Boreas Pass Elopement Guide
Posted On | April 29, 2025
If you are considering a Boreas Pass elopement, here is everything you need to know to make your wedding dream possible!
Boreas Pass Elopement Quick Facts
Why Couples Love Boreas Pass
A Boreas Pass elopement offers a peaceful, scenic experience without the need for a long hike or complicated logistics. It delivers wide-open views, stunning aspen groves, and easy mountain access that feels just right for a quiet, intentional day.
COST
Just $35 for your marriage license! No other fees or permits are needed for a small group.
Number of people
Up to 10 people total
LOCATION
Located near Breckenridge, Colorado, Boreas Pass is a two-hour drive from the Denver International Airport
Coordinates
Elevation
11,481 feet at the summit
Accessibility
Boreas Pass is typically open to cars from late May through early November. It’s a well-maintained dirt road that’s passable in most vehicles when dry. Portions of the pass become snow-covered and inaccessible in winter, but the lower stretches can still be accessed on foot, skis, or snowshoes.
Where is Boreas Pass?
Boreas Pass sits just south of Breckenridge and connects Summit County to Park County via a historic rail route. The drive up starts just a few minutes from downtown Breck, making it one of the most accessible mountain locations in the area. The road winds through aspen groves, open meadows, and rocky overlooks—offering endless views and photo spots at every turn.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Married at Boreas Pass?
There’s no cost to elope at Boreas Pass if you’re keeping it simple and small. No permits are required for small groups, and there are no entry fees or parking costs. Just make sure to factor in your Colorado marriage license, which is $35 and can be obtained at any county clerk’s office in the state.
Do You Need a Permit to Elope at Boreas Pass?
Nope! For intimate elopements with 10 people or fewer and no chairs, structures, or decorations, permits aren’t required. That said, this can change based on group size or how you’re using the space. If you’re planning something larger or would like to include chairs, structures, decorations, or additional vendors, we recommend reaching out to the U.S. Forest Service for the most current guidelines, or let us handle those logistics for you.
Can You Drive Up Boreas Pass?
Yes, Boreas Pass is usually open to vehicles May through October, depending on snow. Boreas Pass is a graded dirt road accessible to most vehicles in dry weather, including sedans. It’s winding and narrow in spots but not technical. High-clearance isn’t necessary unless there’s been recent rain or snow. In winter, the road is closed to cars just above the last few houses outside Breckenridge, but it becomes a beautiful cross-country ski and snowshoe trail for couples feeling a bit adventurous!
When is the Best Time of Year to Get Married at Boreas Pass?
Summer (late June to early September
Warm days, green meadows, and easy access. Great for flexibility and planning around weather.
Fall (mid-September to early October)
Peak aspen season! Fall is stunning here but also the most popular time—so a weekday elopement helps you avoid the crowds.
Winter (November through May)
The road closes to vehicles, but the snowy landscape is magical for winter elopements with snowshoes or a short ski in. Expect solitude, but be ready for cold temps.
Spring (May to early June)
Shoulder season means lingering snow, muddy roads, and unpredictable weather. It can be beautiful, but access may be limited.
What is the Best Time of Day to Elope at Boreas Pass?
We recommend sunrise or just before sunset. In the morning, the light is soft and golden as it filters through the trees. It’s also the quietest time of day—great for privacy and calm. Evening light is warmer and more dramatic, especially in the wide-open areas near the summit.
Boreas Pass Wedding Venues
If you love Boreas Pass, but have a guest list larger than 10 people, here are some nearby venues for an intimate wedding ceremony. These will allow you to hold your ceremony in a gorgeous space that can accommodate your group while still being close enough to explore Boreas Pass before or after your ceremony!
Windy Point Group Campground
Perfect for a cozy group celebration, this spot is reservable mid-May through the end of September. You have the option to reserve up to two locations here. The Forest Loop is perfect for ceremonies overlooking Lake Dillon, while the Lake Loop has an open-air pavilion for a casual reception, as well as access to the shoreline. This location is perfect for up to 50 people.
Sapphire Point Overlook
This location is one of the most popular ceremony spots near Breckenridge for a reason. You’ll need a reservation, but the overlook is iconic and can accommodate up to 30 people year-round.
Frisco Adventure Park
The Frisco Adventure Park has an overlook perfect for ceremonies and a lodge for those wanting an on-site reception, as well as mountain views, open space, and access to the lake. This location is perfect for groups ranging from 10 to 120 people.
Dillon Marina Park Pavilion
Right next to the lake and close to downtown Dillon, the Dillon Marina Park Pavilion is an open-air pavilion that offers panoramic views of the water and Tenmile Range. While it can officially accommodate up to 90 people, we recommend sticking with 50 people for maximum comfort.
Silverthorne Pavilion
The Silverthorne Pavilion is a bit of a more traditional venue that can accommodate up to 175 guests outdoors and 300 guests indoors.
The Lodge at Breckenridge
The Lodge at Breckenridge offers packages for both larger, traditional weddings, as well as smaller weekday weddings!
For more information on planning a small wedding near Boreas Pass, check out these helpful guides!
Top Tips for Your Boreas Pass Elopement
Leave No Trace
Boreas Pass is beautiful because it’s relatively untouched. Let’s keep it that way. Be sure to Leave No Trace by staying on trails, avoiding trampling wildflowers or fragile tundra, and packing out everything you bring in.
Prepare for High Altitude
Even though it’s a drive-up spot, you’re still at almost 12,000 feet. Plan extra time in your trip to acclimate, drink plenty of water, and don’t overexert yourself the day before or day of your elopement.
Sunscreen + Bug Spray
The sun is intense at this elevation, and bugs love the meadows in summer. We recommend that you keep SPF and bug spray handy!
Plan for a Weekday
Boreas Pass is well-loved, especially during fall. If you’re hoping for quiet moments and wide-open views, a weekday sunrise or sunset elopement is your best bet.
Weather Changes Quickly
There’s an old saying in Colorado that if you don’t like the weather, just wait five minutes. This is especially true in the mountains! Because the weather can be unpredictable and Boreas Pass has no shelter, it is important to consider having a backup plan in case the weather causes any issues.
Respect Wildlife
Deer, foxes, and marmots are common up here, along with the occasional moose. Give them space, keep food packed away, and don’t try to feed or interact with them. You’re in their home.
Real Breckenridge Weddings
The Proof Is In The Pudding! Check out a few of the Breckenridge Weddings We’ve Photographed
Megan & Eddie
Marcus & Manuela
Eva & Juliano
Jordan & Kellen
Boreas Pass Wedding Photos
How to Get Legally Married at Boreas Pass
Let’s talk about the practical stuff: getting your marriage license. Don’t worry, it’s easier than you think!
In the state of Colorado, you can go to ANY country clerk in the state to obtain your license. If you’re staying in Breckenridge, the Summit County Clerk & Recorder will be the closest location! As of April 2025, appointments are still required for marriage license applications, so be sure to plan ahead! You’ll need to bring along a form of ID (usually your drivers license or passport), as well as $30 to pay the fee.
In Colorado, you have the option to self-solemnize your marriage, which means you can legally marry yourselves without the need for an officiant or witnesses. It’s a unique and romantic way to tie the knot and perfect for couples who want to exchange vows in a private and intimate setting. Because no witnesses are required, you can even have your dog sign with their paw print in most counties!
After you’ve exchanged vows, be sure to sign your marriage license and submit the signed license to the same Clerk and Recorder’s Office that you picked it up from to make it official.
Where is the best place to stay Near Boreas Pass?
The closest towns to Boreas Pass are Breckenridge, Dillon, Silverthorne, and Frisco. The links below are a great place to start your search for lodging!
Disclaimer: Some of the links in this article may be affiliate links, which means we may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you if you decide to purchase through one of our recommended partners. We would never recommend anything we don’t use ourselves!
Boreas Pass Wedding Photographers
Who We Are
We’re two born and raised Coloradoans who have spent our whole lives exploring every corner of this state. Summit County has been a favorite of ours for backpacking, camping, hiking and kayaking.
Larissa (left) is the person who always chimes a smiley “hi!” on the hiking trail.
Bailey (right) is the person who will absolutely cry at your wedding.
Together we’ve planned and photographed 400+ elopements and small weddings in Colorado (50+ in the Breckenridge area alone), collectively been to 46 countries, and agree that cracking a local beer around a campfire is the best way to end a day.
We’re More Than Just Photographers
We’re here to make this process easier than “accidentally” binge-watching the newest season of your favorite show.
Every single elopement package includes:
Boreas Pass Elopement & Small Wedding Packages
What’s Included
4+ Hours of Photography Coverage With A Breckenridge Elopement Photographer
We intentionally document your day with both digital and film. Includes high-resolution digital images, printing rights, a shareable online gallery, and free album design.
Full Small WEdding Planning Assistance
hen we say we help with it all, we mean it. Location scouting and ideas. Vetted, LGBTQ+ allied, Summit County wedding vendors who know elopements. Recs for activities to do on your elopement day. Stress-free timeline planning. Planning resources and ideas. Unlimited communication because we never leave you high and dry.
Overwhelmed with How To Plan A Colorado Elopement?
Download Our Free Colorado Elopement Planning Guide & Checklist
40+ pages of ideas, tips, and a step-by-step checklist to make your dream elopement come to life.
Are You Freakin’ REady?
We’re 100% here for whatever day you’re dreaming up. Fill out our contact form to start chatting.
Are You Freakin’ REady?
We’re 100% here for whatever day you’re dreaming up. Fill out our contact form to start chatting.
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