Sunrise Amphitheater Wedding & Elopement Guide for 2026
Hey there! My name’s Iver Marjerison.
I’m a Colorado micro-wedding planner, and over the years I’ve helped plan hundreds of small weddings and elopements across the state. This guide covers everything you need to know about getting married at Sunrise Amphitheater.
Sunrise Amphitheater is one of the most scenic and accessible places to get married in Boulder, Colorado, offering sweeping views of the city below, dramatic sandstone formations, and easy access for small wedding and elopement ceremonies. Located on Flagstaff Mountain just minutes from downtown Boulder, this historic stone amphitheater is a popular choice for couples planning a simple, nature-forward ceremony with a small guest count.
Professional Opinion:
I’ve planned hundreds of weddings at Sunrise Amphitheater over the years, and I think it’s a great spot for larger groups who want to keep things simple and affordable! However, getting the right time of day is critical for good photos, and those permits can book out fast.
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Everything You Need to Know About Getting Married at the Sunrise Amphitheater
The Sunrise Amphitheater is a private event space located just outside of Boulder, Colorado. It can technically host groups up to 100 (I don’t suggest more than 30 for a wedding), and has built in stone seating (I suggest renting your own chairs), and a stage. In order to use the space, you must make a reservation online. I also strongly suggest planning on taking some of your photos just up the road at Lost Gulch Overlook.
Elevation: ~6,983
Max Group Size: 100 people
Permit Fee: $100 - $400
Accessibility: Early May through end of October
Distance from Denver International Airport: Estimated 1 hour
Nearest Town: Boulder
Pros: This location offers privacy and nice photos for small weddings, at a very affordable price. It’s also very accessible and allows decorations and chairs. It’s also just down the road from the epic Lost Gulch Overlook—so you can do portraits there after the wedding.
Cons: The mountain views can be a bit lacking for the ceremony, and the lighting can be very harsh if you don’t time sunrise/sunset perfectly. The built-in seating is also a bit far from the amphitheater, so renting chairs is generally recommended.
Booking, Planning & Marriage license - First you’ll need to use the park’s online booking portal to check their availability and secure your date. Then, you just need to make a timeline, get the marriage license, and secure any needed vendors, like photographer, officiant, etc.
Jump to Booking & Planning
Best Day, Month, and Time
Because this is a private venue, any day of the week you can get a permit for works well. Season wise, mid June through mid October is the “peak” wedding season in Colorado, and generally when weather is the best. However, we do weddings at this location all year around! For optimal lighting, opt for a sunrise, or one hour before sunset.
Jump to Best Month, Day & Time
Good to Know - The amphitheater is handicap accessible. Dogs are allowed on a leash. Alcohol is allowed with an additional permit. Music is allowed. Chairs and decorations are allowed (but NO wedding arches). There is no electrical outlets. There is designated parking, but it is not reserved. No throwing flowers or confetti. Lots more info…
Jump to FAQs
Other locations? - I’ve got planning guides, packages, and resources for all the best small wedding and elopement locations across Colorado.
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How-to Plan a Wedding at Sunrise Amphitheater
Pick a date and time
They take bookings early May through end of October, and any time during this window works well. Sunrise or sunset is always best for photos—especially at this location! Learn the best time to get married in Colorado.Book the Amphitheater
Use their online calendar to book your date.One hour rental fee:
• $150 for non-residents.
• $100 for residents of Boulder, Colorado.Three hour rental fee:
• $400 for non-residents.
• $300 for residents of Boulder, Colorado
Hire your vendors
After the venue is booked, you can coordinate your officiant, photographer, and any additional vendors, making sure they comply with venue guidelines. Click here to learn about our All-Inclusive Sunrise Amphitheater Wedding Package.OSMP photography permit
THIS IS NOT REQUIRED for Sunrise Amphitheater, but if you plan to go to Lost Gulch Overlook for photos afterwards (strongly recommend!) be sure your photographer has their permit. Info here.
Finalize logistics and timeline
Leading up to the wedding, you’ll confirm arrival times, and plans for the day with your vendors and guests.Get the Marriage License
Colorado makes getting a marriage license simple! You and your fiance simply need to go into a Colorado County Clerk during business hours to pick up the license. Boulder County has their own office, but they are difficult to work with. I suggest finding another County Clerk nearby. Here’s my full Colorado Marriage License Guide.
Get Married!
On the day of the wedding, you and your guests will meet your wedding vendors at Sunrise Amphitheater. You’ll have the ceremony, sign the license, take photos (you may also want to take some photos at Chautauqua Park or Lost Gulch Overlook which are both nearby), and then most groups simply head to a local restaurant to celebrate!
Best Month, Day & Time
The best option is to get married at Sunrise Amphitheater at true sunrise, sometime between mid-June and mid-October. Any day of the week works!
What’s the Best Month?
Sunrise Amphitheater is available May 1 through October 30, and it’s very nice throughout any of this time. Generally speaking, mid-June through mid-October is “Peak” wedding season in Colorado for the good weather and conditions. Snow comes and goes at this spot, but if you want snow, February and March would give the best chances.
What’s the Best Time of Day?
For good photos at this location, you need to go for true sunrise, or one hour before sunset. Simply Google “Sunset Boulder [your date]” to see the time.
What’s the Best Day of the Week?
Since this is a private venue, the day of the week doesn’t really matter. Any time you can get a permit!
Sunrise Amphitheater Wedding FAQs
Do you need a permit to get married at Sunrise Amphitheater?
Yes. Weddings and elopements at Sunrise Amphitheater require a special use permit through Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks (OSMP). Reservations must be made in advance and are subject to availability and facility rules. More info.
How much does it cost to get married at Sunrise Amphitheater?
One hour rental fee:
• $150 for non-residents.
• $100 for residents of Boulder, Colorado.
Three hour rental fee:
• $400 for non-residents.
• $300 for residents of Boulder, Colorado
How many guests are allowed at a Sunrise Amphitheater wedding?
The maximum attendance is 100 people total per time block across all Flagstaff Summit facilities combined, including Sunrise Amphitheater, Stone Shelter, and Wood Shelter. Your reservation availability already reflects this combined limit.
What months are weddings allowed at Sunrise Amphitheater?
Weddings are allowed from May 1 through October 30. Reservations are not available from October 31 through April 30, and Flagstaff Summit Road is closed to vehicles during the winter season.
What is the best time of year to get married at Sunrise Amphitheater?
Peak wedding season in Colorado is mid-June through mid-October. This period offers the most reliable access, minimal snow risk, and the best weather conditions for outdoor ceremonies.
Is Sunrise Amphitheater wheelchair accessible?
Yes. The seating area is wheelchair accessible via a 6-foot-wide crusher fines path that is approximately 200 feet long with a consistent 7–8% grade. For wheelchair access to the stage, the OSMP Administration Office must be notified in advance so a ramp can be arranged.
Can alcohol be served at a Sunrise Amphitheater wedding?
Yes, but a City alcohol permit is required for each reservation time block in which alcohol will be consumed. Applicants must agree to all permit requirements, conditions, and procedures during the booking process.
Are signs allowed to direct guests to Sunrise Amphitheater?
No. Posting signs of any kind on OSMP property is prohibited. This includes attaching items to trees, park signs, facilities, or along roadways. OSMP recommends providing guests with maps in advance or placing members of your group at key road junctions to help direct arriving guests.
Can we decorate Sunrise Amphitheater for our wedding?
Decorations must be minimal and removable. Nothing may be attached to stone structures, trees, signs, or natural features. All setup and cleanup must occur within your reserved time block.
Do we need to include setup and cleanup time in our reservation?
Yes. Your reservation must account for all setup and cleanup time. Groups booked for the 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. time block must be packed up and exiting parking lots by 9 p.m. The hour between time blocks is reserved for arrivals and departures, and some overlap between groups may occur.
Are dogs allowed at Sunrise Amphitheater weddings?
Yes. Dogs are allowed as long as they follow current OSMP dog regulations. Dogs must be on leash unless the guardian participates in the Voice and Sight Control Program.
Are fires, candles, or heaters allowed?
No. Fires, open flames, ignition sources, smoke-producing devices, and fuel-powered items are prohibited. This includes grills, camp stoves, chafing dishes, generators, and fuel-powered lanterns. Existing grills and fireplaces may not be used.
Are restrooms available at Sunrise Amphitheater?
Yes, but only pit latrines are available. There are no indoor facilities, changing rooms, or preparation areas on site.
Can we have music at our ceremony?
Battery-operated portable music players and acoustic music are allowed. Live bands and amplified sound are restricted. All music must comply with Boulder noise ordinances. There is no electricity available at the facility.
Are tents, shade structures, or canopies allowed?
No. Tents, shade tents, nets, and canopies are prohibited at Sunrise Amphitheater.
Is parking available, and is there a vehicle size limit?
Parking is available near the summit area but is limited and shared with other visitors. Carpooling is recommended. Vehicles on Flagstaff Road are limited to a maximum length of 30 feet.
Are there staff or volunteers available to help with events?
No. The City of Boulder does not provide event support, and volunteers at the Flagstaff Nature Center are not available to assist with weddings or ceremonies.
How far in advance can Sunrise Amphitheater be reserved?
Sunrise Amphitheater and other OSMP facilities may be reserved up to two years in advance of the event date.
What happens if there is snow near our wedding date?
If there is heavy snowfall and reservations are scheduled, OSMP staff will plow paved parking lots. Trails, unpaved areas, the amphitheater stage, ramps, and stairs will not be cleared. Groups may arrive early with shovels to clear snow themselves if needed.
Are snow tires or chains required on Flagstaff Road?
Yes. Snow tires or chains are required from October 1 through May 31.
Can the city cancel our reservation due to weather or emergencies?
Yes. The City of Boulder may cancel reservations at any time for public safety reasons, including severe weather, fire, smoke, flooding, or other emergencies. If the city cancels your reservation, all paid fees will be fully refunded, and you will be notified using the contact information provided during booking.
What decorations and items are prohibited at Sunrise Amphitheater?
Arches, tents, shade structures, and canopies are not allowed. Throwing flower petals, confetti, rice, or similar items is prohibited. No fires, candles, open flames, or fuel-powered devices. Decorations must be minimal, removable, and cannot be attached to any structures or natural features.
Where are the best photo locations near Sunrise Amphitheater?
Artist Point is nearby and offers easy access with excellent views. Lost Gulch Overlook, located just up the road, is one of the most iconic photo locations in Colorado and is especially popular for sunset portraits.
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