This modern, documentary elopement in Great Sand Dunes National Park was full of intention and detail. Yes, even for an elopement! Lidia + Dalton originally saw photos of the Glamis Sand Dunes in California and they loved it. Dalton has lived in Colorado for some time now, so when he shared with Lidia that they could have their dream elopement at the Great Sand Dunes, she was sold. For tips, tricks, and inspiration on how to have your own Great Sand Dunes National Park elopement in Colorado, keep reading, friend!

 

How to Have a Great Sand Dunes National Park Elopement

Do you need a permit to elope at Great Sand Dunes National Park?

To have a wedding or your official ceremony at Great Sand Dunes National Park you’ll need a wedding permit for the park. For more info on how to get one check out the park’s website.

If you aren’t planning on having your official ceremony (meaning that you simply want to take photos) at the sand dunes, then you’ll need a photographer who has the permit for sessions. Typically this permit should come at no further cost to you since it’s on the photographer to have this permit. Speaking of, I am permitted all through 2023. If you’re looking for a photographer who can walk you through hidden gem locations or how to elope, reach out and we can work out the finer details!

 

When is the best time to visit the Great Sand Dunes National Park?

If you want cooler temperatures with more privacy, then late April through May is the perfect time for you. If wildflowers are important to you, your best time would be July, but that also comes with extreme heat. For milder weather and gorgeous views, fall is best! Think late August through late September. By the time October hits, there’s a chance for snow. Keep all of this in mind when trying to figure out the best time to elope in Colorado.

 

 

How to get a marriage license for your Great Sand Dunes National Park elopement?

I am so glad you asked! I have a whole blog with education on how to get a Colorado marriage license. Head over here to read more! (And yes, it’s true you don’t need an officiant for your ceremony.)

 

 

Can we stay overnight near Great Sand Dunes National Park?

Yeah! If you want to stay in or near the park after your big day, you can find Great Sand Dunes Lodge and Great Sand Dunes Oasis for RV spots and cabins in the park. Though, they can be hard to snag a spot unless you plan super in advance. There are lots of little towns along US-160 that have lodging options for you to choose from too. The most common town to find accommodations in is Alamosa, Colorado. 

 

 

Ideas for Your Great Sand Dunes National Park Elopement

If you are looking for inspiration for your perfect modern, documentary Great Sand Dunes National Park Colorado elopement, look no further. Lidia + Dalton had so many aspects of their day that you could pull all the inspiration from!

 

Pop Champagne

 

Cut Your Cake

Lidia and Dalton made their cake themselves and Lidia flew with it across the country. I had a bite of it, and I have to say it was the best cake I’ve ever had!

Sign Your Marriage License

Take Photos with Your Man’s Car

Adventure on the Sand Dunes to Find Your Perfect Vow Location + Share Those Emotional Vows

Take Polaroids of Each Other

Celebrate with a Custom Tapestry

Find the Secret Hidden Gems + Enjoy the Golden Sunset

There are more than just dunes at Great Sand Dunes National Park. There is a meadow of sagebrush (one of my favorite bushes in the Colorado and desert landscape) that is totally a hidden gem. We had the place entirely to ourselves. If you want to do more of a hike to get to the top of the world, you can check out High Dune. Most of these photos were taken with a short walk from a parking lot.

Want Your Own Great Sand Dunes National Park Colorado Elopement?

There are so many ways you personalize your elopement day to be reflective of your relationship, the things you enjoy together, and the things that matter most to you. Lidia + Dalton chose for their day to just be the two of them and it was beautiful. Your elopement can be personalized however you wish. If you’re looking for more, check out my blog for 20+ elopement ideas or the top 10 small wedding ideas for an intimate wedding. This Great Sand Dunes elopement was also featured on Wandering Weddings, so check it out for more of their story and planning details!

 

VENDORS:

Location: @greatsanddunesnps

Florals: @emmaleafloral

Hat: @lackofcoloraus

Accessories: @leletny

Custom tapestry: @couriercollectiveco

Table runner: @notperfectlinen

Photography: @clairehuntphotography