There is limited parking at the lot, only enough room for 22 cars. 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. 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. Not only is it super easy to rent but it has some of the best views of any outdoor wedding venue in the front range. If you're happiest outside in epic spots, why wouldn't you want to find the perfect outdoor activity? Hmmmm I thought the whole point of eloping or having a micro-wedding was to avoid this type of crazy-making! Ask someone to name towns in Colorado, and chances are theyll mention Telluride. Your email address will not be published. You can book multiple time slots if you wish. Some signs of altitude sickness include but are not limited to: fatigue and dizziness. If you book with us for your Sapphire Point Overlook wedding, we will personally secure your permit for you, and cover the cost. This is my go-to location when friends come into town because the elevation won't kill anyone and the views are incredible. You can't go wrong with choosing this activity on your elopement day! We also encourage couples to marry on Monday through Thursday dates as opposed to weekends. Eloping in Colorado is supposed to be your big adventure, so make it epic! Thats right! Breck, as the locals call it, is a laid-back ski town full of western spirit. They were impressed by his professionalism and friendliness. YOU did it! Staying warm can make the difference between hating your experience of missing your wedding day because youre cold and cannot think of anything else and actually being warm enjoying your day. You can reserve Sapphire Point at this website:https://www.recreation.gov/, Or call White River National Forest 877-444-6777. It's important to not box yourselves into the thoughts of what your day should look like. This information will be used to grant administrative benefits. Whether youre joining me to plan your wedding, dive deeper into your, Best Places To Elope In Colorado For Small Weddings Or Elopements Colorado Elopement Locations, Your Guide To A Contagious Lifestyle During the Coronavirus Pandemic, Ceremony: Rentals, Catering, Accommodations, Florist, Reception: Chiefs, Catering, Restaurants, Desserts, 44 Wedding Adventurous Jeep Wranger Wedding in Jaw Dropping Colorado, Snowshoeing Elopement At Fish Creek Falls Steamboat Springs, Rock Climbing Elopement | Adventure Wedding Photographer, Snowmobile Elopement | Adventurous Elopement, 44 Wedding Adventurous Jeep Wrangler Wedding, Elopement Wedding Dress For Your Outdoor Wedding, Brainard Lake Wedding in Indian Peaks Wilderness, Black Canyon Inn Estes Park Elopement Wedding, Panorama Point Golden Gate Canyon State Park. After their laughter-filled ceremony and a few more pics around the Lake, we headed back to the town of Breckenridge to walk . How far is Sapphire Point Overlook from Denver International Airport? Opportunities for hiking and biking in this area abound as well, including more than 7 paved miles of the 50-mile Summit County trail system. 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. Not only are the local trails amazing but you can bike in the surrounding areas and even head up to Nederland or Eldora for some local bites after your big day. The parking lot can only hold so many cars, but the creative ways (translated: illegal and dangerous) people have attempted to park their cars there when the lot is full are nothing short of astounding. I get to know all my couples with a questionnaire and send over a customized elopement location list and timelines based on their answers. 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. Are you having guests? Thats just not going to happen at Sapphire. We couldn't even tell Sean was snapping all our amazing photos to document our day. Plan to have a family or friend bring you meals while you get ready, call room service, high uber eats, or pack something with you to enjoy as you get ready. The views are incredible. And the first time I drove under the towering cliffs while going through Glenwood Canyon. Sapphire Point is a day-use area that can be reserved for two-hour blocks for private gatherings. Ready to hit the road? Sunrise Amphitheater is an elopement venue located right outside of Boulder and is great for couples eloping in Colorado with family members. This parking lot gets full very easily, as it is a public lot for trailheads. Its the reason this location is so popular for weddings. "By far the best elopement photos Ive ever seen! Make sure flowers will not harm the native environment if some of their seeds get blown into the wind. Remember to make it official before eloping in Colorado. If youre caterer or restaurant does not offer the desert you like you can check out this vendor weve loved working with in the past. If youd like your hair and make up done weve loved working with the Breckenridge Hair Company. There is something magical about spending your wedding night under the stars of the Rockies. Many vendors have decided to hop on the small wedding bandwagon since 2020 and the outcome is becoming detrimental to this beautiful place. After their own elopement in 2016 they made it their mission to help couples who want an adventure over tradition. This town is known for its skiing (and aprs ski) and annual festivals. Keystone is closes to Sapphire Point but anywhere within Summit Country besides Heeney will be within 30 minutes of Sapphire Point. Hitting epic 4x4 spots is the perfect elopement day activity for those thrill-seekers on the hunt for big scenic views. Less than an hour from Denver, the free road climbs along a tumbling river and up above the timberline. and if you personally prefer the look of that. 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. If you dont, then well help you find the perfect-for-you alternative to Sapphire Point site. - 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. VOWS AND PEAKS PRIDES ITSELF IN DIVERSITY, EQUALITY, AND INCLUSION FOR ALL. Cookie Notice Download our free planning tool kit! Obviously obtaining a permit is best practice and the only legal means of shooting, but if you insist on flying under the radar then here is what we recommend: Carry no more than 1 bag: this is a significant indicator that you are a pro photographer offering professional services. Pro TipWhen looking or private home rentals or places to stay look at places in Summit Country verses just Breckenridge or Keystone. Stay Experience Usually High Quality if has good ratings. Delivery of rental/catering items requires the vendor to have a permit from the U.S. Forest Service to operate a commercial business in the Dillon ranger district. Wedding & Photography Permits for Dead Horse Point State Park. All Rights Reserved. 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. But at least now youre going into things fully equipped with all the information you need. Breckenridge, Keystone, Dillon, Silverthorne, Frisco, Cooper areas.) 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. Walking from your car to the overlook is a bit of a downhill walk, so the walk back up to the parking area takes a bit longer, just because, well, its up hill. You can jump on things that arent location-specific. Getting around Colorado by car is going to be your best and most fun option. "There were multiple reasons why we chose an elopement in Colorado with Sean. Is booking a permit/reserving absolutely necessary or can we "wing" it? One thing I get asked all the time: What do couples do on their elopement day? This short, easy trail has spectacular views of the Tenmile Range and the Continental Divide. Garden of the Gods stands out from typical places in Colorado because of its towering red rocks overlooking nearby Pikes Peak. There is a small parking lot, and a paved path that goes from the parking lot to the overlook. Well print the permit and make sure to bring it with us on your big day. It can also rain and thunderstorm or be sunny, dry and absolutely perfect. Are you doing a first look? End of story. Things will may go wrong, but if you keep in mind and hearts focused on your partner it will all be worth it. Click HERE for more information. . Were on a mission to make getting married joy-filled and fun. The point is, driving around Colorado is an experience in itself and an underrated part of your elopement! Keep reading and find out! The overlook offers a stunning view of Dillon Reservoir, hemmed in by the Gore and Tenmile mountain ranges. And my first time climbing above Loveland Pass at sunrise. The easy-to-access trailhead leads to an opening that overlooks Dillion Reservior, perfect to get some playful shots. These resorts stay open year-round. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. Well be covering how to have a sapphire point elopement or wedding, when to have a sapphire point wedding, how to book the right vendors for your Sapphire Point ceremony, and how to be best prepared for a Sapphire Point Overlook Colorado wedding! Bear Lake Wedding and Elopement Guide The Ultimate Resource for Couples, St Marys Glacier Elopement The Best Advice for Couples, Rocky Mountain National Park Elopement The Ultimate Guide, Love on the Peaks: Discover The Best Telluride Elopement Packages, San Sophia Overlook Wedding Guide | Everything You Need to Know, Waking up to the sound of rain this morning made m, Through my lens, I witnessed the beauty of pure em, Taking pictures is incredibly important because it, Imagine the excitement and anticipation building a, Planning Your Sapphire Point Overlook Elopement, 1) There is a limit on the amount of people attending. 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. So if youre looking to have your wedding on 8/8/2023, starting on 2/8/2023 youll be able to get online and get yourself your permit. July and August are by far my favorite months to capture Colorado elopements. Hikers, mountain bikers, tourists, etc. Most of them are a lot less crowded. Facilities are available there as well. Expecting 70s in the summer at Sapphire Point Colorado is a good guess but it could also be in the 50s or 40s with a decent breeze. The price has not gone up since Ive been doing weddings there (and thats been over 20 years) and they are long overdue. Some of my favorite locations are within an hour of Denver all the way to the western slopes. It's also conveniently located right off I-70 which is a huge bonus for those traveling to Colorado. We're hoping for an easy hike with gorgeous views but don't necessarily need 2-3 hours up there. When are the fall colors going to peak?! What elevation is Sapphire Point Overlook at? By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. Is this even the right wedding location for you? He made sure we went into our elopement completely educated and prepared. Its all done within the same transaction. Weve got your back, friend. If its just you two you can make your reception as romantic as youd like! Required fields are marked *. Recreation.gov is your gateway to explore America's outdoor Excited to hit the trails already? Having crampons may also be a good idea to prevent any slipping on snow or slick ground. Period. Make sure to drink a lot of water or add lemon/lime to your water to keep up your electrolytes. 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. I get it. I was so grateful for his easy-going personality and his eye for a great shot. 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. Here are a couple of my favorite elopement day activities for you to check out. The overlook has lovely views of Dillon Reservoir and the Tenmile range. Wed love to help! Pack out anything you bring in including trash: guests water bottles, tissues, etc. 11-30 people - $250/day. Do keep in mind if you dont place chairs there yourselves (or family or friends) they too will need a permit to do so. Last Updated on April 16, 2023 by vowsandpeaks, ALL IMAGES & CONTENT 2023 VOWS AND PEAKS - COLORADO ELOPEMENT PHOTOGRAPHER. More than likely, the next wedding party will be arriving anyway. This makes it super easy for friends and family to join, while also keeping your travel to a minimum. So, my first tip for booking an elopement at Sapphire Point is to work with a local wedding planner or photographer that can direct you to other gorgeous places to elope in Summit County. Yep, just apply for a marriage permit, follow the steps to be legal and thats it! Together with our sister company The Dropped Pin we serve most of the west coast. Make sure all of your guests know this rule! You cannot block any of the trail or close it off to other hikers. The leaves change somewhere around the 3rd to 4th week of September and the colors can be gone with one big wind storm! Check out our free elopement checklist to help guide you in the process! It is a very short walk from the parking lot to Maroon Lake where you have a stunning view of Maroon Peak. Sapphire Point is between Keystone and Breck on Swam Mountain and overlooks Dillon Reservoir. Wedding permits at Sapphire Point are only issued six months or less before the wedding date. It is impossible to predict the weather Colorado does have some traditionally snowier months than others. 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. Carpooling is a great idea! "Our Colorado elopement was a little less hiking and intimate, but we sure made Sean run around and capture everything we wanted. What kind of scenery are you going for? Sapphire Point Overlook is a popular, affordable wedding ceremony site between Keystone and Breckenridge on Swan Mountain Road in Summit County, Colorado that's perfect for elopements and intimate weddings. Your Colorado elopement will be a true epic adventure in the summer! For more information, please see our and cultural destinations in your zip code and across the country. Sapphire Point books in 2-hour increments on the even hour. Our photographer, BrynMarae Photography, was able to capture the incredible view and how meaningful this special day was for us! I work with couples to make sure that the timeline includes everything you want to experience on your Colorado elopement. Whatever you want! Applying for a Special Use Permit for commercial lming and still photography is as easy as 1, 2, 3! You can top off your day with a draft beer at a local brewery or roam the open tundra on one of our many mountain passes. Hire a private chef or caterer to cook for you too at your hotel or rental property. Keeping in mind wind chills may make it seem colder. All of these things are harmful to the environment even if you pick everything up after. Now comes the fun partdeciding where in Colorado to exchange your vows. Sapphire Point is also a hiking trail and is only used for day use, meaning there isnt camping on site. There are NO RULES! Telluride sits at the head of a box canyon, where the states tallest waterfallfittingly named Bridal Veil Fallscrashes 365 feet to the canyon floor. I swore an oath before the altar of God to protect this woman. Established in 1995. Wedding permit needed. Sapphire Point is an ideal spot for year-round couples eloping in Colorado because you can drive up to the location and rent out two-hour blocks for your ceremony. 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. Let's talk about the Sapphire Point Overlook Wedding you're planning! In the many times weve photographed here only a few hikers walked by and were very kind to not step into the ceremony area. This will depend on the time of year youll be having your Sapphire Point Overlook wedding. Between seeing a porcupine, stream crossings, and arriving at dawn at our location, the whole day was magical and easy and we cannot stop looking at the gorgeous photos he got! We want to keep our secret locations as private and uncrowded as we can for our future couples. Or you have guests with mobility challenges and you know that is the most accessible, inexpensive Rocky Mountain wedding venue that they can access. Although you can reserve a time slot, there is no park official present during your time slot, leaving the area open to the public. If you have a great Colorado elopement photographer they can help you find epic places around Sapphire Point to catch the beautiful sunset in Summit County! or other Breckenridge Elopement locations! By providing you with topnotch wedding professionals who handle all the details of your small wedding, we allow you to relax and enjoy your day. Vail is boujee, and it has rightfully earned that title. "Sean was more like a photographer and elopement planner, as he gave suggestions for what to do for the day, handled some logistics, and gave us a timeline for the day after we filled out a questionnaire. Also no one wants to be hangry (hungry/angry) because they didnt eat enough on their wedding day! The question to ask yourselves is if you need chairs. I believe your life should be full and be what you make it. Late evening and sunsets may not be ideal at Sapphire Point because of where the sun ends up at this location. You can reserve your ceremony spot at recreation.gov. Do I need a permit to get married at Sapphire Point Overlook? Your email address will not be published. In the state of Colorado you can marry yourselves! Im a Colorado-based free spirit who has dedicated my life to exploring this wild world and connecting to the people in it. The parking lot can only hold up to 22 cars. Your Colorado elopement photographer should be the person that helps you plan, coordinate and photograph your big day! When Im not photographing couples in Colorado, I love to go exploring with my wife and our corgi. You can make your reservations for your Sapphire Point elopement online. The national parks are much more likely to fill up during Moab's busy . Please note that the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens require an additional fee for photography permits (but Ford Park and Gore Creek Bridge do not).See more . 4 miles to the top of the hill to Sapphire Point parking lot. What are you waiting for? 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. Throw out your craziest and funniest ideas and see what sticks. But its cheaper on VRBO. PRO TIP: The BEST place for 4x4 elopements is in the western part of Colorado. This little spot right off 70 is tucked between two peaks and offers limitless locations for those seeking big views and tons of adventure for those eloping in Colorado. Brainard Lake is situated right at the front of 10 different hiking trails and is one of my favorite spots in the summer. You can CLICK HERE to be directed to the site to rent . Depending on how crazy you are, you can tackle one of Colorado's many 14ers. Keep your gear to a . When you do need them, permits are simple to attain. Covid-19 prompted the world to downsize in all sorts of matters, and weddings were no exception. The pandemic changed all that. For Patrick and Camille it seemed more about getting the ring than the surprise. The overlook is a looped trail that is less than a mile but has a great range of spots to shootespecially if you dont mind a little rock scrambling . What kind of activities do you want to include? its not icy and slippery) you can climb down under the main overlook spot itself and youll get a slightly different view, and its SO worth it. Check out below for a more thorough breakdown of the best months to elope in Colorado! Sapphire Point Overlook is a true gem tucked away in the heart of Summit County. 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. This article may contain affiliate / compensated links. What is the hike like getting to Sapphire Point Overlook? Ready to start crafting a timeline? Rocky Mountain National Parks wedding permits, the perfect-for-you alternative to Sapphire Point site, A winter elopement in Colorado for Tara and Ryan, How to keep your guests entertained during your wedding photo shoot, Ideas to Entertain your Guests for your Destination Micro-Wedding, Danny and Julians Elopement on the Cliffs of Big Sur. Check out these places to stay in Summit County on VRBO. One of the best parts of eloping in Colorado is it gives you a chance to adventure in an epic backdrop. You have mountain passes, lakes, and high alpine views of some of Colorado's best peaks. Engagement Locations similar to the Paint Mines and the Flatirons; The Paint Mines, as noted before, are so unique to the Denver landscapes. Check out their session here! 1-2 people, camera & tripod only - $0/day. Last but not least dont forget your Sapphire Point Elopement photographer! "Our Colorado elopement put all those important parts front and center and Sean helped us make sure of it. Alex & Kelly are adventure wedding and elopement photographers based out of Denver, Colorado. Making our couples lives easier is literally in our DNA (real 23&Me results). Keep on scrolling or use the table of contents below to jump on my favorite elopement locations plus my local Colorado elopement tips and tricks! 2. 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. Make sure you have the right gear for your wedding here. The price for renting out San Sophia Overlook starts at $5,000. Yes, you read that right: Colorado elopements are not only stunningly beautiful but also easy as heck! I know firsthand what an important and personal decision this ismy wife and I eloped to Northern Ireland. Encompassing a landscape of rivers, mountains, trails and forest roads, the White River National Forest is one of the top recreation Forests in the nation. It makes the perfect location for couples wanting an earthy, boho vibe. Do you want guests? If you book with me for your elopement or wedding I will apply for the permit for you so you dont have to worry about anything! In short, Sapphire Point Overlook looks like the best site in Colorado for an outdoor elopement. Alpine regions provide habitat for pika and ptarmigan. 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. As cute as they are, it makes it harder for them to survive when they are fed. Im happy to weigh in with my experiences of what the conditions are like in the elopement locations you are considering! ". In all the times Ive been at Sapphire Point Overlook, Ive never seen a park ranger there. Thunderstorms, avalanches, road closures, high winds are such cases that may cause a need to change a venue. Click on the link below, fill out our contact form, and well be in touch super soon. A Sapphire Point winter wedding is absolutely gorgeous. At Blue Sky Elopements, we focus our time and energy on scouting out lesser known, less-crowded sites. Blue Sky Elopements - Breathtaking Vistas. What Time of Day to Have your Sapphire Point Overlook Wedding. Colorado's landscape and topography are diverse and each location evokes different emotions. Historically, in these high altitudes like Sapphire Point it is usually in late August or September. Each resort brings something unique and different but you can count on each having its own incredible views! I still remember my first time driving over Vail Pass in the fall when the valley was littered with golden and yellow aspens. Includes 2 hours of photo coverage. Your email address will not be published. With more than 300 days of sunshine a year, you'll enjoy plenty of opportunities for your frosty elopement. Click here for photographs and more information about wedding ceremonies at Sapphire Point Overlook. Its known for having amazing skiing, summer hiking, and year-round high-alpine activities (including a roster of fun festivals). Sapphire Point Overlook offers 360 degree views of all the surrounding mountain ranges and Dillon Reservoir. They weren't so focused on everyone smiling and looking right at the camera. We respect your privacy. In the ten years since Ive called Colorado home, Ive explored every nook and cranny, hiking to beautiful alpine lakes, kicking it with the local mountain goats, and summiting the sickest peaks Colorado has to offer. The weather is generally cool in the mornings but warms up midday. If your date and preferred timeslot arent available when you log in, you have three choices: change your date; change your time or change your venue. You read that right! A few things youll want to make sure you talk to your florist about with Sapphire Point specifically are: Many larger catering companies have chairs you can rent from them if you want to have chairs at your ceremony. But it was really overwhelming for us to try to plan an elopement in Colorado ourselves until we found Sean. Your email address will not be published. You can make a reservation online. 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. The overlook offers a beautiful view of Lake Dillon, with the Gore and Tenmile mountain ranges in the background. Sapphire Point Overlook is a super popular spot with some iconic Lake Dillion views, easy parking and minimal walking. 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. Proposal Details: We love Sapphire Point, we love fall, and we love the weekends but the combo of all three at Sapphire point normally does not include the word seclusion May through September. However, bear in mind that a reservation at a National Park site does not mean you have exclusive usage of the site; it simply means youre allowed to hold a wedding there. If you plan to wear heels make sure youre ok walking on a hiking trail in heels. It is covered in dirt and has some twigs sticking out of the ground. There is a decline to the ceremony site but is only a 37 ft elevation gain. As with all things outdoors part of it will be just rolling with the beauty of the day and keeping your focus on getting married. Trust me! Helpful Wedding Vendors For Your Sapphire Point Elopement, Preparing for your Sapphire Point Wedding.