If you and your other half have decided to elope in Colorado and your criteria for selecting a location is “scenic and beautiful”, you’re going to quickly come up with a list of places a mile long. There are truly so many stunning places to get married in this state.
In an effort to eliminate any potential overwhelm, I’ve come up with some recommendations of some of the most beautiful spots in Colorado so you don’t have to do all the research! From here – just be sure you stay true to yourselves and your vision! What does your dream elopement look like? What does it feel like? As long as you choose a location that falls in line with what you both envision for your special day, you really can’t go wrong! And maybe you’ll consider one of my favorites listed here – all within a reasonable distance from downtown Denver.
Farish Recreation Area – Woodland Park, Colorado
Farish Recreation Area is a 650-acre mountain resort, located just west of the Air Force Academy. Known for its beautiful scenic backdrop, this location offers full wedding packages that include receptions and lodging, or a reservation package that’s just perfect for an elopement ceremony at Wedding Ridge.
Distance from Denver: approximately 94 miles (1 hour, 45 minutes)
Size Limitation: Up to 25 people for a ceremony at Wedding Ridge
Permit Restrictions: Only available for weddings or elopements on Sundays-Thursdays (no weekends)
Cost: $250
Garden of the Gods – Colorado Springs, Colorado
With rust colored rock formations and a number of absolutely stunning ceremony locations, a Colorado elopement at Garden of the Gods seems like a no-brainer. One thing to consider, however, is that because no permits or reservations are required, your ideal ceremony spot is not guaranteed to be open. Planning a weekday elopement at this location might be your best bet for a more private experience!
Distance from Denver: approximately 70 miles (1 hour, 10 minutes)
Size Limitation: Up to 40 ceremony guests
Permit Restrictions: No permits or reservations required
Cost: $0
Sapphire Point – Dillon, Colorado
Sapphire Point Overlook sits at 9,500 feet and is perfectly nestled between Breckenridge and Keystone. This location offers a breathtaking view of Dillon Reservoir and is the only spot within White River National Forest where ceremonies are permitted with a reservation.
Distance from Denver: approximately 75 miles (1 hour, 20 minutes)
Size Limitation: A maximum of 35 people, including the marrying couple
Permit Restrictions: 2 hour reservation windows are available for ceremonies and can be made a maximum of six months in advance by calling White River National Forest. A wedding permit is also required and can be obtained at the same time as the reservation. ** Although permits are required, the ceremony location is not private or exclusive.
Cost: $110 and a $10 reservation fee
Lookout Mountain – Golden, Colorado
Lookout Mountain is a wonderful location to consider for your Colorado elopement as it’s well within reach of downtown Denver and all the city has to offer, but also offers picturesque backdrops for an intimate elopement ceremony.
Distance from Denver: approximately 20 miles (30 minutes)
Size Limitation: Up to 20 people
Permit Restrictions: No permit required, as long as you stay within the size limitations of 20 people or less.
Cost: $0 for up to 5 people; for more than 5 people, a permit can be obtained through Jefferson County.
Lost Gulch Overlook – Boulder, Colorado
Located in Boulder, on Flagstaff Mountain, Lost Gulch Overlook offers a view that seems to stretch on forever. From the overlook, you’re able to see all the way past Nederland into the Indian Peaks Wilderness, and Rocky Mountain National Park. It’s a perfect spot for any elopement with a number of ceremony location options, too.
Distance from Denver: approximately 33 miles (45 minutes)
Size Limitations: Vary depending on exact ceremony location (Sunrise Amphitheater, Stone Shelter, Wood Shelter, Halfway House, Bluebell Shelter, or Green Mountain Lodge)
Permit Restrictions: A wedding permit is required through OSMP and ceremonies can only take place in designated places that have been reserved in advance via Boulder Open Space & Mountain Parks’ website. A commercial permit is required for photography.
Cost: $5 for parking at Lost Gulch Overlook plus the cost of the photography permit ($50 for up to 50 total park visitors in one year or $300 for an unlimited annual permit).
Juniper Pass – Idaho Springs, Colorado
About an hour’s drive from Denver is Juniper Pass. This Colorado elopement location sits among spruce and fir trees – great for wedding photos! It’s a perfect little stop (actually a picnic site) along Squaw Pass Road and sits at 11,049 feet between Evergreen and Idaho Springs.
Distance from Denver: 40 miles (1 hour)
Size Limitation: The overlook at the picnic area is perfect for up to 15-20 guests.
Permit Restrictions: No permit or reservation required in areas where the general public is generally allowed.
Cost: $0
Denver Botanic Gardens – Denver, Colorado
If mountainous scenery isn’t the vibe you’re going for, but luscious greenery and pops of color are more your style, this Colorado elopement venue is one to consider. It’s located right in downtown Denver, so you won’t have far to drive, and there are also a number of ceremony locations available, depending on the size and style of wedding you’re looking to accommodate.
Distance from Denver: Located within minutes of the heart of Denver
Size Limitation: 30-150+ depending on exact ceremony location (There are seven different locations available throughout the gardens.)
Permit Restrictions: A one-time photography permit is required
Cost: The cost of your photography permit, which depends on the size of your group: 1-6 people: $100, 7-13 people: $250, 14-20 people: $400. Wedding groups with more than 20 people will require a separate private events reservation.
As you plan your Colorado elopement…
I hope my list of favorite outdoor locations is helpful! And if you’re also starting the search for an elopement photographer in Denver or the surrounding areas, please reach out if you’d like to chat more about your special day or to see if we might be a good fit!
In the meantime, you might also check out one of my other Colorado elopement blogs as you begin planning –
5 Reasons to Elope in Colorado , 5 Reasons to Plan a Weekday Elopement, and Denver Area Venues for Your Intimate Wedding
