Black Canyon of the Gunnison Photographer

Hi, I’m Lucy, a Black Canyon of the Gunnison elopement photographer and planner! Black Canyon of the Gunnison is one of Colorado’s lesser known treasures. It’s a stunning, deep canyon in central Colorado. A solid 4.5 hours drive from Denver, this National Park is so much less crowded than other parks. It’s the perfect place for a couple who loves camping, because it is remote and a far drive from hotels. So keep reading to find out everything you need to know to plan an incredible elopement at Black Canyon of the Gunnison!

A real elopement in Black Canyon of the Gunnison

Kacie & Pete eloped on the North Rim of the Black Canyon in June 2022. They hiked a short way, rescued some lost hikers, got married on the edge, twirled in the afternoon sun, ate dinner under the stars and roasted marshmallows in their campsite.

See their camping elopement at Black Canyon here

A wedding couple on the north rim of Black Canyon in Colorado.

A wedding couple at the north rim of Black Canyon of the Gunnison

Newlyweds stargaze at their campsite during their camping elopement.

Best Elopement Locations in Black Canyon of the Gunnison

Black Canyon of the Gunnison is divided into three sections. The South Rim, the East Portal, and the North Rim. The North Rim and the East Portal are closed in winter. Most of the South Rim is also closed after November, but it is possible to snowshoe in. Painted Wall, the most famous and iconic section of the canyon, is visible from both the south rim and the north rim.

A panorama at a viewpoint on the South Rim of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

South Rim Elopement Locations

The park’s south rim is the most popular place to visit. The rim drive is as scenic as it gets, and the many pull-offs provide plenty of options to explore and plan an intimate elopement at Black Canyon of the Gunnison. The steep and narrow section of the canyon is take-your-breath-away stunning, but every single viewpoint has a different view, each seeming more stunning than the last. Some observation areas have decks that would be perfect for an elopement ceremony, others have ugly railings, and most have natural terrain as well. One thing is guaranteed: it will make for incredibly epic Colorado elopement photos!!

Gunnison Point

One of the most crowded overlooks because it’s right by the visitor center. There are bathrooms there.

The Painted Wall at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park – Viewed from the South Rim

Painted Wall in Black Canyon of the Gunnison

Painted Wall, the tallest (and most beautiful) cliff in North America, rises 2,240 feet above the canyon floor. The swirled rock colors lends this landmark it’s name. You don’t have to walk far from your car to get these views – try Painted Wall, Dragon Point, and Cedar Point to see it.

East Portal

There is just one way to the river: The East Portal Road, which is accessed from the South Rim side. East Portal road has a steep 16% grade, so gear down & don’t ride your brakes. At the bottom, the river access and camp sites in the shady cottonwood grove are to die for. This place is usually deserted, and has plenty of fall foliage.

There is one developed deck on the South Rim.

Tomichi Point

The only ADA Accessible elopement location in Black canyon of the Gunnison National Park, this small deck offers an awesome view of the canyon.

Warner Point is a 1 mile hike from the south rim without canyon views.

Warner Point

The last stop on the road, Warner point involves a 1 mile hike through the pine forest to a viewpoint where you can see the San Juan mountains. However, there are no canyon views and no great spots for a ceremony.

About Lucy – Black Canyon of the Gunnison photographer

I’m a dorky and colorful Black canyon of the Gunnison photographer with an obsession for mountains, hiking, and my cats. My photography style emphasizes the epic landscape of your dreams and the authentic moments that make you two.. well, you two! I love my job and my nature-loving clients. Black Canyon of the Gunnison is my favorite National Park in Colorado. Maybe I’ll see you there!

Meet Me

North Rim of Black Canyon of the Gunnison looking East

North Rim of Black Canyon of The Gunnison Elopement Locations

The North rim is even less visited than the South Rim, because of its remote position. It isn’t near any major towns. The road to it is gravel, but passable in any car from May to October or early November. The viewpoints on the North rim are extremely easy to access and are just as stunning as the South Rim. There are even some rock outcroppings that will tempt the daredevil in you! You’ll have more privacy here, and the hike to exclamation point is wonderful. Chasm view, located in the campground, has great views of the Painted wall. Ask me about my map to determine which viewpoint might be right for you!

Chasm View with Painted Wall in the background.

North Rim Campground View

Offering an awesome viewpoint of Painted Wall, this location is the most crowded of all the spots on the North rim – so it’s best in early morning and late afternoon.

A couple looks over the edge of the canyon from Exclamation Point.

Exclamation Point

An easy 2 mile hike brings you to a viewpoint called “Exclamation Point.” Awesome name aside, it’s a great place to be totally alone.

The “Islands” from the North Rim.

The Islands from North Rim

One of the coolest views on the North rim, the unique geology creates spires rising up from the canyon floor.

A daredevil’s spit at the North Rim of Black Canyon of the Gunnison, looking South

End of the Road

There’s a spit of rock that juts out over the canyon for those who want to look straight down. Hardly anyone comes here.

Great photo locations outside of the Park

There are tons of great photo locations outside of the borders of Black Canyon National Park. Many of them are hidden gems that aren’t on google maps. Crawford Notch, Needle rock, Sapinero, and the Uncompahgres are just a few places nearby. Let me show you around!

A hiking couple overlooking a reservoir in central Colorado

Silver Jack Reservoir

A hidden waterfall in Central colorado.

Secret Falls

An overlook in Curecanti National Recreation area

Curecanti National Recreation Area

Black Canyon of the Gunnison Elopement Locations – Updated for 2025

Purchase my complete map of Black Canyon National Park in Central Colorado. Usable for couples looking to elope and photographers and elopement planners, this map is an interactive layer on google maps, with detailed descriptions of each location and color photos.

Purchase the Black Canyon of the Gunnison Location Map

How to Elope at Black Canyon of the Gunnison in 2025

You will need a marriage license and you may need a permit from the Park to get married inside the parks’ borders. However, you do not need to hire an officiant as Colorado is a self-solemnization state! That means that Colorado recognizes your power to declare yourselves married without any authority. You can still choose to have an officiant (A hired professional or a friend) but it isn’t legally required. Consider a road trip elopement to take advantage of all the amazing Colorado locations that are nearby!

Black Canyon Elopement Permit

If you have any guests at all, you may need a special use permit to elope at Black Canyon of the Gunnison. Plan to apply at least four weeks in advance. Call the ranger station to highlight how your plans will have minimal impact to park resources and not to interfere with other park visitors. The cost for your special use permit is $100-300. Because this park is seldom used for these events, you’ll want to have as much location information as possible when you apply. So chat with me first about which viewpoint and time of day might be right for you. If you are looking for an amazing hidden gem with world class scenery for your destination elopement in Colorado – you’ve found it. Download the Special Use Permit at the bottom of this page.

Step by Step Guide of how to plan an elopement at Black Canyon

Don’t sweat it, it’s easy to plan an elopement! Here is my outline of how to plan an elopement in the great outdoors.
1. Select a date range that you would like to marry
2. Book a way to get there, whether by plane, car, or make a campsite or lodging accommodation
3. Hire a Black Canyon of the Gunnison photographer with experience in the park.
4. Call the park to determine if a permit is required for your plan. Coordinate with your photographer to select an exact location and time.
5. Hire any additional vendors, such as a private chef, florist, jeep, or horseback ride. Pick out your garments.
6. Pick up your CO marriage license and you’re ready to elope!

Obtaining a Colorado Marriage License

Getting your Colorado Marriage License isn’t hard! You can make an appointment at ANY county courthouse in the state – it doesn’t have to be in the county you’ll be marrying in. You’ll need to both be present and show a photo ID and answer questions before your marriage license is issued. Your license costs just $30 and is valid for 63 days from the day you pick it up.

When to Elope at Black Canyon

The Summer months are the best and only time to access this remote Canyon. From mid November to mid May, all the parks roads are closed due to snow. The end of September provides a great background of shrubby fall color. The park is not very busy when compared to any of the other western National Parks, but if possible you should still plan to elope on a weekday. This keeps the rangers happy and gives you the pick of the best spots! Black Canyon of the Gunnison is one of the few locations that could be photographed at any time of day and look good. So if you’re not up for a sunrise elopement, you can still get incredible photos here.

What’s the weather like?

Rain showers are common, but they pass quickly. I wouldn’t let this deter you, as the storms leave the canyon sparkling and if you’re lucky, rainbows for days! Most summer days are sunny, warm, and may have an afternoon storm.

Where to Stay at Black Canyon of the Gunnison in 2025

There’s so much to see here that you will want to spend a few days, especially if you want to see both the North and South rims. This is the perfect National park for couples who LOVE camping. There are few local campgrounds within the park from which to plan your adventures. The closest towns with hotels are Montrose and Delta, Colorado. There are a few great Airbnbs closer to the park that should not be overlooked! You can stay at a rustic cabin, a hunting lodge, a modern home, a farmstay with goats, tiny homes and even a converted silo. Check out my Airbnbs near Gunnison here.

Consider camping at the Black Canyon of the Gunnison

Sample Black Canyon of the Gunnison Elopement Timeline

A full day elopement at Black Canyon of the Gunnison will have you smiling from ear to ear! There is so much to see and explore, anything less than a full day will be stressful. Too many times I’ve seen a good plan be smushed into too few hours, which makes it feel like a checklist of photo spots instead of a fun time. Here is a sample timeline for an incredible full day elopement at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park.

10:00 Sleep in and wake up in your tent together
11:00 Have breakfast together in your campsite with fresh fruit and pancakes
12:00 First look at the edge of the south rim.
1:30 Elopement ceremony with the Painted Wall in the background
2:00 Nosh on a picnic of all your favorite finger foods
3:00 Horseback ride or travel down East Portal road and dip your toes in the river
6:30 Private Chef dinner
8:00 Sunset portraits at Sunset point
9:00 Campfire, smores and star photos in your campsite

2025 Black Canyon of the Gunnison Elopement Packages

I offer Black Canyon elopement packages that include full planning and full day photography services. There are no travel fees, download fees, watermarks or other hidden fees. These prices are for 2025.

All inclusive elopement packages start at $15,000

2 Day Black Canyon of the Gunnison Photographer – $10900

1.5 Days of elopement photography in Black Canyon of the Gunnison – $8900

1 Full day adventure elopement in Black Canyon of the Gunnison – $7900

Yes, I want this!

The fun doesn’t stop after dark. Smores and a campfire are the perfect way to end an elopement day.

How much does it cost to elope at Black Canyon in 2025?

The truth is that it varies! You can spend as little or as much as you’d like on your elopement. The park permit costs $100 to $300 and the Colorado marriage license is just $30. Let’s build a sample elopement budget for a 2 person elopement at Black Canyon of the Gunnison and give you an estimate.

$30 Colorado Marriage license
$100 to $300 National Park ceremony permit
$300 to $600 Rental car and gas
$400 to $3000 Accommodation options from cabins to retreats
$5000 to $9000 Black canyon of the gunnison photographer for your elopement or microwedding
$500 to $5000 your personal elopement clothes
$400 to $1000 Flowers, officiant, makeup and beauty if desired.
$1000 Additional experiences – Jeep tour, horseback riding, etc
$0 to $3000 personal chef
=$6730 to $22,000

Ready to get started? Contact me!

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to submit the form.kadence-form-20915_25e590-49 .kadence-blocks-form-field.kb-submit-field { display: none; }