Stone Shelter Wedding & Elopement Guide
Posted On | May 27, 2025
If you’re dreaming of a low-key, intimate, nature-forward wedding that still has the bones of a traditional celebration, a Stone Shelter wedding might be your perfect match. This tucked-away gem on Flagstaff Mountain in Boulder feels special – massive stone walls, a wooden-beamed ceiling, and panoramic views of the Flatirons just outside. Whether you’re planning a cozy elopement or an intimate wedding with a few close friends and family, here’s everything you need to know about getting married at the Stone Shelter wedding venue.
Stone Shelter Wedding Quick Facts
LOCATION
Located on Flagstaff Mountain, here are the coordinates for Stone Shelter: 40.004265, -105.304695
COST
$35 for your Colorado marriage license, plus the City of Boulder’s rental fee for Stone Shelter (more on that below).
Number of people
The shelter holds up to 100 guests – but it’s especially magical for smaller weddings and elopements up to 25 people. If you are planning to used the covered shelter with 2 picnic tables, that space holds roughly 25 people. Big enough to celebrate, small enough to keep it stress-free.
Accessibility
The shelter is right off Flagstaff Summit Road and has a small parking area nearby. It is closed seasonally from October 31st through April 30th.
Elevation
6,950 ft
Where is Stone Shelter?
Stone Shelter is perched on Flagstaff Mountain, just a short, 20-minute drive from downtown Boulder. It’s located within the Flagstaff Mountain summit, which is part of the City of Boulder’s Open Space and Mountain Parks system. Translation: you’re surrounded by protected wilderness, scenic overlooks, and all kinds of wildlife (including the occasional overly confident squirrel).
Stone Shelter Wedding Cost
Rental Cost
The Stone Shelter wedding venue is budget-friendly and beautiful, which is a pretty rare combo. The City of Boulder manages rentals and offers different rates depending on day and time. Expect to pay somewhere between $50–$275 depending on your reservation length and whether you’re a resident or not.
Parking Fee
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 Stone Shelter parking area, so be sure to stop at Sunrise Amphitheater 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 Stone Shelter 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 Stone Shelter
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.
Stone Shelter Wedding Reception
One thing that makes the Stone Shelter wedding venue such a great option for small weddings is it’s ability to host a reception after your mountain view ceremony. There are two sturdy picnic tables under the covered shelter with an additional 28 outside to accommodate all your guests (just be sure to have a back-up plan for groups larger than 25 that might not fit under the shelter if it rains).
You can bring in food, drinks (no glass containers though), and create a rustic, relaxed reception space. Think casual catered dinner (no food trucks allowed), a couple coolers with your favorite drinks, or a DIY grazing board and champagne toast. You’ll need to bring in your own supplies (plates, utensils, tablecloths, etc.) and pack everything out when you’re done.
What Kind of Decorations Are Allowed?
You’ll want to keep things simple and nature-friendly. No open flames, no nails, staples, or anything that could damage the structure or surrounding nature. That means skip the tacks and tape, and bring twine or string if you want to hang anything. Battery-operated candles or lanterns are a solid (and safe) way to add ambiance. Flowers are great as long as they’re real (no faux florals that could leave behind plastic bits), and any décor you bring in has to go out with you – no leaving anything behind.
Structures of any kind are prohibited including tents and arches. You can read a full list of the rental rules and regulations. The shelter is beautiful all on its own, so most couples keep it simple
Are Dogs Allowed at Stone Shelter?
Yes! Your furry friend is totally welcome, which makes it an easy “yes” for couples who can’t imagine getting married without their pup nearby. Dogs must be on leash and under control at all times, and of course, you’ll want to pick up after them and follow Boulder’s pet rules. But, remember to pack water and treats – especially in the summer months when temperatures can get into the 90’s.
Bonus: the area is full of great trails if your dog’s idea of celebration involves sniffing every pinecone.
When Is the Best Time of Year to Get Married at Stone Shelter?
Late spring through early fall is prime time. The shelter is closed in the winter season from October 31st through April 30th. May through October gives you the best chance of warm weather, blooming wildflowers (May to early June), and dry roads – plus that golden light filtering through the pines? Unreal.
What is the Best Time of Day to Elope at Stone Shelter?
Sunset is kind of the star here. The shelter faces east, which means you’ll get that soft, golden light pouring through the trees and lighting up the view of Boulder below. That said, mornings are peaceful, cooler, and way less crowded. If you’re not a sunset person, consider a brunch wedding with pastries and mimosas – we support it.
Top Tips for Your Stone Shelter Wedding
Leave No Trace
It’s the name of the game. This is a protected area, so be mindful – pack out all your trash, skip the confetti, and stick to designated paths. Read more about the seven Leave No Trace principles.
Sunscreen
You’re almost 7,000 feet up. Even on cloudy days, the sun hits different.
Don’t forget your marriage license
Colorado makes it refreshingly easy to get married, but you’ll still need that signed piece of paper.
Hire a photographer who knows the area
Not just for the photos (though, of course, that matters), but for the timeline help, lighting advice, and backup plans. Plus, there are a dozen secret photo spots nearby that are easy to miss unless you’ve explored Flagstaff before. Hey, that’s us.
Stone Shelter Wedding Photos
Real Stone Shelter & Boulder Elopements
The Proof Is In The Pudding! Check out a few of the 40+ Stone Shelter & Boulder Elopements We’ve Photographed
Jenny & Mac
Giedre & Brooke
Jeni & Andy
Adrianne & Kevin
Stone Shelter 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:
Stone Shelter 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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