Lost Gulch Overlook Elopement Guide
Posted On | May 27, 2025
If standing on the edge of a cliff with a 360-degree view of mountains, valleys, and sky sounds like your kind of “I do,” Lost Gulch Overlook might just be your dream spot. It’s rugged, wildly beautiful, and feels like you’re on top of the world – without needing to climb a mountain to get there. Let’s dive into everything we need to know to pull off an incredible Lost Gulch Overlook elopement.
Lost Gulch Overlook Elopement Quick Facts
LOCATION
Located just outside Boulder, CO, here are the coordinates for Lost Gulch Overlook: 39.991203, -105.319404
COST
Getting married here is super budget-friendly. You’ll need a $35 Colorado marriage license, and your photographer needs to snag a $50 Boulder OSMP Photography Permit.
Number of people
Lost Gulch can host up to 10 people total. That includes you, an officiant if you have one, your photographer, and any guests. It’s cozy on purpose.
Accessibility
You’ll be thrilled to know that you can drive right up to the overlook. There’s a small parking area just steps from the viewpoint. No major hike is required.
Elevation
7,339 ft
Where is Lost Gulch Overlook?
Lost Gulch sits up on Flagstaff Mountain in Boulder, Colorado. It’s part of the Open Space and Mountain Parks (OSMP) system, which means it’s protected land. We’re talking wildflowers, ancient rocks, and that vast view magic, all less than a 20-minute drive from downtown Boulder.
Can you drive to Lost Gulch Overlook?
Yes, and thank goodness for that. You don’t have to break a sweat in wedding clothes. Just head up Flagstaff Road from Boulder, and you’ll find a well-marked parking area right near the overlook. From there, it’s a short, rocky walk to the main viewpoint. Still, we recommend wearing sensible shoes to access the most epic photo locations – heels are not your friend here.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Elope at Lost Gulch Overlook?
Colorado is famously easygoing when it comes to marriage logistics. You just need a $35 marriage license, which you can grab from any county clerk’s office in Colorado. No ceremony fee, no site rental fee, no officiant legally required – you can literally marry yourselves (and yes, your dog can be your witness if you want).
Do I need a permit to elope at Lost Gulch Overlook?
Technically, no special wedding permit is needed for small ceremonies under 10 people. That said, professional photographers do need the $50 Boulder OSMP permit to shoot legally at Lost Gulch. It’s an easy online application, and we take care if it all as your Boulder elopement photographers.
Also, you should be mindful that you can’t bring in chairs, arches, signs, or anything else that could turn this into a “big event.” Think minimalist – vows, views, and maybe a little bubbly tucked in your backpack.
Alternative Lost Gulch Overlook Wedding Ceremony Locations
Because Lost Gulch is a hot spot (and we mean crowded enough to feel like a mini music festival sometimes), lots of couples choose to have their actual ceremony somewhere a bit more private. Here are some nearby gems that are a much quieter and more private option for your ceremony. These spots offer a little more privacy for exchanging vows, and then we can zip over to Lost Gulch afterward for those epic, golden-hour portraits.
Artist Point
Less than a 10 minute drive away, Artist Point provides a less crowded location on Flasgtaff Mountain for your wedding ceremony.
Halfway House
Roughly a 10 minute drive from Lost Gulch, this site is perfect for groups larger than 10 people. Plus, it gives you beautifil meadows with flatiron views.
secret Overlook on Flagstaff
Just a short hike away, this is our personal favorite hidden gem in Boulder that’s absolutely perfect for a intimate, private and stunning elopement.
Sunrise Amphitheater
Located on the summit of Flagstaff Mountain and about a 10 minute drive from Lost Gulch, Sunrise Amphitheater is a perfect ceremony location for larger groups who still want Boulder mountain vibes.
Eldorado Canyon State Park
With unique features like sharp canyon walls, a rolling creek and aspen tree grove, Eldorado Canyon State Park is a great alternative ceremony location to Lost Gulch Overlook. It’s a litter further drive that the rest, about 20 minutes, but can be the perfect fit for couples who want something a. little different.
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.
When Is the Best Time of Year to Get Married at Lost gulch Overlook?
Late spring through early fall is prime time here. Think May to October. Earlier in the spring, you might run into leftover snow patches (charming, but slippery). Fall brings that beautiful crisp air and a splash of color from changing aspens. Winter? Honestly, it’s magical but risky – snowstorms love to roll through without warning, and Flagstaff Road can get dicey for those unprepared.
What is the Best Time of Day to Elope at Lost Gulch Overlook?
Sunrise
Want Lost Gulch all to yourself? Get married at sunrise – that’s if you’re down for an early morning adventure (and maybe some coffee-fueled vows).
Sunset
Sunset, sunset, sunset. This place faces west, and when the sun dips low, it lights up the entire valley in a way that doesn’t even look real. If you want any chance of not having 100 people in your photo, then a weekday is your best bet for a Lost Gulch wedding.
Top Tips for Your Lost Gulch Overlook Elopement
Leave No Trace
Let’s be the kind of people who leave it better than we found it. Stay on trails, pack out all trash, and resist the urge to scramble on fragile rock formations. Here are the full seven principles of Leave No Trace.
Sunscreen
Welcome to high-elevation life. The sun is extra spicy up here.
Plan to Carpool
The parking area is tiny. Pack in tight and leave the rest for other sunset-chasers.
Don’t Expect Cell Service
It’s spotty at best up there. You’ll want to have everything planned before you head up the mountain, because trying to Google something at the overlook is basically just holding your phone up to the sky and hoping for a miracle. So, download Google Maps for offline and make sure someone you know understands your plan and where you are going.
Bring Layers
It can be 85 degrees in Boulder and 65 degrees at sunset at Lost Gulch – on the same day. Having a jacket you love (bonus if it photographs well) means you stay cozy and don’t have to fake a smile through chattering teeth.
Get Your Marriage License
Make sure to grab it from any Colorado county clerk within 35 days of your ceremony. No waiting period, no fuss.
Plan for a Weekday
Trust us, weekends get packed. A weekday gives you a much calmer vibe.
Check Road Conditions
Especially in winter and early spring, Flagstaff Road can get slippery. Always check weather and road updates before you head up.
Lost Gulch Overlook Elopement Photos
Real Lost Gulch Overlook Weddings
The Proof Is In The Pudding! Check out a few of the Lost Gulch OVerlook and Boulder Elopements We’ve Photographed
Sharon & Al
Victoria & Kacey
Kaylen & Dylan
Kinsey & Brandon
Lost Gulch Overlook 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:
Lost Gulch 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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