Are you wanting to elope in Colorado or take your engagement photos in Colorado, but want to stay close to Denver? Whether you’re coming to town to elope, or just don’t want to drive far from Denver to get your photos taken, this one is for you!

My number one request from couples is that they want an amazing view but want to keep it their Colorado elopement location close to Denver. 

So I’ve put together an article for you for my top recommendations for stunning elopement locations in Colorado within 1 HOUR of Denver!

1. Windy Saddle Park in Golden, Colorado

Travel from the heart of Denver: 30 minutes

Photography Permit: Required

Hiking: Not required but light walking for more views

Windy Saddle Park is nestled right off of Lookout Mountain Road in Golden, CO. Just minutes from downtown Golden, there is STUNNING mountain views steps from the parking lot giving the illusion that you’ve hiked far to get to this location. This spot requires no hiking for views, but it is a trailhead that you can walk if you want to take a hike to see more scenery.

2. Lookout Mountain Park in Golden, CO

Travel from the heart of Denver: 30 minutes

Photography Permit: Required

Hiking: Not required but light hiking for more views

Lookout Mountain Park is a stunning location with lots of trees, views and trails. It is down the street from Windy Saddle Park! Some mild hiking is required around the mountain for the best views but there is great views from the viewing deck. 

3. Golden Gate Canyon State Park in Golden, Colorado

Travel from the heart of Denver: 45 minutes

Photography Permit: Required

Hiking: Not required but light walking for driving more views

Just a short travel from Downtown Golden is where Golden Gate Canyon State Park resides. The park is pretty big and there are several places to photograph here. For the best scenery, I highly recommend heading up to Panorama Point. There is several turn offs along this route which is great for stopping for photos. There are lots of rock formations through out, plenty of frees and my favorite: Aspen trees!

4. Roxborough State Park in Littleton, Colorado

Travel from the heart of Denver: 40 minutes

Photography Permit: Required

Hiking: Not required but light walking for more views

If you’re looking for some beautiful red rocks but don’t want to head to Red Rocks Amphitheater, this location is it. Nestled on the edge of Littleton, Colorado this hidden gem is Roxborough State Park. Hike around the trail and head up to the viewing decks to see the cascading red rocks along the foothills. 

5. Lost Gulch Overlook in Boulder, Colorado

Travel from the heart of Denver: 45 minutes

Photography Permit: Required

Hiking: Not required

If you want breathtaking views that give the “edge of a cliff” vibe, this is your spot. Although a very popular location for tourists and photoshoots, Lost Gulch Overlook is one of the most beautiful jaw dropping views. It literally is a cliff off of Flagstaff Mountain! There is a parking lot for this location and just a couple steps from the parking lot is the stunning mountain landscapes. Make sure to bring comfy shoes, its rocky up there.

6. Chautauqua Park in Boulder, Colorado

Travel from the heart of Denver: 35 minutes

Photography Permit: Required

Hiking: Not required

An open meadow featuring Colorado’s beloved FlatIrons, Chautauqua Park is a cute little scenic park right in the middle of Boulder, Colorado. Although a very popular hiking trail and scenic area for many tourists and photographers, this park is easy to walk around and perfect elopements and engagement photos. In the early summer, this field gets some pretty wildflowers that are a must see.

7. Juniper Pass Picnic Area near Idaho Springs, Colorado

Travel from downtown Denver: 58 minutes

Photography permit: No

Hiking: Not required

Looking for a more private spot with “edge of cliff” vibes? Juniper Pass is perfect for you. With just a couple steps up a slightly rocky slope, you will see the most gorgeous tree covered mountains and views of Mount Evans. This location is a bit more spacious at the top then Lost Gulch Overlook in Boulder, so it feels a bit safer if you’re scared of heights.

8. Beaver Brook Watershed in Evergreen, Colorado

Travel from the heart of Denver: 

Photography permit: No

Hiking: Not required

If you’re looking for a meadow, aspen trees and some mountains…Beaver Brook Watershed Trailhead has all 3. The best of both worlds. Heading up Squaw Pass Road in Evergreen, you will pass a huge open meadow with a parking lot. Explore the meadows and frolic through the aspen trees, this location is super stunning in summer, fall and spring.

Ready to book your Colorado Elopement with me? HELL YEAH! Let’s get started here