This guide will walk you through how to elope in Boulder, Colorado – including the most scenic elopement locations, tips for tying the knot, and everything you need to know!
Nestled where the rolling Great Plains meet the Flatiron mountains, Boulder, Colorado is the perfect place to elope if you want mountain views, golden meadows, pine-covered foothills, and a laid back vibe. With easy access to tons of adventures, a Boulder elopement is an incredible way to plan a wedding day that’s meaningful, unique, and entirely your own!
The Best Time to Elope in Boulder
There’s no wrong time to tie the knot in Boulder, but Colorado weather definitely varies throughout the year, so it does depend on what you’re hoping for. Some seasons will be more ideal depending on weather, accessibility, and your tolerance for snow.
Summer is a popular time to elope in Boulder, and the most popular time to visit in general. Expect more crowds! But also, you can expect long days, blooming wildflowers, and snow free mountain trails.
September and October are stunning, with golden aspens, and daytime temperatures are in the 60s and 70s, making it a perfect time for outdoor adventures! Later in the fall, weather can get a little more unpredictable, and snow can start to fall in the mountains around mid October.
Winter can be magical if you want a snowy elopement! Microspikes or snowshoes can get you out into the mountains, and there are plenty of winter adventures in Boulder. Plus, the city even plows their bike paths when it snows!
Spring is a great time for a Boulder elopement if you want to avoid crowds. As snow starts to melt, you can see waterfalls and some wildflowers, but the higher elevation spots will still be covered in snow.
Boulder Elopement Locations
Boulder has some incredible landscapes, and a lot of options that are just minutes from downtown! Here are a few of the best Boulder elopement locations.
Chautauqua Park
Chataqua Park has some of the best views in Boulder! The dramatic Flatiron mountains frame an open meadow, and the views don’t require any hiking, but there are some options for exploring. Sunrise is gorgeous here, and since it’s a popular spot, that also helps you get some privacy for your ceremony!
Permit?: No, unless you have more than 50 people attending.
Hiking Required?: No.
Dog Friendly?: Yes.
Boulder’s Open Space and Mountain Parks
Boulder’s Open Space and Mountain Parks system contains a lot of the natural areas close to the city, and there are a few places to choose from. There are designated areas for elopements, which include stone shelters and picnic areas. These are the only places you can have a ceremony, but you can take photos in other locations, like the gorgeous Lost Gulch Overlook!
Permit?: Only for events with more than 25 people, but all ceremonies require reserving one of the shelter areas.
Hiking Required?: No, but a few of the options for locations require short (under 1 mile) hikes.
Dog Friendly?: Mostly yes, but there are a few trails where dogs are not allowed.
Indian Peaks Wilderness
This option is a little outside of Boulder – so it’s an elopement location for coules who want to get away from the city! In just an hour’s drive, you’ll find yourself in the Indian Peaks Wilderness, with jagged mountain peaks, wildflowers, alpine lakes, and fewer people. This is National Forest Land, which means that it’s less developed and less busy than the nearby Rocky Mountain National Park or the parks in Boulder!
Permit?: No.
Hiking Required?: Depends on the location – there are plenty of options either way!
Dog Friendly?: Yes.
Boulder Elopement Permits & Paperwork
Eloping in Boulder is relatively easy – but there is still some red tape and paperwork to sort out! Here’s what you need to tie the knot.
Boulder Elopement Permits
Some elopement locations require a permit, but others don’t, and others only require one if you have over a certain number of people. It might sound confusing, but don’t worry – I’ll help you figure this out! As your Colorado elopement photographer, I’ll make sure that you know the requirements for your location, and how to get a permit if you need it.
Boulder Marriage Licenses
A marriage license is what makes your marriage legally official. You’ll need a Colorado marriage license to elope in Boulder, which you can get at any county clerk’s office in the state! If you live in Colorado, you can apply remotely and get your license in the mail through the Boulder county clerk’s office. If you live out of state, you will need to be in Colorado during your appointment, and pick up the marriage license on the same day. You’ll both need to be there with photo IDs and your social security numbers, and the marriage license costs $30 (but this can vary by county). There’s no waiting period, so you can use the marriage right away! Your ceremony does need to be used within 35 days, and after it’s signed, it needs to be returned to the county clerk within 65 days.
Once you get the marriage license, you can self solemnize! In Colorado, you don’t need an officiant or any witnesses to tie the knot – the only required signatures are the two people getting married. Easy, right?!
Boulder Elopement Adventures & Things to Do
One of the best things about eloping in Boulder, and eloping in general, is that your day is completely customizable! Nothing’s off limits, so the day you get married can really include whatever you want it to. Here are just a few ideas for things to do when you elope in Boulder:
- Go hiking
- Pack a picnic or champagne toast for after your ceremony
- Explore Pearl Street – a historic street with shops, restaurants, and more
- Visit one of Boulder’s breweries
- Get coffee at a local shop
- See the stars at Fiske Planetarium
Boulder Elopement Packages
If you’re dreaming of eloping in Boulder, you don’t have to figure it all out yourself! Most couples elope because they want more meaning and less stress, so as an elopement photographer, my job is also to be your planning assistant and adventure budd. My Boulder elopement packages have everything you need – I help with finding the perfect Boulder elopement location, making a timeline, recommending vendors, and more.
If you’re feeling drawn to the mountains, wildflowers, and everything that Boulder has to offer, contact me, and let’s get started!
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