Excited to hit the trails already? Maroon Bells, outside Aspen, is home to the two most iconic peaks in Colorado. There is a small parking lot, and a paved path that goes from the parking lot to the overlook. Hiking: Yes and no! But if youre planning a small wedding or eloping and have fallen in love with Sapphire Point, look no further. It is impossible to predict the weather Colorado does have some traditionally snowier months than others. Continue for approx. After you guys settle on your elopement location, you can start to book your travel, and lodging and choose your vendors. Obtaining a permit for your Sapphire Point wedding will block off a two hour window at the overlook so you and your guests can hog the area all you want, and it also acts as a permit for your photographer. "By far the best elopement photos Ive ever seen! The overlook is a short walk from the parking area, roughly 50 yards and is a dirt trail. Let's talk about the Sapphire Point Overlook Wedding you're planning! This state is shaped by tectonic plates and has tons of thermal activity, which makes it a great spot for hot springs! Book with us and well take care of the permit for you, and cover the cost! There are over 100 known hot springs all over the state and it's the perfect activity to include at the end of your day! Making sure you and your guests have the right clothing to enjoy the area can make your wedding enjoyable even if the weather isnt 70 and pleasant. We are absolutely thrilled with the photos. Cookie Notice In the fall you can expect the weather to be a little cooler and snow may be possible late September into October. Sapphire Point Overlook is a true gem tucked away in the heart of Summit County. We wanted something small to celebrate our day with those most dear to our hearts and this was PERFECT! Short Sands Beach Wedding | Oregon Coast Elopement, Winter Elopement in Colorado Hot Springs & Ice Cave Adventure Elopement, Tolovana Park Elopement Wedding Cannon Beach Area, Samuel H. Boardman State Park Elopement Photos, How to Elope in Oregon in 10 easy steps | The Ultimate Guide, 20 Best Places to Elope In Oregon | Ultimate Oregon Elopement Locations. 2. Sean has a natural talent and we could not recommend him enough!". One of the best places to cap off your day is at a local hot spring. The views are incredible. Dont forget your dessert! 11-30 people - $250/day. Wildlife in the area abounds. The Old Dillion Reservoir trail is a favorite among visitors. If youre feeling adventurous and the weather is nice (i.e. Lets pick out the best place for you to elope in Colorado! You cannot block any of the trail or close it off to other hikers. Ready to book your Sapphire Point Overlook session? Wed love to help! Copyright 2023 Blue Sky Elopements. The secondary overlook spot gives you beautiful views of Buffalo Mountain! Here is a fun engagement session at the Paint Mines. Its a very good thing to know that in the Dillon Ranger District (basically summit county) this is the one of two only place wedding ceremonies are allowed to take place on public/federal lands. You can reserve Sapphire Point at this website:https://www.recreation.gov/, Or call White River National Forest 877-444-6777. Also if you get married during a weekday its a lot less busy! A Sapphire Point winter wedding is absolutely gorgeous. Historically, in these high altitudes like Sapphire Point it is usually in late August or September. "Can we have more than five stars!? The mature trees surrounding this lofty spot will elevate any photoshoot! Nearby Rocky Mountain National Parks wedding permits increased to $300 last year. You have mountain passes, lakes, and high alpine views of some of Colorado's best peaks. 1-2 people, camera & tripod only - $0/day. Here are a couple of my favorite elopement day activities for you to check out. Not wanting to drive around on your elopement. There are beautiful views of Peak One of course! After their laughter-filled ceremony and a few more pics around the Lake, we headed back to the town of Breckenridge to walk . We believe that your wedding day is meant to be cherished as an experience and not just an event. Our check out these adventures you could do! This is a great elopement location for couples to set up camp in the surrounding area. Celebrate Again also specializes in couples connection experiences. Having a Sapphire Point wedding here in Colorado can seem a bit overwhelming since its not a part of a wedding venue that has everything packaged and ready for you to set a date and show up. The pandemic changed all that. PRO TIPS: I would highly recommend coming to Colorado a few days before your elopement, so you can acclimate to the altitude and chill out a bit before the big day. Find incredible places and experiences that help you bring home a story through Largely because we really focused on many candid, natural moments. Meaning you still can get married at most of the ski resorts, a private event space or residence if the owner approves of it, but it may come with a larger fee. If anyone is unstable walking I do not recommend them wearing heels but good traction shoes. the National Park Service has been directed by Congress to collect a fee to provide a fair return to the United States for the use of park lands. Your email address will not be published. Having the right gear for your weather you may experience can make or break you and your guests experience. Watch the Behind the Scenes as elopements unfold in our stories, see what adventures were going on, and find out when we release free elopement planning resources on our adventure elopement blog! Make sure flowers will not harm the native environment if some of their seeds get blown into the wind. There is limited parking at the lot, only enough room for 22 cars. The weather is cooler, but still comfortable for outdoor activities such as hiking! So when it comes time for you to say I Do, itll be one less thing to worry about. Our best place to elope in Colorado list & How to elope in Colorado! Blue Sky Elopements - Breathtaking Vistas. It also gives you a little time to wrap up those last-minute details without being rushed. Thats just not going to happen at Sapphire. With more than 300 days of sunshine a year, you'll enjoy plenty of opportunities for your frosty elopement. It's also super important to find someone that you can trust, knowing that this person will help relieve the stress that goes into everything. You can make your reservations for your Sapphire Point elopement online. You will feel on top of the world at 9,500 ft up. These months are also high tourist season, so aim for a sunrise elopement and enjoy hiking under the stars. They are: Relaxed as to when you require a permit. At Blue Sky Elopements, we focus our time and energy on scouting out lesser known, less-crowded sites. Hiking to the top is where you'll find the best views as well as a log teepee. In this blog post, well explore the magic of Sapphire Point Overlook and share some essential tips to help you plan your own unforgettable elopement experience. Im so excited to share with you all this complete guide for how to have a Sapphire Point elopement wedding. 3. Sapphire Point Overlook is a super popular spot with some iconic Lake Dillion views, easy parking and minimal walking. Sapphire Point is a day-use area that can be reserved for two-hour blocks for private gatherings. You really want privacy and seclusion for your elopement or micro-wedding. Making appointments online beforehand is always the suggested route and check in with your planner about any new laws. Sean breaks down the elopement process step by step and helps you to check all the boxes and feel super prepared for your day. Some other important rules to note about the area: The beautiful thing about this area is that you can access it year round, but it may require different gear and comfortability levels for you and your guests. See a real Sapphire point overlook weddingvenue where they had a sapphire point wedding reception in their rental! Why? You want all your wedding plans etched in stone seven months or more prior to your wedding. The easy-to-access trailhead leads to an opening that overlooks Dillion Reservior, perfect to get some playful shots. Your rental/catering service providers can call the ranger district to get a valid permit at this number: 970.468.5400. Our photographer, BrynMarae Photography, was able to capture the incredible view and how meaningful this special day was for us! What to expect when getting married at Sapphire Point Overlook? However, if youre looking to have a wedding ceremony, you will need a permit. What is the hike like getting to Sapphire Point Overlook? But beyond those details, Colorado is one of the few states where you can legally marry yourselves! Now, that you have your heart set on a Sapphire Point wedding we want to make sure your wedding day is a success. Check out some of our fave elopement guides weve made just for you: Pingback: Epic Places To Elope In Colorado's Amazing Mountains, Pingback: Sapphire Point Colorado Elopement | { Sarah & Malin} | Real Wedding - Celebrate Again, Pingback: Your Insiders Guide To Best Places to Elope by 20 Adventure Photographers - Celebrate Again, Pingback: Breckenridge Elopement Locations An Insider's Guide | Celebrate Again, Pingback: Best Mountain Wedding Venues {Colorado | UPDATED 2021} | Celebrate Again, Pingback: How to Elope in Colorado: 5 Easy Joyful Steps - Celebrate Again, Book This Stay 15 Minutes From Sapphire Point, Let's Chat About Your Sapphire Point Wedding. If you have any questions or need help securing your permit for a Sapphire Point Overlook wedding just reach out to us and well take care of you. The point is, driving around Colorado is an experience in itself and an underrated part of your elopement! According to the National Park Service, the cost to get married in the park is $300 and comes with a reserved ceremony location. I was so grateful for his easy-going personality and his eye for a great shot. This place is my literal playground and Im stoked to share my expertise, passions, and favorite banger locations for your big day. It is covered in dirt and has some twigs sticking out of the ground. The grass amphitheater overlooking Telluride can accommodate up to 250 guests. Thirsty elopers can cap off their day at one of the local breweries! This is a non-exclusive day-use area, able to accommodate up to 35 people for small events such as wedding ceremonies. No questions asked, hands down, we couldnt ever recommend anyone other than Sean to be your Colorado elopement ninja". Are you hiking at sunrise or sunset? As an adventure elopement photographer, Ive been fortunate enough to witness the beauty of Sapphire Point Overlook firsthand, and I can assure you that the breathtaking surroundings will leave a lasting impression on your special day. But summer is the distilled Colorado experience, made complete with long days filled with hiking and backpacking through wildflower-filled valleys capped off at an epic alpine lake. Trust me! Sometimes you see photos and videos of weddings at Sapphire Point and feel in your heart that only that location will do. All your other accommodations are probably going to be at a discounted rate. One thing I know about shoulder season: It takes a special couple to want to get married in the colder parts of the year. One permit is all you need. This parking lot gets full very easily, as it is a public lot for trailheads. We cant wait to hear from you! Your email address will not be published. Garden of the Gods stands out from typical places in Colorado because of its towering red rocks overlooking nearby Pikes Peak. I usually wouldnt recommend it, but if youre a pro own it! We will take care of the permit process for you, and even pay for it. If you dont see your download immediately after signing please check your spam/prompotionals folders oremail us. Established in 1995. Check out these other tips for getting around Colorado: Eloping in Colorado comes with a lot of perks but exploring different locations by car isn't talked about enough in my opinion! The national parks are much more likely to fill up during Moab's busy . Ski resorts are also great for couples who might have friends and family joining as they're generally super accessible! Sapphire Point is also a hiking trail and is only used for day use, meaning there isnt camping on site. How to Photograph Sapphires Using the GemLightbox. The area is a very designated site for the ceremony and a trail cuts through the backside of the area. Your email address will not be published. Trash, chairs, flowers, anything you brought in with you, needs to be taken out. Do you want guests? With more than 300 miles of hiking trails, this park is a favorite of out-of-towners and locals alike, which makes it one of the more popular places to elope in Colorado. Their work is inspired by love, storytelling, and nature. A release of a small amount of the butterflies is allowed of these types Monarch, Red Admiral, Painted Lady, American Painted Lady and Mourning Cloak but will they not survive in the environment so we discourage this. ELEVATION: 9000 ft. If you do have a large guest list make sure you check with your rental property that theyd allow this many guests in their home. Along the trail from the main overlook spot to the secondary overlook spot there are beautiful, tall pine trees and a cool rock formation. The overlook offers a stunning view of Dillon Reservoir, hemmed in by the Gore and Tenmile mountain ranges. A ccessibility; Sapphire Point Overlook is located on the southern edge of the Dillon Reservoir. *2023 UPDATE: Brainard Lake requires a day-use permit. Has more less known spots that may not be listed on Airbnb. Boulder is at the foothills of the Indian Peaks Wilderness where you'll find over 45,000 acres of jagged peaks and plenty of alpine lakes to explore for your elopement in Colorado! But its cheaper on VRBO. Make a picnic for two! Were on a mission to make getting married joy-filled and fun. We felt like we could be ourselves on the elopement day. . In addition (then Ill get off my soapbox), if the Dillon Ranger District charged a refundable security deposit (say $500-ish) that is returned to the couple once its determined that the site has been left as it was found, I think theyd have fewer situations where the site was trashed after a wedding was held there. Click here for more information about White River National Forest, Fire Restrictions: Fire restrictions may be imposed at any time due to hot, dry weather conditions, at which time campfires and charcoal fires may not be allowed.. Youve already booked lodging and/or airfare for yourselves and your gueststhereby leaving you with minimal options to be flexible on location or date if needed. Less than an hour from Denver, the free road climbs along a tumbling river and up above the timberline. new adventures through a one-stop shop for inspiration and ideation, trip planning, information sharing, What are you waiting for? Some areas have AirBnB's that are big enough to host your entire wedding. Ready to start crafting a timeline? (In my ignorance, when I first read that, I thought, what trick? You log on six months before, pick your time slot and make payment. These mountains are ancient volcanic peaks that cut through the heart of southwestern Colorado. Thats right these guys have been around for awhile! This is high summer, baby, and what a great time of year to elope in Colorado! If you love hiking, alpine lakes, evergreens, cliff sides and stunning views this is your wedding spot. "Sean knew the best places in Colorado, routes, locations, etc., and was determined to make out day special and beautiful despite the weather. ". Get this, February and March are traditionally our snowiest months. Make sure to scour the photos from each place and keep an eye out for open spaces with big mountain views for the ceremony or reception! Check out this chart below for a bigger breakdown of what you can expect each month to look like in Colorado. Hes also just a super cool person, hes kind, respectful of nature, and fun to hang out with!". Also wildlife may be dangerous so keep your snacks for yourselves. Now comes the fun partdeciding where in Colorado to exchange your vows. Georgetown perfectly encompasses what eloping in Colorado is all aboutadventurous, intimate, and small-town charm. I'm coming out of state with my family (2 kids, 2 adults) this winter and we were hoping to get a family session at Sapphire Point. Most couples who elope do so because they dont want to be the center of attention amid family, friends and acquaintances, so saying I do in front of a bunch of strangers taking selfies and walking their dogs is not high on their list. and is surrounded by miles of jagged peaks, secluded forests, open tundra, and beautiful lakes. ", "Sean was incredible, a huge asset leading up to our Colorado elopement, and made the whole process exciting and not stressful at all. Recreation.gov is your source for discovering and experiencing America's federal recreation activities and outdoor adventures. Sapphire Point Overlook may be the only location you can legally get married at in the Dillon Ranger District, but there are loads of other spots if youre willing to drive just a bit further away to get outside that district. Alternative shoes are a good idea in case it is muddy or slippery from recent rain. Or you have guests with mobility challenges and you know that is the most accessible, inexpensive Rocky Mountain wedding venue that they can access. PRO TIP: Thoroughly explore the elopement locations in Colorado listed here for inspiration. This list is specific to activities for couples eloping in Colorado. The beginning of summer is the starting point for couples eloping in Colorado. I hate being a killjoy, but I also dont want you to plan your dream winter wedding in a month that the rest of the world considers a snowy season and arrive on muddy or dry day. Eloping in Colorado is the perfect beginning of your adventure as a married couple. Its the reason this location is so popular for weddings. Because Colorado is a hikers paradise! If you do, we totally understand. However, if you're looking to have a wedding ceremony, you will . Weve been elopement photographers here in Colorado for over a decade now and love to share with you ALL our knowledge about having your own Sapphire Point wedding. Depending on how crazy you are, you can tackle one of Colorado's many 14ers. However, I participate in lots of online groups that focus on intimate weddings, and I recently stumbled upon a Facebook post where the bride asked what the trick is to getting a wedding permit at Sapphire Point. Late evening and sunsets may not be ideal at Sapphire Point because of where the sun ends up at this location. Couple and their family having a Sapphire Point wedding. For photography permit information click here: Dillon Lake Ranger District BRECKENRIDGE This is the mountain town of all mountain towns. For all of you planning your wedding further out, I highly recommend a backup plan just in case your date/time slot arent available come 6 months before your wedding date. Say what!? This alcove gives pictures an adventurous element. Remember to make it official before eloping in Colorado. If youre looking for an officiant, or chairs, or anything additional to the actual location, that is completely separate from the permit were talking about here. Bottom line: Im your Colorado elopement expert! The parking lot can only hold up to 22 cars. How far is Sapphire Point Overlook from Denver International Airport? He took us to spectacular places in Colorado that dreams are made of. Dont forget sunscreen as the snow reflection can burn your skin too. 1-10 people - $150/day. It can snow into early June at these altitudes and may be muddy. Your Colorado elopement photographer should be the person that helps you plan, coordinate and photograph your big day! Keeping in mind wind chills may make it seem colder. It is truly the state of many seasons, which gives you infinite choices depending on your vision. Recreation.gov! There are so many cool elopement activities in Colorado for couples looking to make their day extra memorable. The most important thing is that your day is everything you want it to be. In short, Sapphire Point Overlook looks like the best site in Colorado for an outdoor elopement. ). When you reserve your time slot for the overlook, youre reserving the overlook and not the trail behind the overlook that passes right on by. Sapphire point overlook is a beautiful, accessible location outside of Breckenridge + Frisco. The time slots are as follows: 6am-8am, 8am-10am, 10am-12pm, 12pm-2pm, 2pm-4pm, 4pm-6pm, 6pm-8pm, and 8pm-10pm. Here are more real Sapphire Point Colorado Elopement and Sapphire Point wedding photos we love to include photos down at Lake Dillon although you cannot have a Lake Dillon elopement or Lake Dillon wedding ceremony without special permission from a ranger, which Id suggest to get in writing. BUT dont let this deter you from using the area. Permit Process for Sapphire Point Overlook: If you're looking to have your couple session or engagement shoot at SPO, you're in luck; there is no permit required! Vail is boujee, and it has rightfully earned that title. Overlooking the beautiful Dillon Reservoir, holding space for up to 35 wedding guests, makes Sapphire point one of the most popular elopement and wedding venues in Dillion, Breckenridge and Keystone, Colorado. Your email address will not be published. Its super easy, but super important. Today, the jagged peaks are home to a summer carpet of wildflowers and a number of breathtaking turquoise alpine lakes and off-roading routes. Recreation.gov is your gateway to explore America's outdoor To ensure a seamless and stress-free elopement experience at Sapphire Point Overlook, keep the following tips in mind: Before getting into the nitty gritty on how to obtain your permit, read over the rules first. if youre looking for a spot with beautiful views, easy parking, and no real hiking required, this is your spot! Quaint, old-school Estes Park is the base camp for all things in Rocky Mountain National Park. Also, if youre planning on holding a rehearsal at the overlook before your actual wedding youll need to reserve a time slot and get a permit for that as well. The renowned towns of Telluride, Silverton, Ouray, and Durango are perfect outdoor playgrounds for exploring this corner of the state, making it one of the best places to elope in Colorado! Hmmmm I thought the whole point of eloping or having a micro-wedding was to avoid this type of crazy-making! You can climb a 14er, wander through fields of wildflowers, or find yourself near a secluded alpine lake. The permits are relatively inexpensive. Helpful Wedding Vendors For Your Sapphire Point Elopement, Preparing for your Sapphire Point Wedding. The overlook area itself is a great, accessible spot for photos because its large and flat and offers a lot of room for moving around. You can also try out different activities like snowshoeing, skiing, or snowmobiling. The obligation to respond is required in order to obtain a benefit. 4 miles to the top of the hill to Sapphire Point parking lot. I had a conversation a couple years ago with a frazzled Dillon Park Ranger District employee who said they cant even keep up with cleaning the pit toilets there as the site is mobbed by both weddings and tourists and they are understaffed. When you want more than two hours at your ceremony site. Make sure the trail is still accessible to other visitors. Perfect for a quick dive after a warm summer day! Please note that you must apply and pay anywhere from $50 - $250 for the photography permit at the Great Sand Dunes National Park. Weve got your back, friend. I also suggest looking at courthouses in close proximity to your elopement location to cut down on travel time. I help all of my couples eloping in Colorado find the perfect location based on their preference of scenery, miles, and altitude amongst other things. If you book with us for your Sapphire Point Overlook wedding, we will personally secure your permit for you, and cover the cost. Check out their session here! As an aside, one way to mitigate some of the Ranger Districts woes (in my not-so-humble opinion ) would be increase the cost of their Sapphire Point wedding permits. You eloped in Colorado, and Ill take photos of the most EPIC day ever. You can CLICK HERE to be directed to the site to rent . Or if you really would love an officiant we have loved working withPhil Gallagher. Im happy to weigh in with my experiences of what the conditions are like in the elopement locations you are considering! 4 Hour Sapphire Point Elopement Package A great choice for simple elopements at accessible locations or for short hikes. This facility is located in Summit County. reach out today to hire us to photograph your sapphire point overlook wedding, review our colorado elopement packages and pricing, get your sapphire point overlook wedding permit here, reach out to us to photograph your sapphire point overlook wedding, 25+ Ideas on How to Make an Elopement Special, Best Dress for a Hiking Elopement & Top 4 Tips, About your Colorado Elopement Photographers, For Other Adventure Elopement Photographers. More than likely, the next wedding party will be arriving anyway. This town is known for its skiing (and aprs ski) and annual festivals. New time slots are now available for reservations with arrival starting October 13, 2022. - The Missouri Conservation Commission gave final approval to the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) on a proposed change to the Wildlife Code of Missouri regulations that would require permits for commercial or for-profit photography and videography on MDC areas. 6. if you don't have a photography permit. How cool! If you love skiing or snowboarding you can still enjoy those usually into April and in some resorts into late May and occasionally the first week in June. It is a very short walk from the parking lot to Maroon Lake where you have a stunning view of Maroon Peak. These transitional seasons are a bit unpredictable here in the high country but it is typically a slower season in Summit County, meaning the towns are less busy and any hotels or rental places may have a cheaper rate. And if you're tellin' me that ye consider your own authority to be greater than that of the Almighty, then I must inform ye that I'm not of that opinion, myself. Privacy Policy. We even love to help make sure you have some back up locations! Your email address will not be published. Unlike free sites, when you obtain a wedding permit for Sapphire Point Overlook, youre allowed to set up chairs and arches for a micro-wedding if you want. And of course, Aspen is known for its abundance ofaspentrees in the area and is especially popular in the fall when you'll enjoy valleys lined in orange and yellow. Sapphire point is an outdoor wedding venue, know the weather ahead of time. Good snow boots are a good idea. This lake is accessible by car and has stunning views of the peaks and forests in the surrounding area. Ready to reach out to us and start planning your Sapphire Point Overlook wedding? Although the site may be reserved, all visitors have access to the site. If youd like your hair and make up done weve loved working with the Breckenridge Hair Company. Plus, at only $118 for a 2-hour reserved timeslot, its one of the most affordable permits offered in Colorado. or other Breckenridge Elopement locations! Were happy to do it! Unlike the copycats that swiped information from my blog, I've helped over 200 couples nail down their spot and plan out their day, so Ive Colorado elopements down to a science. If youre taking care of this yourself, print out the permit and bring it with you the day of incase someone asks to see it. These resorts stay open year-round. ", "My husband and I knew we didnt want a traditional wedding and we knew our hearts were set on something that was more us - something kind of wild and outdoorsy. Includes 2 hours of photo coverage. It makes the perfect location for couples wanting an earthy, boho vibe. This place hits differently and is the perfect spot for any adventure enthusiast! My best advice to you is to pack layers, you and your guests. colorado elopement photographer for the adventurous + unapologetically in love. Eloping in Colorado is supposed to be your big adventure, so make it epic! Breckenridge, Keystone, Dillon, Silverthorne, Frisco, Cooper areas.) She also told me that some wedding companies (not ours) were not as respectful of the site as they could be and this was souring them on the whole idea of having weddings there. After youve decided when to have your ceremony keep in mind if its a summer wedding morning times are ideal. Some signs of altitude sickness include but are not limited to: fatigue and dizziness. Aug 2022.

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