Lake Isabelle Elopement Guide

HOW TO ELOPE AT LAKE ISABELLE

TABLE OF CONTENTS - WHAT'S INSIDE!

Hey, there fellow adventurers! Let me guess, you’re scrolling through your social media feed, and suddenly your eyes are greeted with jaw-dropping photos of a couple getting married under towering, jagged peaks at an alpine lake – whoa! Your heart starts racing, and you know you just have to find that magical spot for yourself. Look no further than Lake Isabelle in Colorado! With its stunning alpine lake, towering mountain peaks, and wildflower-filled meadows, Lake Isabelle is one of the best places to elope in Colorado and is a vibe!

But wait, before you lace up your hiking boots and hit the trail, you’ll need to know all the necessary information to make your elopement at Lake Isabelle a success. That’s where this Lake Isabelle elopement guide comes in! From the best months to elope at Lake Isabelle to where to find lodging and whether or not you need a permit, I’ve got you covered.

Prepare for your elopement day at Lake Isabelle, offering you the opportunity to self-solemnize your marriage amidst a day brimming with wildlife, breathtaking sunrises, invigorating hikes, awe-inspiring scenery, and memories that will be etched in your hearts for a lifetime. Let’s embark on your Lake Isabelle elopement adventure!

A couple sharing a kiss near a waterfall at their elopement at Lake Isabelle.

5 THINGS TO KNOW FOR YOUR LAKE ISABELLE ELOPEMENT

Be Prepared: The hike to Lake Isabelle can vary depending on the season and road closures, so make sure you’re physically and mentally prepared. Your photographer should be able to guide you through the mileage, seasons, and trailhead options.
Follow LNT: Lake Isabelle has seen a crazy uptick in visitors since my first visit a decade ago. This place is still beautiful but trail erosion and litter have picked up dramatically with the increase in popularity. Please follow the LNT ethics and don’t litter, pick flowers, or mess with or feed the wildlife.
Timing is everything: If you’re planning on getting married here during the busy season (typically June-September), be prepared for crowds. To gain maximum privacy for your elopement at Lake Isabelle, you should aim for a weekday and at sunrise!
Feeling extra spicy? Head up to Isabelle Glacier for more solitude and exploration!
If you can’t grab a Long Lake trailhead permit, you can still park at Brainard Lake and hike from there!

A couple share their vows and Lake Isabelle in Colorado.

WHAT’S THE BEST MONTH TO ELOPE AT LAKE ISABELLE?

The best months to elope at Lake Isabelle depend on your favorite flavor of the season. But there are still some pluses and minuses to every season that you should take into consideration. Isabelle wears every season well, but take into consideration things like trail closures, weather, and hiking miles before settling on your month!

SUMMER

If you’re hoping for a fuller lake and wildflowers in bloom, then the best months to elope at Lake Isabelle would be June through August. The unnamed waterfalls will be gushing, you’ll be frolicking in the lush and green meadows, and the wildflowers will be on full display, making you think you’re an in ad for REI! Summer at Lake Isabelle is my favorite time of year.

FALL

On the other hand, if crowds and heat aren’t your jam, then consider eloping at Lake Isbelle in the fall. September and October are prime, as the crowds thin out, and the fall colors start to come out of hibernation. However, they start draining the lake in mid-September, which could play into lower water levels for your photos. Weather also tends to get dicey in the later months and they close the gate to the upper trailheads sometime in mid to late fall.

WINTER

If you’re a winter lover, then consider eloping at Lake Isabelle during the colder months. However, it’s important to note that the hike up will be longer because you have to start from the lower lot. I usually suggest avoiding the true colder months and aiming for May or June when the main road snow starts to melt.

Two brides sharing their vows at Lake Isabelle

WHERE SHOULD WE BOOK LODGING WHEN ELOPING AT LAKE ISABELLE?

There are tons of cute mountain towns nearby that make for perfect lodging choices. If you’re looking for extra hours of sleep, then consider staying in a nearby town like Eldora or Nederland, which are close to the trailhead and can help with cutting down your drive time. It’s just a short drive away and has really cute Airbnbs and cabins nearby.

If you’re looking for places with more upscale lodging and food choices, then you can look into places like Boulder or Black Hawk. They are further away but aren’t as remote and will have more modern options if you aren’t into the rugged mountain feel of the smaller towns.

Be sure to book your accommodations far in advance, lodging choices can be limited in these areas, so be prompt!

A couple hiking through the woods after their elopement at Lake Isabelle.

DOES LAKE ISABELLE REQUIRE A PERMIT TO GET MARRIED AT?

The Brainard Lake Recreation area requires a permit for parts of the year to access the Long Lake trailhead but getting married at Lake Isabelle does not require a permit! However, there has been a huge uptick in popularity at Lake Isabelle in the last 5 years from social media, which has caused parking and trailhead permits to become a headache. It’s important to not GEO tag your photos and follow Leave No Trace principles. That also means packing in and packing out all props, food, and trash.

Lake Isabelle holds a special place in my heart, as it was my first hike in Colorado, so keeping this place pristine and beautiful is one of my core values when couples elope at Lake Isabelle.

Couple in the mountains at Lake Isabelle.

CAN I INVITE MY FAMILY TO MY LAKE ISABELLE ELOPEMENT?

This is an answer that will probably range from photographer to photographer but I prefer to keep the impact and group sizes down to a minimum. If you’re looking to invite family to your elopement, then I suggest doing your own private thing at Lake Isabelle by yourselves first and capping it off with your families at Brainard Lake instead. Or even finding a designated ceremony spot in a city like Boulder. This will take hiking out of the equation for your guests and will give other visitors more privacy for their experience at the Lake.

Keeping in mind the size of your group and the impact it may have on others’ experiences and the environment are the two main things you should consider when getting married to guests at Lake Isabelle. The wildlife and ecosystem here are fragile, so keeping it the way we found it is super important.

Ultimately, having guests at Lake Isabelle might depend on what your elopement photographer is comfortable with!

A group shotgunning beers after their wedding day in Colorado.

SHOULD WE ELOPE AT LAKE ISABELLE AT SUNRISE OR SUNSET?

When it comes to eloping at Lake Isabelle, the answer is simple – both! But I definitely prefer sunrise more for a couple of reasons.

At sunrise, the sun comes up directly behind, which casts a beautiful alpenglow on the peaks above. Plus, sunrise gives you a better weather window and a chance to catch some reflections off the Lake below the Niwott ridgeline.

On the other hand, at sunset, you have the chance to catch some amazing colors if the sky comes alive in the orange and pink that Colorado is known for. As the sun dips below the horizon, the temperatures could drop and shadow-cast your photos, which are two things you should take into consideration.

Either way, your elopement photos at Lake Isabelle will be epic and breathtaking!

Couple embracing for a hug at their Lake Isabelle elopement in Colorado.

READY TO ELOPE AT LAKE ISABELLE?

My name is Sean, and I can’t wait to help you elope at Lake Isabelle! This was my first hike in Colorado and it holds a special place in my heart. I’ve helped over 325 couples with their Colorado elopements and 20+ couples elope at Lake Isabelle and I would love to share your story here as well!

Sound like the perfect match? Check out my packages and reach out if you’re ready to elope at Lake Isabelle!