If you’re dreaming of a simple, meaningful wedding day, a Denver elopement at the courthouse might be exactly what you’re looking for.
There’s so much relief in stripping away the pressure of planning a event and focusing only on what matters to you: the two of you, your commitment, and a day that feels relaxed from start to finish. A courthouse wedding in Denver can be elegant, romantic, incredibly stylish, and stress free when it’s planned well.
Whether you want an intimate “just us” kind of day, a chic downtown celebration with portraits, florals, and a maybe even a vintage car!! Or you plan on including a small group of your closest loved ones, this guide will walk you through how to plan a Denver courthouse elopement with ease.
Inquire with Kaytlyn Perez Photography
Why a Denver Elopement Is So Special
A courthouse wedding doesn’t have to feel rushed or impersonal.
In fact, many couples are choosing a Denver elopement because it allows them to create a day that feels calm, intimate, and centered around their relationship. You can keep it simple, or you can turn it into a full experience with getting ready photos, meaningful vows, and portraits around some of Denver’s best architecture and downtown spots.
It’s the perfect option if you want:
- A lower-stress wedding day
- A more intimate and intentional experience
- A stylish city backdrop
- Flexibility with how your day looks and feels
- Beautiful photos without planning a huge event
Step 1: Pick Up Your Marriage License
Colorado makes it wonderfully simple when it comes to getting your marriage license. There are several easy and convenient options to choose from.
Pick up your marriage license from any county clerk (it doesn’t have to be Denver). So if Denver appointments are fully booked, you can choose nearby counties for an easier experience and faster appointments. Jefferson County is a great choice for its accessibility and typically shorter wait times, while Adams County offers close proximity to the city with a straightforward, no-stress application process. Douglas County is known for being especially efficient if you’re hoping to get everything taken care of quickly, and Arapahoe County is a super convenient option for couples located in the southern or eastern suburb.
Good to Know
Colorado is especially elopement-friendly because:
- You do not need witnesses
- You can self-solemnize
- The process is generally simpler than many other states
That flexibility gives you so much freedom to make your downtown dever courthouse wedding feel like your own.
Step 2: Book Your Denver Courthouse Appointment or Choose to Self-Solemnize
For your Denver elopement, you will need to secure your marriage license and decide how you want your ceremony to take place.
In Colorado, you can choose to self-solemnize. This means you can legally marry yourselves without an officiant or witnesses. Because of this, a Denver courthouse elopement can feel simple, flexible, and very personal.
If you prefer a more traditional experience, you can have a judge officiate your ceremony at the courthouse.
Booking a Courthouse Ceremony
If you want a judge to officiate, you will need to schedule an appointment ahead of time. Fees usually range from $80 to $200 and are often paid in cash.
Choosing Your Courthouse Location
Denver offers a few courthouse options. Each one has a different look and feel.
Byron White Courthouse
This location feels classic, bright, and modern. The large white columns create a clean and elevated backdrop for photos.
Denver County Court
This is the most iconic option. It features tall white columns and timeless architecture. It is also steps away from the Colorado State Capitol. Civic Center Park is nearby as well, which is beautiful in summer and fall.
Lindsey-Flanigan Courthouse
This courthouse has a more modern design. It sits right in downtown Denver. While it is not historic, it offers a clean and simple setting.
Who to Contact
To book your ceremony, you will need to contact a judicial officer directly. You can find the current list of judges and magistrates here: https://www.denvercountycourt.org/weddings/
My packages do include planning assistance so I can provide emails to the best judges and magistrates.
Judges rotate between locations depending on the day. Because of this, you should include your preferred location in your inquiry.
Some magistrates also offer ceremonies on the courthouse steps when the weather allows. This option is often the most visually appealing. It also provides better natural light than indoor courtrooms.
Helpful Tip
Courthouse procedures can change. Because of this, always check the official county website first. Booking your appointment early will help your Denver courthouse elopement feel smooth and stress-free.
Step 3: Decide What You Want Your Day to Feel Like
This is the part couples often skip, but it matters the most.
Before you book vendors or pick portrait locations, ask yourselves:
- Do we want this to feel modern and editorial?
- Do we want something romantic and classic?
- Do we want city energy or quieter corners downtown?
- Do we want it to feel just-the-two-of-us, or do we want a few guests there?
A Denver courthouse elopement can be incredibly versatile. You can keep it simple with a quick ceremony and portraits, or build out a full day with getting ready photos, a first look, downtown portraits, dinner reservations, and sunset portraits.
Best Portrait Locations for a Denver Courthouse Elopement
One of the best parts of planning a Denver elopement is that you are also surrounded by beautiful, walkable photo locations.
Here are some of my favorite options for courthouse wedding portraits in Denver:
1. The Colorado State Capitol
If you want classic architecture and iconic Denver charm, the Capitol is such a beautiful choice. The grand steps, columns, and clean lines photograph so well and give your gallery a moody and incredibly romantic downtown feel.
This is a great option if you want:
- Elegant architecture
- A moody and cinematic look
- A location close to the Denver County courthouse area
2. Byron White Courthouse
One of the biggest reasons couples love a Denver courthouse wedding is the architecture. That bright marble, the scale of the building, and the clean editorial feel make for such a beautiful backdrop.
This location is perfect if you want portraits that feel:
- Chic
- timeless
- city-inspired
- elevated but still simple
3. Downtown Denver Hidden Gems
Some of my favorite portraits happen in the in-between spaces.
Downtown Denver has so many tucked-away corners with beautiful light, historic textures, clean walls, alleyways, and architectural lines that make your gallery feel personal and tell a story. These are often the spots that make your photos feel the most “you.”
4. Union Station
If you want your Denver elopement to feel stylish and iconic, Union Station is such a fun portrait stop.
The architecture, the energy, and the surrounding streets give you a mix of classic and modern. It works beautifully if you want some movement in your gallery and a location that feels like part of the city experience. Denver Union Station is also a major visual landmark and arts/culture hub in the city core.
5. Denver Art Museum Area
The Denver Art Museum area is amazing if you want something a little more modern and artistic. Between the architecture, surrounding textures, and city backdrop, it gives your photos a more editorial feel while still being very “Denver.”
This is a beautiful choice for couples who want:
- modern city portraits
- creative compositions
- a stylish, elevated vibe
Where to Stay for Your Denver Courthouse Elopement
If you’re traveling in for your Denver courthouse wedding, or just want your day to feel more intentional, I highly recommend booking a stay nearby.
A hotel or stylish rental gives you:
- A calm space to get ready
- Better getting ready photos
- A place to pause and enjoy the day
- More flexibility if you want to change outfits or freshen up between locations
Look for places near:
- Downtown Denver
- Capitol Hill
- Union Station / LoDo
- The Art District / Golden Triangle
When choosing where to stay, think about natural light, neutral interiors, and proximity to your portrait spots. The right getting-ready space can make your whole day feel more relaxed.
I have a list of incredible hotel recommendations
Add Vendors to Make It Feel More Like a Wedding Day
One of the biggest misconceptions about a courthouse wedding is that it has to feel bare bones.
However, it absolutely doesn’t.
Your Denver elopement can still include the little details that make the day feel special and personal.
Consider Adding:
- Florals
- Hair and makeup
- A cake or champagne toast
- A dinner reservation
- Personal vows
- A second outfit
- A vintage car rental
- A content creator or video coverage
- A private picnic or rooftop celebration
If you want your courthouse day to feel more like a full wedding experience, these details make such a difference. I have a full list of incredible Denver wedding and elopement vendors.
Should You Rent a Vintage Car for Your Denver Elopement?
Honestly? If it fits your vision, absolutely!
A vintage car adds so much personality to your gallery and instantly elevates the experience. It can also make getting from one portrait location to another feel more intentional and fun.
This is especially worth considering if you want your Denver courthouse elopement to feel:
- editorial
- romantic
- elevated
- nostalgic
- unique to you
I have an amazing vintage car connection where you can choose from about 6 different cars models
What a Denver Courthouse Elopement Timeline Could Look Like
To help you picture it, here’s a simple example of what your day could look like:
Sample Timeline
- Getting ready at your hotel or Airbnb
- First look nearby
- Marriage license / courthouse appointment
- Ceremony or self-solemnization
- Portraits at the courthouse
- Portraits inside the Capitol
- Union Station stop
- Dinner or celebratory drinks
- Sunset photos or champagne pop
Your day does not need to be long or complicated to feel meaningful. It just needs space to breathe.
Why Hiring the Right Photographer Matters for a Denver Elopement
A courthouse wedding may be smaller, but that doesn’t make it any less important.
In a lot of ways, it’s even more intimate.
When you’re planning a Denver courthouse elopement, having a photographer who can help with the flow, location ideas, timing, and creating space for real moments makes such a difference. You want someone who can guide you when needed, while still letting the day unfold naturally.
That’s what makes these days so beautiful. They’re not about performance. They’re about presence.
Planning a Denver Courthouse Elopement? I’d Love to Help
If you’re dreaming of a Denver elopement that feels intentional, relaxed, and beautifully true to you, I’d love to help you bring it to life.
From timeline guidance and location ideas to helping your day feel calm, connected, and genuinely enjoyable, I’m here for more than just the photos. I’m here to help you create an experience that feels like you from beginning to end.
So, if you’re planning a Denver courthouse elopement and want imagery that feels artful, emotional, and honest, inquire with Kaytlyn Perez Photography
