This scenic spot is located on Lookout Mountain about 30 yards away from the Lookout Mountain Nature Center parking lot. There are a few rocks on the short trail down to this overlook and there aren't many places for guests to easily view. I would recommend ten guests max with five being comfortable. This area is free for use, no permit required. Parking Spots: Around 100 Privacy: Somewhat. May run into a few people starting or ending hikes. Permit Required: No Permit Fee: N/A Permit Lead Time: N/A Contact / Website: ??? Capacity: 10 or fewer guests Availability: Sunrise to Sunset, Year Round Drive Time from Denver: 29 minutes Restrooms: None Walk to Ceremony Site from Parking: 1 minute over a short and rocky trail. About 120ft. from the parking lot.
Swan mountain - Sapphire point overlook, Dillon, CO
Sapphire Point Overlook is a common and exceptionally busy intimate wedding location that definitely requires scheduling and a permit (don't try to do an event there without it). It is located on the South side of the overlook and can accommodate up to 35 guests. The overlook is about 70 yards from the parking lot with a flat easy trail leading the way. There are outhouses on site, but I wouldn't recommend getting dressed in them. The site is a popular hike and it's common for people to hike the trail during the ceremony. Some stop and are respectful while some trudge past. Chipmunks are everywhere here! Parking Spots: Around 22 but expect it to be mostly full. This is a popular place. Secluded: Not very. Hikers routinely hike around the overlook loop. Expect two to ten people to quietly wander past. Permit Required: Yes. $110 for a two hour block. Books up fast so plan in advance if you can. Drive Time from Denver: 2 hours 1 minute Restrooms: Brick and mortar outhouse with steel doors (spacious inside yet not a good place to change clothes) Walk to Ceremony Site from Parking: 2 minutes. About 500ft from the parking lot.
This west view over Chatfield Reservoir is about 50 yards west of the Heronry Group Picnic Parking Area. There are restrooms onsite. A permit is probably required, and I would encourage you to reach out to the local agency to get one. However, I have done several intimate weddings here where couples have rolled the dice and there haven't been any issues. As long as the event is small, I don't know that they would actively complain. One of the park rangers even took a moment to wish us well.
This is a new one, but as I was driving past, I couldn't believe the view. Particularly for how close to Denver it was. It was cloudy when I was last there so the photos aren't as glorious as they could be, but this little gem of a spot is really nice. A permit is probably required, and I would recommend that you get one. However, the nearby road isn't heavily trafficked and we generally wouldn't be there for long. This spot is about 50 yards from the parking lot which only holds eight cars. There are no restrooms onsite.
Shadow Mountain - Maxwell falls overlook, Conifer, CO
Maxwell Falls Overlook is a 20 minute hike from the Upper Maxwell Falls Trailhead where there is parking for about 20 cars. There are no restrooms onsite. The hike isn't difficult, but sneakers or hiking boots are required for the trail. There are actually three separate rock outcrops to choose from. Each with a slightly different view. I've used this location year round, but a hard snowfall would make the trail impossible to find. The area is free for use. No permit is required.
Parking Spots: There are about 6 spots at the trail shortcut (10 minute walk) and about 20 at the upper trailhead (20 minute hike) Secluded: The overlook is about a minute hike off the main trail. One or two people may wander by, but not likely. Permit Required: No Drive Time from Denver: 48 minutes Restrooms: None Walk to Ceremony Site from Parking: 10 minutes over rocky trails
Swan Mountain - Sapphire POint Overlook (NoRTH), Dillon, CO
Sapphire Point Overlook is a common and exceptionally busy intimate wedding location that definitely requires scheduling and a permit (don't try to do an event there without it). It is located on the South side of the overlook and can accommodate 35 guests. It is the only sanctioned area for weddings in the Dillon Ranger District. However, on the North side of the overlook, about 100 yards from the parking lot, there is a spot with an equally good view yet not as well developed. A couple of picnic tables are here and an event of 8 or fewer people can do a quick intimate wedding without likely drawing much attention. There are outhouses on site, but I wouldn't recommend getting dressed in them.
This charming structure at the Mt. Falcon West Trailhead has quite the scenic overlook. A permit is required. This site can be used for a wedding of up to about 20 people. There is a lot of parking, but it is also a very popular hiking spot and the lot can get full.
Golden gate Canyon - panorama point, Black hawk, CO
Located in Golden Gate Canyon State Park, Panorama Point is set of overlook decks. The main deck can likely seat about 40 people. And there is one small deck about 20 yards from the main deck which can accommodate about 8 people. There are around 20 parking spots and there is a fee for parking within the State Park. Last time I was there, the fee was $8 and payable either at the welcome center or by cash onsite. There are restrooms onsite.
This majestic overlook is at a dam separating the Blue Lakes. Situated between Quandary Peak and North Star Mountain, the overlook peers down the Monte Cristo Creek valley and up to Red Mountain and Hoosier Ridge in the distance. There's a large rock to stand on for the ceremony and lots of positions great for photography. (photos taken in morning sun) Parking Spots: Around 20 Secluded: Somewhat. May run into a few people starting or ending hikes. Permit Required: Unknown Drive Time from Denver: 2 hours 14 minutes Restrooms: None Walk to Ceremony Site from Parking: < 1 minute
Blue Lakes Lake view, Breckenridge, Co
This majestic overlook is at a dam separating the Blue Lakes. Situated between Quandary Peak and North Star Mountain, the overlook peers down the Monte Cristo Creek valley and up to Red Mountain and Hoosier Ridge in the distance. There's a large rock to stand on for the ceremony and lots of positions great for photography. (photos taken in morning sun) Parking Spots: Around 15 Secluded: Somewhat. May run into a few people starting or ending hikes. Permit Required: Unknown Drive Time from Denver: 2 hours 14 minutes Restrooms: None Walk to Ceremony Site from Parking: 1 minute
Notch Mountain - Cross Creek Trailhead, Minturn, CO
This charming overlook is about 100 yds from the parking lot down the trail. I haven't looked into the permitting yet. The parking was a bit of a challenge as it seems to be a popular trailhead but with very limited parking. More to come!
Caribou Road - north Bend, Nederland, CO
There is a small open space at the north bend of Caribou Road outside of Nederland. There's a space for parking 4-5 cars and a short walk down to an opening with a view of the mountains between the trees. Not sure on permitting yet. More to come!
Alderfer/Three Sisters Park - Evergreen, CO
There's ample space for parking many cars and about 200 yds from the parking lot is a rock outcropping with good views and nice backgrounds for photos. Not sure on permitting yet, but it is a Jefferson County space. More to come!
Pass Lake (Lake view) - Keystone, CO
Parking Spots: Around 15 Secluded: Somewhat. May run into a couple of people enjoying the scenery. Permit Required: Unknown Drive Time from Denver: 1 hour 30 minutes Restrooms: None Walk to Ceremony Site from Parking: 1 minute Arapahoe & Roosevelt National Forest - Dillon Ranger District
Guanella Pass, Georgetown, CO
Parking Spots: 50 in the main parking lot, but about 100 more along the road. Can get very busy on weekends in the summer. Secluded: Not very. Hikers routinely hike several trails at the pass. However, the trails are South of the parking lot while a ceremony would take place North of the parking lot. Expect no one north of the parking lot. Permit Required: No Drive Time from Denver: 1 hour 20 minutes Restrooms: Brick and mortar outhouse. Walk to Ceremony Site from Parking: < 1 minute Arapahoe & Roosevelt National Forest - Clear Creek Ranger District No permit required for small intimate weddings according to Shelby Pierce, Recreation Special Uses Permit Administrator and Mountain Sports Ranger, Clear Creek Ranger District
Golden History Park
Parking Spots: Around 100 in the public library parking lot. Privacy: Somewhat. May run into a few people walking down the creek trail. Permit Required: No. However, the site may be reserved for another event. The park is available for reservations. Permit Fee: A reservation is $275 an hour with a minimum of three hours ($825 minimum). Permit Lead Time: ??? Contact / Website: Megan Murphy, Visitor Services and Interpretation Coordinator [email protected] Office hours: 9 am – 5 pm, Sunday - Thursday 303-278-3557 (main) 303-277-8713 (direct) Park Information https://www.goldenhistory.org/visit/history-park/ Park Reservations https://www.goldenhistory.org/visit/rent/ Capacity: The park holds 1000, but I suggest 30 guests or so at the pavilion. Availability: Sunrise to Sunset, Year Round. Reservations Drive Time from Denver: 23 minutes Restrooms: ??? Pets: ??? Walk to Ceremony Site from Parking: 1 minute over a small bridge.
From Megan Murphy, Visitor Services and Interpretation Coordinator "Thank you for your interest in Golden History Museum & Park! In general, the History Park is opening daily sunrise to sunset; however, we do shut it down for various museum events like summer camp, rentals, field trips, etc. Because we shut the park down for museum functions, I always recommend that people rent the site to ensure its availability. The park costs $275 an hour for a minimum of three hours ($825 total). If you do not wish to pursue a rental, people are welcome to use the park for photos, ceremonies, to walk, etc., without permits or notifying the museum. Again, we have the right to shut the property down at any time so deciding not to rent the site comes with a bit of a risk. Please let me know if you have any further questions."
Beaver Brook Meadow
Permit Required: No Arapahoe & Roosevelt National Forest - Clear Creek Ranger District No permit required for small intimate weddings according to Shelby Pierce, Recreation Special Uses Permit Administrator and Mountain Sports Ranger, Clear Creek Ranger District
Ponder Point
Permit Required: No Arapahoe & Roosevelt National Forest - Clear Creek Ranger District No permit required for small intimate weddings according to Shelby Pierce, Recreation Special Uses Permit Administrator and Mountain Sports Ranger, Clear Creek Ranger District
Never been here, but it looks epic. Also unsure of permitting and the suitability for ceremonies. As of July 2020, it's currently closed due to COVID-19 and some issues with the stairs leading to the lookout.
Chautauqua Park Sunrise Amphitheater Lost Gulch Overlook Lyons overlook [Various ski resort mountains - LIFT TICKET] Lily Lake Devil's Head Lookout Tower Renaissance Faire Rounds Park, Breckenridge Officer’s Gulch, Frisco Boetcher Mansion Gazebo Vail Pass - Black Lakes Picnic Site - Black Lake #2 Mount Of The Holy Cross Overlook Observation Site (aka Julia's Deck)