Colorado is a place for adventurers: towering mountains to climb, gorgeous mountain lakes, and no shortage of picture-worthy spots in its many national parks. Living in Colorado allowed me a lot of time experiencing the different landscapes that this state provides, and I’m happy to share some of my favorite (and most photographable) spots here.

If you’re set on getting hitched in the Centennial State but haven’t quite pinned down your perfect elopement spot yet, look no further than this list of the best locations for your Colorado adventure elopement. 

NOTE: This list includes Colorado elopement locations located within an hour or two of Denver. Interested in a different Colorado spot? Check out this list of elopement locations in the greater Colorado area. 

 1. Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park, CO

Pine trees, mountain lakes, THE Rocky Mountains: one (or all) of these would make the perfect backdrop for your elopement ceremony. There are so many locations to choose from in the park whether you are looking for a short hike, a long hike, or almost no hike at all. This park is MASSIVE, and there are a lot of different landscapes: cliffs, forests, falls, and tons of wildlife, which means you can really choose your favorite location. 

Interested in making this your spot? Basic info on weddings in the park is HERE. I can also help with any questions you might have! 

         1a. Ute Trail, Rocky Mountain National Park: 

If you’re having trouble narrowing down all the great Colorado elopement locations in Rocky Mountain National, here’s one recommendation! The Ute Trail is a great out-and-back route that is pretty easy considering the payoff is incredible views. How does 360 degree panoramic views of the Rockies sound? This is a great easy trail to walk and you can often spot elk here too!

Check out details on the Ute Trail HERE.

Landscape: Ganesh Dubal

2. Garden of the Gods, Colorado Springs, CO

If you’re a couple who loves the desert, rock-climbing enthusiasts, or you just want a Colorado elopement location that is totally unique, Garden of the Gods is your place. With three-hundred-foot sandstone rock formations, this Colorado icon is also a registered National Natural Landmark and is free and open to the public year-round!

Check out Garden of the Gods park info HERE. 

image:  Spencer Mills

3. St. Mary’s Glacier, Idaho Springs, CO

(this is a late spring shot)

If you’re looking for a stunning glacier view for your Colorado elopement, then St. Mary’s is your place. Just a short .75 mile hike will reward you with gorgeous views and is still short enough for most of your family and friends to tag along. 

Find out more about St. Mary’s Glacier HERE. 

4. Sapphire Point, Breckenridge, CO

About ninety minutes west of Denver, Sapphire Point has more mountain views than you can imagine. This Colorado elopement location boasts one of the best views of the state, with Lake Dillon, the Gore mountain range, and Tenmile mountain range all in view. 

Learn more about booking your ceremony at Sapphire Point HERE. 

Image: Brian Lackey

5. The Paint Mines, Calhan, CO

Look for a sandier venue? Colorado’s got that too! Although this spot can be a little touristy, some of the best rock formation in the U.S. are located on Colorado’s eastern plains at this area called The Paint Mines. With hoodoos, sandstone spires, and colored clay, this location will make for a gorgeous location for your Colorado elopement and will make for some amazing photographs of the day. 

Check out The Paint Mines Interpretive Park details HERE. 

image: Mollie Carberry

6. Sunrise Amphitheater, Boulder, CO

Located on top of Flagstaff Mountain in Boulder, this location has breathtaking views of Boulder. The Amphitheater does require a reservation for weddings and elopements, but that means your ceremony will stay super private! 

More information and how to reserve the Amphitheater HERE. 

image: Circled Thrice

7. Chautauqua Park, Boulder, CO

Another great Boulder location is Chautauqua Park. This is a great spot that doesn’t require a long hike to get some amazing views. Located at the foot of the Flatiron Mountains, this location has a plethora of both wildflowers and trees. 

Learn more about Chautauqua Park HERE. 

8. Lost Gulch Overlook, Boulder, CO

Another prime location not far from Boulder is the Lost Gulch Overlook. This spot has amazing views of Indian Peaks Wilderness and Long’s Peak and large boulder formations. 

An easy drive up Flagstaff Road, this spot makes an unbelievable Colorado elopement location for a sunrise or sunset wedding. This location is far enough from Boulder that it’s usually not too busy, and there are some great shots here. 

Check out some basic details on getting to the Lost Gulch Overlook HERE.

9. Lake Isabelle, Boulder, CO

Another spot in the heart of the Indian Lake Wilderness and an easy drive from Boulder, this is a beautiful location. You’ll need to undertake an easy hike to get to this alpine reservoir, but will be rewarded with some Colorado beauty, including a waterfall, wildflowers, streams, and rock formations. 

The lake is open year-round, though the water is drained somewhat in August, and has beautiful scenery no matter the season. 

Details on the hike to Lake Isabelle are available HERE. 

10. Eldorado Canyon, Boulder, CO

Another treasure in Boulder’s backyard, this spot has sandstone cliffs, fields of aspen trees, and a variety of picture-perfect Colorado backgrounds for your elopement and photos. You can also rock climb, mountain bike, ski, and bring your pups here, and it was voted one of “ten state parks you can’t miss”. 

Pro Tip: You may spot the occasional rattlesnake here, so be sure to keep that in mind. 

Find out more information about Eldorado Canyon State Park HERE.