Why We Chose to Elope with Our Dogs

Think about your magical day. For Hannah and me, it was simple: us and the dogs.

We both get anxious when we’re catering to other people and trying to make sure everyone else is happy, and we didn’t want that on a day that was supposed to be about us. So we eloped. We spent less money, skipped the stress, and actually got to enjoy our own wedding.

On November 15, 2023, we got married in the snowy mountains of Frisco, Colorado, with our dogs by our side, and our girl Pebbles even stamped our marriage license. It’s now one of my favorite days.

Here’s why we chose to elope, why Colorado, how we found our photographer, where we stayed, and what it all cost, so you can plan your own.

Why We Chose to Elope in Colorado

Two words: Pebbles’ paw.

Colorado is one of the few states that allows self-solemnization, which means you can legally marry yourselves. No officiant and no witnesses required. That meant our dog could be our “witness,” and Pebbles stamped her paw print right on our marriage license. Honestly, she took the job very seriously.

We also wanted greenery, a mountain view, and a little bit of snow, and the Breckenridge and Frisco area in November gave us all three.

Heads up if you want a paw print, too: some Colorado counties, including Denver, no longer accept paw prints on marriage licenses. Before you bring the ink pad, check with the county clerk where you’ll get yours. You can get your license from any Colorado county clerk and use it anywhere in the state.

How We Found Our Elopement Photographer

We found our photographer on Instagram after searching a TON. When you’re eloping, your photographer is basically your whole wedding team, so we took our time.

Then we found Sean from Vows and Peaks, and it just clicked. He’s an ally, and it turned out his wife and I got our engagement rings from the same place, so obviously it was fate. We chatted with him months before the wedding, and he was so flexible about answering every single question we had.

Go follow Sean on Instagram. If you’re curious about eloping, I can’t recommend anyone more.

Tips for finding your own elopement photographer:

Search location hashtags and tags on Instagram, like the town or mountain area you want to elope in.
Look for photographers who show couples like you in their work, and who say they’re LGBTQ+ inclusive.
Ask to see a full gallery, not just the highlights.
Get on a call before you book. How they answer your questions tells you a lot.

Where We Stayed in Frisco with Our Dogs

We stayed five days in an Airbnb in Frisco that was super pet-friendly, so the dogs were part of the whole trip, not just the ceremony.

The best part was that we could walk into town. We even walked to a local flower shop and picked out our bouquets, plus a flower necklace for Pebbles. Picking out our flowers in town together made the whole thing feel even more like us.

What Our Elopement Cost

We spent roughly $10,000 total, and that covered our dresses, flowers, photographer, and a five-day stay in Frisco. For comparison, the average US wedding now costs $34,200, according to The Knot. We spent less than a third of that, and every dollar went to the two of us.

That’s what we mean when we say we spent the money on ourselves. No venue, no catering for a crowd, just the things that mattered to us.

How to Plan Your Own Colorado Elopement with Your Dog

Pick your spot and season. We wanted greenery, a mountain view, and a little snow, so November in the Frisco and Breckenridge area was perfect. Mountain weather changes fast, so build in a backup plan.
Find your photographer early. We started talking to Sean months ahead. Your photographer often knows the best dog-friendly spots, too.
Check whether your ceremony spot needs a permit. Many public lands require one for ceremonies or photos. Your photographer can usually help with this.
Book a pet-friendly stay you can walk from. Being able to walk into town with the dogs made the whole trip easier.
Get your marriage license. Any Colorado county clerk can issue it, and it’s valid statewide. If you want a paw print, ask that county first. Return the signed license within 63 days so it gets recorded.
Plan the day around your dogs. Check leash rules where you’re going, bring treats for photos, and pack a towel for snowy paws.
Get your flowers locally. We walked to a flower shop in town for our bouquets and Pebbles’ necklace.
Dress for the cold. Snowy photos are gorgeous, but plan for warm layers and real shoes between shots.

Colorado Elopement FAQ

Can your dog be a witness at a Colorado wedding?

Colorado doesn’t require witnesses at all, which is why many couples have their dog “sign” with a paw print. Our Pebbles stamped ours in 2023. Some counties, including Denver, no longer accept paw prints on the license, so check with your county clerk first.

Do you need an officiant to get married in Colorado?

No. Colorado allows self-solemnization, so you can legally marry yourselves without an officiant or witnesses.

How much does it cost to elope in Colorado?

It depends on your photographer, travel, and how long you stay. Ours was about $10,000 for dresses, flowers, our photographer, and five days in Frisco. That’s well under The Knot’s $34,200 average for a traditional wedding.

Is November a good time to elope in Colorado?

We loved it. In Frisco we got greenery, mountain views, and a little bit of snow. Just plan for cold weather and changing conditions. This was why we spent days at the location- and our date actually moved up because of weather.

Is Frisco, Colorado dog-friendly?

It was for us. We found a super pet-friendly Airbnb and could walk the dogs into town, even to the flower shop for our bouquets.

Can same-sex couples elope in Colorado?

Yes. Colorado recognizes same-sex marriages, and self-solemnization works the same for every couple.

Why Eloping Was the Right Choice for Us

We chose to elope for ourselves. We spent money on ourselves. We did what we wanted to do. We weren’t pulled a million directions. And we celebrated with our best friend: each other. (Plus the dogs, obviously.)

If you’re on the fence, this is your sign. Your wedding can be exactly what you want it to be.

Planning the whole journey? See how we helped our friends pull off a secret beach proposal, and grab our New Orleans bachelorette guide for the bach trip. Questions about eloping? Send us a message on Instagram. We love talking about it.

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