Why You Shouldn't Have a Sapphire Point Elopement
If you're planning to elope in Colorado, you’ve probably come across at least a few pictures of one the most popular elopement spots in the state: Sapphire Point Overlook.
You might've even chatted with a photographer who recommended a Sapphire Point elopement! Out-of-state photographers especially love to recommend this site because it’s easy to scout online – there are thousands of photos of microweddings and elopements there all over social media.
But as of 2026, there are major changes to the way wedding ceremonies are held at Sapphire Point.
I've got all the info on the changes to Sapphire Point, pros and cons of getting married there, and some amazing spots I think are even better than Sapphire Point for your elopement!
2026 Changes to Sapphire Point Weddings + Elopements
Starting June 14, 2026, only the new "north" overlook will be used for ceremonies. You can't have your ceremony at the "classic" Sapphire Point overlook anymore.
Old Ceremony Site
New Ceremony Site
Why should you trust me?
I'm Sam, Your Colorado Elopement Photographer & Planner
I know there are so many options and things to consider when planning an elopement. I absolutely adore helping couples through this process + reducing stress! Breckenridge is one of my favorite places on Earth to plan and photograph elopements, and I know the area like the back of my hand.
I've photographed many elopements at Sapphire Point, so I know firsthand the pitfalls of this popular elopement site – and all of the amazing places you can elope instead that offer better privacy, amenities, and incredible views!
Pros + Cons of a Sapphire Point Elopement
Pro:
Stunning views
The main reason Sapphire Point is so popular is the panoramic views of Dillon Reservoir and the Tenmile Mountain Range. The new overlook has a slightly different view, but it's still a super pretty spot to get married.
Pro:
Convenient location
Sapphire Point is close to several mountain towns – including Dillon, Frisco, and Breckenridge – where you can stay or host a reception. Plus, there are tons of hiking trails and other activities in the area.
Pro:
Accessible ceremony site
The new overlook is pretty accessible, even for couples or guests with limited mobility. There's a wheelchair ramp, close parking, and seating for guests.
Con:
No privacy
It costs $142 to reserve the Sapphire Point overlook for a three-hour time slot. But even with your paid reservation, the site is still completely open to the public. You cannot ask others to leave the area for your ceremony or photos.
Con:
Extremely touristy
The Sapphire Point Overlook is an incredibly popular spot to visit, especially for tourists. Visitors are not always respectful to weddings and often record couples' ceremonies, or stand in the middle of the site for a photo op.
Con:
Very popular
You'll likely come across other couples getting married at Sapphire Point during your ceremony. Every day, four couples can legally reserve Sapphire Point for their ceremony, and many others come to take wedding photos there.
Con:
Limited parking
There are barely 20 parking spots at Sapphire Point despite having so many visitors. The Forest Service has limited wedding parking to two reserved spots, and these spots often get taken by other visitors. I highly recommend using a shuttle service (especially if you have any guests).
Con:
Can't get the "classic view"
As of 2026, the Forest Service has shut down the old overlook – which is the view you see when you search up Sapphire Point weddings, and the main reason most people want to get married there. All wedding ceremonies must take place at the new overlook, which doesn't have the same view.
Where should you elope instead?
The good news is that there are SO many other amazing spots in Colorado that are just as beautiful and accessible. As a local to this area, I have personally vetted these sites, and I’d be thrilled to help you choose the elopement location that is perfect for you and your partner! You shouldn't have to worry about being recorded by strangers during your intimate ceremony, or being yelled at on your wedding day.
Elopements With (or Without) Guests
These options are perfect if you’re planning to include close friends and family in your elopement (though they’re also great for completely private ceremonies with just you and your partner). There will be plenty of space for everyone and beautiful views!
Dillon Marina Park Pavilion
The Dillon Marina Park Pavilion has very similar views to Sapphire Point of Dillon Reservoir and the Tenmile Mountains. But unlike Sapphire Point, you can reserve it for a truly private event – and you can have your reception here as well.
The pavilion has lots of covered space (perfect in case the weather gets dicey) and holds up to 90 people. It's got picnic tables, water and electricity, restrooms – and lots of parking!
Frisco Adventure Park
Frisco Adventure Park, just outside downtown Frisco, is on of my favorite Sapphire Point alternatives. It has a beautiful outdoor ceremony site with views of the Tenmile Mountain Range.
There's a wooden platform for the ceremony, and you can rent chairs for guests. For larger events, there's also a lodge on the property that holds up to 100 people.
And if you want to have some fun with your guests, Frisco Adventure Park has so many activities, from snow tubing and sleigh rides in the winter to trails and disc golf in the summer.
Windy Point Campground
The Windy Point Group Campground is on Dillon Reservoir, just down the road from Sapphire Point. It has two large group campsites that you can reserve for private events. How much fun would it be to get married while camping with your friends and family?
There campground has beachfront and hilltop ceremony sites, plus a wooden pavilion, so you can take advantage of all the gorgeous lakefront views. Windy Point Campground is also way more private, with a gate at the road to prevent the public from waltzing in.
The Lodge at Breckenridge
The Lodge at Breckenridge hosts weddings and elopements year-round on their picturesque log deck. The lodge has ceremony-only packages, as well as options for an indoor reception space and catering, making this a full-service venue with on-site lodging.
Restaurants + Breweries
There are quite a few restaurants and event spaces in Dillon and Frisco that would be a fun spot for a microwedding (and we can still take photos in the mountains). Here are a few places to consider:
Just-the-Two-of-You Elopement Alternatives
These options are best for elopements without any guests. If you want to get way out into nature for a totally private ceremony, consider one of these nontraditional "venues"!
Officers Gulch
Officers Gulch is a one-mile loop trail outside Frisco that takes you around a small tree-lined lake under the Tenmile Mountains. It's the perfect location to exchange vows privately and take some amazing portraits.
Loveland Pass
Loveland Pass, between the towns of Silverthorne and Georgetown, is one of the highest (and prettiest) mountain pass roads in the country. And it's just a short drive from Dillon and Frisco! There are lots of beautiful spots you could elope along the pass and its many hiking trails, depending on how far you want to adventure.
The pass can be busy in the summer, but it’s also a great option if you want winter mountain views. This is definitely a better choice for a small elopement with few guests, because there's no seating and limited parking. But since there's no dedicated “ceremony space,” you don't need reservations to elope in Loveland Pass.
Event-Friendly Rentals
Airbnb, VRBO, and other vacation rentals around Dillon and Frisco are another unconventional option for a small elopement. These have the benefit of total privacy for the whole day – but keep in mind that many rentals don’t allow parties or events, so this is a better option for a very small elopement or one without any guests. And make sure to read each rental’s rules!
"Secret" Spots
The best locations are the ones no one knows about. Where you can get away from crowds, enjoy solitude, and go adventure! These won’t work for microweddings, but they’re unique picks if you want to elope just you and your partner.
When you hire me as your elopement photographer and planner, I'll send you a custom location guide based on your unique priorities – including some of my favorite off-the-beaten-path, little-known elopement spots.
Elopement Locations Outside the Breckenridge Area
If amazing mountain views are what drew you to Sapphire Point, there are tons of other options in Colorado with equally stunning scenery. These are some of my favorite places a little further away for an epic mountain elopement.
Twin Lakes + Leadville
About an hour from Breckenridge, Twin Lakes and Leadville are small mountain towns with all the lakes, forests, and mountain views that make Sapphire Point amazing – without as many tourists.
Rocky Mountain National Park
There are a bunch of stunning places you can elope in Rocky Mountain National Park. And a lot of the ceremony sites have way more privacy (and parking) than Sapphire Point for elopements!
Ouray
Ouray is another adorable mountain town with so many fun outdoor activities for an all-day adventure elopement – including hot springs, hiking, offroading, and backcountry skiing. If I had to pick one town in Colorado to recommend to eloping couples, it would be Ouray.
Garden of the Gods
Garden of the Gods is a great elopement location! It's got both mountain and red rock views that are stunning. And there are 6 ceremony spots + all of them are free.
Still have your heart set on a Sapphire Point elopement?
If you’re completely set on a Sapphire Point elopement, I’d still love to help you plan your perfect day – and I can use my knowledge of this spot’s quirks to help you prepare and plan the best elopement possible. I've gotten to capture some absolutely wonderful Sapphire Point elopements, and we can make sure yours is wonderful too.
Sapphire Point Reservations
Because Sapphire Point is such a popular place to elope, you’ll have to reserve in advance! Reservations open up at 8am MST, six months before your desired elopement date. The reservation fee is $142 for a three-hour window.
The reservations go incredibly fast! I recommend creating a Recreation.gov account and adding your payment info at least 24 hours in advance. Then make sure you're online and ready at least five minutes before the reservations open, so you have the best chance of getting your ideal time. You can always have family and friends try to get the permit too!
Rules for Sapphire Point Elopements
Consider an Off-Season Elopement
Winter and spring are the best times to elope at Sapphire Point, with less traffic and visitors than the peak summer season. Snow-capped mountains and a frozen lake are a stunning backdrop!
Keep in mind that the path to the overlook is not maintained during winter and can be icy. You'll want a good pair of boots and traction devices like snow chains.
If you do want to elope in the winter or spring, remember this area is at high elevation. Wearing base layers, bringing winter coats, and using hand warmers will keep you warm and allow you to focus on your ceremony!
Check out my blog post on when to elope in Colorado for more info (and inspo) about Colorado elopements during any season!
Tips + Tricks for a
Sapphire Point Elopement
01/
Plan to avoid parking challenges.
Arrive at the parking lot early to try to snag parking, and arrange a shuttle from nearby Dillon or Frisco for your guests.
02/
Hire a planner to streamline your day.
A planner, like myself, can help with timing and coordination challenges at this busy location.
03/
Expect other people.
Plan for other visitors to the area to be walking by – and even watching – your elopement ceremony. This can be just a fun part of your day as long as you’re prepared and expecting this!
04/
Adventure before or after your ceremony.
We can take gorgeous and fun bridal portraits by hiking, snowshoeing, or off-roading around Dillon and Breckenridge. You can enjoy quieter and more private moments while venturing elsewhere.
05/
Consider time of day.
Morning is the least busy time of day at Sapphire Point, and the best lighting is around sunrise or sunset. You can reserve time slots starting at 6 a.m. and ending at 9 p.m. to avoid the crowds (and get gorgeous lighting for your ceremony photos).
06/
Keep it small.
Sapphire Point elopements are best with few guests because of the small ceremony area and limited parking. A smaller ceremony at Sapphire Point followed by a larger dinner in Breckenridge or Dillon with family and friends could be a good compromise!
Ready to start planning?
Whether you want to elope at Sapphire Point or anywhere else in Colorado (or if you’re not sure yet), fill out my contact form to start chatting! I'll help you compare options to pick the perfect location for your elopement ceremony and an incredibly fun day of adventure.
Let's chat!
