There are few wedding locations out there as perfect as Boulder. This city has everything you could possibly need for your wedding day, from the charming small town vibes to the exceptional views of nature. If you have been considering this location for your wedding but don’t quite know where to start, I’m here to help you out! As a Boulder elopement photographer, I love working with couples to make sure they can have their dream celebrations. Here is everything you need to know about eloping in Boulder!
Boulder Elopement – The Ultimate Guide for Hosting Your Dream Day
Why You Should Consider Eloping in Boulder
There is simply so much to love about Boulder! This city effortlessly moves across styles, giving you the ideal location no matter what you have in mind. If you want to tie the knot while surrounded by the most epic nature views imaginable, you are going to be just a short 15-minute drive away from mountaintops and rolling hills. If you are the type of person who lives for city life, you can pick from a number of downtown venues with unique backdrops for your portraits.
Because the wilderness and the city peacefully coexist, you are going to have a ton of variety for your entire wedding week. Throughout the winter, you can spend the day hitting the slopes before coming back and barhopping. You can tie the knot surrounded by wildflowers before having a quiet reception out on a city patio. It’s kind of perfect! This also makes it a breeze to find accommodations for you and your guests.
Lastly, getting married in Boulder can’t be any simpler. They give you lots of options for your wedding, including self-solemnization, so you can have the day that’s right for you. And with so much flexibility, you can easily bring your pup along for the adventure.
When to Have Your Boulder Elopement
Boulder is a gorgeous city for eloping all year long! As you choose your wedding day, I recommend deciding what kind of weather and activities you would want throughout your week. Here’s what you can expect:
Winter: Throughout the winter, you get the breathtaking sites you might find in Breckenridge, only without the crowds. Because Boulder doesn’t get as much snow as some of the high-altitude locations, it’s not as big of a ski destination as the other locations across Colorado. You can expect temps between the 20s and 40s with snow-capped mountains showing off in the backdrop.
Spring: As the snow starts to melt, the wildflowers begin to go wild, especially near the end of May! Starting in April, the weather is typically between 40 and 60 degrees. While the temps might be milder, unpredictable weather isn’t too uncommon. Be prepared for all kinds of forecasts!
Summer: Summer is when Boulder typically comes alive! During this season, the crowds set in to check out the full-trail access. While there’s nothing wrong with a summer wedding, be prepared for the tourists. I always recommend trying a sunrise ceremony so you can beat the crowds while also enjoying the cooler weather. From June to August, temperatures will be in the 50s-80s.
Fall: Fall is pretty much the perfect season. The leaves go through dramatic changes, making the sunsets even better. The only issue? This is peak wedding season, so vendors fill up FAST! When you find the people you want for your wedding day, book as soon as possible! The temperatures are in the 30s-60s, with the first weeks of October having the best foliage.
How Much Do Weddings Cost?
One of the best things about eloping in Colorado is how affordable it can be in Boulder! Because they only require a self-solemnization, you don’t have to pay for things like officiants. This can also save you some major money when it comes to figuring out permits and venues. Essentially, you are going to pay $30 for your marriage license. From there, it’s a matter of figuring out your vision. A lot of public locations will cost less than $500 for use, while private venues typically run between $5,000-$40,000. As you write your budget, consider the following:
- Wedding stylists
- Clothing
- Flowers
- Entertainment
- Reception food
- Photographer
- Transportation
From there, you will need to figure out what you want to do throughout your wedding week. This will include how you get to and from Boulder, where you’ll stay, what you will eat for each meal, and what activities you will load into your schedule to make this a time you will never forget!
Where to Elope in Boulder
Next comes the really fun part: figuring out your Boulder area location for eloping! As I mentioned earlier, Boulder is going to give you a lot of choices when it comes to your venue of choice. Here are some faves:
- Sunrise Amphitheater: Located just 10 minutes away from downtown Boulder, this nature-inspired space puts you on top of Flagstaff Mountain while giving you some much-needed privacy from noisy hikers. There are stone rows that can be used as seating, while you will have a stage where you can exchange your vows as the sun begins to set.
- Lost Gulch Overlook: This is another Flagstaff Mountain location ideal for small elopements. As you trade your vows, you are going to enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. This spot can see quite a few visitors, so I recommend using it for sunrise weddings so you can miss peak hours.
- Eldorado State Park: While this might be technically outside of Boulder, the views alone make this one worth the drive. This location offers iconic sandstone cliffs as well as lush green forests. Because of the crowd, this is best for a sunrise wedding.
- Boulder Falls: If you want to trade vows in front of a rushing waterfall, this is your spot! Located right off the highway, this area is easy to access. It’s best for very small elopements since there isn’t a ton of space.
- Chautauqua Park: With golden fields and mountainside views, this is a spot just begging for romantic sunset wedding photos! While this park does get pretty crowded, it’s large enough that you should be able to find your own spot for a private ceremony.
- Hotel Boulderado: This vintage-inspired hotel is the perfect spot to throw a stylish wedding in the heart of the city. They can also serve as a photo backdrop following your ceremony.
- Halfway House: If you are hosting an elopement with some guests, this is a great option! This is an enclosed stone space where you can exchange your vows with the mountains rolling on in the backdrop. This area lets you host up to 49 guests and is one of the few places that lets you set up chairs and an altar.
The Legalities of Eloping in Boulder
Now, it’s time to figure out exactly how to elope in Boulder. As I mentioned earlier, this is one of the few states that allow self-solemnization. Essentially, this means you don’t need an officiant, and you don’t need witnesses. Some couples choose to use this as a chance to bring along their dog and let them sign off on the wedding via an adorable paw print.
You will need to obtain a wedding license from any County Clerk’s office in the state. Both you and your partner will need to be present and have a photo ID. This will be a $30 fee, and there is no waiting period. You can use it the same day you get it!
As far as permits go, it’s really going to depend on the location. If you choose a National Park, you will need to fill out a Special Use permit through their website. State parks will also have their own requirements for events and will typically have everything you need to know right on their website. If you do decide to go with a venue, their events team will be able to handle all of this for you.
Accommodations for Guests in Boulder
One of the best things about Boulder is that it has all of the best natural sites right alongside the city. It takes about ten minutes to leave a hotel and find yourself on a Flagstaff summit. It’s pretty magical! This also means you are going to have top-tier amenities for you and your guests.
Where to Stay
Boulder has a fantastic mix of AirBnBs/Vrbo’s as well as luxury hotels. If you would prefer lodging within walking distance of the best parts of the city, I would recommend checking out downtown Boulder. Meanwhile, North Boulder is going to be a little quieter.
Here are some of the best hotels:
- St. Julien Hotel: A downtown spot with an exceptional spa
- Hotel Bouldero: A downtown hotel with an iconic marquee
- The Bradley Boulder Inn: A quaint bed and breakfast right next to the best restaurants
- Limelight Hotel: A modern hotel just outside of the University of Colorado Boulder
- Basecamp Boulder: A charming hotel that leans into the mountain theme
- Colorado Chautauqua: A contemporary lodge located just outside of the city
Closest Airports
While there are a few airports around the Boulder area, these are typically for private and business flights. Your closest airport will be Denver International, just 45 minutes away. The second closest will be Colorado Springs Airport, about an hour and 45 minutes away, though this one only services domestic flights.
Local Food Locations to Try
Boulder has a bustling food scene filled with incredible options across a range of cuisines. You are going to spend your entire time here feeling very well-fed. Here are a few restaurants to throw on your list:
- SALT: The perfect place for serious foodies ready for an elevated night out. They have charcuterie boards, steak, and small plates.
- Foolish Craig’s Cafe: This favorite has been featured on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives thanks to its ridiculously amazing breakfast and brunch options.
- Flagstaff House: This mountaintop restaurant gives you dinner with a view! You can try entrees like lamb, venison, and duck. They also let you host small receptions in their dining room.
- Brasserie Ten: This cozy French bistro offers exceptionally prepared meals in a warm and inviting atmosphere.
- Dushanbe Tea House: This is one of the most impressive spots in all of Boulder, giving you a building that was built in Asia and imported here. They have breakfast, lunch, dinner, and a traditional tea time.
- Rosetta Hall: This food hall has a huge selection as well as rooftop seating ideal for those nicer days.
Things to Do in Boulder
Boulder has so many fun activities guaranteed to elevate your trip when eloping. Throughout the seasons, there are different celebrations like the Art Walk in July or the Coffee Trail in the fall. Here are a few other things to try:
Go Skiing: The towns surrounding Boulder give you tons of options for skiing. If you don’t mind a short drive, you can head out to Eldora Ski Resort, where you will have beginner-friendly trails.
Try Out Snowshoeing: This is one of the very best ways to hike! You can go to places like Betasso Preserve and Walker Ranch and check out their scenic trails.
Hiking the Flatirons: This is where you can go when you feel like getting that true mountain experience. The best place to see them up close and personal is at Chautauqua Park.
Visit the Museum of Boulder: You don’t have to be a history lover to enjoy this interactive museum. You are going to walk away with a better understanding of this charming town!
Take a Walk Down Pearl Street: With adorable shops and great restaurants, this historic trail is a must-visit destination.
Hiring Boulder Elopement Photographer
As you plan your elopement, the most important thing you need to consider is how you are going to remember this whirlwind of a trip. After all, you have ditched the traditional in favor of a journey, and you don’t want to risk forgetting a single second. This is where your photographer is going to be your best friend. As a Boulder elopement photographer, I love helping my clients document their trips, but I’m also going to be there for so much more!
From vendor recommendations to helping you find your wedding location, I want to make sure you can have the celebration that perfectly matches you. By the end, you are going to leave with a brand new spouse, frame-worthy memories, and the experience of your lifetime! If you are looking for a photographer ready to go along with you for your grand adventure, I think I might just be the one for you!
You Will Love The Experience Of Eloping In Boulder
If you have been considering eloping in Boulder, I really hope this guide helps you out! And if you do want to learn more about using me for your wedding photos, let’s chat! Send me a message today if you would like to get the conversation started.
