Chautauqua Park Wedding & Elopement Guide
Posted On | May 28, 2025
If a Boulder wedding with front-row views of the Flatirons is on your elopement checklist, a Chautauqua Park wedding is hard to beat. It’s iconic, it’s accessible, and it offers that perfect mix of nature and charm – without requiring a major trek into the mountains. Whether you’re planning a full celebration or an intimate elopement, this guide walks you through everything you need to know about getting married at Chautauqua Park.
Chautauqua Park Wedding Quick Facts
LOCATION
Located at the base of Flagstaff Mountain, here are the coordinates for Chautauqua Park: 39.998979, -105.2820012
COST
$35 for a Colorado marriage license, plus $100 permit fees for groups larger than 50 people.
Number of people
Up to 100 people – although we’ve found 50 to be the max sweet spot.
Accessibility
The main lawn is easily walkable from parking areas and the Chautauqua Dining Hall, but parking is difficult, and a private shuttle is highly recommended for weddings and elopements with more than 15 people
Elevation
5,735 ft
Where is Chautauqua Park?
Chautauqua Park is located right at the base of the Flatirons in Boulder, Colorado. It’s just a few minutes from downtown Boulder and about 45 minutes from Denver, making it an easy and scenic destination whether you’re local or flying in.
Can You Get Married at Chautauqua Park?
Yes, you absolutely can get married at Chautauqua Park. It’s one of Boulder’s most popular spots for weddings and elopements – and for good reason. The Flatirons make a jaw-dropping backdrop and there’s a plethora of nearby venues for receptions like the historic Chautauqua Dining Hall.
Chautauqua Park Wedding Permit
Wedding Permit
Permits are required for groups of 50-100 people. That includes anyone present – photographers, officiants, the curious friend who wandered over from brunch. Even if your group is smaller, it’s still a good idea to get a permit. It gives you peace of mind and ensures there’s no conflict with other events or restrictions on the lawn. The City of Boulder handles all permit request.
Photography Permit
If you plan to take photos outside the lawn area and closer to the meadows leading up to the Flatirons, this area falls under the jurisdiction of Boulder Open Space & Mountain Parks. Your photographer needs a Boulder OSMP commercial photography permit to take photos there or anywhere in the Boulder OSMP lands. The permit is easy to obtain in advance and only $50 for the limited permit that allows up to 50 visitors.
Chautauqua Park Wedding Cost
The cost depends on your group size and what space you want to use.
The permit for a ceremony on the Chautauqua Lawn is $100.
If you plan to take photos outside the lawn, your photographer needs a $50 limit permit for Boulder OSMP (P.S. We already have the annual permit for this area).
Don’t forget the $35 for your Colorado marriage license – which, by the way, you can self-solemnize here. No officiant required. Colorado’s cool like that.
How to Get Legally Married at Chautauqua Park
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 Boulder, the Boulder County Clerk & Recorder Office, located at 1750 33rd St #100, Boulder, CO 80301, is the closest location! As of May 2025, you need to apply online for your marriage license and make an appointment to pick it up in person, 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.
Chautauqua Park Wedding Reception
If you want to keep the party going, the Chautauqua Dining Hall is right on-site and perfect for a reception. It’s a historic, cozy space with wraparound porches and mountain views. The food is chef-driven and seasonal, and you can rent the whole space for a private event. You don’t even have to leave the park – just step inside and celebrate.
When Is the Best Time of Year to Get Married at Chautauqua Park?
Late spring through early fall is the sweet spot. Think May to October. Summer brings warm weather, green grass, and sunshine – but also more crowds. September and early October can be especially magical with fall colors and fewer tourists. Winter elopements here can work, but snow and trail conditions can make logistics a bit more unpredictable.
What is the Best Time of Day to Get Married at Chautauqua Park?
If you have a small group and don’t require a large group permit, golden hour is always a winner around here. Sunrise is stunning and peaceful if you’re up for an early start. Sunset gives you that dreamy light with the Flatirons glowing orange and red. Midday can be harsh lighting-wise, and the park is busier, so we’d avoid that unless you’re going for a super casual vibe. As long as it falls between the park’s open hours of 5:00 am to 11:00 pm, you’re set.
However, if you’re planning a wedding with a permit (which you’ll need for any group over 50 people), you’ll be working within the 8am to 5pm window set by the city. That means sunrise and golden hour aren’t always an option for permitted groups – but that doesn’t mean you’re stuck with harsh light and crowds.
Morning ceremonies starting around 8 or 9 am are actually a great choice. The light is still soft, the park is quieter, and you’ll beat the midday heat, especially in summer. Late afternoon, around 3 or 4 pm, also works well and gives you time to head to your reception without rushing.
Top Tips for Your Chautauqua Park Elopement
Leave No Trace
This one’s big. Chautauqua is one of the most recognized spots in the Colorado Front Range and one that locals will suggest visiting. Because of that, it sees over a million visitors annually and it’s important to take care of the natural beauty. Follow the 7 principles of Leave No Trace and stay on trails, pack out everything, and treat it like the treasure it is.
Rent a shuttle or bus
Parking is rough, especially on weekends. Save yourself (and your guests) the headache and arrange transport, especially if you are planning to have more than 15 guests.
Get your marriage license
Any county in Colorado works, and you can file it yourself after the ceremony. Make it official!
Get a permit, even if you don’t technically need one
If you’re anywhere close to the 50 person threshold that requires a large group permit, just get it. It helps avoid confusion and supports park maintenance.
Hire a rental company
Want chairs, an arch, or florals set up on the lawn? A local rental team can make it smooth and stress-free.
Hire a local photographer
Someone who knows Boulder and the quirks of Chautauqua will know exactly where to go for the best light, angles, and privacy. We may be biased, but this really matters. And, hey, that’s us!
Sunscreen
Yes, even if it’s cloudy. The sun at 5,700 feet doesn’t mess around.
Chautauqua Park Wedding Photos
Real Boulder Elopements
The Proof Is In The Pudding! Check out a few of the Chautauqua Park & Boulder Elopements We’ve Photographed
Jenny & Mac
Kim & Elliot
Jeni & Andy
Adrianne & Kevin
Chautauqua Park Wedding Photographers
Who We Are
We’re two born and raised Coloradoans who have spent our whole lives exploring every corner of this state. Boulder has been a favorite of ours for backpacking, camping, hiking and exploring.
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.
As Boulder elopement photographers we’ve planned and photographed 400+ elopements and small weddings 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:
Chautauqua Park 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.
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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