Lake Isabelle Elopement Guide 2025

Lake Isabelle Elopement

If you want to plan your very own Lake Isabelle elopement, we can help you with everything you need to get married at this spectacular alpine lake! This guide will help you navigate the logistics, understand permits, reserve your space, find lodging, and more.

Lake Isabelle is a high alpine lake situated nearly 12,000 feet above sea level. The elevation makes this hike much more difficult for those not acclimated to higher elevations. If you are coming from near sea level, we recommend arriving in the area a few days in advance to prepare for this trek. Know your body, and be realistic with your abilities.

Lake Isabelle and the surrounding area is a sacred place. Because of how busy it gets and how small the space is around this high alpine lake, we recommend getting married here with very few or no guests. Additionally, the volume and depth of Lake Isabelle is constantly changing. Due to the melting snow, the lake will generally be fuller earlier in the summer season and more shallow towards the end of the year depending on rainfall.

Brainard Lake Recreation Area & Long Lake Elopement

There are two lakes on the way to Lake Isabelle: Brainard Lake Recreation Area & Long Lake. You can get married at both of these lakes as well. If you want to include guests who may not be able to complete the hike to Lake Isabelle, these two lakes are also stunning and much easier to access. Brainard Lake Recreation Area even offers water activities like fishing, kayaking, and paddle boarding. A Long Lake elopement may provide slightly more privacy than Brainard Lake.

Lake Isabelle Parking Pass, Permits, & Seasonal Gate

You will need a parking pass when visiting Brainard Lake Recreation Area that costs $16 total per vehicle. There are two main lots where you can park, Brainard Lake and Long Lake, and reservations for any given day open up two weeks in advance. Brainard Lake’s parking area is much bigger and more easily obtained, whereas Long Lake fills up much more quickly. This is due in large part to the fact that it shortens the hike to Lake Isabelle by 2 miles total. There are vault toilets at each lot, and Long Lake’s bathroom is the last one you will pass when hiking to Lake Isabelle.

For permits, your group may only contain up to 12 heartbeats in total. This includes you, your dogs, photographers, and any guests. You do not need a permit if your group contains 7 heartbeats or less. For groups between 8-12 heartbeats, you will need to purchase an Indian Peaks and Wilderness Large Group Day Use Permit (Four Lakes Zone) for $11.

It is important to know that there is a seasonal gate that closes from approximately mid-October through mid-June. It is located 2 miles from Brainard Lake. When closed, you can still park in the Winter Parking Lot at the Gateway Trailhead just outside of this seasonal gate and make the 2 mile trek. If you’re planning your elopement, we recommend doing so when this gate is open. You can check the status of the Brainard Lake Entrance Gate here.

Hiking to Lake Isabelle

When hiking to Lake Isabelle, wear proper hiking shoes and layers of clothing, drink plenty of water, and respect the land. From Brainard Lake, it is a 6.6 mile hike roundtrip via the Pawnee Pass Trail. If you park at Long Lake, 4.2 miles separate you from Lake Isabelle.

There are so many scenic places to stop and explore along the way. The entire hike is great for photographs, and we recommend allowing yourself at least 2 hours to hike up in order to create time for adventure portraits.

Lake Isabelle Lodging & Pawnee Campground

Lake Isabelle and the Brainard Lake Recreation Area is located closest to a town called Ward, CO. Ward is very small and closes down early so we recommend staying in Nederland or Boulder. From Brainard Lake, it is approximately a 23 minute drive to Nederland and a 55 minute drive to Boulder.

Moreover, there are several airbnbs in the surrounding areas. One in particular that we recommend is this River Cabin located 15 minutes from Boulder and 40 minutes from Lake Isabelle. It is a great location for indoor and outdoor photos, and your experience will include a Finnish sauna and hot tub!

For really adventurous outdoor lovers, Pawnee Campground at Brainard Lake is absolutely spectacular and provides campsites for tents, trailers, and RVs. There are 47 primitive campsites that offer picnic tables, fire pits, water, and vault toilets. This campground is reservable from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. It costs between $25-$50 per night depending on the site type. Remember that you will not be able to drive directly to the campground when the winter gate is closed so make sure the gate is open if you plan to camp.

Lake Isabelle is Dog-Friendly

You can bring your dog to Lake Isabelle as long as your furry friend is on a handheld leash at all times. Remember to bring plenty of water for your dog, especially if they are not used to hiking at elevation. Of course, bring bags & always pick up after your pup.

Lake Isabelle Elopement Photographer

We are a husband and wife Lake Isabelle elopement photographer team. Since 2017, we have been planning and photographing Colorado elopements. Our expertise is guiding you along the entirety of your journey, obtaining permits and reservations for you, planning your elopement itinerary, and helping you relax and enjoy every moment of the day you get married! Please feel free to reach out if you need any help with your Colorado elopement!