I’ve Personally Planned Hundreds of Weddings at Sapphire Point… My Advice?
You Should Not Get Married there in 2025
Sapphire Point Overlook, in Breckenridge, has imposed new rules that make it harder than ever for couples to have an enjoyable wedding experience.
Over the past seven years, I’ve personally planned and officiated over 300 micro-weddings and elopements at the Sapphire Point Overlook Trail in Breckenridge, Colorado. The reason for this locations popularity is simple: it’s cheap, it allows large group (up to 30 people), and it has absolutely stunning views of Lake Dillon and the Rocky Mountains. The problem with this site, it’s located just off a hectic public trail, and even with a reservation, there’s really no privacy. Even with this lack of privacy, it’s remained one of the most popular wedding sites in Colorado, with (this is an absolute guess-estimate) somewhere around 600 weddings there each year.
The Number One Reason to NOT Get Married at Sapphire Point:
This location is an absolute madhouse with people.
The parking lot is always crowded, the trails are always full of people, and the “ceremony site” that your reserving, is one of the most visited overlooks in the area. When you “reserve” the site, they do not put up a gate, or a sign, there isn’t even anyone on site to enforce your right to use the area. Your group will be responsible for asking people to go away (some people will be annoyed or may even refuse), and once the ceremony is going, you’ll still have waves of people walking past (some of which will start to take photos). Despite the “rules”, it’s common to have people walking dogs off leash at this location, and people often feed the chipmunks (that have learned to pester humans for food).
Of course, there are always exceptions to this. Many people have had beautiful weddings at this site over the years. You may have the place to yourself early in the morning, or on a lucky Tuesday in the off-season.
But professionally speaking. I simply don’t recommend it.
Colorado Micro-Wedding & Elopement Packages
Starting at $1,300
—Officiant (starting at $300)
—Photography (starting at $500)
—Videography (starting at $900)
—Flowers (starting at $100)
—Wedding Planner (starting at $500)
Everything you need for a beautiful and stress-free small wedding!
All-Inclusive | 100% Customizable | 0 - 80 Guests
Vendors | Venues | Marriage License | Permits | Dining | Lodging
More Reasons to Not Get Married at Sapphire Point…
No Chairs Allowed
In 2024, the rules were updated to prohibit the use of chairs at Sapphire Point. The main usage of this location is for larger style “elopements” or “micro-weddings” with 20ish guests, and with a group of that size, many people want to be able to sit down. It’s not a huge deal, but it does make the area less comfortable for larger groups.
Group Size
The Dillion Ranger District enforces a strict 30 person group size. This is TOTAL human beings in your group, so between the wedding couple, and their vendors, you are limited to around 25 guests.
Parking
In 2024, a new parking rule was put into place, limiting the amount of parking spots to TWO total spaces. This means that as a reservation holder, you’ll be provided with two designated parking passes, that allow any two vehicles from your group to park in the lot near the overlook. Assuming your group can’t all fit into two vehicles, you’ll need to rent a shuttle of some kind. The park does not provide any assistance with this, and I can tell you from experience, finding group transportation in this area can be both difficult, and expensive.
No Music
For small weddings like this, it’s quite common to bring a Bluetooth speaker and play some music before/after the ceremony. This site ONLY allows acoustic music. Having someone play guitar for your wedding is great in theory, but in practice, getting a live musician for an elopement tends to be out of most couple’s budgets.
Trail Not Maintained
While this trail is “open” all year around, the trail itself is not technically maintained. I’ve had many groups over the years show up in the winter thinking that since they “reserved” the site, the trail would be shoveled. This is not the case. In the winter the trails is generally snow-packed and can by quite icy. It’s really not so bad if everyone dresses appropriately and is ready for adventure, but older folks, or those in dress shoes may struggle in the winter, or the muddy spring.
The Best Alternatives to Sapphire Point…
As a professional micro-wedding planner, I’ve found a ton of ceremony sites, venues, and locations that work great for small weddings over the years! One of my favorite alternatives to Sapphire Point is the Windy Point Campground, located just down the road. It offers beautiful mountain views, at a similar price point, and has privacy!
I’ve got a guide 50+ locations for Micro-Weddings & Elopements in Colorado!
Text or Email me for info :)
720-598-2862
Iver@ColoradoMicroWeddings.com
Colorado Micro-Wedding & Elopement Packages
Starting at $1,300
—Officiant (starting at $300)
—Photography (starting at $500)
—Videography (starting at $900)
—Flowers (starting at $100)
—Wedding Planner (starting at $500)
Everything you need for a beautiful and stress-free small wedding!
All-Inclusive | 100% Customizable | 0 - 80 Guests
Vendors | Venues | Marriage License | Permits | Dining | Lodging
Sapphire Point FAQs
Is Sapphire Point a Good Place to Elope?
Sapphire Point is a popular elopement destination for small weddings in Colorado, with somewhere around 700 weddings (professional guess) booked at the site each year. However, while the site offers beautiful views, it does NOT offer privacy, and has strict parking regulations that make it difficult for groups.
How do You Make a Reservation for Sapphire Point?
Sapphire Point is managed by the White River National Forest, and reservations can be made through Recreation.gov here.
What are the Rules for Sapphire Point Overlook?
In order to have a group gathering at Sapphire Point Overlook, you must secure a $120 permit. This permit allows groups of up to 30 people to be at the space for up to 3 hours. The group is limited to two parking spots. You are NOT allowed to: consume alcohol, smoke, have open flames, set up chairs, have food/drinks, or play amplified music.
How Much Does it Cost to Have a Wedding at Sapphire Point?
Sapphire Point (Breckenridge, Colorado) requires a $120 fee for a 3 hours reservation. The site also only provides TWO parking spaces, so larger groups will need to organize group transportation on their own.
When is the Best Time of Year to Get Married at Sapphire Point?
Sapphire Point offers beautiful views all year around! If you want snow, aim for December - April, if you don’t want snow, aim for Mid-June thru Mid-October.
When is the Best Time of Day to Get Married at Sapphire Point?
For optimal lighting at an outdoor elopement, you always want to optimize for sunrise or sunset. This changes based on the season, but you’ll want to do around 7am for sunrise, or 5pm +/- 2 hours for sunset.
Is a Photography Permit Required for Sapphire Point?
No, a photography permit is not required for Sapphire Point, your group reservation for the site is all that is needed.
Are Chairs Allowed at Sapphire Point?
No, since the rule updates in 2024, chairs are no longer allowed at Sapphire Point.
Is Alcohol Allowed at Sapphire Point?
No, alcohol is not allowed at Sapphire Point.
Are food/drinks Allowed at Sapphire Point?
No, food/drinks are not allowed at Sapphire Point.
Is Music Allowed at Sapphire Point?
Only acoustic, non-amplified music is allowed at Sapphire Point.
