whether you have been planning to have an intimate wedding or the idea of eloping is new to you, you really can’t go wrong with doing so in gorgeous colorado!! from the front range to the foothills and everywhere between (and around!) there is no shortage of perfect locations to tie the knot!

1. della terra mountain chateau – estes park, colorado

if you are searching for a traditional wedding venue that caters to small and intimate weddings as well, della terra mountain chateau in estes park colorado is a great spot – with both indoor and outdoor ceremony spots with perfect mountain views, and the ability to cater a small crowd and handle all the details for you brings the simplicity of intimate weddings together with the beauty of a traditional day! last winter, hiyori+casey tied the knot with snow falling and their few closest family members and friends watching – the perfect place for a winter intimate wedding! (oh, p.s. you can stay the night and they have hot tubs!)

2. horse tooth reservoir – fort collins, colorado

from perfect lake side views to the valleys and hilltops that flood with perfect sunset light, horse tooth reservoir is a gorgeous location to say “i do”! jessica+kelby had a traditional wedding day in fort collins on a private property but wanted to have a quiet special moment for their personal vows and opted for a first look and vow exchange up on top of the trails over looking the lake – it was so intimate and sweet (and gorgeous) and reminded me of the beauty of shooting in mid-day light! horse tooth is beautiful any time of day and you can’t go wrong just walking up a trail, or even parking in a lot for a lookout to exchange vows!

3. hidden valley in rocky mountain national park – estes park, colorado

headed back to estes park and up into the rocky mountain national park is a perfect fall location – hidden valley!! while this spot is fairly quiet, it is not exactly what it’s name might make you think – it’s incredibly easy to find and simple to park and enjoy the space! alexis+leonel were our models for a fall styled shoot (p.s. they totally rocked it!) and we fell in LOVE with this area of the park!! while this spot is not allowed for wedding ceremonies, it is great for photos!! the park has some very specific rules when it comes to ceremonies inside the park so make sure to read up and follow them all! the rules can be found here! rocky mountain national park is gorgeous, and has had a wrap in the photo community for being overdone, but i still love it in every way and yes, there are other gorgeous locations in colorado but if rmnp calls to you, go for it!

4. rocky mountain national park in estes park, colorado – alberta falls open area

again, rmnp requires permits if you are going to photograph and/or get married in the park – so remember that if you are actually planning on making your marriage legal in the park! if you want to just have photos then a photo permit is all that we need!! find all the official rules here! this is another location that is not allowed for ceremonies, but perfect for photos!! the views from this spot at sunset last forever and the sandy sides of little streams are so unique!! it is such a calm and relaxed space to really enjoy the park and it’s beauty! another styled shoot from this spot was cassidie+dean last summer, i love this location and use it for engagement photos often!! there is a field of aspen trees right beside it as well for two totally different looks!

5. chautauqua park, boulder colorado

this park is so simple to get to and boats gorgeous views – it’s a simple walk on a path from parking lots for the flatirons backdrop and sharing vows in the park is allowed! with both official venues through the park, and simple access to trails and paths, the options are endless in boulder! chautauqua is gorgeous all year long and is great for winter ceremonies and well as the warm months! carrie beth + luke opted for a trail walk with their doggos at chautauqua and we couldn’t pass up the views!

6. lost gulch lookout – boulder, colorado

just up the road from chautauqua park is one of my personal favorites – lost gulch lookout!! carrie beth + luke soaked up the sunset at their engagement session at this lookout and it is some of the most gorgeous valley views within a quick drive! less than a 10 minute drive right up the road from pearl street in boulder and within 45 minutes of denver, this lookout is by far a perfect spot for sharing vows and tying the knot!

7. sapphire point – lake dillon, colorado

the best part about sapphire point is not only it’s super easy access with parking, but the fact that the farther you walk on the trails the better and better the views get!! there are a few lookouts right along the trails and has safe standing room for a few family members, but only up to 35 people total! and, it is one of the only public areas in summit county that allows weddings (not including resorts or private venues!) so it’s super special! it’s within an hour and a half of denver and really gives some mountain views without the long hikes!! over 9.500 feet above sea level, the views feel like you are on top of the world! this location does require permits and to follow some rules, so make sure you take care of those before heading up there! it is a space that is non-exclusive, so others could be walking the trails on your wedding day, but it’s a fairly quiet area and doesn’t allow camping or overnight stays! a reminder that weekday weddings are quieter, too! if you want to reserve your date, it has to be within in the next 6 months and has a simple rate, which you can reserve here!

while planning an elopement or intimate wedding may not be what you expected,  it can still be fantastic!! especially if you plan it right!! while i have not photographed official ceremonies at all of these locations, i have been to them all for photos and know they are wonderful!! i am happy to help you choose which one is right for you and your day and help you plan it in any ways you might need help!

if you have not found the perfect photographer for your colorado elopement or intimate wedding, i would love to be a part of it all!! head over to my contact form and tell me all about it!