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?

  • 360º Panoramic Views
  • Perfect For Sunrise & Sunset
  • Variety Of Vendors To Work With
  • Type-1 & 2 Fun Approved
  • Accessible Year Round*

*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!

  • Hiking
  • Sightseeing
  • Hanging In A Hammock
  • Picnicking
  • Stargazing
  • Snowball Fight
  • Winter Hiking

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:

  • Safety
  • Comfort
  • Traction
  • Stability

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:

  • Plan for unpredictable weather by bringing layers, and umbrellas etc.
  • Avoid using sparklers or smoke bombs.
  • Give wildlife space and avoid approaching them too closely.
  • Protect the delicate landscape by staying on designated trails.
  • Leave any natural items found on the trail; avoid taking them as souvenirs.
  • Avoid using natural items like rice or flower pedals not natural to the area.
  • Be mindful of other visitors and refrain from loud music and noise.

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

  • The Capital Grille for a classic steak dinner.
  • Guard & Grace for a more refined steak dinner experience.
  • Linger for globally inspired tapas (or small plates).
  • El Five for Mediterranean inspired cuisine with a gorgeous view of the Denver skyline.

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!

13 Comments

  1. 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!

  2. Loveland Pass is such a great elopement location and this guide is super helpful for couples looking to elope there!

  3. 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!

  4. 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!

  5. 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!

  6. 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!

  7. Thank you for not only this information but having it organized the way you do. Your images are stunning too! ❤️

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