This site in Breckenridge offers several different areas with varying backdrops--all with gorgeous mountain views. Choose a waterfall, lakeside, wetlands, an overlook; or, if you want to walk a bit further (about 15 minutes), a hidden valley with water and panoramic mountain views (reminiscent of Maroon Bells, but without the crowds).
What we love about this site:
Panoramic mountain views.
No fee.
Relatively easy to access for most. Parking is within a few steps for three of the four sites offered here.
There is a huge variety of backdrops among these four sites for photos: waterfall, lakeside, overlook, wetlands and a meadow.
Potential drawbacks of this site
It's non-reservable, so you have to take what you get when you arrive. It may be in use.
Parking can be limited.
Not available in winter.
The dirt road to access it can get somewhat beat up by summer's end. Four wheel drive is recommended. This road is subject to closure (at various points) without any notice. In that case, we would have to move you to an alternate nearby site--potentially at the last minute.
Accessibility
Parking: varies for each site. The waterfall site has room for two cars. However, the lakeside site's parking is only .2 of mile down the road, so couples could be dropped off. Lakeside has off-road parking for up to 16 cars. Overlook and Valley sites require a hike of 45 minutes to an hour respectively. Parking is at Lakeside.
Vehicle type: for spring and fall, make sure your vehicle has good ground clearance to get over snow, as well as 4-wheel drive for potential ice. For weddings held between September 1st and May 31st, note that Colorado has strict traction laws in place that affect what type of vehicle you are allowed to drive in the mountains. If you are planning a Colorado mountain wedding between these dates, please thoroughly read this blog post so you'll be driving the right type of vehicle. (Don't rely on the car rental companies to fill you in on this; our experience is that they don't.)
Access from parking: The Waterfall site requires walking briefly over rocks and an uneven path. Lakeside has a less than one minute walk from parking but it's down a gravelly, sloped path (going uphill on the way back!) that can result in slipping if one isn't careful or has issues with mobility. This is not a site for high heels! The Overlook requires a 45 minute walk down a relatively flat dirt road. The Valley site requires a 1 hour walk, some of it uphill (downhill on the way back), and clambering over a couple of rocks.
Additional Logistics
Dogs: allowed on a leash.
Bathrooms: none
Suitable for children: Waterfall not suitable for small children as it has dangerous cliffside areas. Lakeside okay for kids. Overlook and Valley sites are fine for children as long a they can make the 45 minute/1 hour trek to get there.
Altitude: site is over 11,000 feet. Take precautions to avoid altitude sickness. Not suitable for anyone with respiratory issues.
Ceremony props: because this is a free, non-reservable site, no chairs, arches, tables, altars, etc. are allowed.
Max number of guests at the site: Waterfall: 6 / Lakeside: 15 / Overlook: 15 / Valley: 10
Dates of Availability: June through mid-October (depending on snowfall)
Type of site: Public. Nonreservable
Elevation: Waterfall: 11,300ft (3,444m) above sea level.
Lakeside: 11,400ft (3,475m) above sea level.
Overlook: 11,700ft (3,566m) above sea level.
Valley: 11,800ft (3,597m) above sea level.
NOTE: If you choose one of these four sites, please indicate on the venue choice form which site you want for your ceremony: 020205mountain - waterfall, lakeside, overlook or valley. If you do not indicate a specific site, we will assign you to Lakeside (with waterfall photos included, if you want them).
These sites are not reservable--they are open and free to the public. Please note these terms from our contract for nonreservable sites:
Blue Sky Elopements and Client's assigned wedding professionals are not responsible for issues related to unforeseen closures/restrictions/inaccessibility of unbooked (i.e. Clients do not pay to reserve their location) venues. If Client chooses to be married at a public venue that is not reserved in advance, then it is Client's responsibility to ensure the venue is accessible on the wedding day. Note: additional fees will be applied if Blue Sky Elopements needs to reschedule vendors due to a change in venue.
Photos - Scroll through the gallery below
Video
Location
Note: place marker is approximate; the actual location will be provided upon booking.
Summit County Calendar of Events
IMPORTANT: be sure to check the calendar of events for the dates you're considering before you submit your date to us. Local events can impact traffic and the accessibility of your site.
Breckenridge Average Temps and Precipitation