Sapphire Point Wedding Guide
Posted On | April 11, 2025
If you are considering a Sapphire Point wedding, here is everything you need to know to make your wedding dream possible, including updates on new rules for 2025!
Sapphire Point Wedding Overview
Why Couples Love Sapphire Point
With its sweeping mountain views, year-round accessibility, and affordability, Sapphire Point is an easy and beautiful choice for intimate weddings in Breckenridge.
COST
$128 for a three hour block
CAPACITY
30 people total, including all guests and vendors
LOCATION
Located near Breckenridge, Colorado, Sapphire Point Overlook is a two-hour drive from the Denver International Airport
AVAILABILITY
Available year-round
Accessibility
Handicapped accessible most of the year via a groomed dirt path. The overlook is not maintained during the winter months, which may limit access for those with limited mobility
How Much Does it Cost to Get Married at Sapphire Point?
It costs $128 for a three-hour reservation at Sapphire Point. The fee is collected online at recreation.gov at the time of your booking.
How To Reserve Sapphire Point For Your Wedding
Sapphire Point is an extremely popular wedding location, so it is important to make your reservation as soon as possible. Prime weekend and holiday reservations between April and October often are booked within minutes of being released, so you’ll want to plan accordingly.
Reservations are released online at recreation.gov at 8:00 am MST six months in advance. It is important to note that your reservation does NOT give you exclusive use of the overlook. While your permit allows you to hold your ceremony at the overlook, other visitors and tourists may still be present.
Reservations are made for a three-hour block of time. There are only four 3-hour reservations per day: 6:00 – 9:00 am, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm, 2:00 – 5:00 pm, and 6:00 – 9:00 pm. We recommend talking with your Breckenridge elopement photographer about the best time to reserve Sapphire Point so you can take advantage of the best lighting. We consult with all our couples ahead of time to make sure their reservation time works with their wedding day vision!
Important NOTE FOR 2025 Weddings
There are currently plans to make upgrades to the trails at Sapphire Point and add a second overlook, resulting in intermittent closures of the site in 2025 to facilitate construction. Sapphire Point will be closed June 2, 2025 through June 20, 2025 and again intermittently between July 30, 2025 through mid-November 2025. If you are hoping to hold your wedding at Sapphire Point in 2025, be sure to stay up to date on reservations and closures here, or consider finding a backup location. Here is a list of some of our favorite Sapphire Point alternatives!
Sapphire Point Wedding Rules and Regulations
There are several rules that are important to follow during your ceremony at Sapphire Point. Below are some of the most important to take into consideration when planning your wedding ceremony:
- Only two parking spaces are available for everyone at your party, including guests and vendors, with your permit displayed on the dashboard. If your party needs more than two vehicles, consider using a shuttle service to transport guests. Please note that shuttles may only use the loading and unloading zone, and may not park at Sapphire Point.
- Chairs are no longer.
- You cannot prevent others who are not in your party from accessing the overlook at any time.
- You must be able to present your reservation confirmation if asked.
- You need to follow Leave No Trace Principals and remove all furniture, flowers (including petals!), trash, and other items from the site at the end of your reservation.
- Stakes and poles are prohibited.
- Only acoustic non-amplified music that cannot be heard from more than 150 feet away is allowed.
- Food and beverages are no longer permitted.
- Your vendors may require an additional commercial permit – contact the Dillon Ranger District at (970) 468-5400 for more information
For a complete list of up-to-date rules and regulations, click here!
Tips for Your Sapphire Point Wedding
Plan for a Weekday Wedding
As we’ve already mentioned, Sapphire Point gets extremely busy, especially on weekends and holidays. For the most privacy, we highly recommend considering a weekday wedding at Sapphire Point or having your wedding during the off-season (late October through early May).
Parking Is Limited
Reserved events are limited to two dedicated parking spaces for everyone in the wedding party, including the couple, guests, and any vendors. If more than two event parking spaces are needed, you will need to arrange a shuttle in advance to transport guests.
Do Not Feed the Wildlife
Chipmunks, squirrels, foxes, and other wildlife are often present at Sapphire Point and are very used to people. However tempting it might be, it is important not to feed or pet the wildlife, even if they come up to you.
Your Pup Is Welcome!
Sapphire Point is a dog-friendly location, so feel free to bring along your four-legged friend! Be sure to keep them on a leash and clean up after them.
Prepare for High Altitude
Sapphire Point is located at 9,500 foot elevation, so it is important to keep in mind how you and your guests react to high altitude, especially if coming from sea level. Be sure to give yourself plenty of time to acclimate and consider staying somewhere lower (like Denver) for a night or two before heading up to Breckenridge.
The best way to avoid altitude sickness once in the mountains is to make sure you’re staying hydrated. You’ll likely need to drink more water than you think! You’ll also want to make sure everyone wears sunscreen (even during the winter and on cloudy days) since the air is thinner and the sun’s rays are harsher at high altitudes.
For more information on how to prepare for being at high altitude, check out these tips from the CDC!
Weather Changes Quickly
There’s an old saying in Colorado that if you don’t like the weather, just wait five minutes. This is especially true in the mountains! Because weather can be unpredictable and Sapphire Point has no shelter, it is important to consider having a backup plan at your rental home or reception location in case the weather causes any issues.
Winter Considerations
Sapphire Point is accessible year-round, so a winter wedding is possible! The overlook is not maintained during the winter months, so you and your guests will want to be prepared with warm winter boots and potentially microspikes to safely travel from the parking area to the overlook. Microspikes can be purchased online from places like Amazon or REI.
Don’t Forget Your Marriage License
In order to get legally married in Colorado, you will need to apply for a marriage license. The nearest place to do so is at the Summit County Clerk and Recorder’s Office in Breckenridge, but you can go to any county in Colorado!
Best Time of Year for Your Sapphire Point Wedding
Summer Sapphire Point Wedding
Sapphire Point is a popular spot for weddings during the summer months, which usually run from mid-June to early September. The weather is ideal during this time, with average highs around 70°F, making it perfect for outdoor ceremonies. However, it’s worth noting that afternoon thunderstorms are common in the mountains during this time, but they usually pass within an hour or so, and the weather goes back to being sunny.
Fall Sapphire Point Wedding
Fall in Colorado is usually relatively short. Leaves start changing in mid-September and are usually gone by early October. While Sapphire Point remains a popular destination during this time, the crowds do thin out as the leaves start to fall. Though there aren’t many aspen trees directly around Sapphire Point, there are several stunning hidden groves surrounding Lake Dillon that make for beautiful photo opportunities if fall colors are a high priority! In September, the weather is usually pleasant with an average high of 64°F. However, as October approaches, temperatures start to drop, ranging from 43°F to 54°F. It’s also the time when the first snowfall happens, so it’s essential to be prepared for the sudden change in weather.
Winter Sapphire Point Wedding
Winter is a magical time to elope at Sapphire Point, but it requires some extra planning and preparation. The winter months (late November through the end of February) are one of the least busy times at Sapphire Point, meaning you’ll have more privacy and fewer crowds to contend with. However, keep in mind that around the holidays tend to be busy. The average high during winter ranges from 20°F to 29°F, so it’s important to dress in warm layers and bring proper winter gear like gloves, hats, and boots. With the right preparation, a winter wedding at Sapphire Point can be a truly magical and unforgettable experience!
Spring Sapphire Point Wedding
Springtime at Sapphire Point can be unpredictable, making it one of the quieter times for weddings here. March is historically the snowiest month, with an average high of 40 degrees, but also the most likely month for a blizzard. In April, things begin to thaw and temperatures gradually rise each week, reaching the mid to upper 40s. By May, temperatures can reach the low 50s, although occasional snowstorms can still occur. While spring offers a great opportunity to avoid crowds, it’s also important to have backup plans in case of inclement weather.
Real Sapphire Point Weddings
The Proof Is In The Pudding! Check out a few of the Sapphire Point Weddings We’ve Photographed
Eva & Juliano
Samantha & Zach
Jamie & Jeff
Laura & Adam
Sapphire Point Wedding Photos
How to Get Legally Married at Sapphire Point
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 Breckenridge, the Summit County Clerk & Recorder will be the closest location! As of February 2025, appointments are still required for marriage license applications, 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.
Where is the best place to stay Near Sapphire Point?
The closest towns to Sapphire Point are Dillon, Silverthorne, Frisco, and Breckenridge. The links below are a great place to start your search for lodging!
Disclaimer: Some of the links in this article may be affiliate links, which means we may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you if you decide to purchase through one of our recommended partners. We would never recommend anything we don’t use ourselves!
Sapphire Point Wedding Vendors
Sapphire Point Officiants
While you are not required to have an officiant to legally get married in Colorado (it’s called self-solemnizing), here are a few of our favorites!
Sapphire Point Wedding Planners
Looking for a wedding planner or day of coordinator to help the day go smoothly? Here are a few of our favorite options!
Sapphire Point Hair + Makeup Artists
Need someone to work their magic with hair and makeup on your wedding day? Here are some options that serve Summit County!
- Mountain Glo
- Golden Roots Salon
- Candelaria Beauty
- Wild Brides Backcountry
- Wise Artistry
- Cate Hair Makeup
Sapphire Point Florists
Want a bouquet or boutonniere to complete your elopement day? Here are our favorite florists serving Summit County that specialize in flowers for small weddings and elopements.
Alternate Wedding Locations to Sapphire Point With 10+ Guests
If you love the views Sapphire Point has to offer but are feeling a bit stressed out about the possibility of strangers being present for your ceremony, or if Sapphire Point is already booked, here are a few of our favorite Sapphire Point wedding ceremony alternatives for groups of 30 or under!
Windy Point Group Campground Wedding
Windy Point Group Campground is a lesser-known wedding option just minutes from Sapphire Point. Located along the shore of Lake Dillon, it is the perfect location for larger groups of up to 100, or for groups hoping for a location where they can hold both their ceremony and reception. It has gorgeous mountain and lake views as well as a covered pavilion.
Maroon Bells Amphitheater
Also an extremely popular ceremony location, the Maroon Bells Amphitheater in Aspen, Colorado offers a bit more privacy and can accommodate up to 50 people. It has stunning views of the mountains and lake and can be reserved up to a year in advance.
Moraine Park Amphitheater
For those looking for a forest feel, the Moraine Park Amphitheater in Rocky Mountain National Park is an excellent choice! This location can accommodate up to 30 people and is the only ceremony location in the park that is dog friendly.
Mountain Wedding Garden
Crested Butte Mountain Wedding Garden is perfect for any couple looking for wildflowers and mountain views! It can accommodate up to 150 people and has an option reception space available for rental if desired.
Point Park Dock
While Point Park Dock operates on a first-come, first-served basis in Grand Lake, Colorado, it is an excellent option for groups of up to 75. Lakeside, Point Park has stunning views of Mt. Baldy and is accessible year-round.
Other Small Colorado Wedding Venues
For a list of 50+ of our favorite small wedding venues across the state, check out our guide below!
Alternate Wedding Locations to Sapphire Point With Under 10 Guests
Since Sapphire Point is a popular wedding and tourist location, it often gets booked up well in advance. For some couples who are looking for a more-off the beaten path ceremony location, Sapphire Point may not be the best location. If you are getting married with a group of under 10 people, here are a few of our favorite alternative locations to Sapphire Point nearby.
Loveland Pass
Reaching an elevation of 11,990 feet, Loveland Pass is the highest road in the U.S. that is open year-round! Loveland Pass makes an excellent ceremony location for groups of up to 10 people with access to a stunning alpine lake and sweeping mountain views.
Lake Dillon
Lake Dillon offers numerous locations along its shore to share your vows, enjoy a picnic, watch the sunset, or even get out on the water! You can bring your own watercraft, or rent anything from a paddleboard or kayak up to a pontoon at nearby marinas. Eloping along the shores of Lake Dillon is perfect for groups of up to 10 people.
Other Colorado Elopement Locations
For more suggestions for where to elope in Colorado with up to 10 guests, check out our guide below!
Sapphire Point Wedding Photographers
Who We Are
We’re two born and raised Coloradoans who have spent our whole lives exploring every corner of this state. Summit County has been a favorite of ours for backpacking, camping, hiking and kayaking.
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.
Together we’ve planned and photographed 400+ elopements and small weddings in Colorado (50+ in the Breckenridge 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:
Sapphire Point Wedding Packages
What’s Included
4+ Hours of Photography Coverage With A Breckenridge 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 Small WEdding Planning Assistance
hen we say we help with it all, we mean it. Location scouting and ideas. Vetted, LGBTQ+ allied, Summit 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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