Lake Isabelle Elopement Guide
HOW TO ELOPE AT LAKE ISABELLE
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!
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.
- I’ve been coming to Lake Isabelle for over a decade, and while it’s still jaw-droppingly gorgeous, the uptick in visitors has left its mark. Please, please follow Leave No Trace ethics. That means no littering, no picking those wildflowers, and definitely no feeding the wildlife. Let’s keep this slice of heaven as pristine as the day it stole our hearts.
- Wanna dodge the crowds and have your Lake Isabelle elopement feel like your own secret moment? Timing is the name of the game. Peak season (June–September) gets busy, so here’s your pro tip: aim for a weekday and get your boots moving at sunrise. Not only will you have the lake almost to yourselves, but the alpenglow? Unreal.
- If you’re up for the challenge, keep going past the lake and head up to Isabelle Glacier. More solitude, epic views, and some next-level adventure vibes await. Trust me, it’s worth every step.
- Couldn’t snag a Long Lake trailhead permit? Don’t sweat it. You can still park at Brainard Lake and hike in from there. A little extra effort, but hey, more time to soak up that Colorado magic.
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!
SPRING
If you’re a winter lover, then consider eloping at Lake Isabelle during the spring 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.
SUMMER
If you’re chasing that picture-perfect alpine dream with full lakes and wildflowers in bloom, the sweet spot to elope at Lake Isabelle is from June through August. Picture this: the waterfalls are roaring like Mother Nature just cranked up the volume, the meadows are lush and vibrant, and the wildflowers? Absolute show-offs, turning the trails into something straight out of an REI catalog. Summer at Lake Isabelle is pure magic—easily my favorite time of year to soak it all in and say, “I do.”
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.
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!
DOES LAKE ISABELLE REQUIRE A PERMIT TO GET MARRIED AT?
If you’re heading to the Brainard Lake Recreation Area, heads up—certain times of the year require a permit to access the Long Lake trailhead. But here’s the good news: getting married at Lake Isabelle doesn’t need a permit! That said, thanks to social media blowing this spot up, parking and trailhead permits can feel like a bit of a pain. It’s a small price to pay for those jaw-dropping views, though.
To help keep this place as wild and beautiful as it deserves to be, skip the geotagging on your photos and stick to Leave No Trace principles. Pack out everything—props, food, trash—and leave this alpine gem better than you found it.
Lake Isabelle isn’t just another location for me—it was my very first hike in Colorado. It’s the place that lit the fire for everything I do now, and keeping it pristine for the next couple who falls in love with its magic? That’s non-negotiable.
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.
Keep in mind the size of your group and the impact it may have on others’ experiences and the environment when planning a wedding at Lake Isabelle. The wildlife and ecosystem here are fragile, so keeping it the way we found it is super important. With social media making Lake Isabelle more popular than ever, parking and trailhead permits can be a hassle. Help preserve this beautiful spot by avoiding geotagging your photos and following Leave No Trace principles. Pack in and pack out all props, food, and trash.
Ultimately, having guests at Lake Isabelle might depend on what your elopement photographer is comfortable with!
SHOULD WE ELOPE AT LAKE ISABELLE AT SUNRISE OR SUNSET?
When it comes to eloping at Lake Isabelle, the answer is simple—both sunrise and sunset have their magic! But I definitely prefer sunrise for a couple of reasons.
At sunrise, the sun comes up directly behind the peaks, casting a stunning alpenglow on them. Plus, the morning light gives you a better weather window and the chance to catch some beautiful reflections on the lake below the Niwot Ridge.
Sunset, on the other hand, offers the chance to witness Colorado’s famous vibrant skies with amazing orange and pink hues. Just keep in mind that as the sun dips below the horizon, temperatures can drop and shadows might affect your photos. So, consider these factors when planning your perfect elopement moment at Lake Isabelle.
Either way, your elopement photos at Lake Isabelle will be epic and breathtaking!
READY TO ELOPE AT LAKE ISABELLE?
Hey, I’m 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 over 20 couples tie the knot at Lake Isabelle. I would love to share your story here too! Let’s make your elopement as magical as this special place.
Sound like the perfect match? Check out my packages and reach out if you’re ready to elope at Lake Isabelle!
