Sapphire Point Overlook: An Elopement Wedding Guide
If you’re in search of a place in Colorado where there are mountain views, is easily accessible (in all seasons!) and brings a laid-back but still breathtaking atmosphere, then you may want to consider Sapphire Point!
Being perched right above Dillon Reservoir between Breckenridge and Keystone, Sapphire Point Overlook offers an absolutely STUNNING elopement wedding ceremony location in Colorado. This location too makes it surprisingly convenient for a lot of other elopement factors! It’s the kind of place that feels big and beautiful without needing to hike miles to get there.
As an elopement planning, photo & video duo based here in Colorado, we’ve had the wonderful opportunity to capture elopement ceremonies at Sapphire Point and see if through all the seasons and in this blog post we are breaking down everything you need to know about eloping at Sapphire Point to see if it truly is exactly what you’re looking for! Let’s dive in!!
Where Is Sapphire Point?
First things first- where even is this magical spot? For the folks reading this out of state (or those Colorado folks yet to explore this particular area!), Sapphire Point is an overlook just off Swan Mountain Road between Breckenridge and Keystone in Summit County, Colorado. That makes it roughly a 15 minute drive from downtown Breckenridge! The overlook sits above Dillon Reservoir, offering panoramic views of the Tenmile Range, gorgeous peaks, and the lake below!
Sapphire Point is part of the White River National Forest and is one of the few designated ceremony sites in the area that’s both easily accessible and completely stunning.
What is SO Appealing About This Place?
You’ve probably heard of Sapphire Point before! There’s a reason why it’s one of the most popular places to elope or have a small wedding in Colorado! Here are a few highlights of what the draw is:
The views are incredible
You’re getting full-on Rocky Mountain beauty without a strenuous hike. Mountain peaks. Lake reflections. Tall pines. It feels wild, but it’s just a short walk from the parking lot!
It’s accessible year-round
All year-round accessibility is not always a given for every spot, which plays into why Sapphire Point is such a gem. You can elope here in golden-hour summer light, fresh autumn air, or with snow falling gently in the trees. The overlook is open in every season, and it’s just as beautiful blanketed in snow as it is surrounded by summer greens :-)
It’s surprisingly secluded
Sapphire Point has a designated overlook area that you can reserve for private use (more on this later!), making it a great option if you want a bit of seclusion without needing to go far off the grid.
It’s guest-friendly
If you’re inviting a few close family or friends, Sapphire Point is perfect. There’s a small, flat ceremony area that fits up to 35 guests, plus parking and bathrooms nearby. Also the walk to the overlook is paved which is great for any loved one attending the ceremony!
What It Looks Like to Elope at Sapphire Point
Most couples we work with who elope at Sapphire Point often include another location and experience alongside the ceremony here! Since it’s so close to Breckenridge and other nature access, it’s super easy to build a beautiful experience doing whatever you’d love to do on your wedding day! Here’s a real timeline of an elopement we’ve planned and captured with the ceremony happening during sunrise at Sapphire Point:
5:30am - 6:45am: hair, makeup, and getting ready at your airbnb
6:45am - sunrise first look outside of the airbnb
7:00am - dreamy morning ceremony at Sapphire Point (!), marriage license signing & photos
8:30am - breakfast/brunch at the airbnb for the first time as a married couple / get ready for snowboarding!
10:30am - 1:30pm ish: hit the slopes with your friends and family!
1:30pm - 4:30pm ish: apres ski and chill featuring shot skis :-)
4:30pm - 6:00pm: relax and soak in the day with loved ones at the airbnb
6:00pm - start dinner and enjoy the coziness of everyone at the airbnb
7:30pm - walk into the ski area town in your wedding clothes!
Notes About this Timeline
We built this timeline with the couple together to ensure the day included exactly what the couple wanted on their elopement day! The timeline holds enough space to move slowly and enjoy all the different aspects of their wedding day. Also, by crafting a timeline beforehand, everyone can be on the same page for the actual elopement day and the couple can focus on being present and in love instead of what is happening next.
If this timeline feels right to you or you’re looking for something similar for your elopement day, reach out to us to chat about helping craft the perfect day for you!
Hot Tips for Eloping at Sapphire Point
Like we said previously, we’ve filmed and photographed a solid amount of elopements at Sapphire Point! Here are some logistical tidbits you might want to consider when looking at this location:
You do need a permit
Sapphire Point is one of the only ceremony locations in the area that requires a reservation. Don’t let this dissuade you though! It’s an easy and straightforward process to get the permit. You can book the overlook through recreation.gov for $120, and it reserves the space for a two-hour window- plenty of time for an incredible elopement ceremony & newlywed photos! You’ll want to be on top of getting your permit early, especially for fall weekends.
Pro tip: Weekdays and sunrises offer way more privacy and beautiful soft lighting :-)
Parking is limited!
There are only a handful of spots in the overlook lot, so we recommend carpooling if you’re bringing guests along! Carpooling is cool, y’all!
The weather changes fast
If you don’t like the weather in Colorado, wait five minutes :-) Even in summer, bring layers! In winter, snow boots and hand warmers are essential. The overlook is open year-round, but the trail can get icy, so traction devices are a good call for snowier seasons.
The light is beautiful year-round
Ok, as photographers and videographers, we’re always paying attention to the way the light is hitting! Here, the morning light is soft and quiet. Evening light gives you alpenglow over the peaks. The overlook faces southwest, so sunset light can be especially dreamy on clear days, but honestly you can’t go wrong here folks!
Sapphire Point Through the Seasons
Each season has its own magic here, but what feels right for your elopement wedding day? Check out some highlights of the different seasons and what they have to offer at Sapphire Point below:
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Still snowy into April, but peaceful. Great for couples who are cool with snow, looking for snowy peaks, and potential of shoulder season vibes!
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Green pines, mountain air, and often that iconic blue Colorado sky. It’s busier, but sunrise elopements offer stunning views and peaceful times before the crowds.
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Peak aspen (golden trees!!) season is typically late September to early October. This is one of the best times to elope in Colorado, just book your permit early to secure your spot!
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Peaceful, snowy, and totally cozy. Something about the snow surrounding you makes the place so magical! Make sure to bring the right gear to stay warm and dry for maximum enjoyment!
Building Out Your Elopement Experience
One of the best parts about Sapphire Point? It's close to so many other incredible places. If you want to extend your day by including other memorable experiences, here are a few nearby locations that are a dream to recreate at:
Dillon Reservoir Lakeshore: Great for a quick lil stop to slow the day down and remain present outside… especially in the fall when the leaves reflect on the water- ugh, pure magic!
Breckenridge Ski Resort: Pair your intimate Sapphire Point ceremony with some iconic downhill skiing or snowboarding! Nothing says it’s my wedding day quite like skiing in a wedding dress!
Loveland Pass: If you want 360 mountain views, Loveland Pass is worth the 30 minute drive! There’s places to quietly explore up at the top and the views are unbeatable!
Airbnbs + A-Frames in Breck: Ideal for getting-ready footage, private chef dinners, drinks on the patio, etc. The list is endless and there are countless epic places that add to the elopement experience!
Our Favorite Things to Capture Here
As photographers and videographers, we are there to capture not only how the day looked, but also how it felt! Some of our favorite moments to capture candidly include:
Dresses and veils catching the wind as the lake glows below
Emotional vow exchanges with snow falling around you
Parents or friends holding hands in awe of the view
Couples cozied up in blankets after sunset
A pup excitedly signing a marriage license as a witness
Quiet moments where it’s just you, the view, and the beginning of your marriage!
Y’all… just typing those all out got us EXCITED! Elopements are the best!! All of these authentic moments are *chef’s kiss*
Wrapping It Up!
Sapphire Point is one of those places that feels both grand and accessible (a perfect pair!). It’s easy to get to, but once you’re there, it feels like a world away and it’s just you there. Whether it’s just the two of you or you bring a small crew of loved ones, it’s a space that invites presence, beauty, and intentionality.
If you're looking for a Colorado elopement location that offers mountain magic without the miles-long hike, this might be the place for you! Woohoo, you found it!
Want help planning your elopement at Sapphire Point?
We’re a planning, photo + video team based in Colorado who’ll help you find the right time, location, and vibe… and then capture it all beautifully so you can relive it forever :-)
Hit us up below if you’d like to chat and get started crafting the perfect elopement wedding experience for you and your fiancé!