If you were originally planning on eloping or you are adjusting your original wedding vision, elopements and micro weddings can be just as dreamy. And Lucky Penny is here to share tips and tricks on how to plan a micro wedding or elopement in Crested Butte. There is something to be said about sharing your wedding day with an intimate group.
Pick a Location
I get why couples choose to exchange vows in Crested Butte. It’s a quaint and authentic mountain town with a deep sense of community, it is off the beaten path and every direction you look has a stunning backdrop. You and your partner should discuss the important factors surrounding your ceremony location. Does this mean you are near water, on top of a mountain peak, in an aspen grove, or surrounded by wildflowers? Then begin scouting out your top options. (Shameless plug, Lucky Penny’s elopement package includes venue scouting and the team will go on-site for a personalized photo and/or video tour of the space).
A few ideas include a Crested Butte’s number of waterfalls, mountain passes, field of wildflowers, an aspen grove, mountain top lake, or one of Crested Butte’s Land Trust venues. Please remember to keep these options open to future weddings, we need to practice Leave No Trace.
Find your Photography and Videography
You will certainly want to look back on this special day, so don’t overlook a photographer and videographer to capture the moments. A number of photographers and videographers offer small wedding and elopement packages. Some even provide a video streaming service so you can still celebrate with loved ones that are unable to make it, especially relate to COVID. I encourage couples to narrow your list down to two or three photographers and schedule a video call with them. This is the person that will be along with you every step of the way on the wedding day, so you need to make sure you jive! Check out Crested Butte’s local photo and video options at the Crested Butte Wedding Guide.
Other Vendors
Depending on your vision, you may decide to book additional vendors outside of your photographer. This could include a planner, hair and makeup artist, officiant, live music, cake, florist, personal chef, and rentals. Just because you are celebrating with just a few people at most, don’t overlook the details. Especially the details that are important to you.
Book Travel and Lodging
If you plan to stay in Crested Butte for a few or more days, I encourage you to book lodging as soon as possible. There are limited off the grid rental options and reserving these 12-9 months out is reasonable. Rent or bring your 4-wheel-drive vehicle to the mountains – I promise you won’t regret it.
Officiant
In the state of Colorado, you can self-solemnized. This means you and your partner can legally marry yourselves without an officiant or witness. Hiring an officiant is also an option. Or hey! Lucky Penny is ordained.
Cost
The only required expense of an elopement or small wedding is $30 – for the Colorado marriage license. From there it’s up to you what is important and what you want to splurge on. Below are two elopement budget breakdowns to give you an idea of what you can expect to pay in Crested Butte. Please note these budgets are focused on elopements and do not account for additional guest costs. These budgets are only examples. Every couple is different and their priorities are different which will affect the budget.
High-end Elopement Budget
Marriage Licence – $30
Permit – $250
Planner – $1,500
Hair and makeup – $400
Wedding dress – $3,000
Suit – $1,000
Lodging – $2,000
Photographer – $5,000
Flowers – $600
Officiant – $400
Cake – $150
Entertainment – $700
Rentals – $300
Personal Chef – $700
Total hitgh-end elopement price = $16,030
Affordable Elopement Budget
Marriage Licence – $30
Permit – $250
Wedding dress – $1,000
Suit rental- $250
Lodging – $500
Photographer – $2,500
Flowers – $250
Dinner out – $250
Total affordable elopement price = $5,030
Other Thoughts
Lucky Penny is here to help. If you want guidance with an hourly consultation or want more information about our elopement package, send Ciera an email!