The Local newsletter is your free, daily guide to life in Colorado. For locals, by locals. Sign up today!
In a state with no shortage of active brides, there seem to be zillions of options to hold an outdoor ceremony—little spots by creeks, spaces in national parks, fields of wildflowers near a bed and breakfast. And attached to this plethora of spaces, you’ll find a range of prices, from mountain ranches that will host a ceremony and reception for more than $5,000, to flower gardens with similar packages for closer to $2,000.
On the other end are affordable spaces in city parks, where you can get married for next to nothing, but you’d have to rent chairs, tables, and deal with porta-potties.
Finding a good middle ground is tough, but a couple locations on Boulder’s Flagstaff Mountain bridge that budget divide. Rented through Boulder’s Open Space and Mountain Parks, these two spots could work beautifully for a ceremony and won’t crash your budget.
Holds: 150
Seating provided: Yes, stone benches.
Restrooms: Yes, and wheelchair accessible.
Cost: $300 for Boulder residents/$400 for non-residents.
Times: Available in three-hour blocks from 10 a.m.-1 p.m., 2-5 p.m., and 6-9 p.m.
Bonus: It has a small stage that backs onto an overlook of Boulder—perfect for pictures.
Holds:150
Seating provided: Yes, picnic tables.
Restrooms: Yes.
Cost: $175 for Boulder residents/$275 for non-residents.
Times: Available in three-hour blocks from 10 a.m.-1 p.m., 2-5 p.m., and 6-9 p.m.
Bonus: The Stone Shelter itself could be a nice makeshift place for the wedding party and bride to gather before the ceremony. (It holds around 25 people.)
For smaller parties or for those looking for larger shelter, check out the Wood (Jaycee) Shelter, the Halfway House, and the Bluebell Shelter.
Ready to book? The reservation system should be moving online starting this month, but if you want to do it the old-fashioned way, head down to the Cherryvale Administrative Office, 66 S. Cherryvale Rd., or call 720-564-2002, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.