How to Plan A 4x4 Wedding in Colorado: Epic Locations, Tips & What You Need to Know
Table of Contents
If you’re the type of couple that loves dusty roads, remote mountain passes, and the idea of saying your vows literally - above treeline - then grab that four point harness and buckle up!
Jeep elopements are for the dirt loving adventurers who (like me) would rather drive to a really cool alpine lake or wildflower field than hike to it.
So whether you’re a seasoned off-roader, or Jeep rookies (literally had no idea what a Wrangler was when I moved out here), this guide is packed with everything you need to know to plan an unforgettable 4x4 elopement in the Colorado Rockies.
So What the Heck Is a 4x4 Wedding Anyway?
A 4x4 wedding (aka 4x4 elopement, off road elopement, or “yep, we got married up there”), is exactly what it sounds like. Getting hitched in a place that requires a high clearance, four wheel drive vehicle to access. Imagine… old rocky mining roads (because that’s what a lot of them are!), access to incredible mountain views without the hike, and panoramic views.
A 4x4 wedding isn’t offroading for the sake of … offroading. It’s about using any 4x4 to reach places that are otherwise inaccessible without a strenuous hike. Please that feel untouched! Beautiful! No crowds! Add in the fact that you get to turn the drive itself into part of your story - pulling off at random overlooks, snacking whenever you feel like it (yay!), catching the sun as it first peaks above the mountains at sunrise.
It’s just you, your person, and miles of peaks as far as the eye can see.
4x4 Rules & Etiquette for the Road
4WD road etiquette and safety is just what you would expect it to be - common sense, communication, and consideration!
Give uphill vehicles the right of way as it’s more difficult to stop and start on an incline!
Stay on marked trails. More on that below!
Pack it in and pack it out! So basically follow all Leave no Trace rules. More on that, also below.
Let people know how many more cars are behind you by holding up the same number of fingers. If you’re the last in the group, you can hold up a zero! This helps let the person pulled over know that they’re okay to pop out of their little stopped spot to continue on the trail.
Pull over when you stop. Aka don’t stop in the middle of the trail (which are usually only wide enough for one vehicle), preventing others from being able to continue on.
Help others! One thing I love about the 4x4 community is how quickly people jump in to help others (it’s actually really funny when you have a bunch of men trying to figure out how to get someone unstuck and they all think -they’re- the ones that have the solution). Man things.
Go slow! Some people are into taking trails as fast as they can but those people are weird. Take the trails slow and safe! Sometimes there are tight corners with no views of the oncoming trails, so taking the trails slow keeps you and other off-roaders safe!
Ride over obstacles instead of around them! This keeps the trails from widening causing soil and vegetation erosion.
For more trail tips and info check out Stay the Trail Colorado.
Do you need a OHV Permit?
Yep! OHV, or “Off Highway Vehicles”, which include plated street legal vehicles, dirt bikes, ATVs, SxS, UTVs, all need registration and a permit decal.
Colorado residents need OHV permits. And nonresidents who bring OHV’s into Colorado must purchase an OHV permit.
So basically, no matter the car, if you’re going on a 4x4 trail, you need a permit and decal!
What is Stay the Trail?
Stay the Trail is program that promotes responsible OHV (off highway vehicle) use on public land! It’s about teaching people proper OHV etiquette, resource protection, and trail maintenance.
Jeep vs SxS vs ATV vs UTV
Different companies around Colorado rent out different things, so here’s a quick breakdown of the difference in options.
Jeep/Land Cruiser/Bronco/FJ60/Other Dope AF Old Car
Your go to for elopements. Comfy, enclosed, space for gear (and dogs!) and looks great in photos. Perfect for full day adventures.SxS (Side by Side)
Like a sporty go kart with a roll cage. Fun and rugged, but loud, dusty and not ideal for vows or long rides.ATV
Single-rider, no storage, zero romance. Great for trail scouting, not for your wedding.UTV
More utility-focused SxS. Good for hauling gear or shuttling guests. Less fun for ceremony vibes.
Where Do We Get An OHV Permit or Sticker?
So there are a couple of ways to do it and it’s kindddd of confusing and varys on whether you are a resident or non resident.
Resident of Colorado
If you’re a Colorado resident, you need to
Register your vehicle as an OHV. To do this, you have to print out and mail, or bring in person, a registration form, along with proof of ownership, to any Colorado Parks & Wildlife Location. This costs $25, is valid March to March, and must be renewed every year.
Non-Resident
If you’re not Colorado resident, you need to
Order a OHV Permit on the CPW website. It is very straight forward, takes two seconds, and you can choose to pick it up at a sales location, or have it be shipped to you by mail. It costs $25.25 and includes a search and rescue fee!
For up to date information, check out the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Website.
“Residents of Colorado with OHVs must have both a valid OHV Registration card available with the vehicle, and two current OHV Registration decals properly displayed on and affixed to the vehicle.
All Non-Resident OHVs must have one valid OHV Permit properly displayed on and affixed to the vehicle or carry the valid bright green OHV Permit. Permits are valid March 1 - March 31 of the following year. Non-residents are not required to register their OHVs (but may choose to do so). If a non-resident chooses to register their OHV they are required to provide acceptable proof of ownership.”
What is Leave No Trace?
Leave No Trace is a set of principals that help us keep minimum impact on the land. They are:
Plan ahead and prepare
Travel and camp on durable surfaces
Dispose of waste properly
Leave what you find
Minimize campfire impacts
Respect wildlife
Be considerate of others
Learn more about Leave No Trace here.
What is a Motor Vehicle Use Map?
A motor vehicle use map, or MVUP, is a black and white map that the US forest service updates with topographical features. It’s a map for legal destinations where you can travel on national forest system roads and trails!
Most MVUM can be downloaded from the FS.USDA website, and viewed via the Avenza app. The way the maps load is super cool too and will GPS track you on the specific maps you download into Avenza - so definitely less chance of getting lost.
To learn more about Motor Vehicle Use Maps, check out the forest service website.
Who is a 4x4 Wedding Perfect For?
Jeeping is so dang Colorado. It’s just such an accessible outdoor activity if you have access to a high clearance vehicle, and you can find roads anywhere in the state!
Most of the state’s 4x4 roads are actually old mining roads. This means quick and relatively easy access to stunning views (yay us!). Whether you’re near Telluride, Buena Vista, or Crested Butte, I promise there’s a trail to fit your vibe and comfort level!
Just the Two of You
If you want privacy, intimacy, and the freedom to go wherever your hearts (or tires) take you, Jeeping is your jam. There’s nothing like swapping vows in a remote alpine meadow with no one around but your partner and a curious marmot.
Want to Bring Guests? Here’s What to Know
The thing with 4x4 roads in Colorado is … they’re kinda all over the place. As in, you’ll be bouncing all over the place. And some people aren’t into that. There are places and rental companies that will shuttle guests for you but just keep in mind your guests experience and if it’s something Grandma Jay would actually be into. If you’re thinking of bringing family or friends, consider:
What kind of vehicles you’ll need
Whether you’ll need a shuttle service
Guest experience
How they experience the bumpy drive up
Altitude and high weather exposure
Preparing them for everything! Weather, with food, snacks, bathroom access, expectations, etc.
Whether you can find accessible Jeep ceremony spots in Colorado (yes, they exist!)
How To Choose the Right Jeep Trail for Your Elopement
Colorado’s got something for everything so you don’t need to be a pro to have an epic day. Actually, out here you don’t even need to have experience to rent a Jeep and hit a 4x4 trail, but don’t take that as a recommendation, ha!
Regions of Colorado and Jeeping Style
Jeep roads around Colorado vary SO much! You can typically find easy, medium, and hard trails in any area - but some areas are harder, more exposed, or busier than others. I personally love checking onx Offroad, Dangerous Roads, and other websites that specialize in 4x4 roads. The forest service also has updated Motor Vehicle Use Maps and typically have good info about whether they are easy, moderate, or hard. So some things to keep in mind when doing your research (because I promise you do want to do your research on these roads!).
The Southwest (San Juans, Ouray, Lake City, Telluride, Silverton): Known for their narrow, bumpy, and exposed mining roads, the 4x4 roads in the San Juans are notoriously know for their exposure. Think, single lane road with a 2,000 foot drop off the side. Some of the moiuntains in the San Juans are not for the faint of heart - but there are some incredibly easy roads that can get you just as cool places. So let your photographer know if you’re afraid of heights - this is one of the main places to be concerned about it!
Front Range and near Denver: For the sake of groupings, lets say within 2 hours of Denver. So Nederland, Breckenrdige, Idaho Springs, Fort Collins, Winter Park, etc. The mountain ranges closer to Denver aren’t quite as steep and treturous as the San Juans. They’re more rutted out rocky mining roads, surrounded by forests before you pop out above treeline. So in a sense, they can feel a bit safer without the steep drops, but can be more technical to navigate with large obstacles.
Central Colorado: For these we’re talking places like Buena Vista, Crested Butte, the Sand Dunes, the Grand Mesa. These roads can vary so like all roads, just do your research going in! Some roads are super easy and you hardly need high clearance, and some cars like stock Subarus can make it - others, you need lifted Jeeps with winches to make it through.
Super Easy Chill Paved Roads
While not technically 4x4, if you’re car isn’t quite high clearance enough to hit the old mining trails, these roads are just as good!
Kenosha Pass - Insane aspen groves.
Mount Blue Sky - highest paved road in the United States!
Trail Ridge Road - Incredible high alpine paved road through a National Park.
Pikes Peak - Paved road near Colorado Springs.
Easier Jeep Trails
These are some easier trails you could drive even with no experience driving 4x4 roads in Colorado! They’re fairly straightforward and don’t have obstacles or sharp drops.
California Pass - A longer drive via the counter clockwise route to California Gulch through Eureka is pretty easy for stock 4x4 vehicles.
Rollins Pass - A super easy 4x4 road that just requires some slow driving over bumpy roads.
Boreas pass - A popular spot in the fall, Boreas doesn’t really need 4x4 but it never hurts, especially if there’s unexpected weather.
Moderate Jeep Trails
These moderate Jeep trails, you’ll want experience under your belt of driving the 4WD roads out here, or someone who does. Especially on busier days when you have to back up, pull off, and navigate around other cars.
Engineer Pass - Jaw dropping switchbacks in the San Juans
Ophir Pass - narrow but doable with confidence.
Red Mountain - steep but photogenic.
Hard Jeep Trails
These are the ones you want to hire guides for - they have experience navigating the drop offs and ledges unique to the different roads that can make them so dangerous!
Black Bear Pass. Sheer drops, famous switchbacks down into Telluride, legendary. I know an incredible local photographer that will go on Black Bear with you - that is not me haha.
Schofield Pass. Know for being both gorgeous and terrifying with narrow shelf roads.
Poughkeepsie Gulch. Has an obstacle called the Wall, if that tells you anything.
For more chill roads, check out The Best Roads in Western Colorado to Elope On If You’re Scared Of Heights.
Logistics of A 4x4 Wedding
Getting married on a 4x4 road adds a layer of magic. Andddd a layer of planning.
What to Pack
Colorado weather = unpredictable = 4WD elopements = unpredictable.
Essentials
Layers!!! Rain jacket, coats, gloves, hats, scarves, windbreaker. Even in July!
Water, electrolytes, snacks.
Sunscreen, chapstick, and probably lotion.
Real shoes. Even though you’ll be spending a good amount of time in the car, shoes with good traction means you’ll be able to explore more when we do stop!
First aid basics + advil for high altitude headaches (I’ll have these as your photographer!).
Extra’s (if you’re going way out or on a gnarly trail)
Satellite phone or Garmin inreach
Emergency tools in case something on your car breaks (lol)
Printed directions or some way to find your way back (GPS, Earthmate, Avenza, etc)
Trashbags to pack everything out
What To Know Before You Go
Check trail status. Snow sticks around until July some years. Rock slides are a thing. Sometimes trails don’t open for maintenance or because they’ve just become too dangerous.
Download offline GPS and MVUM. You probably won’t have cell service (so yeah, download those playlists too!)
Pad your timeline. Everything takes longer off-road. 6 miles? Could be a two hour drive. At least haha.
Fuel up. Fill your tank before you head out. There are no gas stations out there.
Know your comfort level. These trails are not for the inexperienced. Some trails are mellow. Others are white-knuckle-I’ve-accepted-I’m-going-to-die trails (been there).
Leave No Trace & Permits
OHV Permits
Land Use or Wedding Permits
Some US forest service and BLM areas require permits - the best way to find out is from the horses mouth!
Pro tip: If you’re hiring a local photographer, they’ll often help you figure this out or already have the answers.
Jeep Rentals for Elopements in Colorado
Why You Might Need a Jeep Rental
Obviously not everyone is lucky enough to own a fully stocked and outfitted Jeep Wrangler with a 3.5 old man emu lift, a snorkle, winch, etc. And that’s totally fine! Most couples can rent Jeeps, ATVs, UTVs, etc, for their elopements! And honestly, I recommend it.
These rental companies know the use their cars are being through so they’re meticulously maintained and gives you the freedom to not say “Oh shit, I forgot to put the skid plates back on” when you’re 4 miles into Corkscrew Gulch.
Obviously, rentals are helpful if you’re:
Flying in from out of state
Don’t want to deal with having to obtain an OHV permit
Want to drive a trail with a car that can actually handle the obsticles
Don’t want your personal vehicle crying
Want to pick and choose your look. You can rent Wranglers! Jeeps! Land Cruisers! Side by Sides! Your car will be part of your photos so make sure you pick something you like (and feel safe in).
Why Hire a Local Guide or Driver
Some 4WD trails in Colorado nice packed dirt roads with mayyyyybe some gravelly rocks that are equally packed down. Others will make your butt pucker. If you’re not comfortable navigating switchbacks with 1,000 foot drop offs, or even more importantly, you want to focus on the views, hire a local guide!
Reasons to hire a local 4x4 guide in Colorado:
They know the trails, weather, pull-offs, history, spots to avoid, hidden gems. There is invaluable knowledge that even I as a photographer who drives these roads A LOT do not know. These people are up here every single day, multiple times a day. The know everything.
They can drive while you enjoy the food. I mean views.
They’re super understanding about timelines and planning and pacing - they don’t rush you!
They know how to get out of bad situations. Because shit can happen. And they know how to fix it. And if they don’t, they can call someone that can. Which means you don’t have to worry about being stuck at 10,000 feet on your wedding night because you broke an axel.
Not every city in Colorado has guides that you can hire but they’re really popular and well known in the San Juans where the trails are significantly more difficult to navigate.
Trusted Local Rental Companies
Always do your research on local rental companies! Not all rentals are created equal and you want to make sure the vehicle (and company) are good. Some questions to ask 4x4 rental companies in Colorado:
Do you allow your vehicles on technical 4x4 trails like Imogene or Alpine Loop?
What happens if the vehicle breaks down? What happens if we need a recovery?
Is there a milage or trail use limit?
Do you include recovery gear or radios?
Can we pick up the vehicle the night before?
Do you provide trail recommendations or maps?
Any hidden fees for returning it dusty?
Rental Company Map
Here is a custom Google Map I’ve made of 4x4 and Jeep rental companies around Colorado! It is updated as of 2025.
Why a Jeeping Elopement is About the Journey (Not Just the Views)
The thing about old mining roads is .. you can’t go 65 miles per hour. Honestly, you can’t even go 5 mph. So while the views are unreal, the real magic lives in the journey.
So come ready to enjoy and laugh at the in-between moments. The number of times you’ve had to pee off the side of the trail. Your dogs ears flappin’ in the wind. That one song coming on the playlist that you totally forgot about. How around every corner is ANOTHER pull-off that you want to stop at.
Don’t just think about where you’re going to end up, think about how you get there. The vehicle. The dust. The snack breaks. It’s all your story. Because you’re building a memory as soon as you shift that car in drive (or 4L).
Favorite 4x4 and Jeep Friendly Ceremony Spots
Best Ceremony Spots for Elopements
Usually the whole point of choosing to elope is saving money, focusing on yourselves, anddd having some privacy. If you want privacy, for most of these 4x4 roads, you’re going to want to aim for sunrise or sunset on a weekday to avoid tourist and weekend crowds!
Imogene Pass - a fav for Jeep weddings in Telluride + Ouray
Yankee Boy Basin - flowers + waterfalls
Cinnamon Pass - part of the Alpine Loop
All stellar options for couples wanting Colorado backcountry wedding locations that don’t look like anywhere else.
4x4 Wedding Venues & Legal Ceremony Sites
USFS Guard Stations - rustic cabins with space
Private ranches with Jeep access - mountain backdrops, actual bathrooms
Eureka Lodge near Silverton - remote but guest-friendly
Select Hipcamps like Hut On Humbolt - just check with the hosts about events!
Privately owned backcountry huts like Mount Hayden Backcuntry Lodge (again, double check with hosts!)
Shrine Mountain Inn - with permits and rental fee’s
Always double check that weddings and guests are allowed on property before you book anything!
Example of a 4x4 Wedding Timeline
4-Hour Timeline
For couples who want to keep it simple and focus on the main moment.
2:00 PM: Meet at trailhead + start Jeep ride
3:00 PM: Arrive at ceremony spot, explore + get changed
3:30 PM: Private vow exchange
4:00 PM: Portraits + champagne (and snacks!)
5:00 PM: Jeep back down as the sun starts to dip
8-Hour Timeline
For couples who want the full story - getting ready, ceremony, exploring, golden-hour portraits, and the candid in-between moments.
12:00 PM: Getting ready at your cabin or rental
1:30 PM: First look + Jeep ride starts
3:00 PM: Explore, stop at overlooks, snack break
4:30 PM: Ceremony at your chosen spot
5:00 PM: Portraits + celebrating!
6:00 PM: Sunset picnic or mini hike for more photos
8:00 PM: Jeep back under the stars (headlamps on, music up)
Full Weekend Jeep Elopement
If you’re camping, staying in a remote lodge, or making this a mini-honeymoon:
Day 1
Meet up, check into your lodging or camp spot
Welcome dinner
Stargazing, time with each other or loved ones, stargazing, slow night
Day 2 (with guests)
7:30 AM: Slow morning + coffee
9:00 AM: Getting ready (separately)
10:30 AM: First look + private vows
12:00 PM: Jeep ride to ceremony spot (guests join!)
1:00 PM: Ceremony with loved ones
1:30 PM: Champagne toast + group photos
2:30 PM: Head back down to your lodging
4:00 PM: Dinner with your people
7:00 PM: Sunset portraits (just the two of you)
8:30 PM: Campfire, stargazing, winding down with loved ones
Day 3
Casual brunch, maybe a hot spring soak
Head back down the mountain
FAQ
Do I need to know how to drive off-road?
Nope! You can always rent with a guide! Personally I don’t drive couples around in my car for liability & creativity purposes so that’s where the experts come in!What if the weather sucks?
We adapt! We shift timing! We make sure everything is safe! We dance in the rain!Can I change clothes at the top?
Yes. Car doors = DIY privacy tent on 3 sides.Do I need a special license or permit?
An OHV permit, marriage license, possibly a wedding permit. It depends on a million variables which is why it’s best to hire local!Can we bring the dog?
YES. Always yes. Pack treats, water, a leash, and maybe some booties for rough terrain or snow that’s still hangin’ on in July.What kind of bathroom situation are we talkin’?
Nature! Maybe a trailhead pit toilet if we’re lucky. Pack TP, a wag bag if needed, and just embrace the adventure. I love love love Freshettes from REI. It’s a plastic pee funnel. Pro tip: practice in the shower so you don’t pee down the side of your leg on your wedding day lol.How do we keep food cold / drinks cold / flowers alive?
Coolers. Ice packs. Wraps. Shade. Wrap bouquets in wet paper towels + a plastic bag out of direct sun. For food, I typically have a fridge (yeah, haha) in my car that you’re welcome to throw snacks in!Will we get dirty?
Probably, yes! And it’s part of the fun! Dusty shoes, windblown hair, a little mud. And you’ll look incredible.How long does a typical Jeep elopement take?
Anywhere from 4 hours to all day to a full weekend. It really depends on the trail, the vibe, if guests are involved, and how much time you want for exploring.Do we need to hike at all?
Not unless you want to. Many ceremony worthy spots are drive up or just a short walk from the car. If a short hike is your jam, we can talk about that too!
How to Actually Plan a 4x4 Wedding or Elopement
So now you can’t imagine anything but getting married with your dog and your partner on top of a mountain with the most insane view and no one around. Now what?
1. Book a local adventure elopement photographer in Colorado who knows the terrain (howdy!). They’ll help with locations, region, and seasons.
2. Lock in logistics in Colorado early (permits, rentals, lodging).
3. Remember that the drive is half of the fun!
4. If guests are coming, prep them (emotionally and logistically, I have a “How to Prepare Guests For Your Elopement” Guide to help!).
5. Be flexible! The weather changes! Wildfires happen! Roads close! Sometimes a last minute trail swap turns into the best decision of the day. Enjoy the company and I promise you’ll enjoy the day. That’s kinda the whole point anyway ;)
Ready to Plan Your Own 4x4 Wedding?
I’d love to help you find the perfect trail, ceremony spot, or just tell you where you’re most likely to see a moose in the wild… Reach out below, or on my contact page and let’s chat! It’s super no pressure vibes just because I love helping couples brainstorm and imagine what their wedding day could actually be!
