Boulder, CO Elopement Photographer - Chautauqua & Lost Gulch Elopement

Boulder, CO Elopement Photographer - Chautauqua Elopement

*second shot for Eleanor Williamson at Be Boulder Photography

Alex and Collin’s Mountaintop elopement in Boulder

This private, weekday elopement after a rainstorm in Boulder was magical. Alex and Collin are so sweet together. Documenting their special moments and elopement was a dream! I was in love with the overgrown grass at Chautauqua from all the rain we’ve gotten in Colorado over the summer.

When I first started photographing weddings around age 20, I quickly realized how important it was to connect with the people I’d be photographing. Couples choose to trust me, a photographer (who is usually a stranger prior to the event) to be one of the only witnesses for their marriage or elopement! Annnnd to wander around with them for several hours in nature while they express the most vulnerable words and emotions to each other. There’s never been any room for NOT connecting with my clients.

So I began to make sure I asked all the questions about their lives, their relationship, their hobbies and making sure there’s not uncomfortable silences. Having your photo taken is already intimidating, but to confess your love and commitment to you partner in front of a camera? Terrifying. Well, hopefully it’s not so terrifying after we meet and we become friend haha

But in all seriousness, other than taking quality photos and being well versed in my profession, I make it a top priority to keep the conversation flowing, prompts being given, lots of movement being incorporated, all to assure that you’re having a great time on your special day AND to have incredible photos to look back on as well as memories.

Colorado Documentary Engagement Photographer

Colorado Documentary Engagement Photographer

Thelma and Omar’s couples shoot at Sapphire Point in Silverthorne was snowy and beautiful. I love seeing how couples naturally interact with each other, then I’m able to gauge how to prompt them. These two were so cute and easy to get into fun poses.

Denver Couples & Engagement Photographer

Denver Couples & Engagement Photographer

- A snowy and frigid engagement session in the woods with Bryan and Kate -

This was one of my all time favorite photo sessions. The love and kindness between Bryan and Kate blew me away. I hardly needed to pose or prompt them. Their laughter, and kisses and playfulness were constant! I learned about Kate’s love for knitting when she told me about how she’s been working on knitting the sweater she’s wearing for these photos! I was so impressed.

This location is special for Bryan and Kate since it’s where they spent a lot of time walking together on dates during the pandemic after they had met while working at the library together. It had always been a place for Bryan to go to clear his mind alone before he met Kate, and now they enjoy this lovely place together.

One of the best, most fulfilling parts about my job is witnessing love and light from individuals and couples. Being able to see someone’s light brightened by a human they’re in love with is remarkable. I am so grateful to be a photographer and to preserve memories of love. I am endlessly inspired by people and my clients existing as they are <3

Denver Couples Photographer - Holiday Photos with Dogs

Denver Couples Photographer - Holiday Photos with Dogs

Loving this adorable family. Hana, Hamp, Harry and Alfie were so photogenic and fun to take photos of at Cheesman Park in Denver

Documentary Wedding Photographer near Denver

Documentary Wedding Photographer near Denver

Ray and Kayla’s wedding was on a gorgeous summer afternoon at Copper Leaf Garden’s in Broomfield. This venue has since closed, but it made for a lovely wedding space with gardens, a nice cocktail patio and space for many guests.

Even though it wasn’t a particularly high end venue, we were able to find creative areas for photos to make the day look as lovely as it was. The garden area was perfect for lush green photos. Sometimes being a bit restricted in terms of what the location has to offer can make me think more creatively and come up with less traditional poses and ideas for the day. This is nice because the photos are unique and I’m able to think about new things in terms of what kind of photos to capture.

A few other location options in Broomfield are Cottonwood Lodge, and Church Ranch Event Center

If you are planning a wedding in the Denver, Broomfield area of Colorado, send me an email and let’s connect for photos!

*photographed for Eleanor at Be Boulder Photography

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