If you’re planning a Denver courthouse elopement, I’m here today with a quick and easy guide! There are a few Denver courthouses where you can have your elopement, and of course, I’ve got opinions. Here are my favorite Denver courthouses to elope at!
Byron J. White Federal Courthouse
While you can’t get married inside this courthouse, it’s absolutely stunning on the outside! It provides shade for afternoon and evening ceremonies, and a covered area in case of inclement weather. This is, in my opinion, the most photogenic courthouse in Denver. I love shooting here!
The building faces east (ish) so you’ll almost always have some nice afternoon shade. There is also an overhang for refuge in case of inclement weather.
Be careful about shooting here during homecoming and prom season on Friday and Saturday evenings. The youths have found this photo spot and they come out in full force!
Lindsey Flanigan Courthouse
This is the perfect spot if you want an updated, modern look for your elopement photos! The glass facade provides gorgeous natural light for indoor photos. I also love shooting in/around the funky sculpture out front, and if you shoot in the springtime you can catch some lovely purple blossoms in the trees!
This courthouse is also a few blocks away from the City and County Building and Capitol Building, making it easy to bundle those locations together. It is a bit of a walk, so plan on bringing comfy shoes to change into.
Lastly, you’ll want to check on the Civic Center construction plans to see if that’s been resolved before your event. Sometimes areas of the park are inaccessible as a result.
Denver City and County Building
An iconic staple of Civic Center Park! The City and County Building is the more traditional courthouse for your elopement photos. The front steps are perfect for group photos if you have friends and family coming to join you. The inside can be a bit dark and unassuming, but it’s a classic for a reason! You can choose to have your ceremony in front of the building’s facade or inside in a traditional court room.
In the wintertime, make plans to shoot with a different facade in the background. The City of Denver decks out the front steps and facade of this building with winter holiday decorations. The steps won’t be accessible for photos at that time, but there might be a cute christkindlmarket you can visit after your elopement!
Colorado State Capitol Building
If you’re looking for ornate gold fixtures and stunning red marble, the Colorado State Capitol Building is what you want! The main staircase looks like it was ripped from the Titanic. Ceremonies are not available at this location, but it is open to the public for photos.
It can get a little toasty inside in the summertime, as the building doesn’t have the best AC. Often, you might have to compete with tourists and other elopements and quinceañeras. It’s best to make sure you have ample photo time at this location, especially if you want photos at the grand staircase.
Jefferson County Court
Lovingly known as the Taj Mahal to Denverites and Coloradans alike, the JeffCo Courthouse is a perfect location if you want to get away from the city and have the foothills in the background of your photos! It’s also conveniently located at the end of the W light rail line and also has ample parking.
Many of my clients who choose this courthouse often have celebratory dinner in Boulder or Golden right after given their proximity. You can choose to have your ceremony in front of the building’s facade or inside in a traditional court room.
There are a few spots nearby where you can get some trees or the foothills in the background. You’ll need to walk a ways away from the main entrance to get there, so plan on bringing comfy shoes for the trek.
And that’s all that I have for you today! Those are my top courthouse recommendations for your Denver courthouse elopement. Which one would you choose?!
But before I go, this list wouldn’t be complete with recommendations if you need a judge or magistrate to officiate the ceremony! You can self-solemnize in Colorado but sometimes it’s nice to have someone to run the show. I’ve worked with Kerri Lombardi and Kathleen (Kate) Boland for multiple elopements in the past and they’re both wonderful!
Thanks for stopping by the blog!
x Ash
