Have you been searching for the best places to elope in Colorado? There are so many sought-after spots within Colorado that promise to create a one-of-a-kind, epic elopement experience but maybe you haven’t yet found the location that feels right for you and your partner, or maybe you don’t even know where to start!
As a Colorado elopement and wedding photographer I wanted to create a list of some of the top spots couples select for their elopement day. This list includes ten incredible elopement spots for you to consider. It also features the need-to-know details, so that you can find the location that aligns with your priorities and is perfect for you and your partner.
Let’s dive into 10 of the best places to elope in Colorado.
Here are my top elopement recommendations in Colorado:
Lookout Mountain is a stunning spot on the edge of the foothills. From this lookout, you’ll have views of the Colorado Rocky Mountains, which will also serve as a jaw-dropping backdrop for your ceremony.
This location has dreamy sunsets, you are allowed to bring your furry friends, and it is super close to Denver. If you’re flying into Colorado for your elopement, Lookout Mountain is only 40 minutes away from Denver International Airport. This provides you with the option of the city or secluded mountain accommodations without the drive time! You don’t need a permit to elope with your small group here.
There is so much to love about Lookout Mountain. It’s a great location to explore more after your ceremony as you can scramble up and down rocks nearby, wander through a pine forest, enjoy hiking the trails, and more.
If you decide you want to elope here the best time to do so is from spring to fall. Winter is gorgeous too but some views may be inaccessible due to ice. Also, Colorado’s weather can be unpredictable.
You might be thinking, well, who wouldn’t want to elope at Lookout Mountain? However, I do want to mention that Lookout Mountain is quite a popular spot—especially during the day, as it has several popular hiking trails. Also, if you’re scared of heights, reaching some of the most epic views may make you uncomfortable!
Lost Gulch is perched atop Flagstaff Mountain. It offers panoramic views of the Rocky Mountains and the city of Boulder. This spot is a popular choice due to both its incredible sunrises and romantic sunsets.
I love this location because it’s close to Denver – around 60 minutes away. Also, you don’t need a permit to get married here with your small group. After your ceremony, you can enjoy exploring the mountains, trails, and rock formations and even cruise into the city.
If you do want to elope here, the best time of year is from spring to fall. Just like with Lookout Mountain, this is also a beautiful spot in the winter, but you can encounter icy rock formations, and temperatures can be low with high winds.
Lost Gulch is an extremely busy location. It is unbelievably crowded at sunset, especially during summer and weekends. This doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t elope here but that we’ll have to do some planning to avoid the busiest times of the day at this location.
I recommend eloping on a weekday at sunrise, as you can avoid the crowds and enjoy great views with your partner privately.
Also, if you are afraid of heights, this probably isn’t your dream elopement location as there aren’t any barriers or barricades, and you are up quite high.
Chautauqua Park is an iconic location in Boulder with incredible views of the Flatirons. Here you’ll find quiet sunsets and beautiful views, and it’s easily accessible. While you don’t need a permit to elope on the trails, your photographer will need a permit to photograph your elopement. If you are using the lawn area with a large group, you will need to acquire a permit.
Spring is hands-down my favorite season at Chautauqua Park. In spring the grass will be coming to life and we sometimes get vibrant wildflowers. Summer is the most popular season for hikers and tourists. In winter you may get lucky with the Flatirons being covered or dusted in snow!
Another huge plus of eloping at Chautauqua Park is its proximity to Boulder. You and your partner can spend some time enjoying the restaurants, wandering around and seeing the sites, and enjoying all that the charming city of Boulder has to offer. From Denver, Chautauqua Park is 60 minutes away.
Chautauqua Park is close to busy hiking trails. It is a popular spot for hikers, climbers, photographers, and tourists.
I love Sunrise Amphitheater for its downtown views, accessibility, and proximity to Boulder. Sunrise Amphitheater is a popular choice for those looking for an affordable, reservable area for larger groups! This site also allows some set up such as arches and chairs so you can add some customization to the venue.
You do need a permit if you plan to elope here, but the good news is that it just means more exclusivity for you and your partner without having to worry about too many onlookers. To get the permit, you’ll want to go to the Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks website, which you can access here.
Sunrise Amphitheater is close to Boulder, and Denver International Airport, it’s 60 minutes away.
Keep in mind that they do seasonal closures—it’s only open from May to October. However, this venue is super affordable and allows you to bring up to 100 guests.
Garden of the Gods is a popular national landmark beloved by many and for good reason. Garden of the Gods features beautiful Red Rock formations, views of Pikes Peak, and killer sunsets, and it’s a great spot to elope all year round! It’s 75 minutes from Denver International Airport, and you don’t need a permit to elope here.
With Garden of the Gods being so popular keep in mind that areas can become very crowded and are most visited during weekends and holidays. I personally would recommend eloping during sunrise, off-season, or a weekday here to avoid the crowds.
Garden of the Gods is such a unique location. I’m sure when you’re imagining eloping in Colorado, you’re picturing mountains, but Garden of the Gods looks totally different with its surrounding views. Also, there are many places inside Garden of the Gods where you can have your elopement.
Officers Gulch is a permit-free location where you can elope in the Summit County area. This location has water, mountains, trees, and beautiful pockets of beauty wherever you look. Officers Gulch is 90 minutes from Denver International Airport.
Here you’ll encounter serene scenery without having to worry about doing a long, strenuous hike to access the best spots. Also, you can find changing aspen leaves during peak season, which creates an unforgettable backdrop.
This spot is not a far stretch from a busy interstate, so there is some interstate noise and vehicles in the distance. Also, there is ski and snow season traffic from November – May. This could make for a scary or delayed drive so I want you to be aware of this before planning your elopement here.
Rocky Mountain National Park is a great spot for an elopement all year round. This location has vast, incredible landscapes, iconic scenes, and a variety of areas where you can elope from mountains, meadows, and lakes.
I personally recommend eloping during non-peak seasons to avoid crowds and traffic. Also, you will need a permit to elope here, and it can be a bit of a challenge to acquire one, as they go quickly! You’ll definitely need to plan in advance to make sure that you can obtain a permit. There are options to get married at spots inside the park that can host group sizes from 10 to 30 people depending on site and season. Learn more about getting married at Rocky Mountain National Park HERE.
Rocky Mountain National Park is 120 minutes from Denver International Airport. Furthermore, the park has several accessible ceremony locations, with endless spots for epic photos.
A favorite of mine! Twin Lakes has iconic mountain scenes with lake views, wooded forest areas, and Aspen Groves nearby. If you are looking for the quintessential Colorado Fall views, Twin Lakes in late September is the place for you!
You don’t need a permit to elope here for your small group. Twin Lakes is 130 minutes away from Denver International Airport. This location sits high in elevation, which means that it is more likely to see adverse weather and quick temperature changes. I love this area for both sunrise and sunset. Twin Lakes is nestled between Leadville and Buena Vista which are two adorable mountain towns for you to explore.
Loveland Pass is easy to access and includes epic hiking trails and gorgeous mountain views. You don’t need a permit to elope here with a small group. Also, while this location can get crowded at times there is plenty of space to find a sense of seclusion with unparalleled backdrops for your photos.
Loveland Pass is 75 minutes from Denver International Airport. This location can get super cold due to high elevation, so I recommend it in late June-October. Loveland Pass creates a romantic and scenic atmosphere. On top of that, it’s close to other popular spots like Dillon and Breckenridge that you and your partner can also explore together.
Brainard Lake is 90 minutes from Denver International Airport. Also, you don’t need a permit to elope here. There is, however, an entrance fee and reservation required. At Brainard Lake, you’ll have a plethora of accessible trails, water, and mountain views, and you can also bring your dog.
This spot is quite popular during the day. Furthermore, it is only accessible via car from July to mid-October. You will have a peaceful mountain experience if you choose to elope here. Plus, there are various locations where you can have your ceremony, such as the Brainard Lake Recreational Area or Long Lake Trail.
I hope you found this guide helpful and that maybe you’ve even found your dream Colorado elopement location. Also, if you want a curated list of even more locations to choose from as you figure out where you want to elope in Colorado, reach out so we can begin planning your dream elopement. Together we will find a location that fits just what you are dreaming up!
An elopement in Colorado promises to be nothing short of magical. This experience will be unforgettable especially if you know you want stunning natural landscapes, incredible scenery, top-notch elopement locations, and for your elopement to feel like an adventure.
And… if you’re currently looking for a Colorado micro wedding photographer, I’d love to connect with you. I want you to feel free to do things your way without worrying about being “photogenic.” As your photographer, I will artfully frame you, your love, and the surrounding landscape.
You can get in contact with me here or learn more about my wedding and elopement services here. Let’s capture your elopement in a way that celebrates the one-of-a-kind way y’all love one another.