This blog was last updated on July 10, 2024. Sapphire Point will be undergoing construction September 2024 – if this worries you, there are plenty of other family friendly spots in Breckenridge we can get you married. Let’s talk.
Eloping at Sapphire Point Overlook is perfect for couples that want accessible mountain views without the effort of hiking.
It’s easy to get to by car, which makes it an ideal location for couples who are bringing along a small group of friends or family. Booking this location is also HIGHLY competitive, so I don’t recommend it for people who are big planners and like having things set far in advance. There also isn’t a ton of privacy, so if you want an intimate, secluded setting, this isn’t for you.
If eloping at Sapphire Point Overlook sounds like the spot for you and bae, keep reading for an ultimate guide with more details!
How to Elope at Sapphire Point Overlook
First things first, I’m not crazy about elopements here in the winter (December – April) because snow can build and make it too dangerous to access. If that’s not an issue, you’ll need a permit to elope at Sapphire Point Overlook, which you can get here. Permits open up six months in advance, and couples can choose from one of four time slots: 6 – 9 a.m., 10 a.m. – 1 p.m., 2 – 5 p.m., and 6 – 9 p.m. They go like freakin’ hot cakes, but if you book me as your photographer, none of that stress falls on you. I will book and pay for it, so it’s one less thing for you to worry about. If the reservation does fall through for some reason, our asses are covered! Sapphire Point is near Breckenridge, which has a ton of other amazing elopement locations.
The available time slots are really important to think about, besties. I know it can be super tempting to just pick whatever slot is available, but the lighting is SO different throughout the day. Here’s the TLDR on your options.
- 6 – 9 a.m. will give you all the sunrise vibes, and I promise I’m willing to wake up at the ass crack of dawn for my couples. You’ll get glowy light as the sun comes up and over the mountains, but it’ll turn into harsh light ASAP.
- 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. will be direct light with harsh shadows and highlights on your faces. I love this time slot for a brunch elopement, but make sure you hire a photographer that knows how to work with harsh lighting. Otherwise, you’ll be pissed off about your photos.
- 2 – 5 p.m. gives softer shadows and highlights, but not quite the sunset vibes that everyone is after.
- 6 – 9 p.m. is THE most sought after timeslot because you get the gorgeous sunset. If you don’t want to be squinting, melting, and sunburnt, this is the slot you want. Just keep time of year in mind – in the summer the sun is up until 8:30, but in the winter it goes down a little after 6.
My last note on eloping at Sapphire Point Overlook. You’ll see a lot of pictures where there are benches for the ceremony, but the location does NOT come with anything. It’s just a plain space, but you can always rent benches from a rental company. My favorite is Have a Seat in Denver. They’ll come set up seating for you and then take them away afterward. You don’t have to do a damn thing.
How to Get There
So many airlines fly into Denver International Airport, so getting here is pretty easy, regardless of where you are. Once you’re in Colorful Colorado, it’s a scenic, 2-hour drive west on I-70 to Sapphire Point Overlook, which is right near Breckenridge. I typically recommend that my couples book a car through Turo or Enterprise, and your best bet is to get an SUV. The weather is hella unpredictable here more than 50% of the year, so an SUV is usually necessary.
Don’t forget about getting acclimated to the altitude. If you can, PLEASE get to Colorado at least 48 hours before your elopement date. Some people have a reaction, like feeling lightheaded, and some people don’t. Either way, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Where to Stay
The closest place to stay if you’re eloping at Sapphire Point Overlook is Breckenridge. Breck has a ton of lodging options, like ski resort condos and mountain houses. Houses are great if you’ll be entertaining a few guests, but if you need something more affordable for just two peeps, pick a condo. Grand Lodge on Peak 7 is a spot I recommend to a lot of my couples – it’s such a vibe.
If you want something a little more ColoRADo, Blue River is also nearby and has great Airbnbs. I saved you some work and made a whole list of great Airbnbs near Breck – check it out here.
Sites to See
- The Breckenridge Troll – I’m not kidding. It’s weird and creepily large, and just a short walk out to where he lives. Everyone talks about this damn troll.
- Main Street – Such a fun spot to shop! It’s all local shops, owned by the kindest people you’ll ever meet. I like to shop and eat my way through Main Street.
- Boreas Pass Road – One of the most scenic drives in Colorado. The road is 22 miles long and will take you about an hour to drive.
- Country Boy Gold Mine – There are a lot of gold mines in Colorado and visiting one is def a bucket list item. This one has a treasure hunt and you can test your skills at pining for gold.
- Continental Divide – There are four places near Breck where you can stand on the divide and take in some amazing views.
What to Do by Season
There’s so much to do near before or after eloping at Sapphire Point Overlook, especially in Breckenridge. If you can’t find something on my list, they have a ton more ideas on the Breckenridge website.
Summer (June – August)
- Paddle Board – Alex and I love our paddle boards, so I’m always trying to get my couples hooked too. There are a couple places to paddle board in Breckenridge and plenty of places to rent them.
- E-Bikes – I’m obsessed with e-bikes, mainly because there’s no effort required. I mean you can peddle if you want, but why do that if you don’t have to? E-bikes are an easy, affordable way to explore Breckenridge and some of the nearby scenery.
- Free Gondola Rides – This is such a fun and unique way to take in Colorado’s scenery. From the end of June until Labor Day, you can take free trips up the gondola at Breckenridge Ski Resort.
- Guided Fly Fishing – I am by no means into fishing (this shouldn’t be a surprise), BUT I am told that Breckenridge has some of the best fly fishing in the whole damn state. Even if you’re a newbie, there are a lot of options for my fishing buddies.
- Sail the Dillon Reservoir – The mountain views hit different out on the water. The Dillon Reservoir and Marina aren’t far from Sapphire Point Overlook, and they offer lessons for my hands-on people and tours for my baddies that just want to sit back and relax.
Fall (September – October)
- Hiking – There are hundreds of trails in Breck, from easy walks to difficult summits that you can do regardless of the season. Check out some of your options here, and please please please don’t forget about Leave No Trace.
- Leaf Peeping – The aspen trees start changing color in the fall and all the leaf peepershead up into the mountains to see their beautiful colors. I would consider this a must do for anyone up in the mountains!
- Breckenridge Distillery – This place is a super cool spot that lets you spend some time inside if it’s a little chilly outside. They have tastings, tours, and a blending lab where you can customize your own bottle of bourbon.
Winter and Spring (November – May)
- Breckenridge Ski Resort – The resort has five peaks, 2,908 skiable acres, 187 trails, four terrain parks, and the tallest chairlift in North America. I’m a newbie to skiing, but Alex has been boarding for years and he always has great things to say about Breck!
- Snowshoeing – You have to try this awesome way to explore Breck’s trails in the winter. They have 30 miles of groomed trails, and it’s super easy to rent some snow shoes if you don’t have your own.
- Snowcat Tour – If you want to get outside but still stay warm, this is perfect. It will take you on a guided tour through some mountain trails before dropping you off at a cabin for hot chocolate and s’mores.
- Snowmobile Tour – Speed through the mountains on a snowmobile! There are quite a few businesses in town that will take groups out on a tour of the mountains. Some of the views you’ll find in the backcountry are unreal!
Where to Eat
When it’s time to eat before or after your elopement at Sapphire Point Overlook, here are my favorite places nearby:
- Hearthstone Restaurant – Definitely on the pricier side, but this cute little historic house has stunning mountain views and delicious food.
- Sauce on the Maggie – Delicious Italian, but make sure to get a reservation.
- Tin Plate Pizza – Both classic and creative pizzas in an old mining cabin.
- Bird + Cow – Locally owned and operated by three ski bums who make delicious food and drinks.
- Ember – Another fancy spot with a great Happy Hour from 5 – 6 p.m.
- Crepes A La Cart – I can’t forget about the sweet tooth. While you can get savory crepes, I’m all about the sweet ones. These are a perfect treat to eat while exploring Main Street, but be prepared to wait in line!
- Mi Casa Mexican – Chips, salsa, and margs. What more do you need?
What to Pack
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – the weather in Colorado is unpredictable, so pack for anything and everything! Speaking from experience (hail storms aren’t fun), it’s way better to be safe than sorry. Make sure these get in your suitcase:
- Water bottle
- Sunscreen
- Clothing that’s easy to layer
- Daypack or back pack
- Sturdy shoes
- Rain jacket
Kenzie’s Favorite Vendors
- Florist – Woodland Breck
- Hair and Makeup – Breckenridge Hair, Weemala Hair & Makeup
- Private Chef – At Your Breck & Call
- Private Musician – John Brewster
