Best Little Lost Gulch Elopement Guide - 2024 Edition
The beautiful view at Lost Gulch. Photo Mary Mecklenburg.
Everything You Need To Know & Updated For 2024:
The Best Elopement Overlook On The Colorado Front Range
Lost Gulch Overlook is on the east side of Flagstaff Mountain in Boulder. The vast expansive view and dramatic rock formations make this a fave Colorado elopement spot.
You’ll see in the pics below that there are stunning ledges and points throughout the rocky overlook. There are several perfect perches for a sunrise ceremony, then you can explore all sorts of cool spots for photos after.
There is also a beautiful pine forest behind the overlook for additional photo ops and time to enjoy nature while you bask in your married glow. Read on for all the intel!
With love,
Officiant Lisa
A little adventure on the rocks on the way to a great photo spot. Photo Mary Mecklenburg.
All The Deets
Availability: Accessible year-round. Mid-June through mid-October are ideal for weather.
Group Size: We do elopements with just the two of you at this spot.
The Drive: A beautiful 25-minute drive from downtown Boulder up the scenic and well-paved Flagstaff Road. You switchback up the mountain to the parking lot meet spot.
The Walk: Lost Gulch is right next to the parking lot. To navigate the rocks, you need sturdy shoes with tread, plus strong ankle support is a must.
Permit: Commercial permit required and is included in your package with us.
These photos of Brooke & Kasey’s by partner company Colorado Photographer Squad…
Rolling hill after rolling hill at Lost Gulch, all the way to the Continental Divide.
The Endless Views At Lost Gulch
Lost Gulch is on the west side of Boulder, and so you’re looking out toward the big Colorado mountain ranges. On a very clear day, you can see the snowy peaks of the Continental Divide up in the high country, with seemingly endless rolling hills and smaller mountains between. It really is that quintessential Colorado mountain feeling.
The Epic Rocks At Lost Gulch
So the rocks at Lost Gulch are 1.7 billion years old! To geek out on you for a sec, they are made of Boulder Creek granodiorite, and they are the oldest rocks in the Boulder area. Cool, right? Plus you get to play on them.
And there are tons of spots to have a ceremony. We like to arrive with couples and see where you are drawn to stand. Do you want to stand near (but not too near lol) the edge? Do you want to be nestled next to a cozy overhang? It seems like every couple has a different choice, which is what makes it so fun.
These photos of Mary & Jeremiah by partner company Colorado Photographer Squad…
Lost Gulch rock formations at in dreamy sunrise light.
The Lush Forest At Lost Gulch
The trees on Flagstaff Mountain are primarily Ponderosa Pines, and they are just magical to spend some time in. Not to mention to enjoy each other as you marvel at having just gotten married.
On a sunny warm day, the bark of the pines heats up and smells like caramel. Yep, magical. And if you’re lucky, you might see one of the foxes who like to spend their time in this area…
From cliffside to this tranquil pine-filled forest.
And a little fox friend to boot :)
The Point At Lost Gulch
And of course there’s a beautiful point to stand on that is perfect for the epic romantic just-married kiss!
There’s something about standing on a point like this that speaks to the profound experience of having just had a wedding ceremony. It’s a breathtaking view and place to stand, like the visual version of how it feels to share vows and exchange rings.
We’ll make sure you make your way out carefully, and that you enjoy every moment as you ease into that kiss.
These photos of Azra & Anel by partner company Colorado Photographer Squad…
The Kiss. At The Point. Wait for it…
Sunrise At Lost Gulch
Here’s the thing about Lost Gulch. It’s a gorgeous spot for an elopement. But… it’s SUPER touristy. In the warm months, and often even in the cold, if you’re there any time near sunset, you are sharing the rocks with at least 20 other people if not more. The parking lot is crazy full at that time, and really, it’s not the best place for a ceremony.
That’s why we recommend if you want to have your ceremony there, have it at sunrise. It’s not for every couple, but if you like this adventurous idea, oh the photos that you will have.
Or, if you’re just not sunrise peeps, you can have your ceremony at one of our other locations, then go up to Lost Gulch at sunset for an additional photo shoot. Yes, it will be busy up there, but at that point you’ve already had your private ceremony and now you’re just getting those great pics.
These photos of Casey & Ryan by partner company Colorado Photographer Squad…
Local Tips & Tricks For A Lost Gulch Overlook Elopement
Parking Tip
Flagstaff Mountain has a parking fee system that is a little unexpected for modern times, but fits the rustic park vibe. You’ll need to bring $5 cash and watch for a “Fee Station” sign in the parking lot.
You put the $5 in a little yellow envelope that they provide, write your license plate on there and deposit it in a slot in the nearby kiosk. Then you put the tab that came with the envelope in the window of your car. Rangers are there often, so make sure to do this or get a $25 ticket.
Boulder Open Space & Mountain Parks (OSMP) is also working on an option to pay via an app which may or may not be implemented yet when you visit Lost Gulch.
Champagne Toast (Sort Of )
Great spot for a champagne toast, right? The view, the sunset, it’s perfect.
But… nope. Open container alcohol is prohibited on Boulder OSMP land. So is marijuana. So there it is. But you could bring sparkling cider to toast with instead, it looks the same in photos ;) Just make sure that you toast using plastic glasses because glass is also prohibited at Lost Gulch. It’s also thoughtful to not bring glass simply because it’s easy to drop as you’re navigating the rocks, and it’s no fun to deal with broken glass during your romantic photo shoot, plus any shards of glass are dangerous to other Lost Gulch visitors.
Colorado Elopement Package: Ceremonies With Lisa Elopement Packages
Endless Views At Lost Gulch, Epic Rocks At Lost Gulch, The Point At Lost Gulch and Sunrise At Lost Gulch photos by partner company Colorado Photographer Squad
Introductory photos by Mary Mecklenburg
To see other elopements at similar locations: Jordan & John, Peyton & Genia
Meet the officiants and photographers who I’m partnered with Here
If you want to know more about how your elopement will work…
Let’s Make It Happen
Hey it’s Lisa :) I’m an officiant, elopement expert and mountain girl at heart. I can’t wait to tell you all about these sweet mini adventures and how it all works.
Reach out using this handy form and I’ll send all the info to make your elopement day real, see if we’re a fit and hop on a call to lay out your dream day and package quote. Can’t wait to get to know you!
