Halfway House Wedding & Elopement Guide
Posted On | May 22, 2025
If you’re dreaming of getting married with views that feel like Colorado but also want the ease of being close to town, a Halfway House wedding could be a great fit. Tucked up on Flagstaff Mountain above Boulder, this rustic stone shelter and patio has been stealing hearts (and serving cozy vibes) for decades. Whether you’re planning an intimate wedding with close friends or a low-key elopement with just the two of you, Halfway House is an affordable, easily accessible, scenic, and wonderfully unpretentious place to say your vows.
Let’s break it all down so you know exactly how to plan a Halfway House wedding without second-guessing the details.
Halfway House Wedding Quick Facts
LOCATION
Located just outside Boulder, CO, here are the coordinates for Halfway House: 40.0063184, -105.2945652
COST
$35 for your Colorado marriage license, plus the City of Boulder’s rental fee for Halfway House (more on that below).
Number of people
Up to 49 people including you, your guests and any vendors you hire (like a Boulder elopement photographer)
Accessibility
The shelter is located just off Flagstaff Road with a parking lot nearby and a short walk to the site. The patio is considered wheelchair accessible by the City of Boulder, but there are several steps to get into the shelter area.
Elevation
6.050 ft
Where is Halfway House?
Halfway House is on Flagstaff Mountain, perched above Boulder in one of the city’s most iconic open space areas. It’s just a 10-minute drive from downtown Boulder, which is wild considering how fast you go from “college town” to “epic mountain field.” You’ll find it along Flagstaff Road, just past the Flagstaff House restaurant (a popular reception spot), with sweeping views of the city, the plains, and the Flatirons.
Fun tip: If you tell your guests it’s halfway up the mountain, they’ll probably believe you. No one really knows what it’s halfway to.
Halfway House Wedding Cost
Rental Cost
The rental fee for Halfway House ranges from $50-$275, depending on the day, your time block, and if you’re a Boulder resident or not. It’s managed by the City of Boulder, and you’ll need to apply for a permit in advance to secure your spot.
Parking Fee
If you are planning to park cars at Halfway House, each car will need to abide by the Flagstaff Mountain parking fees. Daily parking permits can be purchased for $5.00 per car using the ParkMobile App or at one of the self-service stations with fee envelopes using exact cash or check (there is not a self-service station at the Halfway House parking area, so be sure to stop at Panorama Point just before to get your parking permit).
Marriage Licence Cost
Add $35 for a Colorado marriage license (which you can get from any county clerk’s office in the state), and that’s it—no venue minimums and no hidden fees.
Photography Permit
If you have a professional photographer documenting your day, they do need the $50 Boulder OSMP permit to shoot legally at Halfway House and other areas in Boulder. It’s an easy online application, and we take care if it all as your Boulder elopement photographers.
How to Get Legally Married at Lost Gulch Overlook
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.
Halfway House Wedding Reception
Here’s the thing—Halfway House is more of a ceremony-and-hangout kind of venue. There’s no electricity, and amplified sound isn’t allowed, which means no DJ and no food truck blasting tunes. But you can bring in a picnic-style meal, bubbly toast, and plenty of snacks. Think cheese boards, cupcakes, and charcuterie with a view.
Most couples choose to hold their ceremony on the stone patio overlooking a grassy meadow and the Flatirons, then have a small celebration inside the stone Halfway House. The inside can fit up to 40 people at has four picnic tables.
Must Know: The Halfway House building is not open to enter unless you confirm with the City of Boulder at least one week in advance and you must pick up the keys in person.
For a full reception, we recommend booking a nearby restaurant or venue in Boulder. Flagstaff House located just around the corner is a local fave. Otherwise, there are tons of cute spots within 15 minutes where you can celebrate afterward with dinner, dancing, or whatever kind of party fits your style.
What Kind of Decorations Are Allowed?
The general rule here? Keep it low-impact and easy on the environment. Halfway House sits in a protected natural area, so there are some clear boundaries when it comes to decorating. Open flames are a no-go, and nothing should be nailed, stapled, or taped to the shelter itself. If you’re planning to hang something, go with string or twine—nothing sticky, sharp, or permanent.
Battery-powered lanterns or candles are perfect for cozy, flicker-y vibes without the fire risk. Real flowers are totally fine, but faux florals can leave behind plastic bits, so they’re not allowed. Whatever you bring in—whether it’s decor, florals, or that one random jacket someone always forgets—needs to leave with you.
Structures like arches, tents, and anything that resembles a setup from a full-scale wedding venue aren’t allowed here. Honestly though, the stonework and view do all the heavy lifting. Most couples find that a little intention goes a long way, and nature does the rest.
You can read a full list of the City or Boulder’s rental rules and regulations.
When Is the Best Time of Year to Get Married at Halfway House?
Halfway House is closed from Veteran’s Day (November 11th) through New Year’s Day, so please double-check that your ideal wedding date falls within that time frame.
Otherwise, Flagstaff Mountain where Halfway House is located is gorgeous year-round. Spring through fall is the sweet spot. Late May through early October gives you the best chance for warm weather, wildflowers (in May/early June), and golden-hour magic without the chance of snow getting in the way.
Winter elopements can be stunning here, too—just be prepared for the chance of snow, chilly temps, and the occasional icy road up the mountain. If you’re into a winter wonderland vibe and you’re okay bundling up, go for it.
What is the Best Time of Day to Elope at Hlafway House?
Golden hour wins. Hands down. Late afternoon into sunset is when Flagstaff Mountain absolutely glows, and the light filtering through the trees makes everything look straight out of a dream.
Morning weddings can work too—there’s something peaceful about a quiet sunrise ceremony before the road gets busy. Just know that midday tends to be bright, shadowy, and hot, especially in summer.
Top Tips for Your Halfway House Elopement
Consider A Shuttle For Guests
The parking area closest to Halfway House only holds 12 cars and is open to the general public (a.k.a. you don’t get sole rights to the parking spots). If your guest list is above 15 people, you may want to consider hiring a shuttle for guests.
Be Aware of Car Noise
Because Halfway House is so easily accessible, you can hear car noise driving up Flagstaff Mountain. For the most part, it’s not bothersome, but if you know you’d be sensitive to traffic noise, consider eloping in the early morning (especially on a weekday) to avoid it.
Leave No Trace
We’re all guests in this beautiful space. Pack out everything you pack in, don’t leave confetti or flower petals behind, and avoid stepping off-trail or damaging plants. It’s simple, but it matters. Here’s a list of the seven Leave No Trace principles.
Sunscreen
You’re at elevation, and even on cloudy days, the sun can be sneaky. Sunscreen (and maybe bug spray) is your friend.
Get Your Marriage License
Colorado makes it easy—you don’t need an officiant, and you can even self-solemnize. Just get your license from any county clerk, and you’re good to go. You can fill out the paperwork the day before, then have a relaxed ceremony without worrying about legal logistics.
Bonus: No witnesses required. Just the two of you, the view, and whatever words you want to say.
Hire a Photographer Who Knows The Area
There are some really incredible places to explore for photos before or after your wedding ceremony at Halfway House. Hire a local Boulder elopement photographer who knows the area, has the proper permit, and can show you the magic of the area.
Halfway House Wedding Photos
Real Halfway House Elopements
The Proof Is In The Pudding! Check out a few of the 40+ Halfway House & Boulder Elopements We’ve Photographed
Charlotte & Kaustubh
Jenny & Mac
Talyssa & Jason
Kendall & Ally
Halfway House Elopement & Small 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:
Halfway House 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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