Island Lake is one of four glacial lakes in the Upper Ice Lake Basin and absolutely breathtaking in every way. Tucked away in the San Juan Mountains, this spot features vibrant turquoise waters beneath towering peaks that make it feel like a peaceful escape from the world. While the hike to the lake can be a bit challenging, it’s totally worth the effort! Not only is your destination stunning, but the trek features incredible waterfalls and creeks, giving you a chance to experience even more of the San Juan Mountains’ natural beauty.
I’ve been photographing elopements in Colorado for over a decade and have seen the magic of Island Lake firsthand—it’s intimate, unique, and perfect for couples who want to go on an epic adventure. If that sounds like your vibe, then keep reading for my best insider tips on how to plan the perfect Island Lake elopement!
Frequently asked questions about eloping at Island Lake:
How do you elope at Island Lake?
Island Lake is by far one of the most stunning alpine lakes I’ve photographed in Colorado, offering a peaceful, yet otherworldly backdrop for your ceremony! Here is everything you’ll need to elope at Island Lake and experience its beauty for yourself:
Finalize Your Guest List
First, you want to finalize your guest list because the number of guests you expect to be there is going to impact the rest of the planning process. As you do that, keep in mind that there is a decently challenging hike required to reach Island Lake, so just make sure your guests are prepared/up for it!
Since Island Lake is located in the San Juan National Forest, you might be required to get a Special Use Permit, especially if you expect more than 75 guests. Sometimes, they’ll require one for over 10 guests to manage the foot traffic at popular spots like Island Lake—I can help you navigate all of that when you work with me, so you’ll have everything you need before your day comes!
Get a Permit—(if guest count is over 75 guests)
If you’re planning on having more than 75 guests, you’ll need to apply for a Special Use Permit since Island Lake is part of a National Forest. You can do so online at the National Forest Service’s official website (I’ve also linked the application here to make your life easier!). You won’t be able to apply until you’re 180 days out from your selected date, but I recommend doing it as soon as possible when the time comes.
At the time of writing, Island Lake is technically outside the San Juan National Forest borders, but it’s always good to check with the nearest ranger district specialist and just ask what the permit situation is. For Island Lake, you can contact the Columbine Ranger District specialist, Kristina Schenck, at either kristina.schenck@usda.gov or (970) 884-1415, or you can reach out to Morgan Bennett from the Dolores Public Lands Office at morga.bennett@usda.gov or (970) 882-7296.
Plan the Day & Pick Your Photo Locations
With an elevation gain of almost 2,700 feet, the hike to Island Lake can be decently challenging and take some time, but a local photographer (like me) can help you plan your day accordingly! I’ve photographed tons of couples at Island Lake, so I know all the hidden gems along the trail and what times bring the best lighting. With my insider knowledge, I can make sure you have the smoothest experience possible while still capturing every magical moment of your epic adventure!
Get Your Marriage License
Since Colorado is a self-solemnizing state, no witnesses or officiants are needed, so all you’ll need to officially get married is a Colorado marriage license! For Island Lake, you can get one from the Ouray County Clerk for $30 (they also accept walk-ins and credit card is preferred). You’ll need to apply online and stop by the office to pick it up any time between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Mondays through Thursdays. Just be sure to sign it within 35 days of the date it was issued and return it within 63 days of your wedding!
Get Married!
That’s it! Now, all you have to do is get ready to say your vows by the beautiful turquoise waters of Island Lake and soak in every unforgettable moment.
When’s the best time to visit Island Lake?
The best time to visit Island Lake is the summer/fall season, especially July through September. The weather’s warmer, the snow is gone—making the trails a bit easier to manage—and gorgeous wildflowers bloom everywhere you look. The turquoise waters of Island Lake, specifically, glow in the sunlight, making it the perfect backdrop for your elopement!
The trail to Island Lake is one of the most popular ones in the San Juan Mountains, so I suggest visiting earlier in the day and during off-season months like September to avoid heavy crowds. Sunrise also means beautiful lighting that will make your photos absolutely stunning!
Island Lake Summer Elopement
If you’re looking for alpine vibes mixed with vibrant colors, then a summer elopement at Island Lake is perfect for you! The lake glows with a turquoise hue under a bright sun and beautiful wildflowers cover the rugged mountain terrain, starting at the water’s edge. Practically humming with natural energy, this spot is truly picturesque and offers an epic backdrop for your elopement photos!
Island Lake Winter Elopement
If you want to exchange your vows surrounded by a world dusted with snow, then a winter elopement at Island Lake is exactly what you’re looking for. Between the white-capped peaks surrounding you on all sides and the frosted waters they protect, there is a stillness to this place that makes it feel intimate and timeless. In the winter, Island Lake transforms into a breathtaking, alpine escape that will make your elopement the unforgettable event you always dreamed it would be!
How do you get to Island Lake?
Island Lake is best accessed via the Ice Lake Trailhead located at 37.806759, -107.774172. To get there, you can take the Million Dollar Highway, which offers unparalleled views of the rugged Colorado landscape from the comfort of your car! You’ll head west on Forest Rd 585 for about 4 miles until you reach an open parking lot located on your right at 37.806238, -107.773354. Once you’ve parked, you’ll find the trailhead for the Ice Lakes Trail just a few steps away. That will take you right up to Island Lake—just be sure to stick to the right at the fork in the road located around mile 2!
How long does it take to get to Island Lake?
The trail to Island Lake is 8.2 miles out & back (16.4 miles total). On average, it takes people 5-8 hours, depending on their hiking experience. The hike itself can be pretty challenging thanks to the steep elevation gain of 2,693 ft, but the stunning waterfalls and streams you pass along the way make it totally worth the trek!
How much does it cost to get married at Island Lake?
It only costs $30 to get married at Island Lake—the cost of a Colorado marriage license. Even if—after following step #2 in the “How do you elope at Island Lake?” section above—you find out you do need a Special Use Permit, there are typically no fees involved in acquiring one for elopements in the San Juan National Forest, which means the venue itself is free!
Beyond that $30 marriage license cost, your elopement budget is completely up to you. It will depend on your guest count, vendors, travel plans, etc., but the couples who hire me typically prioritize having an adventurous experience and capturing every single magical moment of it.
For more details, you can check out my full cost of eloping guide here!
Are dogs allowed at Island Lake?
Yes, dogs are allowed at Island Lake as long as they’re leashed! Just keep in mind that they’ll also have to hike to the site, so I recommend bringing along some booties to protect their paws from the rugged terrain.
Island Lake Elopement & Wedding Photos
Jen & Brad’s Summer Island Lake Elopement
Jen & Brad really wanted a taste of everything that summer in Colorado has to offer during their elopement day. So I took them to the southwest corner of the state, where you can get a great slice of everything in just one day!
These two really wanted to get out on foot on a great hiking trail, so I suggested Island Lake via Ice Lake Basin. It’s a >5 mile trail, which I think is the sweet spot for couples who really want to get in a good hike but don’t want to be completely exhausted and soaked in sweat.
I planned their timeline so that they said their vows as alpenglow was settling in on Mountain Boy Ridge, which is something that has to be timed super carefully! But after their vows were said and the sun was up, they had the rest of the day to just play in the area.
After a quick breakfast, they took a packraft out to the rocky island in the middle of Island Lake. I didn’t go out with them—instead, they got to have a private moment together and I stayed back with a great telephoto lens that I brought along for this very reason.
When they’d had their fill of exploring the area, we started hiking back down the trail, which also passes right by Ice Lake (hence the name!). And the wildflowers are always incredible here in early April, so I knew they’d be totally dazzled by the view they didn’t really get to take in while they were hiking up in the dark!
Hey I’m Maddie Mae
Island Lake Elopement Photographer
I was born and raised in Colorado and have been designing, planning, and photographing adventure elopements worldwide for over a decade. I’ve done over 150 in my home state alone, so if you’re looking for an experienced local elopement photographer, then look no further! I can help you through the whole process and work with you to make sure your elopement is as epic and stress-free as you’ve always wanted it to be.
Island Lake Elopement Packages
You can check my availability by contacting me here for a free planning consultation!
includes:
4+ Hours of guided, fun photography coverage by Maddie Mae
The Adventure Instead Elopement Experience™
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.
