Even before COVID-19, each year more and more couples are choosing to ditch the traditional wedding plans and are searching for Boulder Colorado Elopement Locations and asking the big question, “Where can you Elope in Colorado”? From an outsiders perspective this process can feel confusing and ominous. What are the best places to elope in Boulder, Colorado? Is there a permit required for the couple or the photographer or both? Are their restrictions to the number of people that can be present? Can you elope at an epic mountain location without a hike? If you want a hiking elopement in Boulder, what are the best options for that? Will the picturesque location you found on Pinterest be accessible in the season you’re wanting to get married? And so many more.

When I became a Colorado elopement photographer a decade ago (woah, time flies) I was asking myself the same questions. Over the past 10 years of photographing hundreds of elopements I have compiled a list of some of my favorite places to elope in Boulder and I’m excited to be sharing them with you now! This list of awesome elopement locations has locations in Boulder that do not require a permit to elope, locations that do require a permit, venues that you can rent for intimate weddings and elopements and more!

Anytime a couple hires me as their Boulder elopement photographer I am always willing and excited to be their location scout or elopement liaison if you will. I’ll look in to permit requirements if I don’t already know them by heart, send you to the right place to acquire a permit if one is required, connect you with local elopement vendors in the Boulder area and even tell you the best places to eat at and explore near your elopement location. Whether I’m there with you from getting ready through an intimate reception or gathering after your ceremony or we only spend time together for your ceremony and some family and couple’s portraits I understand that your elopement isn’t just about the ceremony and the photos, it’s about your entire experience and I want to help you make it the best that it can be!

Elopement Locations in Boulder

Let’s start off by looking in to the Boulder elopement locations that have a mountain view! The city is great too, but a lot of people traveling out for a destination elopement in Colorado really want to make sure they have that postcard view and eloping on Flagstaff mountain in Boulder is definitely the best way to accomplish that!

1. Flagstaff Mountain

All Flagstaff Mountain locations require that any commercial vendors working on site (photographer, videographer, officiant, musician) obtain a commercial use permit to be a vendor for your elopement. The locations in this list that are marked with a * require a separate permit purchased by the couple for their ceremony. One of the best parts about eloping on Flagstaff Mountain in Boulder is that even if you choose to have your ceremony at one location you can always add extra time to do a first look, family portraits or couple’s portraits at any of the other locations as long as your photographer (that’s me and I do!) has the necessary permit to make it happen!

– Chautauqua Lawn*:
This location is great for larger groups that still want a view of the Flatirons. It has parking nearby, requires no hiking and is accessible for family members that may struggle with a short hike or need something wheelchair accessible. If you’re wanting to have a meal or a small reception afterward the lawn is also located right out front of the Chautauqua dining hall. It’s a short walk over to the base of the Chautauqua trail if you want photos closer to the mountain views, but have a group larger than 10.
More from Whitney and Richard’s Chautauqua Lawn elopement in Boulder, Colorado

– Chautauqua Trail
This elopement location is right at the base of the flatirons. There are multiple off-shoots along the trail that are perfect for gathering intimate groups (10 or less, including your vendors!) and exchanging your vows by either self-solemnizing or having your ceremony performed by an ordained officiant. This location does not require a separate permit from the couple, but it does require a commercial use permit from your vendors and has gathering size limitations (both before and during COVID-19). I love the versatility of this location because you can incorporate anything from next to no hiking, to mild hiking to a nice moderate hike and the views are great no matter what! It’s also vast enough that even though this is a popular location for hikers in Boulder, there are still areas to tuck in to where it won’t take away from the intimacy of your ceremony. It’s also great that after the ceremony it’s just a quick walk in any direction to change up the scenery and have more epic mountain views without hopping in your car and going to another location. There isn’t much shade here, so the best time of day for an elopement on Chautauqua trail is at sunset!
More from Morgan and Damien’s Spring Chautauqua Trail Elopement in Boulder, Colorado

More from Autumn and Erik’s Fall Elopement on Chautauqua Trail in Boulder, Colorado

– Sunrise Amphitheater*:
This Boulder Colorado elopement location on Flagstaff mountain is great if you have a guest count larger than 10, plan on having a wedding party or family members stand alongside you during your ceremony and want a nice mix of both city and mountain views. It does require a separate permit purchased by the couple and the commercial use permit for Boulder OSMP to be purchased by vendors. It’s pretty telling in the name, but this elopement location has a perfect view over the city of Boulder if you’re up for waking up early and having a sunrise elopement! Don’t worry if you aren’t early risers though, this spot is also absolutely gorgeous at sunset too! This ceremony location definitely boasts more views of the City of Boulder than the Flatirons or Rocky Mountains, but there’s a great little nook behind the ceremony platform where you can get a great view of the Flatirons and it’s just a few minutes drive away from other hiking trails on Flagstaff mountain that have more views of the Rocky Mountains and the Flatirons. If the intimacy of your elopement is a big deal or you have a large group, this is definitely a great route to go!
More from Brooke and Kasey’s Sunset Elopement at Sunrise Amphitheater in Boulder, Colorado
(p.s. – they opted for a first look at lost gulch overlook prior to their ceremony)

– Boulder Mountain Adventure Trail:
This is a new elopement location I stumbled upon in 2020 and it’s perfect if you want to incorporate a little bit of a hiking adventure in to your elopement day the Adventure Trail near realization point is a great place to make this happen. I think this spot is best suited for couple’s that don’t have any guests or only have a few people in attendance, but technically you are allowed to have a group of 10 here. This is a mild 1.6 mile trail out and back. It does get pretty steep at the very last bit so make sure you and your partner have hiking boots – you can always change in to different shoes for the ceremony if you want to! I’d suggest a sunset elopement for this location because it has the perfect quintessential Colorado view of the sun setting in to the Rockies!
More here from Dawn and David’s Boulder Elopement

More here from Anne and Steve’s Elopement experience!

– Boulder Rocky Mountain Overlook
This awesome location almost feels like a miniature Lost Gulch Overlook, but without all the crowds! The popularity of having a mountain elopement in Colorado grew a lot during COVID-19 and between that happening and Boulder County having heavier restrictions on the amount of commercial activity that could take place on weekdays and weekends especially it definitely caused us Boulder Colorado elopement photographers to get creative! A lot of the more well known spots on Flagstaff Mountain were booking up way farther in advance than usual, so it meant strapping on some hiking boots, going back to the ‘drawing board’ and finding awesome little mountain nooks like this one for couple’s to get eloped! This spot requires your vendors to have their Boulder OSMP permit, but does not require a separate permit by the couple. It also has a gathering size limitation of 10 (if you’re catching on here, all of the locations on Flagstaff that don’t have a separate paid permit required have the smaller and stricter gathering size limitations)
See more from Paeleena and Kelly’s elopement

See more from Sierra and Brent’s Elopement

– Artist Point
Artist Point on Flagstaff mountain has been a long time favorite for my couples planning to elope in Boulder. I’m not gonna lie, it’s become a bit more crowded in 2020, but it’s still a great spot to say your I do’s with those post card Rocky Mountain views. This is another Flagstaff mountain elopement location that doesn’t require couples to have an additional permit outside of their vendor’s commercial use permits! Even though group sizes of 10 (and sometimes more, pre-covid) are permitted here it can get cramped and crowded quickly, so I think this spot is best for groups of 4-6 at most! Keep in mind when you’re considering one of these more crowded elopement ceremony locations that you may have hikers, picnic goers or tourists make an appearance during your ceremony. Thankfully, I’ve never experienced any onlookers being rude or intrusive, but if a more intimate vibe is something that you value this may not be the right spot for you!
More from Azra and Anel’s Artist Point Elopement in Boulder, Colorado
(p.s. they did sunset portraits afterwards at Lost Gulch Overlook)

More from Mealnie and Randy’s Flagstaff Mountain Elopement at Artist Point in Boulder, Colorado

More from Chrissy and Ryan’s Colorado mountain elopement with kids at Artist Point

– Lost Gulch Overlook
This iconic Flagstaff Mountain elopement location in Boulder is definitely the most sought after. Not just my couples eloping, but by hikers, college students, tourists, portrait photographers and more. So much so that as of 2020 Boulder County’s open spaces mountain parks division no longer allows elopements here to take place on weekends. My best piece of advice for couple’s who have their heart set on having an elopement at Lost Gulch Overlook is to do it at sunrise and on a weekday. This spot is definitely best suited for couples that are eloping without guests, or have a very small group with them! The only permit required for eloping at this location is your vendor’s commercial use permit, but they also need a specific reservation on the trip log for this spot through the ranger district (don’t worry, we take care of this for you – but be weary if your photographer seems unprepared because you can risk getting a ticket, fine and potentially a misdemeanor and that’s not a wedding day present anyone should have to deal with.) If you’re not up for getting up at sunrise then I would only suggest using this location for a first look or couple’s portraits and having your ceremony elsewhere.

Azra and Anel did bride and groom portraits at Lost Gulch Overlook following their Artist Point elopement

Nakoma and Brenner had sunset portraits at Lost Gulch Overlook taken following their elopement at Realization Point

Brooke and Kasey did a first look at Lost Gulch Overlook before heading to their ceremony at Sunrise Amphitheater

Jess and Angel didn’t elope at Lost Gulch Overlook, but it was the perfect location for their Sunrise Anniversary Session

See Mary and Jeremiah’s sunrise elopement at Lost Gulch here

Some people, especially people with a higher guest count, that are getting married in a season where an indoor backup option is a must or are having an intimate wedding reception following their elopement may want to consider renting out one of these private event venues that are the perfect size for hosting elopements or intimate weddings. Some of these have capabilities for hosting large weddings as well, but these venues are laid out in a way where even if you choose to have a smaller gathering it doesn’t feel like it’s being swallowed up by the space around you! Each of these venues is privately owned and has different rates for events depending on guest count, date and the number of hours you need.

2. Private event venues for elopements or intimate weddings in Boulder

– Boulder Tea House (also known as Dushanbe Tea House)
I can’t even count the number of times I have had brunch, lunch and happy hour at the Dushanbe tea house in the city of Boulder right off of Boulder Creek. To be completely honest, I didn’t even realize that they hosted elopements until an incredible couple reached out to me about photographing their intimate wedding there. This space is gorgeous inside and out and is just steps away from Boulder creek, a great backdrop for portraits. My favorite time of year for couple’s to choose this as their intimate wedding or elopement location in the city of Boulder is during the late Spring and early Summer when their outdoor terrace is covered in greenery. It feels like a little secret garden even though you’re in the heart of Boulder! You can even rent out the indoor space for a reception following the ceremony!
More from Ellen and Cameron’s Elopement at the Dushanbe Tea House in Boulder, Colorado

– Boulder Creek by Wedgewood Weddings:
Wedgewood Wedding venues are usually known for larger weddings and events, but did you know that Wedgewood Boulder Creek has a ceremony site nestled by their creekside that is perfect for intimate elopements. Their higher lawn ceremony sites can be used for elopements too! This option is great for people that have a larger guest count or are leaning more towards the realm of an intimate wedding rather than an elopement. There are getting ready suites you can use prior to the ceremony and they have two reception options on-site too! A white, chandelier filled tent and an indoor octagon room. Both are great options and it’s especially comforting knowing that you have an indoor option for your ceremony if weather concerns pop up. If you’re leaning towards a full day experience with a small guest count and the security blanket of indoor options this is a great choice to consider!

More from Ashley and Darin’s creekside elopement at Wedgewood Weddings Boulder Creek

More from Tiffany and Ryan – they didn’t elope, but their snowy wedding at Wedgewood Boulder Creek is too good not to share here too!

More from Ashley and Sean’s elopement ceremony on the lawn at Wedgewood Boulder Creek

– Flagstaff House:
I haven’t photographed an elopement at Flagstaff House in Boulder yet, but it’s definitely on the bucket list. This is a great option for elopements or intimate weddings where you have a great view of the flatirons, an indoor and an outdoor option and the space to have a meal or small reception following your ceremony.

Photos courtesy of https://flagstaffhouse.com/

– Rembrandt Yard:
This modern wedding venue is right in the heart of the city of Boulder. This is a great option for couple’s that want those modern, industrial indoor vibes for their intimate wedding ceremony. I haven’t photographed here yet, but if you’re planning your intimate wedding or elopement at Rembrandt yard I’d love to photograph it for you!

For couple’s wanting a more “in the mountains” feel for their Colorado elopement and that are up for a little bit of a drive and potentially incorporating hiking in to their elopement celebration, this next Boulder elopement location is a great place to accomplish that.

3. Brainard Lake Recreation Area

– Brainard Lake:
This is the perfect mountain location for your Boulder elopement if you have a guest count larger than 10, want to get married in the mountains but don’t want to rent a private venue or pay a permit fee. Brainard Lake recreation area allows groups of 30 to gather without a permit. All you need is a national park pass, or to pay a small fee per vehicle at the entrance station to Brainard Lake. Keep in mind, the road to Brainard Lake is typically only open from mid-June to the end of September. If you plan on eloping here in the winter months be prepared for a 4 mile hike to get to Brainard Lake. The hike is on a snow packed road, so it isn’t strenuous, but it is long! I think this location is the prettiest at either sunrise or sunset, but is gorgeous any time of day!

More from Sam and Zach’s Brainard Lake Elopement in Boulder, Colorado

More from Kerry and Mike’s fall engagement photos at Brainard Lake

More from Lauren and Conor’s Brainard Lake Engagement Session

– Mitchell Lake:
Mitchell Lake Trail is a 1.8 mile out and back trail located in the Brainard Lake Recreation area. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. This is a great option if you’re looking for a hiking elopement or you’re loving the look of Brainard Lake, but want a spot that is more intimate.

Just click your heels, close your eyes and pretend this sweaty hiking selfie is a Mitchell Lake elopement 😉

– Long Lake
Long Lake is a great option if you want anything from a mild to moderate hiking experience on your elopement day. This trail is 1.8 miles from the main Brainard Lake lot, but it is only a .25 mile hike if you park right at the Long Lake trailhead. This spot would be perfect for an intimate ceremony with no guests, or a very small guest count.

– Lake Isabelle
This alpine lake elopement location is for the avid hiker! This trail is 7.8 miles from the main Brainard parking lot, but only 4 miles if you park at the Long Lake trailhead. You pass Long Lake along the way and the last bit of the trail can get a little bit steep, but it’s absolutely gorgeous and worth the views. I wouldn’t recommend eloping here with guests, but it can be a great spot for elopements with just the couple, or for first look / portraits!