Boulder, Colorado
Boulder photographer
Portraits, couples and elopements around Boulder, with a plan for the permits, from a photographer who lives about two hours south.
Boulder has the Flatirons and a long list of permit rules, and I plan around both.
Getting there
Two hours north, and I plan for the permits first.
That's two hours each way, so I plan Boulder sessions around the permits first.
Where we would shoot
Three places, and the paperwork behind each.
Boulder Creek Path
City of Boulder Parks and Recreation
A 5.5-mile multi-use path that runs through downtown past the Main Library, Civic Area Park and the Dushanbe Teahouse. It's water and trees in the middle of town.
Photo rules here: For film or photography on city property, the city asks for an application at least 14 days ahead, and still photography permits remain free.
Read the official rulesChautauqua
City of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks
The trailhead for the Flatirons trails, including the 1st and 2nd Flatiron, Flatirons Loop and Royal Arch.
Photo rules here: Open Space and Mountain Parks requires a commercial use permit for a paid service. The annual fee is $275 plus a $25 application fee, and liability insurance is required. The area also gets very crowded when the weather is nice, with limited parking.
Read the official rulesEldorado Canyon State Park
Colorado Parks and Wildlife
More than 500 technical climbing routes up scenic cliffs. It's a dramatic place for an adventure session, and not an easy one to book.
Photo rules here: Commercial photographers need a special activity permit. Submit it 90 days before the event. Late permits may cost extra or be denied. Personal-use photos need no permit.
Read the official rules
Place rules last checked November 5, 2026. I check them again before we book.
Light
The Flatirons catch the sunrise.
The Flatirons rise just west of town and their east-facing faces catch the first light. The same mountains hide the sun early in the evening, so the town loses direct light before the sunset time in the table. That's why a sunrise session works best in Boulder.
Spring brings the most rain, and March is the snowiest month.
| Date | Sunrise | Best evening light starts | Sunset |
|---|---|---|---|
| March 20 | 7:04 AM | 6:38 PM | 7:13 PM |
| June 21 | 5:32 AM | 7:53 PM | 8:34 PM |
| September 22 | 6:49 AM | 6:22 PM | 6:58 PM |
| December 21 | 7:20 AM | 3:56 PM | 4:39 PM |
Golden hour is the soft, warm light before sunset. Times are local (MST and MDT).
Weather
What the weather does.
- January high
- 47°F
- January low
- 22°F
- July high
- 88°F
- July low
- 57°F
- Rainiest month
- May
Station: Boulder. About 93 inches of snow falls in an average year. Figures are NOAA averages for 1991 to 2020. For your date, the shoot planner shows the forecast.
Sessions
What people book in Boulder.
Portraits
Solo sessions along the creek or in the foothills.
Adventure
Climbers, runners and hikers on the rock they train on.
Elopements
Small ceremonies, with the permit sorted first.
Questions
Fair questions about Boulder.
What permits does Boulder require?
The city's open space system requires a commercial use permit for a paid service that brings people onto its land. Eldorado Canyon needs a special activity permit submitted 90 days ahead.
Can we elope in Boulder's open space?
Open Space and Mountain Parks allows weddings, ceremonies and elopements only at designated shelters and facilities. Events with 25 or more participants need a special use permit. We'd begin with those facilities and then pick the date.
Where would you start in Boulder?
Boulder Creek Path. It runs through downtown and it's city property. The Flatirons and Eldorado come with heavier paperwork.
Sources