When it was time to say “I do”, Nick and Rachel knew they wanted to stray away from tradition. And if you know anything about me, I am all about doing your own thing and celebrating love in whatever shape and form. Instead, they chose an Adventure Colorado Elopement at Brainard Lake, creating an intimate celebration surrounded by towering peaks, pristine alpine waters, and the raw beauty of the Colorado Rockies. Along with their two pups, of course, we were able to document their story in one of Colorado’s most breathtaking bodies of water. Through Nick and Rachel’s adventure elopement, I will give you the inside scoop on why Colorado is perfect for your adventure elopement, plus all the tips and tricks to best prepare for an adventure elopement in Colorado.

Why Choose Colorado for Your Adventure Elopement?

Colorado has become the premier destination for couples seeking adventure elopements, and it’s easy to see why. With over 50 peaks exceeding 14,000 feet, countless alpine lakes, and diverse landscapes ranging from desert canyons to snow-capped mountains, Colorado offers endless possibilities for your perfect elopement. A huge bonus is that in Colorado, you can self-solemnize your marriage without an officiant in most counties!

For Nick and Rachel, Colorado represented everything they wanted their wedding day to embody: adventure, natural beauty, and the spirit of exploration. Whether you’re an avid hiker or outdoor enthusiasts, having your adventure elopement in the Colorado mountains is top tier.

Brainard Lake: A Colorado Hidden Gem for Elopements

Located in the Indian Peaks Wilderness just outside Boulder, Brainard Lake Recreation Area sits at 10,345 feet elevation and offers some of the most spectacular mountain scenery in Colorado. This glacially-carved lake gives couples a stunning ceremony location with panoramic views of the Indian Peaks, including Mount Audubon and Paunsaugunt Peak.

What makes Brainard Lake particularly special for adventure elopements is its accessibility combined with undeniable beauty. Unlike some Colorado locations that require technical climbing skills or overnight backpacking, couples can reach Brainard Lake via a moderate hike, making it perfect for those wanting a mountain adventure without extreme difficulty.

The lake offers multiple ceremony locations from intimate spots along the shoreline, to elevated viewpoints that showcase the surrounding peaks. Nick and Rachel chose a secluded area on the shore of Brainard Lake, where they could exchange vows with the mountains peaking behind them.

Permits For Your Brainard Lake Recreation Area Elopement

Brainard Lake requires advance planning due to its popularity and environmental protections. From June through September, access requires a shuttle reservation through Boulder County Parks & Open Space. The shuttle runs every 30 minutes from Brainard Lake Road parking area, and reservations fill up quickly, especially for weekends so plan accordingly!

If you’re wanting photos of your elopement (*cough cough* as you should), you might need to get a photography permit from Boulder County. This will entirely depend on how many people you’re wanting to attend your intimate elopement. Typically, these permits cost $25 and can be obtained online, but can be required for any photography in the area.

Best Times to Elope at Brainard Lake

The optimal season for Brainard Lake elopements runs from late June through early October, however honestly, all seasons at Brainard are breathtaking.

Summer (June-August): Warmest weather and longest days, but also the busiest season. Wildflowers typically peak in July and early August.

Fall (September-October): Fewer crowds, crisp mountain air, and stunning aspen colors. September often provides the perfect balance of accessibility and beautiful weather.

Winter/Spring: The road to Brainard Lake closes to vehicles, requiring snowshoeing or skiing to reach the lake. While incredibly beautiful, winter elopements here require significant outdoor experience and gear for cold weather.

How To Prepare For Your Adventure Elopement at Brainard Lake

What to Wear

Adventure elopements require thoughtful wardrobe planning that balances style with practicality. Rachel wore a form-fitting but comfortable dress that moved beautifully in mountain breezes. She paired it with comfortable hiking boots that could handle the trail while still looking SICK AF in photos.

Nick opted for a tailored blazer over a quality button-down shirt with dress pants that could handle outdoor conditions. Both chose layers they could add or remove as temperatures changed throughout the day.

Key considerations for adventure elopement attire:

• Pack backup options in case of unexpected conditions
• Choose fabrics that photograph well and move naturally
• Consider the terrain when selecting footwear
• Bring layers for changing mountain weather

Essential Gear for Your Brainard Lake Recreation Area Elopement

Essential items for your Brainard Lake elopement include:

• Plenty of water (mountain air is dehydrating)
• Snacks for energy
• Sunscreen and sunglasses (UV exposure increases with elevation)
• Weather-appropriate layers
• Emergency contact information
• Marriage license and identification

Why Have an Adventure Elopement?

Nick and Rachel’s Brainard Lake elopement exemplifies why couples are increasingly choosing adventure over tradition. Their day was entirely about their relationship and shared values, free from external pressures and expectations. They could take their time, speak from their hearts, and celebrate in a way that truly reflected who they are as a couple.

Adventure elopements offer several unique advantages as opposed to traditional weddings:

• Complete personalization of your wedding day
• Significant cost savings compared to traditional weddings
• Reduced stress and planning complexity
• Opportunity to combine your wedding with an incredible travel experience

Rachel & Nick’s Adventure Colorado Elopement at Brainard Lake

What sets adventure elopement photography apart is the opportunity to capture genuine emotions in some of the most extraordinary settings. Unlike traditional wedding photography that sometimes can feel rushed and posed, adventure elopements allow time for authentic moments to unfold naturally.

During Nick and Rachel’s session, we spent hours together, walking around Brainard Lake. This extended time allowed us to capture not just their sweet intimate ceremony, but the entire adventure.

The real key to successful adventure elopement photography is finding a photographer who understands both the technical challenges of adventure elopements and the emotional significance of your day. Look for someone experienced with outdoor conditions, familiar with permit requirements, and passionate documenting your special day, aka me!

Get In Touch | Elopement Photographer

As you plan your own adventure elopement, remember that the most important element isn’t the location or the logistics. It’s the commitment you’re making to each other and the joy you’ll find in celebrating that commitment in a way that’s authentically yours.

Ready to start planning your Colorado adventure elopement? Inquire here and let’s start planning your epic story! If you want to see more elopements at the Brainard Lake Recreation area, check out Danielle and Zach’s story here.