Boulder Colorado Elopement Guide

July 30, 2024

Boulder, Elopements

Thinking about a Boulder, Colorado elopement? You’re in luck because I’m about to go over everything you need to know about planning your elopement in Boulder! I’m Amazing (yes, this is my legal name!), and I’m a Colorado elopement photographer! I want to share with you some tips and information you’ll need when planning your elopement. So let’s dive in!

Boulder Colorado Elopement Photographer

Amazing Colorado Photography

Where is Boulder Colorado?

You’ll find Boulder, Colorado, located at the base of the Rocky Mountains and only 25 miles from Colorado’s state capital, Denver. If you’re looking for a gorgeous Colorado elopement location with breathtaking beauty, picturesque landscapes, and plenty of outdoor opportunities, then Boulder might just be perfect for you and your partner!

Five Reasons to Plan a Boulder Colorado Elopement

While the breathtaking views and landscapes that Boulder Colorado has to offer is a HUGE reason why you should choose this location for your Colorado elopement, it’s far from the only reason! Check out my 5 reasons below why you should plan a Boulder Colorado elopement!

1.) Outdoor Adventure Paradise

One thing about Boulder is that it has SO MUCH to offer when it comes to outdoor activities. It sits on 46,000 acres of beautiful land. Think activities such as hiking, biking, water recreation, camping in and near Boulder, kayaking and rafting, winter recreational activities, and so much more! If you do enjoy outdoor activities, it’s important to remember to leave no trace. Check out these Care for Colorado tips beforehand!

2.) Intimate Ceremony Options & Unique Boulder Colorado Wedding Venues

Planning a Boulder Colorado elopement allows you to have a more intimate and personalized wedding experience. Boulder is full of beautiful and hidden gem locations to explore where you and your partner can truly be present and focused on each other.

On the other hand, Boulder is also home to some of the most beautiful wedding venues in Colorado! Check out my blog on the “Best Wedding Venues in Denver and Boulder, Colorado” to see some epic venues for not just a large wedding celebration, but for an intimate elopement as well!

3.) Boulder is Conveniently Located

Another great thing about Boulder is that it is conveniently located. Like I said above, it’s also only 25 miles from the Colorado State capitol of Denver! If you’re flying in, a few of the closest airports to Boulder are Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport or Denver International Airport. And because Boulder is such a populated area, you’ll have easy access to other wedding vendors such as planners, florists, etc if you’re looking for more vendors!

4.) City Life and Delicious Food & Drinks (Enough Said!)

One thing you should know about me is that I’m a huge foodie! There’s a good reason that Bon Appetit magazine named Boulder Colorado as “America’s Foodiest City“! The food and drinks here really are that good. From pizza, Thai food, patio restaurants, and great breweries, your bellies will be very happy during your stay here! Check out these Boulder Restaurants where you can filter your search by amenities, Michelin rating, cuisine type, and even location!

I am a HUGE Foodie! Here are a few of my personal favorites: River & Woods, The Chautauqua Dining Hall, and Postino!

5.) Self Solemnization

One thing Colorado in general is known for is the ability to self solemnize! If you’re unaware, this means you and your partner can legally marry without an officiant! And another cool thing is if you want to incorporate your fur baby, your dog can help sign your marriage license by inking the paper with its paw! What a fun way to include your pet into your wedding day, am I right?

8 Stunning Boulder Colorado Elopement Locations

Boulder is so beautiful that it truly is so hard to choose the best locations to highlight! If you are looking to elope in Boulder Colorado and want to hear more about the gorgeous location options, inquire with me and I’d love to help you out! Below you’ll find 8 stunning locations that are worth considering!

1.) Boulder Falls

If you’re looking for a waterfall elopement, Boulder Falls is the perfect location! You’ll find Boulder Falls off of Boulder Canyon Drive and only about 11 miles west of Boulder, Colorado. It’s a romantic location and if you dream of hearing rushing water during your elopement, it may just be perfect for you!

2.) Lost Gulch Overlook

Lost Gulch Overlook is a popular location in Boulder Colorado. If you’re looking to catch an epic sunset, you’ll find it here. What I love about Lost Gulch Overlook is that if you’re looking for stunning views but don’t want a strenuous hike, you’ll be happy with Lost Gulch as it isn’t much work to get to those beautiful views!

One thing to keep in mind is this location can get busy as it is a popular spot for any kind of photo session and those looking to take in the views. Shooting here certainly isn’t impossible, but it’s something to note if you’re looking for somewhere very secluded! We can also always go during sunrise or a weekday to escape the crowds.

3.) Chautauqua Park & Flat Irons

Another beautiful Boulder Colorado elopement location is Chautauqua Park! Chautauqua Pak is a very popular trailhead in Boulder and the Flat Irons with beautiful reddish-brown sandstones in the background. You’ll find that at sunrise, they glow almost like a pinkish orange color and it’s absolutely stunning to witness and have in your photos.

If you’re eloping with no guests, then you can elope on the Chautauqua Park Trails! If you plan to bring guests, you can not elope on the trails though. It’s a great location to consider if you’re looking for an intimate elopement experience with the beautiful Flat Irons in the backdrop of your photos!

4.) Sunrise Amphitheater (closed seasonally from Oct. 31 – April 30)

Looking for more of a wedding ceremony space that you can rent for your private Boulder elopement ceremony? Sunrise Amphitheater is an excellent choice. (If you are looking to bring guests, it can accommodate up to 100 people.) The biggest positives about this location is how affordable it is as well as wheelchair accessibility making it a great location to celebrate with the whole family!

The Sunrise Amphitheater is a circular area with a stage and tiered stones for seating. It offers gorgeous views which is also what makes it such a popular location. You can rent the amphitheater and book online here. Weddings are done between May and October!

5.) Artist Point

Close by to Sunrise Amphitheater you’ll find Artist Point. This is another location that can be rented via OSMP from May – October. This location doesn’t have as many stunning views as Sunrise Amphitheater, but it still is gorgeous and often can offer a more intimate and secluded location for your elopement and portraits.

6.) Brainard Lake

Looking for something a little different than the other locations mentioned? Brainard Lake is a stunning Boulder Colorado elopement location that offers views of the lake, but also the gorgeous mountain backdrops as well!

Brainard Lake is closed about Mid October to June depending on when the snow melts enough because outside of that time frame, you’ll find that it’s completely snow covered and not accessible. Something to note that this is a high altitude location! The elevation is set at 10,396 feet.

7.) Lake Isabelle

Looking for another location with beautiful lake views and mountains? Lake Isabelle is another location that’s perfect for an intimate elopement. You can have up to 8 guests without a permit. Getting to Lake Isabelle does require a little bit of hiking, but it isn’t too bad. It’s about a 4 mile hike from the trailhead to the lake, and it’s worth every step if you ask me!

8.) Eldorado Canyon

If the backdrops of towering sandstone cliffs sounds romantic to you, then Eldorado Canyon might be the Boulder Colorado elopement location for you! If you wish to elope here, you’ll have to have a timed entry reservation and will have to pay for parking. A photography permit is also required when eloping here! Keep in mind that Eldorado Canyon does get fairly busy because it is right outside of Boulder.

The Best Time of Year to Elope in Boulder

One of the many things that I love about Colorado is that it is truly a beauty all year round. The best time of year to elope in Boulder will truly depend on what you’re looking for. Whether that’s a warm and sunny day for your elopement, milder temps, or feeling like you’re in a winter wonderland. Let’s dive into what you can expect from each season in Boulder, Colorado.

Spring (March – May)

Spring in Colorado is beautiful. It’s almost like a mix of winter and beginning of summer but with that comes unpredictable weather. There can be some Rainy days and even some snow days, but thankfully in Boulder the snow doesn’t stick around for long. Boulder is cool in the Spring making it a great in-between for couples who want to elope during “off season” without saying “I Do” in the snow. Bring your snow boots, rain jacket, and your sunscreen, you never know what Colorado has in store. Eloping in the spring can be beautiful, but it’s hard to predict what the weather will look like so it’s important that we have backup plans in place if your first choice doesn’t go as planned.

Summer (June – August)

If you’re looking to enjoy a lot of summertime activities such as biking, hiking, and even camping, then summer may be a great time to visit! Keep in mind that it can get a little toasty during the summer months, but it’s usually cooler than most of the United States. The warmest month is July averaging at 87 degrees Fahrenheit during the day. If warm sunny days feel like it’s up your ally then consider eloping in the summer!

Fall (September – November)

There are plenty of outdoor activities that you can still partake in during the fall months in Boulder. It is super popular to get married in the Fall in Colorado because the weather is usually perfect and the fall colors are unlike anything I have ever seen. That being said, it might be easier and more cost efficient planning your Colorado Elopement during one of the other seasons. More Vendors are booked up throughout the Fall making it harder to get who/what you truly want. So plan ahead OR plan to elope on a weekday!

Winter (December – February)

If you dream of getting married in a winter wonderland, then winter may be the best option for you. If you love to snowboard and ski, then winter in Boulder is the perfect season to get married! With that said, some mountain passes will be closed due to the weather and wintery conditions. There are always tons of easier options closer to downtown Boulder, like Chautauqua Park & the Flat Irons if there is some snow on the ground. Winter in Colorado is breathtaking and eloping in the winter is completely doable in Boulder!

Boulder Colorado Marriage License & Elopement Permits/Requirements

Now that we’ve gone over some fun stuff about planning a Boulder Colorado elopement, let’s talk about the rules and requirements for your elopement here. Many locations in Boulder WILL require a permit to be in place before your elopement. If you have any questions during this process and would love to work with me as your Boulder Colorado elopement photographer, then I’d be happy to help you with this!

Key Takeaways for Getting Your Boulder Marriage License:

  • You can apply for your marriage license online.
  • Both parties will need (ID, SSN, US driver’s license, and original birth certificate)
  • Your license has to be used within 35 days of issue in Colorado.
  • The license cost is $30.
  • Your marriage license can be obtained anywhere in Colorado for your Boulder Colorado elopement.
  • There isn’t a waiting period making getting your marriage license fast and easy.

To see more details and information, check out the official Boulder County website!

The Seven Principles – Leave No Trace in Boulder

As a Boulder elopement photographer and Colorado native, it’s incredibly important that we follow the Seven Principles of Leave no Trace so that we can continue to protect Colorado and leave it exactly as we found it! Check out The Seven Principles from Leave No Trace.

The Seven Principles

  1. Plan Ahead & Prepare
  2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
  3. Dispose of Waste Properly
  4. Leave What You Find
  5. Minimize Campfire Impacts
  6. Respect Wildlife
  7. Be Considerate of Others

Places to Stay During Your Time in Boulder, Colorado

Boulder is home to not only beautiful outdoor and scenic places, but also has a great city and tons of wonderful lodging to choose from. From downtown hotels, bed and breakfasts, pet friendly hotels, and even cabins and rustic lodging! See all of the options here with a full list of lodging to choose from!

Boulder Colorado Elopement Packages

Looking for Boulder Colorado elopement packages? I would love to capture your special day. I offer several different Boulder Colorado elopement packages to choose from! You can also choose between two different editing styles, my light or dark style. Check out my portfolio to see my different editing styles!

Want a little more inspiration?

Check out my blog on Paola and Jessica’s Intimate Lost Gulch Overlook Elopement in Boulder, Colorado

5 Star Review from Paola & Jessica

Couple standing on a rock during their Lost Gulch Overlook elopement in Boulder, Colorado

“Amazing did a great job with our photos!! She planned everything for us and even brought props. She really has an eye for great photos as we absolutely loved the ones she took of us! We had to change locations a few days prior due to weather and she knew exactly what places to go to. We had zero hiccups and an amazing time. I highly recommend her services.” -Paola

Looking for a Boulder Elopement Photographer? I’m Ready!

Now that you’ve seen my Boulder elopement packages and learned a bit about me, let’s start talking about making your Boulder elopement dreams come true! If I sound like the perfect Boulder elopement photographer for you, then inquire with me on my Contact Page! I can’t wait to hear from you. In the meantime check out more on the blog for follow me over on Instagram for more of my most recent work! @amazingcoloradophotography

I'm Amazing!

I’m a little… different. Think of me as the chaotic good of wedding photography—I thrive on creativity, spontaneity, and capturing love stories that break the mold. I’m a HUGE nerd and a hopeless romantic. 

Posing can feel as awkward as your first time waking up to, "oh it's you, you're finally awake." (Currently holding my breathe for the couples that know that reference!) I have been there! That’s why you deserve a photographer who gets it, who makes you feel comfortable, and who will have you laughing so hard you forget the camera is even there. (Seriously, I’m incredibly silly, and I’ll probably say something ridiculous just to get that real, genuine smile out of you.)

I live for the unfiltered, joy-filled, beautifully messy moments—whether it’s the emotion of your first dance, the bouquet toss, or the inside jokes that only you and your partner understand. Your wedding day should be as uniquely you as your fandoms, your inside jokes, and your love story.

Are you the kind of person who follows the rules just because? No? Then why have a wedding that does? Ditch the cookie-cutter and embrace your weird, wonderful, nerdy selves. Hire not just a photographer, but a fellow geek, an adventurer, and a storyteller who will capture your love story in all its epic, legendary, and meme-worthy glory.

Colorado Wedding & Elopement Packages

Testimonials

"Amazing is just that, amazing! It was overwhelming to find the right photographer for our engagement session and wedding, but I’m so glad we found her! At the time, my husband and I were living overseas but Amazing kept constant communication with us even with the 8 hour time difference. When we finally got to meet her in person she was so sweet and made both us feel comfortable right away. When we got back our photos from the engagement session, we knew we made the right choice! On the day of the wedding, Amazing and her team were on time, professional, and we’re able to get the shots they needed even with our large bridal party. Our photos are absolutely perfect and we couldn’t be happier. I will always recommend her to anyone who’s looking for a photographer and I hope we can use her again for more photos in the future! Thank you Amazing."

-Lizette

Testimonials

"Her name defines her! She is an Amazing human and photographer She was everywhere we needed her to be on our wedding day. Her eye for the perfect background to compliment the shot matched her talent for producing a gallery of beautiful photographs and memories that will be treasured for the rest of our lives. If you want a worry free wedding day with a fun, professional photographer you can count on to deliver priceless wedding photos at a competitive price, Amazing is your gal!!"

-Robynne & Cheryl

Testimonials

"Amazing took our engagement photos and then our wedding photos about a year later. We couldn't be more thrilled with the results! Her work is truly an art form and it's so clear to see how much she loves her career. I chose Amazing over other photographers based on her vibes alone! Her personality is everything you could want in a wedding photographer. She's professional, but without being stuffy. She knows how to have fun, she's friendly, and easy to socialize with. She's trustworthy and reliable as she was always on time. She captured all the joy and beauty of our wedding day and we will cherish our pictures forever!"

-Katlyn

Testimonials

"There are not enough stars I could give, or positive words I could say. Amazing was an exceptional photographer for our wedding. She helped make the day as stress free as possible. She worked seamlessly with our coordinator to capture all the best moments. The weather was uncooperative for the entire day, but that didn’t slow her down, she rolled with it. She was out in the rain with my husband and I doing our first look, and then capturing some of the most beautiful before pics. She somehow managed to be both easy going and direct. She had great communication leading up to and during the wedding day. Honestly, if she lived near me I would have Amazing take all of my professional photos! Thank you for helping to make our day absolutely perfect!"

-Samantha

Testimonials

"Amazing and her second photographer did an absolute fabulous job at capturing our big day! We couldn’t be more pleased with how accommodating she was during the whole process. From our engagement pictures to our wedding pictures; all of it was stunning. I wish she lived closer so she could be our photographer for all life’s precious moments. She went above and beyond and delivered more pictures than ever expected. I would recommend her to anyone that ever needs a photographer. Thanks again Amazing, your name says it all :)"

-Brandi

Testimonials

"We booked Amazing for both our engagement photos, as well as our wedding. The pictures for both turned out absolutely incredible and she made sure to capture all of the special moments at our wedding. She is so much fun to work with and I would happily book with her again! Our wedding album was stunning and exceeded our expectations. The quality of the album was impressive and Amazing went above and beyond with this as well. Photos on her site are exactly what you can expect to receive back when you book her. You will not be disappointed!!"

-Alexa

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