the pass.
Loveland Pass Lakes
Technically, there are two lakes near the parking lot, approximately 0.6 miles south of the Loveland Pass Summit. If you’re driving towards Keystone/Dillon/Breckenridge the dirt road turn-off will be on your right hand side. Loveland Pass Lake is located right next to the parking lot while Lake Kaz is a short 10-minute walk down a trail that has a little bit of loose gravel and rock. To access Lake Kaz, you’ll need to walk over a small wooden plank on the trail as seen below!
Loveland Pass Summit
The very top! You get 360-degree views, but it is also the most popular spot for tourists pulling over to take photos so don’t expect a lot of seclusion unless you start down the hiking trails to get away from the parking lot.
Full disclosure, the summit will be a lot more windy than the lakes but the mountain views are way more epic! Worth it!
Hiking Trails
There are several trails branching off from the summit. If you want more seclusion, hiking just ten minutes down a trail instantly drops the crowd sizes.
Backup Locations
There are a few amazing backup locations near Keystone, Dillon, Breckenridge and Georgetown. Always have multiple backup plans! Sometimes the weather on Loveland Pass summit takes a quick turn.
The I-70 Wildcard: Why You Must Have Multiple Backup Ceremony Locations
This is the secret sauce to a stress-free mountain wedding! In a nutshell, Loveland Pass can be accessed from the north or south. If you are traveling from Denver, you have to take I-70 through the Eisenhower Tunnel or go straight to Loveland Pass.
The reality is that the Eisenhower Tunnel, I-70, and Loveland Pass all close frequently due to weather, accidents, or heavy traffic. If the highway shuts down, you could literally be trapped on one side of the mountain while your location is on the other. I recommend using the COTrip Planner app on your mobile device to get the latest information on road closures.
Here is my exact expert strategy to be ready for anything Colorado throws your way: You must have one backup ceremony location on the East side of the tunnel (like Georgetown) and one on the West side (like Dillon or Silverthorne). This guarantees your day happens flawlessly no matter what the traffic does!
Want an ultimate tip on dealing with traffic in the mountains? Try to avoid driving up i-70 from Denver on Friday evenings and Saturday mornings. When driving back to Denver try to avoid Sunday between 11AM – 6PM.
Don’t worry – if you hire me as your elopement planner and photographer I take care of all the backup plans and travel logistics for you.
What’s the Best Time of Year to Get Married at Loveland Pass?
Wondering about the best time of year to elope at Loveland Pass? The road is open year-round, but the experience changes drastically depending on the season. It’s recommended to choose the summer months (July – August) for the most pleasant weather.
Summer (July – August)
The warmest months feature lush alpine tundras and blooming wildflowers in July & August. This is the most popular time for a wedding here! As someone who is a huge fan of wildflowers this is a personal favorite (please do not pick or trample wildflowers). Watch out for afternoon thunderstorms! Like clockwork, they roll in nearly every day around 1PM to 2PM, but don’t stick around very long.
PRO TIP: The sun is more powerful at 12,000 feet and you’ll feel it immediately. It’s recommended to bring along sunscreen, hats, sunglasses or sunshirts to avoid looking sunburnt in your photos.
Fall (September – early October)
From personal experience, calling early October fall on top of Loveland Pass is almost hilarious. Early October is typically a lot closer to winter than fall when it comes to temperature at 12,000 feet. Full disclosure: If you are looking for bright yellow aspens on top of Loveland Pass you won’t find them. They only grow at lower elevations! Visit Aspen Alley in Breckenridge or Boreas Pass for fall colors at the end of September.
The alpine tundra on Loveland Pass Lake starts to turn a golden color the first week of September. Personally, I love this time of year because it gives us the chance to see snowcapped peaks, but still have access to locations like Loveland Pass Lake.
Winter (December – May)
I know it sounds crazy but May still feels like winter at Loveland Pass! You’ll still encounter snow that time of year, so I just left spring off the list entirely. In the winter, the Loveland Pass Lake area is not accessible. You can only access the Loveland Pass summit and backcountry trails. Keep in mind that the pass can occasionally close during severe winter storms!
PRO TIP: On a sunny day, the sun is extremely bright mid-day when it’s reflecting off the snow. To avoid squinting or wearing sunglasses, opt for the late afternoon for your ceremony.
The Brutal Reality of a Loveland Pass Wedding at 12,000 Feet
I want you to be totally prepared for your day. Here are a few things you have to know about getting married at nearly 12,000 feet.
Sunrise vs. Sunset: What’s the Best Time for an Elopement Ceremony?
You’re planning to get married on top of a mountain of course you want epic photos! In that case, I need you to strongly consider lighting for your wedding day and ceremony. Lighting is everything for your photos. Let’s break down exactly what to expect.
Sunrise
It will be freezing cold, but you get epic alpenglow hitting the peaks and absolute privacy before the tourist crowds wake up! From experience, I photographed an elopement near Loveland Pass Lake in mid-August, and it was 39 degrees when we arrived. Dress in layers because as soon as the sun hits, it will feel 60 to 70 degrees again!
Sunset
My personal favorite. You get warmer golden hour light, but you will deal with more crowds and a high risk of dangerous afternoon alpine thunderstorms. Safety above the tree line is always the number one priority!
Where to Stay
The East Side (Georgetown)
This side offers a quiet, historic, and charming mountain town vibe just 15 minutes away from the pass. It is perfect if you want a cozy cabin experience. Here are a few places to check out besides AirBNB & VRBO:
The West Side (Dillon, Frisco, Silverthorne, Breckenridge)
This side features more modern amenities, incredible lake views, great restaurants, and fun local breweries for a post-elopement celebration! Personally, I recommend this side for most visitors. Here are a few places to check out besides AirBNB & VRBO:
How to Celebrate After You Get Married on Top of Loveland Pass
A lot of couples think the elopement ends once the sun goes down and the photos are done. But this is your wedding day! It should absolutely be a full-day experience. Since Loveland Pass is perfectly wedged between two incredible mountain hubs, you have so many amazing ways to celebrate after making it official.
Here are some of my absolute favorite ways couples celebrate in the area:
- Hire a Private Chef: This is the ultimate luxury experience! Rent a gorgeous, modern cabin in Silverthorne or a cozy A-frame in Georgetown and hire a private chef to come cook a massive gourmet dinner just for you two. You get to stay in your comfy clothes, drink wine on the deck, and eat an incredible meal without ever leaving your Airbnb.
- Hit the Local Breweries: If you want a fun, low-key vibe, this area is packed with insane local breweries! Head down the west side of the pass to Outer Range Brewing in Frisco for some of the best mountain views and craft beers in the state, or head down the east side to Cabin Creek Brewing in Georgetown for amazing food right on the lake.
- Relax at the Hot Springs: Getting married at 12,000 feet is exhausting! Treat yourselves to a relaxing soak. Raspberry Hot Springs is a reservation-only and just a quick drive down I-70 in Idaho Springs, giving you the perfect place to warm up and unwind after a freezing alpine sunrise. You get the entire pool to yourselves! They book out quickly so plan in advance.
- Have a Lakeside Picnic: Drive 15 minutes down the pass to Lake Dillon. You can set up a blanket right on the shore, pop some champagne, and watch the sailboats go by while the sun sets behind the ten-mile range.
- Ski the Day Away: Loveland Pass is home to the Loveland Pass ski area and amazing backcountry ski touring during the winter months.
- End the Day Stargazing: Have you ever seen the Milky Way with your naked eye? I know how to track the stars, the moon, and the light so you can have a stargazing experience captured on camera.
Step-by-Step to Planning a Loveland Pass Elopement
Ready to make this happen? I have some tips on how you can organize your planning process so nothing gets missed.
- Pick a Date and Time: Decide on your season and whether you want the privacy of sunrise or the warmth of sunset.
- Book Your Photographer: Reach out to a local expert (like me!) who knows the terrain and can help you build your dual backup plans.
- Secure Lodging: Book your cabin or Airbnb in Georgetown or the Keystone, Dillon or Breckenridge area as early as possible.
- Plan Your Elopement Timeline: If you hired me for your wedding day, I will do this for you and account for the best lighting of the day at your ceremony location.
- Get Your Marriage License: Pick up your Colorado marriage license from any county clerk’s office in the state.
- Plan for the Weather: Track the forecast closely and pack layers, extra water, and warm jackets regardless of the season.
- You’re Married: It’s official! You did it!! Don’t forget to slow down, soak it in and truly be in the moment.
- File Your Marriage License: You’ll need to return your marriage license to the county clerk (where you picked it up) to be filed. The county clerk is typically only in office Monday – Friday, and most Colorado mountain towns are only open Monday – Thursday.
Ready to Plan Your Adventure?
And if you want an expert to guide you through the elopement planning process, build out your timeline, and capture every epic moment, I would love to be your photographer!
Reach out today and let’s start planning!
Real Inspiration: Loveland Pass Lake Elopement Photos
Want to see what this all looks like in action? Check out these gorgeous Loveland Pass elopement photos from real couples!
I Can Help Plan Your Loveland Pass Elopement
Whether you’re dead set on Loveland Pass for your elopement or still on the hunt for the perfect ceremony location, let’s chat! I guarantee I can help give you some inspiration