Loveland Pass Elopement Guide
Loveland Pass is a mountain top location that sits above two basins with panoramic views, ridge-line trails and alpine lakes. Crossing the continental divide at 11,990ft, this mountain pass is perfect for couples looking to elope at a classic spot in the Colorado rocky mountains. Here’s everything you need to know about planning an elopement at Loveland Pass!
Why Have a Loveland Pass Elopement?
*Despite being accessible year round, Loveland Pass can be treacherous during the peak winter months between December and March.
Located Between Denver & Breckenridge
Loveland Pass was one of the original gateways to access deeper mountain towns such as Breckenridge, Frisco, Dillion, and Silverthorne from the Denver metro area. Because of its accessibility bridging so many cities together, this is a year round popular destination providing a beautiful scenic area for passerbyers, tourists, truckers, hikers, and cross country skiers along the continental divide.
Ideas for your Loveland Pass elopement
There’s a variety of things you can do at or around Loveland Pass to make the experience of your elopement day that much more!
Tips for planning a Loveland Pass elopement
Choosing a season
Generally speaking, Loveland Pass is locked away by snow as early as October and through late June. If you want to dodge the snow, the best time to elope at Loveland pass is during the summer between June and September. It’s during those times that you can stand the early am calls or the late night star gazing without the potential of frostbite. If you want flexibility with other aspects of your wedding day such as reservations and accommodations, then choosing an off season month could be the right choice for you.
Pick a weekday
Because of the year round popularity at Loveland Pass, I will always recommend eloping there on a weekday. The location is sandwiched between several mountain towns and the Denver area, aiding its popularity. This small step is one of the easiest ways to add more flexibility, time, and privacy to your elopement. If you cannot make a weekday work, then I recommend arriving early on a weekend as parking is limited and no reservations can be made.
Choose the right attire
Mountain passes can be notorious for having a lot of wind so when it comes to choosing the right attire, I often recommend layers no matter the time of year. Think of it this way, you can always take layers off, but once you’re out of layers – that’s it. Since certain areas of Loveland Pass are beside mountain peaks, shadows will cast over during the early afternoon and any sign of wind can make things drafty. Despite this consideration, the wind makes for ultra epic pics 😉 If you plan to bring extra layers, consider having them compliment your attire or the kind of mood you want to create with your wedding day.
Choose the right footwear
I love to recommend comfort and good traction when it comes to deciding on the type of footwear you plan to wear on your wedding day. This is for a variety of reasons including:
Loveland Pass Elopement Permits & Reservations
Additionally you cannot make reservations at Loveland Pass or Pass Lake as it operates on a first come first serve basis and parking is limited between the pass itself and pass lake parking lot. If you’d like to ensure you have a location reserved, I recommend checking out the nearby Sapphire Point Overlook as a great alternative for making reservations and accommodating larger group sizes.
Whether or not you need a permit to elope at Loveland Pass is dependent on your specific situation. It’s best to do your part and contact the Clear Creek Ranger District at 303-567-3000 to confirm and follow any steps necessary.
Leave No Trace at Loveland Pass
In an effort to preserve this delicate landscape it’s best to follow Leave No Trace Principles so that you can visit this place again on your anniversary and still experience it as pristine as the day of your elopement! Some examples of the principles at work include:
Ideas for after your elopement at Loveland Pass
Activities in Breckenridge
Whether you’re after the late night summers or the holiday lit streets that warm the soul, there’s so much to experience in the little mountain town of Breckenridge. Some of my favorite places to check out are Hearthstone Restaurant for dinner or grab a coffee and tour Nature’s Own- Breckenridge Rocks & Minerals Shop. Looking for more ideas? I wont reinvent the wheel, here’s 100 things to do in Breckenridge during both the summer and winter months! 🥳
Dinner in Breckenridge
Activities in Denver
If you’re looking to stay closer to the Denver area, I’d recommend exploring the lower highlands area where you can grab some globally inspired tapas (or small plates) at Linger Eatuaries or a sweet treat at Little Man’s Ice Cream Factory. There’s also an immersive art experience like the Meow Wolf Immersive Art Exhibition, other ideas include:
Dinner in Denver
Looking For A Loveland Pass Elopement Photographer?
As an Elopement Photographer my goal is to have you look back on your day and feel what it was like to be there; to create a lasting emotion that resurfaces every-time you want to relive this chapter of your lives.
I would love to learn about your story and help co-create your wedding experience in the rockies. Check out my packages page & elopement guide to help you get started!
Oh, Loveland pass. What an incredible place for an elopement in Colorado! This article is full of wonderful info for couples, thanks so much.
This is super helpful, and I do love the parts about shoes. SO many couples ask me what to wear, and if it’s anything but hiking boots, it could be dangerous. I’m glad you wrote extensively about this!
Loveland Pass is such a great elopement location and this guide is super helpful for couples looking to elope there!
I love how browsing through the internet I get to find so many information and so many wonderful locations I have never heard of before. This Loveland pass looks insane and has so many options in all seasons. I may have to add it to my bucket list!
I haven’t heard of this place before! It’s absolutely stunning. I love your photos!
This is such an informational blog! Loveland pass is one of my favorite locations in Colorado, and you hit on everything a couple would want to know! Thank you for sharing your knowledge and your ideas for some elopement activities there!
Wonderful guide and such helpful information!! Always so helpful to have the permit office contact info right there for couples so there is no question on who to contact – nice! Beautiful photos and so well organized too – love it!
This place looks epic! such a helpful guide and thank you for mentioning the leave no trace too.
This is such an awesome guide. Definitely answers any questions about Loveland pass and some creative ideas for seasonal specific activities too…thanks for sharing!
Loveland Pass always takes my breath away on the drive over. What a perfect place to elope! Loving all the insider knowledge and planning information Ethan. Thank you!
Loveland Pass is sooooo gorgeous! What a perfect location for an elopement!!
Thank you for not only this information but having it organized the way you do. Your images are stunning too! ❤️
Super helpful blog, thanks so much! Colorado is filled with so much unbelievable beauty.