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How to Elope in the Mountains of Crested Butte

elopement, wedding

Crested Butte CO is a small town deep in the rocky mountains, many miles from any major metropolitan area. An old mining town now a ski resort, Crested Butte has a historic feel among it’s natural beauty. It is really a wonder and has become a popular wedding and elopement destination. If you have visited us you know, things are not the same up here at 9000 feet! Our seasons are a little different then many other locations for many reasons. Travel can be a challenge and with two incredibly busy tourist seasons during the year, you really need to prepare if you are going to plan an elopement here. I have lived in Crested Butte for 20 years and have worked with countless brides…so I have some knowledge to share with you that will make your planning easier and smoother.

Here are 5 tips for eloping in Crested Butte

Crested Butte is Remote

It’s a 4.5 hour drive from Denver International Airport to Crested Butte, and in winter that drive can often turn much longer due to bad weather. But the long drive is also what keeps the crowds away! If having a relaxed, outdoorsy, and private wedding is important to you, Crested Butte is the place to be.

Crested Butte is affordable

Compare Crested Butte to Telluride, Aspen, and Vail, and you’ll be pleasantly surprised by how much cheaper it can be. But that doesn’t mean CB is lacking in luxury! With private ranches, ski resort, and some of the best wedding venues in Colorado, you can absolutely have a high end wedding here.

  1. Crested Butte has the prettiest mountains in Colorado. I know I might be biased living here for 20 years, but I love the mountains here more than anywhere else in the mile high state. There are high peaks in every direction, which is a photographer’s dream!

  2. The ski resort and slopes are world-class. If you’re looking for a place to elope that you can combine with an epic adventurous honeymoon, Crested Butte is what you want. Ski or snowboard in winter, or join in the local cross-country skiing scene. You can even take guided tours for backcountry skiing and snowmobiling, and the snowshoeing trails are endless. We are also the mountain biking capital of the world! So enjoy all the beauty and adventure our summer and falls offer.

  3. A well established wedding market. While Crested Butte is smaller than some of the other mountain towns, you can find everything from wedding planners to florists (to amazing photographers) right here in town. Going local is so important- we know about the crazy weather patterns and the best locations.

Visit Third Eye Photography to book your elopement with us!

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About the author

I’m Rebecca, the owner of Third Eye Photography here in Crested Butte, Colorado. As a trained photojournalist, I’m passionate about being creative and photographing my clients in an un-posed, candid way.

I strive to make every shoot FUN, capture authentic moments, and share my love of this historic town and all the landscapes, mountains, wildflowers and trails it has to offer.

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More tips & Tricks for Wedding, elopement & engagement pictures in Crested Butte, Colorado:

Rebecca of Third Eye Photography has over 20 years of experience photographing weddings and engagements in the Gunnison Valley area. My guides are full of advice for couples looking for help documenting their love stories and making the most of this destination location.

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