The best honeymoon spots in Colorado

Planning a honeymoon in Colorado? It already sounds like the trip of a lifetime! Colorado is the perfect destination if you love the outdoors, exploring, and sightseeing. Whether you’re looking for an adrenaline rush, a cute cabin getaway, or relaxing at a luxury spa resort, there’s something for everyone. 

I’ve been lucky enough to call the mountains of Colorado home for the last 12 years as a wedding photographer, and I’m so excited to share some of my favorite places that would make for a fun and romantic Colorado honeymoon. 

• Best time to visit Colorado
• What towns to honeymoon in
• Honeymoon road trip itinerary
• Fun things to do on your honeymoon

Best time to visit Colorado

Colorado is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit really depends on what kind of trip you’re planning and what town you’ll be in. Elevation plays a big role in weather, and Denver can be very different than the mountain towns. Once you’ve narrowed down your location, be sure to check the best times to visit and their local forecast.

Weekends and holidays can get busy, especially in the popular areas. Think about if you’d rather be more relaxed and quiet, or more lively with lots of events to choose from.

• Summer (June-August) – is perfect if you’re dreaming of wildflowers, hiking, and warm days exploring the mountains.
• Fall (September–October) – is such an amazing time in Colorado. Aspen leaves turn yellow with gorgeous views. Fall can bring larger crowds, especially in the leaf-peeping areas, but jaw-dropping views.
• Winter (December–March) – is the perfect time for a snowy vacation. Cozy cabin vibes, hot tubbing, and warm drinks. If you’re looking to go on a ski honeymoon, you’re in the right place!
• ‘Mud season’ (April–May, and late October, November) – is underrated but beautiful. You’ll still see snow on the peaks, it’s not as busy, and you may be able to find better deals. Some trails or activities can be closed or muddier due to the change of the seasons, and restaurants and shops may close for a few weeks.

Where to honeymoon in Colorado

Aspen

Aspen is a gorgeous honeymoon destination with the perfect blend of luxury and outdoorsy vibes! It has all the Colorado outdoor mountain activities, but it’s also the mecca for high-end shopping and experiences.

Where to stay in Aspen:

• The Little Nell – 5 star, ski-in/ski-out hotel in downtown Aspen
• Hotel Jerome – iconic, luxury hotel in downtown Aspen

Breckenridge

Breckenridge is such a special place to visit! It has a mix of outdoor activities and a cute downtown! It’s probably the busiest mountain town so if you’re looking for more activities and more lively, this is a perfect destination!

Where to stay in Breckenridge:

• The Grand Colorado on Peak 8 – perfect ski-in/ski-out resort if you’re on a ski honeymoon
• Gravity Haus – modern hotel right on main street

Vail

Vail is a magical little place for a romantic and luxury honeymoon. It has more of a European resort feel, but quiant and charming. It can be quieter than the rest of the other mountain towns so it’s a perfect spot for relaxing in the mountains.

Where to stay in Vail:

• The Sonnenalp – a unique European inspired hotel in the heart of Vail
• Four Seasons – the perfect modern and luxury hotel with an amazing spa
• Piney River Ranch – if you’re looking for an outdoorsy, ‘glamping’ experience.

Telluride

Telluride is one of the most magical places in Colorado! It’s a bit of a trek to get to, but so worth it! If you’re looking for a unique and small, more laid-back mountain town, this is it!

Where to stay in Telluride:

• The Madeline Hotel – is ski-in ski-out luxury hotel
• Hotel Telluride – is a perfect downtown option

Estes Park

Estes Park is another popular spot to check out. If you love visiting National Parks, Rocky Mountain National Park is a gorgeous place to explore with accessibility for everyone!

Where to stay in Estes Park:

We stayed in The Historic Stanley Hotel and loved our stay! Be sure to do a ghost tour of the haunted property. While we didn’t have any ghost experiences, it felt spooky and was so fun! There were a few places to eat that were on site. We loved the Cascades Restaurant and stopped there for dinner, dessert, and a few nightcaps!

Steamboat

Steamboat is another cute Colorado ski town to add to the list! It has more of a western flare and not too far of a drive from Denver. Be sure to add in a trip to one of my favorites, Strawberry Park Hot Springs.

Where to stay in Steamboat:

• Steamboat Grande – for a luxury ski-in/ski-out hotel near downtown
• Vista Verde Ranch – for a unique secluded western ranch and cabins

Devils Thumb Resort

Devil’s Thumb Ranch is a gorgeous remote resort and working ranch that’s secluded outside of Winter Park. If you’re looking for a peaceful log cabin, these are so cute! They offer all the amenities plus adventures like horseback riding or cross-country skiing.

Dunton Hot Springs

Dunton Hot Springs has been on my Colorado bucket list since I moved here! I still have yet to make it there, but can’t wait for the day I do! The resort is in a super remote location so you’re in nothing but nature, but with rustic luxury cabins, massages, hot springs, and chef-prepared gourmet meals!

Colorado’s mountain towns are perfect for couples who like to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and are looking for something a little more adventurous or outdoorsy. Think casual, small towns with adventurous activities like skiing, mountain biking, hiking, fly fishing, camping, rock climbing, and pretty much anything nature-related.

If you’re not into anything too adventourous, these towns also have cute downtown areas and still plenty to do.

Colorado itinerary for honeymoon

Day 1: Start your honeymoon off in Denver -Starting your honeymoon off in Denver is a great place to start as you ease yourself into elevation and a higher altitude. While Denver is fun, most people will spend the majority of their time in the mountains and exploring.

I love renting bikes and cruising around the city, exploring Union Station, walking through the parks, and going to one of the many cool and unique spots for a drink or a bite to eat! A little further outside Denver is the home of Coors Brewery, where you can do a brewery tour and check out the cute little town of Golden. After that, explore around Red Rocks Amphitheater!

Book your hotel either at The Ramble Hotel or The Crawford Hotel. Both are in great locations to explore and walk around the city!

Day 2: Drive to the mountains – Breckenridge, Vail, or Aspen are the perfect mountain towns to start and about a 2-4 hour drive from Denver. Choose which town you think you would like more as your ‘home base.’ You can take a shuttle from Denver, but if you want more freedom to explore surrounding areas, renting a car (or SUV with 4wheel drive) will be your best bet!

Start off slow, check into your hotel or VRBO, wander around the towns, grab some good food, window shop and get a good lay of the land.

Day 3: Explore surrounding areas – The mountain towns have so much to offer, and most have cool surrounding towns to explore. Take a ride on the gondola, float the river or go for a hike to an alpine lake.

You could easily hunker down for a week if you want to stay put!

Day 4-6: Stay at Dunton Hot Springs – Be sure to add Dunton hot springs to your bucket list! It’s quite a trek to get to, but so worth it. There you can settle down, book a spa service, soak in the springs and have incredible meals prepared for you.

Day 7: Explore around Telluride

Day 8: Drive to Steamboat – If you’re up for another longer drive, up head up to Steamboat and soak in Strawberry Park Hot Springs. It’s such a unique Colorado experience and perfect after a long day of driving.

Day 8: Drive to Estes Park – Rocky Mountain National Park and Estes Park is another gorgeous area of Colorado. Hike around a bit and then wrap up your day with a cocktail at The History Stanley Hotel.

Day 9: Settle back down in Denver

If you’re into wine, Palisade is a gorgeous and unique part of Western Colorado with wineres and farms all over!

Fun things to do on your honeymoon in Colorado

• Explore Red Rocks or go to a concert
• Ride in a gondola at one of the ski resorts
• Horseback or carriage ride through the mountains
• A guided fly-fishing trip
• Soak in a hot springs
• Train ride through the mountains
• Dog sledding in Breckenridge