When imagining your wedding, do you dream about the perfect day where all the details just fall into place so you can relax and just soak in every special moment? Are you wanting a small gathering of friends and family, without all the planning and expense a large wedding requires? If so, you may want to consider an elopement. Eloping allows couples more freedom to create an experience that’s unique, intimate, and more affordable than a large wedding.
Choosing a location for your nuptials is often the most challenging and exciting aspect of planning your elopement. There are endless places to say “I do”, but if you’re searching for a beautiful location that boasts crystal clear alpine lakes, red rock canyons and lush forests then you may want to consider Grand Junction, Colorado. To help create your ideal wedding, explore this comprehensive guide for planning your Colorado elopement in Grand Junction.
Why Elope in Colorado
Colorado offers more than just epic landscapes for couples looking to tie the knot. This beautiful state is one of the easiest places to get married because you don’t need an officiant to preside over your wedding ceremony. Couples can make the day more meaningful by having a pet or child “sign” their marriage license, which has been a recent trend on social media.
Best Places to Elope Near Grand Junction
Colorado National Monument
Located just 10 minutes from Downtown Grand Junction, the Colorado National Monument is a stunning place to get married. This park’s towering red-rock canyons and picturesque desert landscapes provide a dramatic backdrop for couples who want gorgeous outdoor elopement photos. Since the Colorado National Monument is part of the National Park Service, you will need to apply for a permit before getting hitched. Short-turnaround permit requests may be difficult to get approved, so submit your request as far in advance as possible.
Grand Mesa
Only 40 miles east of Grand Junction, stands the world's largest flat-top mountain, the Grand Mesa. This National Forest is bursting with over 300 lakes, making it the perfect alpine destination for couples who are seeking a ceremony with a waterfront view. All four seasons are a beautiful time of year to make your forever promise, and unlike the Colorado National Monument, you don't need to obtain a permit before saying “I do” at this location.
Bed & Breakfast or a Vacation Home
For the ultimate stress-free elopement, let someone else handle the planning and book your wedding at the Castle Creek Manor. This elegant Grand Junction bed & breakfast offers all-inclusive wedding packages complete with cake, decor and flowers. After the ceremony, enjoy your night in one of their spacious rooms with a jacuzzi, crackling fireplace and views of a rippling creek.
Grand Junction has over 150 vacation homes that provide you with whatever décor compliments your style. From modern to historic or farmhouse to luxury – you get to choose the ambiance. Vacation homes are dispersed throughout Grand Junction including Downtown or just minutes away from Colorado National Monument.
Western Colorado Botanical Gardens
Looking for fun photo opportunities with floral backdrops? Check out the Western Colorado Botanical Gardens. This unique wedding venue offers multiple ceremony locations including a library, a secret garden, and a tropical rainforest. Prices range from $75 to $200 an hour depending on your location and date.
Aesthetic Collective
If you want an intimate indoor venue with a chic historic feel and ample natural lighting, consider saying your vows at Aesthetic Collective. Located in a rustic brick building in the heart of Grand Junction, this event space is perfect for those looking to get creative with decorations, ensuring the setting matches your personality. To help capture your special day, you can also book Aesthetic Collective’s studio photographer when you rent the space.
Grand Junction Elopement Vendors
Just because you’re opting for a non-traditional wedding doesn’t mean you should ignore the smaller details that make your day feel special. Simply ordering a bouquet or sharing a cake with your new spouse can make your elopement a memorable occasion. Here are a few Grand Junction wedding vendors who can help create the perfect moment.
Bakeries
No couple should pass up the opportunity to indulge in a delicious treat on their wedding day. Sweet Kiwi Bakery makes $50 custom wedding cakes perfect for two people. The bakery has a huge selection of flavors including vanilla bean almond, lemon blueberry, and tiramisu.
Be Sweet Café & Bakeshop is located in Downtown Grand Junction. With over 40 cake filling and frosting flavors, there are hundreds of options for you to consider for your custom wedding cake. Be Sweet takes pride in their quality ingredients, only using real butter and no preservatives.
Florist
Grand Junction’s newest florist, Flowers by Garvey’s Gardens, grew from selling at the local farmers’ market to opening up a shop across from Grand Junction City Hall, just to meet the demand. The flowers are grown locally in the neighboring town of Palisade, Colorado so freshness is guaranteed!
Wedding flowers, like bouquets and boutonnieres, add a colorful touch to elopement photos and are often an iconic component to express your wedding style. Hillari, the owner of Truly Bloom Flowers, has been growing flowers and designing bouquets alongside her grandmother and mother since she was a child. Her floral designs range from summery and bright to neutral and elegant.
Amanda Matilda Photography
Wedding memories last a lifetime, so capture every special moment with the help of a seasoned photographer. Grand Junction local, Amanda Matilda, not only captures your special day with amazing imagery, she also helps guide couples through the elopement planning process. From referrals to logistics, Amanda provides you extra assurance that everything will go off without a hitch on your big day.
Looking for entertainment and activity ideas to round out your elopement? Check out where to stay, dine, and things to do in Grand Junction after saying “I do,” in the Official Grand Junction Visitor Guide.