Morgan + Connor Elopement Locations
PArk + Summit County
Breckenridge, Frisco, Keystone, Alma
Ceremony site options —
Montgomery Reservoir – I heard rumors that 4WD was needed, which is why I wanted to scout it, but it was well maintained. So long as no one is renting a super low sports car, we’ll be good to go. The path to the water is rocky, but nothing treacherous accessibility-wise. The views are stunning! It’s right next to two trailheads, so we may have some friends, but probably just locals. I was there on a September Sunday at 1:00pm and I saw maybe 8 cars.
Pros:
lesser known, so fewer crowds
super accessible, just a gravel path and beach rocks to worry about
lots of space to move around
no permit needed (free!)
Cons:
no reserved space, so may have passerby
a longer drive from Frisco
Windy Point Campground – there are two spots to rent in this campground and both are a short, easy walk from the parking area. The Forest Loop ($268) has mountain and lake views amidst the trees, while the Lake Loop ($323) is directly on the beach. Both have picnic tables (the Lake Loop picnic tables are in a covered pavilion, so if we get our usual afternoon thunderstorm, this may be helpful!) for a quick champagne/snacks celebration after your ceremony. If you reserve BOTH loops, you can close the gate to the campground, which can give you complete privacy. They used to reserve 6 months in advance, but now reserve 12 months in advance, which means reservations for next summer have already been placed.
Pros:
Reservation grants privacy around your ceremony site (the rest of the campground is still public). Double reservation guarantees total privacy.
Super close to Frisco
Affordable reservation fee
Picnic and restroom facilities
Cons:
will probably have to adjust your date based on site availability
Forest Loop: $268. Lake Loop: $323. Reservations can be made here.
Sapphire Point Overlook - this is a popular spot for a good reason. Sweeping views of the lake and mountains, excellent proximity to town, and an affordable reservation fee. It is POPULAR, which means you may have some competition reserving your date (reservations open 6 months in advance). I’d set a calendar reminder for January 24th and the day or two prior to check. You’ll want the evening slot times (6pm to 9pm preferably) for the best light. There are only two reserved parking spaces and it’s a small lot on a popular trail, so you’ll either need to rent a multi-passenger van or take a chance on the other 2-3 vehicles finding a parking space.
Pros:
affordable reservation fee
excellent view of the lake
super close to Frisco and restaurants
Cons:
parking is tight
competitive reservations
popular trail, so lots of friends passing by you
Sapphire Point: $120. Reservations can be made here.
Restaurant options —
I will add that though their beer is good, I find Breckenridge Brewery (the brewery, not the distillery) to be wildly overpriced for the quality you get. It’s a much better lunch option than dinner.
gunnison County
Crested butte
Crested Butte Land Trust – the incredible, beautiful, Crested Butte and its land trust are one of the best options for micro weddings. Their sites are removed enough that they really do feel private. Crested Butte is one of the prettiest places in Colorado and I think their food scene is extraordinary for such a small town. I will say that CB in July is the most crowded because of the wildflowers and various festivals. I find June to be the BEST month to visit, or we can scooch to a weekday date.
Pros:
beautiful scenery all around you
reserved ceremony site grants more privacy
excellent food scene in town
tons of activities nearby
Cons
the farthest option from DIA
more expensive reservation fee
may need to adjust date if worried about crowds in town
The site itself is a tax deductible $1500 with a refundable $500 damage waiver. Both options are gorgeous, but there will be bugs (and consequently, tons of pretty flying birds) along Peanut Lake. Reserve your spot here.
Restaurant Options –
The Wooden Nickel (my last couple booked their back room. I’m not sure if that counts as a partial buyout)
You can’t reserve a private space, but Secret Stash is one of my favorite pizza shops in the entire state. For sure worth a visit!
Grand + Larimer County
Grand Lake + Estes Park
Ceremony options –
Rocky Mountain National Park - one of the most beautiful National Parks in the country. You’ll need to have your ceremony at the reserved site, but we can go anywhere in the park for portraits. With our guest count, only 3M Curve, Sprague Lake, Bear Lake, and the Lily Lake Dock (not the trail or picnic area) are off limits. Permits are open for next summer and the park gets more and more competitive each year, so I’d book soon if this is a site you’re really excited about!
Pros:
tons of site options and scenic variety
affordable permit fee
close to town and not far from DIA
Cons:
competitive reservations
no guaranteed privacy
Estes Park gets crowded in the summer
Site permits cost $300, plus entrance. The entrance fees are per vehicle, not per guest! Apply for your permit and see the site options here.
Grand Lake: Point Park – great mountain views on the lake at the end of the dock. The good news is that by being at the end of the dock, you’ll have privacy! Honestly, I don’t know much about the Granby/Grand Lake area, so I can’t share too much more.
The special events permit costs $500 ($250 reservation + $250 refundable damage waiver). Apply here.
Restaurant options –
El Paso county
Pikes Peak Highway
Pikes Peak – The Pikes Peak highway has multiple reservable sites and the staff that runs the event programs are really nice. I’d recommend Crystal Reservoir or Elk Park for the best views! You’ll need parking permits and entrance fees everyone except the two of you and your officiant.
Pros:
multiple site options
affordable reservations
epic views
super close to airports (only 1 hour from COS and 2 hours from DIA)
Cons:
Pikes Peak highway is slow moving
Parks close at 5pm
Reservation fee is dependent on admissions and parking. You’ll probably pay around $500 total. I sent you the brochure in the email!
Restaurant Options –
Wines of Colorado excellent food and a beautiful space. There aren’t options for private spaces, but my best friend had her party of 20 here and I can recommend it!
Others
Twin Lakes – one of my favorite places in Colorado (I actually got engaged here). Gorgeous views, close to Buena Vista and Leadville, and totally free. It’s a popular spot, but it’s so big that you’re never around too many people. For some reason, the sunsets here are always insane.
Mount of the Holy Cross Event Deck (Julia’s Deck) – I’m not in Vail too often, so I don’t have a ton of local knowledge, but I do know this is a reservable site perfect for micro weddings. You’ll call the ranger to reserve it! More details here.
State Parks – Colorado state parks usually have a reservable event space and some of them are quite pretty! From our radius, I’d say Sylvan Lake, State Forest State Park, and Steamboat Lake/Yampa up by Steamboat Springs. We’d need to call the head ranger to see where we could be for your ceremony, but if you wanted a wild feel with the safety of parking, accessibility, and reservation, these are a great and affordable option.