Wedding Photographer in Boulder at Chautauqua Park

Christina and Gerry’s wedding day was beautiful. It was bright, sometimes very windy and then got a bit cloudy, but this is a standard afternoon in Colorado.

In the early afternoon, Eleanor and I arrived to take getting ready photos, create flat lays with keepsake items and document Christina and Gerry preparing for their first look!

The cottages near Chautauqua are available to be rented out for weddings and guests to stay in that are within walking distance from the lawn area where large weddings take place.

*Second shot for Eleanor @BeBoulderPhotography

How to Elope in Boulder, CO -Chautauqua Park Elopement and Wedding Information in Boulder 2026

If you’re planning to get married in Boulder, a wonderful location option is Chautauqua Park for an elopement or a larger wedding on the lawn.

The lawn at Chautauqua is a great choice if you have a large wedding party. The views of the flatirons are lovely and the space for all of your guests is suitable.

The lawn is accessible for most people. There are flat walking paths in most areas. Parking here is limited and difficult to find, so a shuttle service is helpful if your party has more than 15 people. Some couples have their cocktail hour at the top of the lawn area and their dinner/reception inside one of the cabins in this area. Although it’s a lot of inclined walking, it can be nice to have a few locations for guests to spread out.

The images below are of cottages that are available to sleep in, get ready, do a first look reveal and more before your wedding day begins. *Click here for cottage rental information

Cost breakdown for the Chautauqua Lawn;

-Marriage License: in Colorado, it costs $35 for a marriage license and you can apply for a marriage license here

-Group Permit: it costs $100 for groups with more than 50 people (up to 100 people are allowed for a wedding) and you can find permit information here

*this permit is required to get married at Chautauqua for a group of 50-100 people which accounts for everyone present, including vendors.

Another perk of this location is the option to drive up the mountain for panoramic views of the mountains. There are overlooks to wander around and take dramatic photos in terms of lighting and scenery like the photo below.

Having your elopement or your wedding on the Lawn at Chautauqua offers variety, accessibility and many different views all within 5-10 minutes of downtown Boulder. I always recommend this location to couples for the convenience and variety it offers.

If you’re thinking about getting married in Boulder, send me an email! I’m happy to offer any help with locations, permits and all things in the realm of weddings and elopements here!

*Photographed as a second for Eleanor at Be Boulder Photography

Small Wedding Photographer in Boulder

Small Wedding Photographer in Boulder

Lindsay and Sean met at a comedy club one night when Lindsay didn’t really want to go out with her friends but reluctantly agreed to go. After that night, they discovered so many commonalities among their friends, values and beliefs. They are such a cool, sweet couple. They bought a house in Boulder and have been completely renovating it on their own. Gardening, setting up outdoor lights, building sheds, garages, installing countertops and flooring in the kitchen- everything!! They even renovated a van together to travel in. Despite the persistent rain on their day, it let up at the last second and they decided to have their ceremony outside as planned in the area that they built benches and a ceremony arch for! This rainy mountain wedding was beautiful.

-Photographed for Eleanor Williamson at Be Boulder Photography