Let us show you our Hidden Gem venues.
The Challenge of Finding Secluded Elopement Venues
Most eloping couples plan their elopement from afar. Having your wedding in an area that you’re not familiar with can present some unique challenges–particularly when it comes to the ceremony venue. Pretty tough to do when you can’t just have a look for yourself!
The natural beauty of the areas we serve in California and Colorado makes them popular tourist destinations. And tourist destinations tend to attract … you know … tourists! You’re probably in no mood to be gawked at by hordes of strangers while you’re pledging your lives to one another. (That pretty much takes the “intimate” out of “elopement.”)
The best places to elope outdoors are a well-kept secret
If you’ve done some online research, you’ve undoubtedly uncovered the well-known sites where couples go to elope. (Not our couples, you understand… we’re referring to those other unfortunate couples who didn’t have the foresight to book with us!) Those sites are… ummmmm… how do I say this tactfully? … Those sites are CRAP! (OMG, did I just say “crap” in front of a prospective client?? Sorry, but sometimes, that’s the only word that applies.) To be clear, the sites themselves aren’t crap. The actual sites are gorgeous. But they’re crowded. You’ll be side-stepping screaming kids, barking dogs and people taking selfies.
Ugh…that’s crap. Not on our watch. (And yes, I’m done saying “crap” now.)
We’re avid outdoor lovers ourselves so we’ve thoroughly uncovered lesser-known, accessible, private venues with breathtaking scenic beauty. You can be married in a natural “cathedral” created by Mother Nature without unwelcome spectators. We maintain the seclusion of our sites by not disclosing them publicly. You’ll be presented with all the great venue options once you book a package with us.
How we help you find the best place to elope
We personally check out every venue and compile the following:
We’ve got insider knowledge on the most private places to elope.
- Detailed description of the site
- Our hands-on impressions of the site
- Photos from all angles
- Video of us walking the site
- Policies/Regulations of the site
- Permit costs
- Site logistics (parking, accessibility, bathrooms, etc.)
- Weather stats
We’ll work with you to sift through the options until you’re ready to choose the perfect-for-you wedding site. We’ll also advise you which sites not to choose.
You’re free to choose a venue that’s not on our list (as long as it’s in our general service area), but our list is pretty comprehensive and will save you a ton of research time.
Choosing an elopement site requires careful consideration
The site you choose can set the tone for your entire elopement wedding experience. That beach in the photo might be horribly windy much of the time. That beautiful mountain overlook might require a permit for even a two-person wedding. That breathtaking redwood grove you found on the Internet might not give you enough light to get decent pictures. We’ll also have some insider knowledge on permit fees and whether or not they’ll be required for a given site.
We know the best secluded elopement site that don’t require any hiking to access.
Bottom line advice on looking for a place to elope in California or Colorado: don’t go where everyone else goes and save yourself the crazy-making by having us do the research for you.
How do you gain access and insider knowledge of so many areas?
I was wondering when you were going to ask that question! The answer is simple. In addition to being hiking enthusiasts, Blue Sky Elopements owners Maureen Thomson and Jeremy Myers are also avid travelers. Maureen, in particular gets ants in her pants when she has to stay put in any one spot for long.
When we expand into a new area, we literally go there for a minimum of one to two months and set up shop. That’s just one of the benefits of working from home. Have laptop, will travel! During that time, we connect with local vendors and venues and pretty much hike our brains out for weeks on end until we can confidently assist our clients in choosing a local venue.
We also make it a point to go back and visit each region we serve for a minimum of two weeks per year–usually longer. Inevitably, people tell us of new sites, or there are updates to our existing sites that we want to see in person. So, when we say we’re locally based in each of the areas we serve, it’s true–even though we’re not full-time based in any one area.
We’ll never refer you to a site that we haven’t personally set eyes on. And we’ll document every site we recommend with photos, video and detailed descriptions. Thoroughness is the name of the game when it comes to helping you choose the best place to elope.
