How to Get Married in
Ouray, Colorado

I feel like a broken record when I talk about weather in Colorado because it’s literally the same everywhere.

The gist - it’s chaotic. Prepare for winter in the summer and summer in the winter.

• Summer (July - early September): Warm days, chilly nights, afternoon thunderstorms basically guaranteed. Pack a rain jacket.

• Fall (Late September - early October): Crisp mornings, golden aspens, highs in the 50s-60s °F. Probably the best time to exist here, period.

• Winter (November - April): Cold, snowy, icy. Cute if you want a frozen waterfall vibe but definitely plan for real winter travel and be prepared to pivot plans in case of blizzards and road closures.

• Spring (May - June): Mud season. Like, literal mud. Some trails are open, most 4x4 mountain passes are still closed, but things are cheap for the off season. Could be hot and sunny. Cold be a blizzard the next day.

Basically layers are key, and don’t expect any weather to stick around. 

As an experienced Ouray elopement photographer, I often get asked when the best time to plan a Ouray Colorado elopement is. Here’s a season breakdown to help you decide the perfect timing!

Summer: Late June Through August Early August

Summer is wildflower season in Ouray and one of my favorite times to capture Colorado Elopement Photography in the San Juan Mountains. Trails like Yankee Boy Basin and Silver Basin, right near Ouray, burst with vibrant blooms that make for stunning backdrops. Keep in mind, afternoon storms are common, so bring an umbrella and be ready to embrace whatever Mother Nature brings for your elopement wedding in Colorado.

Fall: September Through Early October

Fall transforms the San Juans into a breathtaking palette of gold as the aspens turn brilliant yellow. For peak fall colors, the last week of September through the first week of October is prime time to schedule your Ouray Colorado elopement. Waterfalls are also more photogenic then, with less powerful snow runoff, offering perfect conditions for your Colorado elopement photographer to capture magical moments.

Winter: November Through March

Winter in Ouray is peaceful and quiet, ideal for cozy moments but with limited access to many locations due to snow. While there’s the famous ice climbing competition, most businesses and popular spots close for the off-season. If you’re considering a winter Elopement Wedding, ski towns might be better suited than Ouray for easier access and more amenities.

Spring: April Through Early June

Spring isn’t the best season for an Ouray elopement. The landscape tends to be muddy, brown, and grey, with unpredictable weather and lingering snow that limits access to many trails and locations. Spring usually lasts until early June, and depending on snowfall, some higher elevation trails don’t open until July. For the best experience and photos, I recommend planning your Colorado elopement for late June or later.

Getting to Ouray isn’t convenient…but that’s kinda the point.

Closest airports:

• Montrose (MTJ) — about an hour drive

  • Grand Junction (GJT) — about 2 hours

  • Durango (DRO) — about 2.5 hours

  • Denver (DEN) — 6+ hour drive (aka: commitment)

• Driving tips:

  • Get ready for winding mountain roads. (It’s not bad, but it’s not your basic freeway either.)

  • If you’re renting a car, spring for the AWD/4WD if you’re doing anything fun.

  • Million Dollar Highway (between Ouray and Silverton) - scenic as hell but not for the faint of heart. No guardrails, lots of cliffs. Drive slow, breathe deep.

• Altitude is real: Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. And then hydrate some more.

• Afternoon thunderstorms: Plan outdoor stuff for the morning whenever possible.

• 4x4 roads aren’t paved: If you’re renting, make sure you’re allowed to take your car off-road and check that tire tred!

• Limited service: Don’t expect perfect cell reception…but honestly, you’re here to unplug anyway so that’s really just the world doing you a favor.

Very :)

Dogs are welcome on most trails (Box Canyon is one exception), and there are a bunch of dog friendly patios around town.

There are quite a few dog friendly lodging options too - one being Twin Peaks Lodge & Hot Spring which actually has it’s own hot spring for guests.

Choosing a location is less about "what's prettiest" (spoiler: everywhere is pretty) and more about how much effort you want to put in.

• Want easy access? Box Canyon Falls or Cascade Falls are super close.

• Want epic Jeep access? Yankee Boy Basin, Governor Basin, or Imogene Pass.

• Want a wildflower field? Yankee Boy in July is your best bet.

• Want snow? Come in late October through April.

If you’re overwhelmed (because honestly, understandable), booking a local elopement photographer will make your life about 4000x easier. We know what’s blooming, what’s muddy, what’s secretly better at sunrise, and obvs how to dodge the tourists.