If you’re dreaming of a wedding day rooted in nature — quiet trails, mountain backdrops, rivers, cliffs, and starry skies — a Colorado State Park wedding might be exactly what you’re looking for. These are places that ask you to slow down. To breathe deeper. To be fully present with your partner, your people, and the moment.
As a Colorado wedding photographer, I’ve photographed weddings across the state — and the ones that take place in state parks are often the most heartfelt. Not because they’re extravagant. But because they’re honest.
Why Get Married in a Colorado State Park?
Colorado’s state parks offer:
- Affordable and accessible natural ceremony sites
- A sense of privacy and simplicity that many venues can’t match
- Built-in beauty — no elaborate decor needed
- A wide range of settings: lakes, mountains, red rocks, forests, cliffs
Whether you’re eloping or planning a small celebration, state parks allow space for your love to take the lead.
What to Know Before You Book
- Permits Required: Most state parks require a wedding permit or special use permit. I can help you figure out what’s needed for your location.
- Guest Limitations: Many parks cap guest counts for ceremonies. Perfect for elopements or micro weddings.
- Leave No Trace: State parks operate on conservation principles — so be mindful of setup, clean-up, and how you move through the space.
- Weather Awareness: Most locations are outdoors with minimal shelter. Always have a plan B for storms or sudden changes.
State Parks I Love to Photograph
These are some of my favorite parks for elopements, portraits, and small weddings — each one linked to its own blog with story-driven photos and personal reflections.
- Rifle Falls State Park
- Ridgway State Park
- Golden Gate Canyon State Park
- Castlewood Canyon State Park
- Lory State Park
- Highline Lake State Park
- Jackson Lake State Park
- Roxborough State Park
- Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area
- Cherry Creek State Park
- Eldorado Canyon State Park
- Vega State Park
- Cheyenne Mountain State Park
What It’s Like Working With Me
I’m Ben — lead photographer at Boxcar. I’ve documented weddings across Colorado for over 15 years, and I’m drawn to places like this: where light moves quietly through the trees, and nothing needs to be perfect to be beautiful.
What I bring to your day:
- Calm, steady presence
- Experience with remote logistics, weather, and lighting challenges
- Deep respect for the land and your story
- A visual style rooted in documentary storytelling, natural light, and clean edits
Let’s Plan Something Wild and Beautiful
If you’re planning a wedding in a Colorado state park, I’d love to help you make it both simple and meaningful. Whether you’re eloping in hiking boots or planning a barefoot ceremony by the lake, let’s build something honest and lasting.
Contact me here to talk dates, permits, and the story you want to tell.
Yes — most parks require a wedding or special-use permit. I can help you navigate the process based on your chosen park.
It varies by park. Some allow up to 50 guests, others are better suited for elopements or micro weddings. Always check with the park office.
Some parks allow minimal decor or setup, but most require a Leave No Trace approach. You’ll need to pack everything in and out.
Most state parks are fully outdoors. It’s important to have a backup plan or tent setup — or choose a park near a town with indoor options.
Some of our favorites include:
Rifle Falls
Ridgway
Golden Gate Canyon
Castlewood Canyon
Vega State Park
Table of contents
Colorado Wedding Venues
Colorado Springs Wedding Venues
State Park Weddings
Engagement on a 14er