How to Get Married in Leadville, Colorado

Historic streets, alpine lakes, and the kind of solitude that makes it feel like the mountains are there just for you.

If you’re chasing big-sky views, quirky old mining town charm, and a vibe that’s part high altitude wilderness and part dusty backroad magic, Leadville’s got it. You can paddle on a lake at sunrise, drive up to your ceremony spot with a coffee in hand, and say your vows with your dog curled up next to you - all without spending Aspen prices (or hiking 9 miles uphill).

Great for couples who:

Want the small mountain town feel, with access to great food and affordable prices
Don’t mind a little extra driving to find secluded spots off the radar
Would rather eat a charcuterie board next to an alpine lake than sip champagne with 200 guests

Frequently Asked Questions About Leadville

Like every mountain town in Colorado - be prepared to be surprised. Even in July, you’ll likely wake up to frost, maybe snow…and then end the day sunburned. Summer days are usually sunny and dry, then evenings cooldown quickly once the sun goes down. Snow sticks around through May at lower elevation, and June/July at higher elevations.
June to October is the sweet spot!
June is slower because depending on snowpack from the season, it can still be a bit snowy.
July is summer in the mountains so think wildflowers, lush green mountains into August.
Late September means fall so yellow aspen leaves, changing foliage.
But there are also incredible places you can access year round in Leadville, and it is bustling with fun winter activities (like ski joring!).
The closest major airport is Denver International Airport (DIA), about 2.5 hours away. From there, it’s a gorgeous drive through the mountains. You’ll defintely want a rental car, ideally something with decent tires, especially if you plan on accessing any 4x4 roads or being around when there’s a chance of snow.
Compared to other Colorado destinations? Heck yes. Lodging, food, and vendors are generally more budget-friendly here than in nearby towns like Aspen or Vail. Plus, you don’t need a venue fee when your ceremony spot is a lake you found on a map and hiked into with snacks.

Possibly! It depends on where you’re saying your vows. Some public lands don’t require a permit, but popular locations like Twin Lakes do if you’re looking to have a larger wedding with more guests.
If you’re booking a private cabin, Airbnb, or ranch — make sure elopements are allowed on-site. Some spots are totally chill, others are like “no weddings ever.” Always ask first!
- - Stay on trail (even in your wedding shoes)
  - Don’t pick the wildflowers (no matter how cute they’d look in your bouquet)
  - Pack out all trash, including biodegradable stuff like food
  - Be kind to wildlife (no chasing marmots for your couples photos)
Absolutely! Just keep it tiny. Most elopement friendly spots around Leadville work best with 2–10 people max. Think immediate family, a couple best friends, or just your dog (who counts as an honored guest, obviously).
If you’re wanting more love ones, there are plenty of reservable places that can handle the impact of a larger group!

Why elope in Leadville

Imagine a place that looks like a postcard, sounds like your boots crunching on gravel, and feels like the perfect combo of low-key and high-altitude drama. Yeeee old Leadville, Colorado. It’s 10,152 feet up and nestled right between rugged peaks, glassy lakes, and dirt roads that make you feel like you’re in a western.

How to obtain a marriage license in Lake County

A marriage license is available by appointment only, just call 719-486-4131 to schedule your appointment. You will need to bring $30, be present with both ID’s, and fill out an application. The license must be used within 35 days and returned to the county clerk and recorder within 63 days. For more information, call the Lake County County Recording Office.

How to Pick the Best Spot for Your Elopement

Wildflower Season (July-August): Best for vibrant meadows.
Fall (Late September-October): Stunning golden aspens.
Winter (November-May): Some spots become inaccessible but there’s tons of fun winter activities!

Activities to Do in Leadville

Drive Independence Pass: a hairpin-heavy scenic route that's peak Colorado chaos in the best way.
Day trip to Buena Vista or Twin Lakes: hot springs, coffee shops, and mountain town charm all within an hour.
Paddleboard or canoe on Turquoise Lake: sunrise sessions = bonus romance points.
Explore Winfield ghost town: quieter than St. Elmo, and even closer to Twin Lakes.
Camp under the stars in San Isabel National Forest: just make sure your snacks are bear-proof.
Take in the views at Clinton Gulch Reservoir : moody alpine reflections + short walk = ideal midday chill.
Drive Hagerman Pass : wildflowers, waterfalls, and rough dirt roads for your inner backroad gremlin.
Mountain bike the Mineral Belt Trail: or just take a slow stroll with coffee in hand.
Rent a Jeep and explore the 4x4 roads: say your vows where most cars won’t dare.
Take a scenic train ride on the Leadville Railroad: retro vibes, big views.
Ski or snowboard at Ski Cooper: no crowds, all powder.
Snowshoe through evergreen forests: perfect for winter wonderland vibes.
Grab a drink at Two Mile Brewing Co.: local beer at Colorado’s highest brewery.
Get a breakfast burrito at La Mina or City on a Hill: you’ll want to cry it’s so good.
Try your luck at a Melanzana reservation: the cult classic fleece is made right here.
Fly fish the Arkansas River: even if you don’t catch anything, the views are still a win.
Visit the National Mining Hall of Fame: quirky, historic, and unexpectedly rad.
Visit during the iconic Ski Joring competition: horses pulling skiers through a fast pace course? Hell yeah.

Where to Explore in Leadville

Hagarman Pass

Oh HELLO wildflowers and moody clouds. Hagerman is a rugged 4x4 road with waterfalls, alpine meadows, and the kind of remoteness that makes you whisper your vows a little quieter (because it feels sacred AF). Best explored in late summer — the road is rough, but not ridiculous, and it rewards every bump with ridiculous scenery.

TURQUOISE Lake

Sunrise paddling? Check. Rocky beach ceremony with the dog napping nearby? Double check. Turquoise Lake is a local fave and super accessible — like, you-can-drive-right-up-to-it accessible. There are established campgrounds if you want to stay the night, plus docks and secluded coves perfect for quick "let's pull over here and make it official" moments.

Independence Pass

This one's a dramatic babe. Closed in the winter but pure magic in the summer, Independence Pass gives you wide open views, cliffside hairpin turns, and dozens of roadside pull-offs that look fake (they're not). Bring layers — it’s chilly even in July — and prepare to be humbled by the sheer scale of the landscape.

Twin Lakes

Romantic. Peaceful. Full of that moody-mountain-movie energy. Twin Lakes is only about 30 minutes from Leadville and feels like stepping into another world — one where you and your partner are the only people who exist (except maybe a fisherman or two). Paddle, picnic, or just sit on a rock and feel things. Ceremony here? 10/10.

Tennessee Pass

Home to cute yurts, snowshoe trails, and views for DAYS. If you're eloping in winter, this is your jam. Cross-country ski or snowshoe into the trees for a cozy, snowy vow exchange, or hike in the summer to find wildflowers peeking through the grass. Less crowded than other passes = win.

Mosquito Pass

Unhinged in the best way. It's one of the highest 4x4 roads in the country, and it feels like you’re driving on the spine of the Rockies. Not for the faint of heart (or low-clearance cars), but if you make it to the top — OH BOY — you’ll feel like you’re on another planet.

Leadville is basically one big elopement playground — alpine lakes, off-grid riversides, cozy cabins, and views that’ll make your vows hit harder. Here's a closer look at your best backdrop options:

Fremont Pass

Not the flashiest sibling in the pass family, but still delivers. Great for roadside mountain views, especially if you're short on time or just want that wind-in-your-face look without committing to a full hike. Bonus: it’s on the way in/out of town from Copper/Dillon/Summit County.

Secluded River & Streamside Spots on the Arkansas

Wild, rushing, and full of that riverside romance energy. There are sandy spots, flat rocks for vows, and leafy alcoves if you want shade (or to hide from the occasional rafting crew). Great for chill ceremonies with water sounds in the background.

Winfield Ghost Town

Old mining cabins, open fields, and a dirt road that keeps the crowds away. Winfield is like a time capsule in the woods. Perfect for laid-back couples who want history and solitude and don’t mind a little dust on their boots.

Lodges, Cabins & Airbnbs with a View

Tennessee Pass Sleep Yurts – If you're after cozy-but-epic, this is it. These yurts are nestled in the woods with fire pits, wood stoves, and serious stargazing potential. Great for winter or off-grid summer elopements.

Off-grid cabins near Twin Lakes – Tons of privately owned Airbnbs in this area offer jaw-dropping views, big porches, and built-in privacy. Some even have ceremony-worthy backyards.

Historic Leadville Homes – For a more charming, downtown vibe, check out restored mining-era homes that give a nod to the town's quirky past. Perfect for getting ready photos and walking access to local breweries.

Leadville Elopement Timeline Example

6:30 AM

Wake up with your pup in a cozy cabin or mountain Airbnb. Soak in the quiet stillness before the mountains start glowing. Bonus points if your socks match your sleeping bag.

7:00 AM

Grab a burrito and a latte from La Mina or City on a Hill (yes, you can do both). This is not a drill — you’ll need fuel for the adventure ahead.

8:00 AM

First look at Clinton Gulch Reservoir. Quiet, moody, and very photogenic. Bonus: it’s a short walk and rarely crowded.

9:00 AM

Hop in a Jeep and head up Hagerman Pass for portraits. Wildflowers, waterfalls, dirt roads, and just enough chaos to feel alive.

12:00 PM

Midday break: picnic, nap, or snack attack. Maybe all three. Let the sun warm your face while your dog steals your trail mix.

2:00 PM

Drive to Turquoise Lake or Twin Lakes to set up for the ceremony. Scout the dock, fluff the dress, eat a granola bar. You’re doing great.

3:30 PM

Say your vows with your toes in the dirt, your dog at your side, and your person across from you. Cry a little. Laugh a lot.

5:00 PM

Crack a drink, share a dance, maybe jump in the lake? This is your \"just married\" moment, so soak it in — literally or figuratively.

6:30 PM

Chase the light up Independence or Mosquito Pass. Take golden hour portraits that make your future selves sob (in a good way).

8:00 PM

Head back for snacks, star-gazing, and maybe a fire pit cuddle with your new spouse. You did it. You’re married. And it was epic.

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