Simple: Lake Isabelle Wedding Guide & Tips
Everything You Need to Know to Get Married at Lake Isabelle in Colorado.

Nestled above Boulder Colorado, Lake Isabelle is a high reward location for couples dreaming of an adventurous way to celebrate their wedding. This lush trail leads to a serene alpine lake with a dramatic mountain backdrop with only a moderate level of difficulty. If you're considering tying the knot at this stunning location, here’s everything you need to know about planning your elopement or microwedding at Lake Isabelle.

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Getting There: Hiking to Lake Isabelle

Lake Isabelle is located in the Indian Peaks Wilderness Area, about 20 or so miles from of the city of Boulder. The only way to reach the lake is via a moderate hike, which makes it an excellent choice for adventurous couples looking to make their wedding day a unique experience! While we love this location for couples opting out of a big wedding, it’s important to plan and be prepared to make the most out of your visit.

Hike Details:

Trailhead: The trail starts at the Long Lake Trailhead, located off the Brainard Lake Road.
Distance: The hike is about a 4.9 mile round trip with moderate to difficult terrain. Depending on your pace, it can take anywhere from 1-1.5 hours to reach the lake, so be prepared for a bit of a challenge, especially at higher altitudes.
Elevation: Lake Isabelle sits over 10,800 feet above sea level, so the air can be thinner, and the terrain can be demanding for some. Make sure you're prepared for the altitude to avoid altitude sickness.
What to Bring: Good hiking boots, appropriate layers for varying weather conditions, water, and some snacks for the hike. Most couples wear their wedding attire on the hike! If you prefer to pack your wedding attire, consider wearing packable attire, and even opting for a lightweight changing tent as there are no facilities at Lake Isabelle. If you want to carry flowers, you might want a small bouquet that's easy to transport. A lot of people attach their bouquet to the outside of their pack which makes for a cute photo!
Permit: A permit is not necessary toget married at Lake Isabelle with a small group. You do however need to secure a timed entry parking permit.

No Service Reminder that ALL reservations must be made in advance for any parking in this area. There is absolutely no cell service and you cannot buy any tickets in person.

Aesthetics: A High Reward Hike

This hike’s payoff is grand. It's rare to get such iconic views with such a short hike. Lake Isabelle’s crystal-clear waters are framed by the towering peaks of the Indian Peaks Wilderness. The surrounding scenery includes wildflower meadows, rugged mountain terrain, and dense tree areas. It’s common to be amongst waterfalls from the ice melt off during your hike, too! There are endless natural elements to take in, including the occasional moose to watch out for!

Best Time for Photos: The best time for your wedding photos is either early morning for sunrise or late afternoon when the sunlight is soft and golden. If you’re planning a sunset ceremony, make sure to keep in mind the daylight hours during the season you're visiting.

Wildlife: While the area is known for its beautiful scenery, keep an eye out for wildlife like deer, moose, and various bird species that call the area home. We’ve seen bull moose here, and you’ll want to keep your distance.

Seasonal Closures & Weather Considerations

Lake Isabelle is a high-altitude location, which means it’s subject to significant weather shifts, and it can be snow-covered for much of the year. Yes- even into July!

Best Seasons: The most ideal months for a wedding at Lake Isabelle are from mid July through early October. This is when the trail and the lake area are most accessible. Most often, permits to park at Long Lake Trailhead are only available sometime the first week of July though mid October. So, to avoid having to switch your date, we suggest planning for mid July at the earliest! There are options to access the lake in the off season but require snow shoeing and a much longer, strenuous hike.
Seasonal Closures: The trail and surrounding area are typically closed in winter (November through June) due to snow, making summer and early fall the best times to visit. Snow can persist into June, so it’s important to check trail conditions before planning your wedding date.
Weather Tips: Temperatures at the lake can fluctuate very quickly, so be prepared for cool mountain breezes, rain, snow or hail even during the summer months. Always bring layers, sunscreen, and rain gear just in case. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in the summer, so consider a morning ceremony if you’re concerned about rain.

Parking Fees & Reservations

Since the Long Lake Trailhead is located in a popular recreation area, parking reservations are required. These reservations go FAST and are incredibly limited.

Cost of Parking: Parking reservations for the trailhead typically run $16 for a timed window slot. You are able to use your America The Beautiful park pass for discounted entrance fees.
Where to Park: The closest trailhead to Lake Isabelle is the Long Lake Trailhead. If you are looking for a second option, we recommend obtaining a Brainard Lake Recreation Area parking reservation. This will add about 2 miles roundtrip to your hike, but is far easier to obtain.
How to Reserve: Reservations are available through the rec.gov site and can be made online. It's important to book your parking spot well in advance, as the spaces fill up quickly during peak wedding season. These typically begin to go on sale May 31st and then are released on a 15 rolling window.
No Service Reminder that ALL reservations must be made in advance for any parking in this area. There is absolutely no cell service and you cannot buy any tickets in person.

Permits and Regulations for Weddings

While Lake Isabelle is an incredible location for your wedding, it's important to remember that the area is within a protected wilderness. You’ll need to follow the specific rules to ensure that your ceremony is respectful to the land and the other visitors.

Weddings Permitted? Yes, small group sizes are permitted to marry with no arches, props, chairs, etc.
Group Size: Because of the trail’s popularity and its location in a protected area, weddings at Lake Isabelle are typically limited to smaller groups. A micro wedding with 6 or less guests is ideal.
Dogs? Dogs are allowed, and you’ll see so many here! Its important to remember that other wildlife like moose live here so be aware of how reactive your animal is.
Leave No Trace: As this is a protected area, it’s crucial that you adhere to the Leave No Trace principles. This includes packing out all of your wedding gear and trash, as well as respecting the natural environment and wildlife.

Planning Your Day

A wedding at Lake Isabelle is an unforgettable experience—combining breathtaking views, an adventure to begin your marriage and the majestic backdrop of the Colorado Rockies. If you’re a couple who loves the outdoors and wants an intimate, unique celebration, this location is the perfect place for you.

If you need assistance with planning your micro wedding at Lake Isabelle, we specialize in organizing stress-free weddings in nature. From permits to parking reservations to hiking logistics, we’ll help you create the wedding of your dreams, surrounded by the beauty of the Colorado wilderness!

Colorado MicroWeddings has Lake Isabelle packages starting at $2,200 (click here)

Transportation and Hiking Logistics: Local vendors will help you coordinate the hiking logistics, assist with reservations, and ensure that you and your guests are prepared for the trail. Hiring a local can help make sure expectations are set for difficulty, preparations and preparedness!

Where to Stay: We recommend Boulder because it has so many accommodations, but a lot of our couples stay nearby in Nederland, too!

Colorado Micro-Wedding & Elopement Packages
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Simple: Lake Isabelle Wedding Guide & TipsEverything You Need to Know to Get Married at Lake Isabelle in Colorado.