Boulder Elopement Guide: A Local’s Locations, Tips & Planning Info
Posted On | February 11, 2025
Boulder is one of Colorado’s most accessible elopement destinations, located just 45 minutes from Denver International Airport. With no permit requirements for small groups (under 10 people), free public lands, stunning Flatiron views, and year-round access, a Boulder elopement offers easier logistics than high-altitude mountain towns while maintaining incredible scenery.
As local Boulder elopement photographers who were born and raised in the suburbs of Boulder, here are the best tips, essentials, and advice for planning your Boulder elopement in 2026 – straight from a local who knows the area best.
Boulder Elopement FAQs
Planning Basics For Your Boulder Elopement
Why Couples Choose To Elope In Boulder
Easiest Airport Access to Mountains in Colorado
45 minutes from Denver International Airport with no mountain driving – perfect for couples with traveling guests or those who want to avoid winter road conditions.
Warmer Year-Round Temperatures
At 5,430 feet (vs. 9,000+ in mountain towns), Boulder stays 10-20°F warmer. Winter elopements don’t require full snow gear, and summer mornings are comfortable.
No Altitude Sickness
Similar elevation to Denver means you won’t feel sluggish or lightheaded on your wedding day like you might at 10,000+ feet.
City Amenities & Mountain Scenery
Unlike remote mountain towns, Boulder offers dozens of hotels, restaurants, breweries, and activities within minutes of your ceremony location.
Accessible Elopement Locations
Many ceremony spots require no hiking (Lost Gulch, Artists Point, Chautauqua) or have short, easy trails – perfect for couples in wedding attire or with mobility considerations.
True Four-Season Destination
Spring wildflowers (May-June), summer accessibility, fall golden aspens (October), and mild winters make Boulder ideal year-round.
LGBTQ+ Friendly Community
Boulder has a long history of inclusivity, with numerous LGBTQ+-owned vendors and businesses.
What’s the Best Time of Year To Elope In Boulder?
🌸 Spring (Apr – May)
Temps: 60s/40s
Best for: Wildflowers, fewer crowds, mild weather
Watch out for: Unpredictable weather (can snow in May)
Pro tip: Late May-early June is ideal for wildflower peak
☀️ Summer (Jun – Aug)
Temps: 80s/50s
Best for: Warmest weather, full trail access
Watch out for: Hot afternoons, busier trails
Pro tip: Do sunrise ceremonies or head to higher elevations to beat heat
Temps: 60s/30s
Best for: Golden fall colors, perfect weather, stunning photos
Watch out for: Peak season – books fast
Pro tip: First 3 weeks of October have best fall color
Temps: 40s/20s
Best for: Fewer crowds, easier access than mountain towns
Watch out for: Less snow than high-altitude locations
Pro tip: Boulder is warmer and more accessible than Breckenridge/RMNP in winter
Our Top Pick: October (Fall) | Reliable weather, golden aspen colors, comfortable temperatures (60s), and less crowded than summer. First 3 weeks of October have the best fall color.
Runner-Up: May-June (Spring/Early Summer) | Wildflowers, mild temps, fewer tourists than July-October.
How to Get a Marriage License in Boulder
Quick Facts
- Cost: $35 (any Colorado county)
- No location restrictions – no matter where you get married in CO you can go to any Clerk & Recorder’s Office to obtain your marriage license (not just the county you’re getting married in)
- No witnesses required – Colorado allows self-solemnization
- No residency required – out-of-state couples are welcome
- Dogs can “sign” marriage licences in most counties
Boulder County Marriage License Process
- Submit an application online
- Schedule an online video call for ID verification
- Your marriage license will be mailed to a Colorado address ( call 303-413-7770 for alternate options for out-of-state couples)
- Return your completed and signed marriage license to one of three drop boxes within 35 days of the date of issue.
For the most up-to-date information about getting your marriage license in Boulder County, visit the Boulder County Clerk and Recorder’s website.
Where To Get Married in Boulder
Best Elopement Locations Near Boulder (For Under 10 Guests)
Lost Gulch Overlook
Capacity: Up to 10
Hike: None (roadside)
Crowds: ⚠️ High
Best for: Iconic mountain views, sunset photos
Know before you go: Extremely popular – arrive at sunrise for privacy.
Artists Point
Capacity: Up to 10
Hike: 5 min
Crowds: ✓ Medium
Best for: Rocky outcroppings, more privacy than Lost Gulch
Know before you go: Road closed Oct 31-Apr 30 (can hike up for extra solitude).
Eldorado Canyon State Park
Capacity: Up to 10
Hike: Varies
Crowds: ✓ Medium
Best for: Unique setting – river and red rock cliffs
Know before you go: Trail options galore, popular with rock climbers.
Hidden Lookout (Local Secret)
Capacity: Up to 10
Hike: 15-45 min
Crowds: ✓ Low
Best for: Privacy, epic views, adventurous couples
Know before you go: Our secret spot! Short hike when road is open (May-Oct), longer in winter.
Betasso Preserve
Capacity: Up to 10
Hike: 0-30 min
Crowds: ✓ Low
Best for: Rolling meadows, diverse scenery, privacy
Know before you go: 15 min up Boulder Canyon, peaceful alternative to crowded spots.
Brainard Lake (Fan Fave)
Capacity: Up to 20
Hike: 2.2 mi in winter / drive-up in summer
Crowds: ✓ Low – Med
Best for: Alpine lake, paddleboarding, picnicking
Know before you go: Requires entry reservation in summer. Road closed in winter (longer hike).
Short Hike ( Local Secret)
Capacity: 5
Hike: .5 mi
Crowds: ✓ Low
Best for: Unique Flatirons perspective, undiscovered spot
Know before you go: Can hike further for endless changing scenery.
Lake Isabelle (Best Hike)
Capacity: 10
Hike: 2.1 mil, easy
Crowds: ✓ Low – Med
Best for: Most dramatic alpine lake views near Boulder
Know before you go: Jun -Sep only. Requires entry reservation. Lake can get low in fall.
Photo provided by Skywater Photo + Film
Gross Reservoir
Capacity: Just you two
Hike: None
Crowds: ✓ Low
Best for: Full-day adventure with water activities
Know before you go: Permit required for photography. Fishing, paddleboarding, hiking available.
Photo provided by Caleb Clayton
Lost Lake
Capacity: Up to 10
Hike: 4 mi round trip (moderate)
Crowds: ✓ Medium
Best for: Alpine lake views, wildflowers (July), potential moose sightings
Know before you go: Choose weekdays to avoid crowds. Can stay in Nederland for slower, low-key vibe.
Caribou Ranch Open Space
Capacity: Up to 10
Hike: Loop trail, varies
Crowds: ✓ Low
Best for: Quiet forest and meadows, historical homestead
Know before you go: 30 min from Boulder. Closed Apr – Jun for animal protection. Skiing/snowshoeing in winter.
Best Small Wedding Locations Near Boulder (For 10+ Guests)
Stone Shelter
Stone Shelter is located on the summit of Flagstaff Mountain and is available for groups of up to 100 people. The road to the summit is closed during the winter, so you can only reserve the Stone Shelter from May 1st through October 30th. With easy access, wheelchair accessibility, a covered shelter for inclement weather and/or reception, and beautiful views close by, Stone Shelter is an ideal small wedding location that can be reserved through the City of Boulder.
Halfway House
Halfway House is located halfway up Flagstaff road (hence the name!). It has a stone patio that overlooks a grassy meadow and views of the Flatirons. It can be reserved ahead of time through the City of Boulder and is not available from Veteran’s Day through New Year’s Day. If you like more mountain views, this location is perfect for you, although be aware that you can hear some of the traffic driving by.
Sunrise Amphitheater
Sunrise Amphitheater provides quintessential views over the entire city of Boulder and its surrounding foothills. Because you can reserve the space in advance this location can book up quickly. Sunrise Amphitheater has built-in seating (for up to 100 people), is wheelchair accessible and has amazing views of the city of Boulder. Located on Flagstaff Mountain, it is close to many other iconic mountain areas that are perfect for taking pictures before or after your ceremony. The road up to the amphitheater is closed during the winter, so this location is only available for small weddings from May 1st through October 30th.
Chautauqua Green
If you love unique rock formations, then getting married in front of the iconic Flatirons at the Chautauqua Green in Boulder, CO is for you. The green grass park is surrounded by trees and views of the slanted sandstone formations in the background. You must obtain a wedding/event permit through the City of Boulder for larger groups. If your choosing a Boulder elopement with less than 10 people, then an event permit is not required. Privacy is limited because it’s a public and popular location for enjoying a relaxing afternoon, but most people are respectful and give you space.
Flagstaff House Wedding
Located on Flagstaff Mountain, just minutes from downtown Boudler, the Flagstaff House is an iconic restaurant with an unique, private space for small weddings. Overlooking the foothills with mountain views, their private deck is a perfect place for your ceremony. Afterward, head inside to treat you and your guests to a top-notch meal known for its cullinary masterpieces.
The Greenbriar Inn
Located just north of town, The Greenbriar Inn sits atop 20 scenic acres. With onsite accomodations and stunning views of the Rocky Mountains, The Greenbriar Inn offers packages perfect for intimate weddings starting at 12 guests.
Boulder Elopement Activities
Boulder is home to a plethora of outdoor activities and is known as a mecca for mountain fun. Whether you want a more relaxing day or an adrenaline rush, here are our favorite activities in Boulder that you can do on your elopement day.
Hot Air Balloon Rides
If you have always dreamed of doing something new and exciting on your elopement day, consider doing a sunrise hot air balloon ride with views of the Boulder Flatirons. Fair Winds Balloon Flights is a great local hot air balloon company that operates right outside Boulder, CO.
Hiking
There’s no shortage of hiking trails in for all skill levels in and around Boulder. Known as a mecca for health and fitness, Boulder hiking trails are well marked and managed for the best hiking experience. If you are planning a hiking elopement in Boulder, plan to bring a backpack with plenty of water, food, layers of clothes, a rain jacket, sunscreen, and first aid kit.
Stand Up Paddleboarding
Some couple love being on the water and if your looking for a fun water activity in Boulder for your elopement day try stand up paddleboarding (SUP). McIntosh Lake in Longmont and Gross Reservoir just in the mountains of Boulder are our favorite less-busy locations to stand up paddleboard. You can rent a rigid SUP at Crystal Ski Shop or an inflatable SUP on friendwitha.com.
Picnicking
If you want to spend more time in the mountains on your elopement day without extreme activites, picknicking is the perfect way to soak in the views and your newly formed marriage. Pick up your favorite treats at Trader Joe’s or Whole Foods for a homemade picnic or head a little south to Wander & Graze for a premium charcuterie board to-go.
Grabbing a Pint
Colorado is a mecca for craft beer and Boulder has no shortage of amazing breweries to try out to toast to your marriage. Here are our favorite breweries in Boulder:
Wild Provisions Beer Project
Sanita’s Brewing Company
Twisted Pine Brewing Company
Tubing Down Boulder Creek
If you’re looking for a fun and wet activity to cool off on your summer elopement day in Boulder, tubing down Boulder Creek is an experience you’ll never forget. Depending on the month, it can be a more exhilarating or peaceful ride. Check out this guide on tubing Boulder Creek for information on when, how and where.
Mountain Biking
If you love the thrill od two wheels underneath you, you can definitely include mountain biking on your elopement day to celebrate! Some popular spots for mountain biking in Boulder, CO are Nederland and Betasso Preserve for trails and the Valmont Bike Park for single-track.
Camping
There’s something nostalgic about spending the evening roasting s’mores over a campfire, reminicing about your favorite part of your elopement day as you watch the stars come out. If a camping elopement in Boulder is up your alley, there is plenty of dispersed camping near Nederland, Gross Reservoir and Sugarloaf Mountain. If a bathroom and fire ring is more your style check out Rainbow Lakes Campground and Kelly Dahl Campground in Nederland. If glamping for your elopement sounds fun, WeeCasa in Lyons rents out tiny houses in the foothills or A-Lodge in Boulder rents cabins with jacuzzis (can we get a heck yes?!).
Rock Climbing
Boulder is home to rock climbing enthusiasts and is the perfect place to get some climbing in on your elopement day. Some popular areas for rock climbing are Flagstaff Mountain and Eldorado Canyon State Park.
Snowshoeing or Cross Country Skiing
The mountains just outside of Boulder provide a snowshoe and cross country skiing oasis for eloping couples in the winter. Our favorite areas for these winter wedding activities are Nederland and Brainard Lake Recreation Area. You can rent snowshoes and cross country skis at REI or Neptune Mountaineering.
Wildflower Viewing
May through June (July in the higher elevations) you can find plentiful of Colorado wildflowers in Boulder. You can’t go wrong with most hikes in the area during this time, but we especially love the wild red poppies that often pop up at Chautauqua Park in Boulder.
Real Boulder Elopements
The Proof Is In The Pudding! Check out a few of the 40+ Boulder Elopements we’ve photographed
Sharon & al’s Dreamy Elopement
JAson & Talyssa’s Intimate BRainard Lake WEdding
Kendall & Ally’s McDonald’s Elopement
Audrey & MElody’s Hiking Elopement
Kaitlyn & PAt’s Relaxed Summer Elopement
Caitlynn & Travis’ Spring picnic Elopement
Abigail & Chloe’s Elopement Under The Stars
Jenny & Mac’s Epic Boulder Wedding
Jenny & Josh’s Rainy Elopement
Our Favorite Boulder Elopement Vendors
Boulder Wedding & Elopement Planners
Mountainside Events | LGBTQ+ Owned
Colorado MicroWeddings | LGBTQ+ Employees
Urban Events | LGBTQ+ Employees
Intuitive Wedding Doula
Boulder Wedding Florists
Boulder Blooms | LGBTQ+ Employees
Rose Bud Thorn Florals
Fiori Flowers | LGBTQ+ Employees
A florae | LGBTQ+ Employees
Best Boulder Hair and Makeup Artists
Wise Artistry
Make Faces | LGBTQ+ Employees
Amy Merritt Hair & Makeup | LGBTQ+ Employees
Colorado Bridal Company | LGBTQ+ Employees
Cate Hair Makeup | LGBTQ+ Owned
Wild Brides Backcountry
Best Boulder Wedding Officiants
Small Circles Ceremonies
NearlyWed Coaching | LGBTQ+ Owned
Elevate Wedding Officiant | LGBTQ+ Employees
Boulder Wedding Bakeries
Boulder Baked | Based in Boulder, CO | LGBTQ+ Employees | Vegan and Gluten-Free Options
La Momo Maes Bakery | Based in Longmont, CO | LGBTQ+ Owned, LGBTQ+ Employees
Boulder Wedding Caterers
Brazi Eats | Based in Fort Collins, CO | LGBTQ+ Owned, LGBTQ+ Employees
Wander and Graze | Based in Denver, CO | LGBTQ+ Employees
GB Culinary | Based in Longmont, CO | LGBTQ+ Employees
Where to Stay Near Boulder
These are a great place to start your search for lodging in Boulder, Colorado:
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.
Boulder Elopement Photographers
Who We Are
We’re two Coloradoans born and raised right outside Boulder who have spent our whole lives exploring every corner of this state. Boulder is our home-town and a favorite of ours for hiking, camping and good food.
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 in Colorado (40+ in the Boulder 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:
There are a ton of Boulder Elopement photographers out there. What makes you different?
We’re Born and Raised in Colorado.
We’re not ones to brag, but when it comes to Boulder, we’re kiiiiinda experts. Born and raised right outside Boulder, we have spent our whole lives camping, hiking, and exploring every corner of Colorado and have fostered solid relationships with Boulder elopement vendors. As Boulder elopement photographers we know of epic locations that you won’t find on AllTrails, and have a deep understanding of the quirky things you need to keep in mind when planning your wedding here: weather patterns, seasonal closures, high altitudes, and wildlife.
We’ve Photographed a Crap-Ton of Elopements.
380+ to be precise (40+ in Boulder alone). We know what to do when it rains, when wildfires change your plans, and use our vast experience as a sounding board as you plan your elopement.
Lots of Photographers are in it for Publications and Taking Epic Shots. We’re In It For You.
Our first priority is always your experience. The most epic, heartfelt, jaw-dropping images are created when you’re fully present in the moment, experiencing the best freaking day of your life. We’re here to document your memories, not create content for our portfolio.
We’re Pretty Fun.
We don’t take ourselves too seriously. We want to celebrate with you, and not just be a bystander following you around with a camera. We care about YOU and work to foster a relationship that goes beyond your wedding day.
We Capture Real, Raw Moments.
The perfect photo is overrated. We tell your story with all of the goofiness, imperfection, emotion, and realness it entails.
Need some proof that we know what we’re talking about (and are pretty dang good at it)?
Boulder Elopement & Small Wedding Packages
What’s Included
4+ Hours of Photography Coverage With A Boulder 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 Elopement Planning Assistance
When we say we help with it all, we mean it. Location scouting and ideas. Vetted, LGBTQ+ allied, Boulder 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.
Packages start at $5400 with an average investment of $8400
Frequently Asked Questions about Eloping in Boulder
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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