Lake Isabelle Elopement Guide
Posted On | May 27, 2025
If you’re dreaming of a mountain elopement that feels straight out of a storybook – jagged peaks, a serene alpine lake and wildflowers everywhere – Lake Isabelle might just be your dream spot. It’s tucked away in the Indian Peaks Wilderness near Boulder, and it’s the kind of place that feels a little slice of heaven. Whether you’re picturing an intimate ceremony with just the two of you or a tiny group of your favorite people, here’s everything you need to know plan a Lake Isabelle elopement.
Lake Isabelle Elopement Quick Facts
LOCATION
Located after a moderate hike from the Long Lake Trailhead in the Brainard Lake Recreation district lies Lake Isabelle: 40.069595, -105.617999
COST
Just $35 for your Colorado marriage license – no extra fees for eloping here if you’re under the group limit.
Number of people
Up to 7 people total. If your group is 8–12, you’ll need a Large Group Day Use Permit for the Indian Peaks Wilderness.
Accessibility
en year-round, but the ease of access depends on whether the road to Brainard Lake is open. Summer is straightforward; winter involves more hiking. Read more about the hike to Lake Isabelle.
Elevation
Around 10,900 feet – so yes, we’re talking legit alpine lake vibes.
Where is Lake Isabelle?
Lake Isabelle is located in the Indian Peaks Wilderness, about an hour from downtown Boulder or 30 minutes from Nederland. You’ll access it from the Long Lake Trailhead in the Brainard Lake Recreation Area.
Lake Isabelle Hike Information
How Far Is the Hike to Lake Isabelle?
In summer and early fall (mid-June to early-October when the road to Brainard Lake is open), it’s about 4.2 miles round trip from the Long Lake Trailhead with roughly 400 feet of elevation gain – totally doable, even in a wedding dress or suit. The elevation gain is spread evenly throughout the hike, so you don’t ever get intense uphill, take-your-breath-away vibes.
In winter and spring (when the road is closed), things get a little spicier. You’ll need to park at the Brainard Lake Winter Lot, which adds an additional 6.4 miles round trip (over 10 miles total in the snow – not recommended for the faint of heart). Snowshoes or microspikes are likely necessary as well as emergency kits, winter hiking gear, and a satellite communication device.
Do You Need a Reservation to Hike to Lake Isabelle?
Yes, but only during the summer season. From mid June through mid October (when the road to Brainard Lake is open), parking reservations are required for the Long Lake Trailhead. Outside of those dates, the road to Brainard Lake is closed to vehicles, so you’ll need to hike in from the winter lot (plan accordingly).
What If I’m Not Quite Up for A Hike On My Wedding Day?
If you’re not quite sure you want to do a hike on your wedding day, but love the area, check out eloping at Brainard Lake instead. It’s easily accessible, doesn’t require a hike, and give similar mountain lakeside vibes.
Can You Elope at Lake Isabelle?
Yes you can get married at Lake Isabelle, and it’s absolutely worth it. Lake Isabelle is on U.S. Forest Service land, so it’s public and accessible – meaning you can legally elope here without a special wedding permit if your group is under seven people. That said, you still need to follow Leave No Trace principles, and it’s a good idea to work with someone who knows the area well (hi, we’re someone).
Lake Isabelle Elopement Cost
Budget-friendly doesn’t mean boring. All you’ll need is a $35 Colorado marriage license (easy to grab from any Colorado county clerk’s office) and a $10 Long Lake Trailhead parking reservation, which you’ll want to snag as soon as they release them – 15 days before your date. There’s no venue fee, no chair rentals, no cake-cutting charges. Just mountain air and good memories.
Do You Need A Permit To Elope At Lake Isabelle?
If your elopement group is 7 people or less (including you, your partner, your photographer, and anyone officiating), you don’t need a permit. If you’ve got a few more guests – between 8 and 12 total – you’ll need to apply for an Indian Peaks Wilderness Large Group Day Use Permit. It’s manageable, but definitely something to plan ahead for.
How to Get Legally Married at Lake Isabelle
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.
When Is the Best Time of Year to Elope at Lake Isabelle?
Mid-June through July is the sweet spot. The lake is full, the wildflowers are showing off, and the trail is typically clear of snow. Starting in mid-August, Lake Isabelle begins to be drained (yep, it’s a reservoir), and by late summer or fall, it’s more like a rocky pond. If you want that iconic alpine lake look, stick to early summer.
What is the Best Time of Day to Get Married At Lake Isabelle?
Sunrise. Full stop. Since Lake Isabelle sits just above treeline, the weather can go from bluebird to thunderstorm faster than you can say “vows.” Mornings offer the most stable conditions, and golden light over the mountains? Yes, please. Afternoons are riskier, especially with summer storms rolling through.
We also recommend sunrise to avoid random hikers joining your guest list. It is a popular hike because of its beauty and accessibility – even on a rainy day, you’re likely to see hikers.
Top Tips for Your Lake Isabelle Wedding
Pack sunscreen and bug spray.
Even if it’s cold, that sun is intense, and the bugs are somehow tougher than you’d expect at 10,000 feet.
Check the weather and road conditions.
Afternoon storms are no joke up here. Always, always have a backup plan.
Set An Alarm For Reservations
Parking reservations go fast. Set an alarm to get a Long Lake Trailhead parking reservation 15 days in advance when the reservations open up.
Plan for a weekday at sunrise.
Fewer people on the trail means a more private ceremony and less stress about weather and crowds.
Leave No Trace. Seriously.
This area is stunning and delicate. Stay on trail, pack everything out, and let’s keep it beautiful for everyone else who comes after.
Lake Isabelle Elopement Activities
- Picnic by the lake.
- Take a post-hike nap in a hammock.
- Stay for stargazing – there’s almost no light pollution.
- Bring lanterns for dreamy blue hour photos.
- Hike further up into the alpine if you’re feeling adventurous.
- Backpack overnight (with a permit).
- Just don’t plan on swimming or kayaking – the lake’s protected (and you’ll probably freeze).
Lake Isabelle Elopement Photos
Real Lake Isabelle Wedings
The Proof Is In The Pudding! Check out a few of the Lake Isabelle and Brainard Recreation Area Elopements We’ve Photographed
Jenny & Josh
Abigail & Chloe
Talyssa & Jason
Caitlynn & Travis
Lake Isabelle 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:
Lake Isabelle Elopement 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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