The Only Sunrise Amphitheater Wedding Guide You Need (2026)
Everything You Need To Decide If It’s Your Spot, Then Plan It
All photos by Colorado Photographer Squad. They do the photography for our packages.
Bride Melinda’s processional into the amphitheater at sunrise.
Published 12/17/20. Updated 6/11/26.First, Sunrise Amphitheater Wedding Quick Facts
Hi there, I’m Lisa Hunter - I’ve been officiating ceremonies and planning elopements and micro weddings at Sunrise Amphitheater for more than a decade, and when I think of this spot, I always marvel at the fact that you can rent a hands-down gorgeous wedding venue on the summit of a mountain in Colorado for as little as $159.
You can bring up to 100 guests (our typical micro wedding size is 15 - 50)
Available to rent from May 1st to October 30th yearly, permits available at this link here.
Cost ranges from $159 for a one-hour rental to $424 for a three-hour rental.
Accessible parking and entry, plus built-in seating.
Located in Boulder on the Flagstaff Mountain summit one hour from the Denver Airport.
PROS: So affordable. Great for guests. On a gorgeous mountaintop.
CONS: No electricity/water, just an outhouse. No on-site staff, but you can hire us for that.
Get to know the spot even more on our full page of Sunrise Amphitheater photo stories here.
Alexa & Austin take a romantic walk for photos behind the amphitheater just after their ceremony.
Quick Jump Links For This Guide
Is Sunrise Amphitheater right for you?
Best time of year & time of day
Cost Breakdown for a wedding at this spot
Planning a Sunrise Amphitheater wedding
How to have an amazing ceremony at this spot
Rules & regulations to know about
After-ceremony celebration ideas
Is Sunrise Amphitheater Right For You?
My insight as a professional elopement & micro wedding guide
A view of the Sunrise Amphitheater stone benches, inner circle and stage.
Yes, if you want ease when bringing guests:
The big mountain behind the amphitheater, which makes a stunning photo backdrop.
The amphitheater has built-in seating, is accessible with a wheelchair ramp, and works for all group sizes. Our Sunrise Amphitheater couples can bring up to 50 guests with our packages, but the amphitheater allows up to 100. It’s also a solution even if you have a smaller group, but want a reservable rather than public spot.
Yes, if you want a location that is reservable AND truly affordable:
This spot is reservable and hardly impacts your budget (see a full cost breakdown farther down this page), which means more to spend on other costs like attire, flowers, mini reception, lodging, etc.
Yes, if you love the idea of getting married on a mountaintop:
The amphitheater is into a mountain top with an endless view of the Colorado plains to the east, plus you can also have a big mountain backdrop for photos if you go behind the amphitheater. If you picture getting married on a mountain top, this fits the dream.
Best Time Of Year & Best Time Of Day
The breathtaking view behind the amphitheater, a mountaintop view of the Colorado plains.
The Best Time Of Year
May 1st through October 30th is the best time of year for Sunrise Amphitheater because that’s when you can rent it, and this spot is beautiful at any time during that range. Explore the photos below to see what time of year you’re drawn to, plus tons more amphitheater photo stories here.
The Best Time Of Day
The best time of day to get married at Sunrise Amphitheater is when the light is most soft and romantic for photos - the two hours after sunrise or the two hours before sunset. Or if you want to get married mid-day that’s fine too, it’s just a tradeoff because light will be harsher.
If You Like Sunset, Here’s One In Spring
The amphitheater faces east, but we still get beautiful ambient sunset light in the evening, and we even know a special forest spot to catch the setting sun. My favorite thing about spring weddings at the amphitheater: the purple and yellow wildflowers!
Pronouncing Alexa & Austin husband & wife at sunset in spring.
A forest spot with the sunset peeking through, and lovely purple and yellow spring wildflowers.
Here’s One In Summer At Sunrise
It’s called Sunrise Amphitheater because it faces east and is perfect to see the sun rise, so if you love the idea of a sunrise ceremony, go for it! There’s a special stillness in the air as the rest of the world is only just waking up, temperatures are cool, plus then you have the rest of the day to relax and bliss out.
A sweet moment between Krista & John in the morning light.
The amphitheater as Krista & John’s ceremony begins after sunrise.
Here’s Another Sunset Wedding At The Amphitheater, This Time In Fall
The amphitheater faces east, but we know some spots to catch the sun as it heads toward setting - like this cool little first look hill in the photo below. Keep in mind it’s all pine trees at the amphitheater, so no fall colors, but the deeper sunset light on the mountain in October is divine.
Casey walks up the hill next to Sunrise Amphitheater for her first look with Ryan.
Casey & Ryan’s ceremony at the amphitheater as the sun begins to go down.
Psst - just so you know, you don’t have to do this alone.
My team has facilitated 100’s of elopements & micro weddings - we’ll guide you the entire way through.
More than a decade of experience, plus countless rave reviews here.
You can think of it as “Yeah, we’ve got elopement friends in Colorado who know it all - we’re covered.”
Click here to learn about our caring, intentional package experiences.
Or here’s the link for specific Sunrise Amphitheater pricing and photo stories.
And now for amphitheater costs...
Cost Breakdown For Sunrise Amphitheater As Your Wedding Spot
For the amphitheater itself, there’s hardly a cost. Here’s the roundup:
$159 or $424 for the Amphitheater Rental
A one-hour rental is $159. If you’re a Boulder resident, it’s $106.
The one-hour time blocks are at 6:00, 7:00 and 8:00 am.
A three-hour rental is $424. If you’re a Boulder resident, it’s $318.
The three-hour time blocks are from 10:00 am - 1:00 pm, 2:00 - 5:00 pm and 6:00 - 9:00 pm.
$5 Parking for each car
$5.00 per car, which you can purchase via an app or old school paper envelope and $5 bill at the self-service station in the parking lot.
$25 Optional Alcohol Permit
If celebrating at the amphitheater, you can purchase a $25 City Alcohol Permit with the Sunrise Amphitheater permit.
Other Costs
Above are amphitheater-related costs. Other costs depend on what you want- planner, officiant, photographer, flowers, hair/makeup, a mini reception at the amphitheater or dining out, etc. There’s travel and lodging too, so for a complete cost breakdown, read my full guide on how much an elopement or micro wedding costs in Colorado.
There’s also info at this link here about our Sunrise Amphitheater packages with planning, photography, officiant and more included.
Emily walks with her father down the forested path, one of three processional paths into the amphitheater. To see all the paths, check out our gallery of Sunrise Amphitheater photo stories here.
Frequently asked...
Easy Reference FAQ’s
How far in advance should you book Sunrise Amphitheater?
As soon as you know the date you want, grab it! They go fast!
What is the drive to Sunrise Amphitheater like?
It’s 15 minutes from Boulder up a twisty mountain road that is well-paved.
Is Sunrise Amphitheater wheelchair-accessible?
Yes! The 6’ wide accessible path is 200’ long with a grade of 7-8%.
There are options for accessibility to the stage too.
What is it like for guests attending a wedding here?
Easy access! There’s parking at the amphitheater, there are many ways to enter (stairs, ramp, trail) and while stone seating is not the most comfortable, it’s fine for a 20-minute ceremony ;)
Is Sunrise Amphitheater a good place for a wedding ceremony?
Yes, and it’s particularly suited for small weddings with 15 to 50 guests.
Is the amphitheater area crowded with hikers and tourists?
Typically no - hikers tend to recognize it’s polite to avoid the event.
Are dogs allowed at Sunrise amphitheater?
Yes! Just keep ‘em on a leash.
What happens if the weather is bad?
We tell our couples to either bring umbrellas for guests as backup and/or to reserve an indoor backup location (an Air Bnb lodging that also allows parties is good for this).
Can you have a reception at the amphitheater? Can you have alcohol?
You can bring food & drink. Alcohol is allowed with the special $25 permit.
How much does a Sunrise Amphitheater wedding cost?
There’s more detail earlier on this page, but the short roundup is $159 for a one-hour permit or $424 for a 3-hour permit. Add $25 for an alcohol permit. Also, here’s my full guide on how much it costs to elope in Colorado and also a link to the cost of our Sunrise Amphitheater packages.
What’s the difference between an elopement and micro wedding?
Lol, it’s a vague distinction and depends on who you’re talking to. In my opinion, an elopement is the two of you with up to 10 guests. A micro wedding is you plus 15 or more guests. A group with 10-15 guests is sort of a grey area ;)
Want experienced and caring help planning it all out?
Get the info about ALL our packages & planning here
Or if you want just Sunrise Amphitheater pricing, it’s here.
You’re also welcome to schedule a consult now - happy to chat about your day!
Now, Here's How To Have An Amazing Ceremony At Sunrise Amphitheater
Casey & Ryan in that sweet ceremony moment when he puts the ring on her finger.
Amidst all the planning, it’s easy to forget that the ceremony is the whole reason for your day. In fact, it’s the emotional center of your day and is the difference between having a deeply meaningful experience or just a gathering with some vows but focused mostly on photos.
I’ve officiated more than a decade’s worth of ceremonies at Sunrise Amphitheater, and here are my biggest recommendations for having an amazing ceremony at this particular spot:
Meaningful Guest Participation
You can give loved ones meaningful roles in the ceremony, like this little guy who’s going to hand Krista & John their rings, plus earlier their fathers brought us the cord for hand fasting.
You Can Have A Grand Entrance
Not many elopement and micro wedding spots have a dramatic processional opportunity. The stairs at the amphitheater are perfect for a “Please all stand for our bride!” moment.
How Seating Affects Your Ceremony At The Amphitheater
The first instinct at Sunrise Amphitheater is to have the ceremony on the stage with guests on the stone benches. Just one hitch though - there’s a rather large distance between you and your guests, which can feel less intimate. It’s still works well, so you can go that route, OR any of the following work beautifully:
Standard: Ceremony on the stage, guests on the stone seating.
Or, you can stand in the inner circle in front of the stage, closer to your guests.
Or, you can seat guests on chairs in the circle, with your ceremony on stage.
Or if a small group, you can have everyone in a semi-circle on stage with you.
Ceremony onstage, guests on stone seating.
Inner circle ceremony, guests on stone seating.
Onstage ceremony, inner circle seating.
Ceremony and guests onstage.
Good to know...
Sunrise Amphitheater Rules & Regulations To Have On Your Radar
You can see the full list of rules & regulations on the Boulder County page here.
No structures of any kind, like arches, tents, barrels. You can have flower arrangements, just not structures.
No petals, rice, confetti, birdseed, straw, glitter or anything ground-littering.
No fire, ignition sources or smoking of any kind.
No glass of any kind (so you’d drink champagne using plastic, etc)
No release of wild animals (like doves or butterflies) or balloons.
Acoustic live music only, or music played from a phone with small speakers.
No sign posting to tell folks where the wedding is.
No drones.
The permit allows photographers to work in the amphitheater, but like our team has, they need a photo permit for any other Flagstaff mountain locations.
That’s a lot of “NO’s” lol.
For most, none of these restrictions are deal-breakers, but they’re good to know!
The cozy feel of an intimate ceremony at the amphitheater with a small group of family.
Time to plan...
Planning Your Sunrise Amphitheater Wedding
Decide on the time of year, then check the amphitheater calendar to pick a date and time slot (we can also help with this during a consult).
Purchase your rental permit at that same link.
Decide on the vendors you’d like to have. Pick those who are locally based and know the the spot well.
Decide if you’ll use the stone seating or rental chairs in the inner circle.
Decide about decor - you don’t need decor since the amphitheater is beautiful on its own (and there are strict rules about decor), but if you love the idea of flowers for even more beauty and a pop of color, then research and hire your florist.
Decide if guests will drive themselves or if you’ll hire a shuttle service.
Plan your ceremony so that it’s deeply meaningful and the center of your day (either with an officiant or you can self-solemnize on your own).
Plan a mini reception at the amphitheater or a nearby restaurant.
Plan your day-of timeline. You can use my elopement checklist here.
Get your marriage license - see this page for Colorado marriage license how-to’s.
Use the photo of the empty amphitheater below to envision your plan!
Setting up the amphitheater just before the ceremony.
Or want experienced & caring guidance for all the decisions?
We plan simple, intimate, intentional Sunrise Amphitheater weddings.
Get all package & pricing info here
After-Ceremony Celebration Ideas
The intimate feel of the amphitheater makes it a natural spot for after-ceremony hugs.
Fun group photos just after the ceremony.
Group Photos & Romantic “Just The Two Of You” Photos
After the ceremony, we like to do lots of beautiful photos of you and your guests, then photos of the two of you at all the sweet spots around the amphitheater.
Celebrate With A Mini Reception
Mini Celebration At The Amphitheater
Simple food and champagne if you get an alcohol permit.
Celebration Meal At A Restaurant
We give our couples a Referral Kit for vendors, lodging and dining, but right off the bat I can name two of my favorite restaurants because they’re right on the mountain:
Flagstaff House is halfway back down the mountain and is fancy, five-star dining.
Chautauqua Dining Hall is at the base of the mountain with a country home feel.
The Chatauqua meadow tends to cause frolicking and blowing off steam ;)
Casey & Ryan could see miles of mountains from Lost Gulch.
Nearby Photo Spots For More Epic Views
Sunrise Amphitheater is beautiful, but it’s nestled in a pine forest, so big wide open views are limited. You can get more views and photos nearby at these two fave spots:
The park is at the base of Flagstaff Mountain, and is a 10-minute drive from the amphitheater. Huge rock formations jut up behind you while you play in the big open meadows.
Lost Gulch is on the other side of the mountaintop from the amphitheater, and it’s a 5-minute drive to get there. It’s an epic horizon view of the Rocky Mountains, with countless spots for breathtaking photos.
Insider Advice & Tips For 2026
More group photo fun at the amphitheater.
Don’t Wait To Secure Your Permit
Get clear on your date and snag that permit before someone else does. You can get it yourself here, or our Sunrise Amphitheater package includes guidance to pick the best date.
Minimize The Number Of Cars
There are 10 spots at the amphitheater, plus 26 in an overflow lot. Only thing is, the cars from other visitors can take spots too. Carpooling and minimizing your number of cars is ideal.
Don’t Forget To Plan The Ceremony Itself
Don’t forget to put energy into the ceremony itself, rather than just photos and logistics. A great ceremony fills the experience with your love and connection. Without that, you can actually have an odd, awkward experience, or at the very least miss the true meaning of your day.
There were so many moments of sweetness and connection during Erin & Bobby’s ceremony.
All photos by Colorado Photographer Squad. They provide the photography for our packages.
If you want to know more about how your elopement or micro wedding will work, let’s chat sooner than later - just reach out to me at this link here: Let’s Chat About Your Elopement
Ready for your day to be real?
Let’s make it happen.
Ceremonies With Lisa Micro Wedding & Elopement Packages
Hey it’s Officiant Lisa - ceremony expert, elopement expert and mountain girl at heart. If you want a beautiful and truly meaningful Colorado elopement or micro wedding with an unforgettable ceremony and gorgeous photos, my team has provided packages to hundreds of couples…
Click for ALL of our all-inclusive packages with mountain location, officiant & photography.
Click to see specific Sunrise Amphitheater package pricing + tons more photo stories.
Wedding selfie with me, Erin & Bobby just after their ceremony at the amphitheater.
Or reach out now with the handy form below for more info, plus a consult:
I’ll send all the info to make your elopement real, see if we’re a fit and hop on a call to lay out your dream day and confirm your pricing.
Can’t wait to get to know you, and to guide you with thoughtfulness, love and care!