6 of the Best Colorado Elopement Locations Near Boulder to Make Your Wedding Unforgettable
6 of the Best Colorado Elopement Locations Near Boulder to Make Your Wedding Unforgettable!
Colorado’s stunning scenery can make choosing the perfect location for your elopement difficult! While considering Colorado elopement locations, things like proximity to the airport (if you’re flying) accessibility (do you need an all wheel drive vehicle), and whether permits are required to host a wedding are important details to consider before putting your plans in place.
As an Elopement photographer based in Boulder, Colorado, these locations would rank high on my list of possibilities if I were planning my own Colorado elopement.
Lost Gulch Overlook
This stunning overlook just West of Boulder is an amazing option if you’re planning your elopement close to the city. Just 20 minutes from the Pearl street mall, Lost Gulch Overlook boast views of Longs Peak, Indian Peaks Wilderness Area, the Continental Divide and the foothills between Boulder & Lyons from high up on Flagstaff Mountain.
If you’re flying in for your Colorado Elopement this location is just over an hour from Denver International Airport, and doesn’t require an AWD vehicle to access (although you might want to leave your stilettos at home!) One perk of choosing this location is that although your photographer needs to obtain a permit to photograph your event, you don’t need any additional permits to plan your elopement here!
If you choose to elope at Lost Gulch Overlook it’s best to have an early morning ceremony; this location is not private and is often crowded in the evenings. Keep in mind that decorations are not allowed at this location.
Betasso Preserve
Another of my favorite Boulder Colorado elopement locations, Betasso Preserve is located a few miles up Boulder Canyon, and boasts views of both the mountains and Boulder Valley. Although frequented by bikers and hikers, the quantity of visitors to Betasso is relatively low, making this a great option for you if you’re planning your elopement in the summer or on a weekend.
Less than an hour from the airport, this is another easy access location just a few miles from all the amenities available in Boulder, which can help to make your elopement day low stress and relaxing. Betasso also only requires a that your photographer obtain a permit, so provided you choose a qualified professional no additional permits are needed.
Brainard Lake Recreation Area
Brainard Lake, another amazing location less than an hour from Boulder, also makes the top of my list of best places to elope (or take any photos!). This picturesque lake surrounded by mountains reminds me of something from a story book. With beautiful photo spots just a few hundred feet from the parking lot, or the option of a gentle walk around the lake, there is no shortage of stunning spots to choose from. Although there will likely be other people enjoying the area, it isn’t difficult to find a secluded place away from common traffic if you prefer a more private setting.
Brainard Lake is another easy to access Colorado elopement location; it takes about 1.5 hours to drive from the Denver airport, and the roads don’t require an AWD vehicle.
No permit is needed to elope at Brainard Lake, however if you are having a gathering of more than 8 people (including your vendors) you do need a Large Group Day Use Permit. You also do need to make a timed entry reservation to guarantee access to Brainard Lake. These permits are not available at the gate, and lack of cell phone reception makes getting a reservation in advance necessary.
Estes Park
Estes Park, well known for scenic beauty an close proximity to Rocky Mountain National Park, also boasts some of Colorado’s most amazing views, and, consequently, most amazing elopement locations. This popular tourist destination, situated 45 minutes North West of Boulder, is home to many wedding venues of various sizes, including scenic parks and open space areas perfect for planning your elopement. Some noteworthy options include Lake Estes and Knoll-Willow Open Space, which may require permits.
Estes Park is yet another easy to access location at most times of the year. It’s status as a tourist destination makes time of year an important consideration. Crowds flock to Estes Park in the summer, but with careful planning shouldn’t interfere with you having a beautiful elopement in any season!
Rocky Mountain National Park
If you want to venture a little farther into the Colorado wilderness, Rocky Mountain National Park boasts 415 square miles of some of the most beautiful scenery in all of Colorado. If you’re wanting a spectacular locations for your Colorado Elopement, you need to consider planning your wedding at RMNP.
Some amazing elopement location options include Dream Lake, Bear Lake, and Sprague Lake. With amazing locations near parking and others requiring all levels of hiking, there is something for all levels of fitness and adventure!
Rocky Mountain National Park is easy to access by car, and parts of the park are still less than 2 hours from DIA, although you will need a timed reservation for entry into RMNP. Keep in mind that some areas of the park close for several months in the winter, and others, like Bear Lake, sell out of reservation times very quickly. Access (including access for your photographer) needs to be planned far in advance. A $300 special use permit is required for all wedding ceremonies. These permits open for reservation a year in advance and are very limited in quantity. If you’re planning your elopement quickly you may need to choose another Colorado elopement location.
Garden of the Gods
Garden of the Gods’ unique features make it a noteworthy addition to this list. Located on the West side of Colorado Springs, GoG offers a unique array of red and white rock formations and views of Pikes Peak all without driving into the mountains. Garden of the Gods became a public park in 1909, and is renown for it’s natural beauty and interesting geological features, making it one of the most frequently used Colorado elopement locations.
Just 25 minutes from the Colorado Springs airport, Garden of the Gods is the most accessible location on my list. Although a popular tourist destination, no permit is required for photography or small elopements, which makes GoG a perfect location if you’re planning your wedding quickly.
Although this list just scratches the surface of possible Colorado elopement locations, I hope you find it helpful.
Whether you want your elopement to feel relaxing or adventurous, Colorado offers an amazing variety of locations for your wedding, and the option to self-solemnization makes planning your elopement even easier. At the end of the day, the only people who need to be present are you and the person you love. Though I do recommend hiring a photographer to capture memories on this special, once-in-a-lifetime day! 😉
Want more tips for planning your Colorado elopement?
Check out my blog post here!
