The Ultimate Colorado Location Guide
![](http://images-pw.pixieset.com/elementfield/804697661/549A9790-ea95d7d5.jpg)
Chautauqua, Boulder
One of my top recommendations. With spectacular views of the Boulder Flat Irons, this spot is a special one for sure. As with all of Boulder County, ceremonies can only happen in paid designated areas.
30 min. from Denver. Photography permit fees are $30.
![](http://images-pw.pixieset.com/elementfield/517697661/549A3708-7b242e7f.jpg)
Lost Gulch Overlook, Boulder
Stunning views of the mountains and only 40 minutes from Denver, what's not to love? At sunset, this location can get a bit crowded but that won't stop us from getting some phenomenal photos.
40 min. from Denver.
![](http://images-pw.pixieset.com/elementfield/387697661/549A4293-580ad3f6.jpg)
Garden of the Gods, Colorado Springs
Red rocks galor, Garden of the Gods is also one of my favorite spots. From High Point you can view the main red rocks as well as see a clear view of Pikes Peak.
1 hour 15 minutes from Denver. No permit required.
![](http://images-pw.pixieset.com/elementfield/972108661/549A5831-fa9ce8cc.jpg)
Sapphire Point, Dillon
Only a 5-minute walk with the prettiest views of Summit County. There is an upper part that is sectioned off for ceremonies and we can walk on a lower trail to get beautiful views of the lake. This spot will be under construction this year but there are plenty of spots near it that are just as beautiful.
1 hour from Denver. Reservation required for elopements/small events.
![](http://images-pw.pixieset.com/elementfield/815108661/549A7737-288f717b.jpg)
Brainard Lake, Ward
Seriously such a beautiful spot! Brainard Lake is about an hour from Denver and offers some gorgeous mountain + lake views! My favorite time to go is at sunrise when everything is still and you can get the most phenomenal reflations in the water. There is a timed entry and is $14 per vehicle to get in.
1 hour 15 minutes from Denver.
![](http://images-pw.pixieset.com/elementfield/706618661/549A5230-27dc4283.jpg)
Black Canyon of Gunnison, Gunnison
I went here for the first time in summer, 2021 and wow, it was something else. I've been to the Grand Canyon and I felt like this was more beautiful! Maybe it's because not as many people traffic it but I am very grateful. This is a great place to elope if you're looking for something secluded and you can create a trip out of it!
4.5 hours from Denver.
![](http://images-pw.pixieset.com/elementfield/046108661/IMG_5124-fd9bff8a.jpg)
St. Mary's Glacier, Idaho Springs
No permit is required, this is one of the best elopement spots. It does have a half-mile STEEP hike up. This is not a spot if you're looking for accessibility but man, if you're willing to walk, this is a beyond gorgeous spot.
1 hour from Denver.
![](http://images-pw.pixieset.com/elementfield/982308661/IMG_4472-cb451138.jpg)
Look Out Mountain, Golden
One of my all-time favorite spots and not just because it's so close to my house lol. This one has it all, mountains, Denver, and trees. It's a great spot at sunset but if you go at sunrise you can have it all to yourselves!
30 minutes from Denver. $0 Permit fee - I cover this.
![](http://images-pw.pixieset.com/elementfield/263077661/549A7196-d39e1a8e.jpg)
Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park
One of the most popular spots in Colorado. The park has a wide variety of views within it including lakes, valleys, and mountains.
1.5 hours from Denver. $50 photography permit fee. $14 timed entry per vehicle. Special permit required for elopements.
![](http://images-pw.pixieset.com/elementfield/444308661/549A7815-64ac7cee.jpg)
Colorado Paint Mines Interpretive Park, Calhan
This is hands down one of the most unique spots I have ever seen. The white rock is unlike anything else in Colorado. It is an easy 10 minute walk from the parking lot, and a 1.5 hour drive from Denver. Special photo permit for $100 is required and dogs are not allowed.
![](http://images-pw.pixieset.com/elementfield/308308661/IMG_5540-711b81dc.jpg)
Kenosha Pass, Park County
One of the best places to capture the aspens changing in the fall. Bonus! There's a campground located here so take a weekend camping trip here while you take photos.
2 hours from Denver.
![](http://images-pw.pixieset.com/elementfield/629308661/095A0962-149a2d5a.jpg)
Golden Gate Canyon State Park, Golden
Another phenomenal spot to capture the changing aspens. There is a good ceremony spot at Panorama Point that you can rent out. Fits both 15-20 people.
50 minutes from Denver.
![](http://images-pw.pixieset.com/elementfield/781708661/549A2831-1f109580.jpg)
Studio
Studios are a great spot if you want an indoor space but don't have a home that fits your vision for the photoshoot. There are plenty of places in Denver that you can book.
![](http://images-pw.pixieset.com/elementfield/170697832/549A4778-f1788272.jpg)
In-Home Session
This can look however you want. Cuddles on the couch? Amzing! Making pancakes in the kitchen in the morning? Even better. There are endless possibilities and I am here to photograph it!
![](http://images-pw.pixieset.com/elementfield/329408661/IMG_0587-3f5881e5.jpg)
Downtown Denver
We can do whatever in Denver, there's so much freedom. You can go from quaint house vibes to graffiti to the skyrise view on MSU Denver's campus. We can walk around and just find some awesome spots on 16th street mall!
![](http://images-pw.pixieset.com/elementfield/354908661/IMG_2547-0f372116.jpg)
Guanella Pass, Georgetown
I feel like I keep saying this but this is definitely one of my favorite spots, especially in the afternoon after the afternoon thunderstorms have passed by! You'll get great views of the 14er, Mt. Bierstadt. It is above treeline so we have to be careful of severe weather like lightning but it's definitely worth it!!!
1 hour from Denver.
![](http://images-pw.pixieset.com/elementfield/579018661/549A9041-64f24d55.jpg)
Loveland Pass
WOWEE. Get ready to get blown away. This location gives me nostalgia as my mom and I used to drive it every weekend to go skiing at Arapahoe Ski Area so now whenever I get to photograph an elopement here it feels more intimate than some other locations.
About an hour from Denver.
![](http://images-pw.pixieset.com/elementfield/699018661/549A2813-392f8e60.jpg)
Boreas Pass, Breckenridge
Another favorite, Boreas Pass was a new adventure for me as an adult and I've got to say, it will be a favorite day till the day I die. When we go here I usually recommend carpooling starting at the trailhead. It's a one-lane dirt road and has limited places to stop but that's all part of the adventure!
1 and a half hours from Denver.
Places I have yet to photograph but would love the opportunity:
Bald Mountain, Boulder
Maroon Bells, Aspen
Blue Lakes, Breckenridge
A literal parking garage (LOL), Denver
Graveyard, Anywhere
Mount Evans Scenic Byway
Pike's Peak Views, Woodland Park
Telluride
Flower Meadows, Crested Butte