Love echoed through the picturesque landscapes of Colorado on Valentine’s Day as couples found unique and budget-friendly ways to tie the knot. From the snowy peaks of Loveland Ski Area to the steps of Denver’s City and County building, love stories unfolded, celebrating the joyous occasion in a variety of styles.

Denver’s “Burnin’ Love Marriage Marathon”:

Dakota Coleman and Corrina Gama embodied the spirit of romance in Denver’s “Burnin’ Love Marriage Marathon.” Having met on the first day of middle school, the couple returned to the city where their love story began. Against the backdrop of the Denver City and County building, and under the playful gaze of an Elvis Presley-costumed city clerk and recorder, the couple exchanged vows at precisely 11:13 a.m., marking the beginning of their new chapter as the Colemans.

For them and 12 other couples, the decision to marry in Colorado was prompted by the state’s streamlined marriage process. As opposed to a three-month wait back home in Charlotte, North Carolina, the Colemans found immediate joy in the vows they exchanged on the historic steps.

Loveland Ski Area’s Mountaintop Matrimony:

Meanwhile, at Loveland Ski Area’s 33rd Annual Mountaintop Matrimony, love reached new heights, both figuratively and literally. Against the breathtaking backdrop of the Rocky Mountains at 11,215 feet, 100 couples renewed their vows, and 15 embraced marriage for the first time. Skiers and snowboarders, some adorned in veils and top hats, gathered in Forest Meadow to say “I do” or reaffirm their commitment.

Pastor Brett Butson of Universal Life Church officiated a collective ceremony, witnessing the enduring love of one couple who chose to renew their vows on skis after an impressive 46 years of marriage. The festivities continued with an apres-ski wedding party, complete with hugs, kisses, and celebration.

Colorado’s Unique Marriage Laws:

Colorado’s distinction as the only state, alongside Washington D.C., allowing couples to self-solemnize adds an extra layer of charm to these mass officiated weddings. Couples can choose to marry themselves without the usual formalities, witnesses, or additional paperwork, emphasizing the belief that marriage is a contract between two individuals.

Inclusivity and Joy at Denver’s City and County Building:

Denver’s 16th annual Valentine’s Day event, organized by the Office of the Clerk and Recorder, attracted a diverse array of couples. Some arrived alone, others with families; some in traditional wedding attire, others in casual wear. Despite the range of backgrounds and styles, every couple shared radiant smiles as they took turns saying “I do.”

Denver Clerk and Recorder Paul Lopez, usually immersed in the demands of an upcoming election year, took on the role of Elvis impersonator for the day. Dressed in the iconic white polyester, silver-studded outfit reminiscent of the legendary singer, Lopez conducted ceremonies in both English and Spanish, adding an extra layer of joy and cultural inclusivity to the festivities.

Conclusion:

Valentine’s Day in Colorado proved to be a day of love, unity, and celebration, where couples found creative and budget-friendly ways to express their commitment. From snowy mountaintops to city streets, these heartfelt unions showcased the diversity of love stories that flourish in the Centennial State, making Valentine’s Day 2024 a memorable chapter in the lives of many couples.