The Best Mountain Photoshoot Locations near Denver, Colorado
There are so many amazing spots to adventure to for your mountain photoshoot or elopement in Colorado. This list won’t even begin to skim the top of epic spots in Colorado. But if you want to be able to fly into Denver and elope in the mountains without a ton of extra work like long hikes or a 4×4 vehicle then this list of Colorado Front Range Elopement & Micro-Wedding Locations is for you! It’s even perfect for engagement sessions, too!
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Colorado Elopement and Mountain Photoshoot Locations near Denver
These mountain photoshoot, elopement and micro-wedding locations are perfect for ceremonies with anywhere from 2 to around 25 guests. Some of them are less ideal for micro-weddings but don’t worry, I’ll let you know in that locations excerpt below. This list is a list of locations for the ceremony only. None of these spots can host a reception and most of them have rules like no erecting structures or bringing in seating.
The closest to Denver, and therefore easiest to access, mountain range is the Front Range. In this guide I’ll include the best Front Range locations plus a few of my favorite locations that are on the cusp of 2 hours and are 2-2.5 hours from Denver. I like to include these because as you get farther from Denver (some of) the locations become less crowded. I’ll note which locations are bit busier, but for the most part these locations will usually be on the more crowded side because of their ease (minimal hiking and/or no 4×4) to get there. I’ll also list my favorite small hike locations within these areas because these hikes are relatively easy.
PLEASE NOTE: Mountain weather and traffic varies greatly all year long. The times I’m giving are with no traffic. Please always be prepared for mountain traffic, road closures etc with the proper supplies in your vehicle. Mountain weather can change quickly so be prepared with layers, a light jacket, and sunblock. And always be sure to stay hydrated before and during your adventures in the high country. If you aren’t familiar with winter mountain driving or gear you’ll need to enjoy it check out my How to Guide for Winter Mountain Adventures!
Locations Within a Hour from Denver
Lookout Mountain in Golden, Colorado
Lookout Mountain is located above the historic town of Golden, Colorado. It’s a popular spot for tourists and locals because it’s only 30 minutes from the city but gives you all the mountain feels. Since Lookout Mountain is the first mountain next to the plains you get great views looking east, over Denver’s cityscape. This location is ideal for just the couple, or the couple and 1-2 guests max. It’s not a large space on a mountain side with some exposure.
Lookout Mountain is a great spot for winter elopements who aren’t always wanting a ton of snow but want mountains. It’s an easier mountain to access in the winter but can be slippery with ice so always wear additional footing like micro-spikes.
Miles from Denver: 19 miles
Elevation: 7,379′
Permit: Yes. Must fill out at least 5 days prior and will need to submit proof of general liability insurance.
Permit Info
Permit Application: https://www.denvergov.org/content/denvergov/en/office-of-special-events/film.html
Contact:
Nneka Johnson | Special Events Liaison
Office of Special Events, City and County of Denver
Direct 720.913.1598 l Office 720.913.1501 l
Nneka.johnson@denvergov.org
Want to see more from the above Lookout Mountain elopement? Click here!
Click here to see a sunrise Engagement session on Lookout Mountain!
Lost Gulch Overlook in Boulder, CO
Lost Gulch Overlook on Flagstaff Mountain in Boulder is another great spot for an elopement ceremony in Colorado. It has gorgeous sweeping views and you stand on a large, rocky outcropping with cliffs that you would not want to fall off of. It’s a popular hang out spot and pretty popular with the tourists as well. But most people are really nice when they see a bride in her wedding dress. But it is not a place you can reserve so they do have a right to be there as well. You will need a photography permit for OSMP but your photographer will have to apply for it as they ask for proof of general liability insurance.
Miles from Denver: 32.8 miles
Elevation: 7,333′
Permit: Yes. A permit from Boulder’s OSMP is required for Lost Gulch Overlook. During covid you must also email the permit contact to make a reservation for the location, date and time you’d like. They are limiting special use of the areas so to continue social distancing.
Permit Application: https://bouldercolorado.gov/osmp/apply-for-a-commercial-use-permit
Click here to see more from the adventure elopement with friends I shared above.
Mt Falcon West in Indian Hills, Colorado
Mount Falcon West is a popular spot for hiking and photo sessions alike. It’s got tall grass, pine trees, and big boulders with view mountain views.
Distance from Denver: 27.2 miles
Elevation: 7,847′
Permit: Yes
Permit Application: https://jeffco.us/open-space/permits-and-reservations/
Evergreen, Colorado
Mestaa’Ėhehe Pass (formerly Squaw Pass) is located in the Arapaho National Forest halfway between Evergreen and Idaho Springs. It connects the two towns along a beautiful high country mountain road with mountain views, aspens, wildflowers, lakes, waterfalls, and lookouts. It’s a gorgeous area to explore for an adventure elopement!
Distance from Denver: 32.9 miles
Elevation: 9,790′
Permit: No
St. Mary’s Glacier in Idaho Springs, Colorado
I haven’t been to St Mary’s Glacier yet but have plans to check it out this summer and do a little 4x4ing over in the area. St. Mary’s Glacier is a popular spot for its ease of access and short trail. I highly suggest sunrise at locations like this to avoid the crowds and have some privacy.
Distance from Denver: 43.9 miles
Elevation: 11,236′
Permit: No
Hike: Yes. 807′ elevation gain in just under a mile. It’s a butt kicker but the views are worth it at sunrise!
Elopement Locations Around 1.5 Hours from Denver
Sapphire Point Overlook in Dillon, Colorado
Sapphire Point is one of the most popular overlooks in Colorado. It’s perfectly situated between Dillon and Breckenridge along the Dillon Reservoir. It’s along a trail but it has a beautiful little overlook surrounded in natural stones making the perfect elopement ceremony space. It can even host more guests for an intimate wedding if you were having a micro wedding in Colorado. You have to rent the space out but it’s an affordable cost of only $110. Click here for Sapphire Point Overlook’s reservation website and calendar. You can rent chairs and have them brought out to the point for your guests if you’d like. This rental company does this for intimate weddings at Sapphire Point often.
Distance from Denver: 74.5 Miles
Elevation: 9,500′
Permit: Normally yes, currently no. Weird rules due to covid right now. But this is a public place so without a permit you cannot kick anyone out of the overlook area.
Rocky Mountain National Park near Estes Park and Grandby, Colorado
Rocky Mountain National Park has so many great spots to elope. They require a wedding permit and that you use a specific location for exchanging vows but it’s a reasonable price at only $250. Each of their specified ceremony sites are gorgeous! And, once you exchange vows at one of their ceremony sites you can then adventure to anywhere in the park you want for photos. You can find all the information about ceremony sites in Rocky Mountain National Park here. Just keep in mind that these ceremony sites are super popular, so book your spot in advance. I’d start to try to reserve it 12 months in advance if possible. Only 250 permits are issued a year with only 6 weddings allowed in the park per day, and only 2 weddings at each location per day.
You can always have your ceremony outside the Rocky Mountain National Park, in Estes Park or Grand Lake and then go into the park for photos. The permit just for photography is only $50 and has to be secured by your photographer.
Distance from Denver: ~70 miles
Elevation: 7,860 feet to 14,259 feet
Permit: Yes.
Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs, Colorado
Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs is one of the most iconic destinations in the state. It boasts stunning red rock formations that only the god’s could have created, hence the name. They don’t require a permit for small and quick ceremonies. They have a list of locations they you can use and their rules. Check out their wedding information here.
Distance from Denver: 68 miles
Elevation: 6,400′
Permit: No.
Loveland Pass on the Continental Divide
Loveland Pass is one those on top of the world mountain elopement locations. If you have dreams of being above tree line and surrounded by Rocky Mountain peaks than Loveland Pass may be the perfect spot for your elopement. You just have to be careful coming from Denver or lower altitudes because it’s above 12,000 feet elevation and includes some hiking to get to the best spots. It’s an awesome spot to hike around and enjoy the views. Be sure to check the weather before you head up as it can turn in the blink of an eye and sometimes the wind can be a bit too intense. Luckily just driving down the pass road towards the west end will give you lots of other beautiful options for your intimate elopement as well.
Distance from Denver: 60 miles
Elevation:11,991′
Permit: No
Want to see more from this epic winter elopement at Loveland Pass? Click here!
Indian Peaks Wilderness
Lake Isabelle is location in Brainard Lake Recreation Area in the Indian Peaks Wilderness near Ward, Colorado. The area is full of gorgeous high alpine lakes, waterfalls and wildlife. The most popular spots for elopements in this area are Lake Isabelle and Brainard Lake because they’re the easiest to get to. The summer trail to Lake Isabelle is only 5.5 miles out and back and 551 feet of elevation gain.
In the winter the parking lot right near Brainard Lake gets covered in snow and closes the road. The winter lot adds on 4+ miles round trip. For winter elopements past Brainard lake you’re very likely to need snowshoes all winter long due to the fact the area is at such a high elevation. The winter trail to Lake Isabelle is much longer and gets a lot of snow.
Distance from Denver: 52 miles
Elevation: 10,300′
Permit: No. Just entry fee needed to get into the parking area. Reservations required in the peak season.
Kruger Rock in Larimer County near Estes Park, Colorado
Kruger Rock has a short but steep hike at 4 miles round trip and almost 1,000 ft of elevation gain. It’s pretty much up the whole time but for the views it’s worth it. We’ll take our time with lots of breaks on the way up. No rush, it’s your day to have fun!
Distance from Denver: 63.5 miles
Elevation: 9,355′
Permit: Yes. Permit needed from Larimer County.
Locations around 2 to 2.5 hours from Denver
As you get further from Denver the amount of tourists can start to taper off. But that’s not to say these spots don’t also fill up in the summer time. Colorado is a popular state for mountain recreation. No matter where you choose to get married, if you want more seclusion at the easier to get to locations, I suggest a sunrise start or a weekday.
Breckenridge, Colorado
Distance from Denver: 80.6 miles
Elevation: 9,600′
Permit: No
Leadville, Colorado
Turquoise Lake is one of my favorites in the state. It has amazing camping plus recreational activities all year round. It’s a high alpine lake surrounded by several 14ers in the Sawatch and Mosquito Ranges like Mt. Sherman and Colorado’s two highest peaks Mt. Massive & Mt. Elbert. It’s a great location for any kind of elopement on the water. Rent a boat, bring your paddleboards and set up camp or rent a nearby cabin. Leadville is an awesome little town with it’s own mountain town charm. It’s the highest elevated city in the US so if you’re planning on visiting Leadville be sure to prepare yourself for the change in altitude.
Distance from Denver: 65.5 miles
Elevation: 8,150′
Permit:
Vail, Colorado
Vail is known for its upscale amenities, epic fall colors, and some awesome winter turns. But the locations in Vail aren’t all technically in Vail. Vail only has a few great spots in town and most of them have a hefty fee. Here’s a list of spots I know of in and around Vail for eloping with no venue or location fees.
Piney Lake is 45 minutes up a beautiful dirt road to the North. You’ll want a four wheel drive just to make it easier but you’ll get beautiful, rocky peaks right up close, in all their epic glory. Piney River Ranch is open in the summer. They offer rustic cabins and host weddings on their deck. You can rent canoes or pay to use the lake with your own gear. It’s quite the beautiful and romantic location for an adventurous mountain elopement.
Shrine Pass is 25 minutes from Vail. It’s a beautiful red gravel road that leads to Redcliffe, Colorado. With views of the Gore range and lots of space to explore Shrine Pass is a great location for an adventurous elopement in Colorado.
There are pull-offs between Avon and Wolcott that have some beautiful roads leading to high up views of the surrounding mountain ranges.
The Gore Range Trails: if you’re looking to put in a little extra effort you can hike up a few miles into some of the backcountry trails and get those epic Rocky Mountain vibes.. The trails in this area are lined with wildflowers and creeks. The dark grey rock of the Gore Range is predominant among the peeks.
Holy Cross Event Deck is located up on Vail mountain. It’s rented by Vail events and accessed with a gondola ride for you and your guests. The gondola takes up to an outdoor deck with stunning ‘top of the world’ views looking out over the gore range.
Distance from Denver: 96.7 miles
Elevation: 9,603′
Permit:
Twin Lakes, Colorado
Distance from Denver: 122 miles
Elevation: 9,603′
Permit:
Buena Vista, Colorado
Distance from Denver: 122.6 miles
Elevation: 7,965′
Permit:
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