Boulder Wedding Venues & Elopement Guide

Colorado is probably one of the most popular places to elope if you ask our team. There are endless places to say “I do”, and we can’t get over how picturesque this state is year-round. A favorite place in Colorado to elope or plan a micro wedding would have to be Boulder. This city at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in Northern Colorado is filled with amazing views. From the Rockies to the Flatirons, Boulder has it all. We’re going to mention some of our favorite Estes Park wedding venues to check out for your intimate elopement below.

Your Boulder elopement should be magical, personal, and adventurous. Use the links below to jump to the section you’re most interested in to start planning:

• Why Elope in Boulder, CO?
• How Much Does it Cost to Get Married in Boulder, CO?
• Our Favorite Boulder Wedding Venues
• Affordable Wedding Venues in Boulder, CO
• Colorado Vendors For Your Boulder Elopement Package

Why Elope In Boulder, CO?

Boulder, CO is a popular destination for couples who plan both traditional weddings and intimate elopements and adventures. With over 150 miles of trails and plenty of open space to enjoy the mountain views around you, it’s no wonder so many couples find themselves in Boulder for their special day.

Besides having gorgeous views, Boulder, CO is the city for foodies and dog lovers. There are a bunch of restaurants to choose from and there are plenty of dog-friendly trails and outdoor seating areas. When it comes down to it, Boulder is a great choice for your wedding day because there are options for every couple. Do you want an indoor ceremony location? Boulder has plenty. Do you want to elope in nature? Boulder has jaw-dropping views. There’s something for everyone.

How Much Does it Cost to Get Married in Boulder, CO?

The cost of eloping in Boulder really depends on three things: your vendors, your wedding venue, and if you’re getting married on Boulder OSMP grounds. The wedding ceremony permits for Boulder’s OSMP trail system ranges and depends on a variety of things. We break down this information for you below. Your cost also depends on what time of year you’re planning to elope in Colorado. We mention some affordable wedding venue options in Boulder below, which include a lot of the OSMP ceremony sites.

For a more detailed breakdown of Colorado elopements, then check out our Colorado elopement packages to team up with one of our vendors.

Our Favorite Boulder Wedding Venues

Like we mentioned above, Boulder has a ton of restaurants and places to explore that all can double as your reception or ceremony site. Our team specializes in adventure weddings, so we are going to feature outdoor ceremony options with epic views. The indoor wedding venues we mention have access to great views and make perfect reception locations for your post elopement party.

Greenbriar Inn

If you want a private wedding venue with mountain ranges and without the need to wake up way before sunrise, then a venue like Greenbriar Inn is probably a great option for you. This location has been around for over fifty years and has 20 acres to appreciate. With mountain views and picturesque scenery on the property, you also have three outdoor ceremony sites to pick from and some indoor reception spaces.

Omi Interlocken Resort and Spa

If you’re planning a bigger event, or want a relaxing accommodation to start your honeymoon together, then Omi Interlocken offers amazing backdrops of the Rocky Mountains and valley as you enjoy your wedding day together. You’ll be able to enjoy the view while relaxing with their full-service spa during your honeymoon.

Wedgewood Boulder Creek

Wedgewood Boulder Creek is a popular wedding venue in Boulder, CO. This wedding venue can easily accommodate bigger wedding parties or smaller guest sizes. You’ll have two ceremony locations to pick from, and you’ll get to enjoy the creek and old pines for your portraits.

Flagstaff House

Flagstaff House is a great option for those who want to elope and then have a post elopement reception. This venue is amazing because it’s located at one of the best restaurants in Colorado, perfect for foodies. We also love the panorama windows all around the venue, allowing you and your guests to enjoy the mountain views around you.

Colorado Mountain Ranch

During June – October, you can plan your wedding at The Colorado Mountain Ranch, where they have an outdoor amphitheater encircled by pine trees and views of Longs Peak. There are different packages available ranging from your traditional wedding and reception to a more intimate elopement experience.

Affordable Wedding Venues in Boulder, CO

For a lot of couples looking to plan their Boulder elopement, they want to elope somewhere outdoors and affordable. Luckily for you, Boulder has some of the most epic views and places to elope on Boulder OSMP lands and trails. While these areas are affordable wedding venues in Boulder, CO, you want to make sure you have a commercial use permit for your wedding day.

We love elopements, but it’s crucial all couples and wedding vendors follow leave no trace (LNT) and all permit regulations. You’ll also want to make sure to email Boulder OSMP with your reservation request that indicates your elopement, post elopement, or engagement plans. Keep in mind this rule applies to all couples who are hiring a professional photographer for their event.

There are a bunch of hidden gems around Boulder, CO. We’ll not be mentioning these locations strictly to protect the lands. The best way to find these remote locations is actually to team up with a vendor who specializes in Colorado elopements.

Check out some of our favorite outdoor affordable wedding venues in Boulder, perfect for your elopement:

Lost Gulch Overlook

One of the most popular places to elope in Boulder, CO, Lost Gulch Overlook is gorgeous. This trailhead can be busy and does not allow elopements during the weekends, so planning a weekday elopement is key here. If you’re looking for a magical experience, then we highly suggest a sunrise elopement. Your photographer will need a permit to photograph here, so double-check with them to make sure you all have the most up-to-date permit information.

Sunrise Amphitheater

Another popular, affordable wedding venue in Boulder, CO has to be Sunrise Amphitheater. You can reserve this space through Boulder OSMP. We love this spot for small weddings and elopements because your reservation gives you the opportunity to enjoy your ceremony without worrying if there are any hikers in your backdrop.

You’ll need to decide on the date and time block, you’ll want for your elopement. Keep in mind this location does close during the winter months due to heavy snow, so the Amphitheater is usually open from May to October. The fee for this location ranges from $100 to $400, depending on how many hours you want to reserve this location for and if you’re a resident of Boulder, CO, or not.

Artist Point

Near Sunrise Amphitheater, you’ll find Artist Point. Our team loves this spot because it is a bit more remote than the rest, and it’s some epic views tucked away in the trees. This location is also part of Boulder OSMP and is closed from October to April because the road to it is closed off.

Halfway House

If you’re planning a micro wedding in Boulder, CO, then the Halfway House is perfect! This area is both wheelchair accessible and open year-round. While this location can accommodate a bigger number of guests (40 people), it is strongly recommended to keep your guests to a minimum based on the parking situation (there are only 8 parking spaces).

You’ll get a pretty picturesque view of the meadow and you’ll be across from the Flagstaff Restuarant, which servers delicious food for your reception! The fee to rent this location ranges from $50 to $275, depending on how many hours you want to reserve this location for and if you’re a resident of Boulder, CO, or not.

Brainard Lake

This alpine lake in Boulder, CO is both gorgeous and unique at 10,300’ in the mountains. This can be a popular elopement destination because even though it has a high altitude, it is pretty accessible through the trailhead, especially during the Summer. Our best advice is to team up with a photographer to help guide you through your options on when to elope here.

Boulder Falls

If you prefer a waterfall backdrop for your Boulder, CO wedding day, then Boulder Falls is a good option. You can access this area year-round, but do so at your own risk during the winter when the falls freeze over! Keep in mind, this area can get pretty populated. The hike to Boulder Falls is relatively short and easy for many. Talk to your photographer about what options are best for your elopement or portraits here.

Chautauqua

Chautauqua Park is a pretty busy option for your Boulder wedding day. Once you see the epic views of the Flatirons as soon as you enter the parking lot, it’s so worth it. While this spot does get busy, this does not mean a weekday and sunrise elopement is impossible here. Talk to your photographer to go over the Boulder OSMP permit requirement and restrictions you should know about.

Airbnbs and Vrbos For Your Boulder Wedding

If none of the above is appealing to you for your ceremony near Boulder, CO, then another option is finding a rental property you love to host your ceremony at before exploring nearby areas with your partner. We always recommend going this route for your accommodations versus renting a hotel room for a night or two.

Depending on your party’s size and plans, there’s a number of options to choose from that are big enough to host all your friends and family. Are you planning to elope just the two of you? Airbnbs and Vrbos are perfect to start your honeymoon off on the right foot together. You’ll also get some amazing photos here, and you’ll have the whole property to yourself!

Colorado Vendors For Your Boulder Elopement Package

Are you ready to plan your wedding in Boulder, CO? Team up with one of our featured vendors below to get started!