Boulder makes eloping easy once you know whose land you are on. The Chautauqua lawn belongs to the city’s Parks and Recreation department. Flagstaff Mountain, Sunrise Amphitheater, Lost Gulch Overlook, Panorama Point and the trails above Chautauqua belong to the city’s Open Space and Mountain Parks department, usually called OSMP. The Dining Hall, Community House and cottages belong to the Colorado Chautauqua Association. Each has its own rules.
The OSMP rule that decides everything
OSMP’s permit pages say it plainly: weddings, ceremonies, elopements and other stationary events are only permitted at designated shelters and facilities on OSMP land. Its FAQ explains that large groups trample vegetation and disturb wildlife.
So Lost Gulch Overlook, Panorama Point and the Flatirons trails are portrait stops, not ceremony sites, even for two people. OSMP’s free special use permit, required for non commercial groups of 25 or more such as group hikes, does not change that.
Sunrise Amphitheater
The amphitheater sits at the east end of the Flagstaff summit beneath the big flagpole, a stone circle built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1933 and 1934, with tiered seating, a small stage and the city below. Book it on OSMP’s online calendar up to two years ahead. There is no wait list, and no reservations on major holidays including Memorial Day, the Fourth of July and Thanksgiving.
| Block | Times | Resident | Non resident |
|---|---|---|---|
| One hour | 6, 7 or 8 a.m. | $100 | $150 |
| Three hours | 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., 2 to 5 p.m., 6 to 9 p.m. | $300 | $400 |
“Resident” means a household inside City of Boulder limits. The rest of Boulder County pays the non resident rate, and online bookings carry a 6% service charge. Setup and cleanup fit inside your block.
Capacity is 100 people per time block across all summit facilities combined. Reservations stop from October 31 through April 30, when Flagstaff Summit Road closes to vehicles. There is no electricity or water, only latrines. The 200 foot path to the seating is wheelchair accessible at a 7 to 8% grade, and OSMP will set a ramp to the stage if you call 303-441-3440.
Other reservable OSMP facilities
Smaller sites cost $50 resident or $100 non resident for a dawn hour, and $175 or $275 for three hours.
- Halfway House, about 1.2 miles up Flagstaff Road, is a 1933 stone shelter with a patio over the Boulder Valley. It holds 49 and closes Veterans Day through New Year’s Day.
- Bluebell Shelter, a walk of about three quarters of a mile from the Chautauqua Trailhead, has a small outdoor amphitheater and holds 50.
- Green Mountain Lodge is a hike in quarter mile from Realization Point and holds 49.
What an OSMP reservation allows
No tents or freestanding arches (a religious arch must be held by people), no petals, rice or confetti, no glass, no flames including unity candles, no drones and no amplified music. Beer or wine needs a $25 city alcohol permit added at booking. Dogs at the amphitheater must be leashed unless their guardian is in the city’s Voice and Sight tag program.
Lost Gulch Overlook and Panorama Point
Lost Gulch Overlook, about 4.4 miles up Flagstaff Road, looks west over forested foothills to the high peaks. OSMP rates it high use, more than 200 visits a day, and a common sunrise and sunset stop. It has 24 parking spaces, opens 5 a.m. to 9 p.m., and dogs must be on a hand held leash. Save it for sunset portraits.
Panorama Point, 1.1 miles up, looks east over the city and is much quieter, with 15 spaces and no restrooms. The Halfway House next door is the reservable way to marry beside that view.
Parking on Flagstaff Mountain
Vehicles not registered in Boulder County need a $5 daily permit, through ParkMobile zone 24700 or with exact cash or a check at the self service stations. Reservations do not include parking, and the amphitheater lot has 13 spaces, so carpool. The road has a 30 foot vehicle limit, requires snow tires or chains October 1 through May 31, and closes to parking from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m.
Chautauqua: the lawn versus the Association
Parks and Recreation manages the lawn. Groups under 50 need no permit and follow park rules, which require dogs on a leash. Groups of 50 to 100 can request a large group permit up to a year ahead, for ceremonies only, for four hours between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., with a $25 fee on approval. It does not save you a spot on the grass. The city lists construction affecting parking through November 30. Paid parking ($2.50 an hour) and a free shuttle from downtown run on summer weekends and holidays.
The Colorado Chautauqua Association runs the private venues: the Community House, an outdoor Ceremony Site facing the Bluebell and McClintock trails, Missions House Lodge and the Mary H. Galey Cottage for up to 24 guests, and the Dining Hall. Pricing is by inquiry, at 303-442-3282.
Photographers
A facility reservation covers photography inside the facility. Anywhere else on OSMP land, including Lost Gulch, a paid photographer needs an OSMP commercial use permit. Ask yours before you book.
Comparison
| Site | Managed by | Ceremony | Cap | Season |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sunrise Amphitheater | OSMP | Reserved | 100 per block, summit total | May 1 to Oct. 30 |
| Halfway House | OSMP | Reserved | 49 | Closed Veterans Day to Jan. 1 |
| Bluebell Shelter | OSMP | Reserved | 50 | Year round |
| Lost Gulch, Panorama Point | OSMP | Portraits only | n/a | Year round |
| Chautauqua lawn | Parks and Recreation | Yes | Under 50 free, 50 to 100 by permit | Year round |
| Chautauqua venues | Chautauqua Association | Private | Varies | By inquiry |
Your marriage license
Boulder County issues licenses only through an online application and a video appointment, and mails them only within Colorado. If you are flying in, read our Boulder County marriage license guide first. A license from any Colorado county works in Boulder.
Common questions
Can we elope at Lost Gulch Overlook?
Not as a ceremony. OSMP allows weddings and elopements only at its designated facilities. Marry at Sunrise Amphitheater or on the Chautauqua lawn, then head to Lost Gulch for sunset photos.
How much is a Sunrise Amphitheater wedding?
A dawn hour is $100 for City of Boulder residents and $150 for everyone else. Three hour blocks are $300 and $400. Add the online service charge, $5 parking per outside car, and $25 for beer or wine.
Do we need a permit for a Chautauqua wedding?
Not on the lawn with fewer than 50 people. For 50 to 100, request the city’s large group lawn permit. The Association’s buildings and Ceremony Site are booked through the Association.
Can our dog come?
Yes, leashed, at Sunrise Amphitheater and on the Chautauqua lawn. Our guide to eloping with kids and dogs covers rules elsewhere.
Vendors and next steps
Read the Boulder guide for timing and a sample day, compare Boulder wedding venues for dinner afterward, and find Boulder photographers who know the amphitheater’s light. Keep your dates in the free planner.
