The beauty of Boulder, Colorado provides endless location possibilities for your Boulder elopement.
With iconic views like The Flatirons and proximity to places like Brainard Lake, Estes Park, and even Rocky Mountain National Park, Boulder has a lot to offer as an elopement (or wedding) location. Many of the beautiful locations on this list allow elopements without a permit, and all are located within 20 minutes of downtown Boulder.
Although putting together an exhaustive list of beautiful locations would be impossible, this list offers a wide variety of beautiful options for you to consider as you plan your Boulder Elopement.
Lost Gulch Overlook
If you’re looking for sweeping, dramatic scenery, consider Lost Gulch Overlook.
With one of the most stunning views in Boulder County you can see both North Boulder and higher mountain views from this location in the foothills. Located about 20 minutes from downtown Boulder, Lost Gulch is a very convenient location. However crowds can gather here in the evening so I would highly suggest using Lost Gulch in the early morning, especially in the busy summer tourist season. Another perk; unlike RMNP, you don’t need a permit to elope at Lost Gulch Overlook, which makes it perfect for those of you who are planning your Boulder elopement quickly.
You will need a parking permit if you are not residents of Boulder County, but the fee is only $5.
Artist Point
Another one of my favorite spots off of Flagstaff Road, Artist Point offers similar views to Lost Gulch Overlook with the addition of a few more trees, and without the consistent crowds. With the road for Artist Point closed for the winter months, this spot is easiest to access during the summer and fall, although you can reach it with a short easy hike even in the winter months. You don’t need a permit to elope at Artist Point, though you do need to pay for parking.
Betasso Preserve
If you’re looking for a more secluded spot for your Boulder Elopement, consider eloping at Betasso Preserve.
Perched in the foothills above Boulder, Betasso Preserve is another amazing option for your Boulder elopement. The location boasts fields, forests, mountain views, and a stunning overlook into the city of Boulder. It’s a beautiful spot for a laid back ceremony, and is much less crowded than any of the locations listed thus far. It’s a beautiful spot in the morning or the evening, but it is a little farther from Boulder proper, about 25 minutes up Boulder Canyon from the downtown area.
To hold an elopement at Betasso Preserve you will need a special use permit, available here. (https://bouldercountyopenspace.org/permits/special-use/new.php) The permit can take up to 30 days to process, so fill out the paperwork well in advance!
South Mesa Trailhead
South Mesa Trail is one of my favorite locations for photos, in fact it’s where I planned my maternity session last year! Featuring beautiful views of Eldorado Canyon, Boulder Creek, and a unique view of the Flatirons from South of Boulder, South Mesa Trail has a lot of beautiful elopement backdrops. Similar to Lost Gulch Overlook, you will need a $5 parking permit if you’re not local to Boulder County. Eloping at South Mesa Trail may require a permit, which you can apply for here.
Eldorado Canyon State Park
Located South of Boulder, Eldorado Canyon State Park is another unique Boulder Elopement location! The narrow canyon offers an excellent lighting option if you’d prefer to elope at mid-day. There is a $10 entrance fee, unless you purchased a State Parks pass. Although you don’t need a permit to elope, your photographer will need a permit for photography.
Chautauqua Park
The most well known view of the Boulder Flatirons is from Chautauqua Park in South Boulder. If you want your photos to look distinctly “Boulder,” this is probably the location for you! This unique location is easily accessed, although parking can be tricky at certain times of the day/year. With plumbed bathrooms available year round, it provides a convenient place to change in and out of your elopement attire on location. Chautauqua Park does not allow ceremonies with guests outside of specified sheltered areas, so it’s only suited to a true elopement.
Red Rocks Trail
If you’re hoping for views reminiscent of Garden of the Gods, but wanting to elope in the Boulder area, Red Rocks Trail has some similar views! With the trailhead located in the foothills off of Mapleton Ave, this stunning location is easy to access, even in the winter. A short hike will take you from the parking area to the red rock formations which boast views of Boulder valley and the Flatirons.
Crown Rock Trail
Located near Chautauqua Park, Crown Rock trail is another excellent option for red rock formations. This location on Flagstaff road has very limited parking, Crown Rock is located just steps from the roadside parking.
Wonderland Lake
North of downtown Boulder, Wonderland Lake shows off views of the flatirons, trees, fields, and the lake itself. It’s a beautiful spot if you’d like a broader lake view that is still distinctly Boulder.
Walden Ponds Wildlife Habitat
This trail system in East Boulder is a stunning wooded area meandering beside Boulder Creek. Its thick wooded area is the perfect spot for a forested Boulder Elopement session that isn’t your typical Colorado evergreen forest.
It’s a beautifully quiet location, and especially suited to a sunset session when some of the parks near the foothills are overly crowded.
As a photographer with over 10 years of experience who has lived in and around Boulder since 2021, I’d love to help plan your Boulder elopement!
Often clients ask if I can come to their airbnb to make planning their Boulder elopement simpler, and the answer is always a resounding “yes!” Whether you need help navigating permits, hiring other vendors, or deciding on the perfect location, as a local photographer I offer knowledge and experience to help you make informed decisions about all the details for your wedding celebration!
If you’re considering other Colorado locations for your elopement I have some favorite locations outside of the immediate Boulder area!
