Want incredible mountain views without sweating through your wedding dress? Same. These Colorado elopement locations require no hiking. You just park and take a short, easy walk to stunning mountain scenery. Here’s your guide to the best Colorado elopement locations, no hiking needed and no boots required.
WHY CHOOSE AN ELOPEMENT LOCATION WITH NO HIKING?
Real talk: Not every elopement needs a summit. You don’t have to hike 10 miles to prove your love is real. Sometimes you just want the views without the cardio and that’s totally valid.
These easy-access elopement spots are perfect if you:
- Want to wear that dream dress (the one with the train)
- Are bringing family or friends with mobility challenges
- Don’t want to sweat through your outfit before photos
- Value comfort as much as adventure
- Want multiple locations in one day without exhausting yourselves
- Are eloping in heels (respect)
The best part? Colorado has SO many accessible spots that look just as epic as the backcountry locations. This list only scratches the surface, which is why it’s important to hire a photographer who knows Colorado and all of the accessible locations. Let’s dive into the best Colorado elopement locations with no hiking required.
10 BEST COLORADO ELOPEMENT LOCATIONS NO HIKING REQUIRED
1. GARDEN OF THE GODS (COLORADO SPRINGS)
Why it’s perfect: Garden of the Gods has a handful of designated ceremony sites within the park and none of them require a permit for elopements under 25 people. The red rock formations against Pikes Peak are absolutely iconic. You can drive right up to multiple pull-offs and be steps away from stunning backdrops. You are able to explore throughout the park in your wedding attire afterwards for more portraits!
Accessibility: Park and walk less than 50 feet to some ceremony spots
Permit: No permit needed for small groups (under 25 people)
Crowds: Can get busy, especially weekends and at sunset. I suggest early morning or a weekday.
Best season: Year-round, but spring and fall have the best temps
Dog-friendly: Yes, on-leash
Vibe: Dramatic red rocks, iconic Colorado scenery, easy access
Pro tip: The Balanced Rock area and Siamese Twins are the most popular spots. For fewer crowds, check out the north side of the park.
Distance from Denver: 1.5 hours
2. MAROON BELLS (ASPEN)
Why it’s perfect: The Maroon Bells Amphitheater is the iconic Colorado elopement location – and you don’t need to hike to get there. It’s literally right there when you get off the shuttle. The twin peaks reflecting in Maroon Lake? Chef’s kiss. Also, chances of seeing a moose are high here.
Accessibility: Shuttle drops you off steps from the lake viewpoint or you can secure a parking pass if you plan ahead early enough.
Permit: Wedding permit required ($150 for weddings/elopements)
Crowds: Very popular. Reserve shuttle early or go on a weekday morning if possible
Best season: Late September/early October for fall colors, but gorgeous year round
Dog-friendly: Yes, on-leash
Vibe: Iconic peaks, alpine lake, postcard-perfect
Pro tip: You must take the shuttle unless you secure an early morning or evening parking pass which are limited (no private vehicles allowed during peak season, typically mid-June through October). Book your shuttle reservation well in advance. Sunrise is the least crowded time.
Distance from Denver: 3.5 hours
More info: Maroon Bells Scenic Area
3. GUANELLA PASS
Why it’s perfect: Guanella Pass is one of my favorite spots for fall and summer elopements in Colorado. The alpine tundra, mountain peaks in every direction, and golden aspens (in fall) create a stunning backdrop. Multiple pull-offs mean you can literally stop anywhere along the pass for ceremony spots. I’ve got a few in my back pocket.
Accessibility: Park at pull-offs, walk 10-20 feet to ceremony spots
Permit: No permit needed
Crowds: Moderate, especially during fall foliage
Best season: Late September for peak aspen colors, but stunning year-round. I would avoid a winter elopement here due to elevation and road conditions.
Dog-friendly: Yes
Vibe: Alpine tundra, 360° mountain views, intimate
Pro tip: The summit of the pass (11,669 ft) has the most dramatic views. Go early for fewer crowds.
Distance from Denver: 1.5 hours
4. SAPPHIRE POINT OVERLOOK (DILLON)
Why it’s perfect: Sapphire Point offers panoramic views of the Tenmile Range and Dillon Reservoir. It’s a short, flat walk (about 0.2 miles) from the parking lot on a compacted dirt path. Perfect for guests with mobility concerns.
Accessibility: Paved, flat 0.2-mile walk (about 5 minutes)
Permit: Permit required ($150 for ceremony)
Crowds: Popular, so book your permit early. Also, keep in mind, your reservation does not grant exclusive access to the overlook, so technically other visitors can still walk through your ceremony for photos. If that’s not your speed, I’d skip this location.
Best season: Year-round, but summer and fall are most popular
Dog-friendly: Yes, on-leash
Vibe: Mountain overlook, reservoir views, accessible
Pro tip: Permits are limited and book up fast, especially for summer weekends. Reserve several months in advance.
Distance from Denver: 1.25 hours
More info: Sapphire Point Permits
5. CHAUTAUQUA PARK (BOULDER)
Why it’s perfect: Tucked at the edge of the city of Boulder, Chautauqua Park gives gorgeous views of the iconic Flatirons with zero hiking required. If you’re seeking a place with big views that’s also very accessible and would be easy for family/friends to get to as well, this is a great pick.
Accessibility: Park and walk less than 100 feet to viewpoints
Permit: Permit required for groups over 25 people
Crowds: Popular with tourists, but easy to find quieter spots
Best season: Spring through fall (winter can be icy)
Dog-friendly: Yes, on-leash
Vibe: Dramatic Flatirons, meadows, city-adjacent but still wild
Pro tip: Go early morning for best light and fewer crowds. The meadow area is perfect for ceremonies with 5 or less. The lawn area is great for larger groups.
Distance from Denver: 40 minutes
More info: Chautauqua Park Boulder
6. BRAINARD LAKE (NEAR WARD)
Why it’s perfect: Think peaceful lake + possible moose sighting (I see at least one every time I’m up here!). Perfect for couples who want a serene lakeside elopement without the hike. The Indian Peaks Wilderness provides a stunning backdrop.
Accessibility: Park and walk about 5 minutes on flat trail to lakeshore
Permit: Parking reservation required to access the area ($16)
Crowds: Moderate (reservation system helps control crowds)
Best season: Summer through early fall (typically June-October when road is open)
Dog-friendly: Yes, on-leash
Vibe: Alpine lake, mountain reflections, wildlife, serene
Pro tip: Make your recreation.gov reservation well in advance. The road is closed in winter.
Distance from Denver: 2 hours
More info: Brainard Lake Recreation Area
7. OFFICERS GULCH (FRISCO)
Why it’s perfect: Officers Gulch is a beautiful, accessible location right off I-70 near Frisco. Aspen groves create a natural cathedral effect year-round, and mountain views provide a stunning backdrop without any serious hiking. It’s one of those spots that feels secluded even though you’re close to the road.
Accessibility: Park and walk less than 5 minutes on easy trails
Permit: No permit needed
Crowds: Low to moderate
Best season: Year round, but summer + fall for those colors
Dog-friendly: Yes
Vibe: Aspen groves, pine trees, lake view, mountain backdrop
Pro tip: I recommend weekday elopements here to avoid crowds. Sunrise is even better if you want the place to yourselves. Multiple trails branch off from the parking area, so you can explore to find your perfect spot.
Distance from Denver: 1.5 hours
8. LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN (GOLDEN)
Why it’s perfect: Lookout Mountain offers panoramic views of Denver and the Front Range without any hiking. The overlook is literally right there when you park. Sunsets here are incredible.
Accessibility: Park and walk less than 50 feet
Permit: No permit needed
Crowds: Moderate, especially at sunset
Best season: Year-round, but spring and fall have the best weather
Dog-friendly: Yes
Vibe: Panoramic city and mountain views, sunset spot
Pro tip: The Nature Center area has multiple viewpoints. Go just before sunset for golden hour magic.
Distance from Denver: 30 minutes
9. MILLION DOLLAR HIGHWAY (BETWEEN OURAY & SILVERTON)
Why it’s perfect: Million Dollar Highway is near Telluride and is the perfect backdrop for an elopement. It’s nestled up in the San Juan mountains but still super accessible, giving you an effortless mountain backdrop. Multiple pull-offs along the highway provide stunning ceremony spots.
Accessibility: Park at pull-offs, walk a few feet
Permit: No permit needed
Crowds: Low to moderate (traffic passes by but pull-offs are quiet)
Best season: Summer through early fall (road can close in winter)
Dog-friendly: Yes
Vibe: Dramatic mountain scenery, winding mountain road, epic views
Pro tip: Depending on what month you’re eloping, parts of the highway close in winter. Plan accordingly.
Distance from Denver: 5+ hours (absolutely worth it for a weekend trip)
10. ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK
Why it’s perfect: RMNP is basically the poster child for Colorado mountain scenery—and you don’t need to summit anything to access it. Multiple ceremony spots require only short, easy walks: 3M Curve, Sprague Lake, Bear Lake, Upper Beaver Meadows, Lily Lake. You get dramatic peaks, alpine lakes, and that iconic Colorado vibe without the cardio.
Accessibility: Most ceremony spots are 5-15 minute easy walks from parking
Permit: Wedding permit required ($300 for ceremonies)
Crowds: Can get very busy, especially summer weekends
Best season: Summer and fall for full road access, but stunning year-round
Dog-friendly: No (pets aren’t allowed on trails in RMNP—bummer, I know)
Vibe: Iconic Colorado peaks, alpine lakes, dramatic scenery
Pro tip: Book your permit well in advance (they’re limited and popular). Weekday sunrise ceremonies are your best bet for avoiding the tourist crowds.
Distance from Denver: 1.5-2 hours
More info: Rocky Mountain National Park Wedding Permits.
HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT LOCATION
Ask yourself:
What vibe do you want?
- Red rocks? → Garden of the Gods
- Alpine lake? → Maroon Bells or Brainard Lake
- Fall colors? → Guanella Pass or Officers Gulch
- Dramatic peaks? → Loveland Pass or Million Dollar Highway
How far do you want to drive from Denver?
- Under 1 hour → Lookout Mountain, Chautauqua Park
- 1-2 hours → Garden of the Gods, Sapphire Point, Guanella Pass, Officers Gulch
- 3+ hours → Maroon Bells, Million Dollar Highway
What season are you eloping?
- Spring/Summer → Most locations accessible
- Fall → Guanella Pass, Officers Gulch for aspens
- Winter → Garden of the Gods, Lookout Mountain, Officers Gulch (roads stay open)
Do you need a permit?
- No permit needed → Guanella Pass, Officers Gulch, Lookout Mountain, Million Dollar Highway
- Permit required → Maroon Bells, Sapphire Point, Chautauqua (for larger groups)
TIPS FOR PLANNING A NO HIKE ELOPEMENT IN COLORADO
Check road conditions. Some mountain passes close seasonally or during storms. Check CDOT road conditions before your elopement day.
Go early or on weekdays. Popular spots get crowded on summer weekends. Early morning or weekday elopements mean fewer tourists photobombing your ceremony.
Bring layers. Even drive-up locations can be windy and cold, especially at higher elevations. Bring a jacket or wrap.
Have a backup plan. Weather in Colorado is unpredictable. Have a backup location or be flexible with timing.
Altitude matters. Many of these spots are above 10,000 feet. If you’re not used to altitude, take it easy and stay hydrated.
BOTTOM LINE
You don’t have to hike 10 miles to get incredible Colorado mountain views. These Colorado elopement locations no hiking required offer all the beauty with zero sweat. Whether you want red rocks, alpine lakes, fall colors, or dramatic peaks, there’s an accessible spot that fits your vibe.
The best part? You can wear that dress, those heels, or whatever makes you feel amazing—without worrying about trail conditions. These easy-access Colorado elopement locations make it simple to have stunning mountain backdrops without breaking a sweat.
Ready to plan your no-hiking Colorado elopement? Fill out my contact form to start planning. Want more location ideas? Check out this complete Colorado elopement location guide I put together. And don’t forget to learn how to self-solemnize in Colorado so you can marry yourselves wherever you want!
