Located on the edge of the summit of Flagstaff Mountain, Boulder Sunrise Amphitheater gives you a breathtaking spot to trade your I do’s. This non-traditional space puts nature on prominent display, offering an unforgettable place to celebrate with your friends and family. As a Boulder wedding photographer, I get the chance to work at locations all across the city, documenting one-of-a-kind events. If you have been considering a Boulder Sunrise Amphitheater wedding, here is everything you need to know!
About The Boulder Sunrise Amphitheater Wedding Venue
1198n Flagstaff Dr, Boulder, Colorado 80302
There are outdoor wedding venues, and then, there is Boulder Sunrise Amphitheater. Operated through the City of Boulder, this space puts you high in the sky, letting you exchange your vows in front of a heart-stopping drop-off.
This cliffside venue was completed in 1933 by the Civilian Conservation Corps, using elements of nature to create a unique space for all kinds of events. Over to the west of the site, Flagstaff Memorial was added by Nathaniel Lyon of the Grand Army of the Republic. In addition to the breathtaking setting, this space is an acoustic sound depression, blocking out other sounds so you can just feel like you are in a world all of your own.
And while you might feel as though you have been dropped into the middle of nature, you will be right next to a road so that people of all ages and abilities can access the site without having to worry about barriers.
Where To Stay For Getting Ready
Because Boulder Sunrise Amphitheater is a stand-alone, outdoor wedding venue, you are not going to have access to get-ready suites ahead of your ceremony. If you do want to have a space where you can prepare for the day alongside your party, however, you are going to have plenty of options! You are going to be right outside of the city, giving you access to several high-profile hotels. Not only will this give you a comfortable spot to get ready ahead of your wedding, but you will also have a great spot for your after-party. Here are a few options:
St. Julien Hotel: A stylish, newer hotel located just 11 minutes away from the venue. This four-star hotel offers both rooms and suites that you can rent out with your party.
Moxy Boulder University: A modern and spacious hotel that is also just 11 minutes from the venue. The large rooms and huge windows will give you plenty of natural lighting for your indoor pics.
Limelight Hotel: With chic bars and comfortable rooms, you can get ready in style! As with the others, this venue is 11 minutes away.
The city has additional bed and breakfasts as well as AirBnBs, where you can have a wedding weekend unlike any other.
Details of the Grounds
Once you are ready for your ceremony, it is time to tie the knot. In order to reserve the Boulder Sunrise Amphitheater, you will head to the city’s website and fill out your wedding request. You will be able to choose between one-hour and three-hour blocks. While it never hurts to hire shuttles, the amphitheater does have parking for your guests. They also have on-site restrooms, though these are pit latrines, so you might want to warn your guests ahead of time. Unfortunately, they will not have water or electricity.
You will stand on the stage at the front of the area with the drop-off serving as your backdrop. Your guests can sit on the stone seats with tiered rows that will ensure everyone can witness the moment. If you do decide to have a wedding party, they will either be able to stand on the small stage with you or stand just off to the side. While you can absolutely bring in your own flowers and arch, the space does not require many decorations. You will be able to accommodate up to 150 guests.
A Few Great Options For Wedding Receptions Close To The Boulder Sunrise Amphitheatre
With this venue, you won’t be able to host a reception on-site. Luckily, there are several event spaces just a short drive away that you can use for this part of your celebration. Here are some of the top options:
Greystone Castle: if you are looking for luxe, this is your space! With outdoor event tents and intimate indoor dining rooms, this option has the ideal setting for an upscale wedding.
Riverbend: Just next door in Lyons, this space carries on the outdoor theme with open-air event space. They also offer glamping for your after-party!
Rembrandt Yard: This art-filled space features floor-to-ceiling windows that keep the mountains on display.
On top of these options, you can try out one of the many bars or restaurants inside the city.
Photography Opportunities
As you might have imagined, the wedding photo opportunities out at Boulder Sunrise Amphitheater are unlike any other! With this space, you are going to have plenty of natural lighting for all of your wedding portraits. It becomes especially transcendent once the golden hour hits! You will be able to use the stone stage for couples’ portraits as well as group pics. Once you are done taking your portraits here, you will be able to use the area surrounding this space to take intimate couples’ portraits.
Wedding Details
The city makes it as easy as possible to reserve a spot at Boulder Sunrise Amphitheater for your wedding. You can head to their website and use their self-service reservation calendar to save your date. They encourage you to travel to the site ahead of time so you can be sure it’s a match! You will need to agree to their rules ahead of time and ensure you treat the space with respect. They also let you come in and decorate an hour early as long as there are no other reservations ahead of time.
If you will need wheelchair access to the stage, they ask that you talk to them ahead of time so they can provide the property accommodations. Additionally, the space will welcome dogs as long as they are kept on leashes.
Your Ceremony Will Be Truly Gorgeous At The Boulder Sunrise Amphitheater Wedding Venue
If you are looking for a truly jaw-dropping space for your ceremony, the Boulder Sunrise Amphitheater wedding venue is for you. With this venue, you are about to have the best start to your next great adventure.
Once you have your venue, it’s time to find your photographer. This is where I come in! I am a Boulder wedding photographer, and I love working with couples to tell their unique love stories. If you want to see if we’re a match, just let me know! Send me a message today, and we can get the conversation started.
