Everything You Need to Know About Eloping at Lost Gulch
Lost Gulch Overlook is a popular elopement spot and for good reason – you simply can’t beat the picturesque views and the mountains.
As a Colorado elopement and wedding photographer, I love photographing celebrations in epic locations. Lost Gulch Overlook is definitely one of the best locations near Denver and Boulder to plan an unforgettable adventure elopement.
Read on to discover all the must-know info about a Lost Gulch elopement!
Everything You Need to Know About Eloping at Lost Gulch Overlook
The Lost Gulch Overlook is a swoon-worthy backdrop for your elopement. Couples love this spot because accessing it requires minimal hiking, it has gorgeous panoramic views of the Rocky Mountains and the city of Boulder, and you’re sure to witness an incredible sunrise or sunset.
Personally, one of my top reasons to choose this location is its close proximity to Denver. It’s only around 60 minutes away, making it an ideal choice, especially if you’re from out of state, as you won’t have to worry about having a lengthy hike at a high altitude or a long drive to access your elopement location.
Also, after your ceremony, you can enjoy exploring the mountains, trails, and rock formations, and even cruise into the city!
Let’s dive into more about what you need to know about the Lost Gulch Overlook:
Permits
The good news is that you don’t need a permit to get married at the Lost Gulch Overlook. While it is free to elope here, your photographer must have an OSMP permit, and you will have to pay a small fee to park your vehicle in their parking lot if you are not a Boulder resident.
Guests
Lost Gulch Overlook is not the elopement spot for you if you want an elopement location where you can bring several guests. I personally would not recommend inviting guests as the parking lot at the overlook is very small, it’s a very busy tourist spot, and there’s limited room for everyone.
Location
Lost Gulch Overlook is located just outside Boulder, Colorado. From Baseline Road in Boulder, drive west up Flagstaff Mountain Road. The overlook is perched atop Flagstaff Mountain and is 4.4 miles up a curvy, paved road.
Weather
Lost Gulch Overlook is typically accessible all year! However, with that being said, in the off-season, it can get very cold, windy, and slick. Winter also brings with it icy rock formations, and temperatures can be low with high winds.
Personally, I would say the best time of year to elope here is from spring to fall, with fall being my top choice.
Summer brings warmer temperatures later in the day, which you can avoid if you choose a sunrise ceremony. Spring in Colorado is known as mud season and can bring unexpected thunderstorms.
Best time of day to elope
Another question I’m sure you have is what time of day you should elope here. Remember that this location is very busy, so if you want to avoid the crowds, do not plan to elope here on a weekend afternoon or at sunset.
It can also be a challenge during the week at sunset to avoid crowds, which is why my favorite (and recommended) time to plan your elopement is on a weekday at sunrise.
Not only is the alpenglow at sunrise breathtaking, but you’re going to have wayyy more privacy with a lower chance of bumping into other eloping couples, hikers, college students, etc.
Heights
Another thing I have to mention about Lost Gulch Overlook is the heights. If heights make you woozy at all or you’re afraid of them, please don’t choose this spot. Up at the top of the overlook, there aren’t any barriers or barricades, and you are going to be up quite high.
There are also a lot of spots with steep drop-offs on the walk to the overlook – you don’t have to walk right up next to them on the edge, but it’s good to be mindful that they are there.
Additional Things to Know About Eloping at Lost Gulch Overlook
Here’s some other important info to know before you elope here:
- No alcohol is permitted
- You can bring your dog
- This area is very rocky, so I highly recommend bringing a good pair of shoes with you
- On a popularity scale, this location would rank very high, so if you’re looking for a quiet, secluded, off-the-beaten-path elopement location, this probably isn’t your dream elopement location.
- No markers, signs, decorations, or structures of any kind are allowed
- No amplified audio/speakers/generators are permitted
- Drone use is strictly prohibited
Alternative Locations to Lost Gulch Overlook
If, after reading all of this, you’re thinking that maybe Lost Gulch Overlook isn’t for you, I wanted to offer you some other locations you can consider.
I always believe that it’s best to be upfront about the reality of a location and not just sugarcoat things. As much as I love Lost Gulch Overlook, it’s probably not going to be the ideal choice for your elopement if you want privacy, guests, or you’re scared of heights.
Here are a few other options nearby I would recommend as alternatives:
- Warrior Mountain
- Sunrise Amphitheater
- Halfway House
- Artist Point
Ready to Plan Your Dream Elopement at Lost Gulch Overlook?
I hope you found all this information about planning an elopement at Lost Gulch Overlook helpful. Also, be sure to bookmark this page so you can easily find this post later as you start making your Lost Gulch elopement checklist!
And… if you’re looking for a Colorado wedding or elopement 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 your surroundings. You can contact me here or learn more about my wedding services here. Let’s capture your wedding in a way that celebrates the unique way you love one another!
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