March 13, 2026

Your Guide to Planning a Stunning Sunrise Amphitheater Wedding

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High above the city of Boulder—at an elevation of almost 7,000 feet—the Sunrise Amphitheater overlooks an endless expanse of Colorado’s gorgeous landscape. Its rustic seating and surrounding pine forests make the amphitheater feel both timeless and secluded, creating an intimate atmosphere that somehow feels epic—especially as you exchange your vows on the edge of a summit with the world sprawled at your feet below. 

As a local Colorado photographer, I’ve done more elopements and weddings at the Sunrise Amphitheater and around the Boulder area than I can count. I love bringing couples up to the summit and capturing the looks on their faces when they take in the view—that moment they realize this place is special and so is this day. With years of experience under my belt, I know everything you’ll need to get married at the Sunrise Amphitheater and have that same moment, so here are my top tips to help make that happen!  

A couple stands on a large rock by a calm lake, surrounded by trees and mountains. The scene is bathed in warm, natural light, with autumn foliage in the foreground and a dense forest in the background.

Frequently asked questions about getting married at the Sunrise Amphitheater:

How do you get married at the Sunrise Amphitheater?  

The Sunrise Amphitheater is an extremely popular attraction on Flagstaff Mountain, thanks to its breathtaking vistas and accessibility. I’ve walked tons of couples through the process of getting married there and know how to make the experience as stress-free as possible so, on that note, here are the basic steps to planning your dream Sunrise Amphitheater wedding:

Pick a Date & Time

First things first, you’ll need to decide when you want to get married! The Sunrise Amphitheater is usually closed for the Winter season (November through April)—though dates vary based on snow conditions—so you would be looking at options somewhere between May and October. 

With Sunrise Amphitheater in particular, you’ll need to book a time, since the venue is available during specific slots. Here are your options:

  • 6:00 am – 7:00 am (1-hour slot)
  • 7:00 am – 8:00 am (1-hour slot)
  • 8:00 am – 9:00 am (1-hour slot)
  • 10:00am – 1:00 pm (3-hour slot)
  • 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm (3-hour slot)
  • 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm (3-hour slot)

If you’re thinking of having a reception, then I suggest double-checking their schedule before you lock in your date & time, just to make sure they’re available on your day!

Pro Tip: I find that the 3-hour slots are better if you have decorations to set up and more guests, but the light is best earlier in the day for photos! 

Finalize Your Guest Count 

The Sunrise Amphitheater can hold up to 100 people, so consider that your maximum guest count possible. However, parking is limited, paid, and on a first come first serve basis, so I strongly suggest carpooling day-of to avoid walking from the overflow lot or offering a shuttle service if you have over 20 guests. 

Make a Reservation

To officially book your selected date & time, you can visit the official Boulder Open Space & Mountain Parks website here. There, you’ll scroll down to “Book a Facility or Check Availability Now!” which takes you to a page with rental options—select Sunrise Amphitheater. On this new page, you’ll find a calendar and some pricing information (I go into more details on that in my “How much does it cost to get married at the Sunrise Amphitheater?” section below). All you have to do then is just pick your chosen date & time, fill in your guest count (it’s okay if it changes later!), and follow the checkout instructions!

Pro Tip: This venue allows bookings up to 2 years in advance, so the sooner you can lock in your date and reserve it, the better!

Hire a Photographer & Plan the Day 

The beauty of the Sunrise Amphitheater is that not only is the location itself stunning, but its position on Flagstaff Mountain makes it easy to visit other gorgeous spots with incredible views if you want more varied backdrops for your wedding portraits. A local photographer (like me!) can help you figure out the best timeline for your day to make sure you have the perfect wedding and the most beautiful pictures to remember it by! I know where all the best hidden spots are, when the lighting is perfect, and how to navigate the process of getting married at the Sunrise Amphitheater, so you can have the smoothest possible experience.

Get Your Marriage License

For the Sunrise Amphitheater, the best option would be to get your marriage license from the Boulder County Clerk. It will cost you $30 and you can apply for it remotely at the County Clerk’s official website here. Unfortunately, they won’t mail your license to you if you’re coming from out-of-state. In that case, you’ll have to contact the Recording office at either recording@bouldercounty.gov, or (303) 413-7770 to pick it up in-person.

Both parties need to be present during the remote video appointment to sign the application, but other than that you’re all set! 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.

Get Married!

That’s it! All you have to do now is head on over to the Sunrise Amphitheater and exchange your vows before sweeping views of the iconic Colorado landscape.

When’s the best time to visit the Sunrise Amphitheater? 

Since roads to the Sunrise Amphitheater are usually closed from October to May due to snow conditions, the best time to visit is late summer or early fall. That’s when the temperatures start to dip slightly—which is perfect for an outdoor ceremony under the sun—and you’ll have less chance of mid-afternoon thunderstorms. Under clear blue skies and surrounded by towering trees that are just starting to show some fall color, you’ll get to experience the magic of the Sunrise Amphitheater and its panoramic views at their best. 

For smaller crowds, I suggest avoiding weekends if possible and visiting either earlier in the day or later in the evening. Sunrise in particular is stunning with the entire amphitheater illuminated by a gorgeous soft light that makes for beautiful photos! 

How do you get to the Sunrise Amphitheater?

Fortunately, the Sunrise Amphitheater shows up on most common navigation apps! To get to the Boulder area, you’ll likely end up taking US-36 toward CO-93. From there, take the exit for Baseline Rd. and follow that for about 1.8 miles until you turn right onto Flagstaff Rd. After another 3 miles on that road, turn right onto Flagstaff Summit Rd. You’ll start to see some available parking in small open lots as you drive, but keep in mind that the Sunrise Amphitheater is 0.8 miles up the road.

There is parking located directly in front of the amphitheater at 40°00’13.2″N 105°18’04.9″W. Spots are limited and offered on a first come first serve basis, so if you find the lot full, there is also overflow parking about 0.2 miles back down the road, located at 40°00’14.9″N 105°18’12.8″W.

How long is the walk to get to the Sunrise Amphitheater?

The time it will take you to walk to the Sunrise Amphitheater will depend on where you park. If you snag a spot right in front of the venue, then no time at all! If you park in the overflow lot, then a couple of minutes, but you’ll never find yourself walking on rugged or uneven terrain.

How much does it cost to get married at the Sunrise Amphitheater?  

A wedding ceremony at the Sunrise Amphitheater could cost anywhere from $130 to $460+. The numbers vary based on a few different factors—though all of them include a $30 charge for the marriage license—including residential status, parking requirements, and rental period. Here’s a quick breakdown of the venue’s pricing:

  • 3-hour Rental Fee (Residents of Boulder): $300
  • 3-hour Rental Fee (Non-residents): $400
  • 1-hour Rental Fee (Residents of Boulder): $100
  • 1-hour Rental Fee (Non-residents): $150
  • Daily Parking Permit: $5
  • Special Use Permit for Alcohol: $25

The alcohol permit is only required if you want to have alcohol at the ceremony location and you can pay for this when you book the venue. The parking permits can be purchased day-of and on-location at service fee stations.

Beyond those considerations, your total elopement/wedding budget can be whatever you want it to be! Naturally, the budget will increase if you choose to have a reception, but it typically depends on what vendors you choose, decorations, travel costs, etc. (I have tons of recommendations for nearby accommodations, caterers, and anything else you may need!). Most of the couples who hire me prioritize having an adventure at a stunning location like the Sunrise Amphitheater and capturing every memorable moment of it, which is why they spend a lot of their budget on photography. You can find my full cost of eloping guide here! 

Are dogs allowed at the Sunrise Amphitheater?

Yes, dogs are allowed at the Sunrise Amphitheater, as long as they’re kept on a leash!

Sunrise Amphitheater Elopement/Wedding Photos

Lauren & Tony’s Sunrise Amphitheater Summer Elopement 

Lauren & Tony are from the midwest, but they wanted to elope somewhere with great mountaintop views. These two love hiking and when they were presented with the option of getting married on a trail, they were totally sold!

The key for them was finding a location that fulfilled those big views that they wanted along with somewhere their ~25 family members & friends could get to and access (including older folks and kids). Which is exactly what Sunrise Amphitheater is perfect for. Plus, this is one location that their dog, Louise, could come to!

What Lauren & Tony loved about Sunrise Amphitheater was the way it seamlessly blended feeling like you were out in the middle of nature with being super accessible for an intimate wedding. There were benches and paved roads for the ceremony but with lots of trail options everywhere for hikes after!

I love finding options like this for couples—ones that perfectly meet multiple needs and wants to become the “venue” of your dreams.

A brown and white dog with short fur and expressive eyes sits outdoors on a rock, looking up at the camera with its ears perked.
Amphitheater made of stone with semi-circular seating, surrounded by pine trees on a hillside, overlooking a cityscape in the distance under a partly cloudy sky.
A bride in a lace gown stands with an older man, possibly her father, in front of a groom and officiant at an outdoor wedding ceremony on a stone platform with scenic views in the background. Bridesmaid and groomsmen stand nearby.
A wedding ceremony takes place at an outdoor stone amphitheater on a hillside, with guests seated on curved steps and scenic views of trees, plains, and distant sky in the background.
A wedding ceremony takes place outdoors on a stone platform overlooking a scenic, expansive landscape. The bride and groom stand at the center, surrounded by their wedding party under a partly cloudy sky.
A dog lies on the ground between a bride in a lace dress and two people in formal wear during an outdoor wedding ceremony. The dog’s leash is decorated with flowers.
A bride and groom stand holding hands outdoors during their wedding ceremony, accompanied by an officiant and a young boy; a small dog lies at their feet on the stone platform. Forest and mountains are in the background.
A bride and groom kiss outdoors in front of a stone wall, with two young boys in suits and a small dog adorned with flowers standing nearby, set against a scenic, blurred landscape background.
A bride and groom hold hands and smile during an outdoor wedding ceremony, surrounded by members of the wedding party, with scenic mountains and trees in the background.
A bride in a lace dress and a groom in a dark suit walk hand in hand outdoors, smiling. Bridesmaids and groomsmen, including children, stand behind them holding bouquets and ring pillows. Trees and mountains are in the background.
A brown and white dog on a leash decorated with white flowers and greenery walks outdoors on a sandy surface, with a person in formal attire partially visible behind.
A bride and groom walk hand in hand at an outdoor wedding ceremony on a stone platform, surrounded by trees and guests taking photos, with attendants standing in the background and a scenic valley view.
A bride and groom stand outdoors on a stone terrace with scenic mountains and fields in the background. The groom kisses the bride’s forehead while both smile, dressed in formal wedding attire.
A groom in a black suit dips and kisses a bride in a white lace gown on a stone terrace, with a scenic, blurred landscape and tree in the background.
A bride and groom walk outdoors along a rocky path with their dog on a leash. The bride wears a white dress and shawl, and the groom a dark suit. Four people follow behind among tall, leafless trees.
A dirt trail winds through dry grass and leafless trees toward a rocky, tree-covered hillside under a partly cloudy sky. Some trees on the hillside display autumn colors.
A bride and groom share a kiss on a forest path surrounded by tall trees with golden leaves. A dog on a leash stands near them, looking off to the side. Sunlight filters through the trees, creating a warm, romantic scene.
A bride and groom in wedding attire stand close together on a forest path, smiling at the camera. A small dog on a floral leash stands beside them among tall trees and soft, golden sunlight.
A bride in a lace gown and a groom in a dark suit stand facing each other and smiling in a wooded area, with a dog on a leash beside them. Sunlight filters through the trees in the background.
Close-up of thin branches with clusters of yellow autumn leaves, some with brown spots, against a softly blurred golden background.
Branches of trees covered in small golden-yellow leaves, creating a dense, warm, and autumnal forest scene with soft, diffused light.
A smiling bride in a lacy white dress sits on a rock outdoors, holding a rope leash decorated with flowers, with a brown dog standing beside her.
View of a mountain landscape with dense green pine forests and patches of autumn foliage under a clear blue sky, with rolling hills extending into the distance.
A bride and groom stand on a rocky surface in a forest, holding hands. The bride wears a white gown, the groom a suit with no shoes. A small dog on a leash decorated with flowers stands beside them. Trees fill the background.
A bride and groom stand outdoors in wedding attire, holding a young child, surrounded by tall pine trees and mountains under a clear sky. The groom kisses the bride’s forehead.
A bride in a lace dress and sun hat holds a small dog while smiling at a groom in a suit. They are standing outdoors, surrounded by trees, looking at each other lovingly. The image is in black and white.
A man and woman holding a dog.
A bride and groom stand on rocks by a stream in a forest, surrounded by tall green trees. The bride wears a white dress and veil, holding a bouquet, while the groom wears a dark suit.
A bride in a lace dress, veil, and hat holds a bouquet and hand of a groom in a black suit as they stand together on rocks in a forest setting.
A bride in a lace gown and a groom in a suit sit on a rock by a stream. The groom kisses the bride's head as she rests her hand on his chest, holding a bouquet. The scene is natural and intimate.
A black and white photo of a groom in a suit gently embracing a bride in a lace dress as she rests her head on his shoulder, both appearing serene and content.
A bride and groom sit closely together on a large rock beside a stream. The bride wears a lace gown and holds a bouquet, while the groom wears a black suit and gently rests his head near hers.
A bride in a white dress and a groom in a black suit sit together on rocks by a flowing forest stream, surrounded by lush trees and greenery. The bride leans affectionately on the groom’s shoulder.
A bride and groom sit together on rocks by a flowing creek surrounded by trees, sharing a quiet, intimate moment in a forest setting.
A bride in a lace dress and a groom in a black suit sit side by side on a rock, facing a flowing stream surrounded by rocks and nature. Their backs are turned to the camera.
A bride and groom sit close together on a rock by a flowing river, facing each other. The bride wears a lace wedding dress with an open back, and the groom wears a dark suit.
A close-up of a tree branch with yellow autumn leaves, some with brown spots, set against a blurred background of trees and natural scenery.
A man in a dark suit with a boutonniere stands outdoors on rocky ground, looking thoughtfully to the side. Trees with green foliage are visible in the background.
A bride in a lace wedding dress and jeweled headpiece stands outdoors, facing left, wrapped in a light fur stole. Sunlight illuminates her, highlighting her serene expression and soft waves of hair.
A bride in a lace dress and fur stole stands in front of a groom in a dark suit, embracing her from behind. They pose on rocky terrain outdoors with trees and sunlight in the background.
A bride in a lace dress and white shawl stands beside a groom in a dark suit with a boutonnière. She looks ahead while he stands slightly behind her, resting his hand on her shoulder. Both appear thoughtful in natural outdoor light.
A couple dressed in wedding attire stands on rocky terrain beside a small waterfall, surrounded by tall evergreen trees under a clear blue sky.
A bride in a lace dress and a groom in a dark suit stand together on rocky terrain beside a flowing stream, surrounded by tall trees under a clear blue sky.
A couple in wedding attire stands together on rocky terrain near a small waterfall, surrounded by trees and natural landscape in soft, warm sunlight.
A bride in a lace dress holding a bouquet stands facing a groom in a suit on a rock, surrounded by blurred autumn foliage with a forested mountain in the background.
A bride and groom stand embraced in a sunlit mountain meadow, surrounded by tall pine trees and autumn foliage. The bride wears a lace dress and flower crown, holding a bouquet, while the groom stands behind her in a dark suit.
A bride and groom stand together outdoors in a sunlit meadow with tall grass, holding a bouquet, surrounded by autumn foliage and pine trees, with mountains visible in the background.
A couple in formal attire stands on a rock by a mountain lake, holding hands and facing the water. Sunlight streams in from the right, and leafy branches blur in the foreground.
A bride and groom stand on a large rock in a lake, surrounded by pine trees and mountains under a clear sky, with golden sunlight illuminating the scene.
A couple stands on a large rock by a calm lake, surrounded by trees and mountains. The scene is bathed in warm, natural light, with autumn foliage in the foreground and a dense forest in the background.
A bride in a white lace gown and a groom in a black suit stand together on a large rock by a lake, surrounded by forest and mountains in warm, golden light.

Hey I’m Maddie Mae

Sunrise Amphitheater Wedding Photographer

Not only am I a Colorado born-and-raised elopement photographer, but I’ve been designing, planning, & photographing adventure elopements worldwide for over a decade. I’ve done more than 150 in the state of Colorado alone and each one has been an incredible experience, so if you’re looking for a local elopement photographer who knows Colorado like the back of her hand, then you’re in the right place!

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Sunrise Amphitheater Wedding Packages

Just contact me here to check if I have your date available and for a free planning consultation, and we can get started!

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.

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About Maddie Mae Elopement
Packages & Pricing Contact Me

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Ready to start planning your dream destination elopement?

Hey, I’m Maddie Mae

Your Elopement Photographer, Experience Designer & Planning Consultant

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“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:

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    One-of-a-kind
    Experience Design

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    Expert Planning
    Consulting

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    Award-Winning
    Photography

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    Stunning & Secluded
    Location Ideas

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    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

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    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

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    Expert Advice on Permits, Marriage Licenses & Safety

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    Specific Gear Advice + Packing Checklists

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    “How to Adventure Instead” VIP Planning Guide

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    Customized, Experience-Focused Timeline

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    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

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    Creative GIF’s &
    Drone Photography

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    Artistic, Hand-Crafted Editing

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    All Your Photos to
    Keep Forever

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    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

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Note: I usually only photograph weddings with 25 guests or less
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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