The Complete Boulder Elopement Guide: A Local’s Secrets for Planning The Best Day
Posted On | February 11, 2025
Considering having a Boulder elopement? We think it’s the best location on Colorado’s Front Range to say your vows and get married in a way that feels adventurous as you are. 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 2025 – straight from a local who knows the area best!
Why Couples Chose to Elope in Boulder
Many couples choose to elope in Boulder because it has the closest accessible mountains to the airport, the temperatures are warmer, and Boulder has tons of restaurants, hotels, amenities, and things to do. If you sometimes feel cramped and bored in smaller towns and want a location with more to do and plentiful options to explore, then Boulder is an excellent option. Boulder is also at a similar elevation to Denver so you don’t have to worry as much about altitude sickness.
What most couples don’t realize about Boulder is that it can be busy – that’s why as Boulder elopement photographers who were raised and live right outside boulder, we love to share hidden gems and tips for making your wedding day magical. You can choose to elope in Boulder, but there are more locations within a 50-minute drive that can give you even more mountain views and privacy.
Best Elopement Locations Near Boulder
Lost Gulch Overlook Elopement
Lost Gulch Overlook is one of the most popular elopement locations in Boulder because it is very easy to access, has a big rocky outcropping and stunning views of the Indian Peaks Wilderness. This elopement location in Boulder also gets extremely busy because of that. If you are looking to elope at Lost Gulch Overlook in Boulder, we suggest doing it at sunrise. If you are set on sunset and want similar views with a much more private setting, we suggest checking out some of our other ceremony spots and heading here for sunset afterward. Lost Gulch is perfect for groups up to 10.
Artists Point Elopement
With easy access, pockets of stunning views, and a rocky outcropping, you can’t go wrong with the Artist Point elopement location in Boulder. It can get a little busy here because of its easy access and mountain views are visible through the trees, but is still a great option if you want easy access and more privacy than Lost Gulch Overlook. The road up to the Flagstaff Summit where Artist Point is located is closed from October 31st through April 30th. During those winter months, you can still hike up the road to access Artists Point and have even more privacy. This location is perfect for groups up to 10.
Eldorado Canyon State Park Elopement
With trail options galore, a river that runs through the canyon, and a hot destination for rock climbers, Eldorado Canyon State Park is sure to please the outdoor couple looking to elope in Boulder, CO. If you love water and big cliffs and are looking for something different than the traditional mountain views, then this state park if perfect for your elopement. Ceremony locations are relatively accessible and are perfect for groups up to 10 people.
Boudler Falls
Located about 20 minutes from Boulder, CO is this stunning waterfall that exits year-round (many of Colorado’s waterfalls dry up in the fall and don’t return until the melting snow in spring). Whether you want to view it’s frozen glory in the winter or it’s gushing flow in the summer, this waterfall is a perfect location for your Boulder elopement. Be sure to get there right at sunrise because it can get crowded! Due to the narrow base of the falls, Boulder Falls is not suitable for groups larger than 5.
This Hidden Lookout in Boudler
If you love the views of Lost Gulch Overlook but don’t want to invite 30 tourist and pot-smoking college students to your elopement day, we have a secret spot that is our favorite elopement location in all of Boulder. This spot does require a hike, but we promise that it is 100% worth it. From May 1st through October 30th when the road up to the Flagstaff Summit is open, it’s only a short 15-minute hike to reach this secret overlook. In the winter months (October 31st – April 30th) the hike is a little longer, about 45 minutes. With stunning mountain views, incredible rock outcroppings and tons or privacy, this secret elopement location in Boulder is our absolute favorite for groups up to 10 people.
Betasso Preserve Elopement
Located about 15 minutes up Boulder Canyon, Betasso Preserve is a wonderful hiking area perfect for your small elopement. With rolling hills, mountain and city views, and a much more peaceful and private setting, Betasso Preserve is perfect for the eloping couple who wants to get away from the city. Our favorite thing about this location is its diversity. We love the towering trees, rolling meadows of tall grass and views. Betasso Preserve is perfect for groups up to 10 people.
Brainard Lake Elopement
Located just 50 minutes from Boulder, Brainard Lake is a stunning area to visit all year long and perfect for your elopement. You can paddleboard, picnic, set up your hammock and hike during the summer. Winter months bring lots of fresh snow for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Just be aware that the road up the Brainard Lake closes in the winter, so you have to hike a trail or the road for 2.2 miles to access it. If you are planning to elope at Brainard Lake in the summer or fall they do require entry reservations. Entry reservations can be made fourteen days in advance on recreaction.gov. The Brainard Lake area is perfect for groups up to 15 people.
Secret Short HIke In Boulder
With just a short half-mile hike from the trailhead, this is one of our favorite, undiscovered elopement locations in Boulder if you’re eloping just the two of you. If you’re willing to hike further there is endless changing scenery and options for beautiful mountain views and a unique perspective of the flatirons.
Lake Isabelle Elopement
With some of the most stunning lakeside mountain views close to Boulder, CO, Lake Isabelle will not disappoint as your elopement location. Lake Isabelle is located in the Brainard Lake Recreation Area and requires a 2.1-mile (one-way) easy hike. It is accessible via the Long Lake Trailhead and only during the summer and fall months (mid-June through mid-October). You are required to have an entry reservation for the Long Lake Trailhead that you can make fourteen days in advance on recreation.gov. Lake Isabelle is technically a reservoir so it can get low (or nearly dry) in the fall months. It is hard to know if or when this will happen, so safer to stick to the summer months if you love the idea of getting married next to an alpine lake.
Gross Reservoir Elopement
Located about 45 minutes outside of Boulder is Gross Reservoir. This fantastic mountain lake is perfect for the couple who wants to truly soak in all the outdoors on their elopement day. With hiking, fishing, picnicking, hammocking, and paddleboarding, there are endless activities you can do before or after you get married. You are required to have a permit at Gross Reservoir if a photographer will be capturing photos of you, but we promise it’s worth it. Perfect for just the two of you and no guests.
Caribou Ranch Open Space
Caribou Ranch Open Space, located in Nederland, CO (only a 30 minute drive from Boulder) is an awesome quiet spot for hiking, skiing and snowshoeing. There is a beautiful loop trail that takes you through forest, open fields and around the old DeLonde homestead. It is a great historical location and you can read along the way about the Switzerland Trail and the train system that went through the area, as well as the history of the homestead. It has a unique and long history from the original homesteaders to a horse ranch with Arabian horse breeding and where films were made to the land purchase that renamed it Caribou Ranch. The ranch was also used for a period of time as a recording studio for bands such as U2, Elton John and many others. The park is closed from April 1 through June 30th to protect bird migrations and elk calving.
Lost Lake Elopement
Lost Lake is an easy-moderate 4-mile round-trip hike located about 40 minutes outside of Boulder. With stunning views of the Rocky Mountains, wildflowers that pop up in July and the chance to see a moose, it’s a perfect elopement location for the adventurous couple. The trail gets busy on the weekends though, so we highly suggest having your wedding during the week to avoid crowds. You can also choose to stay in the nearby town of Nederland if you want a slower, low-key vibe.
Best Small Wedding Locations Near Boulder
Boulder County Parks and Open Spaces covers many of the desired areas to get married at in Boulder. You are not allowed to have large groups of people (we recommend no more than 8) congregate on these public lands for your ceremony. If you are looking to have a small wedding with guests you are going to want to find an established, leave no trace friendly, bookable location for your wedding ceremony. These are our favorite reservable wedding ceremony locations in Boulder, CO that allow larger groups.
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.
How to Get a Marriage License in Boulder
While you can get your marriage license from ANY county in Colorado, Boudler is located in Boulder County.
Couples can “self-solemnize” and all you need is a marriage license from a Colorado clerk and recorder’s office to make your wedding legally binding. Because no witnesses are required, depending on which county you get your marriage license in, you might even be able to have your dog sign with their paw print!
In order to get your marriage license in Boulder County, you will need to submit an application online and schedule an online video call for ID verification. After your appointment, your marriage license will be mailed to you. They can only mail licenses to Colorado addresses, so if you are coming from out of state you need to contact the recording office at 303-413-7770 for alternate options.
For the most up-to-date information about getting your marriage license in Boulder County visit the Boulder County Clerk and Recorder’s website.
What’s the Best Time of Year To Elope In Boulder?
Boulder is a choice destination year-round, so it really depends on the type of weather and scenery you are envisioning!
Summer Boulder Elopement
Months: June through early-September
Average High/Low Temperatures: mid to upper 80s/mid 50s
From June through early September, Boulder experiences summer and much warmer temperatures. Because Boulder extends into the flat plains of Colorado, it can get pretty hot during the summer months with the average temperature nearing 90 degrees. If you love warmer weather and want to elope in Boulder during the summer, we recommend a sunrise elopement or heading a few miles into the mountains to escape the summer heat.
Fall Boulder Elopement
Months: mid-September through November
Average High/Low Temperatures: mid 60s/upper 30s
Boulder in September starts to cool off significantly at night, but can still be fairly hot during the day. True fall and changing leaf colors don’t hit Boulder until early October. Even though fall colors can be difficult to predict, the first three weeks of October tend to have the best chance for color. The best part about the fall in Boulder? You get to see some unique red and orange colors because of the different tree species that grow in the lower elevation compared to the high mountain areas. October and November bring much more moderate, crisp, and comfortable temperatures that are great for exploring all day long. It’s not unexpected to receive some snowfall starting in late October, but it quickly melts with the warmer days.
Winter Boulder Elopement
Months: mid-November through early April
Average High/Low Temperatures: upper 40s/mid-20s
Starting mid-November winter arrives in Boulder with colder temperatures and the chance for snow extending until early April. Boulder is NOT the place to elope in the winter if you’re dreaming of miles and miles of fluffy white snow wherever you go. The benefit of eloping in Boulder in the winter is more accessible hikes that you don’t always need snowshoes and the whole winter get-up for and warmer winter temperatures than the higher mountain town elevations. While it may be only 30 degrees in Grand Lake in February, it’s likely to be above freezing and nearing 50 degrees in Boulder. If you want the chance to see snow, but not be stuck in it the entire time, Boulder is the perfect winter elopement paradise.
Spring Boulder Elopement
Months: early-April through late-May
Average High/Low Temperatures: high 60s/high 40s
Boulder is one of the best locations in Colorado to get a true spring. While many of the mountain towns are still receiving plenty of snow in the spring, Boulder’s lower elevation next to the foothills of the Rocky Mountains gives you the true springtime feels. Wildflowers pop up among the hiking trails in May and stay around until early June depending on moisture. Our favorite place to view wildflowers is the wild red poppies that appear at the base of the Flatirons! Traditionally spring-time is thought of as rainy, but with 360 days of sunshine, you don’t have to worry about spring showers in Boulder on your elopement day.
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 Coloraddoans 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 Colorado, 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. 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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