Boulder Elopement Locations

Boulder is one of the most picturesque towns in the states and its packed with amazing Boulder Elopement Locations. The iconic five Flatirons on Green mountain are postcard-pretty and make Boulder instantly recognizable. This front-range town is just an hour from Denver’s airport making it easy to access and close to everyone. The views are right there, and the options for accommodation and ice cream shops, fine dining experiences, and world class outdoor adventures are plentiful. In this guide I’ll show you around this town and the great Boulder elopement locations that dot the landscape.

Lost Gulch Elopement Location in Boulder

This rocky overlook has one of the biggest mountain views to easiest access ratios in all of Colorado, so it’s no wonder it’s very popular with locals and tourists (and smokers). You can’t get married here on a weekend or during the busiest times of the day. However, at sunrise on a weekday this location can be empty, even in summer, and it is simply stunning. You cannot wear heels here, because you will absolutely break all your ankles, so you’ll have to consider yourself an off-road kind of couple to elope at Lost Gulch.
Mountain view: Yes, the best
Bathrooms: no
Accessible: not remotely
Cost to use: Free

Chautauqua Park Elopements at the Flatirons

Chautauqua (sha-tack-wah) Park is a national treasure– and it’s extremely popular, both as a stop off for tourists and the starting point for most of the trails into the flatirons. Finding parking here on a weekend is practically mission impossible. (Cue music.) In winter and at sunrise, it’s possible to get approval here for a super short elopement ceremony if you remain on trail, leave no trace, and don’t obstruct other hikers’ right of way.
Mountain view: yes
Bathrooms: yes, flushing!
Accessible: One spot yes, many spots no
Cost to reserve: free

OSMP Boulder Elopement Locations

These locations are located within City of Boulder Open Space Mountain Parks, or OSMP for short. Reserving picnic shelters or the amphitheater is done through their website for between $50 and $400. Additionally, this org provides annual photo permits to elopement photographers working in Boulder. In order to elope on a trail on OSMP lands without reserving a picnic shelter, it is the photographer who is granted permission through their commercial use permit, so having a Boulder elopement photographer on your team is essential in making your location dreams come true in many cases.

Sunrise Amphitheater Elopement Location in Boulder

One of the most classic elopement spots in Boulder is the Sunrise Amphitheater. Sunrise and early morning through mid afternoon are best. While it has stone row-seating for close to 100 people to gather, the majesty of this lookout would still fit the vibe for an intimate Boulder elopement. You can even have some music and decor here. Like all Flagstaff mountain summit elopement locations, road access closes in the winter so this is best as a summer location. See a sunrise Amp intimate wedding here!
Mountain view: No, city view
Bathrooms: yes, pit toilet nearby
Accessible: yes!
Cost to reserve: $100 to $400

Stone Shelter and Wood Shelter Picnic Areas

These two reserve-able picnic sites are also up Flagstaff summit road. The Stone Shelter is the prettier of the two, and comes with 28 outdoor picnic tables in long rows. There’s a gorgeous lookout to the north of this site that would make a very pretty elopement location. If you are looking for a simple and casual Boulder elopement location, this would be a perfect solution!
Mountain View: meh.
Bathrooms: pit toilet nearby
Accessible: dirt path
Cost to reserve: $50 to $275

Boulder Elopement Location – Artist Point & May’s Point

Artist Point and May’s point are also located at the very top of Flagstaff mountain road, and they may be my favorite of the summit locations! May’s point involves a short hike, but the 360 degree views give huge payoffs. Artist point is an easy short walk through the woods over rocky terrain to a private-ish viewpoint, with casual picnic tables scattered in the trees. It’s simple, it’s beautiful, and ready for your Boulder elopement.
Mountain view: yes, especially from May’s point
Bathrooms: pit toilet nearby
Accessible: not even a little bit
Cost to use: free

Bluebell Shelter – Boulder Elopement Location

The Bluebell Shelter has views of the flatirons, while being away from the busiest area of the tourist-clogged Chautauqua park. This stone shelter is covered, with open sides, and is located a 3/4 mile uphill walk on Bluebell road. There’s even a small set of amphitheater-style seats to accommodate a few guests. Once you have this shelter reserved, your elopement ceremony can take place on trail nearby.
Mountain view: yes, moderate
Bathrooms: at trailhead 3/4 mile away
Accessible: Yes!
Cost to reserve: $50-275

Green Mountain Lodge Boulder Elopement Location

This lodge was recently reopened for the public to book. Located a short but magical hike down from Realization point on Flagstaff mountain, this secretive stone cabin is nestled in a protected area of the forest with tons of bird life and neat plants. It’s close to a popular trail, but there’s no road noise to disturb you.
Mountain view: no, surrounded by forest
Bathrooms: no
Accessible: no
Cost to reserve: $50 to $275

Boulder Falls Elopements

A very short hike over rocky stairs brings you to this short but beautiful waterfall spot. Follow Boulder OSMP rules to marry here – that means your photographer carries the permit authorization. May only be approved in winter.
Mountain view: Yes
Bathrooms: None
Cost: Free

Indian Peaks Wilderness Elopement Locations

The Indian peaks wilderness offers hikers the chance to elope at a mountain lake without the crowds. You can plan for a group of up to 8 people with no permit here or apply for a permit to have up to 12 people. These are best accessed in the short summer season between late June and Late August. A timed entry permit is required to get a parking spot at these areas, which lie just south of Rocky Mountain National Park. Yet they are just an hour’s drive from Boulder, making them a great boulder elopement location.

Lake Isabelle
Hike to Lake Isabelle

Lake Isabelle Elopements

This hike is about 3 miles and moderate until the end, which is steep. Waterfalls criss cross the trails and the lake is stunning. Lake Isabelle is a top tier elopement location in Boulder.
Dogs allowed: Yes, on leash
Mountain views: YES
Bathrooms: Pit toilet at trailhead
Cost: Free for groups under 8 people

Brainard Lake

Brainard Lake Elopement Location

Brainard Lake is the first lake you come to when you enter the Indian Peaks Wilderness area. A paved, wheelchair accessible trail leads from the parking area to the shore. It’s beautiful and only moderately busy.
Dogs allowed: Yes, on leash
Mountain views: Yes
Bathrooms: Yes
Cost: Free for groups under 8 people

Mitchell Lake

Mitchell Lake Elopement Location

This is one of my favorite Boulder elopement locations to recommend for couples who want to hike a little, but not more than a mile or so. After crossing a beautiful bridge in the forest, this lakeshore is a welcome site and a great spot for a private mountain lake elopement.
Dogs allowed: Yes, on leash
Mountain views: Yes
Bathrooms: At Trailhead
Cost: Free for groups under 8 people

Eldorado Canyon State Park in Boulder

Eldorado Canyon state park is cut by a powerful river, flanked by caves and rock climbing routes on one side and forests & hiking on the other. If you are looking for a beautiful mountain elopement location, with a little hiking this could be perfect for you.

See a Summer elopement at Eldorado Canyon State Park See an October elopement at Eldorado Canyon State Park

Eldorado Canyon Elopement Rules

Request to have your elopement on a weekday; better yet if it’s between October and April; and the fewer guests you have, the more likely you are to be approved by the State Park permit office. It can take between 3 and 6 months to get the right paperwork done.
Dogs allowed: Yes, on leash
Mountain view: YES
Bathrooms: pit toilets at trailheads
Accessible: only the bridge and fowler trail
Cost to use: almost always free

About your Boulder Elopement Photographer

I’m a colorful Boulder elopement 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. Boulder is one of the most popular places to elope in Colorado. Maybe I’ll see you there!

Meet Me

Boulder County Elopement Locations

Locations not within Open Space Mountain Parks, like Betasso and Bald Mountain, are Boulder County Parks and these locations don’t require a permit.

Bald Mountain

Bald Mountain in Boulder

A 1.5 mile hike brings you to the under-visited summit of Bald Mountain, which is really a hill. There are distant snow capped mountains visible to the west.
Dogs allowed: Yes, on leash
Mountain views: yes, distant
Bathrooms: Porta Potty at trailhead in summer
Accessible: No
Cost: Free / No Permit

Nederland, Colorado Elopement Location

I know an amazing hidden gem of a spot in Nederland, away from the hubbub of Boulder but close enough for a pleasant day trip. Big snow-capped peaks line the horizon, and in June & July, this mountainside is bathed in wildflowers. A large clump of young aspens provides great fall color in late September.
Dogs allowed: yes, on leash
Mountain view: yes, great
Bathrooms: no
Accessible: no
Cost to reserve: Free, no permit

Betasso Preserve

Betasso Preserve Elopement Location

This is an underwhelming location with no big views, but it is very easy to elope here, and there is a first come first served picnic shelter with 4 tables on site.
Dogs Allowed: Yes, on leash
Mountain views: no, just hills
Bathrooms: Pit toilet
Accessible: dirt path
Cost: Free / No permit

But wait, there’s more! Boulder is jam packed with areas you could have your dream elopement.

Dream Canyon
Marshall Mesa
Settler’s Park
Crown Rock

See each location’s details and photos as you move & zoom the map.

Here is my Boulder Elopement Locations Map:

This map is like a virtual tour of the whole Boulder area with color photos I’ve taken of each place. So you can see all the great spots without leaving your living room. If you’re planning from afar, this is a visual key to picking out the elopement spot that works for you. Details like what seasons and time of day are best for each location are included. It will help you plan your activities, accommodations, and your day’s itinerary. Lastly, it’s easy to have a great backup location picked out with this map in front of you. Having that Plan B in your back pocket will keep your planning stress-free!

Boulder Elopement Venues

I have to also mention the amazing venues that are usable around here – Lone Hawk Farm, Oxford Road Farm (That’s where I got married! They have a killer treehouse!) The Greystone Castle, Rembrandt Yard art gallery, Chautauqua Dining hall, and Flagstaff House make great elopement locations in Boulder if hiking just isn’t your thing, or if you can’t imagine getting married without a few of your closest friends, or you just want to eat indoors!

Chautauqua Dining Hall
Oxford Road Farm
Lone Hawk Farm
Greystone Castle

Boulder Elopement Packages

I offer both Boulder elopement packages including all day photography, officiating and planning services. There are no travel fees, download fees, watermarks or other hidden fees. These prices are for 2025.

2 Day elopements in Boulder – $10900

1.5 Days of elopement photography – $8900

1 Full day adventure elopement in Boulder – $7900

All Inclusive Boulder Elopement Packages – Starting at $15,000

All inclusive Boulder elopement packages include my planning & photography, and your choice of florals, officiant, private chef, and hair & makeup and more can be included.

See my photography packages

Great Boulder Elopement Vendors

Flowers:
Boulder Blooms – https://www.boulderblooms.com/
MJM Designs – http://mjmdesignsllc.com/
Fawn’s Leap – https://www.fawnsleap.com/
Planners:
Pam Zola Weddings – http://pamzolaweddings.com/
Celebrants:
Phil Gallagher – https://www.officiantphilgallagher.com/
Ceremonies with Lisa – https://www.ceremonieswithlisa.com/

Ready to elope in Boulder? Let me make it happen for you!

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