How to Plan the Perfect Lake Isabelle Elopement

With clear waters framed by trees and peaks, Lake Isabelle is one of Colorado’s most breathtaking alpine destinations. This glacial lake offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. The hike to Lake Isabelle is no less stunning with a trail that winds through forests of pine, offering plenty of sights for you to admire on your adventure together.

Every elopement I’ve photographed at Lake Isabelle has been an incredible experience with each one giving me more reasons to return. As a local Colorado photographer, I know the place like the back of my hand and have walked countless couples through the process of eloping at the lake, so here are some of my best tips for planning your own Lake Isabelle elopement! 

Frequently asked questions about eloping at Lake Isabelle:

How do you elope at Lake Isabelle? 

Though it’s most accessible during the summer, Lake Isabelle is an incredibly popular spot and for good reason. It’s the perfect place for an elopement that feels like an epic adventure, so here is everything you’ll need to know to make your own moment happen:

1. Pick a Date

While Lake Isabelle is open year-round, access to it depends on the season and when the main road to Long Lake trailhead is open. The road is typically open during the summer (June through early October) and closed during the winter (mid-October through June) due to snow conditions, so you’ll only be able to access the closest parking lot to the lake during the summer months. In the winter, you can park in the Brainard Lake Winter Lot and hike to the lake, but it does add about 3 miles to the hike each way and you may need snowshoes depending on the conditions, so just keep that in mind when narrowing down your date!

You’ll also need a timed-entry reservation to access Lake Isabelle, which you can make at the Brainard Lake Recreation Area’s official reservation website here—make sure you select the Long Lake Trailhead Day Use pass so your reservation shows the right parking lot for your visit. The reservations become available up to 15 days in advance of your chosen date and go pretty fast, so I strongly suggest booking one as soon as you’re able to!

2. Finalize Your Guest Count

There aren’t a lot of spacious areas at Lake Isabelle for large groups, so you’ll want to keep your elopement small—ideally no more than 6 people total. That number should include you, your photographer, your officiant (if you choose to have one), and/or any guests. If you would like to invite more people, you also have the option of hosting your ceremony somewhere nearby with a bit more space, like Brainard Lake, then heading over to Lake Isabelle for wedding portraits!

3. Plan the Day & Pick Your Photo Locations

When making your itinerary, you’ll want to account for the hike to Lake Isabelle which can take a couple hours or more, depending on how often you stop for photos. A local photographer (like me!) can help you navigate that and plan your day accordingly. I know where all the hidden gems are along the trail and what times bring the best lighting so you can not only have an epic adventure, but also the most beautiful photos to remember it by!

4. Get Your Marriage License

The closest place to get your marriage license will be at the Boulder County Clerk’s office. The license costs $30 and you can apply for it remotely on the county’s official website here. If you live in-state, the license will be mailed to you, but if you are from out-of-state, then you’ll need to contact the Recording office at either recording@bouldercounty.gov, or (303) 413-7770 to pick your license up in-person.

Since Colorado is a self-solemnizing state, you won’t need any witnesses or officiants—just be sure to sign the license within 35 days of the date it’s issued, then return it within 63 days of your wedding.

5. Get Married!

All that’s left is to exchange your vows by the beautiful waters of Lake Isabelle and soak in every moment of it.

When’s the best time to visit Lake Isabelle? 

Since the main road that provides access to Lake Isabelle is closed during the Winter season (mid-October through June), the best time to visit would be during the summer months—specifically July when the water levels are high, giving you the full Lake Isabelle effect! July is also peak blooming season for the wildflowers, which add vibrant colors to the already stunning scenery.

Summer is also the peak season for visitors, meaning you’re more likely to find crowds, but a good way to avoid that is to visit on a weekday—either very early in the day or later in the evening would be best. Those times also offer gorgeous lighting for wedding portraits, with the sun either rising or setting over the treeline and illuminating the entire lake with a soft glow. 

Pro Tip: Summer months are typically warmer, but keep in mind that Lake Isabelle does sit at an altitude of about 10,500 ft. which means temperatures can still reach low 30s at night, so be prepared to bring some warm clothing options along with you just in case!

How do you get to Lake Isabelle?

Lake Isabelle is part of the Brainard Lake Recreation Area, which is less than an hour’s drive from Boulder. During the summer, the best place to park for Lake Isabelle will likely be the open lot near the Long Lake Trailhead, located at 40°04’41.4″N 105°35’02.7″W. To get there, take CO-72 W, then turn onto Brainard Lake Rd. Follow this road for about 5.3 miles then turn left onto Mitchell Lake Rd and take the first left onto Long Lake Rd. This will lead you straight to the open air parking lot at the foot of the Long Lake Trailhead where you’ll start your hike!

How long is the hike to get to Lake Isabelle? 

The quickest way to Lake Isabelle is the Pawnee Pass Trail, a moderate hike that features a loop around Long Lake with an out & back section to Lake Isabelle, starting at the top of the loop. The hike is around 4.8 miles roundtrip and can take, on average, about 3 hours, but the scenery is so gorgeous, you’ll want to take more time to pause for photos along the way, so allow for some extra time to appreciate the views. 

From the Long Lake Trailhead, it’s only about 0.3 miles to Long Lake and, at that point, you’ll have the choice to either go left or right. If you want to shave some time off your hike and have no interest in spending more time at Long Lake, then take the path on the right and just follow it all the way up to Lake Isabelle!

How much does it cost to elope at Lake Isabelle?  

As of writing this, you won’t be needing a permit to elope at Lake Isabelle, which means you won’t have to worry about any fees on that front. 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 Brainard Lake Recreation Area and park at the Long Lake Trailhead will be $16 per vehicle plus a $2 reservation fee, bringing your total to $18 for one vehicle. Should you choose to visit in the winter, you won’t need the vehicle pass since access to the main road will be closed, 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 vendors, travel costs, whether you’re doing a reception elsewhere after the ceremony, etc. The couples who hire me usually prioritize the experience of having an adventure in a beautiful place, which is why they often invest most of their budget in photography to capture every epic moment. 

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

Are dogs allowed at Lake Isabelle?

Yes, dogs are allowed and welcome at Lake Isabelle and along the nearby trails. Just make sure they’re leashed and you’re all set!

Lake Isabelle Elopement & Wedding Photos