Ouray Wedding & Elopement Photographer
Ouray Weddings & Elopements
Known as the Switzerland of America — a tiny town of 1,000 people surrounded by 13,000-foot peaks on all sides. One of the most dramatic, underrated elopement destinations in Colorado.
Why Ouray
Box Canyon, Amphitheater, and the Million Dollar Highway
Ouray is a box canyon carved into the heart of the San Juan Mountains — a place where the peaks rise so sharply around the town that the walls feel close enough to touch. It's less than an hour from Telluride over Dallas Divide, but it has its own distinct character: quieter, rawer, more alpine.
I've been shooting Ouray weddings and elopements for years. Box Canyon Falls plunges 285 feet into a slot canyon in the middle of town. The Amphitheater — a natural bowl carved into the mountains behind Ouray — gives you a front-row seat to some of the most dramatic peaks in Colorado. And the Million Dollar Highway south toward Silverton is arguably the most scenic stretch of pavement in the state.
For couples who want Telluride-level drama without the crowds and without the price tag, Ouray is the answer. Fewer tourists, shorter permit timelines, and just as much mountain beauty.
Selected Work
Ouray Moments
Top Venues & Locations
Best Places to Get Married in Ouray
The venues and ceremony sites I've shot at most often, and why each one is worth considering for your day.
Box Canyon Falls
A 285-foot waterfall thundering through a slot canyon in the middle of town. A walkway lets you stand directly above the falls. Dramatic, intimate, and unlike any other ceremony site in Colorado.
The Amphitheater
A natural bowl of 13,000-foot peaks directly behind Ouray. Accessible by car, hike-in for more private ceremony sites. Some of the most dramatic mountain views in the San Juans.
Yankee Boy Basin
An alpine wildflower basin above 11,000 feet, accessible via 4WD road in July and August. Wildflowers explode across the meadows. One of Colorado's most photographed high-country settings.
Twin Peaks Lodge
A classic mountain lodge on the edge of Ouray with outdoor ceremony space overlooking the box canyon. Full-service reception options for smaller weddings.
Cascade Falls
A short hike from downtown Ouray leads to this quiet cascade tucked into the canyon walls. Ideal for intimate micro-ceremonies of just the couple or very small groups.
Red Mountain Pass
Along the Million Dollar Highway south of Ouray — alpine overlooks with panoramic views of the vermilion-colored Red Mountains. Stunning at sunset, often empty in shoulder season.
When to Visit
Best Time of Year for Ouray Weddings
Live Conditions
Ouray, Colorado
Live conditions update every time the page loads. Check this widget close to your date for real-time planning.
Summer
June – August
Peak season. Wildflowers in the high basins, clear access to 4WD roads, and the warmest weather. Most popular for elopements and full weddings alike.
Fall
September – October
Aspen groves glow gold along the highways and in the surrounding peaks. Peak color typically falls in late September. My favorite season for Ouray — fewer crowds, better light.
Winter
November – March
Ouray becomes the Ice Climbing Capital of America. The park fills with frozen waterfalls. Snowy, quiet, and extraordinarily beautiful for couples willing to brave the cold.
Spring
April – May
Transitional. Snow still on the peaks, valley greening up. High passes start to open by late May. Great value season with very few other visitors.
Permits & Logistics
Getting Married in Ouray: What You Need to Know
Most Ouray elopement sites (Box Canyon Falls, the Amphitheater, Yankee Boy Basin) are on National Forest or City of Ouray land. Forest Service ceremonies require a Special Use Permit for groups larger than 12. City-managed sites have their own permit process through the Ouray City Hall. Both are significantly faster and cheaper to obtain than permits for nearby Telluride venues. As part of planning I'll walk you through which permit you need based on your chosen location and group size.
Common Questions
Ouray Wedding & Elopement FAQ
How much does an Ouray elopement photographer cost?
+
Ouray elopement packages start at $4,995 for 4 hours of coverage. Wedding packages start at $5,995 for 6 hours. Travel between Ouray, Telluride, and the greater San Juan Mountains is included. Every package comes with planning support, permit assistance, color-enhanced digital files, and an online gallery.
How far is Ouray from Telluride?
+
About 50 miles by car, or roughly 90 minutes driving over Dallas Divide — one of the most scenic mountain passes in Colorado. For couples planning a multi-day adventure, splitting time between Telluride and Ouray is a beautiful itinerary.
Can we get married at Box Canyon Falls?
+
Yes. The City of Ouray allows small ceremonies at Box Canyon Falls with a permit. Group sizes are limited to about 20 people due to the narrow walkway. It's one of the most dramatic ceremony sites in Colorado — the sound of the falls fills the entire canyon.
When are the 4WD mountain roads open?
+
Yankee Boy Basin and other high-country routes typically open in late June and close by mid-to-late October, depending on snow. A 4WD vehicle is required — I can coordinate with local guides to arrange transportation for your entire party if needed.
What's the closest airport to Ouray?
+
Montrose Regional Airport (MTJ) is about 35 miles north of Ouray and has direct flights from Denver, Dallas, Houston, and Phoenix seasonally. Telluride Regional (TEX) is closer geographically but flights are more limited. Denver International is 5-6 hours by car but has the most options.
Free Planning Tools
Plan Your Day
Planning your Ouray day? These free tools are built for couples doing exactly what you're doing.
Estimate your total elopement budget — photography, permits, travel, and more.
Open →✓Permit DatabaseCheck permit requirements for every national park and wilderness venue.
Open →◑Golden Hour TimelineBuild a photo-optimized wedding day timeline with local sunrise and sunset data.
Open →→Location QuizAnswer a few questions and find the destination that fits your style.
Open →Your Ouray Adventure
Planning a Ouray Wedding or Elopement?
Tell us your date, your vision, and what draws you to Ouray. We'll get back to you with location recommendations, availability, and a custom proposal.