March 19, 2026

How to Plan an Epic Brainard Lake Elopement

Back to top

Blog Home

Real Elopements

Planning Tips

Deciding to Elope

Ideas & Inspiration

Best places to elope

Location guides

In this post

Located along the Continental Divide in the heart of Indian Peaks Wilderness, Brainard Lake is as stunning as it is peaceful. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains and lush subalpine forests, this lake feels like a natural escape hidden from the world, making it the perfect place for an intimate elopement!

As a local Colorado photographer, I have captured tons of elopements/weddings at Brainard Lake and each one has been an unforgettable experience. There’s a quiet, untouched beauty  in this place that always manages to take my breath away, so here are some of my top tips on how to plan your own breathtaking Brainard Lake elopement!

A couple in wedding attire stands on a rock by a calm mountain lake, surrounded by pine trees and snow-capped peaks under a clear blue sky.

Frequently asked questions about eloping at Brainard Lake

How do you get married at Brainard Lake?

Thanks to its accessible nature and panoramic views, Brainard Lake is one of the most popular recreational spots in the area. I have walked a lot of couples through the process of eloping at the lake in every season, so here is a breakdown of everything you’ll need to know to make it happen:

Pick a Date

There are a few logistical details to consider with Brainard Lake when picking your perfect date.

While Brainard Lake is open year-round, access to it depends on the season and when the main road to Brainard Lake is open, which varies based on snow conditions. The road is typically open during the summer (mid-June through early October) and closed during the winter (mid-October through early June), so you’ll only be able to access the main parking lot located right next to the lake during the summer months. In the winter, you can park in another lot just off the Brainard Lake Gateway Trailhead, and hike to the lake—it’s about 6 miles roundtrip.

A timed-entry reservation is also required to access the lake and that cost changes with the season as well (I’ve outlined those details in the “How much does it cost to elope at Brainard Lake?” section below).  

Pro Tip: The timed-entry reservations for Brainard Lake parking can be made up to 15 days in advance of your date and they go pretty fast, so I strongly suggest booking your reservation as soon as you’re able to! You can make your timed-entry reservation at the Brainard Lake Recreation Area official reservation website here. 

Finalize Your Guest Count

While you won’t be allowed any chairs or decor, you can have up to 20 people total for your elopement at Brainard Lake! That number includes you, your guests, your photographer, and any officiant or vendors you may want on-site for the ceremony. 

Plan the Day & Pick Your Photo Locations

Your timeline will depend on when you choose to elope, since that date dictates whether you have to account for hiking time to and from the lake. The hike itself is stunning and does allow for more photo opportunities with different settings if that’s something you want. The great thing about hiring a local photographer (like me!) is that I can help you make those decisions and plan your day so you not only have the elopement of your dreams but also the most beautiful photos to remember it by! 

Obtain Your Marriage License

The closest place to get your marriage license will be at the Boulder County Clerk’s office (you can also go through the process remotely—just follow the instructions on the county’s official website here). The license costs $30 and will be mailed to you once the process is completed. Just be sure to sign it within 35 days of the date it was issued and return it within 63 days of your wedding. Since Colorado is a self-solemnizing state, no witnesses or officiants are technically needed!

Get Married!

All that’s left to do is exchange your vows on the beautiful shore of Brainard Lake and enjoy every moment of it! 

When’s the best time to visit Brainard Lake?  

As mentioned above, the main road to Brainard Lake is closed during the Winter season (mid-October through early June, though you can still hike to the lake during this time via the Brainard Lake trail), so the best time to visit would be July through September. Those months offer stunning views of the rugged Colorado mountains bursting with color thanks to the blooming wildflowers and vibrant subalpine forests, which turn to gold in September and early October.

In order to avoid big crowds, I strongly suggest eloping at Brainard Lake on a weekday and earlier in the morning. Sunrise is particularly beautiful at this spot! The soft morning light lends the lake and its surrounding peaks an ethereal glow that will make your wedding photos absolutely breathtaking. If you’re not a morning person, then no worries! Sunset is equally as stunning and, thanks to its high altitude/distance from the city, Brainard Lake is one of the best spots in the area for stargazing. Plus, a dark sky filled with millions of stars makes for a pretty epic wedding photo backdrop.

Pro Tip: While summer months are warmer, Brainard Lake sits at an altitude of 10,396 ft. which means temperatures can still reach low 30s at night, so be prepared to bring a jacket and some warm clothing options along with you just in case!

How do you get to Brainard Lake?

Brainard Lake is located in the Brainard Lake Recreation Area in the Indian Peaks Wilderness—less than an hour’s drive from Boulder—which means it’s super easy to get to!

During the summer season (June through early October, depending on snow conditions), you’ll likely be parking in the main Brainard Lake parking lot located at 40°04’42.6″N 105°34’13.0″W. To reach it, just take CO-72 W, then turn onto Brainard Lake Rd. You’ll follow this road for about 5 miles then turn right into the main Brainard Lake parking lot, conveniently located just steps away from the lake! Since this road is typically closed during the winter (mid-October through early June), you won’t be able to access this lot. The easiest alternative is the parking lot located at 40°04’47.7″N 105°31’57.5″W, which is actually right next to the Brainard Lake Gateway Trailhead. There is usually plenty of parking and no paid reservations are required!

How long is the walk to get to Brainard Lake? 

During the summer months, the walk to Brainard Lake takes only a couple minutes since it’s less than half a mile from the main parking lot. The path itself is relatively flat so, overall, an easy walk!

From mid-October to early June, the road accessing this lot is closed, so you’ll need to hike from the Winter lot. The trail starts at the Brainard Lake Gateway Trailhead and is a 5.8 mile loop around Brainard Lake. On average, it can take about 2 hours to complete and is considered a pretty moderate hike—perfect for couples who are looking for some adventure before and after exchanging their vows! Between the epic views and snow-covered surroundings, you’ll also have plenty of options for some stunning photos.

How much does it cost to elope at Brainard Lake? 

Since eloping at Brainard Lake doesn’t require a permit, you’ll only be required to pay any day-use costs for access to the Brainard Lake Recreation Area, along with the $30 marriage license. During the summer, your reservation to enter the Recreation Area will be $16 per vehicle plus a $2 reservation fee ($18 total for one vehicle). Since the road to Brainard Lake is closed during the winter, you won’t need the vehicle pass, but you will need a $10 day-use pass to be able to hike to the lake. 

Beyond those costs, your total elopement budget can be whatever you want it to be! It will likely  depend on your guest count, vendors, travel costs, whether you’re doing a reception elsewhere after the ceremony, etc. The couples who hire me usually prioritize having an adventurous experience in a beautiful place, which is why they often invest a lot of their budget in photography to capture every incredible moment. 

If you want to know more, you can check out my full cost of eloping guide here!

Are dogs allowed at Brainard Lake? 

Yes, dogs are allowed and welcome at Brainard Lake and along the trails leading up to it. Just make sure they’re leashed and you’re all good to go!

Brainard Lake Elopement & Wedding Photos

Alexis & Justin’s Summer Brainard Lake Elopement 

Before reaching out to Adventure Instead, Alexis & Justin had actually never even been to Colorado before! After booking though, they traveled from a nearby state into Colorado a handful of times to check it out and fully fell in love with it. I can’t blame them—it happens a lot!

Because they’d already seen the area but didn’t know it super well, they were really excited about exploring and trying to get a taste of everything in this area—including the many lakes, trees, and peaks all around. 

It’s always super fun to combine a place that a couple has seen before and loves with new information, spots, and pieces of it they’ve never seen before. It can be a great strategy for finding an elopement location because it’s a new way to experience a spot that’s already special to you. 

Two people with backpacks stand together outdoors at night, looking up at a clear, star-filled sky with the Milky Way visible, surrounded by trees and rocks in the foreground.
Two hikers with backpacks stand close together, gazing at a star-filled night sky and the glowing Milky Way over a dark forested landscape.
Two people outdoors, one wearing a red jacket and headlamp, applying makeup or face paint to the other, who is wearing a grey vest. They stand in a natural, rocky setting with trees in the background.
A variety of makeup products, brushes, and tools are scattered on a large rock outdoors. The items include eyeshadow palettes, powders, blushes, and a headlamp, suggesting an outdoor or camping setting.
A man in a brown suit and light shirt stands outdoors, smiling and looking to his left while holding a small bouquet of flowers. The background is blurred, showing nature and soft evening light.
Rocky mountain peaks with patches of snow are lit by the warm glow of sunrise or sunset, with trees and snowy slopes in the foreground under a clear sky.
A person in a lacy, patterned white dress stands among trees while someone behind them helps fasten a necklace. The scene is outdoors, and the focus is on the person in the dress.
A close-up of a person wearing brown hiking boots with red laces and purple socks decorated with cat faces, standing on a rough concrete surface.
A person in a brown suit and cap stands on a rocky area, facing away, overlooking a snowy mountain landscape with patches of trees and a lake in the background.
A couple dressed in wedding attire stands on a rocky slope, facing snow-covered mountains. The bride wears a lacy dress and wide-brim hat; the groom wears a suit and cap. They look away, enjoying the scenic outdoor view.
A couple dressed in wedding attire stands on a rocky ledge with snow patches; the bride wears a lace dress and hat, and the groom wears a suit and flat cap. Snowy mountains and a lake are visible in the background.
A couple holding hands outdoors; one person wears a patterned white lace dress and the other a brown suit. The focus is on their joined hands, with greenery and rocks blurred in the background.
A couple holding hands outdoors, dressed in wedding attire. The woman wears a patterned lace dress and wide-brim hat, and the man wears a brown suit and flat cap. They are smiling with nature and water in the background.
A couple stands outdoors holding hands, gazing at each other. The woman wears a hat and lace dress, and the man wears a flat cap and brown suit with a boutonniere. A blurred mountain landscape is in the background.
A couple in formal attire embraces and kisses beside a mountain lake, with trees and snow-capped peaks in the background. The person on the left wears a white lace dress and brown hat; the person on the right wears a brown suit.
Close-up of two people during a wedding ceremony, with one person placing a ring on the other's finger. The background is blurred, and one person is wearing a lace dress and fleece vest.
A close-up black and white photo of one person placing a ring on another's finger during a wedding ceremony. The person on the right wears a detailed, patterned dress with lace.
A couple in wedding attire holds hands and walks over rocky terrain in a forested mountain area at sunset, with sunlight streaming through the trees behind them.
A couple dressed in wedding attire walks hand-in-hand through a rocky, grassy mountain landscape at sunset, with pine trees and a soft golden light in the background.
A couple in formal attire embraces outdoors, surrounded by greenery and sunlight. The woman wears a white lace dress and a hat, and the man wears a suit and cap, both smiling warmly at each other.
A couple in wedding attire stands outdoors laughing together; the woman wears a lace dress and a hat, and the man wears a suit and flat cap. They are surrounded by greenery and tall trees in soft, golden light.
A couple in vintage-style wedding attire sits on a rock outdoors; the person in a lace dress and wide-brim hat gently touches the arm of their partner, who wears a suit and cap. Forested mountains and snow are blurred in the background.
A black and white photo of a couple sitting outdoors at night. The person on the left wears a suit and flat cap, while the person on the right wears a lace dress and wide-brim hat, gently resting a hand on the other's shoulder.
A man in a brown tweed suit and cap sits closely with a woman in a white lace dress, gently holding her hand against his chest, creating an intimate and tender moment.
A couple in formal attire stands close together on a sunlit rocky ledge, surrounded by tall pine trees and soft golden light, with a forest in the background.
A couple dances on a rocky hillside surrounded by pine trees. The person on the left wears a brown suit and cap; the person on the right wears a flowing lace dress and hat, raising one arm as they twirl together in the sunlight.
A couple dressed in wedding attire walks hand in hand along a forest trail, surrounded by tall pine trees and sunlight filtering through the branches. Both wear hats and smile as they enjoy the outdoors.
A couple in wedding attire walks hand in hand through a sunlit forest. The bride wears a white dress and tan hat; the groom wears a brown suit and black cap. They are surrounded by green trees and natural scenery.
A bride and groom walk hand-in-hand along a forest trail, surrounded by trees and sunlight. The bride wears a white dress, hat, and jacket, while the groom is in a brown suit and cap. Both are smiling and enjoying nature.
Two people in wedding attire stand on a rock, each lifting their pant leg or dress to reveal colorful socks and hiking boots, highlighting a playful and adventurous moment.
Two people stand facing each other on a rock. One wears brown dress shoes with pants and cat socks; the other wears tan hiking boots, a lace dress, and purple cat socks. Their legs touch, and the dress blows in the breeze.
A man playfully places a hat on a smiling woman’s head outdoors. Both are warmly dressed, and the background is softly blurred trees in sunlight. The moment is candid and joyful.
A couple in vintage-style wedding attire stands on a rocky ledge with a mountainous, forested landscape and a partially frozen lake in the background. The bride holds a hat and the groom wears a cap, both smiling.
A couple wearing backpacks and outdoor clothing holds hands while walking along a lakeshore. The woman wears a flowing white lace dress, and the man wears a flat cap; sunlight shimmers on the water in the background.
A couple with backpacks, one wearing a dress and the other in trousers and a cap, stand hand in hand on grassy ground by a sparkling lake, surrounded by trees, seen from behind.
A couple wearing backpacks and outdoor gear, with the woman in a white lace dress, walk through a grassy mountain landscape with pine trees and patches of snow in the background.
Two people hike through a grassy, sunlit forest clearing with tall evergreen trees and snow-dotted mountains in the background. One person carries a large backpack while the other wears a wide-brimmed hat.
A clear river flows through green vegetation and pine trees, with tall mountains featuring patches of snow rising under a blue sky in the background.
A couple stands on a rock by a mountain stream, with snow-capped peaks and pine trees in the background. The woman wears a lace wedding dress and the man wears a flat cap, dress shirt, and trousers, holding her from behind.
A clear mountain stream flows through a green forest with tall pine trees, leading towards snow-capped peaks under a clear blue sky.
A wooden sign reads "Indian Peaks Wilderness, Roosevelt National Forest, U.S. Department of Agriculture," with pine trees and snow-capped mountains in the background.
A couple stands close together, smiling in a sunlit forest clearing with tall evergreen trees in the background. The woman wears a hat and white dress, and the man wears a cap and light shirt.
A couple stands outdoors, smiling at each other. The woman wears a tan hat and a white lace dress, while the man wears a flat cap, light shirt, and suspenders. Sunlight filters through trees in the background.
A couple stands outdoors smiling at each other. The woman wears a tan hat and white lace dress, and the man wears a flat cap, white shirt, and suspenders. They are surrounded by greenery and sunlight.
A couple stands on a rock by a calm lake, surrounded by trees. The woman wears a lace dress and wide-brim hat, and the man wears suspenders, a cap, and a button-up shirt. Sunlight filters through tree branches in the foreground.
A couple stands on a rock by a calm lake, surrounded by blurred tree branches. The woman wears a long lace dress and a wide-brimmed hat, while the man wears suspenders and a cap. Evergreen trees line the far shore under a clear sky.
A bride and groom stand on a large rock by a lake, embracing and looking at the forested shoreline. The bride wears a lace dress and hat, while the groom wears a vest and hat. The scene is peaceful and outdoorsy.
A couple sits on a large rock by a calm lake, facing away and looking at forested mountains under a clear sky. The woman wears a hat and a white dress; the man wears a white shirt with suspenders and a hat.
A couple sits together on a large rock by a calm lake, surrounded by pine trees and snow-capped mountains under a clear sky. The scene is peaceful and natural.
A couple in wedding attire stands on a large rock by a calm lake, surrounded by pine trees and mountains, sharing an intimate moment with their backs to the camera.
A couple stands on a large rock by a calm lake, surrounded by pine trees and mountains with patches of snow, gazing at each other in an outdoor, black and white, nature scene.
A person in a white lace dress and hat stands on a large rock, holding hands with another person in suspenders and a flat cap, helping them down near a forested lakeshore.
A person in a lace dress and wide-brim hat steps off a rock, holding hands with another person in suspenders and a cap. They are outdoors near water, surrounded by trees.
A serene mountain landscape with a snow-dusted peak, dense evergreen forest, and a calm lake reflecting the trees and sky under clear daylight.

Hey I’m Maddie Mae

Brainard Lake Elopement Photographer

I’m a Colorado born-and-raised elopement photographer and have been designing, planning, & photographing adventure elopements worldwide for over a decade. I’ve done over 150 in the state of Colorado alone, so, if you’re looking for an experienced local elopement photographer who can show you the ins and outs of a Brainard Lake elopement, then you’re in the right place!

A woman with long brown hair and glasses smiles at the camera. She wears a black blazer, a black top, and a pendant necklace. The background is a plain light gray wall.

Brainard Lake Elopement Packages

You can contact me here to check my availability and for a free planning consultation—I promise to help you plan the elopement of your dreams!

includes:

4+ Hours of guided, fun photography coverage by Maddie Mae

The Adventure Instead Elopement Experience™

Unique & secluded locations, bespoke activity ideas with pre-vetted guides, fun & luxurious lodging options, an experience-focused timeline, mood board & personalized styling suggestions, travel advice, VIP Planning Guide, and customized packing checklists

Free initial planning consultation call, direct access to Maddie Mae via text & email, unlimited planning consultations, unlimited collaboration & revisions, pre-vetted local vendor recommendations, and advice &and help with permits & marriage licenses

Guided + FUN photography experience, empathetic posing & directing, creative GIFS &and drone photography, hand-crafted editing, full-resolution image files with printing rights, digital gallery to view, download, & print, complementary album design, and convenient print ordering

My travel costs are covered and included to anywhere in Colorado

$6,800 for all of the above including 4-hours of photography

$9,000 for all of the above including 8-hours of photography

Full-day, multi-day, and custom packages available.

No added travel costs. No hidden fees of any kind.

INQUIRE FOR AVAILABILITY & MORE INFO

Hey there!

I’m Maddie Mae

Your Elopement Photographer, Experience Designer & Planning Consultant



For the last 14 years I’ve traveled to 40 countries, all 7 continents, and planned & photographed over 300 elopements all over the world.

A woman with long brown hair and glasses smiles at the camera. She wears a black blazer, a black top, and a pendant necklace. The background is a plain light gray wall.
About Maddie Mae Elopement
Packages & Pricing Contact Me

Related Articles

  • A couple stands on the edge of a rocky cliff at sunset, with stunning orange and red canyon formations and distant mountains in the background. The woman’s long dress flows in the breeze.

    How to Plan an Epic Bryce Canyon National Park Elopement

  • A wedding ceremony outdoors on a wooden platform, with guests standing and mountains in the background under a cloudy sky. The couple faces each other, holding hands, surrounded by floral arrangements.

    How to Plan a Telluride Ski Resort Wedding

  • Your Guide for a Beautiful Bonneville Salt Flats Elopement

Ready to start planning your dream destination elopement?

Hey, I’m Maddie Mae

Your Elopement Photographer, Experience Designer & Planning Consultant

A person with long hair and glasses is sitting on sand, smiling at the camera. They are wearing a black lace cardigan over a beige top, with hoop earrings and a necklace. The background is a sandy expanse.

“The woman who sparked the adventure
elopement trend”  – Forbes

I don’t just photograph elopements –
I design and plan a curated, unique experience around the two of you—one you’ll enjoy every minute of.

I want to get to know what makes you two feel alive and create an experience worthy of this
incredible love you’ve found

about me
packages

“The woman who sparked the adventure elopement trend”  – Forbes

40

countries and 7 continents worth of travel experience and knowledge

13

years experience planning and photographing elopements & weddings

300

one-of-a-kind elopements & intimate weddings planned & photographed

2019

the year I eloped too (after planning my own destination elopement in just 6 weeks)

What makes my elopement packages different?

Every Adventure Instead elopement experience includes:

    A simple black and white drawing of a folded map with two location markers. A dotted line connects the markers, indicating a route.

    One-of-a-kind
    Experience Design

    A simple line drawing of a checklist with three items, each marked with a check. A large light bulb is depicted to the right of the checklist, symbolizing ideas or inspiration.

    Expert Planning
    Consulting

    Black and white line drawing of a rosette with a circular center and two ribbon tails hanging down.

    Award-Winning
    Photography

    A sketched illustration of a winding path with three map location pins. The pins are placed along the path, and the final pin features sun rays around it, signifying a destination or goal.

    Stunning & Secluded
    Location Ideas

    Line drawing of an A-frame cabin with a triangular shape. The structure features a chimney on the left side and a simple door at the bottom. The cabin is composed of horizontal panels, creating a minimalist and geometric look.

    Unique & relaxing
    lodging
    recommendations

    A black and white line drawing of a hot air balloon. The outline is simple with vertical segment lines and a small loop at the bottom representing the basket attachment.

    Personalized & Fun Activity Ideas

    A hand-drawn calendar with interconnected lines and a clock icon in the center, symbolizing time management or scheduling.

    Customized, Experience-Focused Timeline

    Line drawing of a clothes hanger with a fan of paint swatches hanging from it, symbolizing a blend of fashion and color selection.

    Personalized Mood Board & Styling Suggestions

    A simple black and white sketch shows a globe with continents outlined. A small airplane is flying around it, indicated by a dashed circular path. The airplane appears on the right side of the globe.

    No Additional Travel Fees

    A simple line drawing of overlapping speech bubbles containing ellipsis dots, suggesting an ongoing conversation or dialogue. The design is minimalistic and monochrome.

    Direct Access & Full
    Support by Maddie Mae

    A black and white illustration of an infinity symbol with four small, sparkling stars surrounding it. The design is simple and clean, emphasizing the concept of endlessness and continuity.

    Unlimited Planning
    Consultations & Revisions

    Line drawing of a bouquet featuring a large protea flower, surrounded by leaves and smaller flowers.

    Pre-Vetted Local
    Vendor
    Recommendations

    Illustration of a document with lines of text and a signature at the bottom. Next to it is a large checkmark inside a circle, indicating approval or completion.

    Expert Advice on Permits, Marriage Licenses & Safety

    Black and white illustration of a wheeled suitcase with a handle. A large tag is attached to the suitcase, featuring a checkmark symbol.

    Specific Gear Advice + Packing Checklists

    A simple black and white line drawing of an open book with multiple pages visible, giving a sense of depth.

    “How to Adventure Instead” VIP Planning Guide

    A hand-drawn calendar with interconnected lines and a clock icon in the center, symbolizing time management or scheduling.

    Customized, Experience-Focused Timeline

    Simple line drawing of two stick figures holding hands with arms raised, surrounded by lines suggesting movement or excitement.

    Guided & Fun
    Photography Experience

    A simple line drawing of an open hand with a heart above it, surrounded by small sparkles and lines radiating from the heart. The image conveys a sense of care and affection.

    Empathetic,
    Introvert-Friendly
    Posing & Directing

    Line drawing of a quadcopter drone with four propellers, viewed from above.

    Creative GIF’s &
    Drone Photography

    Line drawing of an artist's palette with five circles representing paint colors, accompanied by a paintbrush.

    Artistic, Hand-Crafted Editing

    A hand-drawn illustration of a computer monitor displaying a grid layout with various rectangular boxes representing a digital interface or website design.

    All Your Photos to
    Keep Forever

    Line drawing of an open photo album with three photo slots, one square on the left page and two rectangular on the right page.

    Complementary
    Album Design +
    Convenient Print
    Ordering

learn more about my elopement packages

Reach out & we’ll start planning your dream elopement

Don’t worry, most couples who inquire with me have no plans at all. 
Helping turn vague ideas into a thrilling plan is my specialty.

I can’t wait to hear your ideas and help bring them to life

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Note: I usually only photograph weddings with 25 guests or less
A laptop displaying a planning guide and checklist titled "How to Plan Your Elopement" sits next to a plant and mug, setting the scene for an inspired workspace. A smartphone with text rests on the desk, hinting at an adventure instead of tradition.

Not quite ready to reach out, but want help planning your elopement?

I created the ultimate destination elopement planning guide & checklist to help you get started

download the pdf guide