Welcome to the ultimate guide for planning your Halfway House Boulder wedding! Nestled on Flagstaff Mountain in Boulder, Colorado, the Halfway House is the epitome of a breathtaking outdoor wedding venue. Ideal for an elevated gathering with friends and family, this venue offers a welcoming environment, unrivaled views, and a blank canvas backdrop against the trees and flatirons. Whether you’re envisioning a surprise wedding like Katie and Sam, or an intimate celebration, the Halfway House promises an unforgettable Colorado experience. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about hosting your wedding at this stunning location, from reservations to event details, and a real surprise wedding I captured here!
Table of Contents
- About Halfway House Boulder
- Location and Getting There
- Why Choose Halfway House Boulder?
- FAQs About Halfway House Weddings
- Planning Your Halfway House Boulder Wedding
- Halfway House Boulder Wedding Costs
- Halfway House Boulder Wedding Vendors
- Katie and Sam’s Surprise Elopement at Halfway House Boulder
- Hiring Your Boulder Wedding Photographer
- More Halfway House Boulder Wedding Inspiration
1. About Halfway House Boulder
The Halfway House on Flagstaff Mountain is an idyllic outdoor venue perfect for a Colorado mountain wedding. Known for its stunning views, historical charm, and intimate setting, this venue offers a unique backdrop for your special day. The Halfway House Boulder is one of the most accessible mountain venues in the area, both physically and financially, making it an ideal choice for couples seeking a stunning yet affordable wedding location. By reserving the Halfway House for your wedding or elopement, you are guaranteed privacy in the mountains, ensuring an intimate and exclusive celebration.
2. Location and Getting There
Where is Halfway House Boulder?
- Address: 1138 Flagstaff Mountain, Boulder, CO 80302
- Closest Major Cities/Towns:
- Boulder: 10-minute drive
- Denver: 45-minute drive
How to Get to Halfway House Boulder:
- Closest Major Airports:
- Denver International Airport (DIA): 45-minute drive
- Driving Directions: From Boulder, take Flagstaff Road up Flagstaff Mountain. The Halfway House is located midway up the mountain (approximately 1.2 miles) on your left, directly across from Flagstaff House. Be sure to not stop at Flagstaff House as this is a separate event venue, but go slightly around the curve past the restaurant until you see the 11 parking spaces on your left. Then, you’ve made it!
3. Why Choose Halfway House Boulder?
- Unrivaled Views: Enjoy up close views of Boulder and the surrounding trees and flatirons, along with a vast meadow. In the spring/summer, enjoy the gorgeous pink wildflowers here!
- Intimate Setting: Perfect for small weddings and elopements to give you the adventurous feel of the mountains with the guaranteed privacy and use of the space.
- Welcoming Environment: An open space to interact easily with all your guests and a blank canvas style venue meaning you can add design touches to truly make it yours.
4. FAQs About Halfway House Weddings
How much does it cost to get married at Halfway House Boulder?
- Venue Rental Cost: Starting at $100 for a 1-hour rental for non-residents and $50 for residents; $275 for a 3-hour rental for non-residents and $175 for residents.
- Inclusions: Picnic tables and access to the indoor and outdoor areas of the venue. You will also pick up a key from the administration office during their business hours to give you access to the physical building.
- Additional Costs: Alcohol permit, parking fees, and $100 fee if the key is not returned within 3 days of your event.
- Availability: Halfway House is available most of the year, but closed from Veteran’s Day through New Year’s.
Are dogs allowed at the Halfway House Boulder?
- Yes! Dogs are allowed, making it a perfect venue for pet lovers. However, pets must be leashed at all times! I highly recommend hiring a pet attendant for your wedding to take care of your fur baby while you and your loved ones are fully immersed in the festivities.
Is an alcohol permit required?
- Yes. An alcohol permit is required for serving alcohol at your event. You can add the alcohol permit for $25 when you reserve the Halfway House for your wedding!
What is the max guest count?
- Maximum Capacity: 49
What are the Leave No Trace rules?
- Leave No Trace: All trash must be packed out, and the area should be left as found to preserve the natural environment.
What furniture is allowed?
- Allowed Furniture: Chairs and tables are not provided by the venue, but may be rented separately and only used on the stone patio, not on the grass or trails. Chairs can make the ceremony deck more crowded, so if you have more than 30 guests, I recommend having them stand.
- Flower Arrangements: Permitted but must be removed after the event.
Is music allowed?
- Yes. However, amplified music is subject to noise ordinances.
How to book parking and how many parking spaces are there?
- Parking: Limited parking is available. Booking in advance is recommended.
- Parking Spaces: There are 8-11 spaces, so carpooling or shuttling are strongly recommended. You can reserve parking in advance by physically visiting the administration office during their business hours. A daily parking pass is $5.00. You can read more about parking on this page.
How long do you get the venue for?
- Rental Duration: Standard rentals are for 1 or 3 hours, with options to extend by contacting the administration office directly.
How to clean up?
- Clean-Up: The venue must be cleaned up immediately after the event. All trash must be packed out. The facilities are cleaned once per week by Boulder staff.
How do you get access to the venue?
- Access: You will pickup a key at the administration office prior to your event during their normal business hours. You must return this key within 3 days of your event to avoid a $100 fee.
5. Planning Your Halfway House Boulder Wedding
Top Venue Features:
- Stunning Views: Unmatched views of Boulder and a vast meadow, all to yourself!
- Historical Architecture: Rustic charm that adds vintage character.
- Intimate Atmosphere: Perfect for small weddings and elopements to guarantee privacy and an adventurous feel to your celebration.
Ceremony Site Options:
- Main Patio: The primary ceremony site is outdoors on the patio, offering vast views and ample space for guests.
Reception Site Options:
- Outdoor Patio: Ideal for a small reception with beautiful natural surroundings. You and your guests can also explore the trail around the venue – for fun or for photos!
- Additional Location: You could head to a restaurant or reception venue in Boulder for continued celebrations like dinner and dancing!
The Best Time of Year to Get Married at Halfway House Boulder:
- Summer and Fall: Best for warm weather, wildflowers, and clear skies. But be prepared for afternoon rain storms in the mountains.
- Spring: Early spring can still bring snow, but milder temperatures.
- Winter: Snow-covered landscapes for a unique backdrop (note: accessibility may be limited). Halfway House is closed for reservations Veteran’s Day through New Year’s.
6. Halfway House Boulder Wedding Costs
How Much Does it Cost to Get Married at Halfway House Boulder?
- Venue Rental Cost: $275 for 3 hours for non-residents and $175 for 3 hours for residents; $100 for 1 hour for non-residents and $50 for 1 hour for residents
- Additional Costs:
- Alcohol Permit: $25
- Parking Fees: $5 per day, can only be reserved by physically going into the administration office during their business hours, otherwise you will pay using the ParkMobile app on your phone
- Additional Rentals: You may opt to hire additional vendors to bring in chairs, tables, or florals
7. Halfway House Boulder Wedding Vendors
Planners/Coordinators:
- Bride | Katie Emsick
Photographer:
Hair/Makeup:
- Sister of Bride | Megan Emsick
Florist:
Caterer:
Videographers:
Venue:
Pet Attendant:
Cake:
Dress + Veil:
Shoes:
Rings:
Groom’s Shirt:
Groom’s Pants:
8. Katie and Sam’s Surprise Elopement at Halfway House Boulder
Katie and Sam planned a surprise elopement at the Halfway House Boulder, making their wedding a memorable and exciting event. After months of planning, their friends thought they were attending a bachelor/bachelorette party, only to be surprised with the announcement that it was actually their wedding weekend!
- Getting Ready: Katie and Sam rented a VRBO in Arvada where they got ready with their bridal party.
- Transportation: They took a party bus to Boulder, adding to the fun and excitement.
- Ceremony: Held at the Halfway House, surrounded by wildflowers and stunning views.
- Wedding Party Photos: Taken in the beautiful wildflower meadows at the venue.
- Couples Portraits: Captured at Chautauqua Park, adding variety to their wedding album.
- Reception: The party continued back at the VRBO with a pizza party, cake, champagne, toasts, and a fun pool party to end the night.
Their adorable pittie, Roxy, stole the show and everyone’s hearts, making it a day to remember.
8. Hiring Your Boulder Wedding Photographer
Once you’ve booked your Halfway House Boulder Wedding, I’d love to hear all about it (and document it)! Hi, I’m Logan, a Boulder Wedding Photographer who puts your experience above all else. While creating beautiful imagery is the end goal here, you’re getting so much more along the way. As your photographer, my approach is rooted in serving you, honoring your vision, and celebrating alongside you. It’s my mission to serve you well and together, we’ll create wedding photos that are joyous, bold, and soulful.
If you are interested in having me capture your Halfway House wedding, you can read more about my wedding photography packages here and then reach out to me to officially get started!
10. Colorado Wedding Planning Resources
Explore more wedding planning resources and inspiration:
