Sapphire Point Overlook Wedding Guide | Updated for 2024
When it comes to choosing the perfect destination for your elopement or intimate wedding, Colorado’s Sapphire Point Overlook is one of the most popular spots to plan your wedding in Colorado. Nestled in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, overlooking Dillon Reservoir with panoramic views of the Tenmile and Gore mountain ranges, it’s no wonder why this picturesque spot is a favorite for couples looking to tie the knot. This location offers stunning vistas, a serene atmosphere, and a touch of wilderness, making it an unforgettable place to say “I do.”
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essential steps to plan your elopement or intimate wedding at Sapphire Point Overlook, including permit information, ideal locations, park regulations, and tips to make your special day seamless and memorable.
Planning Your Sapphire Point Overlook Wedding
Where is Sapphire Point Overlook?
Sapphire Point Overlook is situated between Keystone and Breckenridge on Swan Mountain Road in Summit County, Colorado. It is part of the White River National Forest and offers breathtaking views at a 9,500-foot elevation with views of the Tenmile and Gore mountains.
Sapphire Point is one of the most popular and easily accessible elopement locations in Colorado. The area itself can accommodate up to 30 people. However, we prefer this location for micro weddings and elopements for under 15 people for an intimate experience.
Looking for more information? Check out our Colorado elopement package!
How to Reserve Sapphire Point Overlook for Your Wedding
Before you start planning your wedding day at Sapphire Point Overlook, it’s crucial to obtain the necessary permits. The area is managed by the Dillon Ranger District of the White River National Forest, and they require a Special Use Permit and reservation for weddings and elopements.
Application Process: Start the permit application process a good amount of time before your wedding day since this location is popular and does fill up QUICK. Reservations can be made up to 6 months in advance. You can make your reservation on Recreation.gov under “Day Use Campground within White National Forest”, which can be found here.
Fees: There is usually a fee associated with the permit, so be prepared to budget for this expense. Fees can vary depending on the size and complexity of your event. It is also ever-changing, so please refer to the park’s website for the most up-to-date fee. When planning your wedding day at Sapphire Point Overlook, expect to pay about $120.
Time slots: There are 4 different time slots to pick from for your ceremony when reserving at Sapphire Point. Each time slot is for 3 hours. Like with many other locations we talk about, you can expect fewer crowds during the early morning slot (6 am – 9 am) and the later slot (6 pm – 9 pm).
We recommend chatting with your photographer to see other weddings during different times and seasons they may have already documented.
Choosing the Perfect Location For Your Wedding Day at Sapphire Point
Sapphire Point Overlook offers several beautiful locations for your ceremony and portraits. Here are a few popular spots to consider:
Sapphire Point: The main overlook provides panoramic views of Dillon Reservoir and the surrounding mountains. It’s an ideal location for smaller gatherings.
Lower Overlook: Located just below the main point, this spot offers more privacy and a unique perspective of the reservoir.
Northwest Point: If you’re looking for a more secluded spot with stunning lake views, the Northwest Point is a fantastic choice.
Wildflower Meadow: In the summer, the meadow is adorned with colorful wildflowers, making it a dreamy location for an elopement.
When to Get Married in Sapphire Point Overlook
Sapphire Point can get pretty crowded, and it can be difficult to snag a reservation last minute. If you’re considering planning your wedding day here, you also need to consider what season you prefer.
Spring Weddings (March to May)
Average Temperatures: Highs 40-60°F (4-16°C), Lows 20-35°F (-6-2°C)
Pros: Melting snow and blooming wildflowers.
Cons: Unpredictable weather; can be muddy.
Spring flowers bring some showers, right? The overlook is gorgeous during this time as the foliage starts to turn green, but keep in mind it could be raining or be super muddy and wet. Both could make for some pretty cool dirty wedding dress pictures during your adventure.
Summer Wedding (June to August)
Average Temperatures: Highs 60-75°F (16-24°C), Lows 35-50°F (2-10°C)
Pros: Warm weather, lush green landscapes, and wildflowers in full bloom.
Cons: Can be crowded with tourists.
Summer is pretty amazing at Sapphire Point, but it’s also the busiest time to visit the area, so expect to see a lot of people around you.
Fall Weddings (September to November)
Average Temperatures: Highs 50-65°F (10-18°C), Lows 25-40°F (-4-4°C)
Pros: Beautiful fall foliage and cooler temperatures.
Cons: Weather can be unpredictable with early snowfalls.
You’ll get to admire the changing leaves from the overlook, but with the changing leaves also come some crowds.
Winter Weddings (December to February)
Average Temperatures: Highs 25-40°F (-4-4°C), Lows 5-20°F (-15 to -6°C)
Pros: Stunning snow-covered landscape, perfect for a winter wonderland wedding.
Cons: Cold temperatures and potential for heavy snow.
The access road (Swan Mountain Road) and the parking lot are kept plowed during the winter, so if you’re looking for an accessible and easy elopement location for your winter wedding dreams, then you should consider reserving during this time. Keep in mind this area may be less accessible if it has been heavily snowing.
With all the seasons, you want to remember there will always be crowds. We recommend just thinking about what seasonal vibe you and your partner are looking for, and going from there. If you are not interested in sharing your wedding day space with a ton of onlookers, then consider checking out these other places to elope in Colorado.
What is the Best Time of Day To Elope at Sapphire Point?
Video by Skyewater Photo + Film
The best time to elope at Sapphire Point Overlook depends on your preference and the season. When making your reservation online, you’ll be prompted to select a timeslot, you’ll get four options to choose from that are 3 hours.
Early morning and late afternoon provide beautiful photo lighting, and you’ll often encounter fewer crowds. Sunset ceremonies are particularly popular for their romantic ambiance. We personally prefer the later afternoon times for this area. However, Colorado weather can be unpredictable, so always have a backup plan in case of rain (pack some cute transparent umbrellas).
Guidelines For Your Sapphire Point Wedding
To ensure your elopement goes smoothly, it’s essential to adhere to park regulations. Check out the following “need to know” details for your Sapphire Point wedding:
Leave No Trace: Respect the natural environment by staying on designated paths and disposing of trash properly. Do not throw flower petals, confetti, or seeds. Don’t feed the animals (no matter how cute they are). Learn more about leaving no trace during your wedding adventure.
Wedding Guests: You can have 30 people in your wedding party. Please keep in mind this number includes you, your guests, and any vendors who are tagging along with you. Also, keep in mind the parking lot for Sapphire Point Overlook is rather small (about 22 parking spaces). If you are a group of 3o, you may not have enough parking spots. Our biggest tip is to keep your party small at this location and carpool!
Reservation: Even though you have to reserve the area, you do not own exclusive use of the overlook during your allotted 3-hour time block. So keep in mind visitors can still share the space with you. Any reservation changes or cancellations will be subject to a $10 fee (except timeslot changes, which don’t require a fee).
Parking: With your reservation, you’ll get only 2 dedicated parking spaces. Keep this in mind if you have a bigger guest count.
Floral and Decorations: You can bring some chairs and a free-standing wedding arch for your ceremony. However, please mention this to the park services beforehand to get a better understanding of their specific limitations on decorations.
Food and Beverage: No food and beverages are allowed at Sapphire Point Overlook.
Music: Only acoustic non-amplified music that “cannot be heard more than 150 feet away” is allowed.
Pets: Dogs are allowed at Sapphire Point Overlook. Please keep them leashed and pick up after them!
Pros VS Cons of Sapphire Point Weddings
Pros of having your wedding at Sapphire Point Overlook
- Scenic Views: Breathtaking backdrop for photos and ceremonies.
- Affordability: Low reservation cost ($120 is a great price compared to the thousands private wedding venues charge).
- Intimacy: Perfect for small, intimate gatherings (30 people max)
- Accessibility year-round: No need to worry about a crazy hike to and from or roads being closed.
- Location: Conveniently close to major towns and popular accommodation spots.
- Pet Friendly!
Cons of having your wedding at Sapphire Point Overlook
- Crowded: This is a very popular spot for tourists, so don’t expect to have this area to yourselves.
- Competitive: Don’t wait till the last minute to reserve your ceremony time slots here!
- Weather Dependence: Can be unpredictable, especially in spring and fall.
- Limited Amenities: No on-site facilities or shelters (get ready to go potty in a hole you can’t flush and be ok with it!)
- Parking: Limited parking availability (2 spots per your reservation)
- Views: There are trees, so don’t expect a completely open view. (It’s still beautiful though!)
Alternative Ceremony Locations Near Sapphire Point
Colorado has NO shortage of gorgeous locations where you can plan your intimate wedding. Here are some of our favorite alternative locations below:
- Dillon Reservoir: Offers scenic lakeside views and more space for larger gatherings.
- Breckenridge: Historic town with various venues, from rustic barns to elegant lodges.
- Keystone Resort: Multiple wedding venues with stunning mountain views and full-service packages.
- Lake Dillon: Provides a picturesque setting with mountain and lake views, perfect for larger weddings.
- Secret Spot via teaming up with a Colorado photographer!
Vendors For Your Sapphire Point Wedding
Our best advice when planning your wedding at Sapphire Point? Team up with a vendor who specializes in Sapphire Point Overlook weddings, specifically elopements and micro weddings. This way you can team up with the best and plan your magical elopement there. Check out our featured vendors below.
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Map and Compass Photography
Photographer
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Run Wild With Me Photography
Photographer
💕 Curating & capturing wildly romantic adventures in colorful Colorado & beyond! Passionate about our planet & happy marriages 💕
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Rachel Beckwith Photography
Photographer
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Mikayla Renee Photo
Photographer
Beautiful photos are why you're here but I'm also committed to making sure you have a lovely, stress-free experience!
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Featured
Dawn McClannan Photography
Photographer
Telling your story through a unique and meaningful experience for passionate and adventurous souls!
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Captured by Marcela
Photographer
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Featured
Pretty/Bold Photography
Photographer
Traveling photographer for the adventurous, bold, and fun! Defying traditions and crushing expectations, one couple at a time!