2023 Sapphire Point Wedding Guide

If you are considering a Sapphire Point wedding, here is everything you need to know to make your wedding dream possible!

Sapphire Point Wedding Overview

Sapphire Point, located in the heart of Breckenridge, Colorado, is a must-see for those looking for a beautiful, handicapped-accessible wedding venue. It’s no wonder it’s such a popular spot! This intimate location can accommodate groups of up to 35 people and is one of the most affordable small wedding venues in Summit County. With year-round accessibility, you can enjoy its beauty in any season (just note that the overlook is not maintained in winter). Sitting at a stunning elevation of 9,500 feet, Sapphire Point offers breathtaking views of Lake Dillon and the majestic Gore Mountain Range and Tenmile Mountain Range.

Be sure to check out Samantha and Zach’s Sapphire Point elopement or Jamie and Jeff’s Sapphire Point wedding for inspiration!

For more information on getting married in Breckenridge, check out our elopement guide!

How To Reserve Sapphire Point For Your Wedding

How Much Does It Cost To Get Married At Sapphire Point?

As of March 2023, 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.

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: 

• 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 
• 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 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 

There are only 22 parking spaces for the entire area, so it is extremely helpful to have members of your party carpool if at all possible. 

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. While it may not be for everyone, it can be a great option if you’re looking for a unique and intimate wedding experience. 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 the weeks of Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s, and Spring Break are exceptions and can bring lots of tourists and traffic.

Winter weddings at Sapphire Point come with some challenges, such as cold temperatures and snow, but they also offer breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains and frozen lakes. 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 at the location. 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.

Sapphire Point Wedding Vendors

If you’re planning your Sapphire Point wedding, here are some of our favorite local vendors to consider!

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!

• Phil Gallagher  | Based in Breckenridge
• Dan Gustad | Based in Denver, CO, but will travel to Breckenridge
• Small Circles Ceremonies | Based in Boulder, CO, but will travel to Breckenridge
• Wandering Honeymooners | Based in Fairplay, CO, but will travel to Breckenridge
• NearlyWed Coaching | Based in Denver, CO, but will travel to Breckenridge | LGBTQ+ Owned, LGBTQ+ Employees

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.

• Garden of Eden | Based in Breckenridge, CO | Elopement and small wedding packages offered October-May only
• Bloom Flower Shop | Based in Breckenridge, CO
• Emma Lea Floral | Based in Golden, CO
• Fern and Bloom | Based in Denver, CO | Offer elopement packages for pickup

Sapphire Point Rentals

Looking for chair, bench, or arbor rentals for your ceremony? Below is our favorite local rental company!

• Colorado Tents and Events | Based in Silverthorne, CO
• Have a Seat | Based in Denver, CO, but will deliver to Breckenridge
• Denver Wedding Rental | Based in Denver, CO, but will deliver to Breckenridge

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 | Based in Breckenridge, CO
• Golden Roots Salon | Based in Golden, CO, but will travel to Breckenridge
• Candelaria Beauty | Based in Denver, CO, but will travel to Breckenridge | LGBTQ+ Owned, LGBTQ+ Employees
• Wild Brides Backcountry | Based in Denver, CO, but will travel to Breckenridge
• Wise Artistry | Based in Boulder, CO, but will travel to Breckenridge
• Cate Hair Makeup | Based in Denver, CO, but will travel to Breckenridge | LGBTQ+ Owned

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 | Dillon, Colorado 

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. 

Check out Mercedes and Kain’s Windy Point Group Campground wedding for inspiration! 

Maroon Bells Amphitheater | Aspen, Colorado 

Also an extremely popular ceremony location, the Maroon Bells Amphitheater 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. 

Braydon and Emily’s fall Maroon Bells wedding is the perfect inspiration! 

Moraine Park Amphitheater | Estes Park, Colorado 

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. 

Alexa and Jason’s Moraine Park Amphitheater wedding is a great example of what your wedding could like here! 

Sunrise Amphitheater | Boulder, Colorado  

Sunrise Amphitheater overlooks the city of Boulder and its surrounding foothills. It is handicapped-accessible, has built-in seating and can accommodate up to 100 people. 

Crested Butte Mountain Wedding Garden | Crested Butte, Colorado 

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. 

View Caitlin and Michael’s Crested Butte Mountain Wedding for inspiration! 

Point Park Dock | Grand Lake, Colorado 

While Point Park Dock operates on a first-come, first-served basis, 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. 

Check out Rachel and Eric’s Point Park wedding for photos of this location! 

Other Small 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 | Dillon, Colorado 

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.

Check out Grace + Brandon’s Fall Loveland Pass Elopement or Kyla + Chris’ Spring Loveland Pass Elopement for some inspiration!

Alpine Lake | Breckenridge, Colorado 

This alpine lake sits just outside of downtown Breckenridge and is a gorgeous location for small groups under 10. Whether you are looking for something easily accessible by car, or want to get your heart pumping with a hike, Breckenridge’s alpine lakes are a calm place to share your vows and soak up Colorado’s beauty. 

Check out Lindsay and Frank’s elopement at one of our favorite Breckenridge alpine lakes! 

Lake Dillon | Dillon, Colorado 

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. Check out Jake and Caiti’s kayaking elopement on Lake Dillon!

This Breckenridge Waterfall | Breckenridge, Colorado 

Less than 15 minutes from Breckenridge are two gorgeous waterfalls, providing a perfect backdrop as you share your vows! One waterfall is a short walk from the car, while the other is a 15-20 minute easy hike. These waterfalls are great for groups of up to 10 people. 

Check out Kasey and Veronica’s waterfall elopement for inspiration!

Other Colorado Elopement Locations for Up To 10 Guests

For more suggestions for where to elope in Colorado, check out our guide below!

Looking for a photographer for your Sapphire Point wedding?

Meet Larissa + Bailey! As two born and raised Coloradoans who have photographed 200+ couples in 100+ locations across Colorado, we specialize in creating a different kind of wedding day that is just as adventurous as you are. We use our experience and knowledge to craft a different kind of wedding day that feels completely authentic to you. Want to hike to a high alpine lake? We can give you trail options for that! Want to canoe along the banks of a mountain lake? We can tell you the best lakes to do it on! Want to watch the sunset from the top of the world? We’ll lead you to our favorite spots for sunset! Book your Sapphire Point wedding photographer today!

In the meantime, be sure to check out our guide for How to Plan a Colorado Elopement!