Eldorado Canyon State Park Elopement Guide
Posted On | June 18, 2025
If you’re dreaming of an Eldorado Canyon State Park elopement, you’re in for a treat. This tucked-away gem just outside Boulder is perfect for couples who want dramatic cliffs, winding trails, and golden-hour canyon glow – without the crowds. Eldorado Canyon gives off that “hidden in plain sight” energy, and once you’re there, it’s easy to see why it’s such a magical spot for an intimate wedding.
Let’s walk through everything you need to know to plan your own Eldorado Canyon State Park wedding, from permits to the best time of year to go.
Eldorado Canyon State Park Wedding Quick Facts
LOCATION
Located on the south side of Boulder, CO, nestled into the foothills: 39.930185, -105.294122
COST
$35 for a Colorado marriage license, $10/vehicle daily entrance pass, and $45 for the required photography permit.
Number of people
Keep it small and sweet – this park is better suited for tiny weddings and elopements. Even though they don’t explicitly state a group size, we recommend 15 total people or less.
Accessibility
You can drive right up to the main parking lot and picnic area with easy access to trails (for those who want to hike) or short walks nearby.
Elevation
Roughtly 5,800 ft
Where is Eldorado Canyon State Park?
Eldorado Canyon State Park is just a 20-minute drive from downtown Boulder, Colorado. It’s nestled in the foothills and feels like a world away, even though you’re still close to civilization. You’ll wind your way through the easy-to-miss town of Eldorado Springs before entering the canyon, where the cliffs tower up around you and the air smells like pine and adventure.
Can You Get Married at Eldorado Canyon State Park?
Yes, you can! The park allows weddings and elopements – just not on weekends during the peak season (May through September). However, if you’re planning a weekday celebration, especially one that’s low-key and intimate, this place is a hidden gem known mostly by locals.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Married at Eldorado Canyon State Park?
If you’re hiring a professional photographer (hey, that’s us), they’ll need to apply for a Special Use Photography Permit, which costs $45. This permit needs to be submitted at least 90 days in advance. If your photographer drags their feet, they may get hit with an expedite fee or – worse – the permit could be denied altogether. (Psst: If we’re working together, we handle all that so you don’t have to worry.) Otherwise, pay the $10/vehicle entrance fee and $35 Colorado marriage license fee and you’re good to go.
Do I Need a Permit to Elope in Eldorado Canyon State Park?
If you’re keeping things super minimal and not hiring a photographer, all you need is to pay the $10 entrance fee per vehicle. No additional permits are required. But again, if a photographer is joining you (even just for portraits), the Special Use Photography Permit is required. You can also reach out to eldorado.park@state.co.us for more information.
How Much Does It Cost to Enter Eldorado Canyon State Park?
Every vehicle entering the park needs to pay a $10 daily entrance fee. It’s a small price to pay for the towering cliffside walls, riverside trails, and the general peace-and-quiet-vibes the park delivers.
Do I Need a Timed Entry Reservation?
Not if you’re eloping during the week! Timed entry reservations are only required on weekends and summer holidays from May 1 to October 1 – which, conveniently, is exactly when wedding photography permits aren’t issued anyway. If you’re eloping on a weekday, just roll up, pay the entrance fee, and you’re good to go.
How to Get Legally Married at Eldorado Canyon State 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.
Eldorado Canyon State Park Wedding Reception
You can have a wedding reception here as long as you’re picturing something simple, outdoorsy, and laid-back. Think more “mountain picnic with your favorite people” than full-on catered dinner and dancing.
The park has 10 small creekside picnic areas, each with 1 to 4 picnic tables, nestled beneath trees and next to the babbling South Boulder Creek. It’s an incredibly peaceful setting for popping bubbly, sharing sandwiches, or slicing into that post-elopement cake.
One thing to keep in mind: picnic areas are first-come, first-served. That means if you’re hoping to grab a couple of tables next to each other, we recommend sending a friend or family member ahead earlier in the day to stake them out.
And please, please pack out what you pack in. That means bringing your own trash bags and making sure nothing is left behind – not even the biodegradable stuff. The canyon is gorgeous and wild and deserves to stay that way for everyone else who comes after.
Looking for a more formal wedding reception location?
Check out our favorite Boulder Reception Locations below.
When Is the Best Time of Year to Get Married at Eldorado Canyon State Park?
We personally love the summer and fall here. The creek that runs through the middle of Eldorado Canyon State Park is lined with deciduous trees that turn a striking gold in the fall, making October an incredible month to elope here.
Summer is also lovely. If you like the idea of being close to town and not having to drive far into the mountains on windy roads, Eldorado Canyon State Park is an ideal getaway from the heat the rest of the area feels in the summer. The tall canyon walls and cool creek running through it provide a reprieve from the hot temperatures you’ll find only a 20-minute drive away.
Otherwise, any weekday between May and October are your sweet spot to avoid the heavy weekend foot traffic and photography permit restrictions. Late spring and fall offer the best light, cooler temps, and fewer bugs.
What is the Best Time of Day to Get Married at Eldorado Canyon State Park?
The park is open from sunrise to sunset, and we’d recommend taking full advantage of that. Mornings are quiet and cool, but golden hour in the canyon is chef’s kiss with soft, glowy light bouncing off the rock walls. If you want that cinematic feel in your photos, aim for a couple hours before sunset.
Top Tips for Your Eldorado Canyon State Park Elopement
Leave No Trace
This place is special, and we want to keep it that way. Stick to trails, pack out everything you bring in, and avoid tossing confetti or anything that might linger behind.
Sunscreen & Bugspray
Trust us – it’s better to be prepared than burnt.
Get your marriage license
Any county in Colorado works, and you can file it yourself after the ceremony. Make it official!
Bring Layers
The canyon stays cooler, especially in the morning and evening. A cozy jacket or shawl is your friend.
No Service, No Problem
Cell coverage is patchy at best, so make sure everyone knows where to go ahead of time
Plan for a Weekday
Remember, no photographed weddings allowed on weekends during peak season. Plus, no wants 50 hiker guests at their wedding anyways.
Eldorado Canyon State Park Wedding Photos
Real Boulder Elopements
The Proof Is In The Pudding! Check out a few of the Eldorado Canyon State Park & Boulder Elopements We’ve Photographed
Jeni & Andy
Ellen & Grant
Adrianne & Kevin
Charlotte & Kaustubh
Elldorado Canyon State Park Elopement 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:
Eldorado Canyon State 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.
Leave a Reply